Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Boy with Big Decisions by Helen Rutter

As a child, I loved the "Choose Your Own Adventure" books but they were always some sort of far fetched, monster adventure story rather than scenarios I might face in real life. The Boy with Big Decisions follows the same idea but provides readers with a realistic, risk-filled story. Written in a "You Choose the… Continue reading The Boy with Big Decisions by Helen Rutter

Book Review, Picture Books

Picture Books to Share

Come Back Gosling by Anne Booth & illustrated by David Litchfield (Templar Books - June 2025) Come Back Gosling by Anne Booth is a beautiful story celebrating books, friendship and growing up. A little girl and her good friend, Gosling, love visiting the library and borrowing books to read in their tree house. They take… Continue reading Picture Books to Share

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

Meeting Meg: A Whistledown Farm Adventure by Nicola Baker ~ Blog Tour

It's such a delight to return to Whistledown Farm and join Ava on a whole new set of adventures as she learns more about life in the countryside and how to care for animals. She and her parents have moved to Whistledown Cottage on the edge of the farm which means they're there to stay!… Continue reading Meeting Meg: A Whistledown Farm Adventure by Nicola Baker ~ Blog Tour

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Invisibles by Susie Bower

I adore Susie Bower's writing. Her stories are heartfelt and full of meaning. Gloriously detailed and wonderfully imaginative settings with the most engaging characterisation create books that are completely unputdownable. The Invisibles is just as fantastic as Susie's previous middle grade novels. Focusing on the value of true friendship, courage, honesty and forgiveness, it is… Continue reading The Invisibles by Susie Bower

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

People Like Stars by Patrice Lawrence

Three ordinary teens with an extraordinary story - People Like Stars explores telling the truth, forming relationships and understanding what makes us who we are. As each teen tells their story, readers are challenged to think about how individuals are connected and how much our actions impact others. Aryton, Stanley and Senna take turns to… Continue reading People Like Stars by Patrice Lawrence

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Middle Grade Gems from Barrington Stoke

Barrington Stoke can always be relied on to create entertaining, meaningful, empathy-filled stories that are accessible and empowering for readers. With dyslexia-friendly font, spacing and page tint, everyone can enjoy these books. The manageable length and carefully chosen vocabulary encourages success and brings children back for more. These four books, by top UK middle grade… Continue reading Middle Grade Gems from Barrington Stoke

Book Review, Picture Books

Fantastic Picture Books for the Summer Term

Jenny Peckles Lays Eggs with Speckles by Rachel Emily & Paul Delaney (Farshore) Jenny Peckles Lays Eggs with Speckles is an absolutely brilliant rhyming story about a group of chickens who will do anything to get into a book. Whether it's Chuckleston Barclay who added her own "sparkly" to her eggs or Featherly Botts who… Continue reading Fantastic Picture Books for the Summer Term

Blog Tour, Book Review, Guest Post, Middle Grade Fiction

I Don’t Do Mountains by Barbara Henderson ~ Blog Tour Author Q & A

I'm thrilled to welcome author Barabara Henderson to Scope for Imagination with a Q&A about her thrilling new outdoor adventure, I Don't Do Mountains! About the story: Adventures are good things for people in books. But I am not a person in a book. I am Kenzie. I like to READ about adventures, not actually… Continue reading I Don’t Do Mountains by Barbara Henderson ~ Blog Tour Author Q & A

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson

May 2025 Shrapnel Boys is Jenny Pearson's first historical novel. Led by authentic characters with her trademark spark, this is a funny, heartwarming story with an additional layer of dilemma and emotional depth. It will challenge readers to think about everyone's role in the Second World War and how it affected ordinary people in extraordinary… Continue reading Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson