Terciel and Elinor

Terciel and Elinor by Garth Nix (Allen & Unwin) ISBN 9781760878818   RRP $24.99

Reviewed by Claire Stuckey       

Marketed as Book Six in the Old Kingdom series this title is a prequel. In this action-packed fantasy, we meet the young Elinor, desolate with only her governess Mrs Watkins and her brother Ham as company. Elinor’s mother is ill with a strange malaise that leads to her death.

 We are also introduced to Terciel, an orphan who has been taken in as apprentice by his great-aunt Tizanael, the Abhorsen. His training has commenced in the art of necromancy, weaponry, and war. When Elinor and her companions are faced with an army of the “undead” from a nearby cemetery Terciel arrives to assist, moving around the kingdom where attacks from a new enemy are taking place. Elinor brought up in Ancelstierre has only has her juggling and circus skills. Valuable lessons once practised with Ham during her childhood.

Elinor has lost her mother and her dearest companion. Her home is burnt to the ground. The towns people are fearful of the “north wind” all this cause Elinor to move away. Armed with more information on her own ancestry and insight into “charter magic” Elinor travels to the Wyverly College to learn and develop her knowledge and skills. Eventually she forced away from the school after several attacks she travels to the Old Kingdom to meet Terciel and Tizanael and to learn more about the magic she has inherited. Terciel and Elinor become lovers. Despite their loving relationship Elinor is troubled. As her skills develop further Elinor sees a disturbing future event.  

For those that have read the Old Kingdom series this will refresh the interest in the vibrant characters developed by Nix 25 years ago when Sabriel was published.  This title provides the story behind the series introducing the young Terciel who returns in Sabriel but as a secondary character, her father.

This is an enjoyable fantasy with lots of action, a range of real and magical characters to follow, and a well-developed plot. As a prequel it brings a back story to the established series which has been repackaged for the 25^th anniversary.  I had not read the series before but still enjoyed the book. A colleague who had read the series rushed at the opportunity to revisit the series and the characters. Having really enjoyed the Left- Handed Bookseller of London in 2021 also, I looked forward to this title. Nix has provided quality fantasy fiction for teen and middle grade readers in Australia for decades and continues to do so.

Recommended for ages 13 years plus.

Trick Number Two

Trick Number Two by Nick Bland Illustrated Stephen Michael King (Scholastic Australia), ISBN  9781760971076 RRP $17.99

Reviewed by Claire Stuckey

Three little wizards have no tricks, so they plead with the wise old wizard to help them. Wizard Blue, Yellow and Red all receive a piece of string.  They are instructed to plant and care for each one then wait until spring; this will become their trick number one.

Impatient Wizard Blue is the first to rip out the string using it as a lace for his shoes. Wizard Yellow follows in autumn; when the wind blows, she decides the string will be great for her kite. While these two wizards play, little Wizard Red, a tiny mouse, cares for his string and waits patiently.  When spring arrives, the Wise Old Wizard returns and as the string breaks through the soil, something magical happens. Trick number one is revealed, a red balloon. Then trick number one becomes number two for Wizard Red.

This is a great read-aloud story with a rhyming narrative and additional sprinklings of alliteration and onomatopoeia. The little wizards are brought to life with expressions and movement in sparse but dynamic illustrations. With a textless final page, trick number two is revealed graphically. The endpapers reflect the story’s development. Families and groups will love this story. This is a modern twist on a traditional fable that praise and reward those who wait. Highly recommend for preschoolers aged 3-6 years.

What if….?

What if….?   Lynn Jenkins and Kirrili Lonergan (EK Books) ISBN 9781925820973 RRP$24.99

Reviewed by Claire Stuckey

Issy often wonders “what if …”, sometimes this can be quite worrying, especially at night. Issy’s mother however reframes the question with many wonderful “what if” scenarios as they lay together one evening. Mums’ scenarios are lovely, silly, and comforting. Issy puts herself in these situations as they feature a cupcake tree, bright coloured clouds, and elephant shaped stars. Issy is also embedded in the reverse conditions when teachers are being taught by children. Issy then selects some of her own funny but appropriate “what ifs” including a wise owl to watch over her at night as she tires and then falls asleep.

This picture book has lovely cheerful endpapers that set the tone for the affirmative themes in this book. Dealing with a child’s anxiety can be difficult and the use of positive imagination provides a nice story. Children will laugh at the silly scenes and think about their own way of choosing a “what if” instead of a worry. Unlike many other worry themed books, this does not dwell on the fears of children which often tends to escalate the problem. The constructive and encouraging way that the mother promotes imagination into a positive narrative makes this a useful resource for families. The pastel palette of colours provides a calming mood for the title’s content. Recommended for ages 4-7 years.

