Every Summer Has a Story. — Sandra Bennett

Summer holidays are the perfect time to relax, unwind and read a good book or two. January is that time for me where I feel no pressure to work, write or feel guilty about putting my feet up and enjoying a good book or two or three. As #australiareads celebrates Library Lovers Day on 14th February again this year, I thought I would share my choice of books that I loved and read in January in the hope that you might like to read them too.

This summer break I read three fabulous middle grade fiction books. Each so different from the next, but all equally entertaining stories.

Here are my reviews in no particular order.

Emergency Rescue Angel by Cate Whittle.

I have had this on my ‘to read’ list since it was published in 2020 and it didn’t disappoint. More upper middle-grade seeping into the young adult category, this story is definitely one for readers 12- 14 years. Mitch is having a hard time fitting in at school after everything changed when his father drowned saving a kid swimming at the local surf club. His best friend also moved away, leaving Mitch all alone and unmotivated. Enter Max, a strange new girl at school who seems to make it her mission to befriend Mitch and help get him back on track with his studies and life in general. But all is not as it seems and Max has a secret agenda. She is Mitch’s Emergency Rescue Angel, sent to help him whether he likes it or not.

I enjoyed the mystique of this story as Mitch began to unravel his new best friend’s true identity. Clues are given as Mitch slowly realises that no one else at school seems to know Max even exists. Cate Whittle is a masterful storyteller who weaves relatable characters and scenarios into magical scenes. She captures the imagination using all the senses at her disposal. Whether it’s the mouth watering piping hot meat pie with tomato sauce oozing through Mitch’s fingers and dripping onto his uniform during a conversation between the two or the chill of the incessant rain pelting down as he struggles to push his broken bicycle home from school. This story will hook the reader with intrigue, empathy and a wonder of the possibility of angels looking over our shoulder. A wonderful read for any student that is an outsider needing to come to terms with their own reality and learning to accept themselves in all their glory for who they are.

Dragon Skin by Karen Foxlee.

This was a really quick read. It only took me two days, mainly because I just couldn’t put it down. I knew it was a good story when my hubby read it too. He never reads fiction, no matter how good I tell him a story is, but he too, was captured by Karen Foxlee’s incredible story telling. Suitable for young readers 8 to 12 years this story will tug at your heart strings. Set in the Queensland outback mining town of Mount Isa, the imagery is rugged and beautiful. Dragon Skin explores a host of emotions from friendship and loss, to love and caring and the deep desire to escape the reality of ones world.

When Pip discovers a tiny dragon almost lifeless in her favourite waterhole, she is determined to save it. But Pip needs help. First from the memories of a friend lost forever, then from two unlikely friends from school. This story draws on imagination and the desperate need to change things, even those that are beyond her control. It explores the meaning of love and loss and the heartbreak of letting go. There is so much depth in this beautiful tale my words could not do it justice. Suffice to say, this one is a must read for anyone who needs help escaping family violence or for kids who would like to understand. Learning how to care for a dragon and what Pip feeds it, is a delight too.

The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo.

This story was not something I am used to reading. Written in the genre of a fairy tale or fable, it too, had me hooked. It is a tale about the power of words and how they are interpreted. When a monk finds a young girl hiding in the stables with only a goat for comfort, he soon takes her under his wing as her protector. Beatryce has no idea who she is or where she came from. To add to the mystery, she knows how to read and write, but it is forbidden in the kingdom for girls to be educated. Why is the king hunting her and what is the foretold prophesy that leads her on a quest to freedom and understanding? Learn the importance of words and how powerful they can be when the world of reading and writing is available to all.

An intriguing story for readers 8 to 12 years, especially those who enjoy a quest and adventure told in a unusual manner. Kate DiCamillo is an incredibly clever story weaver that will take you on a journey of discovery in a world far, far away from our reality.

With Library Lover’s Day being celebrated again this year on 14th February, why not head to your local library or school library to borrow one of these amazing books or any other amazing book that is waiting for you to choose to read. Your favourite Librarian is always there, keen to help you find that special book, the one that is a must read for you. I have fond memories of some amazing librarians over the years. They are passionate about the books and the children in their care and always know the right questions to ask to find that one special book for every individual reader.

I’ve told you what I have read, now it is your turn. What have you read over the summer break?

I’m reading two books at the moment. ‘ Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone’, book 9 in the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon and Tracey Hawkin’s new middle grade release, ‘The Riddle of Tanglewood Manner.’ What are you reading now?

What is on your ‘to read’ list?

I would love to read your book choices in the comments below.