Tag: teen

The Coming of the Whirlpool, by Andrew McGahan

The Coming of the Whirlpool is the first in an outstanding new fantasy series from Andrew McGahan, better known for his literary novels for adults. But what a punch he packs in his debut for teens.

Dow didn’t dare speak. He had never disagreed with his father before – but how could anyone prefer the gloom of the forest and the slow drip from the branches to this, the shrieking wind, and the cliff, and the tumbling grey ocean?
‘It’s no place for the likes of us,’ Howard Amber concluded, and shook his head. ‘We’ll leave it to the Ship Kings, you and I.’ And with that he turned and began to descend again into the forest.

Dow Amber was born and has grown up high in the mountains of New Island, his destiny – to be a timber cutter – determined by his place as first born son. But he doesn’t mind too much, until the day he first glimpses the ocean. From a clifftop in the mountains he glimpses the sea, and a ship upon it, and a longing to sail is born in him. He must fight to be allowed to leave the mountains and move to a grim fishing village to be trained as a fisherman.

In his new home, in the village of Stromner, Dow finally learns to sail, but what he is most excited by is the spectacle of the big ships, sailed by the Ship Kings, and forbidden to New Islanders such as himself. Dow longs to sail like these people. Not only is it impossible, but he must not come to the attention of the Ship Kings – because if they find out who he really is, they will kill him.

The Coming of the Whirlpool is the first in an outstanding new fantasy series from Andrew McGahan, better known for his literary novels for adults. But what a punch he packs in his debut for teens. Dow must battle nature, foreign rulers, his townspeople and even history, in order to make his way in the world, follow his dreams and stay alive. He becomes the unwitting figurehead for the hopes of his people, and makes friends and enemies along the way. There are the dangerous forces of nature – with a hint of magic – and lots of battles against the elements.

Perfect for those who love sea-faring adventures, or fantasy, or just a ripping yarn, The Coming of the Whirlpool is suitable for readers aged 12 through to adult.

The Coming of the Whirlpool (Ship Kings)

The Coming of the Whirlpool (Ship Kings), by Andrew McGahan
Allen & Unwin, 2011
ISBN 9781742376479

This book is available at good bookstores or online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

Boys' Stuff

Being a boy is not always easy. Understanding boys can also be difficult – for parents, for teachers and for girls. In Boys’ Stuff, Wayne Martino and Maria Pallotta-Chiarolli explore some of the complex aspects of boys’ lives – sex, drugs, expectations, relationships, family, school and more.

Rather than telling us about boys’ experiences, the book shows them, with quotes contributed by boys from around Australia. With the ages of contributors ranging from pre-teen to adult, and with widely differing backgrounds, a vast range of attitudes and experiences are explored on subjects ranging from physical appearances, to succeeding at school, drugs and smoking and emotions.

As well as first person commentary, contributions include outstanding poetry, short stories, photographs and drawings. Whilst editorial commentary is kept to a minimum, readers are asked to stop and consider their own stance at appropriate junctures with questions for discussion and/or reflection.

Boys’ Stuff provides excellent class study material for both boys and girls but is also an excellent source of insight for parents and educators of teenage boys.

Boys’ Stuff, by Wayne Martino and Maria Pallotta-Chiarolli (eds)
Allen and Unwin, 2001