Reviewer Liz Derouet shares her favourite reads of 2016…
For Adults
The Toymaker by Liam Pieper
Follows the story of a holocaust survivor and his family who founded a successful toymaking company after World War 2. The story moves between WWII and current day. One of the most intriguing reads, sometimes the most uncomfortable, with a joltingly sudden twist at the end.
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Follows the story of Cora’s escape from slavery and her attempt at freedom. This book has the fantastical element of the Underground Railroad being an actual railroad with station masters and miles of tracks, and the historical element of the inhuman treatment of the slaves. Two parallel elements, much like train tracks really!
For Young Adults
The Sidekicks by Will Kostakis
Told through three viewpoints, all friends of a teenage boy who has died, but not necessarily friends of each other. The story progresses while at the same time repeating events from different viewpoints. Each boy is dealing with his own situation while trying to deal with the death of his mate.
The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
This book covers one day, but entire lifetimes at the same time. Daniel meets Natasha when he saves her from being hit by a car. He thinks they can fall in love by the end of the day, but they both have appointments that may change their lives forever. Interesting look at how events happen because of others.
Gemina (The Illuminae Files #2) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Brilliant science fiction adventure. Jump Station Heimdall has been invaded and only a few are free to save them. Nik and Hanna must come together to save the station and those on it. Read it in one sitting, almost needed blood pressure tablets towards the end!
Picture books
Don’t Cross the Line
by Isabel Minhós Martins (text) and Bernardo P. Carvalho (illus.)
The General has given orders that no one is to cross the line. The line is the gutter between the pages and as more characters arrive, the soldier is having trouble containing them. Brilliant picture book using visual and postmodern elements to tell an important story of the power of the people.
A Child of Books 
by Sam Winston (text) and Oliver Jeffers (illus.)
A young boy and girl travel through a literary landscape of well-known and classical books. This is a picture book for all book lovers, a visual feast.
Du Iz Tak? by Carson Ellis
This picture book uses invented language to tell the story of insects making their home and the dangers they experience. Such fun to read with opportunities for play and discussion.
Books for Younger Readers/All Ages
The Bone Sparrow
by Zana Fraillon
This book takes the reader into refugee detention centres and the hearts and minds of those interned. Subhi was born in the centre and knows no other world. He meets Jimmie, a girl from the local town who sneaks in through a hole in the fence, and learns of things other than life in the centre. A harrowing, sometimes uplifting, read.
The Secret Horses of Briar Hill
by Megan Shepherd (text) and Levi Pinfold (illus.)
Emmaline has been evacuated to Briar Hill with other tuberculosis sufferers. She is the only one who can see the winged horses in the mirrors and when she finds one injured, she must collect items from each colour of the rainbow to protect the winged horse from the Black Horse. Beautifully written with evocative illustrations, everyone in this book is affected by the tragedies of war.
A bit about reviewer Liz Derouet…
Liz has worked as a teacher and teacher librarian in New South Wales and Queensland across all ages and as a Young People’s Librarian in a large public library service. She has authored children’s literature courses for undergraduate and postgraduate university study and has taught various courses. Liz was the Queensland judge for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards in 2007 and 2008. She has two Masters degrees: Master of Education (Teacher Librarianship) and Master of Arts (Children’s Literature), and a Graduate Certificate in Editing and Publishing. Liz currently works in an all boys’ school. Her interests include picture books, YA literature and boys and reading.
