Ishmael and the Hoops of Steel, by Michael Gerard Bauer

That’s right, Ishmael and the Fab Five are back in another thrilling adventure as he makes his way through Year 11 and 12. There are shocks, laughs and even romances. Without giving too much away- it can be said that the story involves feminism, debating, a very… interesting band and a thrilling game of volleyball.

There’s no easy way to put this, so I’ll just say it straight out. It’s time I faced up to the truth.

My name is Ishmael Leseur. I am seventeen years old. I have Ishmael Leseur’s syndrome. There is no cure.

That’s right, Ishmael and the Fab Five are back in another thrilling adventure as he makes his way through Year 11 and 12. There are shocks, laughs and even romances. Without giving too much away- it can be said that the story involves feminism, debating, a very… interesting band and a thrilling game of volleyball.

For those who have read the first two Ishmael stories, this is a really satisfying conclusion to the series. And to those who haven’t – you don’t know what you’re missing. You could read this one by itself, but do yourself a favour and go back and read the first two.

Teenagers, join Ishmael’s adventures in this 10/10 novel by Michael Gerard Bauer.

Ishmael and the Hoops of Steel

Ishmael and the Hoops of Steel, by Michael Gerard Bauer
Omnibus Books, 2011
ISBN 9781862919174

You can buy this book in good bookstores, or online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

Australian & World Records 2010

What is the world’s deadliest snake?

What country eats the most ice-cream?
Who is the most downloaded recording artist?
Who has scored the most A-league goals?

Find out the answers to these questions and more in Australian and World Records 2010

Australian and World Records 2010 contains lists of Australian achievements and a total of over 250 amazing records. It has helpful pictures and shows graphs for a better understanding.

An interesting, factual book for everyone.

Australian and World Records 2010

Australian and World Records 2010, by Jennifer Corr Morse and David G Harris
Scholastic, 2009
ISBN 9781741696011

Just Macbeth! by Andy Griffiths

When Andy, Danny and Lisa are transported to 11th century Scotland (with the help of a little Wizz Fizz), they realise that it is more than just time tracel. Everyone thinks that they are characters from Shakespeare’s play ‘Macbeth’ and Andy discovers he is married to the most beautiful girl in the world – Lisa Mackney. But trouble arises when Andy kills his wife, his best friend and many kittens, puppies and ponies.

You know, I love Shakespeare. And when I say I love Shakespeare I don’t just mean I love Shakespeare, I mean I REALLY love Shakespeare. And when I say I REALLY love Shakespeare I don’t just mean I REALLY love Shakespeare: I mean I REALLY REALLY love Shakespeare.

When Andy, Danny and Lisa are transported to 11th century Scotland (with the help of a little Wizz Fizz), they realise that it is more than just time tracel. Everyone thinks that they are characters from Shakespeare’s play ‘Macbeth’ and Andy discovers he is married to the most beautiful girl in the world – Lisa Mackney. But trouble arises when Andy kills his wife, his best friend and many kittens, puppies and ponies.

With Andy Griffiths’ hilarious plotline and Terry Denton’s comical drawings, Just Macbeth! is truly a marvellous book. Good for jokelovers between 8 and 13.

Just Macbeth!

Just Macbeth! by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton
, Pan Macmillan, 2009

This book can be purchased online at Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

The Trouble With Sauce, by Bruno Bouchet

When Mannington High becomes out of control the principal, Mr Foster, says to just send disruptive students to his office. One by one the students become good learners and quiet class members. But things go bad when the children turn into learning obsessed zombies and Jonty, Prune and Nathaniel have to make things normal again.

This exciting tale, by Bruno Bouchet, of zombie children and mind controlling sauce will have you turning pages faster than you can say “The Trouble With Sauce.” A good book for primary school students aged 9-13.

The Trouble with Sauce

The Trouble with Sauce, by Bruno Bouchet
ABC Books, 2009

This book can be purchased online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

Caterpillar and Butterfly, by Ambelin Kwaymullina

Caterpillar lives alone in her leaf and turns down exciting experiences. One day she wants to hide away so she forms a chrysalis. When she finally comes out she is a beautiful butterfly and she tries lots of exciting things with her friends and spreads her story among other butterflies.

A great picture book by Ambelin Kwaymullina, good for small children aged 1-8.

There was once a caterpillar who lived all alone. Everything around Caterpillar seemed large and strange and she was full of fear.

Caterpillar lives alone in her leaf and turns down exciting experiences. One day she wants to hide away so she forms a chrysalis. When she finally comes out she is a beautiful butterfly and she tries lots of exciting things with her friends and spreads her story among other butterflies.

A great picture book by Ambelin Kwaymullina, good for small children aged 1-8.

Caterpillar and Butterfly

Caterpillar and Butterfly, by Ambelin Kwaymullina
Fremantle Press, 2009

This book can be purchased online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

Mascot Madness, by Andy Griffiths

Reviewed by Calum Murphy (aged 13)

Northwest Southeast Central School have never won an interschool athlectis competiton. Apparently, they are gutless. They will never win against Northwest West Academy.

Or so they think, until one day…

Coming through the door was a banana. A big, yellow, dancing banana.

Mr Brainfright came to help them win the interschool athletics competition, like their knight in shining yellow armour.

A hilarious book for school aged children who like a good laugh (and fruit).

Mascot Madness! (Schooling Around)

Mascot Madness, by Andy Griffiths
Pan Macmillan, 2009

This book can be purchased online at Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.