Meet the Blitz Sisters: Lydia is the capable one, a keen cook looking out for her younger sisters, Peggy is the artistic one, an impulsive girl who frequently gets herself in trouble, and Teddy, the youngest, is the clever one, always on the outside and trying to find her place to belong. In the book, we follow the sisters through the Second World War and its aftermath; we meet their friends and family, share their dreams, worry about their loved ones, rejoice at their little and big victories and see them grow up into amazing young women. Full of warmth and excitement, The Blitz Sisters are modern day Little Women, surely to be read for decades to come..
Tassie can’t possibly be The Chosen One – she’s clumsy, impulsive, always gets herself in trouble, and if it wasn’t for her best friend Spin, she would be dead many times over by now. So what is The Wisest of he Wise on about, calling her The Chosen One?!? But her island is in danger, return of the evil Shadow is looming, and someone needs to save them. Determined to help, Tassie goes on a quest to find the real Chosen One before it’s too late. Followed by three wraiths who are intent on destroying her, Tassie joins forces with (griffin) Spin and (boy) Darley and attempts to not die before she finds the right person (or orc?) to save the island. A hilarious book, this is the first one in a series, and I’m very much hoping it will one day be a film, because it’s perfect!
It really is what it says on the cover - X-Factor meet The Hunger Games and I'm adding a bit of Britain's Next Top Model thrown into the mix as well.
Taryn Beck and her family don’t have much, and her younger brother needs vital medication to survive. Medication they can’t access or afford, to help solve their problems, Taryn secretly enters Network G’s reality show: Starmaker, the most watched TV show in the world. What she and the rest of the World believe is the ultimate reality TV competition.
The rules are simple; young women from all over the globe compete to join an all-singing, all-dancing pop group, DOLLHOU5E. If you win, a life of luxury, stardom and wealth awaits . . . With high-stakes challenges and cameras capturing every move, the pressure is already intense. But as the competition unfolds, it becomes clear this is far more than a game. Alliances begin to crack, secrets rise to the surface, and the contestants realize that survival isn’t just part of the show, it’s the only way out.
A dark, reality TV inspired dystopia that will appeal to YA fans of high stakes competition stories. I absolutely whizzed through Juno Dawsons latest YA offering due to the inability to put it down. The only downfall is I apparently have to wait AGES for the sequel. Loved it!!
Wes got the girl and then he lost her. Set 2 years after Better Than the Movies and Liz is at college, doing great. She's completely reinvented herself since Wes broke her heart. After his dad died Wes dropped out of college, broke Liz's heart and hasn't seen her since... Now He's back, back at college with Liz and he will do whatever it takes to find her and win back his dream girl
In a world where war raging, trying to rid the humans with Songlight. Lark has lived in Northaven her whole life- a town full of ruthless hunters and has been in danger ever since her Songlight emerged. When she encounters a young woman in peril, from a city far away. An extraordinary bond is forged. It’s time to escape!
I loved this book so much, it’s utterly addictive, fast paced, hard hitting epic dystopian novel will leave you desperate for more. Divergent meets A Handmaids Tale.
What an utterly glorious, hug in a book of a romance novel with a neurodivergent protagonist! 18-year-old Jasper is heading home for the holidays and is her small towns golden girl, what no one knows is Jasper has returned to say goodbye. Arthur, a budding filmmaker and Jasper’s nemesis, is creating a film of the town but Jasper’s arrival is about to disrupt everything and a budding film maker soon starts giving her reasons to stay.
I absolutely LOVED Some Like it Cold and want to read it all over again. It’s the perfect book to snuggle up with on a cold winter’s day.
Set at the beginning of 20th century, the Davenports are one of the few wealthy Black families in US. The novel is focused onthe lives of the three Davenports children - Olivia, Helen and John, their rich friend Ruby, and their maid (and childhood friend) Amy-Rose, all searching for love and their place in the world. Set in a time just after the abolition of slavery, we follow the civil rights movement, as well as the fight for women's rights.
A swoon-worthy book that tackles bigger issues than just finding your one true love. 14+
Another amazing sequel in the Crookhaven series, where Gabriel and his friends have to overcome further obstacles, not only to finish the school year and win the Challenge, but to achieve their ultimate goal - defeat The Nameless.
