Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Tell Me Why for Young Adults – Archie Roach

    Simon & Schuster Australia (March 3, 2021) ISBN13: 9781760858865 I can say unreservedly that this is one of the most powerful memoirs I have read in recent years and for young adults this is a book worth promoting heavily. Archie’s life story is at times harrowing and confronting but also uplifting and inspirational. Taken away…

  • Two for Tweens/Teens

    Well here we are a week out from Christmas 2020 and while you likely have most of your shopping sorted you may just still be tearing your hair out for the age group that always seems to be the hardest to please. These two titles have been thoroughly vetted by The Kid who approves of…

  • In the Key of Code – Aimee Lucido

    Walker Books Australia ISBN: 9781406389333Imprint: WalkerAustralian RRP: $16.99New Zealand RRP: $18.99 It speaks volumes that this was read in just one night in the past week and that I was immediately talking it up the next day to my ChocLit group. A verse novel that combines music and coding is not something I’d ever encountered before but this is…

  • The Long Distance  Playlist – Tara Eglington

    Harper Collins Australia January 2020 ISBN: 9781460755211 ISBN 10: 1460755219 Imprint: HarperCollins – AU RRP: $19.99 Well if you told me I would absolutely fall in love with a YA (primarily) romantic novel I would no doubt have scoffed loudly. However, this is just delightful and so so much more than just romance. Eglington explores contemporary culture, family…

  • Alice-Miranda Keeps the Beat (#18) – Jacqueline Harvey

    Penguin Random House 9780143786030 June 4, 2019 Puffin   RRP $16.99 Jacqueline Harvey knows exactly how to reach those high notes with her readers and the overwhelming popularity of her series, and certainly Alice-Miranda, is proof of that. The tiny girl with the big heart always plays her part in helping others, redressing injustices and…

  • Girl vs. Boy Band: The Right Track – Harmony Jones

    Bloomsbury Publishing Australia Published: 01-07-2016 ISBN: 9781408868546 Imprint: Bloomsbury Childrens RRP: $14.99 If you have girls who are pop fans and are looking for a little innocent romance along with an engaging story, this will be a very popular addition to your collection. It’s light and frothy and a bit bubble-gummy but perfect for tweens…

  • Mulga’s Magical Musical Creatures – Mulga

    Hachette Australia ISBN: 9780734416711 Publication date: 27 Sep 2016 Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books RRP $19.99   What a joyous riotous romp through the creative process of a musician! A dream of all kinds of animals playing every type of instruments inspires a musician to write a new performance piece.   There is so much to genuinely like about…