What's New??? |
Click on each book cover to find out more about them.
|
Like Nobody’s Watching
When security cameras are installed at Oscar’s school, they seem the ideal tool to trap the bullies who are intimidating Sam’s younger brother. Oscar is persuaded to use his hacking skills to access the camera feed and confront the bullies with evidence of their behaviour. Tension grows rapidly as the temptation to use this power for less principled reasons leads Oscar to a point where the tables are turned and he must confront the results of his actions. The power of surveillance and whether it encourages conformity is the theme of this thought-provoking novel. A member of our school book group commented that she saw Ritchie’s creation of the fictional social media platform uPulse, with its parallels to Facebook and Twitter, and the issues that Oscar and his classmates faced in this setting, made this book very relevant to today’s teenagers. L. J. Ritchie’s first novel, set in Wellington, is an engrossing read. Whilst the cover may not instantly appeal, it aptly reflects the closed life of surveillance. It is worth encouraging students, particularly those looking for a short novel, to pick this up. It is easy to read with short sentences, building excitement and ample ideas for discussion. |
The Hate U Give
Sixteen-year-old, black American, Starr is in a car with her friend, Khalil when they are pulled over by a white police officer. Starr’s parents taught her to be cautious in this situation but Khalil is fatally shot. The police officer claims that Khalil was armed and a drug dealer. Starr bravely speaks out and tells the community that Khalil was unarmed and was doing no harm. He had sold drugs in the past but only to help support his family. Khalil’s supporters protest and riot against the police. Starr lives in a poor neighbourhood where violence and drugs are the norm, but she attends a school in an affluent area where she is one of the only black students. The author, Angie Thomas based the story on her own experiences and events that have occurred in the United States. My only reservation about the story is that it is rather drawn out, which could put some teenage readers off. However, it is a very thought-provoking book that raises many issues. |