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Anna and the Swallow Man. Gavriel Savit

This novel is set in Poland during World War 2 as the Nazi regime is stepping up its persecution of intellectuals there. 7 year old Anna is oblivious when her multilingual father is taken away from their home, and perplexed when he doesn’t return. Alone and homeless, Anna is relieved to meet the enigmatic Swallow Man. Can he take proper care of her and will she ever see her father again?

First and Then. Emma Mills

With the end of her school years looming large Devon doesn’t have any ideas about what to do next. However she is kept busy, and her life takes on its own shape, as she shares her time between her socially inept cousin and the boy she has a huge crush on. This is a story about making choices and will resonate with anyone who has fallen in love with the wrong person.

Rebel of the Sands. Alwyn Hamilton

The setting of this novel is reminiscent of the Wild West, although the town of Deadshot, despite being in the middle of the desert, is far from Texas. Amani’ Al’Hiza is an orphan, desperate to escape her uncle’s Middle Eastern home. In order to get away she masquerades as a boy, and enters a world of bar brawls and pistol parlours. An exciting read from start to finish.

A Step Towards Falling. Cammie McGovern

A violent crime is committed, and two witnesses choose to ignore what they see. One of the witnesses, and the victim, share the telling of the story to reveal the ramifications that follow the crime. When the witnesses are given community work as punishment for their negligence, the experience has a positive and dramatic effect on their lives. But how can they help the victim?

A Tyranny of Petticoats. Jessica Spotswood (Ed)

This is a fine collection of historical short stories, each featuring a courageous heroine. Female pirates, robbers, publicans and many more adventurous characters populate these tales and their antics make for enjoyable and enthralling reading. Well-written and thought provoking.

The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B. Teresa Toten

When a group of high school students with psychological disorders are encouraged to assume the names of superheroes to use at their group therapy sessions, Adam takes the name Batman and fittingly forms an attachment to ‘Robin’. Humorously written and difficult to put down, this is a love story with a difference.