The first Thursday in January is going to be a bumper release day for middle-grade fiction. Luckily, Christmas is a perfect time to catch up on lots of reading so that I can clear some bookshelf space for these new additions. By clearing bookshelf space, I mean that, once I finish a book at home, I take it in to school to add to my class library for the children to enjoy.

I have included the Goodreads or Waterstones synopsis for each of these. Here goes …

1835. Cabin boy Syms Covington is on the voyage of a lifetime to the Galapagos Islands with the world-famous scientist Charles Darwin. But when Syms falls overboard during a huge storm, he washes up on an unexplored island. Stranded there, he makes a discovery that could change the world … Now it’s not just his own survival at stake – the future of an undiscovered species is in his hands. How to Train Your Dragon meets natural history – with real science!

When Holly and her family fly to LA for a holiday, it promises to be the trip of a lifetime. On her first day exploring the city of dreams, Holly befriends a movie director, who’s captured something suspiciously dragonlike on camera while filming out in the desert. But before she can examine the tape properly, it goes missing… Holly asks her partner-in-solving-crime, dragon detective Dirk Dilly, to join her on the hunt for clues in Hollywood. Will they be able to find the film before it falls into the wrong hands and exposes the existence of dragonkind to the world? 

Tomas is a fully-fledged expert dragon grower and protector of the dragonfruit tree. He has eyes in the back of his head for watching over those sneaky dragons, awesomely fast reflexes for putting out sparks and dodging the diving antics of whirling newly hatched dragons. He’s got it all down pat – and managing his little lightning bolt dragon Zing, too. But he’s not quite prepared for the adventure that awaits him when a huge secret is revealed about his new friend, Aura. A thrilling secret that will take Tomas and Aura on a journey of discovery that will finally unlock the last mysteries of the dragonfruit tree. A journey of discovery that all the dragons will be in on – and just what will happen when lightning bolt dragon Zing and storm dragon Flicker get together? 

Join the brave friends Patch, Wren and Barver for another adventure of magic and music! Thrill as they meet the Pirates of the Eastern Seas! Marvel as they venture to the only city where dragons and humans live side by side! Gasp as they journey high into the snowy peaks, where the greatest secret of the griffins lies hidden! And tremble as they come face to face once more with the increasingly powerful and evil Hamelyn Piper…

Jessica is playing with her family at the river when she finds a dirty, bedraggled teddy bear in the water. She has no idea that it will change everything, forever. Meanwhile, Cymbeline comes home from school to find that his mum’s house has been broken into – and the thieves seemed oddly focused on his toys. Thank goodness he had Not Mr Fluffy, his Bear of Most Extreme Importance, with him. Soon, Jessica and Cymbeline find themselves swept up in a mystery that spans decades, threatens their families, and turns their lives upside down. But sometimes, just maybe, a new life can be a really wonderful thing…

Morgana loves robots and longs to attend robotics school in the city. But she’s a witch, living in a magical woodland community: the closest she comes to technology is petting her ancient mechanical familiar, Kitty. She simply doesn’t belong. But when she finally finds a way to the City, she learns of a troubling secret hiding beneath its gleaming surface: a secret that threatens the balance of civilization. Caught between two worlds, only Morgana has the power to find a solution … 

Nine is an orphan pickpocket determined to escape her life in the Nest of a Thousand Treasures. When she steals a house-shaped ornament from a mysterious woman’s purse, she knocks on its tiny door and watches it grow into a huge, higgledy-piggeldy house. Inside she finds a host of magical and brilliantly funny characters, including Flabberghast – a young wizard who’s particularly competitive at hopscotch – and a hideous troll housekeeper who’s emotionally attached to his feather duster. They have been placed under an extraordinary spell, which they are desperate for Nine to break. If she can, maybe they can offer her a new life in return… 

A spellbinding new middle grade series crackling with magic and adventure. I am Spel. Daughter of witches. The only one who can step between worlds. The only one who can save my sister. If I can find her before the witch hunt begins … Thirteen years ago, magic was banished and the witches were hunted. Sisters Spel and Egg are the daughters of witches, but they grow up in Miss Mouldheel’s School for Wicked Girls with no idea who they really are. Until the day the message arrives telling them to run … The message sends them to a funeral parlour in a far away village – and their new guardian, the Undertaker, has a secret. Beneath the funeral parlour is a portal to the Other Ways – four worlds that lie parallel to ours. When Egg vanishes through the portal, Spel knows she must try to save her sister. But no one can step between the worlds – or can they?

