Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Hatmakers by Tamzin Merchant

Lose yourself in the world of the makers where gifted individuals create the most amazing pieces of clothing that influence the character and actions of their wearers. From gloves to shoes to hats, incredible items are crafted from magical ingredients and brilliant powers. A long-standing rivalry between the different maker families means there is little… Continue reading The Hatmakers by Tamzin Merchant

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Perfect Parent Project by Stewart Foster

Sam McCann has never had a real home. As a foster child, he’s lived in lot of houses but has never had a place where he’s felt completely safe, at ease and wanted. After nine houses in five years, he is always anticipating his next move. Fed up with waiting for others to find the… Continue reading The Perfect Parent Project by Stewart Foster

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Forest of Moon and Sword by Amy Raphael

It’s June 1647 in Scotland and strong, out-spoken women who spend their lives helping others are being arrested and tried as witches. We meet twelve-year-old Art who must hide and watch as her mother is carried away by soldiers. Will she be one of the women killed immediately or will she be taken to England… Continue reading The Forest of Moon and Sword by Amy Raphael

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Boy Who Met a Whale by Nizrana Farook

Join head-strong Razi and his strong, sensible sister, Shifa, as they run away to sea on an amazing adventure! When mysterious Zheng washes up on their beach full of stories of theft, mutiny and murder, Razi is determined get over his fear of the sea so he can help Zheng find his captain’s treasure chest… Continue reading The Boy Who Met a Whale by Nizrana Farook

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Valley of Lost Secrets by Lesley Parr

The Valley of Lost Secrets is an evacuee story that focuses on the most important aspect of that endeavour – the day to day lives of the children who were sent from their homes to places so very different from what they knew. Twelve-year-old Jimmy and his six-year-old brother, Ronnie, are evacuated to a village… Continue reading The Valley of Lost Secrets by Lesley Parr

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

An Escape in Time; A Chase in Time & A Christmas in Time (series) by Sally Nicholls & illustrated by Isabelle Follath and Rachael Dean

An Escape in Time is the third book in the exciting time travelling adventure series by Sally Nicholls. This time, Ruby & Alex step through the mirror at their aunt's house to meet an aristocrat fleeing the French Revolution. Once again, the children face gender expectations they aren't used to and the unusual challenges of… Continue reading An Escape in Time; A Chase in Time & A Christmas in Time (series) by Sally Nicholls & illustrated by Isabelle Follath and Rachael Dean

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult

The Forest of Ghosts and Bones by Lisa Lueddecke

Running away from their past or running towards their destinies? Beáta, Liljana and Benedek are three strangers with a powerful bond.  Readers will be drawn into this story of inner strength and revelation of truths just as the characters are drawn towards the mysterious castle of dark magic and death. What is the invisible thread… Continue reading The Forest of Ghosts and Bones by Lisa Lueddecke

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Darwin’s Dragons by Lindsay Galvin

It’s 1835 and cabin boy Syms Covington is travelling with Charles Darwin to the Galapagos Islands.  As they study so many incredible creatures, they have no idea what discoveries Syms will make when he goes overboard in a storm trying to save Mr. Darwin and ends up all alone on an unexplored island. Readers are… Continue reading Darwin’s Dragons by Lindsay Galvin

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Last Bear by Hannah Gold & illustrated by Levi Pinfold

The Last Bear is truly something special. It is a story about living from your heart and recognising your place in the world. It is a story of learning to communicate and sharing your soul with others. It is a story of strength, compassion and responsibility. Most of all, it is a story of love.… Continue reading The Last Bear by Hannah Gold & illustrated by Levi Pinfold

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Roy of the Rovers: Rocky by Tom Palmer & illustrated by Dan Cornwell

Roy of the Rovers: Rocky by Tom Palmer is the sixth book in the fantastic 21st century reboot of the stories of the classic children’s football star, Roy Race. Rocky Race is a strong girl who dominates the football pitch. In this book, she gets to be the star and prove she is so much… Continue reading Roy of the Rovers: Rocky by Tom Palmer & illustrated by Dan Cornwell