A great book, but definitely read the first two books first!
This is Alice and Sonny's third adventure on sea. After the excitement of the previous journey everyone's hoping for a calm, non-detective-work-filled trip. But when the famous Hollywood actress Estelle Fortune is abducted from their ship, the siblings need to open an investigation again. The book is full of clues and mysteries, with a good dose of Maltese history added, and is another great adventure read.
Will has been trapped in a small flat for years, but after his mum's death, he finds himself in Lake District, out in the wide open space. When he finds a kestrel's nest and a chick with a broken wing, he's determined to protect her. So he brings her to his uncle's house, and with the help of his friend Omar tries to raise her. But two small teens can't really look after a protected species of a bird that needs a lot of space, so eventually they will need to get more help if they want Whitetip to strive. Although completely alone at the beginning of the book, Will finally finds out the true meaning of family and community.
A beautiful story about family and belonging, for 10+ readers.
This is a hilarious and very intriguing murder mystery, the first in a new series by Alex T. Smith. Edna's family is trapped in a snowstorm on her Grandfather's estate, the Grimacres. While searching for her pet tortoise, Charles Darwin, in the middle of the night, Edna finds something much more horrible - a dead grandfather. Only someone in the house could have killed him, and many of them have a motif for it. Will Edna discover the murderer?
If you enjoyed The Swifts, you will love this book!
Maisie has the most BORING dad ever - his idea of fun is doing jigsaws and even owning a bike is too dangerous in his opinion. He writes books like "How to Defuse a Bomb" or "How to Wrestle with a Crocodile", but can't actually do any of these things. Then a babysitter falls through and he has to take Maisie on his next work research trip - to Antarctica of all places. While they are surrounded by ice and with only a pile of gross-looking fish for food, Maisie realises that something weird is happening and things are stranger that her dad claims. Is there more to dad than Maisie thinks? Going to Antarctica is already a completely different kind of summer holiday, but what Maisie experiences is a totally new ball-game ... Read it, it's great!
Ruby is confident, happy and loves her body. She's also fat. So, when her brother says she can't do the Dawson Dash, a 5km run, she sets out to prove him wrong and show her younger sister you can do anything whatever, body shape as long as you are determined and put your mind to it. With the help of her new neighbour, Oliie (who just happens to be very fanciable) and her supportive friends - new and old Ruby starts training and surprisingly finds herself (almost) enjoying it. A gorgeous novel about body positivity, friendship, determination and a little bit of romance.
The fabulous Lottie Brooks is back for another instalment. As is all the weird and wonderful chaos that comes with her. Another laugh out loud diary about all the trials and tribulations of growing up. Now that Lottie has a boyfriend, she is struggling to keep everyone happy and now Amber is being mean making Lottie feel left out of the group. Will Lottie be able to save her relationships with her BFFs? As always, an awesome, hilarious novel about the perils of growing up
An exciting thriller/horror. Devons twin, Avery has graduated early so Devon is determined to make their last summer together the best ever! However, when they go to a party with a group of friends and accidently summon an ancient demon their summer plans go slightly awol. As the demon hunts them down one by one the group need to put all their horror film knowledge to the test to try an outwit the demon. A great thriller with a classic horror twist.
What a great book! The Casimir’s, Arthie and Jin are criminal masterminds and collector of secrets. At night their tearoom Spindrift transforms into an illegal bloodhouse catering to the vampires of White Roaring. But when the survival of the tearoom comes under threat, they will need to use the secrets they have accrued to get the best team together (who are all great characters) and pull off what is potentially the deadliest and greatest heist of all time. An absolutely riveting read that I loved! Perfect for fans of Six of Crows and Peaky Blinders (if Peaky Blinders had Vampires)
Hilarious! An absolutely awesome YA read that is sure to make everyone laugh out loud. When the apocalypse finally happens, no one was expecting the animals to turn mutant and take over. Even though it hasn't rained for a year and is 30 degrees in January, due to be completely in love with her very straight best friend, the end of the world happening seems to have completely passed over Mel’s head. She most definitely wasn't expecting to be trapped in a mansion with the very posh Dorian who she can't stand and her mortal enemy, Ella who has made her life utter hell. Can they put their differences aside and survive? This book quite simply fantastic, it has a bit of everything. Romance, adventure, humour, talking ravens, seagulls who poo lava and foxes that shoot lightning bolts. It's right up there with my favourite books of the year and would read it all over again tomorrow. Not laughed and smiled so much reading a book in a long time!
