Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George is written for the young and competent reader. The book is quite long (maybe around 50,000 words) and the young protagonist outwits the evil invader by pulling all sorts of tricks. e.g. Hiding all the chamber pots. It is a light read and young readers will love it.
(Copy copyright: By a Western Australian children’s author who loves books.)
Overall, this is a well-written book. I didn’t believe Amy’s uncertainty about her parents’ relationship. I had to force myself to keep reading past Sophie’s questions about boyfriends. I loved the move to the old people’s home.
At the half way point of the book I put it down because there was little to compel me to keep reading. Does Dad get something famous to attract customers to his family general store? Does Amy find out why her mum doesn’t forgive her grandfather? How will the story finish? Who cares?
After reading the reviews of this book it sounded like many issues were raised in the latter pages.
Well, I picked up the book again and read to the end. Another issue was raised immediately and it kept me interested. All the loose ends were tied off in a believable way. The book is realistic and well-written. I didn’t like all the girlfriend/boyfriend guff, but I know the general audience for the book will.
A Year 5 to Year 8 girl would probably LOVE this book if they can keep reading past the halfway mark. This is also a good read-aloud book for a teacher of Year 5 to 7 girls.
(Copy copyright: Reviewed by Western Australian children’s author who writes books – funnily enough.)
I have just added a stack of stories I wrote some time ago. They are on the tab named ‘Moresby’.
These stories were told to me by my dad or my brothers and sisters – I can’t remember.
I have also told them to my younger brothers and sisters.
And I have told them to my kids too.
And so the Legend of Moresby grows.
(Copy copyright: Western Australian Children’s Author telling stories not yet in a book.)
I reread this book yesterday. It is a YA book about the developing relationship of two young adults who support each other in a world of sickness and pain.
Highly recommended. It grabs you in and you have no choice but to read it in one sitting.
I believe someone is making a TV series of it over in the USA.
Good stuff.
Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes.(All ages)
Anyone who has not read this for a while should do so. It is just wonderful. Suitable for all ages.
The Troll Bridge by Neil Gaiman and Colleen Doran (Young adult graphic novel)
This is for Young adults. A few of the illustrations will scare the younger readers. It is a book with a message that you need to think about.
Pandamonia by Chris Owen and Chris Nixon (Lower Primary)
This is one of the best rhyming picture books I have read in a long time. (It is for children in lower primary) I gave a copy to my little nephew and I know he will love it.
Journey to the Stone Country by Alex Miller (Adult book – Miles Franklin winner 2003)
I am sure that many readers might put this book down and describe it as too SLOW. But I have such praise for this book. What a brilliant read. I highly recommend it.
I just stumbled upon a wonderful site which lists so many series, categorised by recommended age to read.
If you type into google ‘cereal readers’ this wonderful site will pop up straight away.
This site is excellent and I recommend it highly.
Well, I have just returned from a week down the south of Western Australia. The different shires in the south coordinate to bring an author down each year. Collie organised for me to stay in Bunbury at a Motel where my meals were paid for. I was also paid for the talks, and a librarian met me on some days to drive me to the libraries.
It was a most rewarding week; the children were enthusiastic and I had a great time.
After my presentations I had the afternoons off to travel to Yalingup and surf, or stay in Bunbury and write. The weather dictated that I surfed twice and wrote thrice.
Back in Perth I dived to my computer and entered the editing I had done with pen and paper whilst south.
Because I am paid 80% of my salary this year, not having to attend work, in Bookweek I am paid twice – who would have believed it.
(Copy copyright: Western Australian Children’s books are usually of a high standard.)
I just abandoned Frankie by Shivaun Plozza because I need to return it to the library. The book seems well written and I do want to keep reading it. Oh well, another day! Lots of teenage angst/conflict in this book.
(This is not a Western Australian children’s book and it is not by a Western Australian Author)
I just finished reading ‘One Would Think The Deep‘ by Claire Zorn. It is a well written book for Young Adults. The characters are well drawn.
