by Cornelia Funke
Published by Chicken House, Frome, Somerset, 2010
Two orphaned children are running away from their uncle and aunt. They find their way to Venice, and are befriended by a group of street children. A detective has been hired by the Aunt to find them - and so the adventure progresses.
Cornelia Funke is a brilliant story-teller, and this story has to one of her best ones.
Highly recommended for all readers, children and adults.
Sunday, 29 May 2011
Bel Canto
by Ann Patchett
Winner of the Orange prize for Fiction 2002
Published by Fourth Estate, London, 2001
Kidnappers/Terrorists storm a gathering hosted by the Vice President of an unnamed country. A Japanese businessman had been enticed to celebrate his birthday by the party organiser using a well-known opera singer as the bait. But, neither of these people was the target of the kidnappers. The target was not present. The kidnappers and their victims remained "holed-up" for months while a settlement was negotiated with the government.
This story is about love in its many guises. It is a well-written story that can be enjoyed on many levels. I particularly liked the many links to classical music and found that the ending of the story built to an incredible finale.
Recommended for: Senior students and adults
Suitable for NCEA Levels 2 & 3 English texts
Winner of the Orange prize for Fiction 2002
Published by Fourth Estate, London, 2001
Kidnappers/Terrorists storm a gathering hosted by the Vice President of an unnamed country. A Japanese businessman had been enticed to celebrate his birthday by the party organiser using a well-known opera singer as the bait. But, neither of these people was the target of the kidnappers. The target was not present. The kidnappers and their victims remained "holed-up" for months while a settlement was negotiated with the government.
This story is about love in its many guises. It is a well-written story that can be enjoyed on many levels. I particularly liked the many links to classical music and found that the ending of the story built to an incredible finale.
Recommended for: Senior students and adults
Suitable for NCEA Levels 2 & 3 English texts
Everlasting
by Angie Frazier
Published by Scholastic Press, New York 2010
Camille lives with her father who runs a trading business based in San Francisco. It is time for Camille to marry - and she has been promised to a young man who is going to help save her father's business. Camille and her father set out on her last voyage before her marriage. This eventful voyage will change her life forever.
I enjoyed this story, but it was not as engaging as others that I have read.
Recommended for young teenagers.
Published by Scholastic Press, New York 2010
Camille lives with her father who runs a trading business based in San Francisco. It is time for Camille to marry - and she has been promised to a young man who is going to help save her father's business. Camille and her father set out on her last voyage before her marriage. This eventful voyage will change her life forever.
I enjoyed this story, but it was not as engaging as others that I have read.
Recommended for young teenagers.
Sunday, 15 May 2011
Suggestions for lunchtime activities in the Library
We want ideas for interesting activities that we can organise for lunchtimes in the library.
There will be a small reward given to every Wainuiomata High School student who posts their idea on this blog during May 2011.
There will be a small reward given to every Wainuiomata High School student who posts their idea on this blog during May 2011.
Cassandra Clare visits Lower Hutt
On Tuesday, 10 May, 2011, eleven senior students had the opportunity to visit Chilton St James School to hear Cassandra Clare talk about her books. They returned from the event buzzing with enthusiasm, talking about the author, and about the types of questions that the audience asked the author at the end of her presentation.
Special thanks to John McIntyre from The Children's Bookshop in Kilbirnie for organising the event.
Special thanks to John McIntyre from The Children's Bookshop in Kilbirnie for organising the event.
Sunday, 1 May 2011
A Waltz for Matilda
by Jackie French
Published by Angus & Robertson, Sydney, 2010
Yes, this is a story based on Australia's national song - "Waltzing Matilda" - and it is a very good one too. Jackie French has to one of the best story-tellers around. She has an amazing ability to create story in accurately portrayed historical situations. This story is about a girl growing-up in difficult circumstances in Australia in the 1890's. Historical events, such as Trade Unions, Women's suffrage, Australian Federation, and ethical issues, such as race relations (aborigines, immigrants) and looking after the environment (farming practices in the outback) are brought to life in this novel. Thank you, Jackie. I can't wait to read your next book.
Suitable for all readers.
Published by Angus & Robertson, Sydney, 2010
Yes, this is a story based on Australia's national song - "Waltzing Matilda" - and it is a very good one too. Jackie French has to one of the best story-tellers around. She has an amazing ability to create story in accurately portrayed historical situations. This story is about a girl growing-up in difficult circumstances in Australia in the 1890's. Historical events, such as Trade Unions, Women's suffrage, Australian Federation, and ethical issues, such as race relations (aborigines, immigrants) and looking after the environment (farming practices in the outback) are brought to life in this novel. Thank you, Jackie. I can't wait to read your next book.
Suitable for all readers.
Three to Get Deadly
by Janet Evanovich - A Stephanie Plum novel
Published by Penguin Books, London, 1997
Janet Evanovich never fails to please. Her gritty characters and humourous prose are delightful. Her Stephanie Plum novels are crime stories with a difference. They are funny!
Suitable for adults.
Published by Penguin Books, London, 1997
Janet Evanovich never fails to please. Her gritty characters and humourous prose are delightful. Her Stephanie Plum novels are crime stories with a difference. They are funny!
Suitable for adults.
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