Isabel Allende
This is the first part of a trilogy.
It's a magical adventure in the Amazon jungle. When his family is split up because of his mother's life-threatening illness, Alex is sent to his globetrotting journalist grandmother. She is about to set out on an expedition among headhunters to investigate 'The beasts,' and considers the experience will be good for Alex. He wants to stay within reach of a coke machine!
Followed by
Recommended for 12+
Reviewed by Barbara, Parnell Library
Chuck Austen; Karl Kerschl; Brian K. Vaughan; Tom Mandrake
Even if you have seen the movie this graphic novel has a surprise - two prequel stories that tell you all about Nightcrawler and Amanda, and Wolverine and an old 'friend'.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Erika
Brian Azzarello, Eduardo Risso
I was initially drawn to this trade paperback because of its urban slant, more than anything. Ignoring the fact that it was part of an overall series, I was happy to read for its setting and its artwork, which is something I don’t often do. But in the case of ‘Hang up on the hang low’, not knowing background to this now 8 book series didn’t ruin the enjoyment. It’s a great one off story, with hints of an intriguing larger picture.
The premise of the 100 bullets series is a solid one. If you were offered 100 untraceable bullets, would you use them? Beyond that, if you were told that you would be ignored by the police while using them, would you use them? That is the basis for a number of stories in the series, with various people approached with that exact offer by a mysterious Agent Graves.
One such story is rather well contained in this volume. ‘Loop’ Hughes is a youth whose father abandoned him and his mother at a young age. After being visited by Agent Graves, Loop has not only an identity, but a means to exact his revenge on person whose absence has dominated his life. The story is strongly a father-son one, diverging later to draw on characters from the previous two books. The artwork is one of the book’s strong points. Whether you’re looking for a one off, or even a hook into the wider 100 bullets series, this is a good place to start.
Reviewed by Tama, Central Library
Knitting is cool again. There are some great knitting ideas here in this book. Some trendy bags to knit and, or, felt. Vogue has always been a name associated with fashion and the On the go series contains a great selection of styley fashionable creations.
Get those knitting needles clicking, maybe get another person to help you get started if you haven’t quite got the knack yet. Create some one off items. Remember that no handmade item is ever, exactly the same as someone else’s. No need to follow the patterns exactly, follow your own style. You can do it!
Reviewed by Doreen
Rick Beyer
Weird facts about little-known historical moments - little things that changed the course of history. Intriguing and inspiring.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Geraldine Brooks
Anna Frith buries her husband and children - dead of the plague. Her village is cut-off from the rest of the world by Michael Mompellion, the rector, in an attempt to stop the plague from spreading. As one of the few left alive after the plague runs rampant, Anna tries to help out - and keep her humanity.
Another version of this story can be found in A parcel of patterns by Jill Paton Walsh.
This novel is based on the true story of Eyam.
Some websites about the actual village:
Recommended for ages 15+
Reviewed by Annie
Dan Brown
It is about the mystery organization of anti-religious groups who murder a professor who is a very religious man as well.It all ends in the city of the Vatican.Can Robert Langdon save the Vatican from being disintegrated into dust?
Guykit, 11
Michael Crichton
How far should we go to make the perfect person, to cure illness, or to make animals that stay young and cute forever? Is it possible to own a persons cells, whether they want to be owned or not? Michael Crichton has taken these ideas and written a novel that is scary for the simple fact that a lot of it could already have happened, or could happen tomorrow. The story weaves through several different lives as it heads towards a conclusion that will leave you thinking for a long time afterwards. This is a large book, but it was almost impossible to put down.
Recommended for ages 16+
Reviewed by Erika
Li Cunxin
This is the autobiography of a boy, brought up in a poor village in China, who is chosen to attend Madame Mao’s Beijing Dance Academy. From the small action of his teacher – touching the shoulder of the school’s delegate – his life changes. Knowing nothing of life outside his village, nor dance, he feels homesick and lost. Given the opportunity to study in America, his world view dramatically alters, leading to his defection to America.
Recommended for 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Lindsey Davis
Marcus Didius Falco is a private informer in Ancient Rome, just trying to earn a living. He is hired to prove that Severina Zotica not only killed her first three husbands, but is preparing to kill her next husband, Hortensius Novus. Falco has enough on his plate trying to stay out of jail, and keeping his girlfriend and his family happy. He cleverly unravels a series of clues, but now he must work out whether his loyalties lie with the family of Hortensius Novus who recently dismissed him from the case, or Severina Zotica herself.
