Kara's Holiday Reading Guide

In the southern hemisphere, summer is warming up! Attack your growing pile of ‘been meaning to read’ books, or embark on one of the new children and teen series out this year—Kara's made it easy for you with her favourites list from 2014.

Long, leisurely days stretch out before you like the golden sand on a vast beach. It’s holiday time and there are a couple of ways this could go down:  you could sleep until midday, while away the afternoons playing video games or browsing social media, then commit your evenings to trashy TV until it’s time to return to the weekday grind. Or .... you could read a mountain of books. Read the books that have been gathering dust on your bedside table. Read the books that you’ve renewed (three times) from the library or promised your friend you’d return...soon. Read novels and essays and poems or even a whole series! Do it. Read a book.

Just in case you’re in need of fresh ideas for this holiday season, here are a few suggestions for young readers of all ages. Coincidentally, the list acts as something of a round-up of our favourite new series for the year. Is there something here that you’ve been meaning to get your hands on? Now’s the time to do it—go ahead, read a book!

Readers aged 5-7 years

Squishy McFluff by Pip Jones & Ella Okstad: This will appeal especially to animal-loving kids with bright imaginations aged 5+. Fun rhyming verse and soft pastel illustrations make for a nice transition between picture and chapter books. 

Lulu by Judith Viorst: Children aged 6+ with a mischievous nature and a good sense of humour will find much to relate to in Judith Viorst’s young heroine, Lulu. The quirky illustrations featured throughout are by Lane Smith and Kevin Cornell.

Weir Do by Anh Do: Sweet and very funny stories about a boy doing his best to fit in, written by one of Australia’s best-loved comedians. Just perfect for strong readers aged 6+ who are still a little too young for Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

Atticus Claw by Jennifer Gray: The hilarious adventures of cat-burglar-turned-detective, Atticus Claw. Running between 220 and 250 pages each, these are great for kids aged 7+ or slightly older reluctant readers who like a little mystery in their chapter books.

Readers aged 8-10 years

Frank Einstein by Jon Scieszka: An irresistible blend of science and adventure make this the perfect series for curious young minds aged 8+. With Scieszka’s trademark zany humour, fans of Andy Griffith’s Treehouse series are bound to feel right at home.

Mister Max by Cynthia Voigt: This finely crafted series of pitch-perfect historical mysteries is complete with elegant black-and-white illustrations and a uniquely Victorian flavour. Voigt once again provides quality literature for confident young readers aged 8+.  

Mapmaker Chronicles by A.L. Tait: The first in a thrilling medieval series about exploration and adventure, Tait’s young adult debut bears a resemblance to the ever-popular Ranger’s Apprentice series. Readers 9+ who enjoy action, adventure and history will devour these.

Caddy Kids by N.J. Gemmel: The delightful adventures of four wilful siblings from Australia who are unexpectedly thrust into the care of their eccentric English uncle. With wry humour and quirky characters evocative of Lemony Snicket, these are simply perfect for readers 10+.

 Readers aged 11-13 years

 

Through My Eyes by Various Authors: A moving and informative series which explores the lives of children living in contemporary war zones. These books sensitively and tastefully introduce serious social themes while remaining age appropriate for readers aged 11+.

Riverman by Aaron Starmer: Magical realism with a twist of folklore, Riverman harks back to the early work of Neil Gaiman or Colin Meloy’s Wildwood series. Eerie and intriguing, the trilogy explores some heavy topics but is recommended for mature-minded readers aged 12+.

Maze Runner by James Dashner: While the dystopian genre has been less prominent in 2014, we can’t ignore this classic series recently revitalised by an excellent film adaptation. Action, competition and an evil dictatorship will have most boys and many girls aged 12+ engrossed.

Girl Online by Zoe “Zoella” Sugg: The first in a planned series by YouTube celebrity and style-icon Zoella, this contemporary romance tells a coming-of-age story for the digital generation. This is sweet and easy YA fiction – a perfect holiday read for girls aged 13+.

Readers aged 14+

Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin: Mara Dyer awakens from a coma with no memory of the events preceding her hospitalisation but that’s only the beginning of her nightmare. A dark mystery with a twist of horror and, of course, a love story will suit teen girls aged 14+.

Winger by Andrew Smith:  Realistic fiction with a likeable male protagonist barely exists as a genre but this is a great example of how it can to be done! Teens aged 14+ will relate to the precarious balance between school, sport, family, friends and a blossoming new romance.

