Nanberry black brother white

Author: Jackie French
Pages: 320

Genre: Historical, Aboriginals, English settlers

Age Group:11+

 Two brothers -- one black, one white -- and a colony at the end of the world It′s 1789, and as the new colony in Sydney Cove is established, Surgeon John White defies convention and adopts Nanberry, an Aboriginal boy, to raise as his son. Nanberry is clever and uses his unique gifts as an interpreter to bridge the two worlds he lives in. With his white brother, Andrew, he witnesses the struggles of the colonists to keep their precarious grip on a hostile wilderness. And yet he is haunted by the memories of the Cadigal warriors who will one day come to claim him as one of their own. This true story follows the brothers as they make their way in the world -- one as a sailor, serving in the Royal Navy, the other a hero of the Battle of Waterloo. No less incredible is the enduring love between the gentleman surgeon and the convict girl who was saved from the death penalty and became a great lady in her own right.

 My Review

In Nanberry black brother White, we read about five main characters , Nanberry, Maria, Surgeon White, Rachel and Andrew.Each of these characters each has their own personality's and way of acting. It is an amazing book which takes us back in the future to the time of the first English settlers. Jackie French has written yet again another amazing book.

Hope to see you all soon, 

Courts

Next Wednesdays book will be....

 

The night they stormed Eureka

Author: Jackie French

A million Shades of Gray

Author:Cynthia Kadohata

Pages:224

Genre: Elephants, war

Age group:9-14+

 Ever since Tin can remember he's wanted to be an elephant trainer. At twelve years old, he's the youngest - and in his eyes the best - elephant handler in his village. Tin can think of nothing he'd rather do that spend all day with his elephant, Lady, looking after her and playing together. But Tin's peaceful, idyllic life is changed dramatically when the Viet Cong attack his village and he finds himself held hostage by the terrifying soldiers who don't care if he lives or dies. Can Tin find the courage to escape from his captors and save not only his own life, but his precious elephants too?

My review

A million shades of gray is about a twelve year old boy called Y'tin. He has always had a dream to become an elephant trainer. His becomes the youngest and 'the best' elephant trainer in his village his dreams finally come true when he is finally the owner of a beautiful elephant called Lady. But ...when the Viet Cong attack his village he becomes captured along with many other villagers. They are held hostage by the cruel soldiers which don't treat them well and give them little or nothing to eat. Will Y'tin be able to escape in time? What happened to his family?Where is Lady?

This is a great book, which really shows what it would have been like to be living in Vietnam in 1975 when the viet Cong attacked many villages. The author has told this story in a very realistic way but also in a way that is suitable for all readers. I know you will enjoy this book no matter what age.

Enjoy,

I'll see you all next week,

Courts

My Book hunt

I know I'm really sorry that I haven't told you before but...

I have actually been on a book hunt!!!   I have scrum-itched through many op shops in my area but haven't had much luck finding the books I was looking for instead I seemed to have brought  a pile of random books that I liked the look of (I was right they were good books)! The books I am looking for though, are... the hardy Boys, The Trixie Belden, Nancy drew and the Three Investigators series.

I'm hoping to fill up my bookshelf one shelf to go!! I'm also on the way to getting a bigger bookshelf!!

I'm obsessed with books.I just love (especially old) books!!!

If you have these books leave a comment to tell me how your reading experience was.

P.S. If you ever have any old/new books you don't want, I'm always here!!

see you all again soon,

Courts

Noah barleywater runs away

Author: John Boyne

Pages:222

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Age group: 8+

Summary

This was a very unusual but Creative story, it was filled with fantasy from the talking dachshund to the moving puppets everything has a touch of magic. After 8 year old Noah Barleywater runs away from home to escape his problems he happens to stumble upon an old man who runs a toy shop. This toy shop is not your ordinary shop everything about this shop is strange. Noah and the old man get along great and share past times together.

  My review

John Boyne is an amazing author I have also read The boy in the striped pyjamas and I would have to say that it is one of my favorites,But quite a sad ending.Anyway back to the subject...

