What do we
do when things get in a tangle?
Do we tussle and struggle? Or do we try something different?
We all have
a little bit of Tilly inside us - an adventurer who is happy, headstrong and
independent.
We all need
to push our own boundaries now and then, for interest’s sake if nothing else.
And we’ve all experienced being in a tangle, a tight spot or a pickle, because
we wouldn’t be human if we hadn’t.
Now a young adult, Solli's latest book, Starlight is the third in a series of connected books. The previous ones being Limelight and Spotlight.
Starlight is in two parts. The first explores identity.
National and personal identity, racial and cultural identity, identity and public image versus private image and representation.
Examples are shared, from popular culture (musicians, influencers, etc) and fictional worlds (like superheroes), as a way into thinking about how our identity might alter with boundaries or crossover in different contexts.
How are our physical identity and intellectual identity connected? Do we have one identity or many? How do history and historical events influence identity?
In no time at all, young Interpol agent Friday Barnes, takes up the investigation. Together with her friend Melanie, they set out for Oslo, where the couple’s car has been discovered abandoned.
They are met by Magnus of the Norwegian Secret Service, who has been fired from his job as bodyguard, due to Ingrid’s disappearance.
Although Magnus and Friday have little likeness for one another, Magnus believes that Friday has better investigative skills than the Oslo police, so turns to her for help.
As soon as Friday begins her search, a ransom demand is made.
Nothing eventuates. Is it a sham?
Friday continues to examine evidence, encountering obstacles and dead ends, but always way ahead in thought and possibilities from other active sources.
The search leads them to overpopulated New York.
From where does Friday start? Her clever and determined nature and belief in never giving up on a mystery, will find a way.
Where are the young couple? Why would anyone want to abduct them?
Is it possible that’s not what happened?
The story-line flows smoothly allowing for the insertion of many unexpected and deviating paths that force the pace to change.
R.A. Pratt’s usual impressive use of words is again at play. She has a way of sliding stories into the main story-line that seem unconnected to the happenings, but create interest for the reader.
Factual and educational, these divergent issues add spice to the narrative, allowing the reader to come away satisfied that they have learnt a great deal more than they knew when the story began.
This is an entertaining series, always interesting, with an intelligent, strong and proactive female protagonist who shows that age has no bearing on ability.
Title: Friday Barnes: In Plain Sight
Author: R. A. Spratt
Publisher: Penguin Random House, $ 16.99
Publication Date: 10 June 2025
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761349713
For ages: 11+
Type: Middle Grade Fiction
Filled with a sequence of facts that inform and educate, this collection has set the stage for a new encyclopedic type of book, accessible to readers of all ages.
It's a stunning publication that
These are the elements of the holy trinity that a great story begins with and, I’m delighted to say, qualities Carla Salmon has nailed in her debut YA novel, We Saw What You Started.
Nightmares
don’t need passports … lines
like this set up a delicious air of intrigue and uncomfortable concern. What is
it exactly that US teen, Otto is fleeing from? How does it influence his
assimilation into his new Aussie coastal home in Red Sands and how will his
past implicate his future?
Salmon
deftly sows seeds of secrecy, while plunging the reader headfirst into a dire
and dangerous situation; an unchecked bushfire. Now, any Aussie worth their
salt knows this is not the sort of calamity to mess around with and yet as we
dive deeper into this story, the threat of fire occurs, again and again.
The Bee Squad is great for both children and adults. With almost 200 pages packed with information and ideas, it's the perfect resource for inter-generational activities.
Each of the nine chapters have a different focus. The first encourages learning about nature in your neighbourhood and being aware of the plants and animals around you.
You never know what you might find right under your nose.
This first chapter includes a nature quest to record what you find, plus tips and trivia about some of the environments you might be exploring
Other chapters build on information from the first.
She was in year one during Covid times, which was difficult because doing things like holding hands (which was the only thing that made her feel safe) was discouraged. Despite this, teachers were putting themselves at risk to care for our kids, and in Evie’s case, they took her by her little hand anyway.
Family’s
here when you need them most.
Just picking
up this book with its shiny title and soothing green cover containing people under
a blossom-smattered tree, feels delightful. Couple that with the fun and love
of a bestselling author/illustrator duo of creators - and there is magic in the
air.
This glorious ode to families in all their various forms is definitely told with the warmth of ‘hot buttered toast.’
When Safiya spots an old lady sitting on the kerb, she feels worried for her. Her parents sense something is amiss as well.
The family are quick to see that the old lady is confused, also that she has no English, and it is apparent by her clothing she's from elsewhere, at least originally.
Luckily, Safiya's Mama speaks Arabic and through some gentle conversation, in which the old lady recalls things of the past, they begin to get some sense of her but still not where she lives.
It is not until she is in their car, that Safiya notices her bracelet - which has emergency details engraved.
The Night Librarian follows twins, Page and Turner, who are on a mission to recover their father’s rare book which was stolen when they were trying to determine its value.
It’s a book full of colour and beauty; a salute to family, friends and friendships.
Deep emotive prose takes the reader on a journey
through sadness, grief, recovery, reinvention and love.
There is a split in Eddie’s family.
Her mother
lives alone elsewhere. Elder sister Viv has been swallowed by grief and also
lives alone.
Somehow Eddie has alienated her friends and become socially inept.
She has distanced herself from her twin brother, Pat, and is hostile to George, the girl she works with at the juice bar.
She is resentful and angry and at times aggressive towards people who were once close to her.
Step into a
world of micro-tales that pack a mighty punch of humour!
Italian
creative Siliva Borando has made a brilliantly funny book of strange animal
pairings that provide some hilarious and unexpected moments.
Deceptively
simple, with lush colour and strong line work, the book’s endearing characters
and unconventional ideas made me laugh out loud.