Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys & Steve Sheinkin

The Bletchley Riddle is a richly layered story of spies, code breaking and strangers. Peril and intrigue fills every chapter as brother and sister Jakob and Lizzie try to work out who they can trust. As if the danger of working at Bletchley Park during the second world war wasn't enough, Jakob and Lizzie face… Continue reading The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys & Steve Sheinkin

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction, Teen

Dance of Resistance by Catherine Johnson: The Josephine Baker Story

Dance of Resistance is the vividly engaging story of singer, dancer and spy Josephine Baker. Told through incredibly accessible narrative non-fiction, readers travel with Josephine from East St Louis USA to Philadelphia, New York, Paris and then across Europe and Northern Africa. Her colourful life, full of adventure and self-made opportunity, is completely inspiring while… Continue reading Dance of Resistance by Catherine Johnson: The Josephine Baker Story

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Meeting Meg: A Whistledown Farm Adventure by Nicola Baker ~ Blog Tour

It's such a delight to return to Whistledown Farm and join Ava on a whole new set of adventures as she learns more about life in the countryside and how to care for animals. She and her parents have moved to Whistledown Cottage on the edge of the farm which means they're there to stay!… Continue reading Meeting Meg: A Whistledown Farm Adventure by Nicola Baker ~ Blog Tour

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Invisibles by Susie Bower

I adore Susie Bower's writing. Her stories are heartfelt and full of meaning. Gloriously detailed and wonderfully imaginative settings with the most engaging characterisation create books that are completely unputdownable. The Invisibles is just as fantastic as Susie's previous middle grade novels. Focusing on the value of true friendship, courage, honesty and forgiveness, it is… Continue reading The Invisibles by Susie Bower

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Valley of the Vikings by Liz Kessler

Emily Windsnap is back with another wonderfully delightful fantasy adventure - her tenth in a series spanning twenty years. This "semi-mer" - half human, half mermaid - is embracing who she is and loves solving mysteries with friends, whether it's under the sea or on land. Valley of the Vikings is full of magic, myth… Continue reading Valley of the Vikings by Liz Kessler

Blog Tour, Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Fyn Carter and the Legends from Atlantis by Ian Hunter ~ Blog Tour

"I believe you're the one who will find a safe and stable way, Fyn. You will be the way between our worlds." Return to Eromlos with 12-year-old Fyn Carter, his best friend Amy and his Grandad Bernie for a second action-packed science fiction adventure. Still searching for his missing father, Fyn is trying to work… Continue reading Fyn Carter and the Legends from Atlantis by Ian Hunter ~ Blog Tour

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction, Teen

The Abandoned Theatre by Dana Robertson

The Abandoned Theatre is a thrilling teen / middle grade fantasy portal mystery centred on friendship and family. An unusual theatre deep in the woods on the Winnodov property has been shrouded in mystery ever since the night Mr Winnodov disappeared. Now, eight years later, it's happening again. A group of teens sneak into the… Continue reading The Abandoned Theatre by Dana Robertson

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Alice with a Why by Anna James

June 2025 Anna James is a favourite author in our house. The first book in her Pages & Co series, Tilly and the Book Wanderers, will always be considered one of those very special books that made my younger daughter a reader. Since she also adores Alice in Wonderland (with a special request for me… Continue reading Alice with a Why by Anna James

Book Review, Non-fiction Books

Owning It: Our Disabled Childhoods In Our Own Words, edited by Jen Campbell, James and Lucy Catchpole

Owning It is a powerful anthology containing 22 stories from important voices in the writing community. What unites these authors is their experience of growing up disabled. Their stories are unique and told from their own point of view. This provides readers with an incredibly valuable opportunity - a chance to learn from someone with… Continue reading Owning It: Our Disabled Childhoods In Our Own Words, edited by Jen Campbell, James and Lucy Catchpole

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Sandy Fin: Operation Splash Landing by Martin Stewart

Inspired by Jacques Cousteau, the adventures of ocean explorer Sandy Fin take readers to a wonderfully imaginative world set in the same universe as the delightful Bridget Vanderpuff series. The sea and shore is the most amazing place - full of fascinating objects, light and shadows and unusual creatures. Sandy Fin and his friend Lily… Continue reading Sandy Fin: Operation Splash Landing by Martin Stewart