I’m not scared – Niccolo Ammaniti

While completing a dare, nine year old Michele happens upon something so momentous he was too scared to confide in any of the local kids, his friends in a small Italian village.   Mixed in with the tension that commences on page one and continues to the very end, is an opportunity to explore and and enjoy the beauty of the Italian countryside.  It is a story of friendship, trust, betrayal and love.  Excellent writing.  Excellent story.  Impossible to put down until the very end!

Rating:  *****
Theme Fiction:  Survival
Suitable:  Year 9-12+

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A man called Possum – David Harirs & Max Jones

Obsessed with tracking down a local hermit known to the locals as ‘Possum’, this book is an account of how Max Jones, a detective by profession, spent more than 30 years locating  and finding out who Possum was and why he was living the life he had chosen.  Rising above this account though is the story of the strong bond of friendship and understanding that developed between these two men and the incredible resolve that Possum had to live life the way he did.  David Harris has illustrated this account with a range of photos taken by Max Jones.

Rating: ****
Theme Fiction: Biography; Survival
Suitable: Year 7-12

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Heart of the Amazon – Yossi Ghinsberg

This factual account by Yossi Ghinsberg of the his sojourn into the heart of the Amazon with three friends is a gripping account of survival against all the odds.  Although I read this a long time ago, the graphic story and the will to survive stays with me.   Ghinsberg has gone on to become a motivational speaker to inspire others.

Rating: ****
Theme Fiction: Survival
Suitable:  Year 10-12

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