Tell us about the book you are reading now - would you reccomend it to others?

[Ellen, Miss Curnow]

I've just finished 'The Crossing' by Mandy Hager. I couldn't put it down! If you like dystopian novels like The Hunger Games and Divergent then you'll love this. I chose the book for two reasons. Firstly, because I have read, and loved, another book by Mandy Hager - Dear Vincent - so I know she's really good. And secondly, because I love to read books where someone has to battle against oppression and unfairness.

After a series of catastrophic natural disasters the people of a stranded cruise ship use religion and fear to manipulate and control the people of a small tropical island.

The heroine, Maryam, is a 15 year old with guts and the story is wonderfully told. The next two books are out of the library at the moment but I can't wait to read them!

[Micaela]

Deborah Ellis
My Book response for year 9 English

I really enjoyed reading Parvana by Deborah Ellis. Parvana is a novel about a young girl named Parvana who after soldiers burst into her family home is forced to take on responsibility for her family. The novel is a story of courage in the face of overwhelming fear and repression.

I chose to read Parvana because my teacher at the time Mrs Hughes recommended it to me because she knew i was into stories about human rights set in the middle east.

The story of Parvana is set in a little village in Afghanistan called Kabul.

The main themes of the novel are conflict, courage, responsibility, selflessness and human rights.

My favourite character was Parvana because she was strong and courageous plus she showed selflessness.

One important lesson I learned from this novel was to not take things for granted.

One idea that got me thinking was how her whole world got turned upside down within a short amount of time and she was able to adapt and change to suit their situation.

I like the way Deborah Ellis told the story because the interesting parts were spread throughout the novel.

A quote I really liked was "You are all brave women!" because it brought hope when there was none.

My first thought when i saw the cover and read the title was oh yes here we go just another sob story from the perspective of a scared little girl but it wasn't it was a story from the perspective of a brave little girl.

I rate the book overall a 8/10 because it was relatable to real life.

I would definitely recommend the text to other readers because it has great life lessons and some great examples of bravery and courage.

[Ellen, Miss Curnow]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful response, Micaela. 'Parvana' sounds like a harrowing yet fascinating story - is it based on real life?

Have you read 'The Diary of Anne Frank'? It is the real diary of a young Jewish girl who has to hide from the Nazi regime with her family. Your description of Parvana reminded me of her story - you might enjoy reading it.

[Micaela]

By second book review for year 9

Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board

Bethany Hamilton


I think Soul Surfer is a 5 star book. It is a true story about a strong young teenage girl named Bethany Hamilton. Her story is amazing, enough to inspire a major motion picture, devoted professional surfer and Christian Bethany Hamilton became the cover girl of courage and faith to her "Soul Sisters" (the teenage girls of this world), inspiring millions of people every where.

Although Bethany is devoted to surfing and lives to surf in Hawaii she is a best selling author she has been featured in Life, Self, Time, People, and Sports Illustrated.

Although I was hesitant to read Soul Surfer, I really enjoyed it I found it a really inspiring novel. I decided to read Soul Surfer after my friend Samara Lamplough encouraged me to read it.

One lesson I learned from Soul Surfer was that no matter what happens get back up and try again!

Bethany wrote Soul Surfer to inspire people and I believe she has achieved this goal.

My favourite character was Bethany's mum Cheri Hamilton she encourages and supports her daughter through a hard circumstance, I could never imagine how hard it was for her to do so.

The main themes of Soul Surfer are Courage, Resilience, Persistence, Confidence, Family, And Faith.

I would recommend this novel to others because I think it is inspiring and I would even recommend it to people who don't like reading to watch Bethany's story in the film Soul Surfer Produced by Sean McNamara in 2011.

Reviewed by Micaela