New books reviewed by the kids panel this month are:
Carlotta, 11 reviewed:
 The mysterious case of the Allbright Academy
Diane Stanley
The main characters are Franny, Cal, Brooklyn, Prescott, Zoë and Beamer.
When Franny’s sister Zoë gets asked to trial for the Allbright Academy, an awesome school with lots of potential, Franny also gets tested. Franny is so excited but does not get in. Franny and her brother JD only get to go because Zoë refuses to go without them. Franny and her new best friends Cal and Brooklyn really enjoy their new school. They are not the least bit suspicious about the fact that they get brownies with every meal until Cal gets sick and stops eating them. When they stop too they find that the new “robot” people they have been turned into start to disappear. When they get expelled they start to put together a slide show that with the trust of the board could stop the Allbright plan once and forever.
It was an awesome book. One that I found really hard to put down there is always something new happening.
Recommended reading age: 10-12
 The key to Rondo
Emily Rodda
The main characters are Leo, Mimi, Hal, Fredda, Tye, Blue Queen and Hal.
When Leo’s aunt dies he gets the family heirloom a music box, there are four rules to the music box:
1. Wind the music box only three times.
2. Never wind the box while it plays.
3. Never move the box while the music plays.
4. Never close the lid until the music has stopped.
Leo would never dream of breaking these rules but when his cousin Mimi comes there is no stopping her. In the world of Rondo they must save Mimi’s dog and face other challenges. But is the ring that Mimi was given really the key to Rondo.
It was not that good at first but during the book it got better.
Recommended reading age: 12-14
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Kerryn, 12 reviewed:
 Dancing in Cadillac light
Kimberly Willis Holt
It’s 1968 and Jagnell is asked by her Dad to spy on Grandpap who has moved in after Grandma died. She follows him everywhere and is delighted when he buys an emerald green Cadillac and even starts teaching her to drive. What she doesn’t understand when he lets the dirt-poor Pickens family live in his old house. Jaynell’s Mum reckons they are white-trash.
Jaynell’s Dad always calls her ‘boy’ but this changes when her Momma says “Jaynell, you’re getting curves. You’ll be grown before we know it. I looked down and noticed two lumps that somehow had appeared without me paying any mind. I felt betrayed.” (I liked this piece of writing)
As the story goes on Jaynell finds out more about her own family and about Grandpap. I enjoyed reading this book, the characters were believable (the title comes from Jaynell’s girly girl sister who wants to become a dancer and Grandpap let’s her dance in the Cadillac lights at night.)
Recommended reading age: 10+
Petey
Ben Mikaelsen
Petey was born with cerebral palsy. He is diagnosed as an idiot and in 1922 he is put in a mental institution. He grows up here and he is so disabled he can’t do anything for himself (even eat or sit up). Only a few special people in his life notice the intelligence within him and learn how to communicate with him. His life is incredibly boring and the people that understand him always seem to leave. This book follows his life and the special moments he has. When Petey is quite old he is shifted into a nursing home and away from his life long friend Calvin. Then Trevor, a young boy comes into his life. He protects Petey from neighbourhood bullies and gradually they become friends. Trevor transforms Petey’s life, but Petey also transforms Trevors.
When I first started this book I wasn’t sure if it was the sort of book I would enjoy but I am glad I carried on because it was really really good and the best part was at the end.
Recommended reading age: 10+
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Ellen, 12 reviewed:
 Al Capone does my shirts
Gennifer Choldenko
I did not read all of the book because it makes me feel very sad and I find it is not a suitable book for kids.
Recommended reading age: 30+
 The invention of Hugo Cabret
Brian Selznick
When I got this book I was amazed because a librarian had suggested this book to me saying how wonderful it is….. I like the way the pictures make a story and the words back it up. Please read this story. Amazing!
Recommended reading age: 12-20
 Circle of magic: Sandry’s book
Tamora Pierce
This book is about four children who have incredible they don’t know about. But when Niko a strong mage comes and takes them to Winding Circle, there lives will change forever.
Recommended reading age: 13-15
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Emmy, 11 reviewed:
 Catcall
Linda Newberry
Changes are a big part of Josh and Jamie’s life – but it’s still so hard to believe that their Dad is no longer there. Then one fateful night, Jamie answers the catcall. But with this other force, will Jamie keep his life the same as it used to be?
Recommended reading age: 12+
 The dragon companion: an encyclopedia
Carole Wilkinson
Ever looked inside an encyclopedia but never found anything about dragons? Then this book will solve your problem, with hundreds of facts about every breed of dragon you can think of, it’s sure to have all the information you will ever need about dragons, finished off with beautiful illustrations.
Recommended reading age: 10+
The Mozart question
Michael Morpurgo
This book is a story about a world famous musician, and a reporter who travels all the way to Paris to interview Pado on his life story. But then Pado decides to tell her his biggest secret – the answer to the Mozart question.
Recommended reading age: 10+
 Rani and the fashion divas
Anjali Banerjee
Are you a fashion diva? Exotic, unfashionable Rani has always dreamed of becoming a member of the fashion divas, the coolest group there is. But when she is out shopping with her Grandma, she comes across her best friend shopping with the president of the fashion divas. It this the beginning of her new self – or the end?
Recommended reading age: 10+
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