Split Second by Sophie McKenzie: A contemporary thriller packed with high-voltage action and a web of dangerous conspiracies. A safe bet for both males and females aged 14+ due to the dual-character narration which offers alternating perspectives from both protagonists.

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey: In this smart apocalyptic drama, humanity is decimated by an alien invasion which bears little resemblance to the various Hollywood versions. Tough, resourceful characters and thrilling plot twists make it a perfect series to entertain teens 14+.

Winner's Trilogy by Marie Rutkoski: Set in a richly imagined new world, this is a story of romance, rumours and rebellion, where dirty secrets and careless alliances can be deadly. Everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart. 5-spoons!

And that’s the list! I hope you've discovered a new series to share with a hungry young reader—or to sink your own teeth into—because filling your mind with new adventures is the very best way to get the most out of your holidays! To paraphrase that bastion of popular fiction, George R.R. Martin: readers live a thousand lives but those who choose not to read...live only one. So, how many lives can you cram into your holiday break?

On behalf of the Cereal Readers team, we wish you a merry Christmas—and a year ahead filled with many, many hours of happy reading.

Kara Smith

Fairy Tales Reconstructed—Past, Present and Future

Once upon a time, long, long ago…long before there were books written for reluctant readers, books about social issues, or distinct markets such as ‘tween’ or ‘young adult’…long ago, there were just fairy tales.

Stories within stories; stories originally told as a way of socialising children, warning them of the perils of  trusting strangers,  the misfortunes of birth, the saving power of romance and—in most cases—the  ultimate victory of good over evil. They outlined traditional roles: girls becoming women; boys leaving home, taking risks and being protectors; and so many of us grew up with them. Then fairy tales fell from favour. These tales full of stereotypes and unconscious myths—myths such as those equating beauty and good; ugliness and evil; and the idea that a female is helpless until ‘saved’ by her handsome prince—were not politically correct!

But fairy tales also feature resilience and resourcefulness, courage and triumph - together with a gripping tension and delicious thrill that is, somehow, unique to this genre. And, whatever the suggested age of appeal, the timeless nature of fairy tales can be enjoyed into adulthood.

“..It’s in the nature of fairytales to be altered and to morph with time and with each new storyteller. I was really drawn to taking the original fairytales and morphing them into something new and fresh, while still maintaining some of the themes that everyone is familiar with.”  —Jackson Pearce

So, good news! The fairy tale tradition has been reborn in recent years with some highly (highly) engaging and imaginative results. The trend not only crosses both children’s and young adult’s series, but the interpretations range from the more traditional retelling to humorous takes; from versions with contemporary settings to even ambitious futuristic adventures, such as the ‘Lunar Chronicles’ serial by Marissa Meyer. Here's a brief guide to some of the bold new options.

Fresh Retellings in the Fairy Tale Tradition

If you’re looking for a more traditional retelling that moves well beyond the picture book versions for small children, here are two well worth exploring. Folktales by Robin McKinley is a series which features spellbinding retellings of classical fairy tales, for ages 11+. For a  similar age,  there is the award winning Books of Bayern series by Shannon Hale. This original and magical series is woven from the Grimm’s fairy tale of a princess who became a goose girl and must discover her own unusual talents before she can lead her people as their queen.

Tales Dark and Grimm…and Witty!

As a springboard for the imagination, fairy tales provide infinite scope, as shown by authors Adam Gidwitz and Christopher Healy. In their respective series, they mix characters across stories and add humour and mayhem.

In Adam Gidwitz’s  mischievous and utterly original trilogy, Tales Dark and Grimm,  he steers clear of romance and revisits the grimmer fairy tales. Hansel and Gretel, Rumpelstiltskin, and Jack and Jill are in for a bit of confusion, as Gidwitz plays with their fates, taking these tales in new directions—literally—by  walking well-known characters out of their own stories and into other classic Grimm–inspired tales. Gidwitz seems to have a handle on events that will captivate pre-teen imaginations, bringing fairy tales alive again with sinister happenings and dark, humorous fun. These fairy tales veer to the irreverent and subversive, as characters “take charge of their destinies and become the clever architects of their own happily ever after.” (ages 10+)

Humour abounds in the illustrated Christopher Healy series, League of Princes (ages 9+). The string of ‘cardboard cut-out’ princes required only to sweep in, save the day, and look good in a wedding frock-coat, are finally given some back story as they take centre stage. Teaming up to crisscross fairy tales, the members of the League of Princes are revealed for all their foibles and eccentricities as they embark on action...that is, to the best of their abilities. A series I’m sure will appeal to many boys!  I’m intrigued by Christopher Healy's idea of also exploring the nefarious and unstable evil fairy tale characters in a future series. I think that would make for some very funny stories, indeed.

