'Tinder' by Sally Gardner

This novel with hauntingly beautiful illustrations by David Roberts is very dark.  The hero, Otto Hundebiss, was pressed into the army after his family were all murdered by soldiers.  Though he is only eighteen years old, he has seen and done much that continues to haunt his dreams.  It is only when he encounters a beautiful young woman on the run, that he feels life has anything left to offer him.  When Safire is taken from him, Otto must draw on all his skill and courage in a desperate attempt to secure her love and freedom.   

Philippa @ Balwyn Library.


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Author Sally Gardner

I am a fan of author Sally Gardner. Her writing is sparse, poetic and …SO BEAUTIFUL!

“Tinder” is a fairytale which feels familiar , but it’s Sally’s writing that makes it magical.

Also highly recommend is Maggot Moon.

Mehera @ Kew.

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Maggot Moon by Sally Gardner

The story is told by fifteen year old Standish Treadwell, who is dyslexic. In the repressive Motherland, a surreal blend of Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia, this is regarded as an impurity and it is only thanks to his friend Hector that Standish escapes the vicious bullying of his teachers and classmates. Standish has no illusions about the horrors of the world he lives in, and instead creates a world in his head, where he and Hector ride around in a sky-blue Cadillac and drink 'croca-colas'. When the Motherland's plan for a moon landing threatens to make life even worse, Standish decides to fight back. This is a thrilling and inspiring story of individual courage. 

Elizabeth @ Kew Library.

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