I’m listening to the audiobook of Eternity Engine which I’m really enjoying. It’s definitely a gripping read – I keep waiting for the twist as I just know there will be one! I’m just about to start The Treasure Hunters which I’m really looking forward to as I’ve read a couple of books by Lisa Thompson which I really liked.

I finished reading The Wolves of Willoughby Chase. I had no idea what this was about – apart from that there were wolves! It wasn’t what I was expecting, but I really loved it! I loved the friendship between Bonnie and Sylvia who find themselves in such a terrible situation. Miss Slighcarp is a brilliant villain. This is definitely a classic that I will be recommending to my class! I also read Ross Montgomery’s new book which is released at the start of May – Spellstone. I absolutely loved it, and have posted my review. I loved the first book in the Wildsmith series so was excited to have been sent the second in the series: City of Secrets. This is a magical adventure series for younger readers and is just gorgeous. I will be posting my review tomorrow which is publication day. Finally, I read another from my ‘Beat the BackList’ challenge, Fake. This is the second book by Ele Fountain that I’ve read and it’s so different from Boy 87. This one is a sci-fi where people rely on digital technology and home online-learning due to antibiotics no longer working and it being unsafe for people to mix. When Jess turns 14, she can go to a real school where she meets others in a classroom. Her sister Chloe is ill and needs medicine which is becoming increasingly expensive. When Jess does something to try to help her family, she makes their lives even harder and puts them – and herself- in danger. This was such a different read and one that I really enjoyed. It deals with control, identity and explores what is real and fake and different realities – this would open up some fascinating discussion in an end of Year 6/KS3 class. I’m definitely keen to read more of this author’s work.

I’m hoping to read Nic Blake and the Remarkables and Festergrimm next as I’m on my Easter holidays.

What are you reading? Have you read any of these?

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 last members of a secret magical organisation, the Order of the Stone, meet in an old theatre where rain pours down inside and audience is asleep.    Its leader, Wainwright, tells them that he has found a sorcerer who may be their last hope in defeating an evil magician intent on finding the Spellstone and unleashing the dark magic contained within, destroying the world. 

12-year-old Evie wakes from a strange dream of a theatre where the audience sleeps and rain pours down.  As the dream fades, she leaves for school amidst a heatwave, feeling unseen by others:  her parents, her teachers and the other children.  Walking home along the canal towpath, she is knocked over by a cyclist, and helped by someone she recognises from her dream.  This man introduces himself as Wainwright, one of the last true magicians, and informs her that the Spellstone, which he is tasked with keeping hidden, is being hunted by an evil magician.  He gives her a rusted piece of metal on a chain and tells her to take care of it and keep it hidden.  Before a confused Evie can find out more, he is running from men who are closing in on him …

Later that night, Evie hears a sound at the window and, on opening it, discovers the cat from her dream.  And she can talk!  She warns Evie that smoke-men are coming for her and they have to leave.  Desperate for answers, Evie follows and finds herself at an abandoned narrowboat which is not what it seems.  Inside, she meets the other members of the Order …

And so begins the most incredible, exhilarating adventure as Evie finds herself immersed in an ancient battle against a power-hungry magician intent on unleashing the evil bound within the Spellstone on an unsuspecting world.  Will Evie discover her magical power before it is too late?  Can she find the hidden Spellstone and destroy it before it returns darkness to the world?  Can she defeat a cold-hearted and cruel magician who has an army of ever-watching sinister smoke-men at his command? 

Just wow!  What an absolute page-turner!  I was completely engrossed in this brilliantly captured world:  a world where ordinary people are oblivious to the danger they are facing; where magic hides in plain sight, unseen and unnoticed by most; but where a few are prepared to make sacrifices for the good of the many.  The secrets, the revelations and the palpable danger kept me on the edge of my seat as I was drawn into a heart-pounding high-stakes race by a courageous few to defeat a spine-chillingly evil magician.