Fairy Tales in a Contemporary Setting

Several series have chosen a contemporary setting in which to present a modern take on the fairy tale. Located in a world that includes high school, the Internet and a variety of adolescent concerns, the classic elements of the fairy tale have a fresh twist in a familiar backdrop. Here are a few written for slightly older readers.

The award-winning series, Beastly by Alex Flinn (ages 13+). At their heart, the stories echo the well-known tales, however, Prince Charming is now the most popular boy in school; the wicked witch is a goth girl determined to teach her peers a lesson they won't forget; and the damsel in distress has a bizarre past.

In the Unfortunate Fairy Tale series by Chanda Hann (ages 13+) Mina, a descendant of the Brothers Grimm has inherited all of their unfinished fairy tale business—she must finish the tales to the end, or she and her family will suffer dire consequences. Action and fierce family loyalty also feature in the Fairy Tale Retellings series by Jackson Pearce (ages 14+). These dark and gorgeous fairy tale retellings have action to set the heart-pounding,  and romance to leave readers breathless.

The Enchanted Fairytales by Cindy C. Bennett also has a contemporary setting, but the heart-felt stories have no magical or supernatural elements. This charming series, most comprised of novellas, is well-suited to the pre-teen age group (ages 10-11+).

For slightly younger readers, the Land of Stories series (ages 8+) by Chris Colfer, tells the tale of twins Alex and Conner. Through the mysterious powers of a cherished book of stories, they leave their world behind and find themselves in a foreign land full of wonder and magic where they come face-to-face with the fairy tale characters they grew up reading about.

The Futuristic Lunar Chronicles

One of the most innovative fairy tale-inspired series is the recently published Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer. This fast-paced story successfully melds intelligent and resourceful heroines—Cinder (Cinderella), Scarlet (Red Riding Hood), Cress (Rapunzel) and Winter (Snow White)—romance,  space technology and viral warfare. Yes, space technology and viral warfare. That this unlikely combination creates an engaging, hold-on-to-your-seat ride, is a tribute to Meyer’s imagination and daring.

The series begins with the story of Cinder, a cyborg mechanic in a futuristic New Beijing. New Beijing is plagued with a mysterious illness and the threat of invasion from the moon-based, Lunar people. The subtle but distinct Chinese setting and references, which played out in names, foods and other cultural references, was refreshing.

Events in Cinder set the scene for subsequent novels, with new characters gradually added to the unfolding action, rather than each feature character and fairy tale having a separate book, per sage. As a result, this series is also a serial, with definite cliff-hangers at the end of each book. But have no fear, when the fourth and final book featuring Winter, is released in early 2015, I’m quite sure we’ll see some fairy tale endings! A thoroughly engaging—and perfectly suitable—series for ages 12+.

Still firmly in the fairy tale genre but not falling easily into the categories above, the following series offer further variety in the fairy tale genre, many of them having been nominated for or won respected awards.

• Sisters Grimm (ages 7+)
• Guardians of Childhood (ages 8+)
• Wildwood Chronicles (8+)
• Inkheart (ages 9+)
• Princess Academy (10+)

"Out of old tales, we must make new lives" —Carolyn Heilbrun

Oh, and there are many more! Stow any preconceived ideas you may have about this genre and sample a few. With such a variety of series paying homage to the fairy tale tradition in new and exciting ways, there’s sure to be something that appeals to almost every taste. If you have another fairy tale series you'd like to see added to Cereal Readers, please email us at: books@cerealreaders.com.

Marielle Rebbechi

I and Love and You - Colleen Hoover's 'Slammed' Series

Colleen Hoover blends music and poetry, humour and heartache, in her beguiling and romantic 'Slammed' series. It's the story of Layken and Will, mature beyond their years due to the challenges they've separately faced, but optimistic when they meet that life is finally giving them a break and a much-needed fresh start.

