Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction, Non-fiction Books, Picture Books

Earth Day Collection 2023

A beautiful collection for readers from the very small to the very confident (and everyone inbetween) - these books celebrate the wonders of the Earth, encouraging children to care for it and always treat it with respect. Find out more from the publishers' descriptions below: The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Jungle Hide & Seek (Puffin Books,… Continue reading Earth Day Collection 2023

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Serpent of the Sands by Vashti Hardy

"Children's stories are where truth lies." The Brightstorm series means so much to our family with its thoughtful portrayal of boy/girl twins. We loved Firesong but were very sad when it came to an end (there may have been a tear or two shed). So when we heard The Brightstorm Chronicles would be continuing, we… Continue reading Serpent of the Sands by Vashti Hardy

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Greenwild: The World Behind The Door by Pari Thomson

Publishing: 1st June 2023 The Greenwild: The World Behind the Door is a story of strength. Celebrating the power of a mother-daughter relationship, independent female explorers, the beauty and necessity of nature and the wonderful ability of children to outsmart those who seek to harm, it is a wonderfully refreshing addition to middle grade adventure… Continue reading Greenwild: The World Behind The Door by Pari Thomson

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Boy Who Made Monsters by Jenny Pearson

In October 2019, I created my first post for Scope for Imagination. Today I'm celebrating my 700th post with a very special book. The Boy Who Made Monsters is everything that's good about children's literature. It is engaging, funny, heartfelt and speaks truth. It does not hide from issues faced by children. Instead, it approaches… Continue reading The Boy Who Made Monsters by Jenny Pearson

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Great Fox Heist by Justyn Edwards

It's a magician's job to make you doubt but there is no doubt The Great Fox Heist is an absolutely outstanding sequel! We loved The Great Fox Illusion and couldn't wait to join Flick and Charlie on another high-stakes adventure.These are books for active readers - those who want to analyse every clue. Readers have… Continue reading The Great Fox Heist by Justyn Edwards

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Nowhere Thief by Alice M. Ross

Twelve-year-old Elsbeth has an extraordinary power: she can travel to parallel worlds and bring objects back with her. With her mother's failing antique shop growing dustier by the day, the trinkets that Elsbeth steals from these worlds seem like they might be the answer to all of their worries. But as bizarre weather events begin… Continue reading The Nowhere Thief by Alice M. Ross

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Winter’s Keep & the Weather Weaver series by Tamsin Mori

The Weather Weaver series by Tamsin Mori brings together the beauty of the Shetland islands with magical weather phenomena, the importance of family and the most charming little cloud called Nimbus. The story begins with eleven year-old Stella heading north to spend the summer with her grandpa. She’s full of mixed feelings – memories of… Continue reading Winter’s Keep & the Weather Weaver series by Tamsin Mori

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Fablehouse by Emma Norry

Fablehouse by Emma Norry is the most wonderful combination of folklore, faeries, tales of King Arthur and longing to find a place where you truly belong. Magically charged, with an air of mystery and hope, this story lives and breathes. Readers find themselves on a heart-stopping adventure with Heather and her friends as they strive… Continue reading Fablehouse by Emma Norry

Article, Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Until the Road Ends by Phil Earle

Until the Road Ends is the third novel by Phil Earle set during the Blitz of World War Two. Like its companions, When the Sky Falls & While the Storm Rages, it is a stunning story of loyalty and hope. Even in Britain's darkest moments, there were humans and animals who acted with valour and… Continue reading Until the Road Ends by Phil Earle

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Clutch by M.G. Leonard

The Twitchers series by M.G. Leonard goes from strength to strength. Clutch, the third adventure, finds the gang back together again. There are peregrine falcons nesting on Passerine Pike. When their eggs are stolen, the mystery begins, police are involved and everyone's a suspect! The Twitchers are determined to find the thief and stop them… Continue reading Clutch by M.G. Leonard