Evie is an incredibly likeable protagonist.  She does not understand why her world has changed, why she is not noticed by others, including her busy parents.  When she learns of the existence of the Order of the Stone, and her place within it, she is understandably doubtful, but shows determination and courage when facing fears and dangers and in making difficult decisions.  What really struck me about Evie is her inner strength and kindness and her belief in the inherent spark of goodness in others which brings hope when it is much needed.  I really liked the close bond of friendship that develops between Evie and the other members of the Order who must work as a team in their efforts to defeat the dark magician.  I particularly liked Alinora who is sarcastic, quick-tempered and rude, but with a heart of gold! 

I’m a huge fan of the Arthurian legends and Tolkien and spent a disproportionate part of my teenage years reading in this genre, so I loved the allusions to both, and loved the fresh twist that made this an unforgettable read that I am really looking forward to sharing with my class.

Spellstone is an absolute masterpiece:  perfect for readers of 9+ who will be spellbound by this thrilling, magical adventure. 

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

100 Ideas for Primary Teachers:  Reading for Pleasure is, without doubt, an invaluable and essential addition for any school looking to either begin, enhance, or embed their provision of a reading for pleasure curriculum. 

The ideas in this book are based on Scott’s (aka The Reader Teacher) five-point framework to revolutionise reading in schools:  Reading Roadmap.  At its heart is the aim that children become confident, enthusiastic and empathetic readers through a collaborative approach taken by teachers, reading leads, schools and communities with a unified goal of encouraging a lifelong love of reading.  It’s a goal which I’m absolutely committed to achieving within my school, so this book is exactly what I need to help me continue our school journey towards fully implementing and embedding a reading for pleasure curriculum for all children.

This book will give any school a wealth of practical, easy-to-apply ideas, and is a wonderful guide to help in implementing a reading for pleasure curriculum from ideas for individual teachers to reading leads to whole-school leadership. 

It takes a single step to start a journey and I wholeheartedly think that this is an indispensable resource to help schools begin or continue their reading journey:  a journey that really is life-changing for children.  My single step started with engaging with the primary school reading community on Twitter, with authors and publishers and with Scott’s Primary School Book Club – and I can honestly say that my engagement with reading has made a vast difference to the engagement of the children I teach.  I am hugely excited to continue my development as reading lead within my school by using more and more of the ideas within this much-needed book.

The book is divided into 11 parts:

• Raising reading children
• Creating a reading classroom
• Being a reader teacher
• Leaders are readers
• Setting up a reading school
• Understanding text types
• Cultivating a reading community
• Love your libraries
• Engaging with your reading environment
• Participating with parents and families
• Working with writers and illustrators

Each part has a detailed selection of hands-on ideas and explains clearly how each can be accomplished as well as giving additional teaching tips and ways of taking the idea further for schools whose reading for pleasure curriculum may be more established. 

I think what really stands out for me is how committed, enthusiastic and knowledgeable Scott is, and this makes Reading for Pleasure such an appealing read which really offers helpful, practical and ready-to-use recommendations.

Thank you so much to Scott Evans and Bloomsbury Education for inviting me to take part in the Blog Tour for 100 Ideas for Primary Teachers:  Reading for Pleasure, and for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest review. 

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

It’s been a great month for reading: I’ve read so many wonderful books, and am really looking forward to snuggling up with more books over the Easter holidays!

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 15 books this month: 12 physical and 3 audiobooks. I’ve also read another 5 books from my Beat the Backlist Challenge (38 left!):

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent 9 books by Publishers this month, including a gorgeous indie paperback edition of The Tale of Truthwater Lake which has a quote from my review of the hardback copy which was just wonderful to see as its a first for me!

NetGalley:

I’m so excited to have been approved to read Phil Earle’s next book! I am currently reading When the Sky Falls to my class which they’re loving.

Books bought:

Another epic fail month when it comes to trying not to buy new books, but they do look good on my bookshelves – and I actually read one of them this month!

How has your reading month been? Have you read any of these? Have you any of them on your TBR?

I’m reading The Wolves of Willoughby Chase which is one I can’t believe I haven’t read already. I’m only a couple of chapters in, and I’m really enjoying it. I’ve just started listening to Eternity Engine. I loved the first two books in this trilogy and am looking forward to the shocks and surprises I’m sure it will throw at me.