Anxious not to mar their first date with talk of his tragic past, Will instead introduces his new neighbour, Layken, to the 'Would You Rather?' game - a game typical of the quirky humour Hoover ascribes to her characters:

"...would you rather spend the rest of your life with no arms, or would you rather spend the rest of your life with arms you couldn't control?"

"...Well..." I hesitate. "I guess I would rather spend the rest of my life with arms I couldn't control?"

"What? Seriously? But you wouldn't be controlling them!" he says, flapping his arms around in the car. "They could be flailing around and you'd be constantly punching yourself in the face! Or worse, you might grab a knife and stab yourself!"

That same night, Will also introduces Layken to slam poetry, a form of competition poetry where participants read or recite their work, often as a performance of self-expression. Throughout the series, Hoover uses her original, moving and witty slam poetry to help define key characters, and convey strong emotions and pivotal moments.

'...I used to love the ocean,
Everything about her.
The way she would sing me to sleep
as I lay in my bed
then wake me with a force
That I soon came to dread.
Her fables, her lies, her misleading eyes...'

Layken and Will's shared appreciation for slam poetry strengthens their initial connection, but elation is short lived as circumstances conspire to keep them apart and family responsibilities weigh heavily. As the two struggle with their obligations and feelings, slam poetry provides a much-needed outlet. It's an expressive form that marries extraordinarily well with the wide-ranging gamut of teen sentiment and experience.

In addition to her immensely appealing main characters, Hoover gives her story considerable depth and humour with strong secondary characters in the younger brothers, Kel and Caulder, off-beat friends Eddie and Gavin, and Layken's conflicted mother, Julia.

I thoroughly enjoyed Slammed and found it a butterflyingly good read. (You'll need to read the second book in the series, Point of Retreat, for that reference!) I also enjoyed the introduction to slam poetry and her beloved Avett Brothers, who now owe to Colleen Hoover a new legion of fans, myself included.

'But I can tell by watching you
That there's no chance of pushing through
The odds are so against us
You know most young love, it ends like this.'
                 [The Avett Brothers, I Would Be Sad]

Happy Valentine's Day from Cereal Readers,
Marielle Rebbechi

Pull on a Halloween Costume and Slip into Another Skin…

Halloween was one of the two cultural events I missed most after living in the US (the other being Thanksgiving). It’s not that I enjoy horror or the macabre; in fact, I’ve never seen a horror movie and have a remarkably low threshold for blood and gore. You might wonder then—if you’re not American—how Halloween could hold any appeal for me.

With co-workers at Jamal's annual Halloween party (1995)

At one time, I might have wondered, too. But Halloween is a day when it’s perfectly acceptable for adults to dress up and be frivolous—something of a return to the days of childhood, complete with imaginings of who you might be in another skin...not to mention the opportunity to eat ridiculous amounts of candy! It’s culturally embedded fun and silliness.

Hard at work: two of the 'Three Amigos!' (1996)

Surprisingly (and unlike any other holiday I can think of) Halloween is more fun if you go to work! It's hard to believe the effort many people go to with costumes, and their willingness to wear awkward and uncomfortable outfits for an entire day.  Even better! Each Halloween affords not one but two opportunities to dress up: one for the day at the office; one for the party at night! (Trust me: all day in one of those synthetic costumes and you definitely have to change before going out.)

Houses decked out in themed decorations and garden paths with movement sensors setting off spine-chilling laughs, creaking doors or thunder claps. Halloween baking; cupcakes and cookies iced with spider webs. The house across the street from us in Mountain View went all out to create the right atmosphere for the intrepid young trick or treaters. They spent days rigging a mock ‘house of horrors’ that ran from the sidewalk to the front door. Music, lighting, props, smoke...

Martina's creative Halloween baking

When we returned from California in 1999, I was keen to celebrate Halloween with my young nieces and son. Not only did I miss the holiday, but my son was American; this was part of his cultural heritage! There was no hope of trick-or-treating at that time, however, because no one would have any candy to hand out!

Not to be thwarted, I invented ‘reverse trick-or-treating’. This consisted of dressing up and distributing bags of candy at each of the houses in the (thankfully small) street. The neighbours were understandably very surprised when they opened their doors, but appreciative! We had a lot of fun dressing up and traipsing around, and my son made quite an adorable pumpkin—even though he really disliked the rustle of tissue paper that filled out his costume.

Four gypsies...and a pumpkin (1999)

In Australia, the popularity of Halloween has grown markedly in the last decade, with Australian stores now stocking Halloween costumes, decorations and candy. I’m not sure, however, that we can ever attain the cultural link which makes Halloween uniquely American.

