about the books

Peeps by Scott Westerfeld

2012-05-31T14:27:00.000+10:00

As a fan of Scott Westerfeld's more recent steampunk series, I finally took the time to read this earlier work, Peeps (2005). This original take on the endless vampire stories filling our bookshelves follows Cal as he hunts down all his former girlfriends through New York City. Cal's been infected by a parasite, but he's not a vampire. He's only a carrier of the illness, whilst his hapless girlfriends have been infected to become what he calls Peeps (Parasite positives), a.k.a. vampires. With the help of his fellow vampire hunters at the Night Watch, it's Cal's job to track them down before they can start killing or spread the parasite further. This original story offers a new take on the origins and spread of vampirism, and also offers lots of fascinating and icky facts about actual parasites throughout.

Caitlin @ Balwyn

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A greyhound of a girl by Roddy Doyle

2012-05-30T14:23:00.000+10:00

Critically acclaimed author Roddy Doyle has written a beautiful story about life, love, death and grief within four generations of women in one Irish family. Mary's Granny is in hospital and it's clear her life is coming to an end. Mary's mother, Scarlett is having to accept that she must soon say goodbye. One day a mysterious woman shows up and talks to Mary as though she is family, but Mary has never seen her before. All four feisty women will soon find themselves on one final midnight journey they will never forget. A beautifully written, funny and touching story for all ages.

Caitlin @ Balwyn

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Dash and Lily's book of dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

2012-05-29T14:13:00.000+10:00

By the same authors as Nick and Norah's infinite playlist, this book is Cohn and Levithan's most recent collaboration. Following the success of Nick and Norah's, this novel follows the same writing pattern with alternating chapters written from the perspective of the two main characters (hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!). This time the story is about Lily, who leaves a random book in a second-hand book store with a written dare to whomever might find it. Dash is the convenient, attractive, single findee of said book, who takes the Dare and proceeds to write a new one for Lily. So continues the story with the two anonymously swapping dares until they finally meet after a few twists and turns along the way. All in all it was a good read.

Caitlin @ Balwyn

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January - Conspiracy 365 by Gabrielle Lord

2012-05-28T14:09:00.000+10:00

Cal's father dies of a mysterious illness after conducting family research in Scotland, leaving Cal asking questions about how and why he died. All he has are some letters from his dad and an unsettling feeling that it was more than just bad luck. It turns out he was right. One New Year's day he is chased by a sick man who warns him "They killed your father. They'll kill you. You must survive the next 365 days!". So begins this 13 book series by Australian author Gabrielle Lord. It's easy to read and great if you like action and escapism. The whole series has been published, so there's no need to wait - get reading!

Caitlin @ Balwyn

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K.Rowling

2012-05-25T13:07:00.000+10:00

ReviewByU from Katherine

5 Stars

This book is gripping and energetic, while including deep description.

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The last dragsonslayer by Jasper Fforde

2012-05-25T13:01:00.000+10:00

This is an unusual kind of fantasy book because it is about witches, wizards and supernatural magic, but it is set in a world very much like our own, which has modern technology. This makes some funny combinations, like magic carpets being used for pizza delivery. The main character is Jennifer Strange, whose life takes a surprising turn when she becomes the manager of an employment agency for sorcerers. The book is about the place of myth and magic in everyday life, and the power of prophecies to make things come true.

Jasper Fforde is a really entertaining author who has written a sequel, The Song of the Quarkbeast, and the final book in the trilogy, Return of Shandar, is due to be published later this year. He also has a great website where you can access 'extra features' from the books: http://www.jasperfforde.com/dragon/dragon.html

Emily @ Hawthorn

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REVIEWbyU: iBoy by Kevin Brooks

2012-05-25T13:00:00.000+10:00

Reviewed by Meghan

16 year old Tom Harvey is an ordinary guy, 'no major problems, no secrets, no terrors, no vices, no nightmares, no special talents.' Then he gets hit on the head with an iphone. Parts of it get stuck in his head and suddenly he is not normal anymore. iBoy was an exciting read, action packed with a fair bit of violence. Be warned, there is explosions and gore.

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Merrow by Ananda Braxton-Smith

2012-05-24T12:53:00.000+10:00

Neen is fed up with the gossip surrounding the disappearance of her mother. She has heard the tales of merrows and mystical beings all her life and now she wants the truth. Was her mother a merrow and if she was, what does that make Neen? Just when she thinks she knows the answers, Neen makes a discovery which will turn her world upside down.

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Between shades of gray by Ruta Sepetys

2012-05-23T12:44:00.000+10:00

Based on true events, this is the harrowing story of Lina Vilkas who was deported with her family from Lithuania in 1941 by Stalin’s secret police. The family are sent to live in primitive conditions in remote Siberia where the death rate is high and hope of survival is slim. They are part of the terrible forced labour camps where thousands died. Despite these terrible conditions Lina’s story is one of humanity and hope.

