Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Rolo’s Story by Blake Morgan

Rolo’s Story is another touching tale from the Dog’s Eye View series. Full of personality and heart-warming friendship, it helps young readers understand what life is really like for dogs who are mistreated, live life on the street and are longing for a forever home. When we meet Rolo, he thinks he doesn’t need a… Continue reading Rolo’s Story by Blake Morgan

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Featherlight by Peter Bunzl

April 2021 Featherlight is a beautifully magical adventure from the wonderful Peter Bunzl and the amazing Barrington Stoke. Deryn’s father is the lighthouse keeper on Featherstone Island. When he and her mother have to go to the mainland, Deryn is left alone to keep watch. As the only people who live on the island, it… Continue reading Featherlight by Peter Bunzl

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Dragon Legend: Dragon Realm Series by Katie & Kevin Tsang

April 2021 After being left on an incredible cliff-hanger at the end of Dragon Mountain, the first book in the Dragon Realm series, Dragon Legend picked up the story at high speed and didn’t let up for the entire adventure! Billy Chan is back with his friends, Charlotte Bell and Liu Ling-Fei, and JJ –… Continue reading Dragon Legend: Dragon Realm Series by Katie & Kevin Tsang

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult

Show Us Who You Are by Elle McNicoll

March 2021 Twelve year old Cora Byers is brave and bold. She is also autistic. She knows who she is (and who she isn’t). Life isn’t always easy (especially since she lost her mum) but she’s learned how to cope and make the best of many challenging situations. She understands what makes her different, even… Continue reading Show Us Who You Are by Elle McNicoll

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Swan Song by Gill Lewis

Empathetic author Gill Lewis has teamed up with Barrington Stoke to create a story where children who don’t fit in or who need something different are able to hear their own voice and feel valued for who they are. Dylan is a Year 8 boy who is struggling at school. Lessons are hard, teachers don’t… Continue reading Swan Song by Gill Lewis

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Secret Detectives by Ella Risbridger

A life-changing journey on a 19th century ship bound for England, leaving behind everything you’ve ever known, witnessing a murder on a dark night… The Secret Detectives is a gripping Middle Grade mystery with hints of Nancy Drew and The Secret Garden intertwined in its gripping plot. Eleven-year-old Isobel Petty is alone in the world.… Continue reading The Secret Detectives by Ella Risbridger

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Dog that Saved the World (Cup) by Phil Earle & illustrated by Elissa Paganelli

Written from the charming point of view of Pickles the dog, The Dog that Saved the World (Cup) is a wonderful combination of a fun football story and a powerful, empathetic look at child poverty in the UK. Pickles thinks football is the best thing in the world. He, Dad and Elsie make a great… Continue reading The Dog that Saved the World (Cup) by Phil Earle & illustrated by Elissa Paganelli

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Melt by Ele Fountain – Blog Tour

Melt is a powerful portrayal of Inuit culture, traditions and how we are all shaped by the world around us. Questions about courage, friendship and standing up for what is right are key to the incredible life and death adventure at the centre of this brilliant story. The impact of climate change is described in… Continue reading Melt by Ele Fountain – Blog Tour

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Chocolate Milk, X-ray Specs and Me by Bethany Walker & illustrated by Jack Noel – Blog Tour with Special Guest Post by the Author!

We're thrilled to have a guest post from the author herself, Bethany Walker: Chocolate Milk, X-Ray Specs and Me – An unconventional spy story Think of your favourite spy story. Does it contain attractive, suave secret agents? Is it set in a very glamorous location? Is the villain intent on taking over the world? Are… Continue reading Chocolate Milk, X-ray Specs and Me by Bethany Walker & illustrated by Jack Noel – Blog Tour with Special Guest Post by the Author!

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Crater Lake: Evolution by Jennifer Killick

Bursting with next generation aliens, dangerous spores, a survival bunker and an evil teacher everyone wanted to forget, Crater Lake: Evolution is a gripping page-turner that demands to be read in one sitting! Jennifer Killick is a science fiction genius with a sequel that is even better than the original. Lance and his friends will… Continue reading Crater Lake: Evolution by Jennifer Killick