For me, Halloween is much less about ‘horror’ and much more about the magic of imagination, dressing up and a return to childhood... Ultimately, it’s about the chance to slip into someone else’s skin—and when I think about it, doesn’t that cover just about every book we ever read?

Marielle Rebbechi

"There is no hook turn at Brunswick Road..."!

Friday night was the Castlemaine book launch party for Ellie Marney’s first young adult novel, Every Breath (Allen and Unwin). The official launch was at Readings in Carlton the week before, but this was an opportunity for Ellie to celebrate with family and friends in the close-knit community and to acknowledge the support they’d given her. It was definitely a party for all ages, with a stream of young children tightly clutching chocolate cake, ducking and weaving between adults...

Ellie is passionate about family, the ties that bind, and writing stories that feature sharp-witted female protagonists. Change, love and growth are recurring themes in her writing - as are country life and people which, ironically, she is able to bring to her new novel, despite its inner-city setting.

Every Breath is a gripping crime thriller set in Melbourne, refreshingly sans the paranormal or the dystopian (that's not to deny my own enjoyment of the dystopian genre, but variety is important). On Friday evening, Ellie read an entertaining exchange between three of the main characters as they bicker over inner-city directions. It's a section that is representative of the book’s authentic dialog, and culminates in Rachel's exasperated shout: "THERE IS NO HOOK TURN AT BRUNSWICK ROAD, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD - "!

I thoroughly enjoyed Every Breath, which is the first in a trilogy series titled, 'Every', and I'm pleased to have a signed copy to give away. Simply email: books@cerealreaders.com. You can read my full review below.

       

Ellie Marney signing a copy of  her YA novel, 'Every Breath'. Email to win!

 REVIEW

Every Breath is a breath of fresh air in the mushrooming realm of young adult fiction. Ellie Marney has written a crime novel rich in romance, flawed characters and realistic dialogue, with an edgy storyline that quickly draws the reader in with its moody narration. 

When we meet Watts and Mycroft they are already good friends, navigating a complex and awkward relationship that resonates with the tension of new sexual awareness. The angular, intense, and somewhat desperate Mycroft pulls at the heart strings of Rachael Watts, a girl feeling displaced and resentful after the loss of her family’s farm and an enforced move to the city of Melbourne.

"Two people united by fate, or random chance, or the law of averages, or destiny, or a freak of nature, or pure dumb luck."

The two are inadvertently drawn into solving the murder of a homeless man they’ve befriended. Already keenly interested in forensics (an elective class they take at school) their inquiries and sleuthing lead them to some dark encounters. Despite admonishment from the police, the teens are compelled to continue their own investigations.

Two adolescents embarking on a murder investigation is a difficult storyline to keep grounded, yet Marney successfully walks that fine line between the believable and the just-plain-unlikely without crossing into farce.

A solid plot and genuine characters with great chemistry, combine to create a refreshing and authentic novel. It’s a thoroughly engaging story that’s hard to put down, and creates a mood that lingers long after. I am poised for books two and three in this crime trilogy, with the next in series, Every Word, due out in June 2014.

Click here to view the Every series on Cereal Readers.

Marielle Rebbechi

A Bright First Chapter for Cereal Readers

Amidst wintery weather just perfect for curling up inside with a book (well,  in the southern hemisphere, at least!) Cereal Readers celebrated its first birthday on August 18.

With this milestone we’re proud to announce our new membership feature, enabling readers to join Cereal Readers! As part of this first stage, members can post reviews and ratings on both books and series, while more extensive features will be unveiled in the months to come.

Given the unrelenting pace of each week and the many (as-yet) unreached aspirations I have for the website, it would’ve been easy to let this marker slip by unacknowledged. An anniversary is, however, a good opportunity to stop and look at just what has been accomplished over the last twelve months, so I took something of a little statistical ‘anniversary tour’. 

The website has certainly grown. We launched with a database of approximately 800 books in 125 series, and now have well over 1800 books in 270 series. If you’re interested in statistics, that’s an average of almost 7 books per series. There are so many great children’s books out there!

The online book world is enormous, just enormous! That being the case, I’ve been realistic—and very patient—waiting for the site to make its mark with search engines. I was understandably thrilled to discover that CerealReaders.com is well on its way to 1000 visitors a month, from a diverse range of countries. Being Australian-based, most of our site visitors are currently from Australia and New Zealand, however, it’s exciting to see that already more than a quarter of our visitors are from countries in North America and Europe. 