Noah barleywater runs away was the real fairytale story with a bit of realty mixed in with it,

It was wrote in a beautiful way and you couldn't tell what was going to happen next. Although I am 13 I still thoroughly enjoyed it. 
I rated it 7 out of 10(very creative book)

if you enjoy reading this book, 

I suggest you read the boy in the striped pyjamas

Cya soon,

Courts

Mollie hazeldenes school days

Author: Maude S. Forsey

Pages:297

Ages:9+(too long for anyone younger)

Genre: Realistic, Boarding school life

Published: around 1920's-1930's

  I rated this book 9 out of 10

Mollie Hazeldenes school days is about an ordinary girl who goes to a boarding school. It is similar to Malory towers as they were both written in the same era. It is a great book about the ups and downs of Mollies boarding school days. In the 1920's many books were written about children at boarding school.

I personally love reading these books as they are quite exciting and they always seem to make me chuckle as in this type of book the kids usually play some pranks on the teachers and I  can't help but start laughing.

I am not sure that you will be able to find this book because it is quite old. But you never know it could just be in your attic right now.......

There were a few different editions published, so keep your eyes peeled for them in your local op shops or second hand book stores. I have the top book except mine is more orange,It is the 1st Edition so it is pretty old. It was originally my grandma (mums mum) then it got handed down to my Mum and her sister and now I have it!!!( It had good use huh)

Good luck with your book hunting....

Courtney♥

Farm Boy

Author: Micheal Morpurgo

Pages: 128

Age: 9+

genre: Horses, Farming, Family story's

 Blurb

Set on a farm in Devon at the beginning of the 20th century, this book is both an evocative and nostalgic read. It is a story of the relationship between a grandfather and grandson and the very special secret they share involving a local farmer, a field, horses and a newfangled Fordson tractor.

My Review

 I rate this book 8 out of 10. 

( I would have liked it a bit longer, otherwise great)

This is a great read telling the story of Joeys life in the eyes of his Son.

It shows us what happened after the War and continued on where War Horse left off. Wonderfully written, but if you expect it to be a thrilling War story it is not for you. I have said 9+ although it is not a long book ,is not written in very fine text and has many pictures, it could be a little bit hard to understand as Joey's Son is telling Joeys son's Son the story and sometimes that can be a little bit confusing for the youngsters.

This would be a perfect book to read to a class of students, A sibling or child or just by yourself.

SO Enjoy yourself and have a lovely (but unfortunately short) Read.

Courtney ♥

#6 The Mystery In Arizona

Author: Julie Campbell

Pages: 234

Age group:11+

Genre: Mystery, Arizona, cowboys

 My review

I love Trixie Belden books and can see how they were such a hit in the 1950's & 1960's. Unfortunately they aren't extremely popular in this generation but I want to change that. As usual the Mystery in Arizona was great although this was Julie Campbells last book and people think that she didn't do a very good job of her last two books, I thought they weren't that bad at all, in fact I thought they were just as good as the others.

In this book Trixie, Mat, Brian, Honey, Jim & Di all get invited to fly over to Arizona to spend Christmas at Di's uncle's Dude Ranch. Unfortunately Trixie assumes she won't be allowed to go as she has to study for the half year exams. Since she was failing every subject her mother said she had to study, study, study. When they arrive in Arizona, Di's uncle is flustered because strangely enough all of his staff have left the dude ranch.
What will the Bob-Whites do?? Is Trixie allowed to go??
 Read this awesome book to find out!!! 

Hope you are enjoying this series as only have 8 more books to get before I have the whole series (39 books)!!

see you all soon,

courts

Billy the kid

Author: Michael Morpurgo

Pages:160

Age:8-12

Billy and the kid is set in world war II. It is about a boy called Billy who Loved playing football and had a dream to play for the Chelsea football team.His mother gave birth to Joe, who later on in the story joined the army. A while later they received a message to say that he had died. Joe died at Dunkirk on the French coast around the time when the Germans advanced, routing the British army.His family was depressed to hear such sad news. Soon after Billy decides to join the army to fight for his country(And Joe). They Succeeded and He survives to become a player for Chelsea Football Club and lives to an old age.

My review

This was a great book, even though it was a short story. This book would be suitable for anyone from an age of about 8-12. Although this book wasn't very long it had a really goos storyline and is a very interesting read. In this book there were some sad moments but over all it was a very lovely book with a great ending.

