Mallinson Library Book Club titles. This publication contains further information on book sets available in the library which can be used for reading and discussion in tutor groups. The majority were shortlisted for the Carnegie Book Award 2012 and 2013. Bali Rai was a visiting author in February 2013 and we have multiple copies of his books in the library. His books generally have teenage protagonists, thought-provoking themes, such as arranged marriage, race and prejudice and are very readable.
Trash - Andy Mulligan (13 copies) Three friends, Raphael, Gardo and Rat live on a heap of trash and spend their days sifting through other people's rubbish. One day they find something extraordinary – a deadly secret. From that moment onwards, they are hunted without mercy, and their lives will never be the same again. (CILIP website plot summary) Gripping, powerful and shocking story. A thought-provoking thriller with a complex plot. Carnegie Book Award Shortlisted 2012. Possibly a good choice for boys who don’t often read or enjoy fiction.
Wonder - R.J. Palacio (16 copies) Shortlisted for the Carnegie Book Award 2013 this moving book has been enthusiastically received by young people and adults alike. It tells the story of Auggie, a boy born with severe facial deformities as he starts school for the first time at the age of 10. A relatively quick read lending itself to plenty of discussion.
Between Shades of Gray – Ruta Sepetys Carnegie Shortlisted 2012. Based on the author’s family memories of wartime
In Darkness - Nick Lake Code Name Verity –
(14 copies)
Elizabeth Wein
Tough, at times brutal, story set in Haiti. The dual narrative tells the stories of Toussaint L'Ouverture who led a slave rebellion during the Napoleonic era and Shorty, a boy trapped in the rubble after the Haiti earthquake. Well-written, thought-provoking and memorable. Quite a challenging read which gives a real insight into the present day problems and lives of the poor in Haiti.
(14 copies) Female spies and pilots in World War II. Fantastic story of courage, friendship and loyalty. Cleverly plotted with credible characters the book leaves you guessing to the very end. It is a long book and contains shocking scenes of interrogation so is best read over a holiday period and by 4th form upwards.
Maggot Moon - Sally Gardner (10 copies) Winner of the Carnegie Book Award 2013. Set in an alternative, dystopian 1950’s. Standish Treadwell, dyslexic hero battles the cruelty and horror of the totalitarian regime. Don't miss the multitouch iPad version of the book for additional material - videos, author interviews and sections read in the voice of protagonist Standish Treadwell. Appeals to boys and girls equally and good for 3rd and 4th form.
The Weight of Water – Sarah Crossan
My Name is Mina – David Almond
(7 copies)
(7 copies)
A moving debut novel written completely in verse. It poignantly describes Kasienka's experience of arriving in England with her mother as an immigrant. Kasienka is a strong character who deals with bullying and alienation without self-pity. Two hours of wonderful reading and surprisingly a page turner.
Mina writes and writes in an empty notebook, and through her stories, thoughts, lessons and dreams, her journal grows into something extraordinary. A prequel to "Skellig". Original style and marvellous celebration of language. A truly thoughtprovoking book.
My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece – Annabel Pitcher (7 copies) Funny and moving story of a young boy and his family in the aftermath of his sister's death. His voice rings true and the reader is taken on an emotional rollercoaster. Most appropriate for 3rd form, particularly girls.
Between Shades of Gray – Ruta Sepetys (6 copies) One night, fifteen-year old Lina, her mother and brother are hauled from their home by Soviet guards, thrown into cattle cars and sent away. They are being deported to Siberia. An unimaginable and harrowing journey has begun, but Lina refuses to give up hope of seeing home and loved ones again. (CILIP Carnegie website plot summary). Incredibly moving account of the suffering enduring by Lithuanians in World War II, based on the reminiscences of the author’s family.
A Monster Calls – Patrick Ness (6 copies) The monster shows up after midnight. It isn't the one Conor has been expecting; the one from his nightmare; the one he has had nearly every night since his mother started her treatment. But this new monster is ancient, and wild, and it wants something just as dangerous from Conor: the truth. (CILIP shortlist website summary) Moving, poignant story, beautifully written. (Winner of the Carnegie Book Award 2012)
(Un)arranged Marriage – Bali Rai (4 copies)
More information on Bali’s books on our Pinterest board http://pinterest.com/welly library/bali-s-books/