Ho, Ho, Ho!

Ho, Ho, Ho! by Kathy Creamer (Little Pink Dog Books) RRP $24.99                        ISBN 9780648652885 

Reviewed by Claire Stuckey

We meet Santa and the elves busy preparing for Christmas in the first double page spread of this graphic novel picture book. Some of the elves are also busy being cheeky.

Santa in his sleigh travels across the starry sky arriving at a house with no chimney but a snowman guarding the front. Santa enters the door in search of Lily’s room. He sneaks out but Lily is disturbed and rushed out to hug him. Just as they greet each other, a large sharp object enters the frame, and the snowman is toppled over. We then see that the scene is on top of a Christmas cake that is being sliced by a mother surrounded by a family celebrating Christmas. The children then realise that the decoration has disappeared and wave to the Santa sleigh.

This book is presented in frames with minimal text. There are some visual clues to the humour including “Made in China” on the underside of the snowman. The slice of cake is a clever twist and the clothes of the family celebrating indicate the warm Australian climate which contrasts with the snow-covered scene. The cover and endpapers feature shiny silver stars.                                                

My only issue with this innovative story is that Lily’s face in some frames did not meet the same quality as the rest of the illustrations. Overall, this is an intriguing Australian Christmas story that can be enjoyed by families and especially children that are keen on the graphic novel format. Recommended for ages 3 years plus

The Secret is Out

The Secret is Out (Trudie Cooper Super Foodie Series) by Carolyn Eldridge-Alfonzetti, illustrated by Julia Weston, (Brolly Books) ISBN 9781922418005 RRP $14.99

Reviewed by Claire Stuckey

Trudie loves cooking; in fact, she started at a very early age. However, Trudie and her parents have kept her super talent for cooking and developing recipes a secret. At age ten her skills are amazing, but she is not so fabulous at maths or art or other sporting endeavours. After a P&C meeting at their house, Trudie is upset to learn the next morning that the school library must shut. This means losing not only all the fabulous books, cookbooks as well, and Miss Best the librarian. While watching her favourite TV show Super Chef, Trudie decides she will ask the host Aggie Weir for help. Trudie and her parents are overwhelmed by the response, but this opportunity will mean Trudie’s secret will be out.

This nice colourful reader has good production quality and looks appealing to those children caught up in the popularity of cooking shows. The story is well written and concentrates wholly on the central character. Both the letter to Aggie Weir and the recipes provides different text types and expanded vocabulary which assists children reading this style of chapter book.  My only issue was that the story seemed to end abruptly. Given an opportunity to publish her cookbook – how, when and would the library be repaired? Trudie’s secret was out but only to Aggie and the publisher at this point. Perhaps the author intended this to segue to the next book in the series?

Recommended for age 7 years plus.

Gods and Monsters, Serpent & Dove, #3

Gods and Monsters, Serpent & Dove, #3 by Shelby Mahurin, Harper Collins, ISBN 9780063096332

Reviewed by Claire Stuckey

We meet the fugitives starving and exhausted struggling to continue their journey in this final book of the trilogy. Finding shelter in a derelict church they choose to trust Father Achille who offers them food and a place for them to hide. Who should they trust? All the group, including Lou, will face more terrible situations as they work to destroy her mother Morgane and her followers.

Reid finds it difficult to respond to Lou. His feelings are correct as we learn that her body has been infiltrated and her soul is losing the battle to retain memory. When Célie suddenly arrives, she brings another dynamic to the group. Coco and Beau are forced to acknowledge their passion for each other during one of the many challenges the group are forced to undertake during their difficult journey. All the group struggle with their memories of the cruel treatment they have endured and that of their loved ones. Driven by revenge, and survival, they continue to support each other emotionally and physically using every ounce of strength, wit, and magic power they can muster putting themselves at risk to achieve the final goal.

This epic fantasy novel with strong female characters is narrated by the principal characters in alternate chapters. There are many twists and turns as characters develop and change with magic and mayhem provided in every chapter as they journey to defeat the cruel Morgane. Driven by love, hope and fear the characters face monumental challenges.

There are very detailed settings and descriptions of everything including clothes to gruesome death scenes. At 612 pages this is not an easy or quick read. You do need to read the previous two books to get to know the characters, their past, and their childhood before you can relate to them and their objectives. This novel is entertaining and would be recommended for those who enjoy this popular genre. For ages 15 years plus.

