Kick

Budi has a plan- he dreams of playing football from Real Madrid. Every chance he has, he plays with his friends, focusing on his goal. But his life is a million miles away from his fantasy. Every day, he stitches football boots for others in cruel conditions, earning a pittance. Life is tough in Jakarta where he lives, yet he steadfastly believes in his dream.

Things go from bad to worse when Budi comes to the attention of The Dragon, the most feared man in Jakarta. Now so much more than Budi's dreams are at stake...

Endorsed by Amnesty International, this is a powerful, poignant book about the horrors of child labour, exploitation and cruelty. It brings into sharp focus the 'hidden' lives of those we don't see and so many are unaware of and should provoke countless conversations about things we take for granted and the true price that is paid for things we take for granted. It could be a bleak read because it highlights the life lived by many.

However, this is a story about resilience, about hopes and dreams. It is also about true friendship and family and how these can thrive in the worst circumstances.  Budi is an amazing character, beautifully developed, offering such an amazing outlook on life as your heart bleeds for him. His family offer love and support in the midst of everything and his friendship with Rochy is just wonderful to read. 

'Kick' is not an easy read, but it is an essential one. Thought provoking and challenging, it is perfect thinking readers.

Kick    Mitch Johnson

Usborne     ISBN -9781474928151

Pop!

Queenie de la Cruz has just moved to California with her mother and younger brother. The litter-strewn beach, hazy, polluted sky and brown waves, topped with creamy foam are not what she imagined North Nitch, their neighbourhood, would be like and she dreams of something exciting happening. Little does she know that her discovery of a piece of paper inside an empty bottle of Mac-Tonic (the world’s most popular drink- and Queenie’s personal favourite) is about to change her life forever. Abducted from her home, Queenie meets Todd, who has also been imprisoned, and the two manage to escape. Pursued by bounty-hunters, black helicopters and the American public, the two are running for their lives and Queenie starts to see the world more clearly, noticing the devastating impact the big corporations have on the planet. If she survives, can she make a difference?

An excellent read from start to finish, ‘Pop!’ is an action-packed, rollercoaster of a story, fizzing with humour. However, it also packs a punch with a strong environmental and humanitarian message about the purchasing choices we make and the actions of overly-powerful companies whose sole goal is the pursuit of wealth.

The story is full of compelling characters. Queenie is hopelessly addicted to the sugary-satisfaction of Mac-Tonic and there are many who will see themselves reflected in her cravings for sugary drinks and treats. Initially, she is so used to the plastic waste littering the shore by her home that she has become completely desensitised to it and has never considered taking responsibility for something caused by others. Over the course of the story, she begins to question and challenge things that she has taken for granted, leading the reader with her on her voyage of discovery. The story is perfect for using with Y6/7 pupils to provoke discussion and raise questions.

Can’t recommend this one highly enough!

Pop! Mitch Johnson

Orion ISBN: 978-1510107618

The Whale Who Wanted More

Humphrey the whale spends all his time roaming the ocean, forever seeking for treasure. But he never able to find the one thing he is sure will make him feel complete. It takes a spirited crab and a few home truths for him to realise that it’s not possessions that will make Humphry’s heart sing!

Another triumph from the perfect paring which brought us the joy of ‘The Lion Inside’ and ‘The Squirrels who Squabbled’, ‘The Whale Who Wanted More’ is a timely tale about the important things in life. Humphrey is on an empty quest, filling his life with all the glitter and gizmos he can find, desperately seeking something to fill up his sense of longing. But it is only when he gives, not takes, sharing his gift of song, that he finally feels content. So much to discuss...! The text is perfectly paced for reading aloud, with alliteration, onomatopoeia and some fabulous vocabulary choices adding to the joy.

The illustrations are fabulous- each spread full of colour and interest. There are plenty of pictures to linger over and consider what each character might be thinking and feeling, developing empathy. It’s great to see this huge, male character being vulnerable and then finding friendship and contentment from the simplest things. Older children would enjoy discussing and sharing this as much as younger!

‘The Whale Who Wanted More’ celebrates the positive power of sharing and being kind and reminds us how little is needed to make us truly happy.

The Whale Who Wanted More

Rachel Bright, illustrated by Jim Field

Hachette ISBN: 978-1408349236

Wisp- A Story of Hope

Idris is a refugee child, living in a world of shadows and barriers. This is the only life he knows. One day, the Wisp arrives on the evening wind, unnoticed by everyone, but Idris. For those who hold it, the Wisp evokes memories, reawakening hope and joy. For Idris who has known nothing but life in this camp, there are no memories to stir, yet he realises that for him it offers promise of change, a promise for the future.

