Introducing the sequel to the award-winning ‘The Deepest Breath.’ Written as a verse novel with dual narrators, readers will love this sensitive exploration of LGBTQ+ relationships and starting high school. Meg has also written a special piece for this blog reflecting on her journey from starting ‘The Deepest Breath’ to finishing ‘The Brightest Star’ and … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Brightest Star,’ by Meg Grehan.
The transition from Year 6 into Year 7 is and exciting (and possibly worrying) time in any young person’s life. Luckily, there are so many good books out there which can help guide them through the highs and lows of life as small fish in a big pond. Below is a selection of some that … Continue reading Moving Up (to Secondary School)
Fans of Dooley’s first Frankie adventure, ‘Frankie’s World,’ will be pleased to know that they can catch up with Frankie again and see how things are going at senior school following her diagnosis of autism. I had the chance to ask the creator of this graphic novel series, Aoife Dooley, some questions about the creation … Continue reading ‘Finding My Voice,’ by Aoife Dooley.
Well I’m not going to lie. I’m a card-carrying member of the Crater Lake fan club so I’d been counting down to its sequel ever since I learnt there was going to be one. I couldn’t wait to see what had happened to Lance and the gang after they survived the Crater Lake school trip … Continue reading ‘Crater Lake – Evolution,’ by Jennifer Killick.
In my experience, poetry can be an area often overlooked in schools. But why? Personally, I didn’t feel that I knew enough about composing poetry to teach it properly. But what about sharing poems, performing poems, dipping into a volume and seeing what grabs you? That’s the beauty of a good poetry book and the … Continue reading The CLiPPA Shortlist (premier poetry picks)
It was with great interest that I read this title because it has been written in collaboration with Libby Scott, the 11-year-old girl whose piece of writing, ‘The Life of a Perfectionist,’ about being autistic went viral in 2018. ‘Can You See Me?’ is a blend of narrative story and diary entries written by Libby … Continue reading ‘Can You See Me?’ by Libby Scott & Rebecca Westcott, type design by Aaron Cushley.
“Sometimes, when you’re a kid, but especially when you’re a girl, people want you to be quiet and well-behaved.......but changing things is important.” When Effie Kostas starts part-way through the term at Highworth Grange secondary school, she spends her lunch breaks sitting by herself. If that’s not bad enough, a fellow pupil (super-popular junior class … Continue reading ‘Vote For Effie,’ by Laura Wood, cover by Emma Trithart, illustrations by Mirelle Ortega.
Charli is a model and body activist so is well-placed to write a book for middle grade readers which is aimed at encouraging a healthy body image. In a time where children are constantly bombarded with unrealistic photos of what a body ‘should’ look like, it’s even more important that they are reassured that bodies … Continue reading ‘Splash,’ by Charli Howard, illustrations by Lucy Davey.
Ella is the new girl at school and she’s hiding a secret. A secret so terrible that surely no one would want to be friends with her anyway, even if they did notice her existence! When Queen Bee, Lydia, decides to grace Ella with her friendship, Ella can’t believe her luck - suddenly all the … Continue reading ‘Ella on the Outside,’ by Cath Howe, illustration by Nicola Theobald.
Library Girl and Book Boy 