Michaela Mason’s Big List of Camp Worries

Michaela Mason’s Big List of Camp Worries by Alexa Moses (Scholastic Australia) ISBN 9781743838754 RRP $15.99

Reviewed by Claire Stuckey

Michaela’s story continues after Michaela Mason’s Big List of 23 Worries.  She is now faced with the daunting prospect of school camp, avoiding the difficult task of telling her best friend Soo-min that she hates the idea of camp and especially the tree climb which is now one of the 24 items on her new list of worries. Once at camp the friends are separated, and Michaela is allocated a cabin with the pretty pose. Trying hard to fit in, she makes several attempts to hide her fears, attempts that fail, leading her into great embarrassment. Faced with the tree climb Michaela triumphs and enjoys the brief respite at the summit. With Soo-Min and Tiana singing at the camp talent night Michaela finally feels included and happy despite the bullies. Both Liam and Skye provide friendship in the last days of camp which brings the story to an enjoyable conclusion and a positive list “MM list of activities she’s good at”.

This is a book that explains the real fears that some children have every day, fears that become true anxieties with physical symptoms.  Michaela’s mother and teacher are aware that she needs to see the enjoyment in taking on new challenges. Set in Australia, this is a good, readable story with handwritten lists and doodles breaking up the text. It’s recommended for ages 8 plus.  

Chatterpuss

Chatterpuss by Josh Pyke, illustrated by Daron Parton (Scholastic Australia) ISBN 9781760976491 HC RRP $17.99

Reviewed by Claire Stuckey

Chatterpuss is very noisy cat chattering all day to her quiet best friend Glenn a chicken. Despite their very different natures the friends play lots of games together although Chatterpuss does spend a great deal of time talking, often too loudly especially at the movies. Glenn is a patient and kind friend but one day it becomes too much and Chatterpuss is told to be quiet! However, very shortly after Graham the bully arrives and threatens Glenn. Chatterpuss saves the day by talking so much and so quickly that Graham is overwhelmed and departs. Chatterpuss and Glenn are still friends, but Glenn has found a great compromise!

With bright modern illustrations, this title with strong themes of friendship, difference, and bullying, will be popular with families. This author/ musician has already published several picture books so parents and children will be familiar with the rhyming text and humour of this latest title. Recommended for ages 4 years and older.

Florence & Fox

Florence & Fox by Zanni Louise, illustrated by Anna Pignataro (Walker Books) ISBN 97817606510 RRP

Reviewed by Claire Stuckey

Florence and Fox is set in a busy urban environment, Anna Pignataro’s illustrations provide a happy green setting as the characters appear to be playing together.  Florence has a tool kit but when Fox grabs a hammer Florence decides that it is not “Sharing day”. As Fox does not have any tools or toys with him, he is rather sad at this announcement. Fox is then informed that he will have to wait as it is “hundreds of days” until “Sharing day” again.

Later, the pair is found in a sandpit, Florence wants to use Fox’s bucket. Although confused, he is happy to share, keen to see what will be made. Florence does construct a great dragon figure but when Fox asks for a spade, he is refused, which results in sadness and confusion.  During dinner, Fox is surprised when Florence arrives, offering to share the building tools because she has now degreed it is “Thank You day”. The two then work to construct a wooden cart, a picture of which appears on the final endpapers.

The narrative basically addresses the concept of sharing. Florence the crocodile and Fox seem strange friends due to their quite different natures. I found the text over-heavy with speech. 

Overall, the story is didactic, with Florence controlling all aspects of their interaction right to the conclusion. Realistic in its portrayal of children’s characteristics, this is a new title suitable for preschools and care facilities.  

Marlow Brown: Magician in The Making

Marlow Brown: Magician in The Making by Kesta Fleming, illustrated by Marjory Gardner (Celapene Press) June 2021 ISBN 9781925572193 RRP $14.95

Reviewed by Claire Stuckey

Marlow and her family are at the showground enjoying all the entertainment when she notices Mervin the Magical’s show is just about to begin. Marlow enjoys the show, becoming more intrigued after she is chosen to assist Mervin to perform a trick. Her friend Felix and dog Rockstar watch the show and are impressed. At home she opens the magic show bag and soon starts performing tricks for her parents. Most do not go as planned, despite careful practice. Determined to succeed Marlow continues with new tricks providing dad with lots of laughs.

