Echostar is Always Listening is a terrifyingly realistic thriller for teens. Warning readers of the dangers of new technology and giving out personal information on-line, it's a gripping story that is frighteningly possible. Ruby and Deva are desperate to attend the Ash Tree Foundation Performing Arts Camp. Their parents have said they can go as… Continue reading Echostar is Always Listening by Melinda Salisbury
There will be storms in everyone's life. It's how we deal with them that reveals their true impact. Storm Child by Ele Fountain challenges readers to reflect on the storms in their own lives and what is truly important to them. With short chapters, high-stakes action and a clear voice, readers are right in the… Continue reading Storm Child by Ele Fountain
May 2024 The Girl Who Couldn't Lie is the thought-provoking and ever-so engaging debut children's book by Radhika Sanghani. Targeted at age 9+, it reaches across Middle Grade into the Teen category with important issues for adolescents. Readers will identify with first crushes, puberty, managing responsbilities and independence, friendships, bullies, teachers and homework. This is… Continue reading The Girl Who Couldn’t Lie by Radhika Sanghani
May 2024 There is no question The Wrong Shoes will be one of the most highly regarded and widely discussed books of the year - perhaps even of the decade. It is an incredibly powerful story of childhood poverty in the UK. It explores the pressures of finanacial hardship and family struggles through the eyes… Continue reading The Wrong Shoes by Tom Percival
First love is never easy. 14-year-old Marv is head over heels for new girl Carly. He doesn't know what to do or where to turn - should he ask his best mate Jimmy or his croc-wearing dad for advice? He's completely out of his depth and not sure either will be much help. Just when… Continue reading Northern Soul by Phil Earle
Keedie is the powerful prequel to Elle McNicoll's stunning middle grade novel A Kind of Spark (2020). Keedie (and her twin, Nina) are 13 years old. Life at school is difficult - bullies think they can treat people any way they please and fitting in is everything. Bold and brave, Keedie values honesty and integrity. She… Continue reading Keedie by Elle McNicoll
It is wonderful to be back with the delightful Sunshine Simpson. Her honest and earnest voice resonate through the story, drawing in readers as friends rather than those on the outside of Sunshine's story. In this fantastic sequel, Sunshine finds herself in the midst of a very tricky time - the transition to secondary school.… Continue reading Sunshine Simpson Cooks Up a Storm by G.M. Linton
The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow is an honest look at life in Year 6 - the final year before everything changes. Uniquely lyrical, 10 year old Nate shares the challenges of family, friendships, dealing with your inner beast and the threat of great loss. This book is as much an important read for teachers… Continue reading The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow
Kicked Out is the completely engaging sequel to Boy, Everywhere by A.M. Dassu. We rejoin Sami and his friend Ali as they try to live their best life in Year 8. Sami is finally starting to feel more at home in the UK after fleeing from war in Syria earlier in the year. Their best… Continue reading Kicked Out by A.M. Dassu
This month middle grade readers will be treated to a huge variety of outstanding new books! Here is a selection of what you'll be able to find in your local library or bookshop. Stupendous Sports: Cracking Cricket by Robin Bennett & illustrated by Matt Cherry (Firefly Press) The Stupendous Sports series by Robin Bennett &… Continue reading New Books for August 2023
Scope for Imagination 