Archie’s Letter: An Anzac Day Story By Martin Flanagan. Illus Ainsley Walters

Archie’s Letter: An Anzac Day Story

By Martin Flanagan. Illus Ainsley Walters: Pub. 2010

On Anzac Day 2010, a 96-year-old man in Hobart, a returned soldier from World War II, wrote a letter to the local paper thanking the people who were going to that morning’s dawn service. Who was this man? Why did he write this letter?

Archie’s Letter tells the story of an ordinary man who went off to fight in World War II. His experiences included surviving the Burma Railway, where he was under the command of Australian war hero, Weary Dunlop. 

Archie’s Letter also tells how he dealt with his wartime experiences; how, at the age of 91, he agreed to meet a group of elderly Japanese women interested in world peace; how he could never forget the young men who were with him during the war and who didn’t come back.

The Moon Over High Street By Natalie Babbitt

The Moon Over High Street

By Natalie Babbitt: Pub. 2012

Joe Casimir needed help with the choice he had to make. But how do you choose the person who will help you choose? Mr Boulderwall, the millionaire, knew exactly what he wanted Joe to choose. And millionaires are experts at making choices. Well, aren’t they? 

But Vinnie, the number-two man down at Sope Electric, didn’t much approve of millionaires. He said to Joe, ‘Listen, kid, all of ’em act like they’re the only ones with a ticket to the show!’ But he didn’t have any real advice to offer. Joe’s Gran didn’t either, as it turned out, and neither did Aunt Myra.

The good advice was there, though. Right across the street. Just waiting right across the street. There are a lot of good things just waiting. You’ll see.

Through Time: London By Richard Platt. Illus Manuela Cappon

Through Time: London

By Richard Platt. Illus Manuela Cappon: Pub. 2012

A sumptuous recreation of London’s story: publishing to coincide with the 2012 Olympic Games. Through Time: London follows the story of the historic capital, from its Celtic origins right up to the present—including the settlement of the Romans, the Anglo-Saxon era, the Viking invasion, and the growth of medieval London in Norman times. 

The book explores major events in London’s history, such as the Great Plague, the Blitz and preparations for the 2012 Olympic Games.

An easy way for children to get a quick grasp on London's history and the main eras and interest points of the great city.

Pandemonium By Chris Wooding

Pandemonium

By Chris Wooding Illu. Cassandra Diaz: Pub. 2012

Seifer’s life is about to become a royal pain ... As captain of the local skullball team, Seifer Tombchewer is the envy of his peers. He’s fast, he’s strong, and he flies circles around the competition. But Seifer’s always dreamed of more—of leaving his tiny, remote village for a new life beyond the mountains.

He just never dreamed it would happen like this. Knocked unconscious and abducted, Seifer awakens in the royal palace to learn that Price Talon Pandemonium has gone missing. And since Seifer is a ringer for Talon, it’s his duty to replace the missing royal in his roles of diplomat, warrior, and Lord Defender of the Realm. He might fool Talon’s sisters. He might fool Talon’s army. But Seifer has little hope of fooling Talon’s enemies.

Chris Wooding and debut artist Cassandra Diaz team up for a classic tale of mistaken identity set against the breathtakingly original backdrop of the Darkling Realm.

Teenage boys will like this text, especially if they don't like to real straight novels.

Swords: An Artist’s Devotion By Ben Boos

Swords: An Artist’s Devotion

By Ben Boos - Illustrated Fiction: Pub. 2008

“Every nick, notch, decorative motif, and gleaming highlight is rendered in lovingly realistic detail ... Armchair warriors and budding graphic artists will be riveted.” – Kirkus Reviews Brave men and women have taken up the sword since ages of old and a fascination with this formidable weapon grips dedicated followers to this day. Here is a celebration of swords and swordsmen that spans time and place – from ancient warriors such as Beowulf, medieval knights, stealthy ninja and samurai to legendary maidens of war.

Wonderfully detailed.

Side note: this is a reprint of the original as the author passed away last year. What a great way to honour this true artist. Here is the information from his memoriam facebook page: 

Ben Boos (1971-2011)

It's with sad hearts that we announce that our beloved author/illustrator Ben Boos passed away June 22nd, 2011 in a tragic accident. He leaves behind a loving wife and 4 children. Ben Boos was the creator of Swords: An Artist's Devotion and Fantasy: An Artist's Realm as well as a designer for the Diablo video games. His artwork also appears in the upcoming Spring 2012 title What Color Is Your World? The world has lost a great talent.

The Wrong Boy By Suzy Zail

The Wrong Boy

By Suzy Zail: Pub. 2012

“Being kissed by Karl Jager was devastating. And beautiful. War makes you do dangerous things.” Hanna is a naïve 15-year-old but when she is chosen to play for the camp commander, she meets the commander’s son, Karl. Hanna hates him, but the longer Hanna goes to the house, the more she realises there are other things going on. Secret things. Karl may not be the person she thinks he is. Before she knows it she has fallen in love with the wrong boy. 

This is a lovely and well written book which delves into a unique insight into cultures that may otherwise be unwritten about so poignantly. 

For males and females 13 - 17 years old

* Australian Author

Do Not Forget Australia By Sally Murphy Illustrated by Sonia Kretschmar

Do Not Forget Australia

By Sally Murphy Illustrated by Sonia Kretschmar

Pub. 2012

A heartbreaking yet ultimately uplifting tale of two towns: Melbourne, Australia and Villers- Bretonneux, France, during World War One. Henri lives in the French village of Villers- Bretonneux. Billy lives in Melbourne, Australia. These two little boys, who live thousands of miles away from each other, share one story that unites Villers-Bretonneux and Melbourne in history. A moving and inspiring story of World War One.

A lovely picture book, in which the story is preciously told for a 6+ age group. Great for one-to-ones and classroom readings.

*Australian Author/Illustrator