Library

The Diary of Laura’s Twin

Laura is a Jewish girl about to embark on her Bat Mitzvah.  She is given the task of reading the diary of a Jewish girl that experienced life  in the  Warsaw Ghetto during World War II, more than sixty years ago.  The story greatly effects Laura and the relationships between her and her firends, and causes recent events in her community to effect her personally.  A most interesting persective of a Jewish experience during the war.  Different to many other stories along similar lines and a most insight account of a traumatic experience.  Highly recommended.

Review by M. Devereux

Bite of the Mango

The most remarkable part of this story is that it is true.  It would be much easier to believe that this is a work of fiction rather than events that actually happened.

Mariatu is only a twelve year old girl when her village in Sierra Leone is attacked by the malitia.  Her hands are cut off at and the same time she learns she is pregnant to an older man that raped her.  This is her story of how she survived atrocity and went on to lead a full and happy life.  At times it is hard to believe that anyone could possibly survive the life she has endured.  This is definately an unforgettable read and one that will make you realise just how lucky you really are to be born in our country.  Highly recommended.

Review by M. Devereux

The Remarkable Secret of Aurelie Bonhoffen

Aurelie is an ordinary girl with an extaordinary lifestyle.  She lives with her family on the end of a pier that is home to a carnival.  She helps with the ghost train and also with performance in the big top.  A local business man is determined to shut down the pier and develop the site for his own profit.  The story is about Aurelie’s struggle to save the pier as she uncovers a family secret that she finds hard to cope with.  It is also the story of an unlikely friendship.  An excellent read, one you will find hard to put down as you will want to know what happens next.

Review by M. Devereux

Every Picture Tells a Story.  Adventures in Australian Art

Every Picture Tells a Story is designed to entertain and excite the imaginations of all young Australians.  It brings Australia’s history alive to children through the National Gallery of Australia’s collection of art.  Of course there is Ned Kelly and the first Australians but also included is nature through bushfires, rabbit plagues, the wild new creatures and of course wool. Social movements and consequences are also explored – the gold rush, shearers strikes, the great depression and life in the suburbs. Sport, politics, the built environment and music all get a run.

Gallipoli: Reckless Valour

This book offers primary school-aged students information and insight into a significant wartime event. It provides a range of details about the battle that is most commonly associated with the annual celebration of Anzac Day in Australia.

My Mother’s Eyes: The Story of a Boy Soldier

A fifteen-year-old Australian farm boy lies about his age to enlist to war and is caught up in the horrors of World War I in Egypt and on the Western Front, where 5,500 Australian troops were lost in two days at Fromelles alone.

The Princess’ Blankets

A new fairy tale of a princess who cannot get warm, no matter what is done for her. A stranger with cold eyes brings her the earth’s blanket, the ocean’s blanket and more, but nothing can warm the cold princess, until one day a musician wanders into the land, and her heart melts with warmth and love.