P. G. Bell’s Delivery to the Lost City is the thrilling conclusion of the Train to Impossible Places trilogy, a magical middle-grade adventure. When the Impossible Postal Express is charged with returning an overdue library book, Suzy Smith looks forward to a nice, simple delivery–just the thing she needs to convince her anxious parents to let her keep her job on the train. So she’s less than thrilled to discover that not only is the book alive, it’s full of a growing and dangerous magic. Worse still, the world to which it belongs is missing, and Suzy and her friends will have to use all their ingenuity to find it. Suzy must help a fledgling rebellion seize power, return the book to its rightful owner, and get home before her parents ground her for life. The conclusion to the Train to Impossible Places trilogy promises to be the most adventurous yet. 

September 1939. When Jimmy is evacuated to a small village in Wales, it couldn’t be more different from London. Green, quiet and full of strangers, he instantly feels out of place. But then he finds a skull hidden in a tree, and suddenly the valley is more frightening than the war. Who can Jimmy trust? His brother is too little; his best friend has changed. Finding an ally in someone he never expects, they set out together to uncover the secrets that lie with the skull. What they discover will change Jimmy – and the village – forever. A mesmerising mystery about bravery and brotherhood from an outstanding new voice.

Science and laughs combine in this out-of-this-world adventure, featuring illustrations by Ben Mantle! You might think that this story is going to be an intergalactic adventure filled with UFOs, black holes, killer robots and some very foul-smelling aliens. And you’d be right. But it’s mostly about a boy called Jake, his embarrassing dad, and the mind-boggling question . . . are we really alone in the universe?

SUMMER 1914. When Fran unearths a bone in the garden of Longbarrow House on the same afternoon that Leo breaks his leg, it must surely be just a coincidence. But Fran can’t shake the uneasy feeling that the events are somehow connected, and there is a shift in the atmosphere that leaves her troubled and anxious. Roped into keeping wheelchair-bound Leo company, Fran is forced to listen to his foolish theories about the looming threat of war in Europe. But as the pair start to uncover more secrets buried beneath the garden, they dredge up threatening shadows of the future, and Fran begins to fear that Leo’s dire predictions might be coming true …

When Art’s mother is accused of witchcraft, she is determined to get her back – at any cost. Twelve-year-old Art lives in a small village in Scotland. Her mother has always made potions that cure the sick, but now the townspeople say she is a witch. One cloudless night, Art’s mother is accused of Witchcraft, arrested, and taken from Scotland to England. Art mounts her horse, taking a sword, a tightrope, and a herbal recipe book, and begins a journey through wild forests to find her mother before summer solstice, using nature’s signs and symbols to guide her. On her journey, Art will discover what sacrifices she will need to make to be reunited with her mother – and to alter the fate of women everywhere. But will she reach her, before it’s too late?

Melody Bird has discovered an old abandoned house in the corner of the graveyard, and a mysterious boy hiding out there… Hal tells her that he’s a spy-in-training, using the house as a base for his undercover surveillance of a known local criminal. Her friends Matthew and Jake don’t believe that a teenager would be entrusted with this mission and turn the tables to spy on him, uncovering secrets and unravelling a mystery as they go.

There you have it! There are some incredible middle-grade being released on 7th January! Are there any of these you want to read? Have you already read any of these?

Thank you so much to James Haddell for providing me with an e-copy of The Lost Child’s Quest and for inviting me to be part of this Blog Tour. My review is my honest opinion of the book.

History, Mystery, Magic and Adventure

The Lost Child’s Quest is an action-packed, heart-warming adventure steeped in history and legend with an intriguing mystery to solve.  It is the first in the ‘Tales of Truth and Treasure’ series – and what a truly brilliant start to the series it is!

Tia Hemyke is just about to be adopted from the orphanage she has spent her childhood in when she has an encounter with a dangerous stranger.  Why is he so interested in the items which were left with her when she was abandoned as a baby?  Will her adoption by the Trevelyan’s keep her safe, or will this sinister stranger continue to prove a threat?

