Rocket Boy is a stunning hardback book with full colour illustrations that I have no doubt will fuel the imaginations of its young readers.  Just be ready for the request for a cardboard box – a large one!

Did you know that shooting stars are actually meteorites, and that Martian sunsets are blue? 

I know someone who can answer these questions and many others! Callum Grant is fascinated by space and knows lots of space facts which he is very keen to share, so when his Mum gets a delivery, she gives him the giant cardboard box to play with so that she is not distracted whilst building her new furniture.

What is the best use for a huge cardboard box? Why, if you want to be an astronaut, it makes a perfect rocket! A rocket that can take you into space for an out-of-this-world adventure … Callum finds himself blasting off towards Mars with Oscar, his cat, who adds a lot of humour to both the narrative and illustrations.

The full colour illustrations are absolutely perfect:  full of imaginative detail, vibrancy and humour. I really liked the range of layouts used including elements of graphic novels, range of font sizes, different coloured backgrounds and partial and full-page illustrations. 

This is a fantastic story, celebrating the power of the imagination, which will teach some spectacular space facts.

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

This is my new 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 dead walk the earth, little one,” he said to Corinne.

This book in three words:

SPOOKY, FRIENDSHIP, FOLKLORE

This was a book that I read for Middle Grade Marvels Book Club, and I’m so glad I did. I haven’t read a book based on Caribbean folklore before, but I’m definitely going to pick up the rest of this trilogy as I absolutely loved the story which is brimming with tension, danger and scariness.

Corinne doesn’t believe in the superstitious old tales of ‘jumbies’ hiding in the forest so has no issue with entering the mahogany Forest to retrieve her stone pendant, her most treasured possession as it was her deceased mother’s. However, she brings something dark and frightening back with her, something which is determined to exact revenge on the people of the island …

This story is a real roller coaster of tension and danger as Corinne may have unwittingly put the lives of the villagers at risk and must fight to save her father from a fate worse than death. The collection of ‘jumbies’ are spine-tinglingly scary, but none more so than Severine except, perhaps, the douens, man-children with backwards feet, who steal children.

Corinne has a wonderfully close relationship with her father, making it all the more heart-breaking when she walks into her house and sees him with Severine, knowing that she is in danger of losing him. She also develops three close friendships which are gorgeously portrayed, one with two homeless brothers, Malik and Bouki and the other with Dru who comes from a close-knit family.

Another element of the story which I found fascinating was the colonisation of the island by humans, and how they took over the island to the detriment of the jumbies, who were the native inhabitants, destroying their forest and homeland.

Full of endless courage, ancient magic and stunning revelations, this is a story I can definitely highly recommend.

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!

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I’m just about to start reading Time School: We Will Honour Them which I’m reading for a Blog Tour in August. I love historical fiction and time travel, so I’m really looking forward to this one. I’m continuing to listen to The Secret Garden on audio. I’m really enjoying it as it was one of my favourite books as a child, and there is something very comforting about listening to a favourite story.

I’ve had a wonderful week reading as I have now finished school, and am hoping to enjoy lots of reading over the summer. When I saw the Sophie Anderson’s next book was on NetGalley, I just had to request The Castle of Tangled Magic which jumped straight to the top of my TBR. I absolutely LOVED this story which has all the trademarks of Sophie’s magical writing. I also read Rocket Boy which was sent to me for review. It has full colour illustrations and is perfect for young readers. A perfect way to get their imaginations fired up! The only book by Kiran Millwood Hargrave that I hadn’t read was The Island at the End of Everything, so I read it in a single sitting on Sunday. Ami’s story completely gripped me. She lives on Culion Island with her mother, who has leprosy, until she is taken from her and placed in an orphanage on another island by a cruel government official, Mr Zamora, who segregates adult islanders with leprosy from those without, and forces the children to be taken from their parents. Both heart-breaking and uplifting, this is a mesmerising and beautifully told story. I can’t wait for Kiran’s next middle-grade, A Secret of Birds and Bone, which is due for release in October. I also read The House on Hoarder Hill which I really enjoyed, especially the talking stag’s head and bear rug, Stan and Doug who are utterly brilliant! I’ve posted my review for this one. I also read a gorgeous picture book (via NetGalley), Snow Ghost which is written in rhyming couplets and has the most magical illustrations. A snow ghost is wandering the world, looking for somewhere to call home, and eventually finds her perfect place. Finally, I enjoyed a double reading fest of the first two books in the Adventures on Trains series, The Highland Falcon Thief and Kidnap on the California Comet which I loved. I’ve posted my review for the first one, and am writing up my review for the second one.

I won’t get as much reading completed next week as I’m off to visit family in Ireland, but I am hoping to get Dragon Mountain read over the weekend. This is one I was approved to read via NetGalley, but I’ll definitely be buying the gorgeous sprayed edge one Waterstones is releasing.

What have you read this week? Have you read any of these?

That was cool!  I really, really enjoyed this clever, old-style mystery which kept me utterly entranced throughout as I fell in love with The Highland Falcon, and was completely absorbed by the intriguing mystery unfolding on board. 

Harrison (Hal) Beck is reluctantly joining his travel-writer uncle, Nat aboard the royal steam train, The Highland Falcon for its final journey.  Any boredom he might have felt is soon forgotten as a diamond-encrusted brooch goes missing.

Together with his new friend, Lenny, they decide to undertake their own sleuthing to track down the real jewellery thief who they nickname ‘The Magpie’.  This is a very clever mystery with clues tantalisingly sprinkled, potential culprits identified and eliminated, red herrings and further crimes committed … I really enjoyed trying to piece together the clues to solve the mystery. 

I really liked the pacing which has the perfect balance of slower paced exploration and fast-paced, exciting discoveries, allowing me to become absorbed in the story-telling and the adventure aboard the train.

Hal is a really talented sketch artist, and I loved how his sketches are not only incorporated into the plot, but also shown through the gorgeously detailed illustrations by Elisa Paganelli which really bring the characters and events aboard the train to life.

I can’t say I’m a train enthusiast, but I must admit that I was drawn into the wonder of this royal train as I learned so much about how it operates and its history.  I can totally believe how Hal quickly comes to appreciate and love this train. And now I really want to travel on an old steam train.

The relationship between Hal and Uncle Nat is just perfect, and Nat makes a great role model for his young nephew!  Nat’s enthusiasm and knowledge of trains shines through and I can imagine how this would make Hal view trains in a whole new light.  Nat is kind, supportive and encouraging towards Hal.   He is a protective uncle who defends Hal and allows him to follow his instincts.  He has faith in his nephew and trusts him with the choices he makes.  I also really enjoyed the friendship between Hal and Lenny as they work as a team to solve the mystery, supporting and looking out for each other. 

The Highland Falcon Thief is a brilliantly clever, exciting, old-fashioned mystery that kept me guessing to the end:  a thoroughly enjoyable read!

Oh my goodness – this is the BEST way to spend a few hours!  I absolutely adored losing myself in this delightful story which completely immersed me in its mystery, humour and spookiness – a real winning combination!

Hedy and Spencer van Beer are spending their Christmas holidays with their Grandpa John in his house on Hoarder Hill.  Grandpa John had been a famous stage magician, until the day a trick went wrong and his beloved wife, Rose disappeared on stage.  He has never gotten over her loss, and spends his time buying dangerous magical artefacts.  Of course, a house where magician’s props are hoarded proves irresistible to his grandchildren and, despite warnings not to touch anything, Hedy is desperate to explore …

The children are rather surprised when their exploration brings them to the attention of Doug and Stan, a bear rug and a stag’s head – who can TALK!  They are genius creations:  I adored the wickedly witty, argumentative banter between these old friends.

They agree to help Hedy and Spencer discover the truth of their grandmother’s disappearance, and so begins an adventure brimming with mystery, intrigue and strange occurrences, not to mention eccentric ghosts, mischievous Woodspies, grotesques and a malicious spirit intent on disrupting their plans.  I just have to mention the Ghostbusters reference – really made me giggle!

