I have often wondered what these books were like. I assumed they were drivel because some of the bigger publishers grab a name, a marketing strategy and churn out rubbish; however, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this book. Full credit to the author and editors.

There were plenty of twists and turns and excitement in this early-reader book. It is perfect for children just starting to read longer books. Year 3 children and some early Year 4 readers would enjoy it.

I enjoyed this book. It was published in 2000, and all the references are modern. It is less than 20,000 words so is suitable for a competent Year 4 reader through to a Year 6 reader. It is a story of a young girl; however, the story would appeal to both boys and girls.

I actually thought the story was about crossing the Blue Mountains on the east coast of Australia, until mountain lions were mentioned. I was disappointed it was not Australian. Perhaps I can get the children in my class to write an Australian version.

A girl has a journal account written by her great, great, great grandfather and becomes obsessed with his own obsession to see what is on the other side of the mountain range. (Perhaps google earth could have helped here.) Anyway, she goes on an adventure with her grandfather. I would have liked the mountain lion attack to have been described in greater detail. Kids will enjoy this – it is well-written.

I hate the cover of this book – yuck!

This is a straight forward adventure story – nothing special but well written none-the-less. Pub 1988, reprinted 92. Suitable for boys and girls in years 4 to 6. Less than 30,000 words. A brother and sister get a bad horoscope and then everything bad happens to them. Almost killed in a plane crash. Almost attacked by a shark. They stumble across abalone poachers. They help save a diver who has the bends. There are some obvious parts where the author wanted to include some of his research – apart from that it is good.

I enjoyed this book. It is suitable for years 4 – 6. (marketed as ages 9 – 11) The book has between 60000 and 70000 words There were a stack of old books at the back of a classroom, and some teachers were talking about possibly throwing them out. I said I’d read the books and give some feedback. First off the rank is Aquila. Two boys find an alien spaceship and slowly find out its capabilities. Realistic. Funny. Recommended. The main message is that you can do whatever you want as long as you have determination and strong support. ‘A man can fly anywhere, if he rides on the back of an eagle.’

Published 1997 – still topical (Just) with references to mobile phones and the internet.

I loved this. I highly recommend it for upper primary and older children – adults too. All the illustrations are done using small plastic soldiers and the mood is captured beautifully. The book is really amazing. And the narrative is based upon a true story – it is so sad. I must emphasize that it is NOT for younger readers.

I read this quickly and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is the story of 2 children (boy and girl depend on each other) surviving after society crumbles. This is also a story of the need to care for the environment, food security, family, strength and survival. How the land was managed prior to European settlement. Also about dogs. 2 children set off across the country in a cart pulled by dogs. It is about 40,000 words maybe. I’d highly recommend it for Year 5 to lower secondary. I enjoyed this.

What a super book for Years 5 – 9. Meg writes so well. This story is about a young girl dealing with her father’s death, and the effect it has had on her little family. There is no swearing or fighting or adventure, as such, but there is the loving relationship of a sister to her younger brother, and a healthy friendship between two girls. The book is well over 50,000 words so the read is for upper primary and lower secondary kids. I have read many young adult books recently and there is so much crud printed nowadays – Meg’s book is of superior quality. I highly recommend the book.

This book is hard to read because there is so much baseball terminology. I persisted and I enjoyed the book, but would only recommend it to baseball fanatics. It is for 10 – 13 year old children. It is a story about a young boy who gets hit twice by pitched balls. Now he is spooked and must overcome his fear.

I liked this book. It is about 13 000 word long maybe? Quite short, but well written and quite an easy read. Maybe kids will be hooked in by the mystery! If so, they will enjoy it. There are other books in the series – A Different Dog, and A Different Boy. I’d recommend the book for Year 4 to Year 6. And probably enjoyed more by boys.

I am in the middle of this book and throughly enjoying it. Highly recommended for a competent Year 5 reader upwards. About 25000 words or less. Very funny book.

I read this a week ago and even though I loved it, I cannot recommend it for any reading age because I cannot remember the word count or the sentence length or the suitability of the content. There is a nice twist at the end.

This is a graphic novel for teenagers and young adults. I recommend it to them.

This is probably quite a nice little book for Grade 3 children, and the advanced Grade 2 reader.

The book is heavily illustrated and the illustrations are consistent and of a high standard. The font is large and the chapters are short. In total, the book is about 15,000 words, so a beginning reader will have success.

It is a simple storyline which the kids will like. Vampires and fairies are subjects which kids enjoy. The book cover is appealing.

Gee, Michael Morpurgo tells a good story. Twist of Gold is about 70,000 words. It is a long read for a competent reader in upper primary and high school. When their mother is close to death, two young children travel to America to find their father. On their journey they have many adventures, but never give up hope, after all, they have their family’s golden torc, which keeps them safe!

This book is highly recommended. It is too long for a Year 4 reader, or even an average Year 5 reader.