Children Book Reviews

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  • Running My Own Race

    Running My Own Race

    Name: Rachel Bolton
    02 July 2025;

    Genre: Representation & Inclusion

    There is so much to unpick in this novel: it's about running, which makes a change from football; it's about family relationships that aren't often written about (a pushy but adoring mother), and it's about fitting into a new school where racism rears its ugly head. It's edgy and at times make...

  • The Girl with Gills

    The Girl with Gills

    Name: Jacqueline Harris
    01 July 2025;

    Genre: Fantasy

    Effra is a Larker, people who live on the river and have gills. For obvious reasons they keep away from people who live on land, who they call Lubbers. One day, the Rivermun snatches Effra's little brother and, to keep him safe, she is forced into a terrifying series of encounters to save not...

  • Shoot for the Stars

    Shoot For The Stars

    Name: Emma Urbonas
    01 July 2025;

    Genre: Personal Growth

    "A kickass guide to finding confidence in sport", indeed!! Shoot for the Stars is as creative as it is inspiring and I love how it contains biographies of real athletes and stories of them overcoming challenges to achieve their dreams. This book is a lesson in resilien...

  • Running My Own Race

    Running My Own Race

    Name: Beverley Somerset
    24 June 2025;

    Genre: Representation & Inclusion

    Kofi's talent for running has helped him win a scholarship to a prominent private school. When he is selected for the athletics team, he begins to believe that his dream of one day becoming a professional athlete may actually come true. However, as the only Black pupil in his year, he soon rea...

  • Riverskin: A pacy and atmospheric tale

    Riverskin: A pacy and atmospheric tale

    Name: Sue Wilsher
    23 June 2025;

    Genre: Myths & Legends

    Tess lives with her Aunt Peg in the turns under the River Tees, their home furnished with the waste discarded by the dry-folk who live out of the water. Chained in a pit is Unkle Darkwater, a malevolent and dangerous presence, a constant threat to their safety. When Unkle breaks free and it se...

  • Shoot for the Stars

    Shoot for the Stars

    Name: Jane Rew
    20 June 2025;

    Genre: Personal Growth

    Overall a book on a wide range of sports, with the message that success is achievable for any child with ambition, determination and the encouragement of trailblazers, will be a welcome and popular addition to the school library. Shoot for the Stars is...

  • Supa Nova

    Supa Nova

    Name: Elen Greem
    20 June 2025;

    Genre: STEM

    Supa Nova, a graphic novel, is an action-packed story with plenty of heart and humour. Its focus is Nova, a genius young scientist - hence 'Supa Nova' - who is keen to solve some of the world's problems using her knowledge of science. Fortunately she has a secret (and massive!...

  • Escape Room: Game Zero

    Escape Room: Game Zero

    Name: Louisa Farrow
    19 June 2025;

    Genre: Science Fiction

    Imagine you were playing a game but found you were trapped inside it. If you can't stop playing, is it even a game anymore? Eden has played many Escape Rooms before, but the Escape is offering her something different....

  • Choose Your Own Evolution: Go Extinct or Survive? You Decide!

    Choose Your Own Evolution: Go Extinct or Survive? You Decide!

    Name: Sue Wilsher
    16 June 2025;

    Genre: Non Fiction

    Using a 'pick-your-own-path' format, Choose Your Own Evolution offers a really unique and engaging exploration of life on Earth. It is an incredibly engaging and accessible read! 'The Journey Begins' sets the scene, explaining that every animal has a secret history - their evo...

  • An Ocean Full of Stories: 50 Folktales and Legends from Around the World

    An Ocean Full of Stories: 50 Folktales and Legends from Around the World

    Name: Sue Wilsher
    13 June 2025;

    Genre: Myths & Legends

    The latest in this wonderful series celebrating traditional tales from around the world, An Ocean Full of Stories offers a wealth of water-related folklore. Thoughtfully retold by Angela McAllister, the 50 stories have been gathered into six sections: Fishy Tales; Crossing the...