Tia is taken to her new home by the sea close to Stormhaven Castle where her adoptive parents work as archaeologists alongside historians uncovering the history of the Castle, but Tia has her own history to uncover.  She is determined to solve the mystery behind the ‘treasures’ which were left with her at the orphanage, and so begins her incredible adventure that takes her on a journey of self-discovery filled with intrigue, danger, magic and a quest for the truth behind an ancient legend …

I absolutely loved the skilful weaving of history and Arthurian legend in this fast-paced mystery as unexpected twists and revelations kept me enthralled throughout. The ending is completely satisfying, but also opens the door to the continuation of Tia’s quest which is definitely a journey I want to follow.

Tia is an incredibly sympathetic, kind-hearted young girl who is seeking both a home where she feels she belongs and is loved, and an understanding of where she has come from.  Even though she finds it hard to trust, she shows incredible courage and inner strength in opening up to her new family and seeking their help in fulfilling her quest.  She develops a warm and genuine friendship with her new sister, Meghan and school friend, Pasco.  Meghan is welcoming and gregarious whereas Pasco is much quieter and more studious; however, they both become supportive friends, prepared to help Tia fulfil her quest.  I adored the portrayal of the heartfelt bond which develops between Tia and her new family which felt really genuine and honest.

The Lost Child’s Quest is a fantastically heart-warming story of finding family, friendship and self which I absolutely adored, and is one I am keen to share with my class.  I love that James includes reference to the real-life treasures mentioned in the book and activities for every chapter.

You can order a copy via the website: https://www.truthandtreasure.com/ and on Amazon.

To read more about this brilliant book, please check out the rest of the stops on the Blog Tour:

This is my weekly meme celebrating amazing middle-grade books. I hope others will enjoy taking part in this too!

How to take part:

• Post a picture of the front cover of a middle-grade book which you have read and would recommend to others with details of the author, illustrator and publisher.
• Open the book to page 11 and share your favourite sentence. 
• Write three words to describe the book.
• Either share why you would recommend this book, or link to your review.

This week, I’m celebrating …

Favourite Sentence from Page 11:

I lay awake for a while, listening to the music.

This book in three words:

COURAGE, HOPE, PREJUDICE

This story is both an incredible testament to the bravery and resilience of a German refugee during the Second World War, and a good old-fashioned adventure which completely absorbed me and, I am not ashamed to admit, led to heartfelt tears.  Any children’s book that can capture and affect me so deeply is a real credit to the depth, honesty and power of the writing.

This is the heart-breaking, but ultimately uplifting, story of Daniel’s Grandmother, Anna Schlesinger, who travelled to England from Germany before the outbreak of the War on the kindertransport in order to escape from the cruel and terrifying persecution of the Jewish community by the Nazis.  This persecution is compellingly described and made me appreciate the terror that Anna carries with her throughout the story. 

This is a story of incredible courage, daring and determination to help the war effort which sees Anna involved in a dangerous web of intrigue. Anna is such a wonderful young protagonist who could easily have been destroyed by her horrific experiences in Germany, but instead she chooses to honour her mother and father by making the most of the opportunities she is given, and by making them proud of her.

This story is truly inspirational:  heart-breaking in places, but also full of hope that adversity can be overcome, and that goodness will shine through in our darkest moments.

This is a story which I would highly recommend: you can read my full review here.

I’d love if anyone who wants to give this meme a go would comment in the comments box and include a link to your post so I can visit, comment and find some great middle-grade recommendations. If you do create a post and are on Twitter, and would like to share your post, please use the hashtag  #MGTakesOnThursday so I can find it, read it and share it!

This has probably been my slowest reading month for a while. Covid has come much closer to home and I think it just made it more difficult for me to switch off with reading as I normally would, and it has certainly made it harder for me to focus on writing reviews. Instead, I’ve been switching off with watching Christmas movies!

My younger sister was hospitalised after testing positive and was diagnosed with double pneumonia. She was in hospital for a few days but, thankfully, is well on the mend although she has been told to recuperate for 6-8 weeks. I’m sure, like a lot of people, I’m just desperate to visit family and give hugs! We’ve also had more cases in school with a Year Group having to isolate. This term has been intense in work, so I’m really looking forward to being able to switch off over Christmas.

