Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Outlaws by E.L. Norry

Outlaws is another captivating novel from E.L. Norry, exploring real-life issues with honesty and sensitivity. Aimed at the teen market, readers aged 8–14+ will quickly find themselves drawn into the lives and friendship of Robyn, Will and Scarlet. Norry’s characters feel authentic and relatable, bringing their experiences vividly to life and creating the sense that… Continue reading Outlaws by E.L. Norry

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

And Now We Run by Nicola Penfold

In true Nicola Penfold style, And Now We Run is an incredibly powerful story of self-belief, resilience and our responsibility for the environment. Told through three perspectives, what begins as a reflection on friendship and identity during the challenging primary to secondary school transition quickly transforms into a call for conservation, land management and respect… Continue reading And Now We Run by Nicola Penfold

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

My Name is Zayn by Fidan Meikle

Emotional and so very real, My Name is Zayn challenges readers to recognise the determination and courage of refugee children who find themselves in the UK completely alone. Exploring themes of loyalty, community and blossoming friendship in times of need, this and its companion novel, My Name is Samim, prove bravery is so much bigger… Continue reading My Name is Zayn by Fidan Meikle

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Robin by Sarah Ann Juckes

Sarah Ann Juckes consistently writes incredibly heartfelt stories full of real emotion, unforgettable characters and the healing power of nature. In Robin, readers get to know Eddie. He's the "sorry boy" - always apologising, always making himself smaller, always being good and positive and hopeful - always making way for his poorly sister. He struggles… Continue reading Robin by Sarah Ann Juckes

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Letters from the Upside by Katya Balen

Letters from the Upside is everything that is wonderful about Katya Balen's writing. Honest and heartfelt while revealing the healing power of nature, it takes readers on a journey of self-reflection and empathy building. This is an author who truly understands children, their struggles, their fears, their hopes and their dreams. She gets right to… Continue reading Letters from the Upside by Katya Balen

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Runaways by E.L. Norry

Told with humour, empathy and a whole lot of heart, Runaways by E.L Norry is a story that will stay with you. Honest, authentic and powerful, it challenges readers to think about how two people with very different lives can feel so similar. July has recently returned from foster care to live with her young… Continue reading Runaways by E.L. Norry

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

How to Roller Skate with One Leg by Ella Dove

How to Roller Skate with One Leg is a charming and relatable book. Told through fun, accessible realistic fiction, this story pulls readers into friendship with 12-year-old Maya, Vita and Miles. It is an honest, optimistic portrayal of limb difference following an accident. Hope and determination run through this story with a heroine readers will… Continue reading How to Roller Skate with One Leg by Ella Dove

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction, Teen

My Name is Samim by Fidan Meikle

"Thirteen-year-old Samim is a loyal friend, a gifted chess player - and a refugee. Even after her makes the long, dangerous journey from Afganistan to the UK, his safety isn't guaranteed. Can Simon convince the authorities to let him stay?" Meticulously researched, My Name in Samim tells the eye-opening story of so many young people… Continue reading My Name is Samim by Fidan Meikle

Blog Tour, Book Review, Picture Books

My Friend Andy by Emma Chinnery ~ FCBG Children’s Book Awards Blog Tour

Hello, it's Emma Chinnery here writing a blog about my debut children's picture book My Friend Andy. I would like to start by saying thank you to all the children who kindly voted for my book as its very special to me that you enjoyed reading it. I hope you find this blog interesting and… Continue reading My Friend Andy by Emma Chinnery ~ FCBG Children’s Book Awards Blog Tour

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Dawn of Adonis by Phil Earle

The Dawn of Adonis is the prequel to one of the most incredible children's books of the past five years - When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle. Readers are transported to the East End of London in 1911 when a baby gorilla is secreted through the docks in an attempt to save its life… Continue reading The Dawn of Adonis by Phil Earle