JESS JUST READS

A BOOK REVIEW BLOG

Sick Bay by Nova Weetman

Meg uses Sick Bay to hide from other kids. She’s struggling with changes at home, wears slippers to school and buries her head in books.

New girl Riley is a type 1 diabetic with an over-protective mother. She’d rather chat with her friends than go to Sick Bay, but sometimes she has no choice.

They think they’ve worked each other out, but what if they’ve got it all wrong?

On the brink of high school, Meg and Riley need a place where they can find the courage to be themselves.

Sick Bay by Nova Weetman is a middle grade novel about friendship, identity and learning how to accept who you are when you’re on the cusp of your teenage years.

Meg and Riley are in grade six and about to finish primary school; they’re both struggling with something that others can’t possibly understand. Meg’s father had died and her mother is in a deep state of depression. Meg’s school shoes don’t fit anymore, so she wears slippers to school because she doesn’t have any money to buy proper shoes. She spends all her time in sick bay because she doesn’t really have any friends and she feels safe in sick bay. She gets attention, care and food.

Riley is a diabetic, and her mum doesn’t let her have any freedom. Her mum won’t teach her how to function with diabetics independently, so she’s forced to rely on her. And she’s starting to grow resentful because she’s adopted by the popular group at school and the girls don’t seem to understand — or care — about Riley’s needs. Riley feels like diabetes is holding her back. She needs to regularly test her glucose levels and log everything that she eats, and she feels embarrassed to do this around her new friends.

“It’s Tuesday afternoon so I leave The Bag at home and carry my dirty clothes, and some of Mum’s, to the laundromat a few blocks away. We do own a washing machine and clothes dryer, although they aren’t exactly operational right now. Dad used to keep everything working in the house, so now he is gone, if things break down they stay broken down. A bit like Mum really.”
MEG

Sick Bay is a dual narrative, switching back and forth between Riley and Meg’s POV. Despite their circumstances being very different, they’re both going through something very similar. They’re both lost, a little unsure of who they are or where they want to go. This is their journey towards understanding themselves and their differences, and embracing them.

At first, Riley and Meg don’t click. They’re very different, and they judge the other on first appearances. But over time, friendship develops. Meg is accepting of Riley, and Riley is understanding of Meg’s situation. And the two girls have to decide what they really want out of their final few weeks in primary school, and who their real friends are.

“Lina beams at me. I smile back but start running scenarios through my head. Maybe I can suddenly get sick the night before the party. Excuse myself that way. It worked last time I was supposed to go into the city with them for an afternoon of shopping.”
RILEY

Sick Bay is emotional and heartfelt — there’s so much depth to this novel, and so many layers to these characters that readers will love. Perfect for readers aged 10-13, Sick Bay is the kind of book that young girls could take guidance from. It’s uplifting and reassuring — validating. It’s the kind of book I would’ve liked to read when I was a young teenager.

This is the perfect book for a young reader who may be struggling with school or friends, or maybe even their family. Sick Bay will remind them that they’re not the only one going through a tough time.

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Sick Bay
Nova Weetman
June 2019
UQP Publishers

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald Screenplay by J.K Rowling

J.K. Rowling’s five-film Fantastic Beasts adventure series continues with the original screenplay for Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

The Wizarding World journey continues . . .

The powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald was captured in New York with the help of Newt Scamander. But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escapes custody and sets about gathering followers, most of whom are unsuspecting of his true agenda: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings.

In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore enlists Newt, his former Hogwarts student, who agrees to help once again, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is the second screenplay in a five-film series to be written by J.K. Rowling, author of the internationally bestselling Harry Potter books. Set in 1927, a few months after the events of Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, and moving from New York to London, Paris and even back to Hogwarts, this story of mystery and magic reveals an extraordinary new chapter in the wizarding world. Illustrated with stunning line art from MinaLima with some surprising nods to the Harry Potter stories that will delight fans of both the books and films.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is the second in the Fantastic Beasts series, this time focusing heavily on Credence and Grindelwald and the havoc that Grindelwald wreaks across New York, London and Paris.

