Novels we love
Welcome to our library, a selection of novels we’ve read and loved. From children’s literature to mystery and fantasy, these books hold a special place in our heart.
Children’s Books
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr
Genre/s: Childrens, historical
Summary: Based on the life of Sadako Sasaki, this short novel tells the story of budding athlete/runner Sadako and her battle with Leukemia casued by the radiation from the atomic bombs dropped in Hiroshima, Japan in 1945.
Why we love this book: This is one of the saddest yet beautiful books I have ever read. My teacher, Mrs Gerrie, first read this story to me in Year 4 and I have never forgotten it. There are no winners in war, and Sadako’s tale is a stark reminder of such. Full of hope and natural charisma, Sadako is an inspiration of peace for generations to come. The book has inspired me (and many others) to fold a thousand cranes in honour of her memory and the many lives lost during the conflict.
Recommended by: Jennifer G.
Genre/s: Childrens, comedy
Summary: Hypochondriac Erika Yurken is the self-proclaimed queen of Baringa East Primary. She is superior to her peers, relishing in the role of teacher’s pet. Everything changes, however, when the perfectly angelic Alison Ashley moves into her territory.
Why we love this book: Klein has managed to paint a comedically accurate portrait of Australian primary school life, one that has stood the test of time. From the eccentric Miss Anastasia Wallace to the sporty Ms Belmont, you can spot the colourful characters in any suburb.
Whilst the moral is that life is not perfect for anyone and that a loving family is true gold, I loved this book in Year 6 because it made me want to be like Alison. My bedroom had never looked tidier, my uniform was neater, and my handwriting was… Well, not perfect, but better.
Adults will enjoy this witty novel just as much as children for its poignant look at life and the nostalgia it brings.
Recommended by: Jennifer G.
Belle Teal by Ann M. Martin
Genre/s: Childrens, historical
Summary: Belle Teal Harper is about to enter the fifth grade at Coker Creak Elementary. Joining her are two new students: the prissy Vanessa and one of only three Black students, Darryl.
Why we love this book: This book is a poignant look at racism, dementia, family, friendship, and bullying through a child’s eyes. Martin expertly explores these themes in a way a child of the same age can understand. From the moment I received it in the Scholastic Book Fair, I have cherished this book. It holds important lessons for primary-aged students.
Recommended by: Jennifer G.
Young Adult Novels
The Lifeguard by Richie Tankersley Cusick
Genre/s: Young Adult, mystery, horror/thriller
Summary: Teenager Kelsey heads to the beautiful Beverly Island to meet her mother’s new boyfriend. Unfortunately, she arrives to find his daughter has gone missing. Three hot lifeguards are not enough to distract her from the unfolding horrors of a serial murder living amongst them.
Why we love this book: The Lifeguard was the first ‘horror’ book I read—one apparently too scary for my older sister at the time. Whilst relatively tame in terms of horror, I love reading it during a wild storm . It’s perfect for those who aren’t fans of traditional horror.
The book inspired me to write my first murder mystery, Call Me Rumpelstiltskin.
Recommended by: Jennifer G.
Genre/s: Young Adult, drama
Summary: Charlie Healey has escaped from her former middle school friends to a different high school, but she hasn’t escaped the drama. Dealing with bullying, crushes, friendships, and a hazing incident, she must navigate high school and right the wrongs of her past.
Why we love this book: Boys, Girls, and Hazardous Materials accurately delves into the minds of high school girls. The thought process of the main character, Charlie, is eerily perfect, bringing back memories of the drama often faced in high school. Whilst Charlie’s decisions are frustrating at times, the book provides plenty of laughter to be consider binge-worthy.
From the author of Queen Bees and Wannabes, this novel is highly recommended for girls currently navigating high school.
Recommended by: Jennifer G.
Vendetta (series) by Catherine Doyle
Genre/s: Young Adult, drama, romance, mafia
Summary: When five brothers move into the abandoned mansion in her neighbourhood, Sophie Gracewell’s life changes forever. Irresistibly drawn to bad boy Nicoli, Sophie finds herself falling into a criminal underworld governed by powerful families. (Extracted from Goodreads)
Why we love this book: I’m not a fan of mafia stories given what real-life mafias do; however, this romance is epic in all senses of the word. With beautiful descriptions, charming characters, and a unique concept, the trilogy (Vendetta, Inferno, Mafiosa) is bingeworthy.
Recommended by: Jennifer G.
Manga and Graphic Novels
Vampire Knight by Matsuri Hino
Genre/s: Young Adult, fantasy
Summary: Yuki Cross attends the prestigious Cross Academy boarding school. As the adopted daughter of the principal, she is one of only two Day Class students to know the Night Class’ secret: they are all vampires. Acting as a Guardian, she must keep all students safe.
Why we love this book: I first saw the anime adaptation of this story when I was younger (during my Twilight phase) and fell in love with anime. The series didn’t cover the entire story falling on a cliffhanger, which made me extremely curious as to what happened next. Apart from the incestrous plotline between Yuki and Kaname (no thanks), the story is full of excitement, adventure, comedy, and of course, vampires.
The art work is beautiful, inspiring me to attempt my own Webtoon version of my novels.
Recommended by: Jennifer G.
Genre/s: Young Adult, drama
Summary: The author interviews his father, a Polish Jew and Holocaust survivor. Using postmodern techniques, the graphic novel features Jews as mice, Nazis as cats, and Poles as pigs.
Why we love this book: I first read this graphic novel for one of my university courses, and since then, it has stuck in my head. Beautifully drawn and worded, the story (compiled from a series) is well-deserving of the Pulitzer Prize it won in 1992.
Given current world events, it is more important than ever to avoid repetition of the past.
Recommended by: Jennifer G.
NOVEL
Navigating life’s intricate fabric, choices unfold paths to the extraordinary, demanding creativity, curiosity, and courage for a truly fulfilling journey.
Recommend your favourites!
Have you read a book lately that you simply couldn’t put down? Is there a book that holds a special place in your heart? Written a novel you’d like showcased?
Let us know your favourites!
Jennifer E. Glynn 