The best character: Marcus Didius Falco
Reviewed by Rita, 16
Dave Duncan
Troublesome boys have the chance to become a Blade – highly trained soldiers of the King – welded to the King, or the person he chooses, for life.
This is the story of one such Blade. Each Blade chooses his own name – his past counts for nothing. In a fit of arrogance he chooses Durendal - the name of the Blades’ founder. This Durendal more than lives up the name – in years to come he is known as Paragon to the young trainees. This is his legendary tale.
Reviewed by Annie
David Eddings
The story tells us the struggle of Gods and kings and men many years ago, which lead to a prophecy that must be fulfilled. Only one boy was destined to this prophecy, Garion. This is the first book of The Belgariad series. In this story Garion left Faldor's farm with his aunt Pol, Durnik and Wolf, who he discovered later on is a powerful wizard, and also his grandfather. As he journeys on, Garion finds himself in strange companies and Master Wolf's story becomes more and more real!
Sokleang, 16
Janet Evanovich
Stephanie was out of work and desperate when she asked her cousin Vinnie for a job at his Bail Bonding Company - it seemed like a good idea at the time. Now she is on the trail of Joe Morelli, a former vice cop who has found himself on the wrong side of the law. To say he and Stephanie have a history is a bit of an understatement - and Stephanie is determined to catch him.
A fast paced book loaded with humour and adventure by turns as Stephanie tries to do a job that she isn't prepared for.
The first of a great series that gets better with each book.
Recommended 16+
Reviewed by Erika
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C. Hope Flinchbaugh
Mei Lin is a Christian in China. They are forced to meet in private in the dead of the night. Her best friend isn't a Christian and she wishes to marry a rich man who catches Christians.
Best character: Mei Lin
Reviewed by Ada, 12
Neil Gaiman
In this tale our hero, who is more than he thinks, ventures to find his heart's desire. But it's not necessarily what he originally set out to find. The world of Faerie has ways to change people.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Julie Garwood
This historical romance book is about a woman named Gillian who was on a mission of finding a jeweled box which is believed to have been in the hands of her sister who was separated from her protecting it, and is considered to be a treasure to King Henry which contains a lock of his ex-lover's hair who got murdered. Gillian's father was killed by Baron Hugh,trying to protect it and trying to give it back to the king. On her mission she discovers love and passion from a stubborn, strong-hearted warrior Brodick. She also finds friendship and loyalty from a woman named Bridget. It is quite tricky the way the author has written the book. The book is like a trap, it pulls you in and you can never get out of reading it which has caused me to read it three times over and over. I really really encourage you to read it. Trust me you'll enjoy it like I did.
Taupule, 16
David Gemmell
Druss and his axe Snaga's adventures were chronicled by David Gemmel before, but now he takes a deep look into Druss' past.
Druss, then a woodcutter, has his wife taken by slavers. Setting off in search of her, the legend of Druss begins...
Dylan, 13
Daniel Handler
Chances are you’ve already read a book by Daniel Handler already, or at least seen the movie – he’s the author behind Lemony Snicket’s A series of unfortunate events. The basic eight is his first novel aimed at adults and older teens, a bitingly funny, but extremely dark (of course!), black comedy about an exclusive group of precocious high school students, who call themselves “The Basic Eight”. It’s set in Los Angeles, in the same kind of world as Beverly Hills 90210 – the kids in this book are rich, cultured, intelligent and pretty badass – they take drugs, drink absinthe and have wild parties. Flannery Culp, the protagonist, narrates the book through her annotated high school diaries, commenting as a 19 year old on the events that lead up to the climax of the book – a murder. The basic eight covers plenty of teen drama clichés in a hilarious manner, there’s power battles, body image, absent parents and over the top intellectual teen dialogue (see Dawson’s Creek, 90210 etc), it’s very well written with interesting techniques, such as satirical study questions at the end of each chapter, just like in school!
An excellent read for the mature teen reader.
Recommended for ages 16+
Reviewed by Elisabeth
Simon Kent
Find a job to avoid the 9-to-5 humdrum world! Great fun - even if you just use it to dream.
