In 27 Days by Alison Gervais

Death has given Hadley Jamison a chance to save Archer Morales’ life.  

There’s a catch...she must save him in 27 days.

This book contains the supernatural, suicide and teen drama, which provide an extraordinary plot line that will make you fall in love with this book.

This story is bittersweet and intense. I have read this book on wattpad before it was published and I am not surprised that it finally hit the shelves. It's that good!

If you love a teenage romance or being kept on the edge of your seat, I suggest you read this. You won't regret it!

Rianna Yr 11

NSW Premier's Literary Awards: Ethel Turner Prize for Young People's Literature

https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/about-library/awards/nsw-premiers-literary-awards/ethel-turner-prize-young-peoples-literature

Click image above to read about the shortlist for this prestigious award. 

Spine Out - new edition is available now online

In the latest issue of SpineOut, learn the facts of the Zodiac,receive writing (and snacking) advice from two award-winning authors, and read original student-written poetry, articles, and reviews of the latest YA fiction. Plus, loads of activities and competitions for your students to take part in!

Catwoman: Soulstealer by Sarah J. Maas

Catwoman: Soulstealer was such a fun and easy read!

The novel is about Selina Kyle who returns to Gotham after two years as a wealthy socialite Holly Vanderhees. However, Luke Fox (aka Batwing) without the help of Batman, is trying to capture this new thief that’s proven to be much cleverer than others.

The characters are recognisable for DC fans but still different enough to be fun to read about. It’s not necessary to read the comics either.

I loved the developing friendship between Selina, Poison Ivy and Harley. They cause so much chaos and have fun doing it! And there’s the familial bond between Selina and Maggie that’s so sweet and full of love. There’s also the slice of romance that keeps you frustrated because of the  
misunderstandings of secret identities and backstories.

Overall, the book was definitely interesting. I recommend it for years 9 and above.

Mykee, Year 10

The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera

'Ko wai te tekoteko kei runga? Ko Paikea, ko Paikea!' (p.g 35, ch. 5).

The Whale Rider tells the story of Kahu, a descendant from Paikea, who was meant to be the next chief of the tribe, but her great-grandfather, Koro Apirana, won’t allow her, because she is a girl. The book tells the story of how she overcame the traditions and won her place in Koro’s heart. Witi Ihimaera tells the story in a witty and descriptive way, and occasionally takes us into the journeys of the ancient whale. It is wonderfully captivating and carries the important message of equality between both genders. The Whale Rider also contains some the interesting components of  
the Maori culture. 

I truly enjoyed reading The Whale Rider.I highly recommend it for Year 5 - 10 students.
 Witi Ihimaera is an undeniably wonderful writer.

Anastasia 7A

The secret science of magic by Melissa Keil

The secret science of magic is the story told in two perspectives, Sophia Reyhart and Joshua Bailey. This book is a geeky romance filled with science and magic. 

Set in Melbourne Australia, both characters face the final year of high school and ready themselves for the exams. Sophia is a genius and spends her time figuring out the world with math equations and theories. Whereas, Joshua tries to work up the courage to tell Sophia how he really feels with his scientific knowledge and magic tricks.

I absolutely loved this book! It contains puns that are relatable and something a high school student would say. I found parts of the book relatable to my lifestyle (which is actually hilarious) while other parts made me want to scream in frustration. Not only is this book funny and sweet, but, it also contains facts. The facts and some wording in this story are a little mindblowing - It made me feel smarter or dumber - but it can be a little annoying when you mentally question how someone could know this.

The only problem I have with this novel is that it drags on for a bit. But I believe that it's necessary to fully understand and build the character's  profile, even though I want to slap them. 

I highly recommend this book to older students as it is more relatable to them than juniors.

Rianna Yr 10

Carve The Mark is a hilariously thrilling novel about war, pain and love.

In Carve The Mark the current flows through every living being and bestows a gift on every person. The current can also gift a family with certain fates (A fate is something that happens in every version of a person’s lifetime). Cyra and Akos are 2 different people from rival countries living on the same planet and they both believe their gifts and fates are a curse. Cyra’s gift makes her always feel pain and she can  
transfer it for a short time to others when she touches them and Akos can’t feel the current which therefore lets him cancel out all current gifts. Cyra’s older brother is a brutal tyrant who is determined to avoid his fate so when he kidnaps Akos and his brother Eijeh Akos is thrust into Cyras world. Both Cyra and Akos learn more about each other and soon learn that their fates and gifts may not be a curse.

I personally love Veronica Roth’s writing; I thought the Divergent series was brilliant so I was just as skeptical as I was excited to read Carve the Mark because I was worried that I wouldn’t love it as much as Divergent, but it did not disappoint! Carve The Mark is an amazing story that focuses on race quite a lot. Cyra and Akos follow 2 different “religions” and are a part of 2 different “people” which pushes the idea of racism throughout the book which was interesting. It created a whole new world because the 2 rival countries Thuvhe and Shotet are so different. I loved learning about the different countries and what makes them both special. This book is full of twists and turns and keeps your attention throughout the whole book which I love. Sometimes when I read this book I felt as if I were in a movie  
because everything was described with such detail that I could create a picture in my mind. Veronica Roth created a world full of mystery and kept me thinking but she didn’t confuse me. Everything was laid out for me to imagine which I liked. The characters of Cyra and Akos were developed really well throughout the book which kept them interesting and relevant. Cyra’s character particularly interested me because in the back of the novel Roth talks about how she modelled Cyra off of struggling female teenagers with chronic pain; I never understood this until I was halfway through the book and then I began to fully understand Cyras pain. Overall, Veronica Roth creates a beautiful tale of love and war through her imaginative thinking and descriptive words. I am excited to start the next book in the Duology, “The Fates Divide” and continue to learn about the world that Roth has created. I recommend this novel for everyone because no matter what age you are I am sure you will either be able to relate to the characters or fall in love with this twisting tale of war, romance and self acceptance.

5/5 for an amazing story that is fit for every age!

Erin Year 8