Glen Blackwell has a unique approach to historical fiction for middle grade readers. Taking his readers back in time with his characters, children are able to experience what life in the past was like from a modern perspective. In The Titanic Tunnel, readers find themselves on that great ship, haunted by an ominous feeling. We… Continue reading The Titanic Tunnel by Glen Blackwell
Fight Back by A.M. Dassu is an important and powerful story. It should be read by adults as much as by the young people for whom it was written. In a similar vein to A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll, it reveals issues of identity, respect, community and empowerment that need to be recognised… Continue reading Fight Back by A.M. Dassu
I sat down to make a start on A Flash of Fireflies and ended up reading the entire thing. I was completely drawn in by the magic and mystery of this unique story - a completely enchanting twist on fairy tales, forests and witches. Hazel's world is turned upside-down. Sent on her own from Kuwait… Continue reading A Flash of Fireflies by Aisha Bushby
Reading The Unexpected Tale of the Bad Brothers is like being back with old friends. Bastien, Theo, Alice and all the orphans care about each other so dearly. That kindness flows off the page and pulls the reader right into their gang. The addition of the fiery dancer Mathilde adds a new sense of feistiness… Continue reading The Unexpected Tale of the Bad Brothers by Clare Povey
Catherine Doyle is back with another heart-pounding fantasy middle grade adventure. If you loved The Storm Keeper Trilogy, then don't miss this magical tale. Sister and brother, Amy and Liam, are visiting their grandmother in Connemara on the west coast of Ireland. Far from home, friends and their usual entertainment, they only have each other… Continue reading The Lost Girl King ~ Catherine Doyle
Get lost in a forest of intense imagery, incredible creatures and an intriguing mystery that will leave readers searching for clues at every turn. There is no time to catch your breath in this galloping story of one girl's quest to find answers about herself, her family, an abandoned research centre and the strange boy… Continue reading Zo and the Forest of Secrets by Alake Pilgrim ~ Blog Tour
In the year 2030, world leaders pledged a coordinated and unprecedented response to the Climate Crisis. There are strict Global Climate Laws. Low impact living is no longer optional - it has to be compulsory if the world has any chance of recovery. Large areas of the Earth have been made into designated World Wilderness… Continue reading Beyond the Frozen Horizon by Nicola Penfold
The natural world has a magic all its own. Even though we know so much about how plants grow, reproduce and fill our world, it is still inexplicably wondrous to be surrounded by something so alive - the damp shadows of the forest, the new shoots of a seed, the medicinal powers not created by… Continue reading The Magic of Nature in Middle Grade
The Map of Leaves by Yarrow Townsend is a magical story of being at one with nature. Since her mother died, Orla's only company has been the plants surrounding her home. Now a sickness has come and nature is blamed but Orla knows that can't be. The Warden of Thorn Creek demands all plants be… Continue reading The Map of Leaves by Yarrow Townsend ~ Blog Tour
Barrington Stoke can always be relied on to create entertaining, meaningful, empathy-filled stories that are accessible and empowering for readers. With dyslexia-friendly font, spacing and page tint, everyone can enjoy these wonderful books. The manageable length and carefully chosen vocabulary encourages success and brings children back for more. All About Ella by Sally Nicholls &… Continue reading Invaluable Books from Barrington Stoke
Scope for Imagination 