Review: You Don’t Know What War Is

Twelve-year-old Yeva tells one story in an ocean of narratives from the heartbreaking invasion of Ukraine. We are very fortunate that hers is an engaging and compelling voice - and that she is willing to share her experience. 

In a perfect world, we’d say: ‘You’re right, Yeva! We don’t know what war is and neither do you, so go enjoy your bowling birthday party with friends and then a happy, safe time with your family.’  

In our imperfect world, we have a twelve-year-old girl and her Grandmother fleeing their ravaged, war-torn home-town of Kharkiv to live as refugees for months, before ultimately finding shelter in Dublin. 

Until you’ve been there, you don’t know what war is. 

Yeva is right. We don’t know. 

Review: Promise Me Happy

Promise Me Happy opens with Nate the main character, being released from Juvie. 

He is picked up by Uncle Mick, his dead mother’s brother, and taken to an area surrounded by water where oysters were once harvested. There Mick lives on frozen, packaged food while he cooks for his dog Barry who has allergies. Mick has sadness in his eyes, the residue of something broken in him.

Nate meets the mysterious and magnetic Gem, the girl who works at the local store, and Henry, who is not Gem’s brother but lives with her and her mum. 

Gem is smart and sassy, and as attracted to Nate as he to her. Henry is clever, but different to other children, therefore somewhat marginalised. He loves the water and is as familiar with the area as with his breath that goes in and out.

Announcement: At The End of Holyrood Lane Crystal Kite Award Winner

Warning: the following contains a fair dollop of self-love and galaxies of sparkle, because that's what happens when one wins awards. Ed. (aka Dimity)

EK Books is delighted to announce that At the End of Holyrood Lane, by Dimity Powell and Nicky Johnston, has won the 2019 Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCWBI) Member Choice Award (Australia, New Zealand).

The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCWBI) is the international professional organisation for writers and illustrators of children’s literature.

Review: The Bogan Mondrian

Steven Herrick is one of my favourite YA authors. His gentle humour and vibrant characters bring both light and heart to difficult topics. If you enjoyed Love, Ghosts and Nose Hairs or The Simple Gift, then you won't want to miss The Bogan Mondrian. 

Luke wanders the bush and swims in the reservoir on the occasional school day. It's not that he hates school. His best mate, his only anchor, is there. It's just that he just hasn't recovered from losing his dad.

Rumours about why Charlotte moved to town are rife, but nothing is as it seems.

While Luke tries to come to terms with losing his dad, Charlotte dreams of one thing: getting rid of hers.