June 2026 The Ocean and the Bones is an outstanding and completely one of a kind middle grade novel exploring the Neolithic Era through a compelling story of community, climate change and tradition. Author Genevieve Carver's passion for prehistory and her extensive knowledge of the time period brings depth and intrigue that had me thinking… Continue reading The Ocean and the Bones by Genevieve Carver
Tom Palmer, master of historical fiction for children, is back with another stunning story of real people facing the challenge and terror of war. If the Invader Comes takes readers to 1940s Cornwall. The threat of Nazi invasion looms over Britain as survivors return from the defeat at Dunkirk. Everyone is on high alert and… Continue reading If the Invader Comes (Allies series: Book One) by Tom Palmer
This hilarious, historical diary-style who-dunnit is perfect for fans of Horrible Histories. Readers are welcomed into the world of a young Will Shakespeare who dreams of becoming the greatest "PERSON WHO SOLVES CRIMES IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD". The trouble is, he comes from a dull family in a dull town and has nothing… Continue reading Will Shakespeare Mysteries: The Stinky Stolen Toenails by Kaz Penney & illustrated by Sammy Elgie ~ Blog Tour
Coming in September 2026, The Library of Lost Stories is full of my favourite things: a vintage mobile library, the magic of Christmas and community, the joy of books and the power of friendship, all set in a very special year - 1976. This is a treasure of a book full of beautiful truths and… Continue reading The Library of Lost Stories by Eloise Williams
1. A Girl’s Guide to Spying gives such a unique perspective on the First World War. Why did you decide to focus on Girlguiding? A few years ago I was given a fabulous book called How the Girl Guides won the war, by Janie Hampton. It has a tiny mention – about half a page!… Continue reading A Girl’s Guide to Spying by Holly Webb – Author Interview
Smart and tough, 12-year-old Clem Fatale is the youngest gangster in 1951 London. With her best friend Gilbert, Clem uses everything she's learned from her jewel thief father and his gang to stop criminals in their tracks and solve even the most complex cases. In the second book in this delightful series, Clem and Gilbert… Continue reading Clem Fatale has been Upstaged by Eve Wersocki-Morris & illustrated by Honie Beam
The Impossible Gladiator is the third thrilling adventure in the fantastic Time Keys series by M.G. Leonard. Blurring the lines of what's possible, this incredible time travelling series will have readers listening out for doors to the past, hoping they, themselves, might be a time key. Merging music and mystery with unique characters who show… Continue reading The Impossible Gladiator by M.G. Leonard & illustrated by Manuel Sumberac
A trip to Jorvik Viking Centre in York is a museum visit you'll never forget. This fascinating historic site is the inspiration for The Accidental Vikings. Karen McCombie captures all the unique features of this amazing place. I first visited Jorvik when I was 9 years old and still remember travelling back in time in… Continue reading The Accidental Vikings by Karen McCombie & illustrated by Annell Bray
The Blitz Sisters is a lovely story of how three sisters try to make sense of life and do their best to carry on through all the challenges of the Second World War. With gas masks to contend with, fear of evacuation and new hardships as war is declared, Lydia, Peggy and Teddy are forced… Continue reading The Blitz Sisters by Judith Eagle
Every December, it’s such a joy to take time to look back over all the books I’ve been privileged to read and review on Scope for Imagination. I’d like to share my favourite books of this year – ones that have challenged me, inspired me, made me laugh, and even made me cry. There have been some… Continue reading My Favourite Books of 2025
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