Bookmarks

Junior Readers

‘Baz and Benz’ by Heidi McKinnon.

Baz and Benz are best friends. But sometimes being friends isn’t easy. Sometimes friends change. Sometimes they do annoying things. Really annoying things! But through it all, friends stick together. ‘Baz and Benz’ is a charming picture book. It’s honest because, yes, sometimes our friends annoy us and we have to tell them to STOP! It’s funny because Baz likes to test Benz’s patience. And it is a true ode to friendship. Perfect for reading aloud together, this is a great reminder about the important and strength of friendship.

If you liked this, try ‘Snail and Turtle Are Friends’ by Stephen Michael King.

Middle Readers

 ‘200 Minutes of Danger’ by Jack Heath.

Like to live dangerously? 10 stories. 10 dangerous situations. 10 brave teens. 20 minutes to escape. This is the next instalment in Jack Heath’s Minutes of Danger series. This one is even more dangerous and faster paced as the kids only have 20 minutes to get themselves out of a range of dangerous situations, from being thrown overboard into an ocean with sharks circling nearby, a science experiment gone wrong and a futuristic submarine with robots shooting taser stun guns. Minute-by-minute count downs on the page keep the suspense high as time runs out for these teens.

If you liked this, try ‘300 Minutes of Danger’ by Jack Heath.

Senior Readers

‘Mallee Boys’ by Charlie Archbold.

‘Mallee Boys’ is an enthralling novel that captures the unique voices and lives of two young brothers living in rural Australia as they bridge the gap from childhood to adulthood. Parties, schooling, farming, deadly snakes, grief and loss, family and friends, ‘Mallee Boys’ encompasses the simplicity of everyday life and the many complications it brings. Sandy has only months left of Year 10. Months to decide if or where he can continue his schooling. Red is happy his school days are behind him. Now he can help his dad on their farm, play footy and hang with his mates. Both boys are still grieving the sudden loss of their mother who died only one year ago. As their days fill with work, dirt biking, friendship complications, and trouble with girls, both Sandy and Red face decisions that will shape their futures.

If you liked this, try ‘Brontide’ by Sue McPherson.

Ms Madison Dearnaley, Teacher Librarian