A pony to school

Author: Diana Pullein-Thompson

Pages:160

Age group: 9+

Genre:Horses

Blurb

Why had Ted Dunne asked Christian and Augusta to school clown? Where had he failed? The question was soon answered- Clown was a rearer, and  the experts said that if he was a confirmed rearer he would be incurable and have to be destroyed.

Then when the skewbald pony became ill Christina and Augusta realise they are very fond of him and will do anything to cure him of his dreadful habit. The experience is harrowing but somehow they must prevent Clown from being killed.

My review

Boy did I love this book!! This was a great bargain that I found in an Op shop for 10cents. It was so funny because last week when I went to an Op shop I found a book called Riders from Afar- By Christine Pullein-Tompson, Personally I thought that this book that I was buying was written by the same author as A Pony to school. But... When I got home I realized that it wasn't. I figured that they would have to be related as they both: had the same last name, Wrote about horses, had books published by the same company and they were published around the same time. And guess what? I was right. I stumbled upon a website that told me the whole story. 

Diana and Christine are Twin Sisters and they both write horse books!(No wonder why I was curious) And they also have another sister named Josephine and a mother called Joanna Cannan. The funny thing is that they all write Horse books. I also found out that the three sisters all worked together to make a 'black beauty' series which my aunty vaguely said something about, mind you she said it was her favorite series.

Well I didn't tell you much about A pony to school But I did tell you about my 'Amazing discoveries' About this recently (unknown to me) chain of Authors.

Hope you enjoy these books,

Courtney

Rabbit girl

Author: Mary Arrigan

Pages: 224

Age group: 10+

Genre: war, realistic, animals, history, friendship

When Mallie buys a drawing of a girl with a rabbit, she finds a mystery within the old picture that connects her to two evacuees from the London Blitz.

 My review

Rabbit Girl tells two stories, parallel to each other in alternating chapters. The two main characters are Tony and Mallie. 

 First I'll tell you about Tony as he was born earlier than Mallie.

 Tony

Tonys story was set in the Second World War.He's story begins first in Ireland, then London and then later in the Lake District. 

When young Tony travels to England to be with his father who has found work in London. Tony is at first utterly disappointed as all he wanted was a garden with a hutch and some white rabbits in it.But they are living in a smelly house(room) with no garden. Slowly he adapts to his new life in the city, before having to adapt all over again when the War begins.

 Mallie

Mallie story was set in the present day, and tells of a teenage girl called Mallie Kelly, who lives alone with her mother Sarah. Mallie worries for her mother, who always seems to be losing jobs and her love for her talent, which is drawing and art. Mallie secretly takes a job working at the local pet shop, against her mother's wishes, to get some money and buy her mother a special birthday gift.

This gift turns out to be very special indeed, alongside the romantic matchmaking attempts by Mallie for her mother, ultimately draws together the two strands of the story together.
There is a secret which you may guess at during the story, which is revealed at the end of the story. 

Although Mallie lives in the present day a world so different  from Tony's somehow in the end both worlds are brought together.

An absolutely marvelous book! I loved the comparison between Tony and Mallie's lives.

I recommend this book to everyone.

Enjoy,

Courtney

Start here, doing hard things right where you are

Authors: Alex & Brett Harris

Pages: 167

Age group: anyone who wants to make a difference

Genre: Teachings & life stories of Rebelutionaries

Do you want to do hard things? But have no idea where to start? Or are you….

Changing the world around you, but are tired and burned out? You feel that you are called to do the extraordinary for God, but you feel stuck in the ordinary. If that’s what you feel like then this is the book for you!!

Do Hard Things has inspired many thousands of young people around the world to make the most of the teen years. Now Alex and Brett Harris are back and ready to tackle the questions that Do Hard Things has inspired:
How do I get started?
What do I do when I get discouraged?
What's the best way to inspire others?

Filled with stories and insights from Alex, Brett, and many other real-life Rebelutionaries experiences, Start Here is a powerful and practical guide to doing hard things, right where you are. Are you ready to take the next step and blast past your weakness for the glory of God? START HERE.

I can't believe that I have the pleasure to be able to recommend this book to you guys. I feel that we teenagers will be able to change the way our generation acts by standing up for what you believe in! Next time your in a situation where you aren't sure what to do, Do whats right. 

