Booky Wookies

Wolf Siren
I was so hooked into this book! I love how well it resembles Little Red Riding Hood but adds a twist on top of it to make it unique! The opening was excellent, it kept me engaged this whole time! The story feels so original. The ending is satisfying and thought-provoking. The themes go super well together, the characters are interesting and engaging. The literary techinques are used so effectively. 10/10.

Kamran

Popcorn
I think Popcorn by Rob Harrell is a very good book because it felt like I was in school. The main theme in this book is friendship. The plot builds curiosity as it develops. The characters are interesting and engaging. They make the reader care what is happening. The style of the writing suits the story and the themes extremely well. The important idea that this book explores is anxiety. It helps readers understand different experiences or viewpoints. 7.5/10.

Kamran

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I liked the book because the humorous jokes and funny scenes, it talks about consequences, bullying, friendship and armoured wombat butts. It was a bit confusing because of the Pelicarnassus mother being a super villain and Zeke's knee being France, but it was really funny. My favourite character is Zeke and Daniel because both of them are funny together.

Giulio

Not Going To Plan
Of all my initial expectations for Not Going to Plan what I hadn't anticipated was the book to make me laugh! With such a serious subject matter I was apprehensive that it would be a tough read and students might feel a bit overwhelmed; but Tia Fisher has created a truthful, genuine story that lots of young people will recognise and hopefully find strength from. I am a huge fan of Crossing the Line and once again her verse is sublime with some beautiful imagery captured. My only criticism would be consistency - that some parts felt more compromised than others. I can only imagine how challenging it is to write in verse, and to do so to a deadline must put necessity before beauty on occasion. Perhaps we've been spoilt by the treasure trove of Crossing the Line? The dual narrative was done so well with both characters having distinct voices. I'm looking forward to hearing the response of my shadowing group!

Ms Devine

Birdie
Birdie had me hooked from the start. She is a well written character who immediately inspires connection and empathy in the reader. The description of her new life in the dales brought the book to life and I felt I was there. Birdie's emergent understanding of why the adults have reacted so strangely to her through the sudden exposure to the open racism of children in the village highlights the shocking cruelty of prejudice from the victim's perspective. The story and characters reminded me of Anne of Green Gables - a book I loved as a young girl - Birdie brought that sense of nostalgia and exploration of belonging. A beautiful piece of storytelling.

Ms Devine

Wolf Siren
Wolf Siren This book is the best book I have read this year so far! I loved the themes of feminism and representation of visually impaired people. I really liked Aerona and Grandmother because of how they weren't ashamed of being wolf women.

Kit