I am a primary school teacher who is a voracious reader. I love reading children's books, talking to them about books, engaging them in reading for pleasure and recommending books to them.
Welcome to my monthly Blog Post, 12 for 12 …, focussing on twelve middle-grade books that I’m looking forward to reading for each month of the year. Some of these, I will have been lucky enough to have been sent by publicists/publishers or been approved to read via NetGalley whilst others I will be purchasing myself either as a first-time purchase to read, or to replace a proof copy I have been sent. After reading these books, I will either add them to my class or school library.
My 12 middle-grade recommended/anticipated releases for February with release dates are:
5th February
12th February
26th February
I have restricted myself to 12 books for each month but, of course, that does not mean that I won’t read and/or purchase more as I read other Bloggers’ reviews and see recommendations on social media or from browsing bookshop shelves.
Are any of these on your TBR? Have you already read any? What other books published in February would you recommend?
Written by C.M. Lewis Cover illustration by Khadijah Khatib Interior Illustrations by Marina Vidal Published by MacMillan Children’s Books
Quill and the Last Generation is the first book in a stunning, epic fantasy adventure series inspired by Welsh mythology: an adventure that swept me into an unforgettable world of mythical creatures, danger and discoveries that kept me completely spellbound throughout.
Twelve-year-old Quill and his best friend, Jona, are helping to keep the bonfire alight on Beltaine night in the hope that it will bring back warmth to their world, a world that has been in a perpetual winter for the last twelve years. During these twelve years, no child has been born, making Quill part of the last generation.
The following morning, Quill is disturbed by the sound of a raven outside his window who transforms into a girl – Deryn – who tells him that he must return to the underworld with her in order to save both worlds …
And so begins the most incredible, breath-taking adventure as Quill travels in his father’s boat to the underworld, Annwfn, guided by his new friend, a world which is now ruled over solely by the King of Darkness after he killed King Hafgan, destroying the balance between light and darkness.
After a terrifying encounter with a hound in the city, Quill and Deryn escape to the protection of a castle, where Quill discovers that Deryn is not the only shapeshifter. Can Quill find the Light of the World before it is extinguished and all hope disappears with it? Can a quiet, kind-hearted boy defeat the King of Darkness and bring light and balance back to both worlds?
I was held absolutely spellbound by Quill’s journey into the underworld and was gripped by the astonishing revelations, the dangerous encounters, the poignant, tender moments, and the uncertainty of who could be trusted in this world where an arrogant, cruel ruler is determined to maintain his rule – and destroy hope.
I adore stories inspired by mythology, especially those that bring two worlds together as this one does so brilliantly. I was absolutely in awe of and, sometimes frightened by, the mythological creatures Quill meets from the shapeshifters to the dragons, hounds and water horse and really enjoyed Quill’s ability to connect with many of them – one bond in particular being incredibly heart-warming. I also loved the spirituality and appreciation of nature within the adventure: I found one aspect of this both heart-breaking and beautiful.
Quill is the most incredible young boy who finds himself at the heart of a battle to bring light and hope back to two worlds. He is raised by adoptive parents who are loving, kind and protective, attributes that they have instilled in their son, and which help him find inner strength and hope as he faces fears and challenges in a new world with courage, kindness and resilience. Will this quiet, kind-hearted boy grow into the hero that is needed?
I must admit that I love poring over a map when reading fantasy adventures and the map of Annwfn is stunning, showing the places Quill travels to, but also some places not mentioned in this story which I am very much looking forward to visiting in the next adventure, Castle of Mirrors.
The full-and-partial page illustrations throughout are absolutely gorgeous and perfectly complement the magic and danger, the bonds of friendship and the hope in the story. And, I must admit, I really want to visit the turret where stories fly!
A spellbinding fantasy adventure where danger and darkness battle light and hope, where bonds of friendship grow, and where a new hero emerges … perfect for readers of 9+.
Thank you to MacMillan Children’s Books for sending me a copy . It was my decision to read and review this book, and my review is my honest opinion of the book.
