Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Isaac Turner Investigates: The Galileo Heist by Sam Sedgman & illustrated by David Dean

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

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Books

Christmas is Coming!

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!

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Robin by Sarah Ann Juckes

Sarah Ann Juckes consistently writes incredibly heartfelt stories full of real emotion, unforgettable characters and the healing power of nature. In Robin, readers get to know Eddie. He's the "sorry boy" - always apologising, always making himself smaller, always being good and positive and hopeful - always making way for his poorly sister. He struggles… Continue reading Robin by Sarah Ann Juckes

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

A Girl’s Guide to Spying by Holly Webb

February 2026 A Girl's Guide to Spying is a completing captivating First World War mystery for readers age 9+ that shares and celebrates the history of Girlguiding. The resilience, strength, courage and intelligence of young girls takes centre stage in a time of uncertainty and fear. I see the legacy of these types of girls… Continue reading A Girl’s Guide to Spying by Holly Webb

Blog Tour, Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Silent Night by Emma Read

Based on The Day of the Triffids, Silent Night is a chilling Christmas thriller. What starts as a fun, family Christmas Eve turns very weird overnight. Cousins Masen, Conor & Jos are staying in a caravan at an AirBnB with their parents in the nearby cottage. Storm Elena is blowing in and it's getting cold… Continue reading Silent Night by Emma Read

Book Review, Non-fiction Books

Nonfiction November 2025

Spend time with some fantastic nonfiction this November! My Small World: Frozen by Caryl Hart & Harry Woodgate (Simon & Schuster) Presented in a lyrical, picture book style, My Small World: Frozen takes readers age 3+ on a journey to a world full of ice, snow and sea. Arctic and Antarctic environments are presented through… Continue reading Nonfiction November 2025

Blog Tour, Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Last Day of October by Phil Hickes ~ Blog Tour

"I thought you wanted to be scared." Phil Hickes is an absolute legend when it comes to middle grade horror. His Aveline Jones and Shadowhall Academy series have had readers on the edge of their seats but The Last Day of October is next level. Overflowing with autumn vibes, the thrill of North American Hallowe'en,… Continue reading The Last Day of October by Phil Hickes ~ Blog Tour

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Historic Royal Palaces: Ghosts in the Walls

Ghosts in the Walls is the perfect short story collection for the spooky season. Super scary with a good dose of history, it will have readers checking over their shoulders and thinking twice before hanging around in dark museum corners. Written by top children's authors including Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, Alexia Casale, Joseph Coelho, Larry Hayes, Jim… Continue reading Historic Royal Palaces: Ghosts in the Walls

Blog Tour, Book Review, Picture Books

The Family Tree by Yasmine Anane & Mark Beech ~ Blog Tour

Synopsis: When Mole sets off in search of his family tree, he dreams of finding others just like him. But as he journeys through the enchanted wood, he learns something even more magical: true family isn’t about looking the same – it’s about the bonds we build and the love we share with those around us. The Family Tree is a delightful journey story. Mole, tired of being alone,… Continue reading The Family Tree by Yasmine Anane & Mark Beech ~ Blog Tour

Blog Tour, Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Dirk Jones is NOT the Chosen One by Gatlin Perrin ~ Blog Tour

I'm thrilled to welcome author Gatlin Perrin to Scope for Imagination with a guest post about the importance of "home". I don’t know a single person who doesn’t have mixed feelings about ‘home’, including myself. At first I was excited to leave my small Welsh hometown where you’re as likely to see a bus arrive… Continue reading Dirk Jones is NOT the Chosen One by Gatlin Perrin ~ Blog Tour