Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli

This novel is a brilliant story addressing controversial aspects of life in the best way possible. Leah on the Offbeat is about a drummer, Leah, who knows that she’s bisexual but struggles with her feelings for a girl she isn’t really friends with anymore, who is questioning her own sexual identity. This novel talks about struggling to find your feelings, trying to be comfortable with yourself, and being torn between your own feelings and wanting what’s best for your friends and family. Leah being bisexual was an aspect that was fantastic due to bi-erasure unfortunately being prominent in today’s society, and even in LGBTQ+ communities. Another part of the book I loved was that the character was generally comfortable with her own body, despite not being stick-thin and not conforming to the current standard of beauty. It wasn’t a big issue in the novel for Leah, and didn’t provide any setbacks. I really loved the novel!

Leah on the Offbeat is a clever and inspiring coming-of-age romance novel and a fantastic sequel to the award-winning Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda that deals with many issues in a unique way. It really shows how far society has come in their acceptance of LGBTQ+ people.

This is an epic book, and my rating is 5 stars!

Grace Yr9

His name was Walter by Emily Rodda



‘His Name Was Walter’ was a great book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! This story was a story within a story, and it followed a group of four very different students and their teacher who were stranded at a mysterious house. Here they discover a book about boy named Walter, and his journey in friendship, romance, growing up and finding himself. The big twist is that the students discover that this, in fact, was a true story, and that Walter had some unfinished business. The children strive to complete Walter’s mission, and let everyone know about the bravery and adventures that he had. I particularly loved how it switched from two perspectives, the adventures of the real - life modern day characters, and the fairy tale type story which explained Walter and his life story, and the connection with the house the children were stranded in. This really helped to explain what was happening, and created a deep, mysterious plot that left you on the edge of your seat!
I recommend this book to those who are mystery lovers and thrill seekers! Ages 11-14 would love this book.
5/5 stars

Amazing book, filled with twists and turns and mysteries to solve! You don't be able to put it down!

Cassidy Borst 8C

My Life with the Walter Boys by Ali Novak

My Life with the Walter Boys begins with Jackie Howard. A straight-A student. Her world was turned upside down when her family died in a car crash. Then Jackie had to move across the country to live with the Walters her new family. 

Unfortunately, they have 12 sons. Jackie is surrounded by dirty and annoying boys. But several of the older boys are really handsome. How can she deal with their handsomeness and move from about her parents' tragic deaths? Would she fall for one of them?

It was a bit cliché at first but it got better. This book is suitable for 14 and older. This was fun and an entertaining book to read but I really didn't like the ending. 

Louciana Yr7

Book Review

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

The Help is a great read for anyone that loves to read good old fashioned styles of writing and enjoys to read and learn more about the times when black people were housemaids to the white people in old day America. The struggles that the main characters go through are confronting. The situations and stories told are truly heartbreaking and are depicted with heavy amounts of emotion. However, the approach that each person takes to deal with their own personal situations is truly amazing. 

The book has so much diversity in the way that it is written. Different genres of stories are all in the one book. Comedy, Romance, Drama & Adventure. The story of Abilene, Minny & Skeeter is truly touching and the way that they're friendship grows is absolutely eye-opening.  

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to those who enjoy an emotional story and the blossoming of friendships, even when it may seem impossible. 

Manuela Yr 8

Book Review

Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

The sea of Monsters is in the second book of Rick Riordan's PJO series. Percy Jackson, a "half-blood" whose mother is human and the father is the God of the Sea.  Percy sets out to bring back the Golden Fleece before his summer camp is destroyed. 

I really liked how the author adds Percy's brother to the book. It makes it more entertaining and fun to read. Tyson is funny, smart, respectful and loyal all the time and that makes him my favourite character.

This book is an amazing book that is suitable for 13 plus. I believe Percy Jackson and the sea of monsters really inspired me and lots of other writers to write fanfictions about this series.

Louciana 7S

Book Review

The Fate of Flames by Sarah Raughley

The Fate of Flames is jammed pack with action, with the typical 'chosen one' character. However, Maia Finley doesn't want the responsibility of being a protector but is forced to accept her fate.

The Fate of Flames is a world terrorised by beasts and phantoms. It is protected by four girls, the Effigies, who each have the power to control a classical element. After the death of one, another is chosen. Maia has been gifted with the power of fire and forced to join a never-ending battle.

I loved the diversity in the book, the characters were from different places and cultural backgrounds. However, this book lacks a backstory which made it a little confusing from time-to-time and the action scenes were somewhat repetitive.

Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those who enjoy having the protagonist as a strong female character.

Rianna Yr 10

Book Review

Suicide by Suzanne Young

Suicide. An international epidemic plaguing people of all ages but none more than the teenagers of the 21st century. People have to terms with the fact that ‘The Program’ is the only known cure and it seems that seventeen-year-old Solane Barstow has found nearly everyone she knows and loves flagged and taken in by The Program to have their memories and depression erased. After all, depression is contagious. But when Solane and her boyfriend James Murphy make a promise not to fall into the grasp of this new treatment or depression, things take a turn for the worst and Solane's desperate cover-up of her pain begins to crack.