I’ve finished Into the Goblyn Wood which I really enjoyed, but it ended on such a cliffhanger – I’m definitely looking forward to the next one. I also finished listening to The Arctic Railway Assassin. What a brilliant end to this series which I have absolutely loved. It was so wonderful having Hal’s mum along in this one! I’ve also finished On Wings to the Stars which was a wonderful story with a focus on the Second World War in Malta which I didn’t know anything about. I will be posting my review shortly.

I’m hoping to read The Treasure Hunters next.

What are you reading? Have you read any of these?

Noor loves her mum, and all the other hijabi women in her family, but wonders why do they wear headscarves?Is it so they can hide snacks for later? Or because they’re a super spy and hiding their secret identity? Full of curiosity, Noor sets out to find her answer, but her family are all busy and have no time to answer this important question. Just as Noor is ready to give up on her quest, her Ammu arrives home and knows just the thing to say.

Not Now, Noor! is a wonderful, heartfelt celebration of Muslim women, of family and of identity which deserves a place in both homes and primary school libraries where its humour, warmth and gorgeous illustrations will delight young readers as they learn about the importance of hijabs.

Noor is curious and full of questions and, whilst she knows what her ammu’s hijab is not, she is determined to learn why the women in her family wear a hijab …

This leads to lots of wonderfully warm-hearted humour as Noor lets her imagination create her own ideas whilst her family are too busy to answer her questions … until her ammu helps her understand the importance of the hijab to Muslim women: a very powerful message of community and identity.

I loved how this story will not only help children learn about the hijab, but it also celebrates curiosity, not being afraid to ask questions and the imagination through the eyes of an inquisitive, quick-witted and observant young girl.

The vibrant illustrations are just stunning and really capture the warmth and humour in the story as well as the closeness of Noor’s loving family.

All children deserve to see themselves represented in books and this will not only do this for young Muslim children, but it will also open up conversations for all children which is so important to encourage tolerance, understanding and kindness.

Not Now, Noor! is a funny and heart-warming tale to share with young readers of 3+ who will delight in both the humour and illustrations whilst spending time with a loving Muslim family.

Thank you to Lily Orgill and Puffin Books for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

There are so many books I’m looking forward to in April. I have already read a proof copy of The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores Mackenzie and am looking forward to getting the final copy for my class library. Lots of these will be released during my Easter holiday, so I’m definitely going to be enjoying lots of these over that time.

I have taken the synopsis for each of these from the Waterstones website.

Wendington Jones has her world abruptly up-ended when her adventuring mother dies in a car crash in late 1920. Left in the care of her Grandmamma and her valet Rohan, Wendington receives a parcel in the middle of the night, seemingly from her dead mother. It’s half of a manuscript from a book her mother was writing, and describes a mystery surrounding the mythical Tree of Life. When Wendington reads that the tree could have the power to bring her mother back to life, she throws herself into finding the remainder of the manuscript and solving her mother’s mystery. However, her initial attempts are laced with danger. Other people also seek to find the Tree of Life and Wendington has to trick, fight and talk her way out of many perilous situations. Does Wendington have what it takes to complete her mission?

Rowan starts to embrace her gifts as a magical wildsmith who heals and speaks to animals. But saving a young pegasus brings difficult decisions. Danger comes closer than ever, threatening her family and even Rowan’s own life. When she is betrayed, which friends can she trust? With her family divided and war still raging, where does Rowan belong now?

‘Once was, once wasn’t.’ So began the stories Marjan’s father told her as a little girl – tales of mythical beasts that filled her with curiosity and wonder: Griffons. Unicorns. Dragons. But Marjan is not a little girl anymore. After her father’s sudden death, she is trying to hold it all together: her schoolwork, her friendships and her dad’s struggling veterinary practice. But a mysterious visitor soon reveals that Marjan’s father was no ordinary vet. The creatures from his stories are real – and he travelled the world to care for them. Stepping into a secret world hidden in plain sight, where magical creatures are bought and sold, treasured and trapped, Marjan must take her father’s place. The deeper in she gets, the closer she comes to a shocking truth that will put both humans and beasts in terrible danger.