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The Golden Door by Emily Rodda

2012-05-23T12:39:00.000+10:00

The Golden Door is the first in Emily Rodda's new trilogy. I have to admit, this is my first Rodda book. Shameful I know since I have been recommending her for years. She is hugely popular so I thought it about time I had a go.

The book is action packed, full of magic, intrigue, adrenalin and gore. The only thing that reminded me that it was a book for kids was the main character Rye. He is a bit of an antihero, timid and reluctant to join in with the action.

The only down points were that the ending felt rushed and it was left on an obvious cliff hanger. The Golden Door has been shortlisted for the Childrens Book Council of Australia book of the year. A worthy contender but will it win? Hmmm...

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The dead I know by Scott Gardner

2012-05-22T12:41:00.000+10:00

Teenager Aaron Rowe takes on a job as undertaker's assistant at the beginning of this uncommon story about life and death. He is plagued by nightmares and due to his somnambulism (tendency to sleepwalk) often wakes in some unlikely places. His mum is suffering from dementia and it seems his life is crumbling around him. But is it possible that, when he finally hits rock bottom, help is on the way? The only way is up, surely...? This is a surprisingly tender novel.

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Chasers (Alone series) by James Phelan

2012-05-21T12:40:00.000+10:00

This is Book One in an exciting series about a group of young UN ambassadors who are caught up in a shocking attack upon the city of New York. The perpetrators are unknown, the extent of the damage not yet revealed, and all the while the young survivors battle against a more immediate threat - strange 'contaminated' humans who populate the city and behave like docile animals until they sense the weakness of other humans and turn on them with horrifying results. This story raises some disturbing questions about more than just survival.

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Reckless by Cornelia Funke

2012-05-20T12:38:00.000+10:00

Through the mirror in his father's study Jacob Reckless discovers a world peopled with fairytale characters, where humans and Goyls (stone people) are locked in battle. Jacob's brother, Will, follows Jacob and is wounded by a Goyl weapon. So begins a desperate race, which will see Jacob make deals with dwarves and fairies, in order to stop Will from turning to stone.

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About a girl by Joanne Horniman

2012-05-19T12:28:00.000+10:00

Anna is a girl who likes girls and has known this about herself since she was six. This is the heartbreaking and heart-warming story of her first love. She has fled from Canberra, from her best friend, from her broken family and landed in Lismore with a job in the local bookshop and a desperate crush on Flynn. Anna soon learns that she is not the only one with a secret...

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A child's book of art: discover great paintings by Lucy Micklethwait

2012-05-18T13:00:00.000+10:00

This book is a great way to discover and explore famous paintings. There are lots of big colour pictures, with arrows to explain different things and draw your attention to bits you may not have noticed. It introduces lots of different art styles, and is a good way to discover your favourite one.

This is a fun book to dip into, you don't need to read every page. There is some background information about each patining, and some facts and investigating questions to get you thinking. But it is also fun to just look at the paintings slowly, or point things out to a friend as you flip through it together!

Emily @ Hawthorn

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Six impossible things by Fiona Wood

2012-05-17T14:19:00.000+10:00

Dan Cereill’s life is falling apart. His father has declared he’s gay and bankrupt, and Dan's new school is hell. The likelihood of achieving one of the six impossible things on his list seems remote, particularly kissing Estelle, the girl of his dreams. But Dan gives it his best shot and you’ll be laughing and cheering as he tries to make the six things come true.

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'Who next...?' database for recommended reads...

2012-05-04T17:40:00.001+10:00

Feeling stumped about what to read next? Have a look at 'Who next...?', a database for young readers that recommends other authors who write like your favourites. Simply use your City of Boroondara borrower ID number to login (the number's on the back of your card), then start browsing. You can search by age group, author, genre or award lists and there's a huge number of authors represented.

Have a look here, or click the link in the 'Other links' menu at the right of the blog.

Hunger Games winners!

2012-05-04T17:03:00.001+10:00

The lucky winners of the Hunger Games Cover Art competition have collected their prizes - congratulations once again to Cathy and Alana and enjoy your prizes!

Artist judged winner Cathy!

Popular vote winner Alana!

Sleeping Army by Francesca Simon

2012-05-04T16:57:00.000+10:00

When Freya blows an ancient Viking horn at the British Museum this awakens four Viking chess pieces. Freya and the Vikings are transported to Asgard where the gods are all slowly dying. To save the gods Freya must set out on a perilous quest to find the goddess Idunn, but there's a catch, if she doesn't succeed she will be turned into a chess piece. Can she succeed before the deadline set by the gods? An exciting adventure with an historical twist.

Rita @ Hawthorn.

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Hunger Games Competition entries!

2012-04-26T17:22:00.000+10:00

Have a look at the amazing entries we received in our Hunger Games Cover Art competition. The winners will be announced on our Facebook page, at facebook.com/boroondaralibraries tomorrow, 27th April at 12pm. I think you'll agree there's some incredible talent out there. Good luck to all our entrants and well done!