Recommended for ages 14 +
Reviewed by Annie
Steven King
This is a great thriller about an acclaimed author who has a car accident and is rescued by a fan of his. This fan, Annie, is crazy. She has been murdering people, from babies to adults, for YEARS. When the author wakes up after his accident, Annie looks after him, giving him powerful painkillers and feeding him. The author had recently finished off his famous quartet, killing off the main, and his least liked character, Misery. When Annie finds out that the author has killed Misery, she forces him to write another novel, bringing Misery back to life. Annie is a rather scary character, as she has a violent temper (she removes both the author's left foot and one of his thumbs using an axe and an electric bread knife) and she is definitely mad.
Best character: Annie
Reviewed by Rosie, aged 16
Vicki Leon
You've read history - now learn about herstory - the untold stories of women who didn't let a little bit (or a lot) of sexism get in their way of having a good time, looking after the family, or earning a living.
Marc Levy
On a beautiful day in June, young doctor Lauren drives off on a holiday - one that never starts. In November Arthur moves into his new apartment. One morning he finds Lauren in his closet. He is the only one who can see Lauren, whose body is in a coma in hospital. Thus begins a love story.
The movie, Just like heaven, is based upon this book.
Recommended for 14+
Reviewed by Annie
John Lynch
The BBC has created another amazing series with Walking with cavemen and this book brings the TV series to life. If you are studying human evolution then this amazing book and series lets you see into the worlds that the early hominids lived in. From Lucy right through to the first Homo sapiens, this book takes you on a journey from ancient Africa through to the modern world.
If you find the book helpful you may want to borrow the series on video from the library.
Recommended for ages 14 +
Reviewed by Erika
Anne McCaffrey
For their 16th birthday Tirza and Tracell expect special presents. Tirza's present, her crystal, has been put aside since her birth. But all Tracell wants is a special horse. How can that happen when all the best horses are involved in the long-running war?
Recommended for 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Anne McCaffrey
When Prince Jamas' regent, Mangan, died no one noticed how special his cat - Niffy - was. Jamas, however, isn't slow to learn how helpful she is in affairs of state - and the heart.
Recommended for 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Anne McCaffrey
In a world eerily similar to ours people with special powers - psychic powers - the Talented - become a force to be reckoned with. They are above corruption. They are above politics. And to some - they are a danger. Yet how can the overpopulation of the Earth be solved without them?
Recommended for 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Anne McCaffrey
Centuries after the Talents series, the Talented have evolved into a well-organised, extremely powerful, organisation - the FT&T. They are the ones who send the massive ships through space. They are also the only ones who can save the human race from the threat of the Hivers.
Recommended for 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Adeline Yen Mah
It's the autobiography of Adeline. It is true and unforgotten. From when her grandparents married to discovering the secret of why she was not mentioned on her stepmother's will, which links to the events that happened while she was a 'Cinderella'.
Isabella, 12
Anna J Michener
This is one of the most raw, heart breaking, engrossing stories I have ever read. I cried alot during this reading. There is alot of corruption involved where there is money to be made in the mental health system. Children have no rights against abuse and cruelty of uncompassionate, emotionless, soulless, adults who often times work in the mental establishments. Alot of people don't want to believe things like this happen but they do. Anna writes from her heart and you get a feeling of intimacy, as if she is reading right to you, she pours her soul out on every page. Her description of the doctors and staff workers are humorous and hard but accurate. Anna speaks for all the young victims who don't have a voice, or who are too traumatized from abuse to write a book.
Martha, 13
James Patterson
Kit Harrison is not what he seems to be when he arrives in Colorado, and he has no idea that he and local vet Frannie O’Neill will soon find themselves involved in an amazing discovery. Max, a young girl with wings has escaped from The School and has turned Frannie and Kit’s world upside down. Now it is a race to save the other students at The School before all evidence has been erased – including Kit and Frannie.
Recommended for ages 16+
Reviewed by Erika
Edited by Dana Stabenow
Twelve tales of mystery and fantasy. A private detective wonders what’s wrong with him – until he realises he’s dead. A mage’s apprentice has the chance to solve a murder when her master has a cold. When the Sword of Justice is unsheathed it won’t rest until a verdict is reached. When a Professor is murdered, in front of students, the only possible suspects are the faculty – including the Headmistress who is determined to find the killer.
Recommended for ages 15+
Reviewed by Annie
Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
It’s the end of the world – finally – after years of plotting and planning. Things can – and do – go wrong, no matter how long and hard you plan, even when you’re a fallen angel.
