Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Well, That Was Unexpected – Jesse Q. Sutanto

    Harper Collins Australia November 2022 In actual fact, this is hands down the most enjoyable YA novel I’ve read in a long time. Coincidentally, it is one of a posse of recent YAs that are Asian-focused in one way or another. Even more interesting perhaps is that it’s the second with an Indonesian setting I’ve…

  • The Heartstopper Yearbook – Alice Oseman

    Hachette OCT 13, 2022 | 9781444968392 | RRP $32.99 When I saw the little piece today that Netflix has announced that Heartstopper Season 2 has wrapped up, I just knew it was the day to share this one! The graphic series that started as a slow burn 2 years ago or soon, with many of us recommending i,t has…

  • Ellie Pillai is Brown – Christine Pillainayagam

    Faber & Faber July 2022 ISBN: 9780571366910ISBN-10: 0571366910RRP: $17.99 This is a debut novel of true exceptional talent IMO. I love a good romance and when it’s interwoven with self-discovery, diversity, cultural differences, regular teen relationships and issues, and music – all the better! Also, this is definitely the first YA (or indeed any book) I have…

  • Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade: Enola Holmes #8 – Nancy Springer

    Allen & Unwin August 2022 ISBN: 9781761066245 Publisher: A&U Children’s Imprint: A & U Children RRP: $16.99 As we all eagerly anticipate the new forthcoming Netflix adaptation, what better way to feed our love of Enola and her adventures than by reading this newest in the series? (In this house we are both fans of…

  • Dreaming by Starlight – Siobhan Curham

    Walker Books August 2022 ISBN13:9781529504019 Australia RRP:$16.99 New Zealand RRP:$18.99

  • A Little Spark – Barry Jonsberg

    Allen & Unwin August 2022 Imprint:A & U Children ISBN:9781760526924 RRP: $16.99 But, as can happen, life throws a curveball. Sam is offered a tantalising and life-changing work opportunity in the UK and Cate’s mum is determined they will all go. Cate is resistant to the whole idea, not least because she knows she will…

  • The Wearing of the Green – Claire Saxby

    Walker Books April 2022 ISBN: 9781760653583Imprint: Walker Books AustraliaAustralian RRP: $18.99New Zealand RRP: $21.99 It is certainly no secret that I love historical fiction, and colonial Australian history is a particular favourite of mine. I loved this exciting new narrative from Claire Saxby – whose prowess with picture books is already so well established. Set just two years before…

  • Katipo Joe Spycraft – Brian Falkner

    My review of this absolutely fabulous read is now live on Kids Book Review – don’t miss out, especially all of you with those blasé teens who need a good reading rev-up!! I loved this book and now I need to find time to read the earlier ones!

  • Guest Reviewer: Jessica Finden

    Introducing the lovely Jess, currently teacher-librarian (part-time) at Carmel College, Thornlands. Jess is definitely the glue that holds together the Bayside Secondary T-L Network and works hard always, organising meetings, and our regional Readers Cup competition. In tandem with her Head of English she has transformed the set novel program at Carmel with both flair…

  • The PM’s Daughter – Meredith Costain

    Penguin Australia March 2022 ISBN: 9781761046704 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $16.99 I’m well aware that many things just pass me by – especially when it comes to TV. To be fair, though The Kid is a teen, she would be way too engrossed with her horror movies to watch a show on the ABC but it appears that this…