More than a year of cyber book-touring also confirms the uniqueness of our site, with all the information presented from the series perspective. Even after 18 months continuing to build our database of books, we have yet to find another website that operates anything like it.  

 "Even after 18 months continuing to build our database of books, we have yet to find another website that operates anything like it."

Kara & I with author, Kate Forsyth, Bendigo Writers' Festival

Acknowledging the achievements of the year would not be complete without recognising the fabulous contributions from Kara and Alex over the year. I am extremely fortunate to have them working with me on Cereal Readers. Kara’s passion for books and her social media flare have generated great exposure for the site, both in Australia and overseas, while Alex’s programming skills have enabled us to add new features, such as the expanded search function, and the new rating and review feature for members. As to our  more advanced member features slated for the coming year, I can’t reveal the nature of them just yet, so you'll have to stay tuned for the next book in this series!

Marielle Rebbechi

YA Writers - Could They Care Less?

I’ve been reading quite a number of young adult series novels of late. Partly, for Cereal Readers website content; partly to preview material for my own YAer; and partly (mostly) because I enjoy the genre. I was somewhat perplexed when I read the phrase—issued with disdain and defiance from an adolescent protagonist—"I could care less!".

I read this twice; three times. Was this the oft-encountered e-book typo? Did the character care more, rather than less? Was the author just confused about the saying?

I read on, and the dialog slipped from my mind, but I soon encountered it again…and again. Let me clarify that I encountered this phrase in YA novels by American writers. Not every writer 'could care less'—some 'couldn’t care less'—but still, it was obviously not an error as I first thought, but rather a cultural difference in the saying. I have spent almost seven years of my life in the  U.S. (including a year as a high school student) so I was amazed this difference hadn’t come to my attention before.  Perhaps when issued in verbal form, my brain had just filled in what it thought was missing or meant? Regardless, what bothered  me most was the lack of logic of it: if you 'could care less', you could feasibly care a LOT, which was obviously not what the  characters in these novels wanted to communicate.

Hmm, so what was this about? I couldn’t let it go. I really cared—a lot (just to be clear). A little investigation was required, and such nuances are the life-blood of the Internet.

In brief, here’s what I found out. 'Could care less' is unique to America, and whether it developed from a sarcastic interpretation, careless pronunciation, or some other factor—or indeed, combination of factors—is unclear. [1] It is not a new issue, by any means, and has certainly elicited controversy and heated discussion. As recently as March 2013, the furore around that phrase 'could care less'—uttered by songstress, Taylor Swift—was the motivation behind this article in the Chicago Tribune.

Assuming the sarcastic meaning, which seems to be well-supported, I’ve been walking around the house uttering, ‘I could care less’; ‘I couldn’t care less’, in varying tones. (My husband is looking at me like I should be committed.) I don’t know...it always seems to be something one says in defiance and anger; the gauntlet thrown down. Is the sarcasm really there? Perhaps I need to actually hear it said by an American (Taylor Swift?)...but I'll admit, it's hard for me to get away from the logic of 'couldn’t care less'.

'Could care less' is certainly not the form used in all American YA novels I’ve read, so either it’s somewhat regional, or there are writers attempting to be less parochial. Or as Maeve Maddox suggests, “Although the newer form of the expression meaning “not to care at all” has been widely-used for some time, many people still regard it as an uneducated error.” [2]

Michael Quinion also discusses the difference with interest and includes a linguistic point of view, but concludes that “it is still regarded as slangy, and also has some social class stigma attached. And because it is hard to be sarcastic in writing, it loses its force when put on paper…”. Perhaps, as Grammar Girl suggests, when in doubt, go with 'couldn’t care less'.

As an American YA writer, you might not be aware that this form of the saying is colloquial to America; that it does—in the midst of riveting and emotional dialog —mentally trip the non-American reader; something of a foot whipped out as you're walking past. Perhaps you’d like to consider the wider market and the dissolving international publishing boundaries; but then again, perhaps you couldn’t care less.

Marielle Rebbechi

Animals at Large

In high school, my friend Nancy raised livestock to sell at the local fair to earn money for her college fund. Among other animals, Nance had a series of pigs she became very fond of for their intelligence and character. The memory of one particular black pig has stayed with me for his improbable and amusing name, 'Chicken George'.