The story of Solane and her friends is touching and suspenseful leaving you constantly wondering about what’s going to happen next. The book is full of characters you will love to hate and hate to love, throughout the entire book you feel like you are alongside the characters; experiencing everything as they do. Jay Asher the author of Thirteen Reasons Why has said ‘The Program feels frighteningly real.’ Seeing as this book does cover some dark topics it is deemed suitable for teenagers (13 and up) and shouldn't be read by any younger children or people can be easily triggered by particular topics such as mental health. 

Book Review

The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson and Chris Tebbets

The worst years of my life is a wonderful book and is delivered in a beautiful way.  The drawings are appealing to kids but some parts of the story I found hard to understand. 

Rafe Katchadorian is now in the 6th grade and his friend Leo tells him that he should break the rules. Rafe agrees and creates Operation R.A.F.E as well as impress the girl of his dreams; Jeanne Galletta. 

I feel the movie was a whole lot better than this book. This book is suitable for Year 7 and up.



Louciana 7S

Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindewald

The second of five all new adventures in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World™. At the end of the first film, the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald was captured by MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America), with the help of Newt Scamande. But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escaped custody and has set about gathering followers, most unsuspecting of his true agenda: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings.
from Event Cinemas
Please note this movie is rated M with some fantasy themes and violence. It is due to be released on 15 November.

Book Review

Found by Fleur Ferris

'Found' is a thrilling, entertaining, action-packed and a gripping story. It is just so exciting you can't stop reading it. 

Elizabeth/Beth Miller is a really likeable character. She is strong, smart and brave. But one thing about her is that she doesn't want to tell her over-protective and mysterious father about her long-time boyfriend; Jonah. 

But one day when Beth's father disappears in front of her, Beth soon uncovers her true family's secrets. His father wasn't whom she thought he would be and someone is after Beth...

It [Found] is a tremendous story conveying love, friendship and hope. I highly recommend this book to year 9 and above.

Louciana Yr 7

Book Review

Mechanica by Lance Balchin

Mechanica is an excellent book which goes far beyond gears and wheels and cool contraptions.

The introduction explains how all the species of wildlife disappeared. The solution? To create mechanical animals! However, everything goes wrong when the animals encounter lost military drones and develop into a powerful species called Mechanica. The introduction is very descriptive with the events leading up to the uncontrolled evolution of Mechanica,

Followed by colourful, intricate pictures of mechanical animals. Each animal is unique, and includes a description of the mechanical parts and where it originated from. The story includes animals encounters with Liberty Crisp, the girl who is out to stop Mechanica.

It also carries an important message: if we do not care for Earth, this could potentially be our future. Mechanical animals sound great, but I still prefer real animals. I congratulate Lance Balchin on his creative way of passing on the critical message of caring for our environment.

Mechanica was wonderful and delivered in a bright, visual and beautiful way. Mechanica is suitable for students in Year 5-9, but I recommend it beyond Year 9!

Anastasia 7A

Book Review

Missing by Sue Whiting

Synopsis: The story begins with Mackenzie a young girl who just graduated from year 6. She is in Panama, looking for her mother who has been missing for a long time. Kenzie was hauled from Sydney because her dad still believes his wife is not dead.

                                                      * * *

After finish this book, I was very astonished with the ending. It was a gripping story that created lots of suspense. It has love, friendships, family, heartwarming and memories.

My favourite part was how the author was alternating between ''the past'' and ''now.'' It tells [us] readers about Mackenzie's feelings then and now. This story is mainly aimed at younger readers.

This was a really good story. One of the best mystery novels I've read!

Louciana Yr7

BookTubers: Why a new generation of book reviewers are finding an audience on YouTube by Sarah L'Estrange

Click here to go to abc.net to read about Booktubers.

Mary Poppins Returns

Keep an eye out for the new Mary Poppins Movie - due out at Christmas!

In Disney's "Mary Poppins Returns," an all new original musical and sequel, Mary Poppins is back to help the next generation of the Banks family and find the joy and wonder missing in their lives following a personal loss. Emily Blunt stars as the practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills who can turn any ordinary task into an unforgettable, fantastic adventure and Lin-Manuel Miranda plays her friend Jack, an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light-and life-to the streets of London.

"Mary Poppins Returns" is directed by Rob Marshall. The screenplay is by David Magee and the screen story is by Magee & Rob Marshall & John DeLuca based upon the Mary Poppins Stories by PL Travers. The producers are John DeLuca, p.g.a., Rob Marshall, p.g.a. and Marc Platt, p.g.a with Callum McDougall serving as executive producer. The music score is by Marc Shaiman and the film features all new original songs with music by Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman. The film also stars Ben Whishaw and Michael Banks; Emily Mortimer as Jane Banks; Julie Walters as the Banks' housekeeper Ellen; Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh and introducing Joel Dawson as the Banks' children, with Colin Firth as Fidelity Fiduciary Bank's William Weatherall Wilkins; and Meryl Streep as Mary's eccentric cousin, Topsy. Angela Lansbury appears as the Balloon Lady; a treasured character from the PL Travers books and Dick Van Dyke is Mr. Dawes, Jr., the retired chairman of the bank now run by Firth's character.

The Mary Poppins books are available as eBooks via Oliver.