Every December, it’s such a joy to take time to look back over all the books I’ve been privileged to read and review on Scope for Imagination. I’d like to share my favourite books of this year – ones that have challenged me, inspired me, made me laugh, and even made me cry. There have been some… Continue reading My Favourite Books of 2025
Hedley is having a really hard time. Since he lost his mum in an accident, he and his little sister Lilly have been spending weekends at Bridlebank Therapy Activities Centre. Their dad just isn't coping; he struggles to get out of bed and can't even begin to meet their needs. At the centre, Hedley does… Continue reading The Not-So Great Escape by Emma Green
This pair of thought-provoking, discussion-building short novels by Tanya Landman are exactly what Upper Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 teachers have been looking for. Designed specifically for seriously struggling or reluctant teen readers, they are incredibly accessible but look really cool. There's definitely nothing embarrassing or babyish about these books. They can also… Continue reading Thrilling, Accessible Teen Fiction by Tanya Landman
Ice Dancer by Alex Cotter is a powerful story of family, friendship and overcoming grief. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down - finishing it in a day. Dina is struggling to find herself again following the death of her older sister, Sasha. The only place she feels free is out on… Continue reading Ice Dancer by Alex Cotter
February 2026 Murder at the Ivy Hotel is a hugely engaging, twisty middle grade mystery. I've read so many mysteries recently but this one really stands out for its complex characters, distracting red herrings and very real danger. Meredith and Macy live at the Ivy Hotel in Dublin where their mum is the General Manager… Continue reading Murder at the Ivy Hotel by Emily Hourican
The Galileo Heist is the third heart-stopping adventure in the incredible Isaac Turner Investigates series by Sam Sedgman. After racing around London and Paris in the first two books, Isaac and Hattie are transported to Florence for a summer of high-speed chases, mysterious thieves and challenges that will push them to their limits. From the… Continue reading Isaac Turner Investigates: The Galileo Heist by Sam Sedgman & illustrated by David Dean
Murder at Christmas by Fleur Hitchcock (Nosy Crow) Join Grace and Billy in a delightfully cosy hotel mystery. Their family has been split up across the world - Mum and Billy in Australia while Grace attends a boarding school in the UK. Now they're back together for Christmas at Aunt Mollie's fancy hotel in Bath.… Continue reading Christmas is Coming!
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