Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Time Keys: Attack of the Sea Dogs by M.G. Leonard & illustrated by Manuel Šumberac

Once again, the brilliantly talented M.G. Leonard takes her readers on an incredible adventure through time and place. Layered with symbolism, the unique connection between time and music challenges readers to think afresh about their experiences with sound and rhythm. Perhaps they too are a time key who can open doors to the past with… Continue reading Time Keys: Attack of the Sea Dogs by M.G. Leonard & illustrated by Manuel Šumberac

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Into Thin Air by S.E. Durrant

Into Thin Air is a captivating story of sisterhood, courage and the bonds that hold us together. Despite their disagreements, a shared purpose and deep love for each other lead 11-year-old Luna and her younger sister Jade on an adventure they’ll never forget. Luna dreams of becoming an astronaut. She is in awe of her place… Continue reading Into Thin Air by S.E. Durrant

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Malory Towers Mystery Club: Kidnap at Midnight by Fleur Hitchcock

My daughter and I spent many hours reading the classic Malory Towers series at bedtime. I was so excited to return to this iconic school with a new boarding school adventure. Emma is headed for her first year with students from all over the world. Assigned to North Tower, she meets a lovely group of… Continue reading Malory Towers Mystery Club: Kidnap at Midnight by Fleur Hitchcock

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Goodnight Silver by Abi Elphinstone

October 2026 A self-declared pessimist, Emmy doesn't belive in luck. Ever since her mum lost her baby, she can't help but think about all the things that can go wrong in life. She knows it's dangerous to hope: she won't risk that vulnerablity again. Emmy's parents are just the opposite. Full of hope, they're thrilled… Continue reading Goodnight Silver by Abi Elphinstone

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

How Not to be a Pirate: The Trouble with Curses by Jenny Pearson & illustrated by Paula Bowles

Set sail on a hilarious swashbuckling adventure in Jenny Pearson's new pirate series, 'How Not to be a Pirate'. In this first instalment, readers are introduced to the most fantastic crew: Wilbur, Ellie and Gilbert. Taking their Level One Pirate Grading, they're in a race to find one of the Jewels of the Sea. Typical… Continue reading How Not to be a Pirate: The Trouble with Curses by Jenny Pearson & illustrated by Paula Bowles

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Girl with a Sabretooth Tiger by Jasbinder Bilan, illustrated by Sònia Albert

Girl with a Sabretooth Tiger is a beautifully heartfelt story layered with meaning, wrapped up in high stakes adventure. Set in a unique time period for middle grade historical fiction, it takes readers back 6000 years to prehistoric Britain - pre-London and the Thames in a time we can only imagine. With storytelling, faith, family… Continue reading Girl with a Sabretooth Tiger by Jasbinder Bilan, illustrated by Sònia Albert

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Game Changers by Helen Rutter

The reader is in charge in this second 'choose your own adventure' style book by Helen Rutter. Young people aged 8+ will love selecting challenges and making key decisions as the characters hurtle from one adventure to another. Tig has been sent to Game Camp where teamwork, mental and physical agility and endurance are essential.… Continue reading The Game Changers by Helen Rutter

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Dracula and Daughters: School for Slayers by Emma Carroll

Return to Temstown for the second blood-sucking mystery in Emma Carroll's delightfully gothic Dracula & Daughters series. In School for Slayers, we find the granddaughters of Dracula himself opening their own business with the aim of healing vampires and keeping their city safe. Mina, Buffy and Bella know healing is so much better than slaying,… Continue reading Dracula and Daughters: School for Slayers by Emma Carroll

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Jekyll vs Hyde: The Potion of Doom by Jack Meggitt-Phillips 

Jekyll vs Hyde: The Potion of Doom is deliciously macabre and delightfully bizarre! This creative twist on an absolute classic is a must-read for Key Stage 2 and anyone who teaches the original novella at Key Stage 3 or 4. GCSE students of the future will never look at Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and… Continue reading Jekyll vs Hyde: The Potion of Doom by Jack Meggitt-Phillips 

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Neverland Thieves by Katie & Kevin Tsang

Return to Neverland with Katie & Kevin Tsang in this heartfelt adventure full of magic, hope and healing. Celebrating imagination and the wonders of childhood, it reminds us all of the joy of being young and that, really, we should strive to never grow up. In The Neverland Thieves, two new magical creatures, Scorch the… Continue reading The Neverland Thieves by Katie & Kevin Tsang