In Nancy's household, the college-fund animals were the only ones that earned their keep financially; still, others exhibited entertaining quirks and personalities for which they're remembered fondly decades later, such as the unlikely and endearing friendship that arose between a gangly Irish setter called Shaun, and a mallard duck named Lashes.

Each evening, when it was time to put Lashes in for the night, Nancy had only to tell Shaun, "Go get Lashes!" and he would locate the duck, place a gentle paw on her back, and keep her in place for Nancy to collect. Lashes never appeared frightened of the large and lanky dog; in fact, the two would curl up together to sleep, and Lashes regularly spent time grooming and removing fleas from Shaun's coat.

Such are the personalities and quirks we observe in animals - qualities that make them ideal characters for books!

Series featuring animals as main characters

The realm of fantasy offers stories that completely blur the line between humans and animals; animals become the main protagonists: heroes, villains, and everything in between. The varied qualities of different species, such as intelligence, cunning, loyalty, fierceness, gentleness and compassion, make them engaging choices for writers and readers. We become so absorbed in their characters and adventures, that the line between human and animal disappears completely. Here are some links to series in which animals are the main characters:

• Boris
• Mr Badger
• Freddy the Pig
• Nanny Piggins
• Octavius O'Malley
• Old Tom
• Warriors
• Winnie the Pooh

 

 

 

Series featuring animals as companions

The wordless companionship of animals makes them prime friends to take on adventures. Their protection, friendship, and comfort often make all the difference during a lonely and possibly dangerous adventure. A challenging journey or a mission of mystery seems so much more possible with a faithful pet, and they're often able to provide humour when it's needed most. Here are some links to series in which animals make loyal companions:

• Chronicles of Ancient Darkness
• Clementine Rose
• Aussie Angels
• Famous Five
• Adventure Series

Series featuring animals that can communicate

Animals can be so expressive sometimes their communication doesn't feel wordless. But what if they could talk? What if they could tell you what they're thinking? Warn you of danger? Stories in which an animal is able to communicate in some way, allow us to experience the world from a different perspective. Here are some links to series in which animals can communicate:

• Chronicles of Prydain
• Chronicles of Narnia
• Immortals
• Chaos Walking
• Animal Rescue

 

 

 

 

Series featuring animal stories that make the heart race

Animals are not always friendly companions. Sometimes they frighten and threaten; sometimes they must battle fiercely to protect themselves and those they care about; sometimes they simply battle their own fears in the face of grave challenges. Here are some links to animal series that cause the heart to race:

• Extreme Adventures
• Redwall
• Welkin Weasels
• Underland Chronicles

Author Erin Hunter has also captured this excitement in two series (which are further divided into sub-series), called Seekers and Warriors.

Series featuring animals that need care or rescue

In other stories, roles are reversed and it is humans who are the loyal companions and fierce protectors. After seeing the vulnerability and helplessness of animals that have been hurt or mistreated, compassionate and heroic children are propelled on missions to rescue and care for animals in need. Here are some links to series in which animals need care or rescue:

• Animal S.O.S.
• Mission Fox
• My Father's Dragon
• RSPCA Animal Tales
• The Legend of Little Fur

Make no mistake: the range of animal series books is as varied as the animal kingdom itself, and, while pigs are by no means the only species singled out as worthy protagonists, it's interesting to note that they do feature prominently. But then that's hardly a surprise, is it Nancy?

Marielle [January 24, 2013]

The 11+ Reading Level - a Bermuda Triangle?

It's November - already! To coincide with the eleventh month, we're undertaking a mini-blitz on books for the 11+ age group. You may have noticed that this age group has been mysteriously missing from our Reading Level browse feature since our launch - and not because we have any bias against 11-plusers! No, somehow it's just that this age group is somewhat overlooked, or perhaps more accurately, one that slips through the cracks. Series descriptions from publishers often specify 10+ or 12+...but almost never, 11+. Of course, there is the ubiquitous '9-12 years', but the poor old 11-pluser is really wedged in there without fanfare.

if you're 11 years of age, you could be forgiven for feeling you've disappeared into the Bermuda Triangle of the reading public...

For librarians, parents and, of course, the readers themselves, eleven is a pretty key age. Readers are inching beyond the stable realm of the primary school books and looking ahead to all those enticing and well-promoted series firmly on the YA shelf. They want more action; more excitement; more intrigue; more complexity...perhaps even a tiny bit of romance; still, they're not really ready for the often dark and issue-ladden stories firmly in the 'young-adult' or 12+ age group. So, what's available for them then?