Written by Valinora Troy Cover art by Laura Tolton Interior Illustrations by I. Murphy Published by The Silver Key on 29th January
Welcome to my stop on the Write Reads Blog Tour for Lianna and the Hombit where I am sharing my review of this magical adventure.
Lianna and the Hombit is a wonderfully magical, mesmerising adventure – a story of discovery, of hope and of finding friendship and family that completely enchanted me from start to finish.
13-year-old Lianna is heartbroken at the loss of her father, leaving her an orphan, so she finds herself sent on a long, overseas journey to the land of Nivram to stay with her uncle. Once there, she takes a mail coach to the town of Lowdar, where her father once lived, and where she is expecting to be met by her uncle, Judge Sambru. When he doesn’t arrive, Lianna makes her own way to his mansion where she is met by his unwelcoming housekeeper and butler and sent to the library to wait for him.
Whilst putting some wood on the fire in the library, it flares unexpectedly and reveals a small glass bird on a charred log but, imagine Lianna’s surprise, when this creature talks to her. It reveals that it is a hombit, a messenger, who has been sent on a secret mission.
After meeting her uncle, Lianna feels even more unwelcome and is determined to go home but needs money for the boat fare. The only item of value that she has is a ruby ring, which was owned by her father, so she decides to take it to a pawnbroker who accuses her of being a thief as the Sambru jewellery collection was stolen years ago. Lianna and the hombit decide to help each other in their missions. Can they discover the truth behind the disappearance of the jewels? And, could the ruby be the key to reawakening a family curse that brings danger to Lianna and all those living in Lowdar?
I absolutely loved this action-packed, exciting adventure which kept me eagerly turning pages as I was caught up in the danger, the tension, the secrets and revelations, many of which genuinely took me by surprise! I found the ‘villain’ (I don’t want to say more for fear of spoilers) spine-tingingly scary as the level of threat and danger for Lianna, and the town, increased. I really enjoyed following Lianna as she discovers more about her family history and the tragedy that had unwittingly been brought to Lowdar, a fate that seems destined to be repeated.
Lianna is an incredibly likeable young girl who is grieving the loss of her beloved father whilst feeling unwelcomed in her new home. She shows incredible courage and determination in her mission to find the truth behind the family curse, and break it, before it brings more destruction to Lowdar. And what can I say about the hombit? What an absolutely adorable, magical creature: kind, encouraging and the most wonderfully loyal friend when friendship is desperately needed.
Both the full-page illustrations and vignettes are absolutely stunning and really complement the sense of adventure and mystery in the story.
An adventure that sparkles with magic, mystery and friendship, perfect for young readers of 9+.
About the Author
Valinora Troy
Valinora Troy is a children’s fantasy and horror writer from Ireland. She has a MA in Creative Writing, specialising in writing for children and young adults. She has acted as a panellist for the CYBILS awards in the middle grade speculative fiction category and served as a Reading Ambassador for Louth Libraries. Her short stories for adults have appeared in numerous publications. She is the author of The Lucky Diamond trilogy, a middle grade children’s fantasy adventure series. In 2023 she was short-listed for the Staróg Prize. When not writing, she loves visiting schools and libraries to talk to children about books and writing.
You can find out more about Valinora’s books, as well as resources for schools, and sign up to her newsletter on her website: Valinora Troy – Children’s Fantasy Writer
Thank you to The Write Reads and the author for providing me with a copy of the book – and my own beautiful hombit – my review is my honest opinion of the book.
Published by MacMillan Children’s Books on 5th February
The Moonhaven Chronicles: The Last Wolf is the first in what promises to be an absolutely gripping fantasy duology, shining a light on the legend of the werewolf in the most mesmerising, action-packed adventure that held me enthralled throughout.
