Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Hope Jones series by Josh Lacey & illustrated by Beatriz Castro

Hope Jones is an inspiring ten year old who knows what she believes in and is not afraid to share it. She wants to save the world. Like Anne Frank, Nelson Mandela, Emmeline Pankhurst and so many others who inspire her, she wants to make it clear that the world is a mess and the… Continue reading Hope Jones series by Josh Lacey & illustrated by Beatriz Castro

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Murder on the Safari Star by M.G. Leonard & Sam Sedgman, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli

Harrison (Hal) and Uncle Nat are back for their third fast-paced, heart-stopping, edge of your seat mystery! The Adventures on Trains series just keep getting better and better with Murder on the Safari Star. This time, Uncle Nat surprises Hal with the best Christmas present ever – a chance to travel through South Africa and… Continue reading Murder on the Safari Star by M.G. Leonard & Sam Sedgman, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Delivery to the Lost City (The Train to Impossible Places) by P.G. Bell & illustrated by Flavia Sorrentino

Join Suzy on her third action-packed journey on The Train to Impossible Places. Her over-protective parents are on to her and it looks like she won’t be allowed to sneak out in the middle of the night with a bunch of trolls to deliver mail to all sorts of amazing places any longer. When there’s… Continue reading Delivery to the Lost City (The Train to Impossible Places) by P.G. Bell & illustrated by Flavia Sorrentino

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Hatmakers by Tamzin Merchant

Lose yourself in the world of the makers where gifted individuals create the most amazing pieces of clothing that influence the character and actions of their wearers. From gloves to shoes to hats, incredible items are crafted from magical ingredients and brilliant powers. A long-standing rivalry between the different maker families means there is little… Continue reading The Hatmakers by Tamzin Merchant

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Perfect Parent Project by Stewart Foster

Sam McCann has never had a real home. As a foster child, he’s lived in lot of houses but has never had a place where he’s felt completely safe, at ease and wanted. After nine houses in five years, he is always anticipating his next move. Fed up with waiting for others to find the… Continue reading The Perfect Parent Project by Stewart Foster

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Forest of Moon and Sword by Amy Raphael

It’s June 1647 in Scotland and strong, out-spoken women who spend their lives helping others are being arrested and tried as witches. We meet twelve-year-old Art who must hide and watch as her mother is carried away by soldiers. Will she be one of the women killed immediately or will she be taken to England… Continue reading The Forest of Moon and Sword by Amy Raphael

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Boy Who Met a Whale by Nizrana Farook

Join head-strong Razi and his strong, sensible sister, Shifa, as they run away to sea on an amazing adventure! When mysterious Zheng washes up on their beach full of stories of theft, mutiny and murder, Razi is determined get over his fear of the sea so he can help Zheng find his captain’s treasure chest… Continue reading The Boy Who Met a Whale by Nizrana Farook

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Valley of Lost Secrets by Lesley Parr

The Valley of Lost Secrets is an evacuee story that focuses on the most important aspect of that endeavour – the day to day lives of the children who were sent from their homes to places so very different from what they knew. Twelve-year-old Jimmy and his six-year-old brother, Ronnie, are evacuated to a village… Continue reading The Valley of Lost Secrets by Lesley Parr

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

An Escape in Time; A Chase in Time & A Christmas in Time (series) by Sally Nicholls & illustrated by Isabelle Follath and Rachael Dean

An Escape in Time is the third book in the exciting time travelling adventure series by Sally Nicholls. This time, Ruby & Alex step through the mirror at their aunt's house to meet an aristocrat fleeing the French Revolution. Once again, the children face gender expectations they aren't used to and the unusual challenges of… Continue reading An Escape in Time; A Chase in Time & A Christmas in Time (series) by Sally Nicholls & illustrated by Isabelle Follath and Rachael Dean

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult

The Forest of Ghosts and Bones by Lisa Lueddecke

Running away from their past or running towards their destinies? Beáta, Liljana and Benedek are three strangers with a powerful bond.  Readers will be drawn into this story of inner strength and revelation of truths just as the characters are drawn towards the mysterious castle of dark magic and death. What is the invisible thread… Continue reading The Forest of Ghosts and Bones by Lisa Lueddecke