Reviewer Verushka Byrow shares her picks for 2016…
Squishy Taylor and the Tunnel of Doom (Squishy Taylor #6) – Ailsa Wild (text), Ben Wood (illus.)
I have young nieces and nephews who have made me more aware of diversity in books for their young age. I can’t tell you how excited I was for them seeing Squishy, a young Indian girl with a blended family, have an adventure and save the day in this book.
Our reviews of Squishy Taylor books include:
- Squishy Taylor and the Bonus Sisters (Squishy Taylor #1) and Squishy Taylor and a Matter of Trust (Squishy Taylor #2)
- Squishy Taylor and the Vase That Wasn’t (Squishy Taylor #3)
- Squishy Taylor and the Mess-Makers (Squishy Taylor #4) and
- Squishy Taylor and the Tunnel of Doom (Squishy Taylor #6)
When Michael Met Mina – Randa Abdel-Fattah
At a time when refugees, immigration and the diversity of Australian society is in the news and our collective consciousness, comes this book, with a heartfelt story and big themes. The book isn’t loud and bombastic, its power comes in its simplicity and a story you will recognise.
Home – Harlan Coben
Sometimes it feels like every book is part of a longstanding series, so I started this book with some reservations as it’s book 11 in series. But, I was thrilled to find I could easily read this as a standalone book — its dialogue is electric, the plot filled with a twist or two, and most of all the characters! They were nuanced, compelling, and more than a little ruthless in their pursuit of the missing boys in this title. I was riveted from beginning to end.