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
The Piano at the Station is a powerfully honest and thought-provoking depiction of how some children find school and all its expectations. Young readers will develop insight and empathy for children who struggle to behave or even see themselves in the pages. Teacher readers will find themselves challenged to think carefully about how they respond… Continue reading The Piano at the Station by Helen Rutter & Elisa Paganelli
Kelly Yang's stories are honest and so engaging. They pull readers right into the characters' lives with all the emotions, heartbreaks and triumphs. I'm so excited to share an extract from chapter two of Finally Seen. Lina has just arrived at the airport in Los Angeles hoping to live the American Dream. I scamper after… Continue reading Finally Seen by Kelly Yang ~ Blog Tour
Based on a true story, Silver River Shadow by Jane Thomas & Rochelle Lamm, illustrated by Sarah Docker is a fascinating story of family legacy and uncovering the truth of the past. Lizzie's mother passed away twelve years ago and her father is often busy with work. When she's given a school assignment to discover… Continue reading Silver River Shadow by Jane Thomas with Rochelle Lamm
Calling the Whales by Jasbinder Bilan is an inspirational environmental adventure that honours humans' relationship with nature with a call to respect and protect. Set on the beautiful Scottish coast, this story evokes the spirit of majestic whales, the pull of the sea and the magic of the moonlight. It's the summer before secondary school.… Continue reading Calling the Whales by Jasbinder Bilan & illustrated by Skylar White
Scope for Imagination 