Sorry that we’ve been a bit quiet – our editor had COVID, then moved house, but now we’re back! Recently, I’ve been looking for books that might entice reluctant readers, especially boys, to pick them up and have a go. We’re talking not too long, exciting covers, and titles that may really inspire them.
Continue reading “Reluctant Reader Recommendations Pt.1”
By Kirsty Applebaum (published by Nosy Crow, 2021)
But it was only a rabbit. It’ll shorten a few days from me, a week at the most. Talents like this don’t come free, you know. There’s always a price.
Give a bit of life, lose a bit of life.
That’s how it goes.
Continue reading “The Life and Time of Lonny Quicke | Book Review”
Written by Pádraig Kenny and illustrated by Edward Bettison (published by Macmillan Children’s Books)
She slowed down as she reached the yawning opening to her left that led down into the bowels of the house. She crept towards it, one eye on the incline that led deep into the dark. She fought the urge to whisper, ‘Piglet.’ She remembered the words Uncle Enoch and the others were so fond of using.
Piglet is dangerous.
Continue reading “The Monsters of Rookhaven | Book Review”
Looking for something to read this bank holiday weekend? We’ve got you covered, in our most recent review round-up! A great selection of books for older and younger readers, we’ve got something for everyone!
Continue reading “Libraries 4 Schools 2021 Review Round-Up 3”
By Kereen Getten (published by Pushkin Children’s Books)
‘I get caught because you always make me go,’ I reply angrily.
‘How would you know? You don’t remember.’
‘I remember everything that happened yesterday and last week and last month.’
She faces me head-on, hands on hips. ‘Do you really not remember what happened last summer, Clara, or are you pretending for attention?’
Continue reading “When Life Gives You Mangoes | Book Review”
Welcome to our most recent review round-up, where we take a quick look at just some of the books you might like to add to your school or personal bookshelves. And what a great selection we have for you!
Continue reading “Libraries 4 Schools 2021 Review Round-Up 2”
By K.L. Kettle (published by Little Tiger)
No. Focus on the Chancellor. I bow, full charm turned up, squeezing down the fear in my gut. This is about you, Vik.
The Chancellor’s sweet, slow tones offer her reserve. “One merit,” she says.
The silence is loud enough: no one’s going to outbid her.
I think the woman I’m meant to kill may have just saved my life.
Continue reading “The Boy I Am | Young Adult Book Review”
So many brilliant books have been published in the last six months, and a lot by new and exciting authors, which is always great to see!
We’ve decided that the best way for us to keep you up to date is to do a round-up of titles we’ve recently read, so you can get a quick idea of what you might like to add to your school or home library.
Continue reading “Libraries 4 Schools 2021 Review Round-Up 1”
By Onjali Q. Raúf (published by Orion Children’s Books, an imprint of Hachette Children’s Group)
I waited for him to shout and scream. But he didn’t. Instead, he took off his yellow hat and his shoulders began to shake. That was how I knew that he was crying.
‘How could you do that?’ asked a voice from behind me.
Continue reading “The Night Bus Hero | Book Review”
By Lesley Parr (published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books)
‘One boy, I believe,’ Mr Bevan says.
One.
I think I might be really sick, properly sick, all over my shoes sick. I just want to go home.
I’m gripping Ronnie’s shoulder so tight I must be hurting him but he’s just watching her. Then the woman called Mrs Thomas looks at me and I get the same smile.
‘I’ve changed my mind, Ceri,’ she says. ‘We can make room for two.’
Continue reading “The Valley of Lost Secrets | Book Review”