In Moonhaven, Jax, his twin sister Jovi, and their best friends Esau and Fourth enjoy the sense of excitement and freedom they get from breaking curfew during the full moon to enjoy their own adventures with no one else around. After all, there have been no werewolf attacks for over 40 years, so the terrifying howl they have heard, which is giving Jax nightmares, couldn’t possibly have been a werewolf, could it? And, it absolutely will not stop them planning another Moonlighters adventure during the next curfew.
But when the seemingly impossible happens, and a werewolf attack occurs, the friends go on the run, fearing that they will be captured by the Nighthawks, who are responsible for enforcing the curfew, a curfew that they have broken. But, as they search for the truth behind the attack, will what they discover put the whole world in danger?
I absolutely loved following these four friends on their mission to discover what lies behind the werewolf attack and found myself gasping out loud at what they track down. Be prepared for plenty of dangerous situations, breathtaking revelations and edge-of-your-seat shocks. I really enjoyed the short chapters which made this a real-page turner and a one-sitting read as I just had to find out what happened next and, after that ending, I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
The short, action-packed chapters, coupled with the many stunning full page and partial-page illustrations, makes this an incredibly appealing read for children who I have no doubt will devour this story – and be eager for more.
The Moonlighters are a wonderful group of friends who I found incredibly likeable. Despite some friction and uncertainty between them (which made them feel like genuine friends),they use their different strengths, from tech genius to empathetic interactions, to work together and prove supportive and caring friends. They face their fears and show real courage and determination when seeking the truth and standing up for themselves and others.
One of the things I really like about reading fantasy adventures is their ability to reflect reality and this one does so brilliantly, opening up opportunities for some deep discussions with readers. This pertinent story includes themes such as abuse of power, the ethics of genetic engineering and the treatment of those who are perceived as ‘different’.
A howlingly gripping adventure, with family and friendship at its heart, perfect for adventure-seekers of 9+.
Thank you to MacMillan Children’s Books for sending me an early copy. My review is my honest opinion of the book.
Written by Jacob North Illustration by Petur Antonsson Published by Simon & Schuster on 15th January 2026
Ice Apprentices: The Frozen Curse is the second book in the Ice Apprentices trilogy – and what an unforgettable return to this icy, magical, dangerous world it turned out to be! I was immediately swept into this incredible fantasy adventure which completely captured me from the opening lines and has left me eager for more.
On a forbidden trip to Central Tundra, 14-year-old Oswin Fields witnesses a woman being dragged into the Stalagmite Cabin but when he enters the Cabin to avoid detection by his adoptive mother, he discovers that the woman has disappeared. Narrowly avoiding being sent to prison when he is caught trespassing by High Watcher Greyheart, Oswin returns to begin his second year at Corridor, the training grounds for Ice Apprentices.
Shortly after being reunited with best friend, Ennastasia, they witness an attack on Grandmaster Yarrow which sees her taken to the Icefirmary and High Watcher Greyheart taking control at Corridor, imposing unwelcome restrictions on the apprentices. Despite these constraints, Oswin and Ennastasia are determined to discover who is behind the attack on Grandmaster Yarrow. Could this have anything to do with the early return of the Freeze – and the threat of another Great Freeze which will put everyone in Tundra in danger of death?
And so begins an action-packed, compulsive adventure as Oswin and Ennastasia search for the truth behind the early emergence of the Freeze, a truth that brings terrifying danger and incredible revelations. I was completely swept into this adventure which had me on the edge of my seat and eagerly turning pages as peril increased and truths were slowly revealed. I really enjoyed the feeling of never knowing who to trust and the shock I felt at some revelations, but loved that I felt I really got to know character motivation behind choices made.
Oswin and Ennatasia have built the most wonderful, strong and witty friendship which, whilst challenged at times, sees each accepting the other for who they truly are. They are incredibly courageous and determined and are prepared to take perilous risks to save the people of Tundra. But I also loved that these two take risks with their friendship often leading to a deepening bond and understanding of each other. I also really liked that Ennatasia opens herself up to another friendship and that she stands up to someone who asserts so much control over her life.
