Schools & Libraries Book Reviews

Name: Ruth Cornish
01 July 2024;

Genre: Supernatural

Lucy Strange's The River Spirit is poignant, examining the reality of life for poverty-stricken children in Victorian Britain. The characters encourage much empathy in the reader as the work of a child chimney sweep is described honestly and clearly. The cruelty of child labou...

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Name: Elen Green
01 July 2024;

Genre: Friends and family

I was so glad to come across this little gem of a story Destiny Ink: Sleepover Surprise, about a young girl who is anxious about a planned sleepover with her friend in the garden.  Sleepovers - especially for the first time - are something that children might look forward to,...

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Name: Wendy Kelly
01 July 2024;

Genre: Non Fiction

Darwin's Super Pooping Worm Spectacular - now available in paperback - is a very niche book, which will appeal to a very particular group of children. It tells the story of Charles Darwin's fascination with earthworms, particularly their poo, which he worked out was the key to...

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Name: Ruth Cornish
01 July 2024;

Genre: Romance & Relationships

Ellie Pillai is Not Done Yet, the third novel in the Ellie Pillai series by Christine Pillainayagam is as fabulous as the first two. Chock full of relatable teen issues, Ellie is once again exploring romantic and family relationships as well as negotiating her friendships....

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Name: Jenny Caddick
01 July 2024;

Genre: Fantasy

Amari and the Great Game is the absolutely gripping sequel to the amazing Amari and the Night Brothers and it is just as magical and well-crafted as the first book. Amari has already saved t...

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Name: Beverley Somerset
30 June 2024;

Genre: Adventure

Rebel is a good dog. He lives with his owner, 12-year-old Tom, on a sheep farm. Rebel thinks life is just perfect, however, Tom knows that it is not. The King is doubling the taxes, making it almost impossible for people to live. When Tom meets Rider, the leader of the Reds, he is drawn into a...

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Name: Jenny Caddick
28 June 2024;

Genre: Adventure

The Island Heist is a thrilling third visit to Crookhaven (the school where young criminals hone and sharpen their skills but all in the name of becoming criminally yet morally good citizens). Pickpocket extraordinaire Gabriel is now in his third year a...

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Name: Natalie J McChrystal Plimmer
28 June 2024;

Genre: Animals

Natterjack Toad Can't Believe It! is a picturebook that celebrates anticipation and satisfaction in a humorous, adventurous way. Natterjack Toad is looking forward to enjoying his favourite treat - Chocolate Chunk Crunchy Munch Cookies which "taste terrific and make a mighty c...

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Name: Jo Clarke
28 June 2024;

Genre: Mental Health & Wellbeing

The Bravest Word is centred around a boy called Matt who, it would appear, has a lot to be grateful for. He has parents who love him, a group of friends who look out for him and a talent for football. However, Matt is overwhelmed by feelings of anger, irritation and sadness. H...

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Name: Jo Thomas
27 June 2024;

Genre: Picture Books

The Safari Stomp is a lively, rhythmical read, following a little boy and his bunny friend who meet different animals on their walk. The animals all have different moves to show the pair which is great fun for the reader to join in with. My daughter loved lunging, crawl...

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