Enjoy, 

Courtney

The undercover secret

Author: Colin Thiele

Pages:133

Age group:10+

Genre: realistic, mystery

 Jenny Cox loved the river that flowed past her suburban home. Often she sat on the bank dangling her feet in the water, sometimes meeting her old friend and neighbour, Swampy Marshman, and his friends - enigmatic trio, Hoppy, Fatso and Slim. It was during the Depression of 1930s - Jenny's father was out of work and times were hard for everyone she knew, but in her private world by the river Jenny felt safe and secure. When swampy died unexpectedly, Jenny was suddenly plunged into strange and terrifying experiences. WHO was the  mysterious stranger whom she surprised searching through Swampys house? What was the secret of Swampy's parting gift-two battered old stamp albums that were practically worthless? Why was Jenny chased in a frightening pursuit through the park one night? And worst of all, would her parents really be forced to give up their riverside cottage and be thrown out onto the street? Just when everything seemed to be lost, Jenny discovered the old mans secret...

My Review

The undercover Secret was a exciting read which was very cleverly set out. All of Colin Thiele's Books are set in Australia. This book was located in the heat of Hackney, 10 Min's out of Adelaide.It was great to read a book that shows how Adelaide would have been in the 1930's. It  is a great book suitable for anyone! Every page was leading you towards the 'under cover ' secret. And left you wondering what was going to happen next.

I highly recommend this book and also all of these other Colin Thiele books I have read...

February dragon

Jodie's Journey

Blue Fin

The fire in the Stone

You will defiantly be seeing more of Colin Thiele's books on my blog soon.

Thanks readers, Hope you are enjoying the rest of your holiday and had a great Easter,

Cya soon,

Courts

Golden Stranger #4 Diamond Spirit Series

Author: Karen wood

Pages: 241

Age group:11+

Genre: horses, Cattle drafting, real life

  

Shara heard her father's four-wheel drive and moments later the sounds of hoovesup a tailgate. She rushed to the window and saw Rocko's big brown rump disappearinto the float.

'Dad! Dad! No!' She threw herself down the back steps, sobbing. 'I'm sorry!'

When Shara decides to join her friends in protesting against a wild horse race at the local show, it sounds fun, even heroic, but she isn't prepared for the tangle of heartbreak that follows. Now the police are at the door, her friend Corey has severe head injuries and her dream of rescuing a golden colt from its cruel owners is fading fast. Can she clear her name ? Will she ever see Goldie again ? And what will happen between her and Corey now ?

My review

As usual an amazing read. Karen wood has done an amazing Job of this series!

 In Golden Stranger, Shara's friends convince her to join them in a protest against the wild horse race at the local show. They don't agree with this discraceful event and would love to see the brumbies released.They didn't realise that they could get into a lot of trouble if they are caught out.

When a special Golden brumbie turns up in their yard, Sharsy knows she has found her once-in-a-lifetime horse. But when she and her friends muck up again will she be able to keep him?

Lovely read. You would understand it best if  you read the first 3 before reading it.

Brumby mountain is getting released in June so watch out for it!!

Thanks readers,

Hope you are all having a great holiday and Have a good Easter.

Cya soon,

Courts

Interview with Karen Wood

Karen wood with Reo her once-in-a-lifetime horse.

Hi everyone,

I have interviewed Karen Wood, who is a great author friend of mine.She has just released, Golden Stranger which is the fourth book in the Diamond Spirit series. I asked her a range of questions regarding her books and got great answers. Here they are...

Where did you get the ideas from to write the diamond spirit series?

Diamond was a real pony. My young friend Jess leased her to me and then she really did get stuck in a cattle grid. Jess was only eleven and she had to make the awful decision to have her pony destroyed. She was so brave and so gracious the day that Diamond was put down that I was inspired to write a book about her. So the first few chapters came from an event in my life that really touched me. The rest of the books and the stories are based on people I have known and places I have been.

Who is your favourite character in the series?

I really like Grace, she's funny and I just love Luke.

Do you wish that you were one of the character in the book?