When the class talent show is announced, Marlow and Felix plan to amaze but deceive the class with a fake hypnosis. However, when her teacher starts “clucking”, and acting like a chicken Marlow needs to act fast. With lots of laughs and chaotic scenes this is a fun novel for young readers. Many children enjoy magic and Marlow takes on the challenge working hard with her Beginners Guide. The book points out the need to practice and learning by your mistakes but does not become overbearing. A few illustrations give reluctant readers a break from the text and add to the humour. In a second title for the author, Marlow’s adventures begun with Scientist in the Making.

This is an enjoyable read for children aged 8 plus years.

 

Tiger Warrior: Attack of the Dragon King

Tiger Warrior: Attack of the Dragon King by M. Chan (Orchard Books) ISBN9781408363089 PB RRP $12.99

Reviewed by Claire Stuckey 

Jack is busy with his computer games when his grandfather Yeye shares a special family secret including an ancient green disc featuring the Chinese zodiac. His grandfather has often shared Chinese folk stories but never how his father died. It is time Yeye informs Jack that he demonstrates his power as the Tiger Warrior, a role he now hands over to Jack.

They become surrounded by the creatures shown on the disc and Jack is instructed on the powers each animal controls through him. Overwhelmed, but amazed, Jack is told to visit the jade kingdom and acquaint himself with the people and introduce himself to the emperor.

However, since his grandfather’s last visit, the Dragon King has deposed and imprisoned the Jade Emperor leaving only his daughter Li to fight on. Jack must learn fast and use all his cunning to defeat the dragons and the Dragon King himself. Jack achieves this goal with the aid of the zodiac creatures and Li. 

This is a great action-packed chapter book especially for children fond of gaming. Good size font and black and white illustrations encourage reluctant readers. The first of a series young reader will enjoy this, returning with Jack for more adventures. Ages 5-8 years.

The Travelling Bookshop: Mim and the Baffling Bully

The Travelling Bookshop: Mim and the Baffling Bully by Katrina Nannestead Illus. Cheryl Orsini (Harper Collins Australia) RRP $14.99 ISBN 9780733341656

 Reviewed by Claire Stuckey

Mim, her younger brother Nat and their dad travel around in their caravan, the Travelling Bookshop, pulled along by their horse Flossy. In this title, the first in the series, they arrive in a small village in the Netherlands with lovely canals, windmills, and beautiful tulips. Once opened the caravan becomes the travelling bookshop, a truly magical place where people come to browse. Dad always finds the “right book.” Mim meets the sad Willemina trying to retrieve her backpack after being bullied by Gerda. While dad is helping many other people in the village Mim struggles to help her new friend, eventually realising that it is Gerda who needs help. While in the village the family enjoys lots of fun boating, pirating, bike riding and eating delicious local food.

This is a wonderful magical book, the first in a new series from an Australian author who has created so many great books. The story captures the cruelty of bullying, and the sadness of bullied children. It also provides lots of magical moments including the power of books to change people’s lives. The bookshop setting, complete with curios creatures including a flying lamb, makes a delightful foil to the children’s sadness. I cannot wait for more of The Travelling Bookshop.  Highly recommend for children aged  7 -10 years .

The Breaking

The Breaking by Irma Gold (Midnight Sun) ISBN 9781925227819 RRP $29.99

Reviewed by Claire Stuckey

Hannah meets Deven in a hotel in Thailand: both young women are running away from family for quite different reasons. Deven is extremely focused and worldly, while Hannah is still finding her feet in life, and in Thailand. Focused on the dreadful treatment of elephants Deven encourages Hannah to take up an opportunity to volunteer at an elephant rescue centre. Here they work hard to assist locals rehabilitate sick and tortured elephants. After the death of a rescued elephant, Deven wants to escape, moving to a rescue location that is focused on training owners and handlers in a remote location. This work becomes even more intense.

 The girls have a short break in the capital overwhelmed with the crowds of tourists and the tawdry businesses set up to cater for their perceived needs. Hannah has come to meet an ex-boyfriend, but her feelings are mixed as she finds herself torn between her past and her present strong attachment to Deven.

Once their passion has been expressed, Deven once again seeks escape to a remote resort. While they enjoy certain relaxation with a work and pleasure routine, once again Deven finds elephant torture in the local area too difficult to ignore. 