Whilst this could be read as a standalone, I think there will be a much richer reading experience from having read Ice Apprentices first. This is a richly imagined, masterfully built world with an epic scope that truly immerses the reader in its history, geography, politics and diverse society. I have loved finding out more about the magic system, the reasons for the changes in climate with the Freeze and the Thaw, and now really want to find out more about the oddities! And, after that ending, I am desperate to read the next adventure.
A riveting return to this stunning, icy world where courageous friends battle danger and secrets that will change them forever.
Thank you to the Publisher, Simon & Schuster, for sending me an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Rebecca Stead Cover art by Devin Ellie Kurtz Published by Anderson Press on 1st January 2026
The Experiment is an absolutely gripping, thought-provoking science-fiction adventure that took me on a heart-racing journey of discovery that kept me utterly enthralled.
Eleven-year-old Nathan has been keeping a secret his whole life, an incredible secret that is in danger of being exposed following something that happens to him on his family’s vacation in Florida. In order to stop his secret being revealed, Nathan must return to the Wagon, a spaceship from the planet Kast, his home world. Nathan has grown up believing that he is part of an experiment to ascertain whether the Kast can permanently maintain human form on Earth but what has happened in Florida has thrown doubt on its success …
When Nathan is recalled to the Wagon, it is with the knowledge that other members of his group, who he has spoken to virtually each year, have begun to disappear, including close friend Izzy with whom he has been communicating without his parents’ knowledge. Could the experiment have failed and will be have to leave Earth?
And so begins an absolutely riveting, action-packed adventure as Nathan and his parents are brought to the Wagon. When he meets some old friends onboard the mothership, it is not long before Nathan begins to question the nature of the experiment which has been such a part of his identity. Could Hester, who controls the ship, have been keeping the truth about the true purpose of the experiment from its participants? Can he protect those he loves from the egocentricity of someone intent on the success of the experiment, no matter the consequences? And, what will he learn about himself and what he has been taught to believe about why he is on Earth?
This really is the most compelling, thought-provoking read which I absolutely could not put down and read in a single sitting, helped by the short chapters which kept me eagerly turning pages. I really liked that the story is structured into six parts which gives the reader both an insight into the ship’s journey towards take-off, giving a sense of urgency and expectation, and a focus for what the characters will experience.
I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoilers but I found this an incredibly thought-provoking read as it delves into the human experience, interactions and relationships, self-identity and how self-concept can be affected both positively and negatively by others.
I absolutely adored the strong friendship between Nathan and his best friend, Victor with each wanting to support and protect the other, showing real courage in doing so. I loved how accepting Victor is when Nathan reveals the truth about himself, and loved that he finds joy in the ordinariness and comfort of Victor and his family. Whilst Nathan clearly adores his mum and dad, he is aware that his is not a ‘normal’ family life with his life being monitored and recorded by his mum so he enjoys the normalcy he feels through his friendships and school life. There is someone else who shows Nathan incredible kindness, friendship and understanding – but I will let the reader discover that wonderful someone for themselves!
A thought-provoking, fast-paced, page-turner, full of twists and turns, perfect for readers of 9+.
Thank you to Jade at Anderson Press for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Emily Hourican Illustrated by Paola Escobar Published by Scholastic on 12th February 2026
Murder at the Ivy Hotel is a cosy whodunnit, brimming with charm, intrigue and danger, that kept me utterly entranced throughout.
Meredith and her younger sister, Macy, live in an apartment in the grand Ivy Hotel in Dublin where their mother is the General Manager. Changes are afoot at the hotel as it faces a change of ownership, something that is causing their mum stress as the new owners are more interested in profit than retaining the cosy and friendly character of the beloved hotel where long-term residents and staff feel more like family than guests. When it seems that the new owners are keen to find reasons to dismiss their mum, there is a real possibility that Meredith and Macy may lose their home, something they are determined to fight against.
