Incredibly Christmasy and absolutely delightful, Stepfather Christmas explores what happens when you really do see Mummy kissing Santa Claus! With snow only falling in their garden (but not any of the neighbours'), a reindeer on the roof and perfect gingerbread in the kitchen, Harper's mum's new boyfriend, Nick, looks a little too much like Santa… Continue reading Stepfather Christmas by L.D. Lapinski
It's bittersweet to be back in Eerie-on-Sea for the final instalment of the one-of-a-kind Malamander series. Full of familiar faces and beloved places, Mermedusa brings everything together in one final epic adventure. And what an adventure it is! Has it really only been a year since we first met Herbie and Violet in the Lost… Continue reading Mermedusa by Thomas Taylor
Every school library, classroom and home should contain books from Barrington Stoke. Their wonderfully captivating content paired with accessible vocabulary, super-readable font and helpful page tint make them some of the best books available for ALL children. From fun, sweet Little Gems for young readers age 5+ to their mature, thought-provoking 11+/13+ Teen and Young… Continue reading Brilliant Summer Books from Barrington Stoke
"Humans have made the world a place where winter cannot survive." Inspired by The Snow Queen, The Selfish Giant and Pinocchio, The Ice Children is a powerful and beautiful modern fairy tale of climate change, sibling devotion and a quest to make the world a better place. M.G. Leonard has created a captivating, frosty mystery… Continue reading The Ice Children by M.G. Leonard
Kòkú Àkànbí and the Heart of Midnight is a fast-paced adventure straddling two worlds, two identities and two sides of a magical war battling for control of the night. When 13 year-old orphan Kòkú accidentally releases a demon on a trip to the British Museum, he is sent to Olori for the summer - his… Continue reading Kòkú Àkànbí and the Heart of Midnight by Maria Motúnráyọ̀ Adébísí ~ Blog Tour
Deadly Deep is the absolutely brilliant next instalment in Jennifer Killick's Dread Wood series. This is upper middle grade comedy horror at its best. Both my son, Tom, and I devoured this book within about 12 hours, unable to put it down until we got to the gory finish! Jennifer Killick captures Year 8 children… Continue reading Deadly Deep by Jennifer Killick
Code Name Kingfisher is a powerful story of secrets, family and friendship. Spanning 80 years, it follows three girls on their quest to stay true to themselves and where their family has come from while searching for a happy future. In present day England, Liv is struggling with changing friendships and her grandmother's dementia. When… Continue reading Code Name Kingfisher by Liz Kessler
This month middle grade readers will be treated to a huge variety of outstanding new books! Here is a selection of what you'll be able to find in your local library or bookshop. Stupendous Sports: Cracking Cricket by Robin Bennett & illustrated by Matt Cherry (Firefly Press) The Stupendous Sports series by Robin Bennett &… Continue reading New Books for August 2023
Foxlight by Katya Balen is stunningly beautiful. An intensely personal story of loss, longing and love, it takes readers into the wildlands right along with Fen and Rey as they search for who they really are. Katya Balen's lyrical description and distinct voice ring out on every page. She writes with honesty and heart celebrating… Continue reading Foxlight by Katya Balen
Uncle Pete and the Polar Bear Rescue by David C. Flanagan & illustrated by Will Hughes (Little Door Books) ~ 6+ The Uncle Pete series is so much fun! Full of adventure and imagination, you never know what will happen when TM joins Uncle Pete on his plane. In this third instalment, they're on their… Continue reading Fantastic Summer Reads for Younger Readers
Scope for Imagination 