Every December, it’s such a joy to take time to look back over all the books I’ve been privileged to read and review on Scope for Imagination. I’d like to share my favourite books of this year – ones that have challenged me, inspired me, made me laugh, and even made me cry. There have been some… Continue reading My Favourite Books of 2025
Ice Dancer by Alex Cotter is a powerful story of family, friendship and overcoming grief. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down - finishing it in a day. Dina is struggling to find herself again following the death of her older sister, Sasha. The only place she feels free is out on… Continue reading Ice Dancer by Alex Cotter
Letters from the Upside is everything that is wonderful about Katya Balen's writing. Honest and heartfelt while revealing the healing power of nature, it takes readers on a journey of self-reflection and empathy building. This is an author who truly understands children, their struggles, their fears, their hopes and their dreams. She gets right to… Continue reading Letters from the Upside by Katya Balen
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
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
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
Told with humour, empathy and a whole lot of heart, Runaways by E.L Norry is a story that will stay with you. Honest, authentic and powerful, it challenges readers to think about how two people with very different lives can feel so similar. July has recently returned from foster care to live with her young… Continue reading Runaways by E.L. Norry
Holly Webb's animal stories are always absolutely perfect. Gentle, educational, heart-warming and empowering, they challenge children to protect wildlife and stand up for what they believe in. The Woodland Badger is another gem. Poppy loves to go out to the nearby allotment with her mum. With the woodland beyond, the gardeners often see birds, foxes… Continue reading The Woodland Badger by Holly Webb
How to Roller Skate with One Leg is a charming and relatable book. Told through fun, accessible realistic fiction, this story pulls readers into friendship with 12-year-old Maya, Vita and Miles. It is an honest, optimistic portrayal of limb difference following an accident. Hope and determination run through this story with a heroine readers will… Continue reading How to Roller Skate with One Leg by Ella Dove
Three ordinary teens with an extraordinary story - People Like Stars explores telling the truth, forming relationships and understanding what makes us who we are. As each teen tells their story, readers are challenged to think about how individuals are connected and how much our actions impact others. Aryton, Stanley and Senna take turns to… Continue reading People Like Stars by Patrice Lawrence
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