Ranger's Apprentice: Book One: The Ruins of Gorlan - John Flanagan

Recommended for ages 8-18.

Ranger's Apprentice is a great fantasy series which follows Will as he learns the craft of being a Ranger and then proves his courage hundreds of times. Book One is full of mysterious creatures and sets the reader up for later books in the series by tempting us with snippets of information about Morgarath (the evil guy).

Although the prologue didn't draw me in at all, after the first chapter I was hooked. I didn't want to put the book down at all because it's so fast-paced and interesting! The characters have wonderful depth, the plot is pretty clear (for the most part) and the protagonist (Will) has so many qualities I could relate to.

Grab a copy of Ranger's Apprentice from your local library if you're a fantasy buff in need of some good reading.

PS> It's not as dark as the cover implies.

Recent reads

I've read a few good novels recently but none really deserve a post of their own. They are all young adult fiction and are fairly similar in their construction and writing style (although they concern very different subjects).

Cherub: The Recruit by Robert Muchamore is book one in an exciting series about underage intelligence officers. It's a fast, entertaining read and presents an honest portrayal of young adolescent life.

The Other Side of the Island by Allegra Goodman is a novel set in a new world where everything is controlled by Earth Mother and her minions. Honour's family fight against this usurpation of their rights, pay the ultimate price, and then (of course) join a successful revolution. Quite the entertaining read.

Peak by Roland Smith tells the story of Peak Marcello who has the opportunity to climb and summit Mt Everest with his long-lost father. It's a lovely coming of age story that ends with Peak making a massive sacrifice and learning the real nature of his relationship with his parents.

Each of these books was interesting in content and fast to read, but they are symptoms of our modern literary culture which appreciates pared-down writing, writing devoid of all complexities, the kind of writing that you can read much as you would sit in front of the tv - mindless reading.

The above books would be enjoyed by kids aged 8-18, and are great choices for boys or not-so-avid readers.

Stormbreaker - Anthony Horowitz

Recommended for ages 8-18.

Stormbreaker is an example of an excellent graphic novel: it has a rocketing plot, its characters hold your attention, and the illustrations merge perfectly with the text to tell the story. Like other graphic novels, it's a fast read, and makes a great intro to graphic novels for readers new to the genre.

The story itself focuses around Alex Rider - a regular kid who is suddenly plunged into the dangerous world of spies and secret agencies. I'm not going to say more, other than this: if you want a fast-paced, action-filled story then this book is for you!

The Invention of Hugo Cabret - Brian Selznick

Recommended for all ages.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a really interesting book. It's a beautiful coming-of-age type narrative about Hugo Cabret, an orphan, who becomes involved with a family who run a little toy shop. At the heart of this involvement is the curiously immobile automaton (representative of Hugo's dad) who is somehow connected to the toy shop owner and his goddaughter. After working hard to get the automaton to move again, Hugo and Isabelle (the goddaughter) are amazed and confused by its message and have to do some good old sleuthing themselves to discover its meaning. The message ends up being liberating for everyone.

Mystery and adventure, secret tunnels and compartments, a curious machine - this book has everything to pique your interest. And the best bit? Over half the story is told in pictures! (That's what makes the book so fat!) I'd love to do this book with a junior class (year 7 or 8) - it's got great links to visual literacy and cinema, plus the kids would get just as much kick out of finishing such a long book as I did!

PS. Check out the fan site http://www.theinventionofhugocabret.com/index.htm for some neat behind-the-scenes stuff!

The Boy in Striped Pajamas - John Boyne

Recommended for all ages.

I won't say much about The Boy in Striped Pajamas because I'm a bit behind in my reading of it, but I will say this: for all the hype I expected something more. Sure, it's a poignant read about the two boys and their friendship, and Boyne does a great job of getting you to simultaneously sympathise with and cringe at Bruno's actions, but I expected the ending to make me cry. Or even just tear up. Maybe this book was spoilt for me because I knew so much about it beforehand, or maybe it's just suited to younger readers.

I do find it interesting that this is Boyne's first kids novel - he seems to be able to write effortlessly for this audience which makes me curious to read his adult books.

I really wanted to love this book, but it just didn't work for me. Maybe the film version will be more up my alley.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian - Sherman Alexie

Recommended for ages 14-adult.

The Absolutely True Diary is a memorable book. It's both hilariously funny and really poignant at times as Junior relates his experiences of living on an Indian reservation while attending a rich white school off the reservation. I was laughing my head off at Junior's descriptions of himself by page two, and then ready to cry with Junior by page thirty. The narration in this book is so great that you basically become Junior - you think and feel like him by the end of the book.

Alexie's descriptions of Indian life are realistic, from the good to the bad and downright ugly aspects of life. The narrative moves swiftly and makes for compelling reading. The cartoons scattered throughout the book are essential for showing Junior's state of mind, making the book almost 20% graphic novel. Alexie's writing style is not forced or distracting - he wants you to look at his characters, not listen to his voice.

The only thing that let me down in this book was a page of references to Junior's genitals, which I know may be part of a boy's experiences but which means I can't teach this book to a class. And I really want to! It deals with the common themes of growing up - love, death, friends, family etc in an absolutely brilliant way. In fact, this book is now one of my favourite young-adult fiction books.

