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
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!
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
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
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
"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
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
Scope for Imagination 