When Lori’s babysitter cancels, she is left home alone (she is an almost teenager). Mum has left a list of rules that she must definitely not break (obviously these need to be immediately broken). So, with the duvet fort (rule break) set up in the living room, the heating on max (rule break) Lori turns on her computer and starts playing Voximer (rule break). That’s when it all starts to get weird and creepy. She’s sure someone is watching, then there’s the whispers and did Ben Her characters Voxifriend just talk to her? Could it be Voxminer’s most terrifying legend, Shade Girl? Trapped in her home as the doors and windows start to vanish, Lori must use all her bravery, wits, gaming skills – and the love and deep bond she shares with her best friend, Shoelace – to survive until Mum gets home. Set all in one night, this is a BRILLIANT, one-of-a-kind spine-tingling awesome adventure. Loved it!
I promise you will not be disappointed. Set after The Inheritance Games finished the Brothers Hawthorne follows Jackson and Grayson, having found out who their fathers are and the secrets that need unravelling. Absolutely loved it
A beautiful collection of stories full of romance and magical realism. From general modern romance to vampires, angels and Star Wars, there is a little something for everyone, I enjoyed every single one-Although Midnights and In Waiting were my personal favourites. If you haven’t read Rainbow Rowell before then these are the perfect introduction, for those that have you won’t be disappointed and might even recognise a few characters. I have a lot of love for this book.
The final instalment of the Bayview Four trilogy. Don't worry if it was a while ago that you read the previous two as McManus makes sure that important elements are recapped. When the local digital billboard is hacked with the words "Time for a new game, Bayview" it looks like history is about to repeat itself. With Jake requesting a re-trial and phoebe terrified of what her brother Owen did coming out will Bayview ever be safe? narrated by Addy, Nate and phoebe but featuring all your favourite characters from the previous books this conclusion will not leave you disappointed. Absolutely loved it. It was everything I wanted it to be and Karen McManus has kept her crown as queen of YA thrillers
What if the Knight of the Round Table had a female counterpart? Destined for an arranged marriage, Cass dreams of freedom. So when a fierce and beautiful woman rides up and offers to take her away, Cass doesn't hesitate to join her. It is then that she's introduced to the Sisters of Sword and Shadow, a group of femail knights training to fight, protect their community and right the wrongs of Arthurs knights, all the while staying anonymous. Drawn into a world of ancient feuds and battles, Cass soon discovers she holds a power that could change not only her own fate but that of the entire sisterhood. A really exciting reimaging of Arthur and his knights that is full of adventure, friendship and strong, powerful women.
Once upon a time Said Hossain and Tiwa Olatunji where best friends but ever since the incident four Eid’s ago they utterly hate each other. When Said comes back home for a funeral and the town's Islamic Centre burns down on the same day, they have to face each other again and to make matters worse they actually need each other’s help. Tiwa needs Said to help save the centre and Said needs to help Tiwa for his university application. This could be a nightmare. Or… Sparks might just fly. A humorous, swoon worthy enemies to lover’s novel that’s the perfect summer read.
Meet Gordon, he’s the meanest goose in the world (and we all know how mean geese can be). Gordon loves spending his days terrorising people and animals (even I am scared of ever meeting Gordon). Then one day Gordon is gifted a flower from Anthony, the pig he tried to get eaten, and he gets all confused about how it makes him feel. Suddenly being mean isn’t as fun as it used to be. Will Gordon stay the meanest goose or can he be brave instead? A really funny novel that is guaranteed to make you smile, with a lovely moral about being kind to even the meanest of people and sometimes we just have to be alittle bit brave. Perfect for new readers.
