Welcome to the March Round Up for Children’s and Young Adult books. We are standing steady with 6 books for young adults read and reviewed, and 8 for children and younger readers. We’ve had a few new names this month, but still fewer books here, and sometimes, the same author.

Nadia L King reviewed The Red Shoe by Ursula Dubosarsky, an author who has written across several genres and age groups. Originally published in 2006, it gives us a taste of fifties life in Sydney during the Cold War, with references to a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, Communism and ideas of femininity and female identity. Nadia says this is a story of healing and family – in a turbulent time, and the accompanying fears of the time.

In Children’s books, we had quite a few new reviewers this month. Amanda Barrett appears with a review of Frankie Pants and Mr Fox by Helen Lear,  a picture book for children aged three and older, described as fun and entertaining. Frankie is a cat who must defeat the devious Mr Fox – and protect the neighbourhood he lives in. Amanda says that Lear outlines her prose well, with an interactive text for children of all ages. And the narrative she says, is full of adventure – enhanced by Katya Swan’s illustrations throughout the book. She also said the themes of bravery, friendship and self-confidence were highlighted in this book to inspire younger readers.

One series I have been reading is the Friday Barnes series – I am about a third of the way, though, and thoroughly enjoying it. I reviewed the first two in March, with the third and possibly fourth book in April. This series is a lot of fun, and I’m finding that there are many ways in which I could have been Friday – so seeing a nerdy girl character is fantastic and should be celebrated.

Friday Barnes: Girl Detective by R.A. Spratt 

Friday Barnes: Under Suspicion by R.A. Spratt 

Another book I’d like to highlight, that also may pop up in our diversity round up is Baby Business by Jasmine Seymour, an Indigenous author. Jessica Rae from Underground Writers reviewed this one for us.  She said this book gives an appreciation for Indigenous culture and can help us understand what happens in Indigenous culture in various ways.

I wonder if being in isolation, numbers will pick up in all genres and categories – it will be interesting over the next few months to see how, and if things change.