Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Normal Women Making History for 900 years – Philippa Gregory

    Illustrations by Alexis Snell Red Shed March 2025ISBN: 9780008725075 I am quite familiar with Philippa Gregory’s writing. Those books I have read are marvellous examples of historical fiction with such elegant blending of fact and fiction. But the title of this intrigued me as soon as I saw it. I had, in fact, no idea…

  • The Unexpected Mess of it All- Gabrielle Tozer

    Harper Collins Australia May 2024 Oh yes, a rom-com that will have your young readers absolutely in paroxyms of delight! This was just so engaging from the very first page, and I loved every word, character and certainly, the outcome. Jamila Dakhoul feels her life is in a complete mess. Since her family home (and…

  • The Hidden Girl – Louise Bassett

    Walker Books Australia August 2022 Imprint:Walker Books Australia ISBN 9781760654788 Australia RRP:$19.99 New Zealand RRP:$21.99 It is clear to see why Louise Bassett‘s debut novel was short-listed for the Ampersand Prize. It is a tense and gripping mystery/thriller that will hook readers in from the first page. Drawing on her real-life experience working in the…

  • Rebel Gods: Monuments #2 – Will Kostakis – The Book Tour! with guest blogger Tiarna Georghiou

    What a double bonus for me! First to be part of the Book Blog Tour to launch Rebel Gods – the gripping conclusion of Will Kostakis’ Monuments series. Second to be able to introduce you all to an amazing young woman, Tiarna Georghiou – Year 12 student, blogger, reporter, talented performer, passionate reader and, I’m…

  • Detention – Tristan Bancks

        Penguin Random House Imprint: Puffin July 2019 ISBN: 9780143799 RRP: $16.99   Just wow! Once again Tristan has crafted a sensational narrative with high-impact tension and thought-provoking themes which will keep readers eagerly turning pages. Two young people are both, each in their own way, prisoners of sad circumstances. Sima, with her family,…

  • The Moonlight Dreamers – Siobhan Curham

    ISBN: 9781406365825 Imprint: WALKER PAPERBACK Distributor: Harper Collins Distribution Services for Australia and New Zealand Release Date: July 1, 2016 Australian RRP: $16.99 New Zealand RRP: $18.99   Four teenage girls couldn’t be more different in personality, home life, culture or beliefs; yet one thing brings them together. They are all fed up with other people, whether peers or adults, telling…

  • One True Thing – Nicole Hayes

    Random House Australia ISBN: 9780857986887 Published: 01/05/2015 Imprint: Random House Australia Children’s Extent: 400 pages RRP $19.99 With this second novel, Nicole Hayes has absolutely confirmed her talent as a quality writer for young adults.  We are all too aware of the intense scrutiny under which our politicians are placed – and often, rightly so – and the accompanying…

  • Footy Dreaming – Michael Hyde

    Ford St Publishing May 2015 186 p. RRP: $17.99 ISBN: 9781925000993 Like so many other youngsters around the country, Noah and Ben live for their footy. They are both completely focussed on being the best players they can be in their provincial footy teams but also share a common goal: to be selected for the…

  • The Boy on the Wooden Box – Leon Leyson

    Simon & Schuster Children’s UK | 256 pages | ISBN 9781471119682 | May 2014 | Grades 4 – 9 List Price AU$ 9.99 – See more here Subtitled ‘How the Impossible became Possible…on Schindler’s List’ which says it all, this is an amazing read. Most of us are no doubt familiar with the history of…

  • The First Third – Will Kostakis

    Penguin Australia Published:24/07/2013 Format:Paperback, 248 pages RRP:$17.99 price:AUD $17.99 ISBN-13:9780143568179 ISBN-10:0143568175 Yes, ok, I admit it. I may well be one of the last few teacher-librarians in Australia who hadn’t read The First Third – until the past couple of weeks.  I knew, from all the glowing recommendations and recognitions that it must be a…