The plot is believable.
The writing is of a high standard and it is well edited. I might be biased because of the surf setting.
(Copy copyright: Review by a Western Australian author.)
I just read Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley.
It is a young adult love story. Cath Crowley writes well; however, the book wasn’t for me. I do see a wide readership of it among young adult women. (My wife and daughter will scold me for saying it is a book for girls so I won’t say it.)
Plenty of romance, and plenty of literary references in this book, and one of the main settings is a book shop.
(Copy copyright: Reviewed by a Western Australian author.)
In The Skin of a Monster is a wonderful read. Highly recommended for Young Adults.
It is a creative story idea that works well. There is a change of direction in the latter part of the book that took me a while to get a handle on (a lesser character suddenly took on a greater role in the story) but I read the book in one sitting. And enjoyed it.
(Copy copyright: Reviewed by a Western Australian author)
I have just read ‘Yellow’ by Megan Jacobson.
It is a great job for a first time novelist.
For Young Adult readers.
(Copy copyright: Review by a Western Australian author)
I have just read ‘the bone sparrow’ by Zana Fraillon.
Morris Gleitzman said it was ‘A special book’.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book, even though the material it dealt with was so HEAVY. It is a story of a Rohingya child in a Detention Centre.
The story is quite heavy handed in regards to the Detention Centre guards. Also, there are a few parts of the story that are difficult to believe. Still, a good read.
Highly recommended for children in their last year of primary school and for those in high school.
(Copy copyright: Reviewed by Western Australian author.)
Gabe Johnson Takes Over by Geoff Herbach is a funny read and I loved it. It is a Young Adult book and the hero is an overweight kid.
In an earlier form the book was called Fat Boy VS The Cheerleaders
(Copy copyright: Not a Western Australian book and not by a Western Australian author, but very funny.)
More Than This by Patrick Ness (English novelist) is a fast paced read for Young Adults. It deals with difficult issues. Definitely NOT a children’s book. Patrick Ness always writes exciting stories.
Highly recommended for Young Adults.
(Copy copyright: This is not a Western Australian book but it is a very good book for young adults)
A Friend in the Dark by Pascal Ruter is a high quality book for children of Grade 6 up. It is well written with many wonderful observations of life. The setting and characters are well drawn and intriguing. In the story a real thickhead of a kid assists a very smart girl (Marie) conceal from others her problem. Unfortunately much of the story is unbelievable. Still, if you can push this aside, you will enjoy the book.
(Copy copyright: Western Australian author commenting on children’s books, some of which are not Western Australian)
I have just finished reading The Turnkey by Allison Rushby.
I was desperate to read this book because of the gorgeous cover and the creative idea; however, I didn’t enjoy it.
It is for an audience of Year 5 competent reader upwards.
I felt the story was contrived in parts. I once submitted a book to my editor and she commented that aspects of the fantasy world I had created were obviously to satisfy the requirements of the story. The only way I could have fixed my story was to completely rewrite it, changing the plot completely.
I was reminded of this when I read The Turnkey.
I am reading Martine Murray’s book, how to make a bird.
It is not a Western Australian Children’s book but it is a CBCA short-listed book, published in 2003. The book is so well written. At different points, I was confused about the age of the protagonist, but the clever writing keeps me going. I am not rushing this book.
Murray is an accomplished writer.
I will hold off recommending the book until I have finished reading it.
Well, I have finished and I recommend it. Quality – because of the complexity of thought, I’d say it is for older readers – Year 10 upwards.
I have just read ‘In between Days’ by Vicki Wakefield (CBC Honour Book) and ‘The Flywheel’ (CBC Short-listed Book) by Erin Gough. They are similar. I forced myself to finish reading both books. I have no doubt the books have an audience with Young Adult women. I am sure that some of the YA audience love these books – but not me.
Both are definitely for Young Adults.
(Note: Both are not Western Australian Children’s Books)
I just reread Sally Morgan’s book ‘Sister Heart’.
