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
Mystery at the Aquarium - 4 May 2023 Danger in the Deep Sea - 6 July 2023 Daring Dolphin Rescue - 7 November 2023 Intelligent and inquisitive, Marena has always loved science so when she moves to secondary school, she's disappointed there are more rules, lessons are less fun and no one seems to appreciate… Continue reading OceanX Adventures by Kate Jerome
As a Canadian who moved across the world to the UK and has also visited Hong Kong, I was excited to be asked to read The Not-So-Uniform Life of Holly-Mei. I loved spotting all the Canadian references merged with the Britishness of Holly-Mei's dad. This is a story of a properly mixed family who celebrate… Continue reading The Not-So-Uniform Life of Holly-Mei by Christina Matula ~ Blog Tour
I've had the privilege of reading an Australian edition of The Bravest Word by Kate Foster. It is one of the most powerful, honest books I have ever read. Addressing mental health, anxiety and depression in young people through the beautiful story of a boy and his dog, it helps children to recognise symptoms in… Continue reading The Bravest Word by Kate Foster
February 2023 The Funniest Boy in the World is overflowing with laughs and a whole lot of heart. Ever-charming Billy Plimpton is back! Buoyed by the success of his stand-up comedian act in the school talent show, he’s determined to make it as a comic. He’s learning to embrace his stammer and accept it as… Continue reading The Funniest Boy in the World by Helen Rutter
Publishing: May 2023 Wild is the kind of story that stays with you. I found myself thinking about it in between reading sessions, wondering what was going to happen next in this fast-paced rainforest adventure. I was worried about the deeply troubled character of Jack and his relationship with his mum. When his father dies,… Continue reading Wild by Ele Fountain
Scope for Imagination 