Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll

A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll is a story of identity, strength and finding your voice. 11-year-old Addie wants nothing more than to be understood and to be heard. She lives in a world where only a very few people truly understand how she thinks and feels but there are many people who don’t… Continue reading A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

A Sprinkle of Sorcery by Michelle Harrison

A Sprinkle of Sorcery is Michelle Harrison’s spellbinding sequel to A Pinch of Magic. Living on Crowstone Island with their granny and father, the three Widdershins sisters dream of a better life in a happier place. When it seems like their dreams will never come true and they are surrounded by nothing but bad omens,… Continue reading A Sprinkle of Sorcery by Michelle Harrison

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Scarlet & Ivy by Sophie Cleverly

My twelve-year-old daughter is currently completely immersed in the Scarlet & Ivy series by Sophie Cleverly. Recommended by a like-minded friend, she is thoroughly enjoying these stories and is reading faster than she ever has before - she can't get enough! Recently, someone asked if I had a review of the series. I didn't so… Continue reading Scarlet & Ivy by Sophie Cleverly

Article, Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction, Twins

Darkwhispers: Into the Unknown

Darkwhispers is Vashti Hardy’s second book about Arthur and Maudie Brightstorm – twins who live a life of exploration and adventure. Following on from their expedition to South Polaris to find out the truth about their father’s disappearance in Brightstorm (published by Scholastic in 2018), Arthur and Maudie set off on another journey with their… Continue reading Darkwhispers: Into the Unknown

Article, Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction, Twins

Brightstorm and the Power of Boy/Girl Twins

Brightstorm written by Vashti Hardy and published by Scholastic is a part of the resurgence of high quality middle-grade (age 8-12) literature in the United Kingdom in recent years. Children, parents, teachers, all lovers of timeless stories are absolutely spoilt for choice when looking for their next great read. It is the story of twelve-year-old… Continue reading Brightstorm and the Power of Boy/Girl Twins