I recommend it highly for Children in Years 4 to 7. For older readers too?
It is a simple story of a child of The Stolen Generation. It will encourage plenty of reflection and discussion.
Written in verse so not a long read, which is good for reluctant readers.
Good stuff.
I didn’t realise how different my daughter’s writing habits are from my own. Wow!
P.s. Western Australian Children’s Books are brilliant.
One True Thing by Nicole Hayes is not a Western Australian Children’s book but it is on the Western Australian Young Readers Book Awards list.
This book is ‘Chic Lit’ for Young Adults, and they will love it. Frankie’s mum is running for Premier of Victoria, and as usual there is plenty of media attention and muck racking. This book is about how Frankie deals with living in such a weird environment.
This book is quite long and the story is well constructed. Slowly, slowly Nicole Hayes builds up a tension and at the end of Part 1 the story reaches a climax where each person Frankie approaches for help lets her down. Part 2 is the slow resolution of the problems and a lot of other problems added to the mix, and Part 3 finishes it all up.
It was well written.
A podcast for those who want writing hints.
I may go back and edit this podcast to include a few more points about naming characters.
If anyone else has any ideas please send them in and we’ll acknowledge you and pop up the comments, assuming they are short. That is one of the priorities of this podcast – short and sweet.
If your writing hints are extensive, we’ll add a link to your site below.
(If you wish to add something to this post on Naming Characters, please leave a comment.)
Well, this was NOT a Western Australian Children’s book, but it was an interesting book to read – an adult book called – um, I can’t say what it is called in case a child sees the title in this blog and gets it out of the library and reads it. In fact 99% of the book is fine but that 1%?
So instead, I’ll type a summary of an interesting article I read titled ‘The Benefits of Reading’.
It makes you smarter, improves your concentration, memory and imagination. Reading makes you more interesting and it reduces boredom and depression. Reading helps ‘create’ you. It improves your empathy and vocabulary. It improves your writing skills… and the list goes on.
Looking at the above, I suppose I can say that Western Australian children’s book authors are healers. Kind of. In a sense!
I just read ‘The Sky So Heavy’ by Claire Zorn, which is on the WA young readers’ Book Awards list.
It wasn’t written by a Western Australian.
It is an exciting Young Adult novel about survival in Sydney after a ‘few’ nuclear missiles have been detonated around the world.
It is well worth reading – young adults will love it.
(Copy copyright: Not really a Western Australian Children’s book.)
I have reread a CBCA honour book called ‘Two Wolves’ by Tristan Bancks.
Older kids book – Competent Year 6 readers. A realistic story and edge-of-your-seat read.
Wonderful.
(Copy copyright: Not a Western Australian Children’s book, but a good read anyway.)
It is 12:15 on a Friday and once again I have missed the opportunity to participate in a writing marathon at the Katharine Susannah Prichard Writing Centre.
It takes me 35 minutes to drive there and 35 minutes to drive back. I might use that time to write instead. Or at least get some lunch. I’ve been writing since about 6:00 and it is time for a breather.
(Copy Copyright: Writers of all books, including Western Australian Children’s books, must drag themselves away from their desks sometimes.)
I woke at 5:30 today and had to read ‘Have You Seen Ally Queen?’ by Deb Fitzpatrick. You know I love a book that is well written and believable.
Sometimes, my own books struggle with the ‘believable’ part of it all.
When I read, I usually do a lot of predicting, but it wasn’t of any use with this book, because it kept going to places I didn’t expect. And yet, it was totally believable – good work Deb. Thanks.
(Copy copyright: Another great Western Australian children’s book (Young Adult book))
It has been a solid day writing and I planned to be in bed by 10:30. It is 11:50. The reason I am still awake is because I accidentally opened ‘Have You Seen Ally Queen?’ by Deb Fitzpatrick. (Yep – it is Young Adult)
I still haven’t finished it. I am exhausted and going to bed now.
(Copy copyright: I love those Western Australian Children’s books.)
I have taken a year off teaching, intent to write a lot and be more involved in the writing community.
