Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Highland Falcon Thief by M.G. Leonard & Sam Sedgman

From the very first chapter, The Highland Falcon Thief felt like home. Full of suspense and anticipation, the familiarity of the trains I love mixed with mystery and history carried me away. Once I started, I couldn’t stop and read the book in a day – what a lovely day it was! Eleven-year-old Hal Beck… Continue reading The Highland Falcon Thief by M.G. Leonard & Sam Sedgman

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Last Spell Breather by Julie Pike

The Last Spell Breather by Julie Pike is a unique, spell-binding story of love, family and truth. Eleven-year-old Rayne lives with her mother in their quiet village. Bound by the magic of her family’s past, she is destined to become a spell breather, just like her mother. However, Rayne would much rather be out with… Continue reading The Last Spell Breather by Julie Pike

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Little Bird Lands by Karen McCombie

Nosy Crow, February 2020 This pioneering adventure by British author Karen McCombie is the engaging sequel to Little Bird Flies (published by Nosy Crow in January 2019). Set in mid-nineteenth century America, 15 year-old Bridie (Little Bird) embarks on a new life in the west, leaving her beloved homeland of Scotland behind. Inspired by pioneering… Continue reading Little Bird Lands by Karen McCombie

Article, Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction, Twins

Darkwhispers: Into the Unknown

Darkwhispers is Vashti Hardy’s second book about Arthur and Maudie Brightstorm – twins who live a life of exploration and adventure. Following on from their expedition to South Polaris to find out the truth about their father’s disappearance in Brightstorm (published by Scholastic in 2018), Arthur and Maudie set off on another journey with their… Continue reading Darkwhispers: Into the Unknown

Article, Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction, Twins

Brightstorm and the Power of Boy/Girl Twins

Brightstorm written by Vashti Hardy and published by Scholastic is a part of the resurgence of high quality middle-grade (age 8-12) literature in the United Kingdom in recent years. Children, parents, teachers, all lovers of timeless stories are absolutely spoilt for choice when looking for their next great read. It is the story of twelve-year-old… Continue reading Brightstorm and the Power of Boy/Girl Twins