I’ve only bought one book this month (Winterling for the Middle Grade Marvels Book Club December read), but there’s a good reason. My wonderful husband has bought me all the books I’ve mentioned as part of my Christmas present. He insists, and who am I to argue? 🙂

I took part in Believathon III but didn’t manage to finish it. I read 8 of the 13 books I’d intended to. I definitely still want to read the others and am just about to start one which was on my list.

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 11 books this month which includes 6 physical books, 4 e-books and 1 audiobook.

Physical books:

e-books:

These are books I have either been sent by the author in exchange for an honest review, or books which I’ve been approved to read on NetGalley. I’ve posted my review for A Thousand Questions and will post my review The Lost Child’s Quest on Friday as part of their Blog Tours. I will post my reviews for The Valley of Lost Secrets and The Weather Weaver closer to their publication dates – just need to write them first!

audiobook:

NetGalley:

My Feedback Ratio is currently at 89%. This month I’ve requested and been approved to read two books which I’m really looking forward to.

Books sent for review:

I always feel incredibly lucky if I get sent books by Publishers to read prior to publication. I’ve been sent four I’m really looking forward to reading over Christmas.

Have you read any of these? What has been your favourite book this month?

I’m currently almost finished listening to The Amber Spyglass which is incredible. It’s definitely my favourite of the three books. I can’t wait to find out what the final outcome will be, then I’m going to watch the BBC series. On a whim, I decided to pick up a book that has been on my bookshelf for so long. I’m absolutely loving Scavengers which has me completely gripped. I’m trying to work out whether Babagoo has ulterior motives in not allowing Landfill to go Outside. The tension is brilliantly created and I can’t wait to find out how this ones ends.

I’ve finished reading Amari and the Night Brothers. Amari is a wonderfully strong character who finds herself in a situation she does not expect as she battles to save her brother, Quinton whilst discovering more about her own abilities. I will be posting my review during the The Write Reads Blog Tour later this month.

I was lucky enough to win a copy of this to review on Toppsta, so it has jumped to the top of my TBR! The publishers very kindly sent me all three books in the series. These books are really popular in my class, and I already have two copies of each of the first two books in my class library, so it will be great to add some more copies. I have a girl in my class desperate to get her hands on Delivery to the Lost City, so she was very excited to hear that I had an early copy which I’ll let her have as soon as I’ve finished reading it.

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

Snow Ghost came whispering out of the air,
“Oh, for a home to be happy – but where?”

Snow Ghost is a beautiful story, written in rhyming couplets, which is perfect for reading aloud, and will be a treasured read to cosy up with on cold, wintery nights. 

Snow Ghost is looking for the perfect home, a place to belong and, as she searches, she looks upon a range of landscapes including town, forest and hill, but she doesn’t feel that she will belong in any of these.  Then, she sees a girl and boy playing joyfully on a small farm.  Could this be the place where she will find a home? 

This is a truly gorgeous story about finding your place, and having your hopes fulfilled.  The language is stunning and perfectly depicts Snow Ghost’s feelings and journey, and the rhymes make it perfect for shared reading.

The illustrations are breath-taking with a real magical quality that will entrance any reader.  They encapsulate the ethereal nature of Snow Ghost whilst giving her personality and fluidity.  The joy on the children’s faces as they play in the snow, and with the snow ghost, is wonderful.  The changes in landscape from the green of the countryside to the moors blanketed by snow is stunning as is the use of bright and muted colours throughout.

I have no doubt that this will be a favourite story to be read over and over again, the beauty of the words and illustrations capturing the hearts and imaginations of young children.

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

I’m still listening to The Amber Spyglass on Borrowbox. I am in awe of the world and narrative created which has completely drawn me in – perfect in-car entertainment! I’ve just started Amari and the Night Brothers which I had intended to read by now, but a few others got in the way! One of the children in my class has given me her copy of The Wizard in the Shed to read during our ‘Reading for Pleasure’ session. I’m really enjoying this which has a great mixture of humour and warmth.

