YA Review: Red

 Red by Libby Gleeson (Allen and Unwin)
PB RRP $15.99
ISBN 978-1-74175-853-5
Reviewed by Ann Harth (www.annharth.com )

She wakes in pain, covered in mud and with no memory of who she is or why she is lying in a scene of flooded devastation.

Written from the viewpoint of a young girl with amnesia, Red is the captivating novel of her struggle to piece together the past after a devastating cyclone tears apart the eastern suburbs of Sydney. Befriended by Peri, a compassionate but troubled boy, she agrees to be called Red until they can discover her true identity. The two develop a strong friendship as they search for clues about her family and her place in the world.

Snippets of Red’s memory begin to return after she is reunited with Jazz, an old friend from primary school and Red and Peri move in with Jazz’s family until they decide on their next move.

While staying with Jazz, the discovery of a locket containing a memory stick with a message from Red’s father triggers the start of a dangerous mission for the three friends. The information on the memory stick must be delivered into the right hands. Red’s life depends on it, her father’s too – if he’s still alive.

Throughout the book, the strength and courage of Red’s character shine through as she overcomes numerous obstacles. Her loyalty to her father and friends is inspiring as she battles to achieve her goal.

Libby Gleeson has created a fast-moving plot filled with conflict, suspense and with a cast of believable characters. She plunges into the story from the first sentence and keeps the intrigue and emotion high until the very last page.

Younger readers will be riveted by this compelling story as they follow Red on her quest for the truth. The writing is rich with sensory images and invites the audience to enter the world of post-cyclone Sydney.

Award-winning author, Libby Gleeson has published over 30 books for children and teenagers. She is the winner of the 2011 Dromkeen Medal, awarded for her significant contribution to children’s literature. For more information about Libby Gleeson, please visit her website: www.libbygleeson.com.au

The Boy Who Wasn't There

The Boy Who Wasn't There by Michael Panckridge (black dog books)
PB RRP $16.99
ISBN 9781742031835
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

The Boy Who Wasn't There is the first book in a new series, The Book of Gabrielle. Gabrielle, or Gaby, has woken in a hospital and has no memory of her previous life and no connection to anyone or anything from her past. A voice speaks to her and says she will receive redemption by helping others. She arrives at her foster home and strange and terrifying occurrences happen. Swarms of moths, spiders and birds attack, frightening visions appear and she feels as though she is being suffocated in the night.

A mysterious boy also lives in the house and Gaby is unsure of her foster parents. Gaby's story is also interspersed with notes from another inhabitant of the house. The story moves along quickly and Panckridge writes simply but in a compelling fashion. The Boy Who Wasn't There is a real page-turner. Twists are around every corner and I loved how during the bird attack Gaby makes a connection with the birds and eventually has some control over them.

The Book of Gabrielle series is bound to be a winner and will attract both girl and boy readers keen to discover Gaby's story as well as solve the mystery within each title.