Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Fear Files: Hide and Seek by Christopher Edge

Fear Files: Hide and Seek is a fast-paced, adrenaline-fuelled race through the dark side of childhood games. Chaotic and terrifying, the nightmare of being chased and the unknown around every corner will have readers flying through the pages. Fans of Dan Smith's The Nighthouse Files: The Deadsoul Project published with Barrington Stoke will love this… Continue reading Fear Files: Hide and Seek by Christopher Edge

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Role Model by Elle McNicoll

Role Model is an outstanding book exploring society's expectations and understanding of Autism. Heartfelt and honest, it follows Aeriel Sharpe, daughter of Britain's newest Prime Minister, as she navigates being a teen under the scrutinising gaze of the nation. Uprooted from her childhood in Scotland, she's finding life in London hard. Her so-called friends don't… Continue reading Role Model by Elle McNicoll

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Swanfall by Sophie Kirtley

Swanfall is a gorgeous combination of folklore and friendship. I adored Sophie Kirtley's other books but this is her best yet! Alternating between a modern story of bird conservation, wetland management and the enchanting beauty of nature and strange writing found in a mysterious old book telling the story of three children who went missing… Continue reading Swanfall by Sophie Kirtley

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction, Teen

Blitzers By Alastair Chisholm& Francesca Ficorilli

Blitzers is the perfect book for modern, tech savvy kids who are charmed by social media influencers and must have the latest trends. I zoomed through it today, not wanting to put it down. With references to Tamagotchi and Pokémon GO type character battles, it's a wonderfully current story older middle grade and teen readers… Continue reading Blitzers By Alastair Chisholm& Francesca Ficorilli

Book Review, Chapter Book, Graphic Novel, Illustrated Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction

Fun New Books

Unicorns in Uniform: The Yeti's Sneeze by Tracy Curran & Steve Wood (Uclan Publishing - October 2025) Unicorns in Uniforms: The Yeti's Sneeze is equal parts educational, fantastical and fun. The second book in a new, brightly illustrated chapter book series, it’s a brillliant adventure following the Air and Mountain rescue team as they set out… Continue reading Fun New Books

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction, Teen

Jellybean by Eve Ainsworth & Theo Parish

Anxiety-based school avoidance is a very real problem for a lot of children, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. In Jellybean, many families will relate to the challenges faced by both Ellie and her parents as they try to get to the bottom of her worries and work out the best way forward. Ellie Bean (nicknamed… Continue reading Jellybean by Eve Ainsworth & Theo Parish

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Books

Looking Forward to Spooky Season!

Autumn is my favourite season - new beginnings, cozy jumpers and so many special days! This fantastic collection of books will put you in the mood for crisp October weather and gentle spooks. Grumpkin by Nicola Edwards & Sian Roberts (Little Tiger - August 2025) Grumpkin made me smile the very first time I saw… Continue reading Looking Forward to Spooky Season!

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Odyssey of Phoebe Quilliam by Annelise Gray

The Odyssey of Phoebe Quilliam is a completely captivating quest story exploring precious family relationships, unending hope and finding those you've lost. Through a wonderful combination of realistic fiction and brilliant mythological fantasy, readers are challenged to create special moments with their family and hold on to special memories when our loved ones are no… Continue reading The Odyssey of Phoebe Quilliam by Annelise Gray

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

When the Storm Comes by Polly Ho-Yen

When the Storm Comes is a powerful and perilous story of courage, teamwork and trust. Incredibly thought-provoking, it challenges readers to consider the very real impact of climate change, their own survival skills and how they might respond in an emergency. Leadership, resourcefulness and the ability to put the needs of others ahead of your… Continue reading When the Storm Comes by Polly Ho-Yen

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Changeling Child by H.S. Norup

The Changeling Child is the thrilling sequel to the brilliant fantasy adventure Into the Faerie Hill. Magic weaves its way into every aspect of this wonderful story. Told from a dual point of view, Alfred (a demi-fae) takes readers back into Faerie as he strives to discover the truth about a missing child and his… Continue reading The Changeling Child by H.S. Norup