Now

Title: Now
Author: Morris Gleitzman
Genre: Fiction
Series: Once trilogy
Audience: Young Adult
Format: Book – Library

Synopsis: Now Felix is an old man and his grand-daughter, Zelda, is living wiht him while her parents are away. Zelda knows a bit about her grandfather's past and knows she is named fo ra friend he use to know. But it's hard living up to the name Zelda - can she be as brave as her namesake?

What I thought: This is a great conclusion to the series. By bringing the characters into the present,  Gleitzman allows the reader a glimpse into the long term effects of World War 2. You can see so much of Felix in his grand daughter, but her struggles are different. Her heart however, is the same. The relationship between them is beautiful and emphasises the importance of family - the true message of this book. Like Felix, Zelda is wise beyond her years and braver than she thinks. A fantastic end to a wonderful series
Recommended for: people who liked The Boy in Striped Pyjamas

Challenges: 100+ Challenge, The Aussie YA Challenge,  For the Love of YA Challenge

Then

Title: Then
Author: Morris Gleitzman
Genre: Fiction
Series: Once trilogy
Audience: Young Adult
Format: Book – Library

Synopsis: Then Felix and Zelda managed to escape from the train going to the death camps and were on the run from the Nazi's again. Then they met a lovely lady called Genia who takes them in and shelters them. But what will happen to the three of them if they are caught out? Should they stay or leave to face the danger by themselves once again?
What I thought: When I first found out there was a sequel to Once, I wondered how long could you really expect two children to survive alone in Nazi occupied Poland? By placing Felix and Zelda in Genia's care, Gleitzman not only kept the premise of the book believable, but opened the door to exploring another aspect of this horrific time - those who risked their own lives to shelter Jews. The end of Then is shocking - a part of you always expects a book aimed at children to end well - and this doesn't. Gleitzman once again leaves the door open a little, leaving the reader wondering who, if anyone, will survive.
Recommended for: people who liked The Boy in Striped Pyjamas and Once

Challenges: 100+ Challenge, The Aussie YA Challenge,  For the Love of YA Challenge

Once

Title: Once
Author: Morris Gleitzman
Genre: Fiction
Series: Once trilogy
Audience: Young Adult
Format: Book – Library

Synopsis: Once there was a Jewish boy called Felix who told wonderful stories. He escaped from an orphanage to go looking for his parents and rescued a girl called Zelda. Together they set off, hiding from the Nazis and helping each other to survive.

What I thought: Once is the first in 3 book by Morris Gleitzman that I have chosen for our book club this month. They're not long reads, I polished all three off in three days. Gleitzman creates these wonderful characters. Felix's storytelling is whimsical and imaginative. Most importantly, they are distracting and hopeful. The stories Felix tell throughout the book give not only the other characters hope, but the reader as well. But behind the stories you can feel the desperation, the uncertainty and the fear. In the end, you don't know for certain what has happened to everyone, although you can take an educated guess. The grim reality for so many people in Poland during that time though, is we will never know what happened.

Recommended for: people who liked The Boy in Striped Pyjamas

Challenges: 100+ Challenge, The Aussie YA Challenge,  For the Love of YA Challenge

And the winners should be...

Tomorrow (August 19) is the announcement of the Children's Book Council Book of the Year Awards. I have reviewed each of the 6 short listed books in 4 of the categories. I didn't review the Eve Pownell awards, which is the non fiction category. Below are links to my reviews of each category and who I believe should win.


Older Readers - books for mature readers

AND THE WINNER SHOULD BE:

About a Girl by Joanna Horniman

For me, this is the clear winner. Not only is it a well written story, the themes of depression and accepting difference are fantastic springboards for discussion. The main character is flawed, but is still a strong female character who is able to prove her ability to stand on her own, yet also realise when she needs to ask for help. An all round excellent book.

HONOUR BOOKS

Six Impossible Things by Fiona Wood

A book whose character shows great resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Not only is Six Impossible Things well written, it strikes a perfect balance between a light refreshing read with some real issues worth exploring.

The Piper’s Son by Melina Marchetta

I think Marchetta is a possible favourite to win the top gong. The Piper’s Son is yet another book this year with strong themes and excellent writing.

Younger Readers - books for independent younger readers

AND THE WINNER SHOULD BE

Toppling by Sally Murphy; illustrated by Rhian West James

A great book that deals with a difficult subject in a fresh new way. The verse format of the book gives the reader the ability to colour the story with their own experiences and emotions.

HONOUR BOOKS

Violet Mackeral's Brilliant Plot by Anna Branford; illustrated by Sarah Davis

What can I say - I love Violet! Anna Branford has created a character who is smart, thoughtful and not afraid to go after what she wants. An excellent lesson in perseverance

Duck for a Day by Meg McKinlay; illustrated by Leila Ridge

Another gorgeous book about how persevering can bring great rewards. Also a lovely message about how things are not always what they seem.

Early Childhood - books for children in the pre-reading to early reading stages

AND THE WINNER SHOULD BE

  

Look See, Look at me by Leonie Norrington; illustrated by Dee Huxley

From the text to the illustrations, this is a beautiful, engaging picture book. Norrington has captured the voice of a proud three year old perfectly and Huxley's illustrations are, as always, great.

 

It's Bedtime William by Deborah Niland

Anyone who has ever had trouble getting a child to bed will love this book, as will any child who has done everything they could to stay up!

 

The Tall Man and the 12 Babies - Tom Niland Champion and Kilmeny Niland; illustrated by Deborah Niland

Absolute pure fun! One man and 12 babies, all called Alistair or Charlene? It can't fail to be fantastic!

Picture Books - books for children from birth to 18 in a picture book format.

AND THE WINNER SHOULD BE

 

Family Forest - by Kim Kane; illustrated Lucia Masciullo

The sensitive, fun way this book deals with the issue of blended families is what has drawn me to it. I love the fact that everyone in this family - brother, sister, half sibling, step sibling, mum, dad, step parent - blend together to form this incredibly wonderful forest for the child to grow in.

 

HONOUR BOOKS

 

Mirror- Jeannie Baker

Jeannie Baker is just simply a quality illustrator. Her ability to tell a story using just pictures is remarkable. The duality of Mirror leads the read on such a wonderful journey, pointing out differences while highlighting the similarity of childhoods the world over.

 

Shakespeare's Hamlet by Nicki Greenberg

Anyone who can make classic Shakespeare appealing and easy to read and understand is brilliant in my book.

So there are my picks! Can't wait until tomorrow to see if the judges got it right!