Some would argue that the interest has actually waned as the instalments have increased in volume. Do all but the die-hards really have the interest to tackle a 700 page volume (as in HP – and the Goblet of Fire)? And who is it that now waits eagerly for the final book to be released on July 21? Young readers or their parents who remained hooked on the phenomena? Readers might like to check out a recent article in the New York Times – Potter Has Limited Effect on Reading Habits, and then comment on how Harry Potter has impacted on their interest in reading.

This is a new release of a book, first published in

Pennac then ponders when and why children lose interest in reading as a recreational activity. Do YOU remember the days (or nights) when you were actually told to STOP reading (under the covers, by torchlight, or because you had homework to do)? And now, do you spend too much time asking your kids to interpret what they are reading daily for school? Do your kids actually spend time just enjoying reading? Do you ever read aloud to your kids – even though they are in high school? Do you like to be READ ALOUD to?

A recent article in the Times stated that ‘there was a clear link between reading for pleasure and academic performance, not just in English, but across the whole curriculum’, and that ‘reading enjoyment is more important for children’s educational success than their family’s socioeconomic status.’ (Alexandra Frean. 160 books on must-read list for boys – full of blood, guts and class heroes.  The Times , May 16, 2007) Isn’t it time we all discovered the joy of reading for reading’s sake again?

Also, I have just spent time with classes looking at some examples of Historical Fiction, which is a favourite genre of mine. Students were enthusiastic, teachers were enthusiastic, and lots of popular titles and authors were shared and borrowed. Why is this genre so popular?

Throughout my ‘library experience’, authors of Historical Fiction have enthralled me. Tales about the rigours of their research have always facscinated me (e.g. with Michelle Paver swimming with killer whales, and spending time with the natives and wildlife of Iceland, Norway, South America, the Rockies for her research purposes! and Carole Wilkinson going into detail about a particular flower for Dragonkeeper, or historically correct detail for her Ramose series).

But I have gone off track. Which fiction genre appeals to you? (e.g. mystery, fantasy, crime fiction, adventure, school stories, humour) Or do you just read what you have to, to meet school requirements? What was the last book you read purely for pleasure?

Themes covered by the first 3 issues have included:

1. How to give your car a checkup
2. Handling road rage
3. Car finance
4. Planning road trips
5. Driver distractions to avoid
6. Zero alcohol test
7. Top advice for Learners
8. How to pass the big test
9. and much more….

This is a great journal which all adolescents (and their parents or driving supervisors) should read. Check out the copies in our school library, or pick up your FREE copy at the local RTA. If you have read copies, what did you think of it?
 

Double Exposure – Brian Caswell – Fantastic read!!

It’s Not about You, Calma! – Barry Jonsberg

The Story of Tom Brennan – J.C. Burke

Lost Property – James Moloney

Chasing Charlie Duskin – Cath Crowley

No Worries – Bill Condon

See the school library web pages for more detailed reviews (Reviews 2006), or look for other online reviews – after you have read them yourself, of course!

If you haven’t planned early enough to get books from the school library, there are always the options of checking out local public library, or scanning the shelves of the best bookshops around.

But what to read? (click the next link for ideas…)

Lots of bookshops present catalogues with brief reviews to tempt you. Some are even online so you can search before you go to the store e.g. http://www.dymocks.com.au/index.aspx, http://www.angusrobertson.com.au/ Smaller local bookshops and local libraries usually have friendly staff who know their stock really well, and can make suggestions for you. Other places to look for ideas include of course, the Australian Readers’ Challenge list, the Premier’s Reading Challenge. and many sites like Read Alert blog and Inside a Dog (all listed in the side bar to the right!!).

Personal recommendations from me include:

The Boy in Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne – a tale of a boy coming to terms with a family move to the country set in troubled times. His struggles to make sense of this move are revealed in boyish language set in strange circumstances.

A Life of Extremes: Journeys and Encounters by Jeff McMullen. This title gathers together the many memories of prominent media correspondent Jeff McMullen, revealing the many different experiences he has had in his journeys around the world. It is an amazing collection of tales, with great highs and lows related deftly and emotionally  by an extremely talented journalist.

Change the World for Ten Bucks. This book contains 50 simple achievable ways that anyone can make a positive impression in our world – it shows how a single person can truly make a difference.

My Big Birkett by Lisa Shanahan. Lisa creates a tale that any high school student might recognise as the struggle to just be a teenager occurs. Gemma Stone tells of a year in her life and the experiences with which many will identify – the need to belong, be loved, and to be successful – with some funny scenes thrown in.

