Summer 2022 has been so jam-packed with brilliant children’s books that it would be very easy to miss some real gems.
Game Changer by Tom Palmer (Rebellion)
Tom Palmer is an author with so many incredible talents. From his stunning historical fiction to his action-fuelled football adventures, his books are must-haves for school libraries.
Timed perfectly to boost the celebration of England’s Lionesses, Game Changer is a book that empowers girls without shying away from the challenges of real life. The feisty Rocky Race is thrilled to be playing professional women’s football. Things have been difficult since her Dad passed away and her family needs her. Trying to find the right balance of family, friendship and football is tough but Rocky has what it takes to carve out a brilliant future.
The Midnighters by Hana Tooke (Penguin)
Magic and mystery combine in this gripping fantasy adventure. The 12th baby in a family of scientists, born just as the clock struck 12 on the 12th day of the 12th month, Ema is a very unusual child. Every member of her highly intelligent family tries to help her find her true calling but Ema isn’t one for scientific method – it’s intuition and curiosity that make her who she is. Connections to her fortune teller grandmother, Uncle Josef the bicycle inventor, her strange new neighbour Silvie, and wonderful Maine Coon cat called Ferkel all prompt Ema to spend less time worrying and more time daring as she steps out into the most wonderful midnight adventures.
Carnival of the Hunted by Kieran Larwood (Faber Children’s)
Carnival of the Lost and its sequel, Carnival of the Hunted, is really something different. Dark, gritty and full of fantastically eccentric characters, they are stories to be devoured. In this second adventure, Sheba the Wolf Girl and Pyewacket, the witch’s imp, are back. Life in the grimy slums of London have always been tough but now there’s even more danger around every corner. Strange hunters are killing carnival acts for fun. Sheba and her team of misfits must find a way to stop the the villains and save themselves.
Sam Usher’s illustrations add so much to this shadowy story. Full of personality and action, they bring the unusual characters to life and transport readers to the rooftops of the London slums.
You can read my review of Carnival of the Lost here.
The Whale Watchers by Dougie Poynter (Owlet Press)
The Whale Watchers is a story to empower young environmentalists, showing them that they can make a difference.
Finn is not thrilled to be spending his summer in chilly Scotland while his marine biologist mum works. As far as he can see, trying to do anything about the climate crisis or plastic pollution is pointless. He’s lost hope, doesn’t really realise how it impacts his own life and, honestly, can’t be bothered. But with a new friend and first-hand experience of just how much can be done, Finn changes his tune. A passion ignites within him as he realises just how much of a difference there is still to be made.
The last 40 pages of this fantastic book are full of information for kids who want to become real whale watchers. Details about the science behind the story, facts about these magnificent creatures and tips for reducing plastic waste will give readers the tools they need to start making a difference. Additional resources are available here.
How to Hide an Alien by Karen McCombie (Little Tiger)
How to be Human is a wonderful story about finding out who you are and trying to fit in. How to Hide an Alien is the fun sequel, full of plans and mishaps – dealing with an alien is never easy.
Kiki and Wes are trying to help the Star Boy (Stan) settle in to life on Earth. As he learns more about their human way of life, it becomes harder to keep him hidden. Electrical disturbances caused by his unusual powers put him at real risk of discovery.
This is a science fiction story with so much heart. Stan wants to be accepted and share what’s special about his own strange life with his new friends, not just become like them. Issues of family relationships, friendships, and staying true to yourself in the face of peer pressure run through this series allowing children to really see themselves in the characters.
The Battle of Cable Street by Tanya Landman (Barrington Stoke)
I always find Tanya Landman’s books absolutely fascinating – little pockets of history revealing the truth of our past. The Battle of Cable Street is no different. Told from the point of view of children caught in the middle of cultural conflict in 1930s London, it does not shy away from the danger and despair faced by communities dealing with the aftermath of WWI.
It is essential that society learns from history or we will be destined to repeat it. This is history we must learn from. Reading the story of the clash between the Jewish and Irish community and The British Union of Fascists led by Oswald Mosley, I felt uncomfortable with parallels to issues in our country today. Growing antisemitism, nationalism and a mob looking for someone to blame for what they perceive to be wrong with the country hits close to home. In spite of the approaching threat, the people of Stepney show incredible courage and determination to stand up against what is wrong to protect what is right.
This is a story that will prompt much discussion in the classroom. Appropriate for Year 6 onwards, it addresses Fascism, poverty and prejudice head on.
The Misunderstandings of Charity Brown by Elizabeth Laird (Macmillan)
The Misunderstandings of Charity Brown is a lovely, classical story of a young girl trying to find her place in the world. Having recovered from polio and growing up in a deeply religious family, Charity wants to do the right thing but isn’t always sure how. When her life is uprooted and her family moves into a huge house on the other side of town, she must navigate new friendships, new expectations and a whole host of new people her parents are trying to help.
It is refreshing to read a story with an unapologetically Christian undercurrent. Charity’s family belong to the Lucasite sect (a made-up group similar to the group the author belonged to as a child). Their faith underpins everything they do, prompting them to live a life of humility and giving. Charity must find her own way through the beliefs in which she’s been raised and become her own person with a faith that is hers alone.
Thank you to Macmillan, Barrington Stoke, Little Tiger, Owlet Press, Faber Children’s, Penguin & Rebellion for these fantastic books!
Click on the covers below to find out more or to purchase on-line.
Scope for Imagination 