Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Maria’s Island by Victoria Hislop & Gill Smith

Maria’s Island is a beautiful, heart-felt story of one community’s struggle with the shame, fear and sickness of leprosy. Rita lives in London but every summer she travels to Crete to visit her yiayia (grandma). Mum wants Yiayia to move to England to be closer to them but there’s a very important reason why she… Continue reading Maria’s Island by Victoria Hislop & Gill Smith

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Way to Impossible Island by Sophie Kirtley

Two worlds collide in this heartfelt, inspiring story of owning who you are and asserting that “normal is not the way”. Questions of “What is normal?” and “Who is actually normal?” weave their way through the pages as Dara and Mothgirl help each other to love themselves and what the future holds. It is wonderful… Continue reading The Way to Impossible Island by Sophie Kirtley

Book Review, Non-fiction Books

God Cares series by Debbie Duncan

We were so happy to receive three new books from the brilliant God Cares series by Debbie Duncan. Through these appealing and engaging books, children of a range of ages and reading abilities are able to think and pray through tough questions. When I Don't Give Up: Jesus and Zacchaeus is an illustrated reader aimed… Continue reading God Cares series by Debbie Duncan

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

More Than a Game – Emmy Levels Up & Amber Under Cover

Emmy Levels Up by Helen Harvey & Amber Under Cover by Em Norry are exciting new middle grade novels from Oxford University Press. Both of these brilliant stories feature girls who are fantastic at games. Emmy is a talented video gamer while Amber excels at escape rooms. When real life becomes too difficult, these clever… Continue reading More Than a Game – Emmy Levels Up & Amber Under Cover

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Wolfstongue by Sam Thompson & illustrated by Anna Tromop

Wolfstongue is a story of connection – connection to the earth, to animals, to yourself. Silas likes being by himself. A stammer and the bullies who torment him force him to keep to himself, to keep quiet and face the world alone. But when he finds an injured wolf on the cycle path, he becomes… Continue reading Wolfstongue by Sam Thompson & illustrated by Anna Tromop

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The House of Serendipity: Sequins & Secrets by Lucy Ivison

The House of Serendipity: Sequins and Secrets is a charming story with a unique and refreshing voice. Two young girls from very different backgrounds find they share a dream – to design and create the most beautiful clothing. In 1920s London, fashion is everything for the young girls of the debutante season. The right dress… Continue reading The House of Serendipity: Sequins & Secrets by Lucy Ivison

Book Review, Interview, Middle Grade Fiction

Arctic Star ~ Q&A with Tom Palmer

Multi-award-winning author Tom Palmer returns with a thrilling naval adventure inspired by the incredible history of the Second World War Arctic convoys.Winter 1942. Teenagers Francis, Joseph and Stephen are Royal Navy recruits on their first mission at sea during the Second World War. Their ship is part of an Arctic convoy sailing to Russia to… Continue reading Arctic Star ~ Q&A with Tom Palmer

Book Review, Non-fiction Books, Picture Books

Unlocked: Stories of hope from Tiny Owl artists in lockdown

As we emerge from the third lockdown in the UK, this incredible book from Tiny Owl reminds us of the things that have gotten us through. Isolation and distance have been so hard but there has been beauty in the quiet moments. For many of us, life has slowed down and there has been more… Continue reading Unlocked: Stories of hope from Tiny Owl artists in lockdown

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

How to Save the World with a Chicken and an Egg by Emma Shevah

How to Save the World with a Chicken and an Egg is a wonderful eco-adventure. Full of facts and tips about how to help save the earth, it combines mystery with a new friendship and a unique relationship with animals. Nathanial and Ivy tell the story from their individual points of view as they try… Continue reading How to Save the World with a Chicken and an Egg by Emma Shevah