Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction, Teen

My Name is Samim by Fidan Meikle

"Thirteen-year-old Samim is a loyal friend, a gifted chess player - and a refugee. Even after her makes the long, dangerous journey from Afganistan to the UK, his safety isn't guaranteed. Can Simon convince the authorities to let him stay?" Meticulously researched, My Name in Samim tells the eye-opening story of so many young people… Continue reading My Name is Samim by Fidan Meikle

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Bird Boy by Catherine Bruton

Bird Boy by Catherine Bruton is one of the stand out books of 2024. Heartfelt and honest, it is a beautiful celebration of the natural world combined with a story of healing and hope. The power of the relationship between an osprey chick and a heart-broken child will captivate and challenge readers in equal measure.… Continue reading Bird Boy by Catherine Bruton

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Kicked Out by A.M. Dassu

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

Book Review, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade Fiction, Non-fiction Books, Picture Books

Home? – Books to Help Children Understand the Lives of Refugees

The Moon of Kyiv by Gianni Rodari & Beatrice Alemagna Picture Book - Walker Books Originally written over 70 years ago, The Moon of Kyiv is a powerful poem about connections. No matter who we are or where we are in the world, we are all under the same moon. This can be a comforting… Continue reading Home? – Books to Help Children Understand the Lives of Refugees

Book Review, Picture Books

Wishes by Muon Thi Van & Victo Ngai

Wishes is an absolutely captivating picture book that explores the realities of being forced to search for a new home on the other side of the world. For young children, home is everything and having to say good-bye is heart-breaking, especially when they don’t understand the answer to that all important question – why? The… Continue reading Wishes by Muon Thi Van & Victo Ngai

Graphic Novel, Middle Grade Fiction

When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

When I first read this book, I hadn't had a lot of experience of graphic novels and really wanted to broaden my reading experiences. I was blown away by how clearly and boldly the message and emotion of the story was conveyed through the words and pictures. I was pulled into the story with Omar… Continue reading When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed