Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Tigers in the Tower by Julia Golding

Lose yourself in the rich symbolism and powerful messages of The Tigers in the Tower by Julia Golding. Sahira faces the jungle of Georgian London with no one but two majestic Indian tigers. Having lost her parents to fever on the treacherous sea voyage from Calcutta to London, Sahira must fend for herself and fight… Continue reading The Tigers in the Tower by Julia Golding

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Hungry Ghost by H.S. Norup

The Hungry Ghost is a powerful story of dealing with loss, holding on to memories, and new beginnings.  11-year-old Freja has moved to Singapore from Denmark to live with her father and his new family. Leaving her mother behind to heal from mental illness, Freja is forced into a new reality.   Having arrived during… Continue reading The Hungry Ghost by H.S. Norup

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Adventures of Ellie and Boo by Millie Kerr

Boo, the tabby cat, is an incredibly determined kitten! Living with a University of Cambridge masters student who has a passion for wildlife conservation, this instinctive and creative cat learns that there are animals in trouble and, more importantly, she can help.  The Adventures of Ellie and Boo is a book about making a difference… Continue reading The Adventures of Ellie and Boo by Millie Kerr

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Dragon Mountain by Katie & Kevin Tsang

Lose yourself in the legend and magic of Dragon Mountain. For years, the mountain stood quiet, almost as if it were asleep, guarding its secrets and waiting… Waiting for those with pure hearts to come and reawaken the dragons within. When Billy Chan arrives in China for a language culture summer camp, he has no… Continue reading Dragon Mountain by Katie & Kevin Tsang

Book Review, Early Reader, Middle Grade Fiction

Noodle the Doodle by Jonathan Meres & illustrated by Katy Halford

Noodle the Doodle is a brilliantly fun summer story! There’s a new member of the class – Noodle the dog. He’s a bit silly and a bit of a troublemaker but the class loves him. He joins in with all of their adventures and makes everyone laugh. When a class trip to the seaside is… Continue reading Noodle the Doodle by Jonathan Meres & illustrated by Katy Halford

Book Review, Early Reader, Middle Grade Fiction

The Peculiar Thing with the Pea by Kaye Umansky & illustrated by Claire Powell

Young readers will love this new take on the traditional story, The Princess and the Pea. Pete is 11 years old and his mother, the Queen, has decided it’s time to find him a suitable bride. Pete is horrified! All he wants to do is play football and have adventures around the castle. Apparently, the… Continue reading The Peculiar Thing with the Pea by Kaye Umansky & illustrated by Claire Powell

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

My Life as a Cat by Carlie Sorosiak

My Life as a Cat is the most unique, charming story I have read in a very long time. Leonard is a cat but he didn’t start out that way. He is actually an alien who is spending a month on Earth to find out about the human race. He intended to become human but… Continue reading My Life as a Cat by Carlie Sorosiak

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Invasion of Crooked Oak by Dan Smith & illustrated by Chris King

Lose yourself in this chilling mystery of an abandoned fracking site, unusual smells and adults behaving strangely. As soon as readers pick up this engaging book, they will be pulled in by the intensity of the cover, the very first chapter title, “Something Strange”, and the characters’ interest in the intriguing “Mystery Shed” website. Pete… Continue reading The Invasion of Crooked Oak by Dan Smith & illustrated by Chris King

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Wulfie: Stage Fright by Lindsay J Sedgwick & illustrated by Josephine Wolff

Wulfie: Stage Fright is a delightful twist on some favourite fairy tales: Cinderella and The Three Little Pigs. Libby lives with her absentminded father, uncaring stepmother and nasty stepbrother. Her stepmother only has enough love for one child and her darling Rex can do no wrong. Meanwhile, it seems Libby can do nothing right. She’s… Continue reading Wulfie: Stage Fright by Lindsay J Sedgwick & illustrated by Josephine Wolff

Graphic Novel, Middle Grade Fiction

When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

When I first read this book, I hadn't had a lot of experience of graphic novels and really wanted to broaden my reading experiences. I was blown away by how clearly and boldly the message and emotion of the story was conveyed through the words and pictures. I was pulled into the story with Omar… Continue reading When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed