Postcards

Siobhan Dowd

Bog Child

Oxford, UK/New York, USA: David Fickling Books/Random House, 2008.

336 pp. ISBN:10:0385751699

(fiction, 14+)

This acclaimed work by an Irish author is set in Northern Ireland. When Fergus McCann first discovers the body in the peat bog, he imagines that it involves a murder, perhaps by the Irish Republican Army. It's not surprising that he might think this; it is 1981 and tensions are high, especially here on the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic. Fergus's own brother is jailed because of involvement with the provisional IRA; the prisoners have started a hunger strike, sacrificing themselves for the cause. What follows is a beautifully told tale of two ages. The story of Fergus, who is dealing with family, politics, and first love, intertwines with the story of Mel, a young woman from a very different Ireland 2000 years in the past. The stakes are high for both, and the themes intersect in powerful ways. Fergus is manipulated into making runs across the border, and Mel is caught up in politics and superstition. The intricacies of family and romance add to the richness of the narrative, while there is enough action and intrigue to make this a page-turner.

Ernest Bond

Mary Hooper

By Royal Command

London, England: Bloomsbury Publishing, Plc, 2008.

240 pp. ISBN: 978-0-7475-8885-6

(historical fiction, 12+)

This novel continues the adventures of Lucy, housemaid to Dr. Dee, court magician and consultant to Queen Elizabeth I. Having previously saved the Queen's life in At the House of the Magician, Lucy has been asked to remain in the household of Dr. Dee as a spy for Her Majesty. When Lucy hears ghostly moans reverberating through the house, she quickly realizes that Dr. Dee and his associates are up to further mischief.

Lucy's curious nature and adventurous spirit will resonate with modern teens, but also remains consistent with the qualities of an Elizabethan character. The formal writing style feels stiff at times, but effectively conveys the setting and should not daunt the more advanced reader. Hooper provides a satisfying balance of intrigue, magic, and a touch of romance interwoven with authentic period details. Historical notes, some recipes, a glossary, and a bibliography are also included.

Tanja Nathanael [End Page 4]

Kierin Meehan

Hannah's Winter

La Jolla, USA: Kane/Miller Publishers, 2009 (Originally published by Penguin Group Australia, 2001).

212 pp. ISBN: 9781933605982

(fiction, 9-14)

Meehan's debut novel- a combination of fact, fantasy, and humor - is filled with intriguing characters and exotic locations. Hannah's eccentric mother has come to Japan to research her new book on Japanese gardening. While she travels in the country, Hannah stays with a Japanese family. The realistic account of the stay soon seamlessly combines fact and fantasy when Hannah and her new friend Miki find an ancient message in a stationery shop and are drawn into solving a mysterious riddle. The lively plot features a playful ghost and a missing person as it wends its way toward a satisfying ending of happy reunions. Hannah begins to learn the Japanese language and so will the reader in the course of a story that is an introduction to Japanese history and contemporary culture, as well as a fascinating story successfully blending fantasy, realism, mystery, and humor. Hannah's Winter was shortlisted for the Patricia Wrightson Prize in the 2002 New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards.

Glenna Sloan [End Page 22]

Anushka Ravishankar

Elephants Never Forget!

Illus. Christiane Pieper

Chennai, India: Tara, 2007 (First U.S. edition Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2008)

48 pp. ISBN-13: 9780618997848

(picture book, 4-8)

During a storm in the jungle, a little elephant is separated from his mother. After fleeing from monkeys who pester him, he is welcomed by some buffaloes and grows up as a useful member of that herd. When he finally encounters elephants and is faced with an important choice, he decides to remain with his buffalo family. The digitally created illustrations resemble woodcuts. Though only three colors (black...