When Delores Mackenzie is chased home by a restless spirit, she is sent to the mysterious Uncles in Edinburgh Old Town to learn how to control her unusual ‘gifts’. Scared and alone, she finds her new home at the Tolbooth Book Store is full of curious surprises: some welcome, others less so. But when a sinister apparition threatens the lives of her strange new housemates, Delores must gather all her strength to save them.

When lonely Vincent is forced to go on an outdoor activity weekend with three other kids from his class, he’s counting the seconds until he can escape home. But one of his classmates is hiding a secret: she’s convinced there’s pirate treasure buried deep within a nearby mountain. Suddenly, this boring trip becomes an exciting adventure! But a thief is hot on the trail, intent on stealing the loot for themselves… can the Treasure Hunters work together to stop them?

A tense, page-turning story that sensitively deals with themes of family upheaval and kleptomania.  Ren’s family lose their home in a fire. They’re living with her grandmother now and things are a bit tense.  Ren lost her collection of things, her clothes; her brother lost his little bear and is inconsolable. So Ren starts replacing things with other people’s possessions. They’ve got loads of stuff, after all.  But she gets caught and has to strike a terrifying deal to avoid detection…

All legends start somewhere . . . After defeating the evil Grendilock and saving Cadno, the last firefox, Charlie Challinor is looking forward to a well-earned rest. But when a familiar face appears from the realm of Fargone, Charlie’s family is once again swept up into adventure. Along with Lippy, Roo and new magical friend Blodyn, Charlie must travel to Fargone to face the dreaded Draig, the shadowy monster that is slowly draining the life from the land – and uncover the lost secret that links Draig’s history to Charlie’s own.

Flick is a magician who needs answers. Her father is still missing, and top illusionist the Great Fox doesn’t seem interested in finding him, despite his promises. Meanwhile, she and her friend Charlie must represent the Great Fox in a new competition in the Swiss town of Linth. The Global Order of Magic is electing a new chancellor, and the Fox insists that if he wins, it will help – but Flick isn’t so sure. Determined to solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance and of The Bell System, his greatest and most mysterious magic trick, Flick must pull off an impossible diamond heist to win. But danger lurks around every corner, and nothing is what it seems.

It’s not easy being a Remarkable in the Unremarkable world. Some things are cool – like getting a pet hellhound for your twelfth birthday. Others, not so much – like not being trusted to learn magic because you might use it to take revenge on an annoying neighbour. All Nic Blake wants is to be a powerful Manifestor like her dad. But before she has a chance to convince him to teach her the gift, a series of shocking revelations and terrifying events launch Nic and two friends on a hunt for a powerful magic tool she’s never heard of… to save her father from imprisonment for a crime she refuses to believe he committed.

Shaman by name and shaman by nature – Billy just hasn’t found his magic … yet. His selfish, globetrotting parents abandon him for yet another summer in Charles Darwin’s strange, museum-like house, where Billy stumbles across a 200-year-old giant talking tortoise named Charles Darwin, by the famous man himself. Charles D, the tortoise, knows every inch of the house and every artefact in it, and he’s keen to help Billy realise his powers and set him on the path to adventure. A beautifully carved Inuit ivory necklace is the first object that whisks him back in time to the shrieking chaos of an Arctic blizzard to meet its rightful owner, a girl called Ahnah, her shape-shifting grandmother and the mysterious explorer Pytheas.

Skandar Smith has achieved his dream to train as a unicorn rider. But as Skandar and his friends enter their second year at the Eyrie, a new threat arises. Immortal wild unicorns are somehow being killed, a prophecy warns of terrible danger, and elemental destruction begins to ravage the Island.  Meanwhile, Skandar’s sister, Kenna, longs to join him – and Skandar is determined to help her, no matter what. As the storm gathers, can Skandar discover how to stop the Island tearing itself apart – before it’s too late for them all?

After the defeat of her cruel father, Emba Oak’s nights are haunted by strange dreams with beckoning dragons calling her to faraway mountain peaks. With an ever-flowing stream of questions about her nature, her dragon fire and fury, Emba knows she must go. But can Emba control the growing powers inside her or will everything fall apart along the way?

