Schools & Libraries Book Reviews
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The Forevers
Name: Clare Wilkins
21 July 2021;Genre: Suspense & Thrillers
Gripping from the outset, Chris Whittaker's first book for young adults is a compulsive dystopian page-turner that charts the devastation, fear and disillusionment of a generation doomed to die by their 18th birthdays. When seven-year old Mae hears a news report of an asteroid destined...
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The Mysterious Life of Dr Barry: A Surgeon Unlike Any Other
Name: Jane Rew
21 July 2021;Genre: Biographies & Autobiographies
The author's own background (which we read on one of the preliminary pages of The Mysterious Life of Dr Barry: A Surgeon Unlike Any Other) makes her ideally suited to tell the story of this remarkable 19th Century figure. Irish-born Margaret Bulkley, like most women of...
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Raising Hell
Name: Kerenza Age 14
21 July 2021;Genre: Horror
I really enjoyed Raising Hell because I liked the theme of black magic. This book helps to imagine what would happen if magic was actually real and people were able to summon and control it, especially teenagers. I enjoyed how the plot deepened and you discovered more and more...
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The Mystery of the Night Watchers
Name: Emelia Helliwell
21 July 2021;Genre: Mystery & Detective
The Mystery of the Night Watchers is such a lovely read. As Haley's comet is drawing ever closer to earth a mother uproots her daughters and takes them to meet their grandfather they knew existed. The story begins one morning that many of us will have encountered. Children get...
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Danny Chung does not do maths
Name: Lisa Watkins
16 July 2021;Genre: Friends and family
This is a must read story in my opinion! A heart warming story of Danny Chung who loves drawing but hates maths…until Nai Nai arrives. Nai Nai is his little gran from China who has come to stay with him, his Ba and Ma in their small flat and she doesn't speak a word of English! Danny is tasked...
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An Alien in the Jam Factory
Name: Sharon Porter
16 July 2021;Genre: Representation & Inclusion
With a jam factory, a jealous neighbour and Fizzbee the alien, what's not to like about this book? There's enough humour in An Alien in the Jam Factory to keep me as an adult entertained and the laughs kept the children happy. The illustrations by Jenny Taylor really helped to...
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The Race
Name: Sue Wilsher
16 July 2021;Genre: Personal Growth
Born in China, Lili was adopted when 18 months by her English father and Scottish mother. Together with her little sister, Alice, who they adopted from Kazakhstan. Her gran says they are a real League of Nations, leading them to support many different countries in the Olympics. Lili lov...
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The Last Paper Crane
Name: lorraine Ansell
16 July 2021;Genre: Historical Fiction
Mizuki is troubled. Her grandfather does not seem like the man she once knew and one day he reveals a secret that has been burdening him for many years. Mizuki wonders if she can find a resolution to finally give him peace. The Last Paper Crane is an outstanding, evocat...
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Once Upon Our Planet
Name: Kristen Hopwood
16 July 2021;Genre: Environment & Nature
Once Upon Our Planet is a collection of twelve myths set in various locations around the world, from mountains to forests and coral reefs. They incorporate existing myth ideas and whilst parts are familiar, they feel refreshingly new at the same time. Each story is only a few...
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What's That in Dog Years?
Name: Rydurn Age 12
10 July 2021;Genre: Adventure
A beautifully told story about a boy, George, and his relationship with his pet, Gizmo, the dog. Gizmo has been in George's life since he was born and the story starts when George realises, after a trip to the vet, that Gizmo may not be around for much longer in his life.