To be completely honest, I could barely remember what happened in the first Fantastic Beasts story and it was fine. Don’t stress too much if it’s been too long between stories. After 50 pages or so, your memory will jog and you’ll be able to follow along easily.

Dumbledore: Do you know why I admire you, Newt? More, perhaps, than any man I know? You don’t seek power or popularity. You simply ask, is the thing right in itself? If it is, then I must do it, no matter the cost.

I was mostly interested in Credence Barebone and Grindelwald, and how their storylines connected. Grindelwald is cunning, strategic and smart, escaping capture and rallying followers.

One of the biggest surprises for Harry Potter fans is that Nagini, Voldemort’s snake, is actually an adult woman. She’s a Maledictus,meaning she is able to transform into a snake but because of a blood curse passed down in her family, one day she won’t be able to turn back. So, all those times we see Nagini in the Harry Potter series, she is a woman trapped in a snake’s body. But in the Fantastic Beasts series, she can transform as she wishes. I found this fascinating — a surprise I didn’t see coming.

I couldn’t help but feel a little let down by the pacing of the story, and the lack of tension or climax. It doesn’t feel like enough happens in the story, and there’s a fair bit of unnecessary conversations and subplots.

Leta: Oh Newt. You never met a monster you couldn’t love.

There were a few inconsistencies in the plot and the world building. For example, we briefly visit Hogwarts and McGonagall is there teaching. But, if you look at the year in which the book is set, I don’t think she’s even been born then?

Also, the ending of the book, and the biggest twist of all, was a little unbelievable. I don’t want to give anything away, but the sudden acknowledgement of a long lost family member that we didn’t even know existed? It seemed like they wanted to stretch out this series for five books, when really I’m not sure there’s enough material.

This is a must-read for fans of the Harry Potter franchise. It’s a beautiful hardback book with gorgeous green and gold packaging, perfect for fans who want it as a collectors item.

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald Screenplay
J.K Rowling
November 2018
Hachette Book Publishers

Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend

Wunder is gathering in Nevermoor …

Morrigan Crow may have defeated her deadly curse, passed the dangerous trials and joined the mystical Wundrous Society, but her journey into Nevermoor and all its secrets has only just begun. And she is fast learning that not all magic is used for good.

Return to the magical world of Nevermoor! Morrigan Crow’s perilous adventures continue in the most anticipated sequel of the year, a treat for all fans of magic and Wunder.

Morrigan Crow has escaped her deadly fate and found a new home in the fantastical city of Nevermoor. She has also discovered that she has a strange and magical ability. But will her unique talent be a blessing or another curse?

Now that Morrigan and her best friend Hawthorne are proud scholars in the elite Wundrous Society, she is sure that she’s found a place to belong at last, but life is far from perfect. Can Morrigan prove that she deserves to be in the Society – or will an unexpected new enemy ruin her new life?

Wundersmith by Jessica Townsend is the second instalment in the Nevermoor series, following Morrigan Crow as she joins fellow scholars in Unit 919 of Wundrous Society.

The trials are over and Morrigan and her fellow students have made it through to the prestigious magical society. Each of the students possess a certain talent — called a ‘knack’ — that aids them in their adventures. Knacks are quite unique and not your stereotypical power.

Once again, Jessica enchants readers with this wonderful, magical world. Fun, magical powers reveal themselves and the introduction of Tricksy Lanes is an entertaining addition to the world.

There’s plenty of mystery in this book as people start to go missing. Jupiter spends most of the book travelling in and out of Nevermoor, desperate to find out who is responsible for the kidnappings and how to retrieve the missing people.

Meanwhile, Unit 919 are being sent threatening letters and they’re forced to undergo risky challenges, otherwise Morrigan’s secret will be outed to the entire society and the entire Unit 919 cohort will be kicked out of the society.

“It looked just as if somebody had taken an old Wunderground train carriage, gutted it, and turned it into a long cosy sitting room. Big lumpy cushions and squashy armchairs, an assortment of coffee tables and lamps and an old, worn-out sofa were configured neatly around the space.”