There’s an egg snatcher in Aves Wood – the Twitchers are on the case! It’s spring, and Aves Wood is alive with migrating birds returning to build their nests. But eggs are going missing. Could someone be stealing from the nests of the wild birds? Horrified, the birdwatching detectives set up a stakeout, patrolling the woods to protect the nesting birds and hunting down the despicable egg thief. But the Twitchers are soon caught in their own trap. Can they work together to prove their innocence and catch the real criminal before any more birds get hurt?

A boy and a bear meet, become friends and have the adventure of their lives! The fourth thrilling adventure set in a fictional Sri Lanka is jam-packed with peril, thieves and a Nuwan works at the library, delivering books. One day, he accidentally takes away a very valuable key that’s been hidden inside one of the books, and in the process thwarts the plans of some very dangerous thieves. On the run, he hides in a cave, only to discover in the middle of the night that he is sharing it with a big, hairy, terrifying bear! After some hair-raising moments, he and the bear reach an understanding and they travel on together, evading the bad guys and hoping the key will unlock the answers to the mystery so that they can stop running and return home…

Samia, Ava and Frankie are thrilled to win a whirlwind trip of European capital cities. But when the Euro Metro rumbles through the night to their first destination and shots are fired, it becomes crystal clear that this is no ordinary school trip.  Their enigmatic chaperone, Miss Watson, is forced to admit that the children are being used as cover for a spying mission. Her colleague in M16 has vanished-presumed dead-and has left behind a trail of cryptic clues leading to vital information.  On their arrival in Paris, Samia, Ava and Frankie are catapulted into a world of art, espionage and terrible danger. Can the children solve the fiendish clues hidden on famous European landmarks and avoid the scary strangers who are stalking their every move?

When Lark’s mum takes her family with her on a research trip to Cambodia, Lark never expects that she’ll end up stranded on a deserted island! But that’s exactly what happens when her boat is shipwrecked. With her only companion a baby gibbon, Lark faces many dangers – brutal storms, scorching sunshine and jellyfish-infested waters. And with dwindling food and water, she must make a plan to find her way off the island before it’s too late…

Do any of these catch your interest? What are your most anticipated books for April? 

I’m almost finished Into Goblyn Wood which I’m really loving! Hazel is such a fantastic character, not knowing what she is, but being the help the fairies need. I love the distinction between the fairies and the fae – a really magical adventure.

I’ve finished the audiobook of Pages & Co: The Book Smugglers. I enjoyed Tilly and Milo’s adventure into Oz and their meetings with The Railway Children and the wonderful Anne of Green Gables. This one had a real edge of peril, and the ending definitely makes me want to pick up the next one – which is waiting on my bookshelf. I read Fairy Hill in one sitting and absolutely loved it. I am a huge fan of the fae in stories and this one didn’t disappoint. I loved that it was set in rural Ireland and had fairy rings and changelings. I loved how close Anna became to her little stepbrother and how protective she was of him. I also read The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores Mackenzie which is a brilliantly dark and gothic adventure due for release in April. I have posted my review.

I have the audiobook of The Arctic Railway Assassin to listen to next, and I’m hoping to read a physical copy of On Wings to the Stars which sounds like a poignant read.

What are you reading? Have you read any of these?

The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores Mackenzie is a deliciously dark, spine-tingling, supernatural adventure that completely enthralled me.    

When twelve-year-old Delores Mackenzie is chased along the causeway linking Cramond Island to the Scottish mainland by a Bòcan – an angry spirit intent on harming her – her older sister Delilah, helps her to keep it out of their home, a home that they share without their parents who have disappeared a year before, leaving just a note for their daughters.

Delores comes from a family with supernatural abilities and, when her sister is assigned a position with the Psychic Adjustment Society in Norway, Delores finds herself unwillingly sent to stay with the mysterious Uncles in Edinburgh Old Town.  Under their tutelage, she is to learn to control her dark and dangerous gift – necromancy – so that she doesn’t risk allowing spirits drawn to her energy to return to the living plane. 

On entering the Tolbooth Book Store where she is to both live and learn, Delores meets two others with paranormal abilities:  Prudence, an illusionist, who is rude, sarcastic and unfriendly; and, Gabriel, a seer, who is more welcoming.  Sitting down for dinner with the Uncles Oddvar and Solas, and Gabriel and Prudence, Delores is subjected to some real nastiness from Prudence but, when she is in danger of getting hurt, she gets help from an unexpected source:  the spirit of a young girl who gives her a warning before disappearing. 

