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Head Spinners: Six stories to twist your brain
Six short stories in one volume. Each story has a central character in a seemingly normal situation, but something with a hint of science fiction or fantasy happens and the person must learn to deal with it and learn a life lesson on the way.
- GenresShort Stories
252 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2011
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43 people want to read
About the author
Thalia Kalkipsakis
33 books62 followersThalia grew up on a farm on the outskirts of Melbourne with a mum who tried to save battery hens by on-selling them as backyard chickens. Her dad worked as an industrial chemist while also growing strawberries, carrots and Christmas trees on the farm. It was not unusual to find plant shoots in the freezer, or the hair dryer missing because it was needed to heat one of her dad’s experiments. Thalia's childhood showed her the magic that can happen when science and nature combine with human creativity.
In 2012, Thalia released her first standalone young adult novel, Silhouette, which follows a talented and determined young dancer as she navigates her way into the adult world of commercial dance.
These days, Thalia lives in regional Victoria with her husband, their two children and two black cats.
In 2012, Thalia released her first standalone young adult novel, Silhouette, which follows a talented and determined young dancer as she navigates her way into the adult world of commercial dance.
These days, Thalia lives in regional Victoria with her husband, their two children and two black cats.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 13, 2012
Lyn is a judge for the Aurealis Awards. This review is the personal opinion of Lyn herself, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any judging panel, the judging coordinator or the Aurealis Awards management team.
Okay, as I am a judge of this book, I'm going to have to be circumspect with my phrasing.
I will be giving a proper rating and review once the awards are over.
That said, I will give a little of a heads up on what the book is about. This collection contains a number of what my beloved husband Lee terms "world plus one" stories ie the protagonist is living a life as ordinary as any other child's. Then, one day, one fantastic (by which I mean made of fantasy, but not necessarily brilliant) thing happens and their whole life changes with it.
What I enjoyed most about this collection is that each child grows as a result of their experience. They're changed, leaving the reader to think beyond the page.
What I haven't enjoyed is the fact that I have to judge each story separately against the others.
Later: The awards are announced and I can speak frankly about my experience. I got a lot of books as a judge. Enough to fill a massive suitcase to the brim. At the end of the awards I decided to donate the books to my children's school library. This book (along with three others) did not join them. That's my review. Make of it what you will.
Okay, as I am a judge of this book, I'm going to have to be circumspect with my phrasing.
I will be giving a proper rating and review once the awards are over.
That said, I will give a little of a heads up on what the book is about. This collection contains a number of what my beloved husband Lee terms "world plus one" stories ie the protagonist is living a life as ordinary as any other child's. Then, one day, one fantastic (by which I mean made of fantasy, but not necessarily brilliant) thing happens and their whole life changes with it.
What I enjoyed most about this collection is that each child grows as a result of their experience. They're changed, leaving the reader to think beyond the page.
What I haven't enjoyed is the fact that I have to judge each story separately against the others.
Later: The awards are announced and I can speak frankly about my experience. I got a lot of books as a judge. Enough to fill a massive suitcase to the brim. At the end of the awards I decided to donate the books to my children's school library. This book (along with three others) did not join them. That's my review. Make of it what you will.
December 3, 2011
Katharine is a judge for the Aurealis Awards. This review is the personal opinion of Katharine herself, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any judging panel, the judging coordinator or the Aurealis Awards management team.
To be safe, I won't be recording my review here until after the AA are over.
This collection is valuable in that there are stories there to help kids accept having a weird dad or dealing with a dead dog - sometimes the biggest problem a child has in their life, and it starts to overwhelm everything. The writing style was easy to get into, relatable to all and something a kid would enjoy if they found it amongst all the fandom-driven stuff taking up most of the shelves in stores these days.
This collection is valuable in that there are stories there to help kids accept having a weird dad or dealing with a dead dog - sometimes the biggest problem a child has in their life, and it starts to overwhelm everything. The writing style was easy to get into, relatable to all and something a kid would enjoy if they found it amongst all the fandom-driven stuff taking up most of the shelves in stores these days.
April 25, 2011
Great collection of short stories; fast paced, unexpected twists. Recommended for 8 to 15 year olds.
March 13, 2018
Awesome book!
October 17, 2012
This was a fantastic collection of quirky and fun short stories. The author knows how to capture the attention of upper elementary age kids. Boys especially will be intrigued by the premise of each story in this collection. I received it from Goodreads First Reads. I will probably give it to my 10-year-old nephew as a Christmas present!
March 31, 2015
I really enjoyed this book because it has 6 different stories and they are all totally different to each other.This book a comedy and also in some stories a bit of a thriller because it keeps you wondering what is going to happen next.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews