Trouble at Home

Trouble at Home by Cate Whittle, illustrated by Kim Gamble (Omnibus Books) PB RRP $9.99

ISBN 978-1-74299-076-7

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

When Georgia’s family home was stolen – with baby brother Godfrey inside – she saw it happen. But no-one believes that she witnessed a dragon swoop down and fly off with the house and Godfrey. So Georgia and her brother Henry go in search of the dragon, following the only clues they have -- sarsaparilla and potato chip crumbs. But even if they find the dragon, can he be persuaded to give up their house and brother?

This is a fun story about family unity and a troublesome dragon. While the family can make do without the house by cooking on the barbeque and sleeping in the garden shed or car, they do miss Godfrey. And Georgia’s teacher doesn’t believe she actually did her project (or that a dragon carried it off with the house) and Mum is very weepy (being constantly worried about Godfrey).

Georgia’s voice is fresh, young and very entertaining. She is a spunky girl, determined and full of bravado when she faces the dragon. The secondary characters are well rounded, too, especially Henry and the dragon. Dragon is a huge personality; he and Georgia play off each other delightfully.

‘Now what are we supposed to do?’ I said, feeling a bit crazy.

The dragon looked thoughtful.

‘I could make you a cup of tea,’ he suggested.

‘...But you just stole our house!’

‘The cave was getting a bit dull.’

‘Our house!’ I repeated.

The dragon shrugged, his big wings shuddering. ‘I always take what I want. I have to. What else can I do?’

‘You don’t even fit inside!’ I shouted, while Henry tugged my arm.

‘Georgia,’ he whispered, ‘you’re shouting at a dragon.’

Of course, he had missed the bit where I had – possibly- vanquished the dragon in the staring contest, because he had fainted.

Enhancing this text are the illustrations of Kim Gamble, who many will recognise from the hugely popular Tashi series. These pictures show not only the action, but also give clues to the emotions and motivations of the characters.

They also help to create an appealing chapter book which is a great tale for boys and girls seven and up. Trouble at Home is the start of a new series so there will be plenty more adventures with Georgia and Dragon to be enjoyed.

Juvie

Juvie by Steve Watkins (Walker Books)

PB RRP $16.95

ISBN 9781406358629

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Sadie is part of a fragmented family. Her father lives alone shut away from the world in her grandmother’s house with his hoarded collection of newspapers. He neither speaks nor opens the door. Her mother works two jobs to make ends meet.

Her sister Carla, a single mother, lives a decadent life. When she becomes involved with drug dealers one night while drunk and out of it, her last chance of staying out of jail vanishes. She stands to lose her child as well. The thing is that Sadie is with her.

Sadie envisions her family life disintegrating entirely and her niece in care. There is only one decision that will save them all. That is to take the blame for Carla. But instead of community service for a first offence, she gets time in Juvie.

In Juvie, Sadie is allowed to have nothing at all. It makes her feels like she is nothing too. No one is what they seem. Can Sadie survive the choices she made?

Can this be the awakening that Carla needs to finally leave the drugs and drinking alone and improve hers and her daughter’s life? Or has Sadie’s sacrifice been for nothing.

This is a well-written book with an interesting storyline full of conflicts and challenges for its characters. We are the choices we make and this book is an example of exactly that. Strong prose and lots of action keep the pages turning. Themes of family unity, forgiveness, love and sacrifice are juxtaposed with those of irresponsible actions and their cost, to create a riveting read for young adults.