I wish I had their lifestyle!!! I used to have their lifestyle but now I'm married with two small girls and can't just pack up and go campdrafting every weekend. Most of the characters in the books have a little bit of me in them.

Around how long does it take you to write each book?

Every time I write one it seems to take less time. It took 6 years to write book 1, but now it only takes me about 6 - 8 months.

Any, tips for young writers?

Just tell the story, write write write write write! Don't worry about spelling or grammar or getting it perfect, just tell the story. Any story. You'll be amazed at what comes out. Later, you can go back, delete the stuff that didn't work and keep the good stuff. And tidy it up. Add pretty bits, etc. Just get the flow happening.

Also read good quality books by well regarded authors, you will absorb a good style by osmosis.

Are you releasing any more books after Brumby mountain?

I'm in discussions with my publisher and my agent at the moment, about what comes next. I do have quite a few unfinished projects filed away. So many ideas - so little time!

Can you give us a sneak peak of Brumby mountain??

I can give you the official blurb for BRUMBY MOUNTAIN (due for release in June).

'I want to stop whoever's running those brumbies.' Luke looked up at her suddenly. 'Come with me, Jessy. I don't want to leave you behind this time. I miss you too much.'

When Luke brings home a truckload of traumatised brumbies, some with horrific injuries, Jess agrees that something must be done. Can Jess, Luke and their friends foil the brumby runners and save the wild horses from their cruel fate? And in going back to matty's Flat, will Luke discover where he really belongs?

 Congratulations Karen, You are doing great in the world of books. I'm sure all of us readers out here, especially me, can't wait to read Brumby Mountain and any other books you will be releasing in the future. I absolutely love your books and the amazing characters you have created. Keep on writing.

Readers,

I hope you have enjoyed my interview with Karen wood, I will be doing interviews with an other author soon....

Golden spirit is now aviliable at most bookshops so... GO Buy it!!

Also on an ending note Brumby mountain is going to be released in June, i'll keep you posted.

Bye for now,

Courtney

#4The unsuspecting Gourmet

Author: M.E Rabb

Pages:169

Genre:Mystery & detectives, General
Age:7&8 (12+)

Sophie knows that she's made a big mistake, when she accidentally lets her mother's famous matzo ball soup recipe to Wilda Higgins, the owner of the Petal Diner. After all, she and her sister, Sam are known to the town of Venice, Indiana as two Christian girls whose parents were killed in a car accident, not two Jewish girls who ran away from Queens, New York with their evil stepmother's money. However, Wilda quickly adds some Midwestern touches to the recipe to make it her own, and then enters it into a contest. However, when Wilda wins, and is chosen to appear on Griffin Gateauxs cable television cooking show, she invites Sophie to join her on-screen. Now, Sam must figure out a way to prevent Sophie's face from being broadcast all over the media, or their identities will definitely be blown. But that's the least of their worries, for Wilda and Griffin quickly disappear while touring local dairy farms, and now it's up to Sophie and Sam, along with their Private Investigator boss, Gus, to find Wilda and Griffin before they're both...deceased.

My review

Margo Rabb has a fantastic way of writing her books and makes it feel like everything is happening in real life. When I read her books I seem to read twice as fast as usual and lose track of time! Margo defiantly deserves an award for writing such an amazing series!It is such a shame that this Fabulous series has came to an end.

Case #4 The unsuspecting gourmet was and awesome book!! Case #2 was my favorite book in the series! Actually I loved all the books in this series equally. This is my favorite series along with the Trixie Belden books.

In this book Sophie accidentally shares her mothers delicious Matzo ball soup recipe with Wilda Higgins, the owner of the Petal Diner. Wilda added a few personal touches and then entered it in a contest. Sophie didn't think it wouldn't have a chance of winning But unfortunately... It won!! When Griffin Gateaux's crew appears in the town to start rehearsing the show,The girls have to quickly make up a reasonable excuse to get Sophie out of it or else her face will be plastered all over the Media and their cover will be blown. But they needn't 

worry because Wilda and griffin quickly disappear. Now it's up to Sophie Sam and their Private Investigator Boss, Gus, To find Wilda and Griffin before it's to late.

Hope you enjoy reading these 4 exciting mystery books, if you like these books you will also like reading the Trixie Belden Books!! Enjoy

#3The Venetian police man

Author:M.E.Rabb

Pages:1

Genre:Mystery & Detective, fiction, General

Ages: 7 & 8(12+)

Sophie and Sam thought they knew everything there was to know about Gus Jenkins, the private detective they're working with. But when Gus's life takes a turn for the worse, the girls discover that he has a missing son. They decide that they have to find him. Can they manage to find Gus's son, while keeping their identity and their motives a secret? 

My review

I rate this book 9 out of 10. Terrific book!

In this book the sisters uncover the truth about Gus and find that he has a son called Jack that left home and apparently travelled to Los-vegas to have a career in show biz. Will they ever be able to find Jack amidst the busyness of los-Vegas???

It is sad that there is only one more book of the series to read:(

Margo Said that she will be releasing a new book coming out next year!!

I know it is a long time to wait but... I know that her new book will be awesome!!Enjoy,

Courtney

#2 The Chocolate lover

Author:M.E Rabb

Pages: 192

Genre:Mystery 
Ages: 7 & 8(12+)

When Sophie starts school, she notices a flyer for a lecture featuring Professor Leo Shattenberg. Could this be their grandfather’s missing cousin, believed to be dead since World War II? At the lecture, Sam and Sophie discover that Professor Shattenberg has a missing person of his own—a childhood sweetheart who, like him, had a love of chocolate. Seeing their chance, the girls offer to help the professor find his missing sweetheart—all the time running their own investigation of him.

Will they finally have relatives like normal people?? 
                   My review

I rate this book 10 out of 10!!!!
Case #2 of the Missing Persons series was awesome!It was a great sequel to the first book!You will love it!!

Sophie and Sam have finally settled into Venice, Indianan, and now have a nice group of friends and both have great jobs working alongside Gus, The local detective. When Sophie finds a flyer featuring professor Leo Shattenberg, she thinks they have finally found there grandfathers cousin who apparently died in World War II. After the lecture they found out that Leo was missing his childhood sweetheart Ruth, Who like Leo also loved Chocolate.The girls saw their chance and offered to help.

Will the girls be able to find Leo’s sweet heart?? Or will she remain undiscovered like the girls themselves.

The next book I shall be reading will be....

 

Case #3 The Venitian Police Man

Enjoy your reading

,Court's

#1 The rose queen

Author:M.E.Rabb

Pages:176

Genre:Mystery & Detective, fiction, General

Ages: 7 & 8(12+)

Sophie and Sam Shattenberg are two Jewish sisters from Queens, New York. Both love knishes(Type of pastry pie) and kosher pickles. Both have said I'm wawkin here! to cab drivers and meant it. When the unthinkable happens and their father dies, the girls are devastated. Desperate to get away from their greedy stepmother, they withdraw their fathers money from the bank, pick up fake IDs, and hit the road. All is well until their car breaks down outside of Venice, Indiana, a town so isolated that the mechanic tells them, You could get lost here forever. Which is exactly what they decide to do.... Sam and Sophie arrive in the small town of Venice, decide to stay, and try to blend in. They get jobs, make friends, and practise talking the talk instead of tawking the tawk. Then 16 year old Noelle Mcbride the most popular girl in town,the queen of the upcoming Rose Festival disappears. The sisters were the last people to see her and so become prime suspects. Sophie and Sam realise that they're going to have to find the missing girl themselves if they want to clear their names. Even if their names are fake....

Will the sisters be able to blend in and find the missing girl??

My Review

I rate this book 10 out of 10!!! Awesome book you'll love this amazing series and will enjoy reading a good mystery!In this first book the two sisters have to escape from there evil step mother who wants to separate the girls by sending Sophie to a Canada to a girls boarding school. So Sam decides that they will have to go and live somewhere miles away where their step mother wouldn't find them. When their car breaks down just outside of Venice Indianna, They have to stay there for the week... But they loved the town & people so much that they decide to stay. But when the popular soon to be Queen of the rose festival goes missing... The villagers turn the blame to them... If the sisters can't find Noelle themselves they will have to leave.

I am positive that you will love reading this book every bit as much as I did.

Enjoy your reading,

Courtney