Perfect for fans of Geek Girl and older readers of Lottie Brooks. This is a hilarious new series following the life of a teenage girl. Taylor is desperate to have her first kiss and seeing as she is obsessed with Paris what better than a lovely French boy. Well Taylor is in luck; this year is the French exchange and she’s hosting. This is the genuinely the funniest account of Taylor attempting to get her perfect first Kiss, but as the pressure and obsession gets to her, teenage life starts getting very difficult to navigate. New friendships and existing ones at risk, cutest boy in the year vs the French hottie. Can she possibly survive the teenage struggles of growing up.
A BRILLIANT novel that I absolutely loved! I cannot wait for the next in the series.
Finlay and Banjo have spent their lives growing up in the care system. Finlay, has just started university and Banjo has been moved to a new foster home and new school. When they first meet in the care home they had a special connection but when a tragedy happens the boys each go in different directions. Having not spoken to each other for 3 years we follow each of the boys in the struggles they face growing up, trying to navigate the world on their own and the impact of what happened to them has had. This utterly gorgeous, tender, eye opening YA novel is quite simply brilliant. I loved this novel so much. It is hands down my favourite so far this year and everyone should read it!
Fans of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, this is a must read for you.
When Ruby’s baby sister accidently touches a magic ammonite shell, she travels through a portal to an incredible island, full of dinosaurs who live just like us humans do. This is how Ruby finds out that her family are Protectors of Our Prehistoric Allies. Ruby and her dad must go and find her sister who is causing all sorts of chaos. But the best bit is when they travel to the island, they turn into dinosaurs too! A funny adventure for new readers.
Muffin the Puffin is excited to join the Puffin Colony on the Island of Egg, to train to become part of the search and rescue team. Between making new friends and performing tasks to earn rescue badges, little does Muffin know that her first search and rescue mission might come sooner than expected. Will the little puffin stay unflappable as promised? This exciting adventure story, illustrated throughout in black and white, is a great bedtime read for chidlren aged 5 and up, and a perfect book for newly confident readers.
Alice and Sonny are finally reunited and together with their father and Dorthy move to their new home - a boat called Lady Rose! Their first time aboard will be even more special, as their guest is no other than the King of England. But on the second day a precious opal guarded by a lethal octopus disappears from its home in the aquarium on the boat. The children quickly launch their investigation, as the alternative would mean losing their boat. But many people aboard are hiding things, so which one of the suspects was it. Could it have even been (gasp!) the King!?!
Set on board a ship travelling along Croatian coast and visiting amazing places along the way, this second book in Mysteries at Sea series definitely doesn't disappoint! A breathtaking adventure, based (very) loosely on the King's actual journey along the Adriatic coast, that readers aged 9+ will surely enjoy.
Join Flo and Joseph Wanderday on an edge-of-your-seat underwater adventure.
After their mum disappears, the children find clues showing that it most likely wasn't an accident. Joined by their best friends, they embark on a submarine journey to confront some of the world's best people, who might actally be the worst.
Perfect read for the summer holiday, with lots of plot twists and peril.
Remember the fun, silly, and totally amazing children's films that we all used to watch, where children can do all these brilliant things, that are otherwise considered completely impossible? Like hanging off towers and pretending to be a bench? This book (and it's predecessors - How to Be Brave and How to Be True) is just like those films - a mystery adventure, with the most lovable feisty heroines, and hilarious to boot. It also features cake. Lots of cake. And biscuits. And every other sweet treat.
PS. The 3 books can be read in any order, and I'm desperately hoping for more.
Another smugglers adventure by the author of Looking for Emily, set in the same town, and we even get a glimpse of Sam and Lily from the first book!
Freya's home, the old b&b, is under threat from developers, who are looking to tear up the old boardwalk and put shiny new buildings there instead, to draw in tourists. But then Freya discovers there's more than meets the eye to their mysterious guest, and the tunnels and caves on the seafront might actually hold the secret to save them. With the help of her friends, Freya embarks on an unimaginable adventure. This is a great adventure story for any 9+ mystery and puzzles lover.
Such a lovely, warm hug of a book!
Priya Shah is used to lying - a lot! She lies to keep her family's secrets, to not hurt other people's feelings and to save herself from embarrassment. The one day she manages to put her late grandma's bangle on her wrist, and everything changes. It becomes impossible for Priya to tell a lie. She admits all kinds of truths to everyone, including her teachers, but a weird thing happened - because of the truth, things are starting to get better instead of worse. But there are certain truths that should have been handled more carefully ...
