This book has got me thinking about why it is that some books work and some books don't.
For me, this book doesn't work.
It falls flat, it feels contrived and cliched.
But then I read some of the other reviews out there and it's obvious that some of you like it.
So what is it? This magic thing that makes a book work?
The ingredients seemed sound - a striking cover, a dystopian story that alternates between the female and male perspective; the insider and outsider perspective. Lost parents, death of the best friend, on the run, heartless government, evil son of the president out to get youno matter what...you know the drill!
All these themes and techniques are successfully used in The Hunger Games, Birthmarked, Legend and Gone just to name a few.
Under the Never Sky failed to capture my attention, even though it was there to be captured. The dialogue felt forced, the characters seemed too obvious in the roles they were going to play. There were no surprises. Nothing new; nothing special. Except for the fabulous cover!
I won't be hanging out for the sequel.
I was a little wary about approaching this book. Another book about a child with special needs told from their perspective? Do we really need this?
In the case of August the answer is a resounding - YES!
August's story is compelling from the word go. He was born with a rare facial disfigurement. He spent his childhood undergoing painful surgeries and treatments. He was home schooled by his mother throughout this period, but at age 10, his family decide that Auggie is ready to go to a regular school.
This is the story of his first year at school.
We see it though his eyes, then his sister, followed by a couple of the kids at school, the sister's friend & boyfriend and finally back to August. The different perspectives is an effective device for this story - so much of the emotional tension in this book is about how people react when they first see Auggie.
Wonder is an inspiring, heart-warming story about friendship, being true to yourself, kindness and the power of a good teacher to create positive changes.
The sad thing for all of you is that Wonder is not released in Australia by Random House until March 2012. The good thing is that there are plenty of other incredible books out there to read right now - just see below for some examples!
What a wonderful treat of a book.
Fantasy books usually sit low down on my pile of books to read -especially fantasy books with strange creatures and a language guide in the back!
I think my imagination is not active enough for fantasy books as I have trouble creating a world full of bizarre characters and landscapes out of mere words.
But in this case DiTerlizzi helped me along with loads of detailed illustrations and an interactive website. His cause (in gaining my interest) is furthered by the dystopian element to his story about Eva Nine - a lone female child brought up in an isolated sanctuary by a caring robot called 'Muthr'.
The sanctuary is disturbed and eventually destroyed by one of the many weird creatures in this story. Eva and Muthr gone on the run to find another sanctuary, making friends & enemies along the way. As the journey progresses we realise that they're not on some strange planet, but on Earth, in the far distant future.
I couldn't put this book down. I raced through it with delight and anticipation. The ending was a wonderful thrill...but now the long wait for book two!
DiTerlizzi also has an interesting blog.
I reviewed Birthmarked earlier in the year and was looking forward to book 2 in the trilogy.
I'm happy to report that Prized is even more enjoyable than the first.
Gaia has escaped the Enclave with her baby sister and is wandering the Wastelands. They're discovered almost starving by an Outrider of Sylum. He carries them to safety.
But as Gaia recovers her strength she realises that Sylum is very different to the Enclave. It has many new rules and laws which she must adjust to quickly and perhaps she is no better off than she was in the Enclave.
The story is gripping and absorbing. Gaia struggles with her conscience and authority throughout. She is strong, stubborn, savvy and fiercely independent. All great survival skills, but traits that can get in the way of having caring, open relationships!
I liked that O'Brien didn't spend the first chapter rehashing Birthmarked - she just got straight into the story and you had to catch up quick. It was tightly constructed with no waffling. O'Brien has created a world that feels real, dynamic and totally believable.
Highly recommended for those who love their dystopian futures mixed with a little romance!
It's that time of year again. When we pull out all the cheesy, corny Christmas books and songs. The ones that make us cringe, cry or cheer and not always for joy.
But I'll save the ones to avoid for another day.
Today I'm feeling sentimental and I want to share some of my favourites from my years of teaching. These are the books that worked - year after year - as read (or sing) out aloud stories to a wide range of children.
At the top of the list is Harvey Slumfenburger's Christmas Present by John Burningham.
It's quite a long, repetitive story but the story hooks the kids (& me) in every single time.
Father Christmas has finished his Christmas run and has tucked the reindeer into bed. As he climbs tiredly into his own bed, he sees that that there is still one present left in his sack!
It's for Harvey Slumfenburger who lives at the top of the Roly Poly Mountain (which is far, far away).
The thing you need to know about Harvey is that he is poor. Very poor. And the only present he gets each year is the one from Father Christmas.
So, of course, Father Christmas has to get the present to Harvey Slumfenburger, come rain, hail or shine.
This is a story about overcoming adversity and the merits of perserverence and determination. It highlights the sacrifice AND ultimate joy of giving and generosity.
Ahhhh, now I feel all warm and gooey :-)
So from the sublime to the ridiculous!
Rolf Harris. Six White Boomers.
Do I need to say anymore?
Except I love this song. It is so kitsch, so retro and beautifully illustrated by Bruce Whatley (think Diary of a Wombat). But most importantly it is fun and very Australian.
When I was teaching I would often read books that could help me lead a discussion about an issue that was worrying the class.
At this time of the year most children have been rehearsing for class concerts, end of year dance, gymnastics and choir extravaganzas. It is exciting and exhausting for everyone concerned.
It can also be a very anxious time with performance jitters creating 'funny tummies' and sleepless nights.
I found One Little Angel by Ruth Brown to be perfect for this particular Christmas problem. A little girl who is too shy to go on a stage at her school concert and hides in the wings.
Naturally she discovers that going onto stage is scary, but worth it for the applause, the belonging and the great feeling of overcoming personal adversity!
A new book released this Christmas by Jane Ray will become one of my favourites simply for the illustrations.
The Twelve Days of Christmas is gorgeous, detailed and sumptious.
And if you're feeling brave enough - a great book to sing our loud with gusto!
Another sing our loud, but this time with feeling - is the Little Drummer Boy.
This particular Christmas song is my personal favourite. It creates a bitter sweet sensation. I have been known to sing this book with my classes - with tears rolling down my face and a huge smile on my lips!
The illustrations and version in Ezra Jack Keats book hit just the write spot if you can find this old editon in a second-hand bookshop.
An oldie, but a goodie is Pat Hutchins The Silver Christmas Tree.
A simple story of friendships, surprises and belonging. All wrapped up in the magical beauty of Christmas.
My final choice is not a traditional Christmas story.
But it's a book I always read at this time of the year to my older classes so it comes to mind whenever I think of an Australian Christmas.
It is Tim Winton's The Deep.
Anyone who has read Winton's adult novels will know of his fascination with the sea and his abilty to turn a beautiful phrase. This particular story is perfectly complemented by the lovely sea-green illustrations by Karen Louise.
Once again we have a story of overcoming personal adversity and belonging as we follow young Jess as she works through her fear of the deep, the deep, the deep.
Reading this book aloud to a group of preschoolers was always a magical experience for me. They would start off fidgety and unsure about the style of the book. But within a few pages the only sound in the room was my voice and the rustle of the turning pages as 20 children (and a couple of assistants!) held their breaths.
The ending was a joyous release and celebration of the Australian summer.
there's not much more to say after all that, except...
Merry Christmas and happy reading.
This book has got me thinking about why it is that some books work and some books don't.