Breathtakingly beautiful, ‘The Wisp’ is an extraordinary picture book. Hope is at the heart of the story; whatever the wisp might be- a message, a story, a secret, protest, solidarity- it offers the dream of a better future as well as the joy of memories, the importance of preserving what makes each person individual.

Full of imagery, the language used throughout the book is as stunning as the illustrations.

A swelling sea of rememberings twirled on the air and shimmered in the breeze

Idris tasted the pull of the moonlight and explored the soft scent of new knowings.

The story challenges the reader to think about refugees as real people who have past lives and hopes for the future. It challenges them to think of the darkness of the ‘small, small world’ refugees live in. It challenges them to see the individual.

The illustrations are so evocative, cleverly using colour to mirror the mood of the story and those in it. The whole book is simply captivating and offers plenty of opportunity for discussions about refugees and hope for change.

Simply stunning.

Wisp: A Story of Hope

Zana Fraillon, illustrated by Grahame Baker- Smith

Hachette ISBN: 978- 1408350119

Strangeworlds Travel Agency

The Strangeworlds Travel Agency

Flick has recently moved to a new house in Little Wyverns with her parents and new baby brother, Freddy. Whilst exploring the village, she comes across a tiny, squashed-looking shop called The Strangeworlds Travel Agency. She finds herself invited to become a member of The Strangeworlds Society and is amazed to discover that each of the suitcases on display in the shop leads to another world. With Jonathan Mercator, Head Custodian, Flick is able to use the cases to explore the multiverse. But everything is not quite as it seems…

I loved this book so much! The idea of travelling through suitcases to lots of different worlds is so appealing and the story is fresh and exciting! Lapinski’s world building is second to none and each location fizzes with life and detail. There is much still to learn about this multiverse and its inhabitants and hopefully, there will be more adventures for Flick as she explores different worlds and Jonathan continues his search for his father.

Flick and Jonathan are wonderful characters- very different, but each well rounded. Jonathan neglects to tell Flick the whole truth, leading to trouble, but friendship wins through in the end and these two make a team to be reckoned with. Nicc is another appealing character, resilient and daring.

The Strangeworlds Travel Agency is an excellent read, full of magic and adventure. This is a must read to share with my class as soon as I can. Top marks for this one!

The Strangeworlds Travel Agency: The Edge of the Ocean

When an urgent summons arrives from the world of The Break, Flick and Jonathan leap into action- and the right suitcase- and go to offer assistance. Pirate Queen Nife, her crew and all the other people and creatures who live there are in grave danger as their world is shrinking. Somehow, Jonathan and Flick must find a way to sail ships and squeeze giant mer-people through a suitcase to save them- before it’s too late.

Here at JAB HQ, we adored the first book in this series so much and have thoroughly enjoyed introducing our classes to this amazing world and its characters. ‘The Edge of the World’ is no disappointment, being every bit as exciting and magical as the first.

Flick is now a fully-fledged Strangeworlds Travel Agency member and comes into her own in this adventure, taking the lead as Jonathan battles with his emotions after some news about his father. Her initial distrust and jealousy of Avery, Jonathan’s cousin, who joins them on this adventure, quickly develops beyond bickering and together, the three make a formidable team. Jonathan’s duel with Captain Burnish is wonderful, adding humour as well as action.

A sense of impending danger is maintained throughout this story, keeping a tight feeling of suspense and tension. It is not clear whether they will be able to save all the inhabitants of this world and Flick experiences real personal conflict about the possibility of leaving some behind. It is wonderful to see her triumph. The importance of friendship, family and support is woven through the story, but is so poignant when Flick needs it most.

The concept of the travel agency and its suitcases is an absolute gift to teachers looking to inspire children to write. It offers the perfect framework for a voyage and return story where the most magical and creative worlds can be invented while writing additional adventures. Children (and adults!) love these stories and the worlds they inhabit!

This second visit to The Strangeworlds Travel Agency, ‘The Edge of the Ocean’, is every bit as enjoyable as the first, offering a compelling, exciting adventure. Can’t wait for the next one!

You can read my review of ‘The Secrets of the Stormforest’ in the main reviews section.