I am spending a lot of time writing and on the internet raising my profile, but only a little time socialising in the writing community.
I must make more of an effort in this last area because the Western Australian Writing Community is full of quality people – generous with their praise and support. Also skilled writers.
(Copy copyright: AUTHORS of Western Australian Children’s books are a good bunch.)
Two days later and I’m still reading “Have You Seen Ally Queen?’, Young Adult novel, by Deb Fitzpatrick.
I’m enjoying it immensely. I’m only half way through the book because I am writing so much. And renovating the bathroom – slowly.
I also spent some time at Perth City’s new library. It is a quiet place and peaceful, with a few places to write.
(Copy copyright: Western Australian children’s books are more than okay.)
Blueback by Tim Winton
This book was well received when it came out in 1997 but I didn’t get around to reading it.
My mum picked it up at a secondhand store the other day so I read it.
I did enjoy the book. It is a simple story but it seems rushed in parts.
Some beautiful images in simple sentences show Winton’s strength as a writer.
Suitable for lower secondary or upper primary.
(Copy copyright: Western Australian Children’s Books dominate.)
I have just grabbed “Have You Seen Ally Queen?” by Deb Fitzpatrick.
I haven’t started it yet, so can’t make a comment about it being for kids or young adults, but I’ll read it tonight and get back to you. I anticipate it being a great read because Deb is a skilled writer and she is working with a quality publisher.
I love authors who work on the first line or paragraph of their book. The first line reads ‘I have survived.’
And…this book was a CBCA’s notable book.
I did read her book, “The Break” recently and thoroughly enjoyed it. ( I must emphasize it is an adult book).
(Copy copyright: Western Australian Children’s Books and Young Adult’s Books too.)
I just read FLAWED by Cecilia Ahern.
Wonderful premise and young adults(Mainly for the girls) will love the book. It could have been better edited.
400 pages long. Too much for primary school kids.
Rose lives in a world where you are branded if you make a morally flawed decision. She is the perfect girl who makes a good choice, but which is against the Guild’s guidelines.
This is the story of standing up for your beliefs and making good choices.
(Copy copyright: Flawed is not a Western Australian Children’s Book but is recommended reading by Western Australian children.)
Just read ‘Road to Winter’ by Mark Smith. (Text Publishing 2016)
YA novel – adult themes. (Not for primary school)
Exciting and can’t-put-down book about QLD after a virus has wiped out most of the population.
Also, the issue of refugees is addressed.
Recommended for YA. It read almost as good as ‘The Knife of Never Letting Go’.
Mark Smith has written a wonderful book.
(Copy copyright: WAYRBA book – Not a Western Australian Children’s Book, but liked by Western Australian children.)
I should have started my new category blog with a review of Waer by Meg Caddy. (My beautiful daughter)
Waer is a young adult novel, suitable for Years 5 upwards but most suited to Year 7 – 12.
There are a couple of cool twists in the story that take you by surprise.
I suppose it is more of a girl’s book than a boy’s book, but that kind of comment might get me into trouble with politically correct types.
It is a story of inner strength, especially by a young female werewolf. It is a story of forgiveness and of family. There is plenty of action and blood but it doesn’t go overboard.
Obviously I am biased and will highly recommend the book. (It is on the CBCA notables list for 2017.)
(Copy copyright : Western Australian Children’s Books are better than un-sliced bread.)
Western Australian Children’s Books
Well, I have decided to catch up on my reading and the first way to do this is to read the WAYRBA (Western Australian Young Readers Book Awards) books.
The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey is a 140 page book. It is a black and white comic book. I have no doubt Year 3 and 4 kids will enjoy it. Or reluctant readers from older classes.
The Bad Guys – Mission Unpluckable.
Light, fun. The heroes are a shark, wolf, piranha, snake and a tarantula.
Theme: Teamwork is the way to go.
The team break out the chickens from a chicken farm.
(Copyright: Western Australian Children’s books are magnificent.)
