Blog Tour, Book Review, Teen

Seven Million Sunflowers by Malcom Duffy ~ Blog Tour

15-year-old Kateryno and her family live in Kharkiv. Their lives are shattered when on February 24th 2022 the Russian army invades. Their apartment block is struck by a missile. After weeks living in their basement, Kateryno, her mother, and brother, decide to leave, joining seven million Ukrainian refugees. They come to England and meet their… Continue reading Seven Million Sunflowers by Malcom Duffy ~ Blog Tour

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Stories of Family from Barrington Stoke

Tony Bradman and Sally Nicholls write fantastically honest and real stories for children. When Saturday Comes & Too Nice help readers understand the challenges of families splitting up and trying to balance the needs of two parents. When Saturday Comes by Tony Bradman & Tania Rex Daniel loves football! His team, the Haybrook Rockets, are… Continue reading Stories of Family from Barrington Stoke

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Boy in the Suit by James Fox

September 2024 The Boy in the Suit is an incredibly moving and powerful novel for readers age 9+ (and the adults who care for them). So compelling and real, I struggled to put it down. I wanted to step into the story and look after ten-year-old Solo who is so funny and charming but also… Continue reading The Boy in the Suit by James Fox

Book Review, Teen, Young Adult

Echostar is Always Listening by Melinda Salisbury

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

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Storm Child by Ele Fountain

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

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Girl Who Couldn’t Lie by Radhika Sanghani

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

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Wrong Shoes by Tom Percival

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

Book Review, Teen

Northern Soul by Phil Earle

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

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Keedie by Elle McNicoll

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