Hope all you Australians are enjoying your holidays!( And anyone else who is on Vacation) See you soon.

Courtney☺

Do hard things

Author: Alex & Brett Harris

Pages: 256

Age group: Anyone who wants to make an impact on the world

Genre:Teachings & life stories of Rebelutionaries 

Most  people don't expect you to understand what we're going to tell you in this book. And even if you understand, they don't expect you to care. And if you care, they don't expect you to do anything about it. And even if you do something about it, they don't expect it to last. BUT…We do.            

   Alex and Brett
 

A generation stands on the brink of a "rebelution."
A growing movement of young people are rebelling against the low expectations of today's culture by choosing to "do hard things" for the glory of God.  And Alex and Brett Harris are leading the charge. Do Hard Things is the Harris twins' revolutionary message in its purest and most compelling form, giving readers a tangible glimpse of what is possible for teens who actively resist cultural lies that limit their potential.
 

Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, the authors weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life.  Then they map out five powerful ways teens can respond for personal and social change.

Written by teens for teens, Do Hard Things is packed with humorous personal anecdotes, practical examples, and stories of real-life rebelutionaries in action. This rallying cry from the heart of an already-happening teen revolution challenges a generation to lay claim to a brighter future, starting today.

Amazing book!! Congratulations to the twins!!!

This was such an inspiring book that I think, would inspire any & everyone who reads this book no matter how young or old. I have started my journey as a rebelutionary by showing the way Christians live through my daily life. No matter how big or small your ideas or actions are they all are just as significant as each other. 

Dream Big,

Can't wait to here from you readers,

see you soon,

Courtney☺

#7 Trixie Belden and the mysterious Code

Author: Kathryn Kenny

Pages: 233

Age Group: 10+

Genre: Mystery,

Acts of vandalism at the Bobwhites school forces the board of Sleepyside High to crack down on secret clubs, and the Bobwhites are forced to prove their worth by holding an Antique show to raise money for UNICEF.  Preparation for the show uncovers some truly valuable antiques and attracts some unwanted attention, putting the life of Bobby and Trixie in danger. Will their club survive??

 My review

Kathryn Kenny has done a great job of continuing the same characters to the next mystery. As I told you last time the 6th book was Julie Campbells last book. You would think that there would be some noticeable differences in the way it is written but... I can honestly say that I couldn't pick out anything different even the way the characters said things! This was yet again a great mystery. It was a very involved mystery with many intense sections which threatened the lives of a few characters! I just love reading all about the characters as they have come to life in my world!!

Awesome Book!!! from a must read series !!!!

As it's the holidays you should have plenty of time to read... So enjoy
Hope you visit soon...

Courts
The Queen of books!

Catwalk Queen, #3 Million dollar mates

Author: Cathy Hopkins

Pages: 240

Age Group: 10+

Genre: Realistic, fashion, celebrities,Friendship  

 My Review

Although i don't read many books of this genre, I really enjoyed it! It had a lot of meaning behind it and was a very exciting book. 

 Catwalk queen Is the third book in the Million dollar mates series. This is an awesome series about a girl called Jess Hall who is your everyday teenager.

 " I sort of wish the cover wasn't quite so glitz and glam, as it probably puts off several people who dismiss it as too girly and no meaning to the book, while it actually has a lot of meaning and morals in the story."said a reader of this book.

Here is a snippet of the first three books.

 #1 Million dollar mates

When Jess's dad gets a job as the general manager at Porchester Park, and is moving Jess, her brother and pet cat into a staff apartment there. Jess is dreading the move, until she learns the apartments are strictly A-list only and soon to be populated by actors, musicians, models and millionaires... But mixing in with the stars isn't all it's cracked up to be, and soon Jess is wishing for a return to real-life - but can she admit to her friends that the gilded cage isn't quite as golden as she'd anticipated?

#2 Million dollar mates paparazzi princess 

It's the end of term and Jess is excited about all the new faces due to arrive at Number 1, Porchester Park for the holidays. Outside the apartment block, the usual paparazzi lie in wait hoping for a story or photo. Jess knows she should avoid them, and when new resident Riko arrives, they enjoy dodging the cameras together. But is Riko all she appears to be - or is this million dollar mate a fake? Distracted by two boys: handsome A-Lister, JJ, and school boy, Tom - neither of whom are making their intentions totally clear - Jess is finding it really hard to know who to trust right now. And getting it wrong could prove to be a costly mistake...