I finished reading Shadows of Winterspell for Middle Grade Marvels Book Club. I’ve had this one on my TBR for about a year, so I’m really glad it was chosen as I loved the story. This story tended to reveal a lot of information quite early on in the book which I actually found very refreshing. We know Stella’s background and her connection to the Shadow King early on in the story. She lives with her ghost Nan and their imp, Peg on the outskirts of the forest. She has been taken there for her protection, but Stella wants to assert her independence so insists on starting school which is not quite what she expected. Once there, she forms some wonderful friendships, makes some intriguing discoveries and makes a decision to confront her past in an effort to help the magical creatures battling against the shadows in the forest. This is one I would definitely recommend.

I also read Tamarind and the Star of Ishta which I absolutely loved. Tamarind’s mother died when she was a baby and her father took her away from her country of birth, India. He has since re-married and brings her back to meet her mother’s family in India whilst he and his new wife honeymoon. Once there, Tamarind begins to discover more about her mother and her family. This is a story of finding your identify, belonging and friendship (both difficult and easy) encapsulated in a wonderful mystery as Tamarind tries to discover the identify of the unusual girl, Ishta, who she meets in the garden of her ancestral home. This is a short book (202 pages) but it packs so much in … it drew me into this richly described world and really did take me on a wonderful adventure.

I was sent a copy of The Lost Child’s Quest by the author. Another short story and the start of a series. I loved the mix of history and legend and thought it was a brilliant start to a series I will definitely want to continue. I will be posting my review shortly.

I also read the final part in The Wild Magic trilogy, The Promise Witch. The Little Grey Girl is still my favourite book in the trilogy, but I did really enjoy this one and thought it was a great conclusion to the series. Mup and Crow are taken by a raggedy witch called Magda who intends to use them to regain her place amongst the raggedy witches. I love how deep emotions run in the story and the lyrical quality of the writing is gorgeous. The friendship between Mup and Crow is just wonderful as is the strength shown by characters who have been wronged by the witches in terrible ways as some seek to help and others to redeem themselves. The strength and unity shown by oppressed peoples as they stand up for themselves and fight for their place and freedom is brilliantly portrayed.

I’m REALLY behind with writing reviews so I’m going to try to catch up this weekend but then I intend to read The Ghost of Gosswater.

Even though the November theme for Six for Sunday, hosted by Steph at A Little But a Lot, is perfect for me, A celebration of kids’ books!, I haven’t been able to do as much reading and blogging as I’d like this month for personal reasons and as work has been hectic! Things are now looking up, so I thought I’d take part this week. The prompt is to share Children’s books you’d love to read. I have ‘over 100’ (a conservative estimate!) children’s books patiently waiting to be read in my bookcases at home, so I’ve decided to choose three I bought about a year ago and three more recent purchases which will all be perfect books to pick up in December.

I’ve had North Child since last Christmas, and just haven’t managed to pick it up yet. I’ve seen so many brilliant recommendations for this, and I already know I’m going to love it! I’ve also got West which is the next book in the series which I think might be for slightly older readers.

I’m choosing one and having one extra here! I read The Polar Bear Explorers’ Club last year and absolutely loved it. I immediately bought the next two, Explorers on Witch Mountain and Explorers on Black Ice Bridge and have kept meaning to read them. December seems like the perfect time to delve back into this wonderful world. There is a new book in this series, The Ocean Squid Explorers’ Club, coming out in February which I’m also really looking forward to.

Nevertell is another one I’ve had since last year. It’s been highly recommended to me by a child in my class who read it over the first lockdown and loved it. I think this will be a perfect wintry, magical adventure.

I absolutely love The Storm Keeper series by Catherine Doyle and couldn’t resist The Miracle on Ebenezer Street, a modern re-imagining of A Christmas Carol. I think there might be tears!

I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but this one just screams ‘perfect wintry read’. I’ve loved the other books in the Clifftoppers series, and am looking forward to curling up on the sofa with this one – and a hot chocolate!

I definitely need to read a book with Father Christmas in December! I got this special edition of The Night I Met Father Christmas for my birthday. I didn’t read it when it was first published, so wanted to read the re-issue.

Have you read any of these? What are you hoping to read in December?

