New non-fiction books
Cerdon artists! Seeking creative inspiration? Come to the library to browse through some of the wonderful new art books on display including:
- Asian Graphics Now (NF 741.6095 ASI)
- Painting people : the state of the art by Charlotte Mullins (NF 757 MUL)
- Raw + material = art : found, scavenged and upcycled by Tristan Manco (NF 702.814 MAN)
The latest edition of the Young Writers Showcase (NF A820.8 YOU) is also available and is highly recommended for Year 12 Extension English students.
The library has two copies of the book by Barbara Arrowsmith-Young, ‘The woman who changed her brain : and other inspiring stories of pioneering brain transformation’, available for borrowing. The author of this book was born with severe learning disabilities and was labelled by her teachers as slow or stubborn. She struggled through her education and was physically uncoordinated. However, through her strong will and amazing memory she managed to graduate from school and in the process discovered research that inspired her to invent cognitive exercises to ‘fix’ her own brain.
‘Starting in the late 1970s, she has continued to expand and refine these exercises, which have benefited thousands of individuals. Barbara founded Arrowsmith School in Toronto in 1980 and then the Arrowsmith Program to train teachers and to implement this highly effective methodology in schools all over North America. Her work is revealed as one of the first examples of neuroplasticity’s extensive and practical application.’ (www.amazon.com). Highly recommended to both teachers and students.
New fiction books
Maureen McCarthy, author of numerous YA books including Chain of Hearts and Ganglands, has recently published The Convent. This is an engaging, intricately plotted family saga that was inspired by McCarthy’s own family history associated with Abbotsford Convent in Melbourne. It spans three decades of (fictional) women whose lives are affected in different ways by the convent. It’s an absorbing and enjoyable YA read that will appeal to readers of all ages.
Another revered Australian author, Melina Marchetta, has published the third book in the Lumatere chronicles, Quintana of Charyn. The series has consistently received high praise from reviewers and readers commending Marchetta on her ability to not only create an amazing fantasy world but to develop fascinating characters with great emotional depth. The first book in the series is Finnikan of the Rock followed by Froi of the Exiles. Readers of fantasy such as Kristin Cashore’s Graceling and Christopher Paolini’s Inheritanceseries will love this series.
The other new fiction books currently on display include:
Code name Verity by Elizabeth Wein – ‘Summary: Two young women become unlikely best friends during WWII, until one is captured by the Gestapo. Only in wartime could a stalwart lass from Manchester rub shoulders with a Scottish aristocrat, one a pilot, the other a special operations executive’ (SCIS). A moving, suspenseful, historical novel. For more information and reviews go to GoodReads.
Crewel by Gennifer Albin – ‘Summary: Gifted with the unusual ability to embroider the very fabric of life, sixteen-year-old Adelice is summoned by Manipulation Services to become a Spinster, a move that will separate her from her beloved family and home forever.’ (Novelist). A melancholy, thought-provoking, fast-paced dystopian romance novel suitable for years 7-10.
Black Spring by Alison Croggon – ‘Summary: Lina is enchanting, vibrant, but wilful, and her beauty betrays her for what she truly is, a witch. With her childhood companion, Damek, she has grown up privileged and spoiled and the pair are devoted to each other to the point of obsession. But times are changing. Vendetta id coming, and tragedy is stalking the halls of the Red House.’ (SCIS). Gothic, fantasy fiction by Alison Croggon, Australian author of the Pellinor series.
Creepy & Maud by Dianne Touchell – ‘Summary: A humorous look at the relationship between two neighbours and social misfits, played out in the space between their windows. Told through the viewpoint of Creepy, a boy who watches from the shadows keenly observing and caustically commentating on human folly, who is in love with Maud, a confused girl with a condition that embarrasses her parents and assures her isolation. Together Creepy and Maud discover something outside their own vulnerability – each other’s. But life is arbitrary and loving someone doesn’t mean you can save them.’ (Novelist). Darkly humorous, character-driven, realistic fiction.
Every day by David Levithan – ‘Summary: Every morning A wakes in a different person’s body, in a different person’s life, learning over the years to never get too attached, until he wakes up in the body of Justin and falls in love with Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon.’ (Novelist). An engaging. moving and thought-provoking story.
The new fiction books on display at the back of the library may be borrowed on Friday. All other books on display in the library may be borrowed. If you need help locating these books please ask the library staff for assistance.