_ These books are very good. Dwight is an unusual character who does really weird stuff like digging holes in his backyard, sitting in them then filling them back up again. But when he makes an ordinary finger puppet of Yoda that’s when things get veeeeeeery strange. Yoda can predict the future, stop people from making absolute fools of themselves, and can give GREAT advice. Everyone wonders how Origami Yoda can be so great when Dwight himself is so clueless. A year later in the second book, it’s dark time. Dwight’s enemy (Harvey) has made a finger puppet of Darth Vader. Harvey is constantly telling everyone that Dwight is bad. So Dwight needs to be saved.

I love the way that at the end of both books it tells you how to make Origami Yoda, Darth Vader and an emergency Yoda.

- Jager (Age 9)

_ My Sister Lives on The Mantelpiece follows the life of Jamie, a 10 year old boy trying to piece together the tragedy that tore his family apart while living in the ruin it left behind. The main aspect of this story that stood out was the honest and seemingly innocent voice it is told from. His untainted view of the world around him afforded a fresh perspective. It encompasses everything from love, hate, eating disorders and terrorism but most importantly hope. A realistic hope that lives off the page and relates to our own lives where everything might not be perfect but we can see it getting there.

This novel will appeal to those who enjoyed Stephen Chbosky The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

Recommended Age: 11-18 years old

- Ruby (Age 14)

_
Is it too early to declare BOOK OF THE YEAR??? Don't look at this book as a young adult fiction title, this is simply a superb book. Having read two previous brilliant books by John Green I was giddy with excitement when I unpacked this book.

Hazel is a 16 year old cancer patient, frustrated that her mother insists she attends a cancer survivors group for teenagers. Hazel rarely communicates within the group but to herself she describes her initial diagnosis with thyroid cancer at 13 (three months after her first period) as like: Congratulations! Your're a woman. Now die. At group she meets Augustus who has lost a leg to cancer, and they forge a strong friendship as he tries to convince her they are destined to be together. Yes, this is a funny book about cancer but it is in very safe hands with this author.

WARNING: somebody may die and you may sob uncontrollably and you may never be able to forget these characters. This is a book you will want to reread and you will insist everyone you know reads it. This is truly a book we will be talking about for a long time.

- Natalie

James Frey is arguably one of the most controversial literary figures of the last decade following the furore after his appearance on Oprah’s Book Club with “A Million Little Pieces”. With his latest novel Frey not only courts controversy but invites it in a imagining of what it would be like if the Messiah returned in Modern day New York City.

When Ben Zion awakes from a coma after a hideous accident he has other worldly powers and is perceived to be the second coming of Jesus Christ. Throughout each section or gospel written in the first person you are introduced to Ben Zion, his supporters and detractors. Zion explores the darker side of modern life from crack addicts, prostitution and homophobia. He experiences group sex with men, women and in heady orgies.

 And no matter what you think of the controversy surrounding Frey in the past there is no denying that he is a truly unique author who has the ability to inhabit his characters with complexity and dexterity.

‘The Final Testament of the Holy Bible” is highly readable and ambitious in the exploration of humanity, religion, homosexuality and the very nature of existence. He is highly critical of religion which the protagonist describes as “a beautiful con…the longest running fraud in human history”.

Admittedly I am a huge fan of Frey’s style and his blatant disregard for punctuation and grammer, but this is what draws you in. For me there is no-one who writes like Frey and this latest novel did not disappoint.

This amazing memoir is already one of my standouts for 2011.
With every page I couldn't help but think about the author
"You and I should totally be friends and hang out in a cafe
and drink coffee with Phoebe, Ross and Chandler- but not
that annoying Rachel". Emma started her writing career at 13
and its obvious she is a born writer. This book tells the story 
of her relationship with her therapist who she meets after a 
suicide attempt and his impact on her life over the next ten years
and how she learnt of his death months after he died. An honest
vunerable account from a woman not afraid to wear her 
heart on her sleeve.

Follow her at Twitter @GirlInterrupter

The Paradise Trap is an exciting book full of twists and turns; you never know what’s going to happen next. It’s a light read and doesn’t have much depth. If your looking for a fun, stimulating ride this is the book for you! This book teaches the reader that a true paradise world is one where not everything is perfect and makes you question whether you are strong enough to escape a fake paradise. So will you escape or fall for the paradise trap? 

7/10

- Katie McGregor

Life: An Exploded Diagram is a coming of age novel that employs sophisticated language, spanning across multiple generations to deliver an engrossing and empowering story. Based in Norfolk , England during the cold war it does a wonderful job transporting the reader back in time and providing a realistic setting for the story to take place. 

The novel follows the life of country boy Clem and his romantic relationship with city girl Frankie. The historical accuracy of the story is rewarding while not overbearing you with unnecessary details about the era. It setting and characters are absorbing but it’s the author's wonderful descriptions and fine writing that lift it up to be a truly amazing book.

Rating: 8/10

Recommended for ages 13 and up.

This collection of well known but twisted fairy tales is beautifully written with descriptive language that draws you in. Filled with short stories it includes well known tales such as “The Tinderbox”, “Rumpelstiltskin”, “The Snow Queen”, “Beauty and the Beast”, “Babes in the Woods”, and “The Steadfast Tin Soldier”. Adapted by some of Australia’s best known fantasy authors, the bewitching tales play on universal truths. Many of the writers seemed to be aiming to bring back the gritty horror originally present in fairy tales while still adding modern twists that people can relate to. The book however is not for the fainthearted and some of the stories could unsettle those who do not enjoy confronting or amoral scenes. Be prepared readers, the protagonist is not always a hero, do not expect all to have happy endings and be wary reading some of the stories in the dark.

Rating: 7.5/10

Recommended for ages 15 and up.

Ever wondered what Christmas at Michael Jackson's house would be like? Or how you'd feel if your stepmother (Elizabeth Taylor!) shoved you into the deep end at a poolside cocktail party? Carrie Fisher lets loose with her rebel Hollywood story, including her use of electroshock therapy (she's never heard of the Force?) to combat depression and anxiety. 

She's a real (storm)trooper our Carrie, but If having Meryl Streep play you in the movie version of your life doesn't cure your depression I don't know what will. Highly recommended (except on Alderaan.)

-Tim

An old man recalls his voyage as an eleven year old, accompanied only by a distant relative from India to England. Relegated to eat with those of lowest social status on the ship at the Cat's Table, he makes friends with two other boys. Together they explore every orifice of the ship discovering the secret side of some passengers: a thief , a prisoner and a lady who befriends them. In reflection he wonders at their interpretation of events as a child and now as an old man.
Written in Ondaatjie's gentl fluid style it is immediately engaging.

- Barbara