Fantastically Great Women Scientists and their Stories by Kate Pankhurst, Bloomsbury Publishing, ISBN 9781526615336
REVIEWED BY JIYA KAUR, 10, USA
Jiya Kaur reviewed her own copy of this book.
Fantastically Great Women Scientists and their Stories by Kate Pankhurst is a book that teaches the reader about extraordinary female scientists. Some of them include Marie Curie, Mae Jemison, and Rosalind Franklin. This book explores the challenges they faced, and also teaches you other things about their life; what they dreamed of as a kid, their inspiration, and more. This book is excellent because it shares surprising facts and motivational stories about legendary women.
My favorite chapter in this book is about Caroline Herschel, a terrific astronomer. She worked as a maid at home, until her brother brought her to his own house, where she became a soprano singer. When her brother shifted his focus to astronomy, she did too.
Fantastically Great Women Scientists and their Stories is a stellar book that teaches you that anyone can do anything, and to follow your dreams. I recommend it for anyone ages seven to ten, and I rate it five out of five stars. This book is inspirational, and it also reminds us that the most extraordinary people overcome difficult obstacles. All these women were really amazing, so take up the chance to learn about them.
Samantha Wheeler‘s first children’s book was inspired by koalas. Her award-winning novels combine unforgettable adventures with real-world environmental themes. Through engaging characters and exciting journeys, young readers discover the wonder of Australia’s wildlife, wild places and the importance of connecting with nature. Today we’re chatting to Samantha about her latest novel: The Lost Island, illustrated by Anke Noack.
From the publisher:
Theo thinks there’s nothing worse than being stuck on a Pacific cruise with his dad, new stepmum and annoying stepsister. But when he’s thrown overboard during a storm and washes up on a desert island, he suddenly has much bigger problems: finding food, water and shelter. He discovers the island is full of mysteries: spooky noises, possible ghosts and the strangest birds he’s ever seen. With survival getting tougher by the day and no rescue in sight, Theo is desperate to get back to his family. But to escape the island, he must first unlock its secrets – and reckon with the power of nature.
Theo realises he’ll need to be resourceful to have any hope of surviving. How would you rate your own chances of survival if you found yourself stranded on a desert island?
Ha! This is such a good question because, as part of my research, I gave lots of survival skills a try! But I failed miserably! Fishing? Fail! Lighting a fire with a flint and rod? Fail! Building a waterproof shelter? Fail! I was also terrible at tying knots! The only things I did manage to do was crack open a coconut (on a rock) and find north and south. I also found water but since I couldn’t light a fire, I couldn’t drink it, and it was pretty stinky and murky, so again … fail. But, I really loved the experience, it made me appreciate nature even more, and oh my goodness, all the amazing things I noticed while I was out there in the bush! I’d really love to go and learn some proper survival skills now.
What would you miss most about everyday life if you did find yourself having to spend some time on a desert island?
Definitely drinking tea! I love a nice cup of tea in the mornings to help me wake up, so I’d really miss that! And hot showers! Then there’s my dogs (Louie and Nessa) and my husband. I’d miss them. And I’d miss reading, but I’m guessing to begin with I’d be too busy trying to survive to read. Unless I had some survival books. Apart from that, I’m thinking there would be lots of things I’d gain. Like all the birds I’d see and hear. And the sunsets!
This is fiction, but did you need to do any research while you were writing The Lost Island? How do you decide what to include in the landscape descriptions of an island you’ve never been to?
Yes, I did loads of research! I read up on survival skills of course, and found out all sorts of interesting things about currents and tides and how to find north and south. I also spent a week at Heron Island, where there are so many birds and not many people, which gave me lots of ideas for the setting plus ideas for the noises and behaviours of the birds. There are lots of mutton birds who hide their babies in tiny burrows on Heron Island, just like in The Lost Island, and their wailing … oh my goodness, it’s so spooky! I also got the idea for the turtles who hatch along the beach, when one day I was sitting watching the waves, the exact thing happened – shore birds and sharks snapping up the baby turtles as they tried to swim away. As for what to include: I am very much a plot person, so big lengthy landscape descriptions have never been my thing. I like to include just enough that you get the idea but I wouldn’t want to go overboard, otherwise you’d skip that section because it’d be too long and boring.
How do you like to write – do you plot your novel out before writing, or fly by the seat of your pants?
