Book Review, Young Adult

Dangerous Influence by Sally Nicholls

Blunt and totally honest, Dangerous Influence explores the issues of online safety and children's right to privacy through this engaging Young Adult novel for readers age 13+ but with a reading level of 8+. As one of Barrington Stoke’s invaluable high-interest, low-reading-level books, it is accessible to a wide range of readers while remaining thought-provoking… Continue reading Dangerous Influence by Sally Nicholls

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Into Thin Air by S.E. Durrant

Into Thin Air is a captivating story of sisterhood, courage and the bonds that hold us together. Despite their disagreements, a shared purpose and deep love for each other lead 11-year-old Luna and her younger sister Jade on an adventure they’ll never forget. Luna dreams of becoming an astronaut. She is in awe of her place… Continue reading Into Thin Air by S.E. Durrant

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Outlaws by E.L. Norry

Outlaws is another captivating novel from E.L. Norry, exploring real-life issues with honesty and sensitivity. Aimed at the teen market, readers aged 8–14+ will quickly find themselves drawn into the lives and friendship of Robyn, Will and Scarlet. Norry’s characters feel authentic and relatable, bringing their experiences vividly to life and creating the sense that… Continue reading Outlaws by E.L. Norry

Book Review, Chapter Book

The Subject Society: The Pythagoras Puzzle by Sarah Surgey & illustrated by Larisa Ivanković ~ Blog Tour

The Subject Society: The Pythagoras Puzzle is the first in a delightful new chapter book series for readers aged 6+. Warm and welcoming, it explores curious links between STEM and the Arts while valuing friendship, inclusion and kindness. Mabel loves having fun with her friends (and avoiding her annoying brothers). She's thrilled when her dad… Continue reading The Subject Society: The Pythagoras Puzzle by Sarah Surgey & illustrated by Larisa Ivanković ~ Blog Tour

Book Review, Young Adult

Big Words by Luke Palmer

Big Words by Luke Palmer is one of the most powerful books you'll read this year. Exploring masculinity for teen boys and what it means to be strong, it unpicks layers of friendship, forgiveness and trust. Kiln, the local waste ground, is a forbidden place (which makes it all the more appealing for Sam and… Continue reading Big Words by Luke Palmer

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Advice from a 12-year-old Nobody by Helen Rutter

Helen Rutter is back with her incredible talent for sensitively portraying very real adolescent dilemmas with humour and heart. Vinny's mum is a viral sensation with her blog "Ask Amanda Anything". With over one million followers on Instagram, she looks like she has everything all figured out but Vinny knows it isn't real. She portrays… Continue reading Advice from a 12-year-old Nobody by Helen Rutter

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Riley Wright is Always Wrong by Mel Taylor-Bessent & illustrated by Sr. Sanchez

Riley Wright is Always Wrong is the first in a hugely engaging diary series for age 7+. Authentic and completely charming, Riley is a true child of 2026. Set in an accurately hilarious representation of UK primary schools - with varied teacher personalities, BFFs and enemies - readers will feel right at home. This is… Continue reading Riley Wright is Always Wrong by Mel Taylor-Bessent & illustrated by Sr. Sanchez

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Boy vs Reality by James Fox

With a clear, authentic voice, Boy vs Reality takes a critical look at online fame vs everyday family life. Author James Fox encourages readers to consider the truth of what they're seeing online, underlying messages, potential bias and the real person behind the lens. Questions about children's consent, celebrity families and the role social media… Continue reading Boy vs Reality by James Fox

Book Review, Chapter Book, Middle Grade Fiction

My Favourite Books of 2025

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