But always remember - bringing about Armageddon can be dangerous. Do not attempt it in your own home.
Recommended for 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Terry Pratchett
Rincewind, the Discworld's biggest coward, is back! And once again, he has to save the world.
Vintage Pratchett, with wizards, walking luggage and a fellow who can't quite get his appetites sorted out...
Dylan, 13
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Matthew Reilly
Jason, his brother Bug, and their hover car the Argonaut, patched together out of bits and pieces, have a chance to make it to the International Race School in Tasmania. But first they have to survive the qualifying race.
First published as an online serial – this book is best read in 8 chunks.
And, if you want, you can print out and make an Argonaut of your own.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Mark Richardson
Mark ‘Rigor’ Richardson, former test opener, talks about his up-and-down cricketing career – the thought processes that he used to change him from bowler to world-class opening bat – to the negative thoughts that, at times, overtook him.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Alice Sebold
This is a true story about Alice Sebold and how she was raped. She was considered lucky as she had not been murdered afterwards. THis book leaves a tear in your eyes and you can vividly see every image.
Krystina, 14
Joann Sfar & Emmanuel Guibert
Lillian’s father is a professor of Egyptology and his latest acquisition is the mummy of Imhotep IV. While her father is away for the day, Lillian takes Imhotep out and about in Victorian England. There they get into trouble, including fatal poisonings, and run into Imhotep’s father, the mummy Imhotep III.
Will love conquer all in this quirky graphic novel?
Recommended for ages 13+
Reviewed by Annie
Nicholas Sparks
It's about a girl called jamie whos the daughter of the church reverand and falls in love with the town bad guy landon carter. then the story takes a sad twist.....
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Wen Spencer
Jerin is about to become a man in a world where a family is lucky to have even one son, and he is one of four brothers. He is the chance for his sisters to get a husband of their own, either as a swap for another man, or as a possession sold for a brother’s price. But things cease being simple as soon as the royal family enters his life, and now he knows the true meaning of what it is to be a pawn in a deathly serious game.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Erika
A thought provoking collection of 17 stories looking at time travel, parallel universes and alternative histories.
How prepared would we be if science fiction was forgotten and aliens appeared in the skies?
What would happen if a mafia family travelled back to the middle ages?
Harry Turtledove looks at a Middle East conflict in an alterative history, yet it seems very familiar.
What purpose would Joan of Arc have if she was brought to the future?
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Leo Tolstoy
This book is about several families and people in Russia during the Napoleonic Wars. It recounts their lives during that time and slightly after. At the end of the book, there is a discourse on the subject of war and peace. I enjoyed this book because it extended me and made me think about the situation in Russia then.
If you enjoy this, also think about reading Anna Karenina, also by Tolstoy.
Lydia, 14.5
Sarah Zettel
Risa's father has turned down every marriage offer for her. Determined to know why Risa and her mother finally uncover the reason: in order to save Risa's mother's life, her father promised his unborn child - Risa - to a sorcerer. Now the sorcerer, Euberacon, has come to claim her.
Running from her fate Risa is rescued by Gawain - Champion of King Arthur. Can this gallant warrior save Risa? Can he overcome his own fate and the demons in his past? Can Risa use her own strength and courage to forge her own destiny?
A richly woven fantasy/historical romance novel.
Followed by:
Recommended for ages 16+
Reviewed by Annie
Keith and Kent Zimmerman; with Jamie Hyneman, Adam Savage, and Peter Rees
Can people live for days, buried alive? Could three prisoners survive their make-shift raft escape from Alcatraz? How many ping-pong balls does it take to refloat a boat? How long does it take to find a needle in a haystack?
These, and more, urban myths are explored in this book, taken from the TV series, Mythbusters.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Markus Zusak
'Since 1933, ninety per cent of Germans showed unflinching support for Adolf Hitler. That leaves ten per cent who didn't. Hans Hubermann belonged to the ten per cent.' Set in Germany, during World War Two, Death retells the story of a girl -Liesel Merminger, and the time when she went to live with foster parents Rosa and Hans Hubermann. There she learns to read and commits multiple book thefts. She also learns how harsh it is to rebel against the Nazi ideals when her foster family hides a Jewish fist-fighter, Max, in their basement. This is a moving story about the power of words that affect our lives and the struggles to deal with it. Not exactly the best read for comedy lovers. Recommended for older ages
Yvonne, nearly 14
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