Morrigan’s year isn’t as exciting as she thought it’d be. Her main task is to learn about how horrible past Wundersmiths have been, whilst also trying to control and compress her own Wundersmith abilities. Morrigan feels let down and confused, and out of frustration and anger she unintentionally learns what Wunder can really achieve. It’s a dangerous and powerful ability.

As with Nevermoor, Wundersmith is filled with humour, both situational and in the dialogue. Children will enjoy the banter and the hilarity present in this sequel.

“Nobody knew anything about another disappearance. Not Kedgeree or Fenestra or Dame Chandra — Morrigan had spent all of Sunday pestering them in turn. Not Miss Cheery, who’d seemed genuinely surprised (and a little worried) in Hometrain on Monday to heart the Stealth had been to Morrigan’s home.”

The pacing quickened a little too much in the final 100 pages, meaning the conclusion felt a little forced and rushed. I am also a little sceptical about the direction of this series and where this is all headed. I don’t find Ezra Squall — Morrigan’s enemy — to be an overly threatening villain, not like Voldemort was in the Harry Potter series. Truthfully, I don’t know if Ezra alone can carry the series.

Despite this, I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next instalment.

Thank you to the publisher for mailing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow
Jessica Townsend
November 2018
Hachette Book Publishers

Review and Author Interview: Laugh Your Head Off 4 Ever

9 authors. 9 stories to make you laugh your head off 4EVER

Just when you thought you were safe…nine of Australia’s favourite kids’ authors are ready to get heads rolling – again!

A runaway pram + an artsy alien + a cereal monster +a word-stealing curse + one dancing dad + three feral fairies + an evil genius + a hairy birthday + a super-duper pig = one hilarious book.

Filled with delightfully quirky illustrations by Andrea Innocent, Laugh Your Head Off 4 Ever will appeal to both girls and boys, from middle to upper primary.

AUTHOR INFORMATION
Andy Griffiths: author of the bestselling and award-winning Treehouse series.
Felice Arena: author of the bestselling and award-winning Specky Magee series.
Yvette Poshoglian: author of the fabulous Frankie Fox Spy Girl series.
Marcus Emerson: author of the immensely popular Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja series.
Matt Stanton: bestselling author and illustrator of the Funny Kid series.
Katrina Nannestad: award-winning author of The Girl, the Dog and the Writer in Rome.
James Roy: acclaimed author of the Edsel Grizzler series.
Lisa Shanahan: author of the hilarious My Big Birkett.
Penny Tangey: comedian and author of Clara in Washington.

Laugh Your Head Off 4 Ever is a collection of short stories by some of Australia’s funniest writers — Andy Griffiths, Felice Arena, Yvette Poshoglian, Marcus Emerson, Matt Stanton, Katrina Nannestad, James Roy, Lisa Shanahan and Penny Tangey.

Last year, I read and reviewed the previous title in the series: Laugh Your Head Off Again and Again. Every year, Pan Macmillan publish a compilation of funny short stories for children. It’s the perfect Christmas present for young readers and writers.

Each story is the perfect length for children. They’re long enough to allow for an exciting, inviting adventure but short enough that it’s manageable for young readers to maintain interest in the book.

“Of all the things I’ve ever done, this would have to be the most stupid. I’m lying on my back squashed into a pram. Sucking a dummy. Waving a Porky Pig rattle. Wearing a nappy.”
ANDY GRIFFITHS

Laugh Your Head Off 4 Ever is a gorgeous hardback book, bright yellow with pink font and stunning illustrations within the pages. Andrea Innocent’s illustrations are scattered throughout the stories, brightening each addition to the book.

“Before we go any further, there’s something about me that you need to know: I love snakes. Not real snakes, of course — I think real snakes are creepy and scary. No, I mean jelly snakes.”
JAMES ROY

I’d recommend this for parents and younger readers. It’d be great under your Christmas tree, and there are three other books in the series you can get your hands on.

Laugh Your Head Off 4 Ever is available now, Macmillan Australia, RRP $19.99.

