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Not only is he worried about his brother, Glen, but he's coming of age and trying to relate to a distant father. He's also discovering girls and the importance of looking nice, saving and spending money, and trying to show his mother just how much he loves and appreciates her. I didn't plan to read this book on Veteran's Day, but I did and it was very fitting. Not only did we have snow on the ground, which put me in a Christmas-y mood, but it really brought home what our servicemen and servicewomen do to serve our country.
His first book, So Much to Tell You, was published in 1987 and because of its enormous popularity is also available now in a play version. The gripping war series which began with Tomorrow, When the War Began has broken all sales records for young adult fiction, and Burning for Revenge won the Bookdata ABA Book of the Year in 1996. John’s move into picture books has been highly acclaimed, following the release of Prayer for the 21st Century in 1997 and The Rabbits, illustrated by Shaun Tan, which was named CBCA Picture Book of the Year in 1999. After more than thirty books John is arguably one of the best known and most respected novelists for young adults.
SLAP HAPPY LARRY
My grandpa served in Army in WWII and every time I read books set in this time period, it really brings to life my memories of him and I miss him. This is a book that begins on Thanksgiving 1944. It’s about a family with a 16-year old son struggling to help his parents cope with their oldest son’s being first in Holland and with their strained relationship in a tough time. Along the way, he has his first romance and gets unexpected help from an unlikely source. Meanwhile, the older son finds himself in the cauldron of one of the biggest battles in history, and the sentiments of Christmastime contrast sharply with the horrors of war.
However, this text tackles issues in which adults do not have the moral upper ground, they do not have all the answers. Hence this text is equally as powerful for older readers. 2.5 stars This was an okay Christmas story.
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I loved the slice of life that let me peak back at a time I’ve only heard about from my mom and dad. This tale even references Afton and Star Valley Wyoming. It’s hard to imagine the way so many families were called upon to sacrifice their hope for the future and how many young men willingly gave so much to fight against injustice and hate on behalf of people they’d never met.
It doesn't just happen to 'other people'. Matt Ottley is one of Australia's most acclaimed children's author/illustrators and his works have been translated into several languages. Matt's works include What Faust Saw, Luke's Way Of Looking , Requiem For A Beast (CBCA Picture Book of the Year and Queensland Premier's Award for YA Fiction 2008), Home And Away and Parachute . Students can analyse the effects of loss on refugees by doing a compare/contrast activity where they look at how the characters are at the start of the book compared to how they are at the end. Students can also use role play/dramatization and debating to look at the topics in the book as well as investigate the topic through interviews, books, the internet and other sources. Then there’s me, fifteen, into a lot of different stuff.
Author's Note:
So at least I have that to go back and read to make up for it. But I did enjoy Glen's chapters, and held my breath for him and Dibbs to make it through the war and back home to their families. And his chapters put war in perspective. The people you're fighting are just like you. That all the killing and destruction is a terrible waste to solve an issue.

I couldn't help but to shed a few tears over how this story plays out. This is a great Christmas story for those readers who love these elements. Dennis is an average 16 year old living in 1944, with a brother serving in the Army as a paratrooper overseas. The story flashes back and forth between home and away . I love the way Dean Hughes writes such realistic characters. I'm able to understand actions and decisions because of the vivid character descriptions.
It was a great antidote to my 'snowed-in feeling'. This story definitely grew on me as I progressed through it. It shows us to true meaning of Christmas and hope. A son trying to make a difference for his mom, and in doing so brings comfort to another hurting soul in the season of giving. In our current times everyone is all crazy about getting things when it's supposed to be about giving.

Then there's me, fifteen, into a lot of different stuff. Music, surfing, animals, tennis, swimming, computer games. And my sister, Claire, and brother Toby. Barbeques, footy, gardening, school, Holden Commodores Then one day things change.
YES I have read and consent to Hachette Australia using my personal information or data as set out in its Privacy Policy . May 21, the city's in ruins, blackouts nearly all the time, food is hard to find . Using this book in the classroom with 5/6’s the teacher would use it to prompt discussion about refugees. Students can discuss how refugees feel, the difference between illegal immigrants and refugees, why they need to seek refuge and look at the government’s viewpoint on the situation is.
The characters seemed forced, the plot was forced...it just didn’t flow. Not my favorite book ever, but not terrible either. While both brothers struggle with their own battles, they each place their faith in God's plan and are willing to accept whatever happens.
I never expect too much other than cheesiness from Christmas books, but some of this was more awkward than cheesy. I really cringed at the family relationships, and the end felt forced. Viewpoints from one family at Christmastime from a son at war and the rest of his family at home during WWII.
The story is written from the voice of a 15year old boy. The simplicity of the words about such a tough subject matter makes it quite emotional to read. Must admit this book brought tears to me.
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