Not for the fainthearted The Ice Sea Pirates by Frida Nilsson is a chilly tale with a warm heart published by Gecko Press. It is set amongst the snowy skerries in the Ice Sea where legend has it that the evil pirate, Whitehead, scours the islands and steals children to work in his diamond mine.…
Following on from her debut novel The Mixed-Up Summer of Lily McLean, Lindsay Littleson continues Lily’s story after her near-death experience at the hands of the cruel sea – Awkward Autumn. Lily Mclean’s life is never quiet. From loud younger siblings to her stroppy teenage sister, there’s never a dull moment. Recovering from a near-death experience…
Camilla Chester’s debut, Jarred Dreams, will have you sitting on the edge of your seat as you turn the pages not knowing what lurks within. When 12 year-old Sade moves to a new town, she soon realises that all is not as it seems. There’s something not quite right about the colourless, robot-like inhabitants of…
A dark tale, with even darker yet colourful characters. Weaving fact and fiction offering spectacular twists. Witchborn is the debut novel by Nicholas Bowling, published by Chicken House, out in November 2017. It’s been a while since I’ve read middle grade historical fiction and Witchborn, rated 12+, is as beautifully crafted as its cover. The…
A Storm of Strawberries, a novel from Jo Cotterill (A Library of Lemons), is an engrossing and thoughtful read. Cotterill’s protagonist is twelve year old Darby. She lives on a Strawberry Farm (FYI an actual, real strawberry farm – yum, wonderful setting!), with her older sister & brother, her parents and some wonderful farm workers…
At the heart of Hayley Long’s Sophie Someone there is a superb story about discovering who you are and finding the good in people, even those who are flawed. It is a complex read but very satisfying for older readers who want to be challenged and who enjoy word games. Sophie is fourteen and lives…
The multi-talented (and now prolific!) writer of children’s books, the very lovely Emma Carroll, has done it again with her latest release, Letters from the Lighthouse. It’s a pacy, nuanced and stealthily educational middle-grade age story about World War II and the kinds of deeds local communities did in order to help fleeing refugees. Letters…
Only We Know by Simon Packham is a story about a girl with a secret. The last time someone knew, Lauren’s life turned upside down and she and her family were forced to move away. Her parents never leave her alone and her sister seems to think that everything is all Lauren’s fault. At her…
Running on the Roof of the World is the debut middle grade novel from Jess Butterworth. Tash lives in Tibet with her parents. From the opening chapter Butterworth highlights Tash’s life – full of rules dictated by an inflexible army. Soldiers to be scared of, soldiers to watch out for. “I want to run and…
Patrice Lawrence’s Orangeboy is about a sixteen-year-old boy called Marlon. When he was younger, his older brother Andre went down the wrong path, a path that Marlon swore to his mum never to take. When a date ends in disaster, Marlon is left to pick up the pieces and in serious danger. They want Mr.…
One Silver Summer is the debut novel from Rachel Hickman. It’s the beginning of summer. Both Sass and Alex have escaped to Cornwall. Sass is recovering from the death of her mother, whilst Alex is escaping from the news that his Royal parents are set to divorce. “This was where he belonged, where he could…
This is my first Trenton Lee Stewart book and – oh my days – what a multi-layered, beautifully written, epic adventure The Secret Keepers was. Written in a thoroughly absorbing voice, this story is about a boy called Reuben who randomly discovers a watch that can turn him invisible. Yes, this sounds a little frivolous…
‘May we all remember every day that we have the right to be happy and to explore wildely.’ Chuck out the soppy Princess must be rescued by a prince type bedtime tales, and delve into Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls from Elena Favili and Francesca Cavallo breaks the mold. Empowering, truly…
Stargazing For Beginners, is the latest novel from Jenny McLachlan. Combining elements of astronomy, physics, love, friendship and chaotic families – it’s a delightful novel with much to offer. Science-mad Meg is a great character. Since her best friend moved away, she feels very much isolated at school – but that’s ok, because her main…
Murder in Midwinter, by Fleur Hitchcock, is a gripping page-turner, which hooks you in from the start. Described by The Times as a “hard-boiled crime novel for beginners”, it has action, suspense, danger and excitement on almost every page. Maya, a schoolgirl in London, gets tangled up in a violent and dangerous crime when a snapshot…
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Great review, thanks for posting the pictures. Really makes a difference with picture book reviews. Will order for the store…
His books are a great way help kids read while soaking up important Science concepts without even knowing it. Ironically,…
Ooh, this sounds fantastic!