I enjoyed every minute of reading this book about friendship and standing up for yourself, and I can guarantee that everyone else will as well.
After being kicked off his foortball team, Hoof spots an advert to join a new team. He can't wait to be part of a team again and play the sport he loves.
His new team mates are a bonkers bunch and have all been deemed not good enough to play for other teams, in this hilarious graphic novel we follow Bad United take on The Dragons. Its sure to be a firery affair but can Bad United win the game? with an uplifting message about inclusivity and how loving a sport is more important than being the best.
Perfect for 5+ who are learning to read by themselves
Jenny Pearson is fast becoming one of my favourite middle grade authors. Her books are funny adventures about friendship and families.
Meet Sebastian, nothing in his life really goes according to plan. His dad is disappointed in him and his mum doesn't want him. When he wins a competition with his best friends, Lina and Étienne to go to Climate Avenger’s camp. He decides this is how he is going to make his dad proud.
And then Sebastian’s challenges the cool kids to a boat race...
When a storm hits the friends find themselves deserted on an island in the Pacific Ocean. Here begins a hilarious and epic adventure of survival, pirates, baby turtles and a goat called Giuseppe Garibaldi. With the help of William Golding's Lord of the Flies will they ever be found and make it home? And most importantly does Julian the Jellyfish really have it in for Sebastian?
A heartwarming story of the power of perseverance, friendship, hope and family. Big Love for this one!!
What an utterly glorious love story!
Best friends Natalia and Ethan have ignored each other all summer after nearly crossing the friendship boundaries at their junior prom. Now it's senior sunrise, where the senior year spend a day and evening together for a bonding exercise before the new school term starts.
After the whole class write confidential letters of their biggest fears and secrets, 7 letters are blown away in a gust of wind. Natalia enlists Ethans help to try and catch them all before anyone finds out. Will they realise their real feelings for each other or continue having crossed wires?
Told with subtle humour I absolutely loved this YA romance. I found myself completely invested in all the characters and just wanted to keep reading. A gorgeous rom-com perfect for fans of Better Than the Movies.
Astrid has lived in the rhubarb shed her whole life. She’s Desperate to meet other children and see the stars but the outside world is dangerous and her mama won’t let her t set foot beyond the door.. Then one night, a stranger with wings unlocks the shed and whisks Astrid to a secret city in the sky called London Overhead.
Astrid is swept into a breathtaking and magical world of new friendships and school for Librae students called Starminster– Because Astrid is a Librae and one day she will grow wings!
But all is not what it seems, Children have been going missing from London underground and with her new friends Astrid gets investigating,
A beautifully-written adventure for children aged 8+
A fantastical train journey. Dad is too busy looking at his phone to see what is going on...first a tiger gets on, then a parade of other animals as the train heads towards the seaside.
The rhyming story has the rhythm of a train journey. Lively illustrations by Rebecca Cobb, full of energy and various quirky typefaces, all contribute to the chaotic atmosphere. Great fun, and I think you'll put your phone away when you read the last poignant line.
There aren't that many books about sloths...certainly not ha- wearing sloths like this one.
Stanley is not what you expect asloth to be- he doesn't sleep all day like the other sloths. He watches the birds fly, and the monkeys jump and the chameleons change colour. And then he learns to jump! Stanley isn't worried about being differentt- he gets up early to practice his new skills, and then he teaches the other young sloths to jump too. The older sloths aren't happy, until one day Stanley's skills save them all. Gorgeous inky illustrations, bold and distinctive. A great story about being different, being brave, trying new things, and persevering. And great hats!
Little Red can't wait to be out in the world, adventuring....but everywhere there are signs telling her to be good, or beware the wolf... and as Red says '
No matter whereabouts I walk, no matter what I wear, no matter if it's dark outside, or if I lay a snare. No matter If I smile, or hide, or walk with someone else...There's no one who can change the wolf's behaviour but himself.'
Time to take back the woods! With gorgeous textured pencil crayon and watercolour illustrations, a great story about empowerment and building a more equal society.