This is an immensely powerful book exposing the cruel treatment of elephants, a profitable industry that is feed by the tourism industry. Throughout the book the developing relationship of the young women as they work together is carefully described. Although Deven appears to be strong and educated in Thai customs and language, she is also highly emotional. Hannah transforms from her naïve self to a decision-maker. Their strong emotional and physical relationship provides her with a new maturity. Vivid but disturbing the story combines a powerful expose with one women’s journey to maturity and a character driven by passionate activism. This book is recommended for readers 16 years plus as it contains scenes of animal torture and sexual references. 

Beneath the Trees

Beneath the Trees by Christy Burne (Freemantle Press) ISBN 9781760990411 RRP $14.99 PB 

Reviewed by Claire Stuckey

After travelling across Australia to visit family living in a subtropical rainforest, the first thing Cam and Sophie want to do is see a platypus. Although it is pouring with rain, cousins Liv and Jack walk them to the bridge where they do see a platypus, but it has a rubber ring caught on its neck. Jack decides to help but he slips into the raging torrent. Sophie also slips and Cam dives in to help but the three children are tossed around, eventually escaping wet and cold downstream. Lost, wet, and cold, Cam works hard to return them to safety, but the difficult terrain and Jack’s actions impede their progress. They return after their rescue with a ranger to assist the platypus as the flooding subsides.

Full page black and white illustrations break the text for readers, also providing emphasis to their plight. This is a great action adventure book with interesting factual references including how leeches survive!

Adding to Cristy’s other Australian adventure stories, this title is highly recommended for those children who have moved past simple chapter books.

The Reckless Afterlife of Harriet Stoker

The Reckless Afterlife of Harriet Stoker by Lauren James (Walker Books) PB RRP $18.99 ISBN 9781406391121

Reviewed by Claire Stuckey

Harriet has just started university and wants to get good marks, so she decides to take some photographs in a derelict building on campus that some say is haunted. Falling to her death, she is welcomed by a group of ghosts who befriend her providing the facts about existing in the afterlife.  Each of the first group she meets have quite different characteristics, but all offer her friendship, something she has never known.

We soon discover, as Harriet learns more about the powers a ghost could have and use, that she wants more.  She goes on a rampage of destruction unaware of the long-term consequences of her greed. As the story unfolds, we learn more about each ghost character, and how ghosts can be powerful, weakened, and disintegrate. While the peace has been kept for decades in the building, Harriet’s reckless deeds provide a catalyst for change and require incredible bravery to fight the evil unleashed. With a second unknown narrator delivering morsels of information between chapters readers are kept wondering what will happen next. 

This is a great story, and the title is correct: Harriet is reckless! Open this book if you dare to be intrigued and engaged with a plot and narrative that grabs you from the first chapter. Highly recommended for 14 years old plus.

Adults will enjoy this rollercoaster ride through the afterlife with a twist at the end.

Disgusting McGrossface on Holiday

Disgusting McGrossface on Holiday by Rove McManus (Scholastic) ISBN 9781760973827 PB RRP $17.99

Reviewed by Claire Stuckey

This book builds on the character developed in the first book Disgusting McGrossface who left muddy tracks through the house. McManus takes the family, the child and McGrossface on holidays and a new focus problem, sandy towels on the floor, every beach dweller’s curse.

Our disgusting character shares a great number of ways to gross out any parent. habits such as using pond slime for sunscreen, spraying on bug attracting spray and playing in manure. All these gross habits are captured in bright, dark and lime green colour. The sordid story keeps building on how many disgusting ways to provoke attention but concludes with the concept that a sandy towel is not that bad.

While the rhyming text provides some fun, the rather gross habits such as dirty baby nappies as a hat and baggy shorts that highlight bum cracks did not make this a standout picture book for me. Our eight-year-old relative had read the original McGrossface at school and recognised the storyline but did not give this a rave review.  This book will probably be popular with parents who follow Rove’s comedy and television appearances, others might select the humour to encourage a reluctant reader. Some children do really enjoy gross antics so this book would be suitable for them.  Ages 4 - 7 years.

 

Rudie Nudie Christmas

Rudie Nudie Christmas by Emma Quay (ABC Books) ISBN 9780733338342 RRP $ 24.99

Reviewed by Claire Stuckey

Our rudie nudie children are back in this fun-filled Christmas picture book story. The children blow bubbles before they throw off their towels and cavort through the house sharing many Christmas traditions, singing carols, and looking at the presents under the tree. Like all children they enjoy preparing the house for Christmas day then wait for Santa. Finally, ready for bed, the children fall asleep ready for the big day.

Told in rhyme, this is an engaging family story to share the joy of anticipation of young children with preschoolers. The end papers are lovely: Emma Quay’s pastel palette is complimented by red and green Christmas colour highlights. Another delightful preschool picture book from this wonderful Australian author illustrator.