#3 Million dollar mates Catwalk queen

In this book, Tanisha, a pop diva who has recently moved into Porchester park is the mentor for a teen modeling comp. She encouraged Jess to enter as she has 'potential' Jess decided she would enter as she thought it would be a good way to stand out from the crowd and hopefully attract the attention from JJ or Tom.

This is a very exciting series! You never know what is going to happen next.

See you soon,

Courts

Brumby Mountain #5 Diamond Spirit series

Author:  Karen Wood

Pages: 242

Genre: Horses, adventure, realistic

Age group: 11+ (Great for any age)

Blurb

"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 traumatized brumby's, 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 mountain horses from their cruel fate ?
And in going back to Matty's Flat, will Luke discover where he really belongs ?

 My Review

I just can't believe that I had the privilege to have interviewed this very talented author on my blog! I just cannot comprehend the skill Karen has to write!! In Brumby Mountain Jess & Luke  embark on a journey to the tiny town of Mathews Flat(Matty's Flat). Jess is afraid that she is going to lose Luke as this town is where he was born and will always belong. 

Will Luke stay at Coachwood crossing or not??

Spectacular book (of course) couldn't put it down.

I have got all 5 books in the Diamond Spirit Series, My most loved books.

I believe that these books need to get more attention as I reckon that anyone who reads them will thoroughly enjoy them. "Congratulations Karen, keep up the great work!"

Enjoy readers,

New post next Wednesday!

Courtney

Anne Frank's diary

Author: Anne Frank

Pages: 427

Age group: 12+

Genre: Journal, hiding in world war 2, general

My review

The diary of Anne Frank was definitely a very interesting read! It was a diary written in 1942 by a Jew who lived in a time very hard for the Jewish followers. When the war started Jews were fearful because if they didn't hide and make themselves scarce they would sooner or later get take to concentration camps. They managed to survive 2 years before unfortunately they got take away to   concentration camps (Death). When i read the afterword i was so sad because to think that just the day before she was living normal life, within minutes they were whisked away for doing nothing. Great read, A few sensitive subjects but other wise fine.

 Blurb

The blurb reads....

In July 1942, thirteen-year-old Anne Frank and her family, fleeing the horrors of Nazi occupation, went into hiding in an Amsterdam warehouse. Over the next two years Anne vividly describes the frustrations of living in confinement, and she confides her innermost thoughts and longings. But her diary ends abruptly when... in August 1944, they were all betrayed.

Sixty years after it's first publication, The diary of a Young girl remains the single most poignant story to emerge from the second world war. 

Hope you enjoy this old classic,

Thank you for following my reading...

feel free to comment and say what you think of this book!!

see you soon

Courtney 

I was meaning to tell all you readers out there that Karen Wood has finally released Brumby mountain which is the fifth book in the diamond spirit series. It has been out for a few weeks!! (whoops)

Amazing book, as usual!! She is also hoping to write a 6th book to the series which would be great.

But.. get going and read this thrilling book your missing out!

Catch you all soon,

Courtney

 

The night they stormed Eureka

Author: Jackie French

Pages:252

Genre: History, Eureka Stockade, olden day life.

Age:10+

It′s 1854, and the Ballarat goldfields are a place of dreams and rebellion as Sam, a homeless teenager, is called back to the past to join the Puddlehams, who run ′the best little cook shop on the diggings′.

The Puddlehams dream of buying a hotel with velvet seats, while others dream of freedom from the government, with its corrupt officials and brutal soldiers.

 As the summer days get hotter, and the miners' protests are ignored with catastrophic results, Sam experiences at first-hand the power of a united stand, which will change her life forever.

My Review

 I am amazed at how well Jackie French can captivate history. She has written it so well that I can clearly feel how it would have felt to be the Puddlehams, Sam or any of the miners on the Ballarat goldfield in 1854.

I rate the night they stormed Eureka 8 out of 10!!!!

great book, as are all of the other historical Jackie french books I have read.

I will see you next week...

Courts

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♥