Alice Pung (text) and She Rill Ng (illustrator), Millie Mak the Mender (Millie Mak #2), HarperCollins Publisher’s, September 2024, 256 pp., RRP $12.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781460763797
This, the second book in the Millie Mak series, presents a wide diversity of characters from several points of view: their ethnic backgrounds but also their personalities. Millie has two grandmothers: Ahma who lives with the family and cares for Millie’s younger sister Rosie, and Granny whose house is frequently a refuge for Millie. Her mother works long hours at the Alina Sylvan Aged Care Home, and it’s here that the first story had its basis. Millie decided to make individualised hats for the family and some of the residents of the home. Millie’s venture was successful but was unsuccessfully copied by a bossy girl, Geri. Shanelle, usually brash and prickly, supported Millie and her friends and was able to join the group: Millie, Rita, Veesa (who goes to another school) and now Shanelle.
In the second story Millie and her group have been invited to be on Young Hero Hour to celebrate their achievements. It’s interesting how everyone in the television studio focuses on stereotyping the cultural backgrounds of the girls, trying to dress them in the wrong outfits, rather than looking at their accomplishments. Millie is merely seen as the model, rather than the creative force behind the group. Eventually the girls make the right decision and leave before the filming is completed.
Millie has matured a long way from the girl she was in Millie Mak the Maker. She has strengths as a group leader and a negotiator. She shows empathy with her friends, especially Shanelle whose family life is sometimes challenging. But most of all Millie shows her innovative creativity by what she produces. Young readers are sure to enjoy experimenting with the fun projects which are described in the stories.
I enjoyed this second book with its themes of kindness, friendship, helping others and empathy much more than I did the first one. Millie and her friends are more realistic people, and the craft projects seem more relevant to today’s world. Well done Alice Pung and Sher Rill Ng.
Recommended.
Reviewed by Maureen Mann
