Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Deadly Deep by Jennifer Killick

Deadly Deep is the absolutely brilliant next instalment in Jennifer Killick's Dread Wood series. This is upper middle grade comedy horror at its best. Both my son, Tom, and I devoured this book within about 12 hours, unable to put it down until we got to the gory finish! Jennifer Killick captures Year 8 children… Continue reading Deadly Deep by Jennifer Killick

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Code Name Kingfisher by Liz Kessler

Code Name Kingfisher is a powerful story of secrets, family and friendship. Spanning 80 years, it follows three girls on their quest to stay true to themselves and where their family has come from while searching for a happy future. In present day England, Liv is struggling with changing friendships and her grandmother's dementia. When… Continue reading Code Name Kingfisher by Liz Kessler

Graphic Novel, Middle Grade Fiction, Non-fiction Books

New Books for August 2023

This month middle grade readers will be treated to a huge variety of outstanding new books! Here is a selection of what you'll be able to find in your local library or bookshop. Stupendous Sports: Cracking Cricket by Robin Bennett & illustrated by Matt Cherry (Firefly Press) The Stupendous Sports series by Robin Bennett &… Continue reading New Books for August 2023

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Foxlight by Katya Balen

Foxlight by Katya Balen is stunningly beautiful. An intensely personal story of loss, longing and love, it takes readers into the wildlands right along with Fen and Rey as they search for who they really are. Katya Balen's lyrical description and distinct voice ring out on every page. She writes with honesty and heart celebrating… Continue reading Foxlight by Katya Balen

Book Review, Chapter Book, Middle Grade Fiction

Fantastic Summer Reads for Younger Readers

Uncle Pete and the Polar Bear Rescue by David C. Flanagan & illustrated by Will Hughes (Little Door Books) ~ 6+ The Uncle Pete series is so much fun! Full of adventure and imagination, you never know what will happen when TM joins Uncle Pete on his plane. In this third instalment, they're on their… Continue reading Fantastic Summer Reads for Younger Readers

Middle Grade Fiction, Uncategorized

Super Summer Reads (age 8 – 13+)

Summer is the perfect time to escape with something really different. This collection of books for readers age 8 through 13+ is sure to engage your older readers this holiday. Eurospies by Lindsay Littleson (Cranachan Books) ~ 8+ (MG) What better way to get a taste of Europe than through an exciting mystery story? Fans… Continue reading Super Summer Reads (age 8 – 13+)

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Secret of the Blood-Red Key by David Farr

September 2023 - The sequel to the gripping adventure The Book of Stolen Dreams! Find out more about The Book of Stolen Dreams in the post below. https://scopeforimagination.co.uk/2021/08/28/the-book-of-stolen-dreams-by-david-farr/ The Secret of the Blood-Red Key is one of my most highly-anticipated sequels this year! After being glued to The Book of Stolen Dreams two years ago,… Continue reading The Secret of the Blood-Red Key by David Farr

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Snow Girl by Sophie Anderson

"She wasn't exactly sure where to go from here, but she now knew that, to move forward - to refill her life with friendship and adventure and joy - she needed to figure out how to face her fears and step out into the world once more." Sophie Anderson is known for her powerful reimaginings… Continue reading The Snow Girl by Sophie Anderson

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Stupendous Sonny by Ellie Clements

I loved The Wondrous Prune by Ellie Clements so I was really excited when The Stupendous Sonny arrived on NetGalleyUK. Ellie has a fantastic talent for combining absolutely brilliant superpowers with heartfelt real life issues. Sonny is just an ordinary kid - facing the challenges (and bullies) of high school, dealing with a younger brother… Continue reading The Stupendous Sonny by Ellie Clements

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Piano at the Station by Helen Rutter & Elisa Paganelli

The Piano at the Station is a powerfully honest and thought-provoking depiction of how some children find school and all its expectations. Young readers will develop insight and empathy for children who struggle to behave or even see themselves in the pages. Teacher readers will find themselves challenged to think carefully about how they respond… Continue reading The Piano at the Station by Helen Rutter & Elisa Paganelli