Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Silver River Shadow by Jane Thomas with Rochelle Lamm

Based on a true story, Silver River Shadow by Jane Thomas & Rochelle Lamm, illustrated by Sarah Docker is a fascinating story of family legacy and uncovering the truth of the past. Lizzie's mother passed away twelve years ago and her father is often busy with work. When she's given a school assignment to discover… Continue reading Silver River Shadow by Jane Thomas with Rochelle Lamm

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Friends and Traitors by Helen Peters

The appeal of a classic boarding school story combined with upstairs/downstairs Downton Abbey-esk class divide and an intriguing wartime mystery, Helen Peters' Friends and Traitors brings a refreshing and engaging twist to middle grade historical fiction. It's summer 1940. Hitler has reached the French coast and the entire country is worried about invasion. Sidney's "posh"… Continue reading Friends and Traitors by Helen Peters

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Calling the Whales by Jasbinder Bilan & illustrated by Skylar White

Calling the Whales by Jasbinder Bilan is an inspirational environmental adventure that honours humans' relationship with nature with a call to respect and protect. Set on the beautiful Scottish coast, this story evokes the spirit of majestic whales, the pull of the sea and the magic of the moonlight. It's the summer before secondary school.… Continue reading Calling the Whales by Jasbinder Bilan & illustrated by Skylar White

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

OceanX Adventures by Kate Jerome

Mystery at the Aquarium - 4 May 2023 Danger in the Deep Sea - 6 July 2023 Daring Dolphin Rescue - 7 November 2023 Intelligent and inquisitive, Marena has always loved science so when she moves to secondary school, she's disappointed there are more rules, lessons are less fun and no one seems to appreciate… Continue reading OceanX Adventures by Kate Jerome

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Peril on the Atlantic by A.M. Howell

August 2023 Secrets and sabotage, danger and deception: Peril on the Atlantic is the first in a gripping new Mysteries at Sea series by historical fiction master A.M. Howell. Join Alice onboard the Queen Mary for the adventure of a lifetime. It's 1936 and she's spending part of her summer holiday with her father, Staff… Continue reading Peril on the Atlantic by A.M. Howell

Book Review, Picture Books

Stories by the Sea

What could be better for bedtime stories at a mermaid-themed Brownie pack holiday than these two gorgeous seaside stories? We combined sea creatures, mermaids, shells and waves with all sorts of camp skills and fun activities. The girls (age 7-10) absolutley loved Sheldon's New Shell by Lily Murray & Sam Caldwell and The Mermaid Moon… Continue reading Stories by the Sea

Blog Tour, Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Toby and the Silver Blood Witches by Sally Doherty ~ Blog Tour

Unexpected witches, a brilliant little bat, broomsticks, wands, spells and a Golden Retrieagle called Cuddles – all the ingredients of a fantastic middle grade fantasy adventure with a whole lot of heart! Twelve-year-old Toby is a young carer, looking after his mum who struggles with M.E. He loves her so much and wants to do… Continue reading Toby and the Silver Blood Witches by Sally Doherty ~ Blog Tour

Blog Tour, Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Wall Between Us by Dan Smith ~ Blog Tour

The Wall Between Us is even more engaging and powerful than I ever expected. I loved Dan Smith’s last middle grade war story, Nisha’s War, with its unique perspective on those affected by conflict so I knew this would be something special. Told through newspaper articles, journal entries, letters and secret messages, The Wall Between… Continue reading The Wall Between Us by Dan Smith ~ Blog Tour

Book Review, Picture Books

The Thing at 52 by Ross Montgomery & Richard Johnson

July 2023 The Thing at 52 by Ross Montgomery & Richard Johnson is a beautiful, charming story of friendship, loss and learning to say good-bye. There’s a strange Thing living in the neighbourhood. Who is it? What is it? Why is it so alone? When a little girl decides to reach out in kindness (with… Continue reading The Thing at 52 by Ross Montgomery & Richard Johnson

Blog Tour, Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Bridget Vanderpuff and the Baked Escape by Martin Stewart ~ Blog Tour

Inventive, creative and laugh-out-loud fun, Bridget Vanderpuff and the Baked Escape is a heart-warming story of dreams, family and never giving up hope. Young Bridget is a heroine bursting with personality (and a lot of hair!) Memorable for all the right reasons, she doesn't shy away from trying to outwit the baddy in her life,… Continue reading Bridget Vanderpuff and the Baked Escape by Martin Stewart ~ Blog Tour