This story has a great balance of spookiness and humour and a plot which is incredibly inventive, engaging and action-packed, which kept me eagerly turning pages as discoveries are made, secrets are revealed and danger is never far away:  who was responsible for Grandma Rose’s disappearance?  Why is the sinister Nobody intent on causing harm to the family?  Is there real magic in the house, or just trickery?

I really liked Hedy and her younger brother Spencer who clearly have a warm sibling bond.  Hedy has more of an adventurer’s spirit and is naturally curious and tenacious whereas Spencer is more easily scared and has an interest in magician’s tricks.  Events do frighten them, but their support of each other gives them strength and courage.  I also really liked the friendship between Hedy and her cousin, Jelly who is naturally friendly and gregarious. 

The House on Hoarder Hill is an exhilarating, magical read which completely captured me, and the heart-stopping ending makes me really, really hope that there are more adventures to come. 

This is a brilliantly fast-paced, action-packed adventure set in a wonderfully imagined forest society, brimming with intrigue, danger and humour which kept me engrossed throughout.

Eleven-year-old Casey Grimes tries really hard to be noticed by his classmates at Vintage Woods Middle School, but there’s a reason he’s ignored:  he’s invisible to them – most of the time!  

When exploring the local forest, Casey discovers an ancient oak tree with a hidden fortress in its branches.  He brings his younger sister, Gloria, for a sleepover in the oak … and discovers a stranger, Luciana West who can see the siblings.  The oak is a forgotten sentry tree which marks the boundary between the human world and Luciana’s world, a world which protects humans from monsters. 

Luciana warns them against entering her forest home, Sylvan Wood but, determined to discover more about this new and compelling world, they follow her … and promptly find themselves fighting off terrifying creatures, but this does not stop these intrepid siblings from venturing further into Sylvan Woods where they discover the most incredible forest society …

The civilian children must hide their identity as they find themselves drawn into a war against monsters who have returned to Sylvan Woods after a hundred years.  Will they be able to help their new friends defeat the frightening Butcher Beasts, and save both worlds? 

I really liked the dichotomy between science and magic, and how this has divided the Sylvan society over the years as many have forgotten the old magic.

The world-building is incredibly rich and immersive, taking the reader into a wondrous natural, wild world where people live in the trees, attend a school where monster-fighting classes are held, where sentry trees protect the boundaries between worlds and where frightening monsters lurk. 

Casey is a really likeable protagonist.  He is determined, adventurous and courageous, and is looking for a sense of belonging.  I love the relationship between Casey and his little sister, Gloria which is full of playfulness, kindness and support; it is so wonderful to see this positive relationship between siblings.  I also enjoyed the growth of the friendship between Luci, who has her own secrets, and Casey as they learn to trust each and accept each other.

This is an fun, exciting adventure with a fascinating, action-packed plot. The ending gives me high hopes that there will be further adventures for Casey and his new friends.

Thank you to the author for sending me an e-copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

What a wonderfully fun and engaging read for younger fans of mystery with plenty of action, clues to follow and supportive friendships.  I’m certainly looking forward to introducing my class to Zaiba and her friends, and think this is a perfect addition to any school library.

Zaiba is eager for the start of her school summer fete as she has been given the responsibility of organising a detective trail, and is hoping to find potential recruits for the newly formed UK branch of The Snow Leopard Detective Agency.  This is an agency run by her aunt Fouzia in Pakistan. 

There is only one thing better for Zaiba than running her own detective trail, and that is the discovery of a real-life crime.  She soon finds herself in the perfect position to investigate a crime when her new Headteacher, Mrs Goremain, is poisoned during the very competitive baking competition.   There are many suspects, but who is the culprit and what could the motive be? 

I loved how Zaiba and her friends used their sleuthing skills to follow clues and track down and eliminate suspects.  There is such a clever sprinkling of clues throughout for eager young mystery readers to follow their own trail towards discovering the guilty person. I can just imagine a younger me having my own detective journal and keeping a record of clues as I discover them as I read.  I can definitely see a class or group of friends planning their own detective trail using the handy advice at the end of the book.

A good detective was nothing without her friends and family.

