Roseby Library

A Message from the Roseby Library

With Book Week 2021 being so close, our librarians thought an update on books in the “Older Readers” category might be appropriate. As the CBCA says: Books in this category are for mature readers and some may deal with particularly challenging themes (age range is 13 to 18).

Six books have been short-listed (and two others should have been included in the short list!)

The end of the world is bigger than Love.  

Davina Bell

The novel begins with a quote by Albert Camus: “In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me an invincible summer.”  This is a very timely book. Twins, Summer and Winter, live alone on an Island sheltered from a mysterious event. Is this the result of war or a mysterious pandemic? They survive on rations stockpiled by their father and have a library of literature that could lead anyone on a reading journey. Then Edward arrives on the island. Who is he? Where has he come from? The twins react differently to him (suitable all ages). 

Where We Begin

Christie Nieman 

Finds the protagonist, Anna, in a in a stressful situation not helped by the fact she is in Year 12.  She tries to escape her problems by running away, to her grandparents who are estranged from her mother. They live isolated in the country with a mysterious deserted house nearby. They are eccentric, but why has her mother cut all ties?  Is the house really deserted? Anna will have to find her inner strength to confront both the past and present. Older readers (Year 10 +).

When Rain Turns to Snow

Jane Godwin

The book is about the magical moment of transformation when your view of the world is transformed and you see the beauty in it. The young narrator opens the door to a strange boy with a baby. Who is this boy? Is he a threat? Is he a mystery? He is looking for her mother. Is he, her brother? Who is the baby? Has he really saved it from neglect? She must decide if she can help him and the baby or reject them. Set in winter in the Blue Mountains, the Australian Landscape is a character in this novel of secrets and lies. (Suitable all ages). 

Petra Lyre’s Rating Normal.

This is written by a high functioning autistic author, Anna Whately.

The story focusses on Petra, in her final year of High School and going on a camp to the Snowy Mountains. This novel gives real insight into the difficulties faced on a day-to-day basis by Petra. We applaud her determination and strength of will, as she faces some of the big issues in life. This book is suited to older students. 

The Lost Soul Atlas

Zana Fraillon

This book is a fantasy set in another world. After Twig’s father dies /vanishes, Twig and Flea struggle to survive in a grimy, decaying Dickensian World. It involves a journey (complete with a map.) It’s funny and quirky. Twig takes a stand against the villains and wakes up to find himself in the afterlife with only a map and a raven and a key to guide his quest.  This is a highly original book, suitable for all ages.

Metal Fish, Falling Snow

Cath Moore

This book is set in a remote Australian town. The young protagonist’s life seems turned upside down by a cataclysmic event. Suddenly she needs to travel to find family. This is a story of an inner and outer journey. This truly fits the profile of someone finding inner strength and the wisdom to adapt. Suitable for all ages. 

 Below are two of the “Long List” books that should have been on the short list (in my opinion). 

Future Girl

By Asphyxia.

The central character is a deaf girl called Piper, whose mother has given her every advantage; a cochlear implant and training to overcome her disability and pass as hearing-able. This puts a tremendous strain on Piper, who wants to embrace her deafness and become the person she was meant to be. Written by a deaf person, this is another example of “Own Stories”, as is Petra Lyre. This world is on the verge of collapse. All food is artificial and when the food supplies and society break down, salvation comes from close at home and community gardens. This is presented as an Art Diary by Piper, and is a beautiful book. At its core is finding yourself and your unique strength.  Suitable for all ages. 

The Left-handed Book Sellers of London 

by Garth Nix

The book is another long list that is highly recommended. This is a fantasy novel set in an alternative London when Magic rules. The book is fast paced and very funny with both male and female male protagonists, who must rely on each other to stay alive. Reminiscent of Rivers of London it is clever and humorous. Suitable for all ages. 

So, encourage your children to read, to open a print book or indeed to borrow an EBook with Sora.