Schools & Libraries Book Reviews

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...

More

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...

More

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...

More

Name: Louise Gahan
01 July 2025;

Genre: Funny Stories

Fancy a lovely and very gentle walk through the jungle? Well, follow Dodo, after all there's nothing to worry about. Or is there? Blunt's vibrant, colourful and exciting illustrations will keep any young reader hooked, as they journey through the pages; across, through,...

More

Name: Clair Bossons
30 June 2025;

Genre: Science Fiction

Augmented is set in a future where the climate crisis has meant that plant life is depleted and there is a fight for survival. The decision has been taken to enhance abilities so that people can make a real difference. On an Earth where people can no longer go outside without...

More

Name: Jen Bevan
30 June 2025;

Genre: Fairy Tales & Folk Tales

What happens in Jack and the beanstalk? Oh yes, the giant is in the castle and Jack steal stuff. Well the giant in this story will not stay put. He wants to play and climbs down before Jack can climb up. The giant then scares everyone in fairytale land so much that they climb the beanstalk to...

More

Name: Sue Wilsher
26 June 2025;

Genre: Suspense & Thrillers

When seven teenagers arrive for a school retreat, they find themselves at the Motel Loba, abandoned and rundown; not the top location they were expecting. But things only get worse when they find they are trapped and forced to play a game where every hour they must vote one person out, decidin...

More

Name: Linda Brown
25 June 2025;

Genre: Fantasy

If you're looking for a glittering, dark fantasy packed with high stakes, hidden identities, and a dash of danger, The Otherwhere Post definitely belongs at the top of your to be read list. As once again this wonderful, imaginative author has delivered a magical, gripping read...

More

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...

More

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...

More