1. 'The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest' by Audrey Hartman
Clare is the undead fox of Deadwood Forest. In this forest it's always fall (or Autumn as we say in Australia). Trees are not 'quite' dead, even if they might appear so. They are very much still alive. And this is the case for Clare who was struck by a car. He is hovering between life and death. What's more, he was given the choice to either cross into the afterlife or to become an "Usher of wandering souls". He chooses a life of "guiding souls to their final resting place".
You
don't have to read far in this book, before you realize that this is a
'different' story. A badger 'soul' named Gingersnipes knocks on his
door. Despite Clare’s
efforts to usher her into the Afterlife, the badger as it seems unable to leave
Deadwood.
This is a disturbing mystery which threatens the delicate balance between the living. How can this be? If this is allowed, what does it mean for life and death as we know it? Clare sets out on a treacherous journey to find Hesterfowl—the visionary grouse who recently foretold turmoil for Deadwood. But upon their arrival, Hesterfowl divulges a shocking revelation that leaves Clare devastated, outraged he is determined to do anything possible to change his fate.
Reviewers comments on the book include:
”Heartbreaking, marvelously funny, and generously redemptive.” Kirkus, starred review
”…a riveting and morally complex tale populated by flawed, fully realized characters navigating realistic emotions.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review
”To tuck such a deeply felt tale of self-discovery and love in such a delightfully raucous adventure is quite the feat." BCCB, starred review
“Told in beautiful prose and with rich imagery, this is a deep story about death, loss, and grief, but also about compassion, finding meaning, and discovering what one really is made of in the face of the strongest adversity.” School Library Journal.
It is a different and quirky story that is suitable for readers aged 10 -12 years.
2. 'Bold Ben Hall: What does it mean to be a hero' by Sophie MassonThis is a compelling historical fiction adventure, set during the Australian gold rush when daring, dangerous and bold bushrangers were both feared, and legendary. Award-winning author, Sophie Masson asks what makes a hero, or a villain?
Sophie Masson offers us an interesting story that tries to get behind the myths of Ben Hall and set it a setting distant in time just 90 years after the English landed and began to settle. Australia today. The story is set in Canowindra in October 1863. This small inland township was one of many that Hall and his gang would visit to relax, seek shelter and enjoy a break from their bushranger activities.
Lily and her parents are travelling performers and are delayed in Canowindra. This occurs just as the infamous bush ranger Ben Hall and his gang have pulled off the biggest gold robbery ever. The gang hold everyone in town hostage. But instead of threats and hostility to the locals, they hold a strange, giant three day party, and Lily is in enthralled. She writes a secret play 'Bold Ben Hall' and dreams of sending it to a famous theatre company in Sydney or Melbourne…
When Lily and Sam meet, the two are soon at loggerheads about their heroes determined to prove the other wrong...and to try any means to do so!
This great adventure story is set against a background of the hectic, action-packed atmosphere of the booming Gold Rush towns. It also asks important questions: what is a hero, what is a villain? And how do we separate fact from fiction?
Suitable for readers aged 10-12
3. 'The Extraordinary Misdaventures of Lake and Birdy and their Remarkable Fortitude' by Damien Leith
"A darkly comic debut novel for fans of Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events, Matilda and Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children."
The title of this book alone, should signal it is a 'different' story.
Sisters 'Lake' and 'Birdy' are the new arrivals at the apt (and long) named "Charitable Home for Poor Unfortunates Touched by Tragic Circumstances". Sounds bad? What till you read the story. These two sisters have not been gifted with something special. Then again, what might they make of this chance?
It will take courage when they meet Miss MacGregor. As the back cover blurb suggests this is:
A darkly comic, fantastic and fantastical tale from Damien Leith, with only a few embellishments, the very odd exaggeration, and much to enjoy.
As the back cover blurb suggests, this is a different book. Two sisters arrive at a "Home for Poor Unfortunates"! It is filled with those who have experienced misadventure and tragedy of varied kinds. And to add to their unfortunate lives they now have to face each day the appalling and frightening Miss NacGregor!~Will Lake and Birdy survive this the latest, and perhaps greatest misfortune of all, Miss MacGregor?
A darkly comic, fantastic and fantastical tale from Damien Leith, with only a few embellishments, the very odd exaggeration, and much to enjoy.
Readers aged 10-12
