Obernewtyn by Isobelle Carmody

The book ‘Obernewtyn’ by Isabelle Carmody is a superb and heart felt book. Life is harsh for Elspeth Gordie, born with mental abilities that would have her burnt if she was discovered. Her only survival is secrecy…she has drawn the councils attention with her migraines and nauseous and is taken high into the mountains to a remote place called ‘Obernewtyn” where escaping is Impossible!…….. i think this book should be rated 5! it may confuse you at the start but I felt it is an excellent read.  The only problem is that it is serious.  But the serious is Great also!  I hope you enjoy the book as much as I have!
Cherie

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

What a great novel! Who could have thought that someone so young (Mary Shelley)could have composed such a complex text? Her use of many ‘voices’ within the text is used effectively to shape our responses. I never believed that I could have empathised so much with the ‘monster’.

The pearl hunters

The pearl hunters by Kim Wilkins is an historical romance with an exotic setting for a love story.  The plot centres around piracy, pursuit and danger.

3.5 stars 

Fighting Ruben Wolfe by Markus Zusak

Ruben and Cam are brothers from a poor background, where street fights are not uncommon.  The boy’s are approached by a fight promoter to enter the world of boxing.  Here they find out about exploitation, pride and each other.  A gripping and raw account of a different world.  There’s more at stake than just winning.

Rating 4

Look out for Zusak’s - ”The book thief” 

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Brian is faced with the ultimate challenge – survival.  He has landed in the Canadian wilderness and has only a hatchet.  He endures the hardship of the wilderness; cold, insects, no shelter, bears and loneliness.  This is a fantastic adventure that I highly recommend. 

Rating 5

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

This is a love story with a twist.  Leo Burlock falls in love with just one smile from Stargirl.  This novel deals with non conformity and the attitudes of society that can emerge from one being different.  This is a very different love story that takes us on the journey of first love.   Reading Empress

The boy in the striped pyjamas by John Boyne

The horrors of a concentration camp are revealed in this book by 2 boys one German Bruno and one Jew Shmuel.  An unusual friendship develops through razor wire between the two boys.  This is an extremely thought provoking and sad story.

Rating 5

Wringer by Jerry Spinelli

This is a book about courage, friendship, bullying and acceptance.  A 10 year old boy is dreading the day when the traditional pigeon shoot requires every 10 year old to wring the necks of any pigeons that have been shot.  This is a story about a gentle boy who is dealing with bullying and fear.  A good read.

Rating 4.5

Mao’s last dancer by Li Cunxin

A beautiful story about a Chinese peasant who is chosen to learn to become a dancer for the Chinese Ballet.  The book focuses on life for a Chinese peasant family, the struggle to survive and succeed and one boys determination to succeed not only for himself but for those who he loves.  A great read.  Mrs P.

Rating 5 

The running man by Michael Gerard Bauer

This book is fantastic.  A story about a boy who accepts people for what they are.  This book is a bit of a tear jerker at the end.  I loved it. Mrs P. 

Rating 5