A prequel to A Kind of Spark, but can be read by itself or afterwards, as it has lots of 'ah, I see...' moments where things become clear.
Keedie is almost 14, she is one of Addie's older sisters, and this book takes place several years before A Kind of Spark.
Keedie is autistic and is the sort of girl you would want on your side. Independent, loyal, resourceful. Keedie is a great observer of others actions and motivations.
She is also on a personal mission to deal with bullies.
After she is asked for help she sets up an agency to deal with bullying in her school, and finds she has lots of customers. Trouble is, her twin sister Nina is part of the toxic friendship group that rules the school.
When Keedie realises that her younger sister Addie is autistic too, she vows to look out for her, and shield her from the bad experiences she has had in her education, and in the small town they live in. She also has to navigate the changing relationships within her family, her bond with her twin, and a new friendship, or maybe more than a friendship.
Great story with neurodiverse protagonists at the centre - wonderful characterisation and empathy.
The exciting sequel to A Game of life or Death. At the end of book one, Asha Kennedy uncovered the dark secret at centre of Virtual Reality game 'Shackle' - You don't play the game, it plays you. - Now Asha and her team must go deeper into a dangerous world of corruption and greed to find who is the master of the game and what is their ultimate goal?
An addictive fast paced thriller perfect for gaming fans.
A boy remembers spending time with his grandmother at her tiny chicken coop house behind the sulphur mill.They don't speak much but they communicate with food and love and laughter and growing things. Later she moves in with the boy and his family and he takes care of her, and remembers that she used to collect worms in the rain...Poignant story with exquisite watercolour illustrations by Sydney Smith, including the best depictions of rain and backlighting...Beautiful book.
Only Ida has noticed the lion (he is busy pretending to be a hedge) Ida tries everything to coax him out, and eventually succeeds, but then his roar scares away the creatures who live in his beard. Scratchy pen and ink drawings simply coloured, full of details in the background (spot the nappy change) Important message for us all about letting go of your ROARS before they get too big!
The tiny tailors have a tiny workshop in the garden. Help them find treasures to make their beautiful costumes for the Spring Parade. Gorgeous illustrations combe collage and drawing and play with scale to create a wonderful alternate reality.
This book is deep! All about maps, and what a map can be.
Full of big concepts simply drawn in line.
'A map can be a way to help someone understand something.' says the main character.
Cue lots of different maps of different things - I particularly like A Map Of What Humans Are Like, A Map of My Feelings, and A Map of My Future.
A lot to look at and discuss, I loved it!
Juniper Mae, small girl, lonely and ingenious inventor (especially the self heating socks, can we have some?) is also an avid reader of fables about the Guardian Knights. Juniper Mae lives in Tykotech City with it's amazing wifi power system . When a series of mysterious power outages threaten the city, Juniper investigates, and finds what lies outside the city walls... and who is behind the power attacks. Gorgeous pastel colour palette, clever layout and great characterisation.
Set in 2018 Northern Ireland, this YA tells the story of a romance between two Year 11s who seem to be polar opposites. Mel loves Science and is a straight A student, whereas Sid is always on the verge of being expelled, and dreams of being a musician. Forced to share a desk, a romance begins...and all goes well until... well immediately really, first date - they get pregnant.
They are faced with the added difficulties of living in a small town where everyone knows everyone's business, negotiating difficult family dynamics, religious parents on one side, and feisty feminist single mum on the other, plus lack of information available, and the fact that abortion is illegal in their country.
The story is written with warmth humour and honesty,and has great characterisation, (see the awful brother in law)
The narrative switches between the two main characters' point of view and follows what happens next, and what this means for their dreams, their relationship and their future.
In a world where social media is the key to money and the means to live, 50 teenagers all facing life imprisonment are invited to compete in a social media reality show in a bid to win their freedom. Put through various trials that are aimed to "reform" them, those that are least popular with the public are "eliminated" This terrifying novel shows the more sinister side to social media and just how far are people are willing to go to be popular and save themselves.
Survivor meets The Squid Games. I absolutely loved this spine-chilling, gory edge of your seat thriller. Perfect for fans of Happy Head and The Loop.
Vanya and the Wild Hunt - Reviewed by Shop Manager