But then something happens that may well ruin the reputation of the hotel: the suspicious death of a guest. Could a murder have taken place and, if so, can the sisters discover the culprit and save the their home?
And so begins a terrifically twisty, intriguing mystery as the sisters and their new friend, Colin, work together to solve a puzzling crime. I loved the blend of cosy mystery, intrigue and danger that had me eagerly turning pages as I followed this sleuthing trio as they worked together to piece together the clues to discover the culprit behind this crime. I really enjoyed the sense of urgency as the mystery unfolds over the course of a week, the increasing level of peril and the red herrings all of which made this an exciting and fast-paced read which I have no doubt its young readers will adore – just as I did! I can also imagine many young readers wanting to keep their own notes – just as Colin does – as the mystery unfolds.
The tenacious trio of children in this whodunnit are incredibly likeable and together bring different qualities to form a perfect sleuthing team. Twelve-year-old Meredith has an intuitive and sensible nature whereas her ten-year-old sister Macy is more impulsive and practical. Their new friend Colin, who lives at the hotel, is meticulous and keeps notes as they investigate the crime. I also really enjoyed the feeling of family within the hotel as the children have close and trusting bonds with both employees and long-term guests who clearly care for them.
A delightfully charming and cosy mystery, with friendship and family at its heart, perfect for young sleuths of 9+.
Thank you to Scholastic for sending me a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Emma Green Cover Illustration by Jack Noel Published by Usborne Publishing Limited
The Not-So Great Escape is a hilarious, heartfelt and action-packed adventure that completely captivated me as I went on the wildest, most chaotic adventure with characters who now have a forever place in my heart.
It’s been a year since twelve-year-old Hedley’s life has irrevocably changed following the death of his mother. Attending Bridlebank Therapy Centre with his younger sister Lilly, Hedley has to endure bullying from Aiden who seems to delight in being horrible to him. Whilst Hedley weighs up the risks of any action he might take and errs on the side of staying as safe as possible, Aiden has no such reservations and relishes any opportunity to cause trouble. When the two boys find themselves with a weekend job helping on a Petting Farm, it is not long before Aiden gets Hedley into a snot heap of trouble!
When he fears that he will be blamed for the theft of prize alpaca, Duke, Hedley finds himself on the run with Aiden and Lilly as they attempt to take Duke to a rescue centre. But Duke is anything but an obedient companion, although he is a loyal one, causing so much mayhem that he becomes an overnight internet sensation!
Be prepared for chaotic escapades with a petrol station hold-up, an inadvertent robbery, a night spent camping-with-a-difference in a haunted wood and a hitch hike in a caravan that I will never forget. Whilst this unstoppable adventure has giggles galore and plenty of ‘eugh’ moments, it also has some incredibly heartbreaking and poignant occasions as Hedley learns to take risks, risks that help him accept a truth he has been running from.
Oh my goodness! Hedley is the most wonderful young boy who has found a place in my heart. He is struggling to deal with his grief following his loss as well as coping with his dad’s poor mental health, keeping his emotions firmly locked inside and weighing up the level of risk before making choices. But, when Aiden is instrumental in causing Hedley to go on the run, will he find the courage to take risks and accept a truth he has been hiding from?
Whilst I can see children enjoying this for its chaotic, laugh-out-loud shenanigans, it is also a story that addresses difficult issues sensitively including grief, bullying and poor mental health. Reading about these issues in stories will enable some children to see themselves reflected in the story whilst encouraging empathy in others.
Escape into this exciting adventure, brimming with humour and heart, and a loyal woolly friend who might just change a life. Perfect for readers of 9+.
Thank you to Usborne for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I’ve read 170 books this year and most of these are middle-grade so it was really difficult to choose only 25 books. I’ve made my choices based on ones that have really stuck in my mind and which I have written reviews for. There is no doubt that my reading tastes tend towards fantasy and horror books – just as with my adult book choices and are what I gravitated towards as I grew up.
Below, I have posted a link to my review for each of these books:
Book Craic 