Schools & Libraries Book Reviews

Name: Sam
10 April 2026;

Genre: Funny Stories

Scare B'n'B by Catherine Doyle is one of the most amusing books I have read in a long time. So much so, I am quite excited to know that it is the first book in a new series. Packed to its cobweb-coated rafters with ghostly antics and wickedly spirited humour, Tartarus Hall, so...

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Name: Sue Wilsher
10 April 2026;

Genre: Adventure

When Tia wins a trip to Venice as first prize for an art competition, her brother, Thomas, is initially relieved as he is sure that she will be unable to go. Since his sister lost her sight, Thomas has felt an overwhelming responsibility for her, whilst sure he embarrasses her with his terribl...

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Name: Sue Wilsher
10 April 2026;

Genre: Family & Home

Hattie has always wanted a sister, someone to be on her side, so when Seren, the daughter of her mother's best friend, comes to stay with the family, Hattie is hopeful that things will work out. Initially, Seren seems distant and wooden, but soon Hattie feels pushed out by her presence at home...

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Name: Jacqueline Harris
07 April 2026;

Genre: Science Fiction

Dragon is taking over the world, run by the AI 'Queenie' who thinks she is saving everyone, when in fact she is enslaving them. Rieka, now part of the Cub construct, thinks she knows how to deal with Queenie and Dragon. Rieka knows she is clever enough and can use technology to destroy Dragon...

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Name: Jennifer CADDICK
26 March 2026;

Genre: Fantasy

The fourth book in this mesmerising, magical series, Amari and the Metalwork Menace is just as fantastic and fantastical as the previous three books. I am a huge fan of the Amari series and the supernatural world-building that author BB Alston excels at. Amari has stepp...

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Name: Sam
25 March 2026;

Genre: Funny Stories

The Way the Cookie Crumbles is the second highly amusing, heartwarming book in the Café Chaos series. Written by popular children's author Catherine Wilkins, this fab book cannot fail to appeal to young readers...

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Name: Beverley Somerset
25 March 2026;

Genre: Mystery & Detective

Sim, Jeopardy and Nelson are on holiday in Rome with Sim's mother, Callidora, and Jeopardy's father, Emmett, and they are loving every minute. Then they meet Soraya, whose brother is the world-famous illusionist, Kinetic. When Kinetic vanishes while performing a trick (which is being broadcast...

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Name: Louisa Farrow
20 March 2026;

Genre: Animals

This heart-warming story has a well-crafted plot that first draws you in and then leaves you with a feeling of satisfaction. Birdie lives in a children's home specifically for the illegitimate children of white English women and black American GI's. Surrounded by others like h...

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Name: Sue Wilsher
13 March 2026;

Genre: Fantasy

Tamzin Pook and her friends are on a new mission, heading for the city of Museion to help save it from the predator suburbs which are trapping it in a mountain valley known as the Frying Pan. However, a traitor within the city puts them all in danger, separating Tamzin and the rest of the Fire...

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Name: Louisa Farrow
08 March 2026;

Genre: Fantasy

This gripping adventure story recasts the traditional tales of genies and explores why they might be trapped in lamps and why they might only be able to grant three wishes in a highly inventive and entertaining way. Although it’s the second book in the series, T...

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