By Isabelle

By Laura

By Alana

By Chloe


By Kirsten

By Joel

By Bridie

By India

By Zara

By Shona

By Mei

By Jess

By Anna

By Isla

By Natalie

By Stephanie

By James

By Bella

By Cathy

By Skye

By Isabella

By Kathryn

By Erin

Sweetly by Jackson Pearce

2012-04-26T16:38:00.000+10:00

"As a child, Gretchen's twin sister was taken by a witch in the woods. Ever since, Gretchen and her brother, Ansel, have felt the long branches of the witch's forest threatening to make them disappear too. Years later, when their stepmother casts Gretchen and Ansel out, they find themselves in sleepy Live Oak, South Carolina.

Life seems idyllic, and Gretchen and Ansel gradually forget their haunted past - until Gretchen meets handsome local outcast Samuel. He tells her the witch isn't gone - it's lurking in the forest, preying on girls after Live Oak's infamous chocolate festival each year, and looking to make Gretchen its next victim. "

Sweetly is a retelling of the classic fairytale Hansel and Gretel with a modern twist. The plot hooked me in with its sense of mystery and danger, and I must admit I kept reading late into the night. Gretchen is a likable brave character, who is determined to overcome her lifelong fear of monsters in order to save herself and the girls of the town. The other characters were well drawn, particularly Sophia, who became more mysterious and frightening as the novel went on. Sweetly is a companion book to Sisters Red which retells the story of Little Red Riding Hood. A good read for those who like fairytales, the paranormal and chocolate.

By Caroline @ Kew

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The coming of the whirlpool by Andrew McGahan

2012-04-26T16:32:00.000+10:00

Born into a family of timber cutters, when Dow first glimpses the sea he is irresistibly drawn to it. Reluctantly his parents tell him about his sea faring ancestors and send him away to be apprenticed to a fisherman who is bitter and has never recovered from the loss of his son and grandson to a giant whirlpool. Here in the fishing village Dow's courage is tested as he is pitted against the might of the sea when a massive whirlpool rises again. It is his encounter with the Ship Kings, the cruel rulers of the island where Dow lives, which will change his life and shape his destiny. Part fantasy, part sea adventure this is the first exciting instalment of a 4 part series.

By Rita @ Hawthorn

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Battle fatigue by Mark Kurlansky

2012-03-30T11:15:00.000+11:00

"I know that because I am a boy I will go to war. I don't know who I will fight. It will come probably when I turn 18. It's just what happens".

Set in the 50's and 60's, this is the story of Joel Bloom, an American boy who's childhood was dominated by the effects of World War 2 on his father, uncle and the men in his town. As he grows up he accepts that going to war is a natural part of life. But the onset of the Vietnam war forces him to rethink the morality of war and weather he is prepared to fight in a war he believes is wrong. He must choose between serving his country or becoming a draft dodger.

I liked the way this story gave me an insight into some of the major events which shaped America during this time, and the way they impacted on the life and thoughts of the main character. To be expected to fight in a war you don't believe in must be very difficult. A different take on the theme of war. A good read for those who enjoy historical fiction.

Genre : war, historical

By Caroline@Kew

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First light by Rebecca Stead (2011)

2012-03-29T10:43:00.000+11:00

First light follows the stories two teenagers - Peter and Thea. Peter is thrilled to join his parents on an expedition to Greenland, where his father is studying global warming. He should be enjoying his time away from school, but keeps getting odd visions and headaches which he can’t explain.

Thea has never seen the sun. She lives in Gracehope, a community entirely hidden within a glacier under Greenland’s ice. Her ancestors fled there a long time ago to escape persecution, but the community’s population has expanded and resources are now scarce. Thea dreams of finding a path to the earth’s surface to see the sun and help her community expand, but finds herself in conflict with the leader of Gracehope, her Grandmother.

Peter and Thea’s tales alternate as their two worlds come together in a story that mixes mystery and adventure with science and fantasy. Although I felt it was a bit slow to get going, the story really came to life when the two characters finally met. They are both strong characters who are prepared to do what it takes to uncover the truth and challenge those around them. The arctic setting felt real, while the theme of global warming and its consequences was gently done. A good read!

Genre – mystery, science and adventure

Would recommend for age 10 – 14

Caroline @ Kew

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White Crow by Marcus Sedgwick (2010)

2012-03-29T10:36:00.000+11:00

Some secrets are better left buried; some secrets are so frightening they might make angels weep and the devil crow.

Thought provoking as well as intensely scary, White Crow unfolds in three voices. There's Rebecca, who has come to a small, seaside village to spend the summer, and there's Ferelith, who offers to show Rebecca the secrets of the town...but at a price. Finally, there's a priest whose descent into darkness illuminates the girls' frightening story. White Crow is as beautifully written as it is horrifically gripping.

A modern gothic thriller about what awaits us after death - angels or the devil.

Caroline @ Kew

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