Hot Books Cool Authors

You may not know about our Hot books Cool Authors book list.

Please tell me you do because we produce it four times a year ...

Probably your Mum or Dad picks it up for you at the library and you have not quite got around to perusing it. :-) But you are dying to read it now ... If so, here is the link:

http://www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/leisure/library/forteens/hotbookscoolauthors

Just in case you don't want to leave the riveting format of this extremely well written blog. I am going to use the technology at my fingertips and reproduce some snippets for you.

First some War Books

Black water
David Metzenthen

Set in Queenscliff during World War I, this is the story of two brothers, Farren and Danny Fox. Their father drowns in a boating accident and Danny returns from Turkey wounded and traumatised. Into their lives comes a young girl, Souki, washed up like flotsam, the sole survivor of a shipwreck. She draws Danny back into the world, rescuing him as he has rescued her. This is a beautifully written book filled with hope.

A rose for the Anzac boys
Jackie French

It’s 1915 and sixteen year old Midge and her friends, Ethel and Anne, start a canteen in France for wounded soldiers. Nothing can prepare Midge for the horrors of World War I, but amongst the carnage she finds courage, friendship and love as she brings hope to the Anzac boys.

Now just in case you are stuck in the Girls books Boys books rut. Black water leans towards the boys and Rose for the Anzac Boys towards the girls. But don't let that stop you from doing some cross-gender reading. They are great books for everyone ...

Now for some Fantasy

I am not even going to bother telling you about the latest Stephenie Meyer book. If you love fantasy I am sure you have read it. If you haven't you are probably waiting for a library copy. We have 12 copies of Breaking Dawn and it has a reservation lists as long as my arm. Here are some other fantasy books to keep you going in the meantime: a sort of Methadone treatment for fantasy addicts.

Here lies Arthur
Philip Reeve

Here is another story about King Arthur, a different story - one that is altogether grounded. Told through the eyes of the slave girl Gwyna, who becomes Myrddin’s (Merlin’s) servant, we get a glimpse of the truth behind a legend and a taste of how magic is made. We see how Myrddin turns Gwyna into a goddess, a boy and then a spy. We come to understand that truth is not always as important as the story.

North child
Edith Pattou

This extraordinary tale is part fairy story, part epic adventure. It centres around the young life of a simple Nordic girl called Rose, who having discovered that she is ‘North-born’, must fulfil her destiny even against the wishes of her family. The story is told through the words of Rose, various family members, and the evil Troll Queen who brings considerable magic to bear against Rose in her quest. There is one who wants her to succeed, not only because he loves her, but because all will be lost to him if she fails.

Only two more days of school until the holidays (some of you might have finished already). So come to the library. Pick up some books and get reading. I will put some more suggestions up soon.