Many years ago...

Written by Catriona Coote Friday, 11 March 2011 21:28

A little over ten years ago after numerous queries on what was then the Ozgifted Mailing LIst, such as 'can anybody recommend some books for my 7yo, who has read CSLewis but finds the Deltora Quest series frightening and I don't know what to give them next', I was asked to become moderator of this booklist, which has changed somewhat over the years but still tries to fill the same need - book recommendations for voracious readers. A couple of years ago when there was a change of server for the website, there was a Seriously Sad Event that avoided becoming a Complete Catastrophe because it turned out I did have backup copies of most of the reviews. Thankfully.

Since the Seriously Sad Event I've gradually been reloading the reviews written from 2004 onwards. This not-very-interesting blog is simply to warn you that I am now loading reviews from before 2004. The reason for the warning (note the bells and whistles and flashing lights, please) is that for the first few years of reviewing, the booklist was compiled mostly from my personal collection and books from local libraries, with occasional friendly help from a specialist children's bookshop which has now moved.

While I will cast a quick eye over these older reviews as I load them, please be aware that they were often written very hurriedly, mostly being precis of plot with a one-liner about quality of writing and anything that might concern caregivers. Some of these reviews I may go expand upon at a later date, although no promises as I have a hard enough time keeping up with the recent releases which are now sent to me by publishers (luxury of luxuries and bless their generosity).

I therefore apologise in advance for these rough and ready offerings. At the very beginning - the first few years, in other words - it was more important to give caregivers and educators lists of books that might appeal to voracious readers than it was to provide detailed reviews. Some of the earliest review, in fact, are little more than the three or four sentences I attached to reading age booklists.

While you will find that many titles are more than thirty years old, please do not allow the publishing date to put you off searching for a book that appeals. Second-hand bookshops, local libraries, aunts, uncles, grandparents - ask around and you'll be surprised what you might find.