***

AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH FELICE ARENA

Congratulations on the publication of Laugh your Head Off 4 Ever. Tell us a little about your story in this book.
It’s about a boy who is mortified to see his father take over the dance floor at his school dance. (“He was only supposed to chaperone, not dance!”) The boy will do anything to stop his father from dancing and embarrassing him in front of his friends.

What was the inspiration behind your story?
Dads dancing in general is funny. They think they look cool, but for kids it’s horrifying. Middle-aged men shouldn’t dance, right?

What do you look for when writing a funny short story?
It varies. But for this story there had to be an element of truth to it. I had to present something that we could all relate to. When we see ourselves in stories it strikes more of a chord with us – especially the stories that show us in awkward and funny situations.

What’s something you’ve always wanted to write about but it hasn’t made its way into a story yet?
Talking animals. Yes, it’s a subject that authors writing for children have made good use of over the centuries. I would love to write a story about a moose. I think moose are cool.

What is your editing process like? Do you write many drafts?
I edit as I write. I go over and over my story before I submit it to my editor. And she still always finds something to improve on. I usually end up writing about three drafts before my book is ready to go to the printers.

Is there anything you would change about your writing career?
Perhaps my name. I sometimes think I’d prefer a catchier name than Felice, one that’s easier to remember. Something like Felix Figg. Or I.P. Often. 😉

What are you working on next?
A historical action adventure for older reader entitled A Great Escape. It’s set in Berlin 1961. It’s coming out next March.

Finally, how best can readers or schools get in contact with you?
Via my website FelixFigg.com… just joking. It’s www.felicearena.com.
Or they can reach me on my Instagram account: www.instagram.com/fleech

Thank you to the publisher for mailing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Laugh Your Head 4 Ever
Featured authors: Andy Griffiths, Felice Arena, Yvette Poshoglian, Marcus Emerson, Matt Stanton, Katrina Nannestad, James Roy, Lisa Shanahan and Penny Tangey.
November 2018
Pan Macmillan

Inheritance by Carole Wilkinson

Nic is left in the care of her grandfather at the remote family property that was once her mother’s childhood home; a place with thirty rooms, three dogs and no mobile reception.

Left to her own devices, she searches for clues about her mother – who died the day Nic was born. But when Nic learns how to slip through time, she discovers more than she could have imagined. The past holds a dark and shocking secret that haunts the land and the people who live there.

Historical fiction for middle grade readers at its compelling, shocking, fascinating best.

Inheritance by Carole Wilkinson is a historical fiction novel perfect for Australian readers aged approximately 10-12.

This book is not at all what I thought it was going to be, judging by the blurb above. Yes, it’s a novel about time travel. But it’s so much more than that. It’s about massacre and racism and understanding the mistakes of the past.

Inheritance sheds light on the shameful events in Australian history. This book would make a good classroom discussion for primary school children, using it to launch conversations around the history of Australia and the treatment of aboriginals by white people.

“My eyes were still adjusting to the sudden change from absolute darkness to brilliant daylight. In the distance, among all the yellow, I could see dark out-of-focus shapes. I blinked. One of the shapes changed. I heard a sound. It took me a while to realise it was a voice. The other shapes changed, becoming taller and thinner. They were people. Women.”

Teenager Nic Gervase lives in the present-day timeline and lives in regional Victoria. Her fathers on a cruise ship and has left her to live with her maternal grandfather. She stumbles upon a way to travel back in time, and discovers the shocking truth about what life was like back then.

Inheritance confronts the massacre of the local Gulidjan people in 1839. At times, the content in the book is a little shocking but it’s based on true events and it’s important for young readers to know the history of Australia.

“The men stared at me with curiosity, not fear. One of them spoke. The sounds made no sense to me. I couldn’t even recognise them as words. He seemed to be talking to the women. Then the men turned and ran off, their spears held high.”

At times, the vocabulary, sentence structure and prose felt a little too young for the audience but the concept of time travel is so interesting that I think it will entice and engage young readers’ minds.

I recommend this to young readers intrigued by historical fiction and Australian history.

Thank you to the publisher for mailing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Inheritance
Carole Wilkinson
September 2018
Walker Books Australia

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