I’ve really enjoyed looking back through my reviews over the year in order to compile my list of 2023 favourite reads. I’ve read over 150 children’s books this year, and have chosen 20 of my most memorable reads to share. I’ve had the most amazing reading adventures this year, and have loved sharing these books with my class. I’ve really enjoyed returning to series I’ve loved, reading new books by favourite authors and enjoying books by new-to-me or debut authors.
I’ve included the opening to my review in each of my choices with a link to my full review.
Impossible Creatures: What an incredible, impossibly amazing adventure! I was absolutely gripped by Impossible Creatures from the opening lines until the final page. A powerful, stunning epic fantasy that swept me into a magical world that I didn’t want to leave. This is a story that melts into your heart and leaves an indelible mark – utterly breath-taking!
Podkin and the Singing Spear: Well, that was just incredible! 357 pages of epic fantasy perfection that I didn’t want to end, but just couldn’t stop reading! I’m a huge fan of The World of Podkin One-Ear so absolutely loved joining Podkin again for another breath-taking, thrilling adventure as he battles against an evil he thought he had defeated …
The Secret of the Blood-Red Key: The Secret of the Blood-Red Key is the next incredible adventure in the Stolen Dreams Adventures series, and follows on from the events in The Book of Stolen Dreams which was in my top reads of 2021. I have no doubt that this one will be in my top reads of 2023: it is an absolutely superb, unmissable adventure.
The Light Thieves: Search for the Black Mirror: Search for the Black Mirror is the second in The Light Thieves trilogy: a thrilling, gripping rollercoaster of an eco-adventure that kept me utterly entranced throughout. This can be read as a standalone as it starts with an innovative four-page illustrated synopsis of the first book. I also thought this was a brilliant quick reminder of the events in the first book for those of us who have read the first book, and were left with the tantalising cliffhanger that made this one an eagerly anticipated read.
The Silver Road: The Silver Road is a stunning fantasy adventure that swept me into a world of magic and myth, of danger and hope, of family and friendship that completely entranced me. This is a book I really cannot recommend highly enough – outstanding storytelling from a master storyteller who weaves magic into words.
The House Trap: The House Trap is a deliciously scary, intriguing mystery that is spine-tinglingly thrilling: an adventure that kept me utterly enthralled throughout.
The Song that Sings Us: The Song That Sings Us is a powerful, visceral and lyrical masterpiece: an environmental thriller that completely gripped me and took me on a heart-wrenching, but ultimately, hopeful journey.
Call of the Titanic: I am a huge fan of Lindsay Galvin’s historical fiction adventures, so was eagerly anticipating Call of the Titanic. Oh my goodness – this is the most incredible, heart-wrenching story of courage in the face of terrible tragedy, that completely captured me … an absolute must-read, and definitely one of my books of the year.
Fablehouse: Fablehouse is a stunning story of connection, friendship and belonging set in the 1950s, blending magic, history and Arthurian legend: an unforgettable quest adventure that completely captivated me.
Norah’s Ark: Norah’s Ark is a powerful, empathetic story told from the dual viewpoint of two children from very different worlds who find each other when they are both in need of friendship. This is a story that captured my heart and, I must admit at times, broke it a little. Whilst there are some very difficult issues addressed, there is also a real sense of hope and love woven throughout that makes this an uplifting, heart-warming read. This is a story that will stay with me, and is one I cannot recommend highly enough for homes and schools.
Saving Neverland: Saving Neverland is the most magical, mesmerising story that swept me wholeheartedly into its icy world adventure with unforgettable characters, incredible feats of peril and delight and heart-warming bonds of family and friendship. In fact, this was so good that I have already read it twice, and cannot wait to share it with my class.
Jodie: Jodie is a spine-tinglingly haunting and eerie ghost story that kept me enthralled throughout. Utterly compelling, and so beautifully written.
Carnival of the Spider: Carnival of the Spider is the third stunning adventure in the Carnival series which has absolutely captivated me with its atmospheric, dark and dangerous Victorian steampunk vibes which swept me into an action-packed, intriguing adventure that I really could not put down. This series can be read as standalones, but I have no doubt that, once one adventure has been read, the others will prove irresistible!
Until the Road Ends: Until the Road Ends is a powerful and heartfelt adventure set during World War II, a story of the enduring strength of friendship, and the incredible journey a devoted dog will take to be reunited with his friend when she most needs him. Heart-breaking, hopeful and a testament to the courage of the animals who became wartime heroes.
The Boy Who Made Monsters: I’m such a huge fan of Jenny Pearson’s heartfelt, humorous stories that have all found a place in my heart: stories that bring both laughter and tears, written with such tenderness, warmth and hope. The Boy Who Made Monsters is another absolute belter! A beautifully poignant, humorous and hopeful story of family, friendships and the courage and strength it takes to face monsters.
Spellstone: Spellstone is an absolutely gripping fantasy adventure that kept me utterly enthralled from start to finish: an epic battle blending ancient legend in a modern setting where magic swirls, evil hides where people fail to notice, and hope sparks with a young sorcerer …
The Swifts: The Swifts is a wickedly humorous, action-packed whodunnit with the most brilliant opening that perfectly captures the quirky playfulness and delicious darkness that makes this a dazzlingly mesmerising read, and one that I cannot recommend highly enough.
The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores Mackenzie: The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores Mackenzie is a deliciously dark, spine-tingling, supernatural adventure that completely enthralled me. This is a must-read for those of 10+ who enjoy darker, spookier adventures that are guaranteed to bring shivers of delight – and just the right amount of fright!
The Song Walker: The Song Walker is an absolutely stunning, transcendent, and deeply moving story: a story of friendship, of courage and of hope set in the fierce beauty of the Australian Outback that held me spellbound throughout. I have no doubt whatsoever that this will be one of my books of 2023!
The Octopus, Dadu and Me: The Octopus, Dadu and Me is an incredibly touching, sensitively portrayed story of friendship, family and acceptance that brought tears and smiles as I was completely captured by both Sashi’s rescue mission and her emotional journey.
Have you read any of these? What have been some of your favourite books this year?
Book Craic 