This book is more geared towards boys than girls, with Junior's experiences of love taking centre stage at times in the novel, but girls will find something to love about the book too. Better to wait till you're 14 or so because of its themes (which get heavy at times - although they are very true).

Teen Inc - Stefan Petrucha

Recommended for ages 8-18.

Teen Inc is the curious tale about Jaiden, son of NECorp. As the first kid to be adopted by a company rather than an individual, Jaiden lives in an office and has a team of lawyers run his life. When he meets Jenny and her family, he learns some pretty disturbing things about his parent-company. Along with Jaiden's best friend, Jenny and Jaiden take on NECorp and risk their lives for truth.

A quick, if not entirely gripping, read. Great for tween readers.

The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Vol 1 The Pox Party - M.T. Anderson

Recommended for ages 8-adult.

Thought I'd tackle this book with a ridiculously long name as it was on the New York Times bestseller list a while ago.

I don't see why.

Anderson explores the concepts of slavery and human dignity amidst the setting of the Boston Tea Party et al, while commenting on the incompetence of philosophical societies at the time. Sadly, Anderson's attempts to replicate the language of the past has made his book somewhat inaccessible for the average reader. I don't know why he makes such an effort, given the thematic complexity of the book. It's a challenging book in terms of its length, its vocabulary and its perspectives. That's not to say that challenging books aren't worth reading, but I just didn't enjoy this one.

I didn't really connect with any of the characters, and found the end quite unsatisfying. I also got bored reading during the battle scenes, and thought the overall storyline wasn't too well though out.

BUT I did think Anderson was clever in employing the device of scratching out pages of Octavian's thoughts - it really told the reader more about Octavian's grief than words ever could.

Perhaps this is a book better suited to boys, or readers particularly interested in American history...

Tuck Everlasting - Natalie Babbitt

Recommended for ages 5-18.

Tuck Everlasting is a gorgeous tale - a story in the truest sense of the world. It has magic, adventure, excitement, danger, conspiracy, love and a lot of great characters. Babbitt is a masterful writer, and she transports the reader to the curious world of the Tuck's. The Tuck family differs a little from others because of a mistake they made almost a century ago, when they unwittingly drank from the spring of eternal life.

When little Winnie discovers their secret she has to decide whether to stay silent and help the Tucks, and whether to join them in their eternal journey. Her choice will touch the heart of every reader.

There's so much to love in this book. There really is something for every age group. Youngsters will need someone's help to read the story, but ages 8-13 should manage on their own. Older readers and Twilight lovers, Babbitt was there first (minus the vampire vs werewolf thing).

The 10pm Question - Kate de Goldi

Recommended for ages 8+.

I finally tracked a copy of this book after so many people recommended it to me. It's a nice quick read about a dysfunctional family and the way in which Frankie, the protagonist, comes to terms with his family, friends and himself. Other than that I can't say that it left me moved.

Author De Goldi wanted to write "about the complexity and hilarity in the everyday business of being human" - something I think she really did achieve. But I also think it takes more than this to create a truly memorable story about personal difficulty and achievement.

If you've read this book, tell me: what did you like so much about it???

The Golden Compass: His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman

Recommended for ages 8 to adult.

This book reminded me of how much I LOVE good fantasy novels. It has everything that a gripping book should, and more. The plot is original and developed in a realistic manner. While complex, Pullman has you keep in mind that there will be at least 2 sequels in which all will be revealed.

This first book, His Dark Materials sets the scene and provides much of the background knowledge that (I assume) will be required for the later books. It tells of the birth and early years of Lyra and the origins of the curious alethiometer. It paves the way for the further development of the unsatisfied relationship between Lyra's powerful mother and father. And it gives us a powerful understanding of the symbiotic relationship humans have in this universe with their daemons.

Pullman's writing style is clear and easy to follow, although he doesn't paint some of his most interesting characters in enough detail. I wanted to know how Lord Asriel got to be so evil, and why Mr Scoresby is so like Hans Solo. Too many characters and worlds are introduced for Pullman to give us a detailed explanation of every character, but I think he should've thought of that at the time of writing and either pared the character list down, or chosen to focus on the characters surrounding the protagonist Lyra. At any rate it is an exciting plot with loads of other-worldly action.

Recommended for ages 8-adult because none of the themes are too dark, nor is the language too verbose. Particularly recommended for Obernewyton lovers. 

Stargirl - Jerry Spinelli

Recommended for girls of any age.

Stargirl is the story of the most beautiful soul who lands among the students of the very ordinary Mica High School. Calling herself Stargirl, the new student sets out to transform the world with songs and homemade cards.

At first the other students are shocked, then curious about Stargirl, but before long they come to hate her 'otherness' and her ideas about kindness. Shunning her, they also shun her boyfriend, Leo, who is the narrator of the tale. It is not until Leo shows how gutless he really is that Stargirl is able to leave a lasting impression at the school.

Spinelli has produced an engaging novel which is fast and easy to read. As a reader, you simultaneously love Stargirl's authenticity while knowing you would react in just the same way as Leo and his peers. It's a sobering thought.

It's a pretty girly read. You have been warned!