Moving on to the sunniest of colours today: gorgeous, sunshiny YELLOW!

How to Roller-skate With One Leg

“When Maya finds a list she made before losing her leg, she decides she’s still going to do everything on it – even though her former bestie has ditched her for the cool kids. 

Before she turns 13, she’s going to . . . 

* Get her ears double-pierced 
* Learn how to roller-skate
* Stay up all night at a sleepover
* Go viral
* Have the best birthday party ever
* MAKE HER EX-BEST-FRIEND SOPHIE REALISE WHAT SHE’S MISSING!!!”

A huge hit with tweens – the themes of friendship and overcoming adversity – served with a huge dollop of wit – a guaranteed to appeal. Written by journalist and amputee Ella Dove.

World’s Worst Alien Fights Back

“Planet Earth failed to get Sky a passing grade in her school project, now Sky must figure out how to fix this mess AGAIN. If only humans would stop fighting wars all over the place!

There’s only one thing for it: return to Oak Lane Primary School as an eleven-year-old girl and reunite with her human friends to stop all fighting with Sky’s genius idea of winning. Which would be a lot easier if a disastrous cricket match and a declaration of war painted on the school fence hadn’t just kicked off a battle with a rival school…”

Sky is back and this time she is determined to bring peace to peaky Planet Earth. Ingenious, inventive, and full of fun!

Beastopia

“Magical creatures exist. You just need to know where to look…

Everybody knows one thing about Digby Griffin. Wherever you might find him, you’ll also find his pet mouse, Cheddar.

Unfortunately, The Curse of the Tenth Birthday is about to strike. Family pets ALWAYS disappear when their owners turn ten, and Digby is terrified of losing Cheddar.

But where do all these lost animals go? Digby, along with his sister, Mog, and his best friend, Tai, are about to discover the magic of Beastopia.”

This is a great choice for KS2 readers who are starting to grow in confidence. Full of adventure, animals, and a little twist of magic.

Popcorn

“Andrew’s just trying to get through school photo day with one aim: a photo of him which his mum will like. But today of all days, the world seems out to get him.

There’s a bully, the science experiment gone wrong, scary news about his grandmother, and someone else’s juice snot (don’t ask). Andrew struggles with anxiety, and the little kernel of worry in his stomach is getting hotter and hotter . . . Can he make it through the day without popping?”

Written for readers aged 9+, this wonderful book is one of those gems which tackles serious themes with real humour and sensitivity. It mixes tips to manage anxiety and OCD with comic book panels with a relatable story.

Jed Greenleaf and the Stolen Queen

“Jed Greenleaf is looking forward to his second Arthanfest tournament, but then disaster strikes, throwing the whole kingdom into utter turmoil – the Queen is kidnapped!

The army appears to have been bewitched in some way, and it is not long before a strange new magick is discovered. Soon a hidden guild emerges from the shadows, putting the very future of Albion under threat. Luckily Jed Greenleaf can harness the power of the forest, with superhuman strength and body armour as tough as bark. But is his strength a match for . . . Guy Fawkes?”

The second in this enchanting series from one of my favourite middle grade writers. Just the perfect blend of magic, legend, and pure adventure for anyone aged 9+

Loki A Bad God’s Guide to Causing Chaos

“Loki the mighty trickster god has been banished by Odin for bad behaviour to live on Earth as an eleven-year-old boy. 

Things he cannot do on Earth: reveal his awesome godly powers.

Things he MUST do on Earth if he wants to get back home: go to school, do good deeds, write a diary.

He’ll also have to sort out the chaos that erupts after the goddess Freyja arrives in town – or face TERRIBLE consequences . . .”

I’m not sure this riotously funny series needs any introduction. Anyone I’ve shared this with has loved it and asked for more. Luckily, there are more to give!

Advice From a 12-Year-Old Nobody

“Vinny’s got problems – lots of them. His family’s falling apart, and his best mates have dumped him for some really annoying girls.

He should be able to turn to his mum for help – she’s an online life coach who answers other people’s problems for a living. But she’s too busy to see that Vinny is really struggling.

Unable to solve his own issues, Vinny starts replying to unanswered posts on an old blog of his mum’s. At first the solutions seem easy, and he can be as hilariously honest as any 12-year-old boy would be, but what will happen when Vinny realises he’s out of his depth?”

This is a great accessible title from a fantastic author. A lot of tween readers with empathise with Vinny’s problems and may actually come up with some solutions themselves.

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So there’s your yellow round-up. Watch out for green coming soon!