LORETO College has been one of 15 schools acting as shadow judges for the Children Book Council of Australia Victorian branch.
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The shadow judging program highlights young readers' opinions on shortlisted books by Australian authors in early childhood, young reader and older reader sections.
Loreto year 11 student GEMMA RICHARDSON says the older reader program made her year much more enjoyable.
"I have loved every book we have read, each creative response we have made, and time we have spent together being obsessed with books," Gemma said.
Later this year, Loreto shadow judges will assess books from the judges criteria, choosing their favourite of what Gemma said are "six equally entertaining, though uniquely diverse, books".
Here are some of the highlights Gemma shares with SHOUT, The Courier's online youth platform:
The Boy Who Steals Houses, by CG Drews
One of Loreto's creative responses was for The Boy Who Steals Houses by CG Drews. Shadow judges wanted to represent the main symbol of the novel: keys.
Using old and intricate keys, as well as keys made from paper, we created a display on the ground near our school's front gate. Together we surrounded a backpack and paper wings with our keys, then took a photo, editing it a little to further portray the book's themes: belonging and freedom.
It was very rewarding to be able to make this display with the other shadow judges.
We had to think deeply and creatively about the book, applying the words on the page to a visual representation. We all used our different talents and skills the best we could. Not only was our display exciting to make, I had a wonderful time getting to know younger students and being part of an efficient team.
REVIEW: The Boy Who Steals Houses by C.G. Drews
Sammy and Avery Lou wish they had a home. Instead, they break into empty houses, not for stealing, but to survive.
For each house, Sam takes a key. He keeps these to represent his tiny hope that somehow, maybe, there is a better life for him and his brother.
This hope might just come true, but only if he can tell the truth to the family he has accidentally become part of...
I do not normally pick up a young adult novel, but reading this for the Children's Book Council of Australia's Shadow Judging Program changed my perspective on this genre.
Thrown into Sam's chaotic life, I immediately loved his sweetness. Tightly plotted and intricately described, the book alternates between Sam and his worries, and back in time to when his dad hurt his older brother because he has autism.
Sam's anxious feelings and Avery's autism are realistically, if grittily, portrayed.
Additionally, the De Lainey family almost seem to breathe, through witty dialogue and sparkling fresh prose. Moxie is passionate, sharp and bright. However, she struggles with becoming a mother-figure to her numerous siblings, after their mother's death.
Meanwhile her hilarious brothers let Sam learn to laugh, and their father offers an immense kindness Sam has never experienced.
I loved the summery Australian setting and the beautiful imagery in this book. Yellow and blue, keys, glitter, the universe, belonging, and (deliciously) caramel are some of the themes and symbols Drews masters.
You will be immersed in a little world of hopelessness, grief and a struggle to find belonging. Yet even when so many grippingly tragic events tear at Sam, threatening to break him apart, there is always hope in the butter-yellow De Lainey house, the key to Sam's steps forward.
REVIEW: Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte
The four queens of Quadara are vastly different.
Steadfast Marguerite protects her realm as it bustles with trade, but she despises the crime it is riddled with.
Queen Corra is stoic and logically led; her kingdom is technologically advanced.
Iris, queen of Archia, values nature, calmness and simplicity, in contrast to young Queen Stessa, who
treasures entertainment in the colourful streets of Ludia.
Despite their variances, these queens have a strong bond that allows them to work together for the good of their world.
Until one of them is mysteriously killed.
It seems the queens have kept secrets from each other, simmering under the palace's blood-stained floors, only waiting to be discovered.
This young adult novel is a murder-mystery forged with fantasy. For the most part, the plot advances from the eyes of a feisty thief: Keralie, seventeen and the quickest pickpocket in her business. Even so, she was never planning to uncover a video message intended for the palace, detailing the horrific deaths of Quadara's four queens.
Keralie must team up with the steely messenger, Varin, if they want to save their beloved rulers.
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It may seem obvious that a book called Four Dead Queens involves, well, four dead queens. However, this is actually a tightly-plotted mystery.
Once certain of who to trust, I was presently proved otherwise.
All of us in the Shadow Judging Program were gasping with shock at the back-stabbings, reveals, and rollercoaster-like twists.
Scholte's plot starts off predictable. The early chapters set up Keralie and Varin's plight to deliver their distressing information. Their romance ensues, just as one would expect from a young adult novel. This is mixed with following each queen to her untimely - but inevitable, given the book's title - death.
It's quite a slow start.
Later, though, the story takes so many unexpected turns that I read it the second half in an afternoon. I won't spoil it, but trust me, this truly is a page-turner.
Scholte's writing is sharp and clear. Her characterisation is deep, despite the doom of the queens; they have their passions, their mistakes, and their obstacles. These women are not just token victims of the murder-mystery.
Additionally, this is a stand-alone book, not a series. The effort Scholte made in building a world this vivid should be admired.
In reading this for the Shadow Judging Program, I was pleased to have found an enticing adventure, which blends two genres together, from an emerging Australian author.
I'd recommend it to anyone who likes courageous queens, a touch of thieving and evil schemes, and thrilling climaxes.
Meeting author Astrid Scholte
In term three, the shadow judges were gifted with the chance to speak to Astrid Scholte on a video call.
Since many of us are aspiring writers, we were thrilled to learn about her journey writing and publishing Four Dead Queens, her first novel.
Astrid was genuine and patient even when the difficult technology threatened to hinder our short lunch time meeting. She gave us some valuable advice about building worlds, writing magic, and creating characters.
I had my notebook and pen out frantically scribbling. It was immensely disappointing to hear the bell ring at the end of lunch, but I was very grateful for this opportunity.
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