Combat Wombat to the Rescue

Combat Wombat to the Rescue by Gina Newton and illustrated by Tiffanee Daley, (Ford Street Publishing) ISBN 9781925804577 RRP $16.95

Reviewed by Claire Stuckey

Combat Wombat lives in the bush surrounded by his animal friends. One day he smells burning gum leaves, he hears crackling and he feels the ground shaking: there is a bush fire! Combat Wombat immediately responds, delegating tasks to some animals and calling for an evacuation to Billabong Island. Despite some challenges the animals work together to achieve a haven on the island. The story provides a nice way for families to reflect on last year’s terrible bush fires. Children should understand that there are real dangers during a bushfire, but animals can survive. The text contains some rhyme and homage to Australian and international classic picture books.

Combat Wombat shows leadership and mimics the role of the real rural fire service volunteers. However, I did have an issue with the way the kangaroo is shown assisting the echidnas over the water by kicking them. Combat Wombat adds to the growing collection of Australian picture books that discuss bushfires and this is a positive for families. 

My granddaughter enjoyed the story although I added some discussion points which included not going into tunnels with fencing and warning signs. Suitable for ages 2-5 years.

 

The Big Old Rambutan Tree

The Big Old Rambutan Tree by Kathy Creamer (Little Pink Dog Books) PB RRP ISBN 9780648256373

Reviewed by Claire Stuckey

Ginger is a hungry orangutan savoring the perfume of the first rambutan fruit of the season. The big old rambutan tree provides a feast for the congress. Ginger discovers and adopts a lost tiger cub, but the others are wary of this natural enemy. She continues to care for the cub, but Stripes soon hungers for more than fruit. Ginger sadly sends him on his way. Years later a fire threatens the orangutan’s environment. Escaping to the big old Rambutan Tree, Ginger falls but is rescued by an enormous tiger as animals across the rainforest search for shelter. Life returns slowly to the rainforest 

environment after monsoon rains, including the fruit on the big old rambutan tree.

This is also kindness story; a retelling of how good deeds are often repaid. Ginger is the ideal role model, compassionate yet pragmatic. Colourful illustrations bring action and emotion to the animal characters; these will certainly engage children. Set in Sumatra, it provides readers with a simple tale of the importance of a food source to a threatened species. Ginger is the ideal role model, compassionate yet pragmatic.

Introducing the concept of fire and environmental damage to a pristine environment in what appears to be a simple story is clever and important for the planet’s future. An information page or glossary on the rainforest animals featured -- such as the Sun bears, birds and other species -- might have been a useful addition. The proceeds of book sales go to Orangutan Outreach to support conservation.  

This title would be a great classroom resource. Recommended for ages 4 > 7 years.

As Fast as I Can

As Fast as I Can by Penny Tangey (UQP), ISBN 9780702262814 RRP $16.99

Reviewed by Claire Stuckey

Vivian is ten and she is focused on finding the best sport for her so she can compete at a future Olympic Games. Spurred on by her friend, the very competitive Olivia, she continues to valiantly attempt to master long jump, swimming and other events especially leading up to the school sports carnival.  However, a new girl at school leads her to question her own and Olivia’s arduous attention to diet, exercise and the need to win.

On a regular school cross country run Vivian finds her place, easily winning the school competition as she progresses to further and tougher competition. However, on return from winning a major race, Vivian life is changed completely with the news her mother has been diagnosed with Long QT, a hereditary heart condition. This news affects the whole family, but Vivian especially as she is also diagnosed shortly after now and is unable to compete in the sport she loves and excels in. Her dreams shattered, she sets about first fighting to compete, questioning the prognosis, then coming to terms with her future.

This is an enjoyable book about young people striving for goals. We glimpse in the beginning of the book that uncontrolled access to diet and training information could be for dangerous for young girls. Vivian is a well-drawn character who we meet struggling to find her place in the sports arena but also finding time to welcome the new girl Lisa who clearly brings balance with her preference for team sports. We share and understand Vivian’s trials and failures applauding her success at long distance running. Vivian uses her intellect to research Long QT as she is unwilling to accept her illness or the consequences. Ultimately, she understands her mother’s hospitalization and her uncle’s untimely death as the real outcomes of underestimating the disease. 

I would certainly recommend this title: I enjoyed the story and the way in which themes including friendship, sibling rivalry, body image and competition were presented.

Recommended for ages 10 to 14 years.