This is my weekly meme celebrating amazing middle-grade books. I hope others will enjoy taking part in this too!

How to take part:

• Post a picture of the front cover of a middle-grade book which you have read and would recommend to others with details of the author, illustrator and publisher.
• Open the book to page 11 and share your favourite sentence. 
• Write three words to describe the book.
• Either share why you would recommend this book, or link to your review.

This week, I’m celebrating …

Favourite Sentence from Page 11:

The knight and the badger turn to the third figure – a Bengal tiger, towering over the room around them.

This book in three words:

FRIENDSHIP, HOPE, MAGIC

WHAT A BOOK! The Midnight Guardians is an exciting, fast-paced and humorous adventure which seamlessly blends history and fantasy into an unforgettable, magical story which celebrates the enduring power of love, hope and friendship to overcome hatred, uncertainty and darkness.  Sheer perfection!

Col has been evacuated from London during the Blitz to live with his Aunt Claire, leaving his older sister Rose behind. Col soon finds himself reunited with his imaginary Guardians – except they have materialised in his world!  The Guardians have come with a dire warning, a warning that sees Col determined to return to London to save his sister from a terrible danger …

So begins a truly astounding adventure that completely and utterly gripped me and swept me completely into its magic.  My heart pounded alongside Col and the Guardians as they race against time to get to London to save Col’s sister … will they be able to win the battle between darkness and light that threatens to destroy the world?  Will they be able to stand firm against the terrible foes they face whilst fulfilling their quest?

The entwining of dark myths and legends against the realistically portrayed backdrop of WWII creates a real sense of peril with a magical sense of wonder that gives an incredible depth and richness to the narrative. 

The three Guardians are just brilliant with a wonderful camaraderie and plenty of humour which lightened some of the darker moments.  They have fantastically individual characters that made them feel endearingly real.  King of Rogues (make sure you address him with his full title or you may well feel his wrath) is a miniature knight with attitude; Mr Noakes is a kind-hearted badger in a waistcoat; and, Pendlebury is the brave and noble Bengal tiger who can alter his size.  There is so much more to them, but everyone deserves the joy of getting to know these three for themselves!  The Guardians have been waiting for Col as he is their only hope in defeating the merciless Midwinter King who is a truly terrible villain who sent shivers down my spine.  He thrives on darkness, and the terrible events of our history feeds his thirst for power and dominion. 

Col is an incredibly sympathetic character.  He is lonely, friendless and grieving the loss of his father.  He feels bitter disappointment and hurt at his sister not coming with him to their Aunt’s home.  Despite his fear, Col great courage in overcoming a terrible enemy in a dangerous time, supported by a wonderfully loyal, protective and supportive circle of friends who give him strength when it is most needed. 

This is an engrossing and epic quest that took me on the most incredibly action-packed, perilous and heart-warming adventure with a cast of amazing characters:  an unforgettable tale of friendship, hope and overcoming darkness.

I was lucky enough to win a copy of this fantastic book on Toppsta.

I’d love if anyone who wants to give this meme a go would comment in the comments box and include a link to your post so I can visit, comment and find some great middle-grade recommendations. If you do create a post and are on Twitter, and would like to share your post, please use the hashtag  #MGTakesOnThursday so I can find it, read it and share it!

I’m currently listening to the audiobook of The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman. My goodness – what a world and what a story! I’ve really found myself immersed in these books, and am so glad I’ve ‘picked’ them up after so many years ignoring them! I will watch the TV series after I’ve finished this one. I’m just about to start my sixth book for Believathon, Tamarind & the Star of Ishta.

I’ve finished reading The Weather Weaver which I’ll be reviewing shortly. I also read Return to Roar which blew me away! I loved The Land of Roar and think this was even better. I just loved the world-building and the sheer escapism I got from reading it. I really do think this is a celebration of the power of the imagination and it just makes me feel good reading it – joyful, humorous, wonderful characters with wonderful messages relating to friendship, self-belief and facing your fears. I really enjoyed the much closer relationship between Arthur and Rose.

I have been lucky enough to have been sent a proof copy of Amari and the Night Brothers by the Publisher for an upcoming Blog Tour. It is one of my most anticipated reads, and I’m so looking forward to reading it this weekend.