Well, we've done our best to start the ball rolling and hope you'll find some good choices as we unveil our 11+ age category. If you have any series you think work well for this important age group, please email them to us. We'll be continuing our search on behalf of the 11-plusers throughout the month of November. 11-Plusers - unite!

Marielle [November 2, 2012]

Dystopian Fiction - A Perfect Fit for Young Adults

Dystopian fiction is a compelling genre which has grown considerably in popularity with young adult series writers and readers. Prime examples include The Hunger Games, Chaos Walking, Divergent and Delirium. The strong and imaginative writing in this genre is not the only reason for the success of these novels: the themes of the dystopian world and the challenges faced by the central characters make it a genre brilliantly suited for young adults.

The dystopian genre dovetails perfectly with the interests and issues young adults face in real life, as they - on the brink of inheriting a world they may be critical of - must determine their own path. How much is true in what they've been told to believe? What will they accept or reject? What values are they willing to fight for? With whom does their love and allegiance lie? There is also history and mystery in each skewed dystopian world: Why did this society develop as it did? Why are resources scarce? Who holds the power? And, most importantly, what can be done about the society's flaws?

In dystopian fiction, the society or some particular element of life has become exaggerated to an extreme, often because those in power have decided that life will be "better" without particular freedoms, and control is usually the central backbone of the society. The drastic change to the world order has sometimes been facilitated by an event such as disease, war, or an environmental factor.

Such is the case with the Chaos Walking trilogy by Patrick Ness. The defining element of the society is a disease which results in everyone being able to hear each other's thoughts. The ensuring "noise" conveyed in the novels creates a palpable tension, and provides a backdrop for exploring truth and lies, manipulation and control. How can there possibly be secrets when everyone can hear your thoughts? How many ways are there for people to hide their thoughts? The first novel in the series also explores what it means to come of age as a man in this society; whether to accept violence as a rite of passage - and hence become part of the oppression - or to paradoxically choose independence by relinquishing control. Ness beautifully centres this dilemma in his depiction of the knife in the first novel The Knife of Never Letting Go - a knife that represents both a physical and metaphorical knife - as the main character, Todd, wrestles with what it will mean if he is ultimately to use his knife.

The disease in Delirium by Lauren Oliver is of a far different nature; rather than overriding noise, there is an overriding of love. Love is ascribed all the ills of the world: pain, anger, jealousy, and hatred. A "cure" has been perfected and all eighteen year olds must undergo this procedure which nullifies their emotions. Poignantly, the effect relates not only to romantic love, but to love shown to children, relatives and friends. Life continues in a fog that emotions are unable penetrate. Oliver cleverly frames each chapter with snippets of literature, science, and biblical references, recast as extracts from the governmental literature of indoctrination; in doing so, she demonstrates the sinister power of manipulation when history is rewritten in the hands of the victors. The main character, Lena, finds that although she has yearned for relief from the heartache of losing her mother, the value of her life can't be measured by the absence of pain. Love - with all its gamut of emotions - is worth fighting for.

Mortal combat is the central story-line in Suzanne Collin's The Hunger Games, yet the real fight is internal for Katniss, Peeta and Gale; they fight to stay true to their own values and beliefs, while immersed in an impossibly hostile and all-pervasively controlled environment. Despite being forced to make undeniably difficult decisions, they use intelligence and courage to outwit external forces and maintain an honesty and strength of character.

The heroes and heroines of these dystopian novels are written with considerable sensitivity and appealing narrative voice, their characters developing over the course of the series. They are not without flaws; they are not super-heroes; and they are not without conflicting loyalties. In Veronica Roth's Divergent, Tris is confused about her choices and allegiances. She faces the classic dilemma of youth when forced to choose between staying with who and what she knows, or following her yearning to try another path; forge new bonds. Gradually, she recognises that she, and others, are more complicated than initial traits might indicate. No one can really be 'classified by type', in reality being a complex mix of qualities.

The characters in these dystopian novels are real, likeable, and courageous as they face challenges and their own fears. They live in interesting, thought-provoking and brutal worlds, where choices are not clear-cut and they must grow up quickly and choose a path. The journey with them is thoroughly enjoyable.

Marielle [September 14, 2012]