Ian Trevaskis

Set in Geelong in 1956 at the time of the Melbourne Olympics. Jack and his polio-afflicted friend Percy team up with a new migrant from Germany called Heinrich. They spend their time in the town avoiding the local bullies, and after an incident involving jack's dog, befriend a local hermit called "Mad" Mick, whose face has been disfigured in the First World war. Jack discovers that Mick has a half built boat in his garage , and together with Heinrich and Percy (and a local girl called Anna) they set about to finish the project Mick started before the war changed everything.
This novel invokes a great feeling of the era in the language the boys use and the description of Geelong and its people. The author uses his own memories and remarks on actual streets and places that exist in Geelong, which lends the book much authenticity. For Years 7-8.… (meer)

Hannah feels fed up with the slow life of Pelican Bay. When she steals the Medusa stone from the seaside bach of the strange, huge hermit Kostas she and her new friend Jake are drawn on a frightening and strange journey back to the time of Greek mythology. She must fulfil an almost impossible quest set by Kostas if she ever hopes to get Jake and herself back home.

The first in a new series called 'Hopscotch'. I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the next book in this series, 'Golden Scarab' I recommend this for 9yrs - teenage readers.… (meer)