And so begins a dark, tense and spine-tingling mystery as Delores fights to stop a truly terrifying spirit from returning to the living plane, a spirit who feeds on Delores’s energy, who has unfinished business with another, and who needs something that Delores has to anchor her in this world.  When the lives of new friends are threatened, will Delores have the courage and strength to save them, and herself, from this sinister apparition?  Does she really have the ability to push back the dead when they threaten the living?

Oh my goodness!  This was a brilliantly dark and spooky read that sent shivers down my spine as I became completely gripped by the mystery and the race to save friends before they were lost forever.  I loved the unexpected twists and turns, the danger and threat from both spectres and the Council which oversees the Paranormals.  This is a world that I am eager to return to, so I really hope there is more to come from Delores Mackenzie! 

The setting is just perfect for this gothic delight and the writing conveys the tense, eerie atmosphere, with its danger and threat, exceptionally:  the bookstore overlooking the kirkyard, the underground vaults and Edinburgh Old Town with its ghostly, gory history not to mention the hoar frost, cobwebs, spiders and dolls – chilling and spinetingling, perfect for upper middle-grade and beyond.  I have lots of children in my Year 6 class who are looking for books with a darker edge, and this is exactly the kind of book that will appeal.

Delores is a wonderfully sympathetic protagonist who is determined to help a young friend when she most needs it.  She shows courage and strength in standing up for herself, in learning to control her abilities and in facing a malevolent spirit.   She is looking for a place where she feels she belongs and where she can find real friendship with those who understand her. And I just have to mention Bartleby who I adored – grumpy, rude but with a heart of gold and a sweet tooth! 

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!

Thank you for Firefly Press for a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Tourmaline and the Island of Elsewhere is an exhilarating and action-packed magical adventure that completely captivated me.

Twelve-year-old Tourmaline makes a terrible discovery when she is eavesdropping on two of her professors at Pellavere University:  her mother, Persephone, has gone missing whilst on an archaeological hunt for a mysterious artefact on behalf of the university.  And even worse – no-one knows where she is and no rescue party will be sent!  Tourmaline has no intention of leaving her mother to her fate, and determines to find her with help from her best friend George and her new acquaintance, Mia who has newly arrived at the university with her mother.

After breaking into Persephone’s office, the children find a note in her mother’s handwriting which gives them both a warning and a clue as to where to start their search …. The Living Archives, a secret library within the university …

And so begins an exciting, action-packed adventure as the children find themselves in possession of a map which they hope will lead to Tourmaline’s mother on a hidden island, but first they have to find their way to the sea, and what better way than as stowaways aboard a ship, The Hunter?  Their plans go somewhat awry when they discover just who crews the ship:  a band of female pirates and rogue artefact hunters, who are also intent on finding the Island of Elsewhere.  Will Tourmaline be able to outwit the hunters and be the first to reach the island?  Can she overcome the many obstacles that are thrown in her way as she races to save her mother?   

I think that the world might be better with a little magic in it.

I loved the gripping twists and turns, and the brilliantly unexpected revelations, that kept me eagerly turning pages as I was never sure quite what was going to happen next.  The world-building is wonderful and so imaginative:  a magical, sentient island with talking trees, protective and dangerous nature and tricksy mazes that made this such a thrilling and enjoyable read. 

Tourmaline is a real gem of a character:  determined, strong, courageous and with a natural curiosity that propels her into an incredible adventure.  She is protective of her best friend, George, who is more nervous and anxious and keen to follow the rules.  But, when Tourmaline needs him, he proves himself to be a loyal and brave friend.  I also enjoyed the ups and downs of the relationship between Mai and Tourmaline as they build trust and friendship.

This is the most wonderful, magical adventure, filled with friendship, danger and discovery, perfect for readers of 9+ who, I have no doubt, will be eagerly waiting for Tourmaline’s next adventure – just as much as I am!

Thank you to Little Tiger Books for an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.