Fiction Reads

Jaguar Warrior Sandy Fussell (Walker)

Atl is in box, imprisoned and waiting for death. He is the sacrifice chosen by the Serpent-Sun God. Suddenly he is free for the city is under attack and soon the city and temple will be overrun. Atl's task is to race and deliver a message to the people of his birthplace Purepecha, requesting them to send warriors to defeat the Spanish army for if they don't Purepecha will be attacked too. As Atl flees, he is assisted and then accompanied by Lali, who has a mystery of her own. Together they begin their flight. In rapid pursuit is the Captain who wants Atl sacrificed! But who is he and what is his relationship to Lali?
This book, set in Aztec time, was another rivetting read. It is fantastic; face-paced, full of action and suspense with great descriptions. Boys will really love reading this book as they hook on to the character of Atl. Girls will love the heroine Lali. She is strong and not afraid to speak her mind.

Toppling Sally Murphy & Rhian Nest James (Walker Books)
John collects dominoes - he has thousands of them in big crates under his bed and he loves to build spirals and paths and ramps and drops ... just to watch them topple. His best mate is Dominic, and not just because Dominic sounds like domino either. Back at school after holidays, the days begin as normal but soon Dominic falls ill and misses the whole week of school (and tehn more), and when John discovers that Dominic has cancer both their worlds start toppling. Will Dom return to school and what will he be like? How will John cope with his best friend being so ill? Will they have the same relationship?
This verse novel with a delightful ending is a touching story about friends, cancer and bullies.