Randa Abdel-Fattah - 'Does my head look big in this?'

I saw this book on the shelf at a bookshop a few years ago and thought it would be good for my girls to read. They go to school in a very multicultural school and a number of girls were headscarves. My knowledge of Muslim culture is sadly lacking and I thought this book might help with that. Anyway when I saw it on sale online I snapped it up and I am glad I did!

The book is narrated by "Amal Abdel-Hakim, a sixteen-year-old Australian-Palestinian-Muslim still getting to grips with [her] various identity hyphens". Amal makes the decision that she wants to wear a hijib full time. If this wasn't a big enough decision, the story is also set in the year following September 11, so anti-Muslim sentiment is rife. It is important to note though that this isn't a key point of the story. It comes up in passing as part of natural storyline, but the focus is really on what it is like to be a teenager becoming your own person. For Amal wearing a hijib is part of this journey.

Amal's friends also have their own problems.You also get to see different perceptions of what it means to be an Australian Muslim. From one family who's primary aim is to be as "true blue Aussie" as they come to a friend is super smart but has a mother who thinks she should be getting married. Amal's school friends have their own issues too. Including the all important boyfriend issue.

I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read and perfect for teenagers (who are the target audience). My 12 year old has started it and is enjoying it too (much to her amazement). Definitely recommended to anyone who wants to learn a bit more about Islamic culture, for any girl who may be coming to terms with her own religious identity especially if it comes with dressing or acting a bit differently and really any one who has ever had to work out who they are how they fit it.

Meg Cabot "The Princess Diaries. Take Two"

My eldest daughter's latest purchase! And of course I had to read it ;)

First and most importantly this is not a children's book in my humble opinion. Regardless of the lovely movie, this book is definitely for teenagers. There is lots of "sex" talk: french kissing, complaining of lack of "development in the chest" region, contraception, losing virginity etc. However, while there is lots of talk, it is about things not happening rather then things actually happening.

However, that aspect of it aside, the book is good. This is the second in the series and it follows on immediately from the first book. Mia is adjusting to life as a princess, being traumatised by her Royal grandmother, looking after her mother and coping with all the normal teenage angst of boys and bodies and school.

New dramas unfold as Mia obtains a secret admirer and has to deal with her mother dating her algebra teacher. Especially as algebra is the subject she does not like and needs tutoring in - by her best friend's "hot" older brother.

Written in a diary style, this book is a funny look at the dramas of being a teenage girl and goes to show being Royal doesn't solve everything, or anything really! Recommended for girls of 12+.

Sienna Mercer "My Sister the Vampire: Fangtastic"

This is a book my ten year old has had her eye on for a while. She was ecstatic when my 12 year old was given it for her birthday from one of my friends.

All three of us have read it now and all three of us have enjoyed it. It is the second book (I think it is the second one anyway) in a series of twin girls who were separated at birth at meet in high school. Ivy is a vampire and Olivia is human. They are firm friends and thrilled to have discovered each other but only one other person knows they are related. Their parents don't know. No-one at their school knows. And the secret community of vampires in the area don't know. Olivia is the only human to know about the existence of the vampire community. In this story, this quiet existence comes under threat when a ditzy reporter called Serena Star is determined to prove that vampires are living there!

"Fangtastic" has lots of references to the vampires we all know and love. Garlic, death by stake, coffins, sparkles (as being a distasteful thing! Sorry Twilight fans) and there is even an 'interview with a vampire'. A fun, age appropriate way for younger readers to join in on the vampire craze. Plus who doesn't love long lost twin sisters?! Recommended for 9 plus, although the story is more then appropriate for younger confident readers. We are looking forward to finding the rest of the series!

Meg Cabot "Avalon High"

I bought this book for my 10.5 year old daughter, Erin, on the proviso that I read it first after getting an unpleasant shock when I read one of Meg Cabot's other books for one of the girl's 8th birthday a few years ago. (I will write about this at a later date when I have re-read it. I did enjoy the book! It was just not appropriate reading for a child so young). I really enjoyed the book! And I am happy to report Erin did too and is planning on writing her own review later.

Avalon High is set in the early 21st century and is the story of Ellie who starts at a new high school and consequentially meets a whole heap of new people. As Ellie begins to meet people at her new school she beings to notice a number of coincidences which are particularly drawn to her attention as both her parents are academics with an interest in all thing Arthurian. The name Avalon High is not a coincidence!

The story has a strong element of fantasy, while being firmly based in modern times. I personally found it a little scary although Erin didn't really think so. I might just have more of an overactive imagination then she does! The book is really aimed at readers of 12+ and is reasonably long. A confident younger reader would enjoy it too although should be monitored if they have my tendency to be a little scared by the paranormal and the story line is fairly complex. It was also a great introduction to the Arthurian saga without going into too much detail.