A Library of Lemons is the wonderful novel from writer Jo Cotterill. Full of warmth and compassion it’s an incredibly addictive read which pulls the reader in to the world of Calypso. Calypso and her dad are struggling to cope since the death of Calypso’s mum. Calypso’s dad has become increasingly distance and teaches Calypso…
Little Bits of Sky, from debut author S. E. Durrant, is a gem of a novel pulling you in from the very first lines, ‘This is the story of a time when my life turned upside down. Not that it was the right way up before,’ … then doesn’t let you go until you reach the…
Winner of the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for 2016. Kathryn Evan’s debut Young Adult novel is quite something. More of Me contains a brilliantly imaginative plotline told with precision and flair. For Teva growing up is painful, but more painful than you could possibly imagine. Teva lives most of her life behind closed doors. She…
One by Sarah Crossan is a touching YA novel from a wonderfully unique voice. Crossan’s verse novel tells the moving story of Grace. Grace has a wonderful sister called Tippi. They are twins. Conjoined twins, about to face a life changing decision. Grace and Tippi have been homeschooled for their entire lives, but funding issues…
Finding Audrey is Sophie Kinsella’s (of Shopaholic fame) first foray into the world YA literature. 14 year old Audrey is recovering from an anxiety disorder. Whilst the reader knows that an incident at school sparked Audrey’s illness, crucially the details of the incident aren’t revealed. Rather, the focus is on Audrey, her recovery … and…
The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson, new for 2015, is the YA novel that EVERYONE will be talking about this year. Beautifully written, and sensitively portrayed Williamson tackles notions of identity and sexuality head on with warmth and humour. Oh, and then there’s that ending too …! Williamson’s debut is a sensitive, warm…
Eloquent, delicate and compelling describes Clare Furniss’ YA novelThe Year of the Rat. Furniss touchingly relays a year in the life of 15 year old Pearl, which begins at the funeral of her mother. ‘I stand, breathing in the damp, fresh air, trying not to be noticed while Dad is surrounded by a gaggle of…
Catherine Bruton’s YA novel, I Predict A Riot, takes the infamous London riots of 2011 as its starting theme. Fabulous dialogue, an energetic pace and a myriad of diverse characters whose paths intertwine make I Predict A Riot a great book to sink in to. Maggie is an amateur film maker. She likes to observe,…
We Were Liars by E Lockhart is an intriguing, roller coaster of a novel. Aimed at the YA audience, adults are going to be talking about this one for quite sometime to come too. I refuse can’t give away too much detail here, it’s one of those books that should open with little knowledge of its…
Love Letters to the Dead from Ava Dellaira is an absorbing, sink in to kind of novel which captures so much within a short space of time. Laurel is set an innocuous sounding assignment for her English homework – write a letter to a dead person. She doesn’t hand it in. Instead Laurel spends the…
Looking at the Stars from UK author Jo Cotterill is a wonderfully engrossing novel, with a great power lurking between its lines. I love Jo Cotterill’s novel for her ability to put into words what many of us have seen and heard too times, but have never truly understood … … the people behind the…
Trouble from UK author Non Pratt is a powerfully brilliant new YA novel. Refreshingly honest, with realistic dialogue and scenes Trouble is a novel that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this week. The narrative focuses on the lives of fifteen year old Hannah and Aaron – with their respective social groups becoming a key focus too. The narrative switches…
Totally amusing, quirky and down right enjoyable in every way, The Isobel Journal from Isobel Harrop is a fresh and honest take on the teenage years. The perfect addition to any teenager’s bookshelf for sure! Organised around three central themes; Me; Friends, Otters, College & Art, plus Love, Isobel keeps her readers amused with her…
Creepy & Maud is a YA novel which is both awkward and intriguing. Looking for a YA novel which is quirky? Delve in … Creepy & Maud is both amusing and heartfelt, strange yet familiar and unlike anything I’ve ever read before … and yes, that most definitely is a good thing! Creepy and Maud…
The Fault In Our Stars from John Green, is a sensitive yet gutsy portrayal of Hazel, a sixteen year old with terminal cancer. Yep, he’s tackled, head on, this most awful illness through the character of Hazel, and her developing friendship with Augustus. Where The Fault In Our Stars wins through is via its multi…
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