I usually just write as I go, flying by the seat of my pants! But with The Lost Island I really wanted to show how Theo learns to connect with nature, so I needed to plan a bit more. I planned some scenes before I started writing, like when Theo realises he’s alone but hears the wailing noises, when he keeps getting lost and when he fails at lighting a fire and so on, but the rest I just wrote as I went. Unfortunately, this means that my stories take longer to write, with a lot more deleting and editing to make sure the plot and characters work.
Can you tell us a bit about what you’re working on next?
I haven’t started a new project yet, but I have so many ideas!! I have a picture book idea about a crocodile with no teeth which is an early draft form, a possible sequel to Smooch & Rose, my first book (after seeing how many koala trees are still being cleared near where I live) or even maybe a sequel to The Lost Island. Maybe Theo could have another adventure somewhere!
The Lost Island is out now. Ask for it at your favourite bookshop or local library.
This Bird: Noticing Our Urban Birds by Astred Hicks with Holly Parsons, CSIRO Publishing, ISBN 9781486318452
REVIEWED BY MARLEY, 10, WA
Marley received a review copy of this title from the publisher.
From the publisher:
What’s so fancy about this bird? What’s so clever about that bird? Perhaps it’s a weightlifter, a marathon flier, an artist, or even a liar. You don’t need to go far to see intriguing birds, even in the city. From colourful parrots to artistic bowerbirds and fancy fairy-wrens, there’s lots to notice in our local backyards, streets and parks.
This Bird: Noticing Our Urban Birds is a great factual text book about birds. It explains everything from funny details to extraordinary facts that you would never find just reading on the internet. I loved and enjoyed reading this book very dearly. It has great illustrations with an eye for detail.
It would be good for any age, for anyone interested in wildlife. I read about the willie wag tail, which is my favourite bird, and I think it would be a great reference book for local wildlife.
Martha Mayfield has always been the quiet kid. Martha is, after all, her mother’s daughter. The shy child of an even shyer mum. And she likes it this way. That is, until Martha’s mum loses her job. And Martha’s teacher overlooks her at school. And soon, Martha realises something has to give. Can she really go through life being so quiet that nobody takes her seriously? Should she really keep all her good ideas to herself forever?
The Making of Martha Mayfield is an entertaining and fun read. I especially enjoyed this book as it is very relatable to life as a 10/11 year old. The plot was interesting and easy to follow, and the characters, particularly Martha, seem familiar in a way.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. I really loved it.
Wonder by RJ Palacio, Random House UK, ISBN 9780552565974
REVIEWED BY AZAADI KAUR, 8, USA
Azaadi Kaur reviewed her own copy of this book.
Wonder is a book about August Pullman, also known as Auggie. Auggie has an unusual face due to the many surgeries he has had. It is Auggie’s first time going to school. Auggie makes friends with two other kids who go to his school: Jack Will and Summer Dawson.
Julian Albans is an annoying kid who is in Auggie’s class and is really popular at school.
One Halloween, Auggie’s school lets the students wear costumes to school. Auggie was going as Boba Fett from Star Wars, but at the last minute Auggie changed into Bleeding Scream (also from Star Wars).
When Auggie walks into the classroom, there are three kids in costumes there: Darth Sidious from Star Wars and two mummies. They are all waiting for Boba Fett. Auggie knows this, so he wanders off to a different seat.
Auggie overhears them talking: "Why do you hang out with him so much?" asked Darth Sidious. Auggie knew it who it was. One of the mummies replied: "I don’t know, Mr. Tushman asked me to, and now August is following me around everywhere." The mummy shrugged.
Auggie recognized the shrug and the voice. This hurt Auggie’s feelings. He didn’t like that he said something mean about him. In the following weeks, Auggie showed some bravery, including standing up to some bullies.
My favourite part of the book is when Auggie earns the award. I think that it shows that being brave always pays off.
I think that the message that this book is sharing with us is: Even if there is a difference in you or your family, never let embarrassment get the best of you, and always stand up for what’s right.
I recommend this book to ages 8+. If you read Wonder, I hope you enjoy it.
This is Azaadi Kaur’s first review for Alphabet Soup. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines. Happy reading!
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead, Text Publishing, ISBN 9781921656064
REVIEWED BY JIYA KAUR, 10, USA
Jiya reviewed her own copy of this book.
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead is an exceptional realistic fiction story that will hold you on edge. When Miranda starts receiving inexplicable notes, she is perplexed. Who could be sending these notes and why? As 12-year-old Miranda navigates through sixth grade and friend drama, she uncovers secrets of the future through the messages.
My favourite part of this book is when Miranda reflects on her actions and realises that she has been mean to her classmate Julia. This moment marks a major transformation. I love that Miranda starts to change her actions to become a better person. My favourite quote from the book is “Sometimes, you never feel meaner than the day you stop being mean.”
If you are looking for a story that will make you feel the emotions that the characters feel, When You Reach Me might be the perfect book for you. It has very realistic characters who are easy to love.
This book is a blend of fiction, sci-fi, and mystery. I would rate this 4.5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for readers ages 10 to 12.
This is Jiya Kaur’s first review for Alphabet Soup. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines. Happy reading!
Save Me A Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan, Scholastic Inc, ISBN 9780545846615
REVIEWED BY NYLA, 11, INDIA
Nyla reviewed her own copy of this title.
Save Me a Seat is a wonderful book by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan, and it is one of my absolute favourites, because, having moved countries myself, it is very relatable.
The two protagonists of this book are Ravi and Joe. Ravi had just moved to America from India, and, because of him being a star student and topper in his old school, he expects something about the same over here. Unfortunately, this does not seem to be the case. Ravi is laughed at and provided with extra help he is sure he doesn’t need. Ravi is certain that one boy, Dillon, will be the perfect friend for him. What he doesn’t know is that Dillon isn’t who he seems.
Joe has APD and hates being put on the spot. He too goes for extra help, but things do not start off well between Ravi and Joe, due to the numerous differences between the two. Despite this, they are able to put aside their differences and work together to go against a common class bully.
This book is perfect for kids who enjoyed Finally Seen by Kelly Yang. It is also a great choice for kids who like books about moving and adjusting to new places. I would recommend this book to children ages 10+. One of my favorite parts would be around the ending, when Ravi tells the entertaining story about why he got the leeches for his personal reflection item. The authors did a wonderful job in showing Ravi’s thoughts about what he wanted to do but what he actually did. I especially enjoyed the unique way those thoughts are written: in the form of a short, numbered list.
The Table Cape Crusader, is about an eleven-year-old boy called Rocko Jarvis and his friends Cosmo Calhoun and Mingus. The boys form the Secret Detectives Club to solve cases and have fun together.
In this book they are trying to find out who is blackmailing everyone and sending them notes. The book is mysterious and funny, and I liked the twist at the very end which was just a little bit scary.
I think that this book would be good for kids aged 7 to 12 who like mystery books.
Behind the Screens: How the Internet Works & How to Make It Work For You by Niraj Lal, illustrations by Aśka, University of Queensland Press, ISBN 9780702268946
Behind the Screens is about technology and how to navigate it. I really liked how detailed and kid-friendly the book is.
I learnt a lot about tech and how to make it kid-safe, and also how to be safer on the internet. I think this book would be good for any kids who like tech and want to learn more about it, especially ages 9+.
Chippy Chasers: Chippy Jackpot by Sam Cotton, Puffin (Penguin Australia), ISBN 9780143778547
REVIEWED BY MARCO, 9, NSW
Meet the Chippy Chasers! Three seagulls Stanley, Stacey, Steve-o and Wormy the worm. One day the best chippy maker, Brock, comes to Sydney. The Chippy Chasers think up a great plan to steal some of the best chippies in the world. Will they get them or not?
Of course, the plan does not work as they hoped it would. The Chippy Chasers are forced to work with what they have and do things in unexpected ways, which are really fun.
I love this graphic novel because of the humour, and all the Australian slang the Chippy Chasers use like “maate”, “bruthaa” and “bin chicken”. Not only does it make me laugh, whenever I read it I think of how yummy all the chippies would taste.
This book is so funny that I will rate it 5 out of 5. It’s great for ages 7 to 10. If you like the TV show Bluey you will probably like this book. I actually think this book is even more funny and entertaining than Bluey.
We’re pleased to be sharing a series of book reviews by Petersham Public School students, NSW.This is Marco’s first review for Alphabet Soup. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines. Happy reading!
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