Millie and the Night Heron by Catherine Bateson. Millie’s life changes when her mother’s best friend moves out of the family home and then, Millie’s mum decides to move too. When Millie’s mum starts to act a little distracted, Millie seeks advice on how to deal with a boyfriend challenge – all at a time when she is dealing with getting to know herself and fitting in to a new school.

Pass on your recommendations. What is the best book you have read lately?

Small flaws include:
·  The Priory of Sion was a hoax set up in 1954, not 1098 – thus Leonardo da Vinci could not be a member
·  Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’ includes feminine looking male figures because that was typical of the Renaissance portrayal of holy or saintly men, not because Mary Magdalene was present (how would da Vinci know anyway?).
·  There is no academic field called “Religious Symbology” at Harvard University
·  There are 698 tiles in the Louvre Pyramid, not 666
·  The Paris road system is inaccurately described during car sequences.
 

Large scale flaws include:
·  One major flaw is that Constantine invented Christianity, or that the early Christians didn’t believe that Jesus is Lord. Early Christians, well before his time actually suffered and died for proclaiming that Jesus was Lord.
·  That the Bible was collated by Constantine the Great (272-337AD). Much of the Bible (Old Testament) existed well before his time, and had been studied for centuries (even by Christ himself), while the Gnostic gospels were written after 200A.D. The canonical gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) were written between 50 and 100A.D.
·  That Jesus was married. There is no mention of this in the 4 gospels, nor do any other ancient historians write of this. Dan Brown’s translation is incorrect identifying him as ‘spouse’, when ‘companion’ was what was meant in context and language.
·  That Jesus was just a man – when in fact He is the son of God.

To find out more: read one of the gospels found in the Bible, speak with Reverend Wilson or other teachers at school, or visit your local church and make some enquiries.
Useful references include: Bock, D. 2004. Breaking the Da Vinci Code. Nashville, Tennessee. Nelson Books.
Garlow, J. & Jones, P. 2004. Cracking Da Vinci’s Code. Colorado Springs, Colorado. Victor.
Gumbel, N. 2005. The Da Vinci Code: A Response. London, Alpha International.
 

Many of the Children’s Book Council of Australia award nominees are on the ARC list, too. Since we all like to read these before the awards are announced in August – they can be included in my ARC selections!! Here is my list  with a small comment… 

1. My Sister’s Keeper (Jodie Piccoult). This is a story about a young girl who was conceived in the hope of providing a donor match to help fight her sister’s rare leukemia. As Anna grows older she begins to question her parent’s right to harvest genetically compatible body fluids from her to keep her sister alive, and sets out to challenge this legally. A moving and gripping tale results.
2. Five People You Meet in Heaven (Mitch Albom) tells the journey of Eddie, who dies tragically on his 83^rd birthday. How he dies and the people he comes across after this help him to consider what he has done with his life and the impact he has made on both loved ones and strangers.
3. The Turning (Tim Winton) is a collection of personal stories deftly woven together to depict life in a coastal town in Western Australia. Each tale is both separate and part of a unique whole. These insightful stories show intimate connections of ordinary everyday people, and the ways in which they impact on one another are considered over several decades.
4. Shadows in the Mirror (Cameron Nunn) is charactered by teenage boys in a boarding school setting, dealing with all the issues which face youth, and more. The intrigue which develops in the story occurs when two roommates discover a dark mystery in the school’s past. Loyalties and values are tested over time and the fight for the truths to be revealed results in a deadly struggle.
5. Mao’s Last Dancer (Li Cunxin) is the memoirs of a young boy from peasant China who rose to fame as one of the world’s greatest ballet dancers. Li was selected from his village school to take part in training for Madame Mao’s revival of ballet in China – chosen on his physique alone. It was his intense determination to rise from his family’s near-starvation existence that provides an amazing tale of courage to be admired by all.
6. Billy Mack’s War (James Roy) – War is never easy, even if you manage to survive. Survivors were often reluctant to speak of their experiences, and James Roy captures the long lasting difficulties this creates for them and their families. Through the eyes of Danny, we learn of one soldier’s experiences and struggles, in spite of being awarded a rare recognition of bravery – the Victoria Cross.

Please add your comment about any great books you have read, or tell us about how your ARC is going!!

‘Shadows in the Mirror’ deals with teen issues, and more specifically with the problem of bullying and loyalty choices. Cameron hopes that while the novel may not provide the absolute solution to bullying, it could be a vehicle for discussion amongst its readers, either as individuals or within class groups.

Image source: Black Dog Books http://www.bdb.com.au/ (Teachers’ Notes available here.)

Individuals are now encouraged to leave a comment recommending any inspirational Christian literature they have read. This could be recent discoveries or long-time favourites, both fiction and non-fiction titles. What would your list include? (See our Retreat Reading List page.)