My first read of 2025 was a new middle grade mystery from BookTrust’s Writer in Residence, Patrice Lawrence. You know that you’re going to get a quality reading experience when you crack open one of Patrice’s novels so I went in with high hopes (especially as other bookish people had said how good it was!) … Continue reading ‘People Like Stars,’ by Patrice Lawrence, cover by Michelle Brackenborough.
Today's my stop on the blog tour for the final instalment of Jennifer's 'Witches' trilogy. If you haven't already read them, make sure you find yourselves copies of 'The October Witches' and 'The November Witches' to read first. You can get to know the characters ahead of time by reading Jennifer's exclusive piece about the … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The December Witches,’ by Jennifer Claessen.
Introducing ‘How to be a Revolutionary,’ a great introduction to the world of politics for middle grade readers wrapped up in a compelling story of blended families, fighting for a cause, and hope. Be sure to read Lucy’s exclusive piece about why she decided to write this wonderful book! “What do you all come here … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘How to be a Revolutionary,’ by Lucy Ann Unwin, cover by Selom Sunu.
Polly Ho-Yen is an author whom you can trust to write stories you are going to want to read. They have such heart and always leave me thinking. ‘The Last Dragon’ is no exception. “Yara has only glimpsed the last dragon on Earth twice. She’s got other things to worry about: her sister is in … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Last Dragon,’ by Polly Ho-Yen, illustrated by Charis Loke.
I was thrilled to receive a copy of this brand new Dino adventure for middle grade readers. Unused to be impossible to get good quality dinosaur fiction once readers wanted something wordier than picture books, but now they’re very lucky to have a growing number of titles to choose from - ‘Sar Wylda’ being one … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘Sar Wylda and the Legendary Goldbreaker,’ by Jake R. Wilson, illustrated by Kimberley Laura Walker.
I love Catherine’s writing so was excited to have been sent an early copy of this to read back in March. However, it is just about to fly the Nosy Crow nest and out into the world for everyone else to get swept away with. “After the tragic death of his mother, eleven year old … Continue reading ‘Bird Boy,’ by Catherine Bruton, cover by Oriol Vidal.
I think anybody with an interest in the world of children’s books will probably be very eagerly awaiting the Spring publication of ‘Keedie,’ the prequel to McNicoll’s barn-storming debut novel, ‘A Kind of Spark.’ ‘A Kind of Spark’ was, for me, in the first wave of real voices stories which featured neurodiverse characters written authentically … Continue reading ‘Keedie’ by Elle McNicoll, cover by Kay Wilson.
When I read that Tania Unsworth was inspired to write this by the hidden, forgotten corners that no one ever noticed, I was intrigued. As a child, I spent a lot of time imagining what it would be like to set up camp in a secluded spot and live there. Luckily, I never had to … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Nowhere Island,’ by Tania Unsworth, cover by Kimberley Walker.
I am sure that lots of you will already have read, and loved, Kelly’s ‘Front Desk’ series. If you’re wanting more of her poignant, prejudice-confronting, and heart-warming writing, you need to take a look at ‘Finally Seen.’ Luckily for you, I have an extract of the second chapter for you enjoy! (Scroll down) “A gripping … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Finally Seen,’ by Kelly Yang.
A baby wearing blue - must be a boy? A child with long hair - definitely a girl, right?! Gender norms are still ingrained in some people’s minds, but what if you don’t want to confirm to those unspoken rules and would prefer to express yourself however you prefer? That’s the question this picture book … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘My Brother George,’ by Kelly & Zoey Allen, illustrated by Tara O’Brien.
When you open a book written by Ian, you know that you are going to go on an emotional journey. But also, that you are in a safe pair of hands. This remains the case in his latest collaboration with inclusive publisher Owlet Press, where we meet a young boy torn between his two families … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Rory’s Room of Rectangles,’ by Ian Eagleton, illustrated by Jessica Knight.
A new title from Ele Fountain is always a reason for celebration. Her writing is guaranteed to draw you in and take you on a journey- in the case of ‘Wild,’ literal and metaphorical! ‘Jack craves adventure, even if it means getting into trouble at school. He thinks he can get away with it as … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Wild,’ by Ele Fountain.
I absolutely loved the first instalment of this series, Hedgewitch, so was delighted to receive a special goodie box from the lovely people at Welbeck Books to help celebrate the publication of Cassie’s next adventure - Woodwitch. ‘Cassie has settled into life in Hedgely when, out of the blue, her troubled cousin, Sebastian, comes to … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Woodwitch,’ by Skye McKenna, cover by Tomislav Tomic.
‘Glitter Boy’ was one of my anticipated reads of 2023 so far! I love Ian’s wonderful inclusive picture books and was extremely excited to hear that a middle grade title was on its way. I was expecting an emotional journey and wow did I get one! I had the privilege of asking Ian some questions … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Glitter Boy,’ by Ian Eagleton, cover by Melissa Chaib.
This is my first read of 2023 and I had high hopes based on what I’d read online. I wasn’t definitely not disappointed - I read the whole book in a day as I was so caught up to Sashi’s story. ‘FACT: Octopuses have three hearts. FACT: Octopuses have BEAKS, like BIRDS. FACT: The octopus … Continue reading ‘The Octopus, Dadu and Me,’ by Lucy Ann Unwin, cover by Selom Sunu, illustrations by Lucy Mulligan.
This is the debut children’s novel from Reece Carter who is best known in his home country of Australia as a nutritionist and author of two non-fiction titles for adults. He had always wanted to write for children and thank goodness he did! Readers are going to fall in love with Corpse in this thrilling … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Girl, the Ghost and the Lost Name,’ by Reece Carter, cover by Eleonora Asparuhova.
James’ Apprentice Witch series is one of my favourites so I have been waiting, and waiting, and waiting for him to release a new book. Am here it is! The Spell Tailors! Just as full of magic, but a long way away from the protective charms and spells being performed by Arianwyn… Be sure to … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Spell Tailors,’ by James Nicol, illustrations by Jenny Zemanek.
I think anybody with tweens or who teaches Year 6 upwards, should have heard of Yang’s ‘Front Desk’ series which follows the life of Mia Tang and her family as they try to fit in with the American way of life whilst staying true their Chinese roots. If you haven’t, then you need to get … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Key Player,’ by Kelly Yang.
Today’s post feature a fast-paced middle grade mystery with a twist. A humorous read for anyone who’s ever felt a little bit like an outsider. Read author Susie Bower’s piece about how her own childhood experiences helped shape Ophelia’s story. ‘Ophelia Bottom longs for an ordinary life: to have normal, well-behaved parents rather than embarrassing … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Dangerous Life of Ophelia Bottom,’ by Susie Bower.
I was immediately intrigued by the idea of a person’s fate being decided for them by the time the reach twelve. No wondering if you’ll have children, live to 100, become a brain surgeon…it’s all written done there on your card in black and white. The mystery of that opening chapter completely sucked me in, … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Ember Shadows and the Fates of Mount Never,’ by Rebecca King.
Library Girl and Book Boy 