Zaiba is a delightful young girl, and a fantastic role model:  confident in her detective capabilities, intelligent and quick-thinking and super motivated.  I really enjoyed her warm relationship with her family, immediate and extended, which is incredibly positive; their mutual pride in, and respect for, each other is wonderful.  Zaiba’s best friend Poppy and her brother Ali are also members of the Detective Agency, and I loved how all three worked together to track down clues and support each other.  Zaiba also welcomes her cousin Mariam into the group, but will Mariam welcome her friendship?

The full-page illustrations by Daniela Sosa are absolutely delightful and complement the story beautifully, and will be enjoyed by young readers.  There are also some great extras at the end of the book including an extract from Zaiba’s favourite author, Eden Lockett, Code Breakers and, my favourite, a recipe for Zaiba’s Dad, Hassan’s prize-winning Cardamom and Lemon Loaf Cake.  I’m not much of a baker, but I’m trying this!

This is a fast-paced, clever and super enjoyable mystery which is just perfect for younger readers who I have no doubt will enjoy following, and joining in, with the UK branch of The Snow Leopard Detective Agency’s latest case. 

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

This is my new 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:

“Would you stake your life on it?”

This book in three words:

SPINE-TINGLING, FRIENDSHIP, COURAGE

This was one of my absolute favourite reads from last year. I loved the fact that it had a pet goat as I had one as a child too!

The Switching Hour is an absolutely captivating, spine-tingling read imbued throughout with an underlying sense of danger in an environment of stifling heat, inspired by the landscape of Southern Africa.  The writing is exquisite and lyrical and took me on the most incredible journey of fear, awe and heartbreak, but also let me see the incredible bravery and strength of others in the face of seeming hopelessness and abject loss … this really is a story to be devoured in a single sitting. 

You can read the rest of my review here.

I was beyond excited to see that Damaris’ second book, The Creature Keeper is due to be published in November, and I absolutely can’t wait to get my hands on it. And it’s just in time for my birthday!

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!

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I didn’t get very far with The House on Hoarder Hill last week, so I’m going to finish it this week. On audio, I’m listening to The Secret Garden which was one I loved as a child.

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I have finished three audio-books and three physical books this week. I absolutely loved Back Home (thanks to Rachael at Bellis Does Books for the recommendation) which follows Rusty’s journey into settling back into life in England after being evacuated to America during the Second World War. She is an incredibly sympathetic character and has to go through a lot, but I love how she stands up for herself, and the relationship which she develops with her mother as they re-connect. It was fascinating to see how the War changed women’s perspectives on their roles. I also finished The Jumbies which I am reading for an online Book Club. I was meant to leave some for the final week, but I couldn’t resist finishing at the weekend. I’ve never read a book with Caribbean folklore, and I absolutely loved it. I really enjoyed the friendship between the children, the depiction of the jumbies is just the right amount of scary, and Corinne, the main protagonist, is brilliant. I loved the earth-magic, and will definitely be looking to pick up the next book in the trilogy. I have also read (and reviewed) 44 Tiny Secrets which is a very cute lower middle-grade about 44 pygmy mice who help Betsy improve her piano-playing in order to impress her parents. She learns great lessons around the importance of honesty and being true to yourself. I’ve also read Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Poison Plot (review posted tomorrow). I also listened to New Kid which is graphic novel. I really enjoyed this book which challenges stereotypes and explores friendship. Jordan, who enjoys art, moves to a new private school where there is not much diversity. The story follows his attempts at settling in and finding new friends at this prestigious school whilst being true to himself. I think this story addressed racism really well and called out examples such as a teacher continually referring to a black boy by another black boy’s name and assumptions made due to race. Finally, I listened to the audio-book of A Boy Called Bat which I really enjoyed. It is about a young autistic boy who wants to keep the baby skunk which his veterinarian mother brings home. It gives a wonderful insight into Bat’s life for younger middle-grade readers, and has the most wonderfully heart-warming ending. I’m going to get the book for my class.

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I’m now on summer holiday, and I’m SO looking forward to sinking into these two over the next week – can’t wait!

Umbrella Mouse to the Rescue is the simply stunning sequel to The Umbrella Mouse.  This is an action-packed WWII animal adventure imbued with tremendous courage, friendship and hope in the face of terrible peril, betrayal and mistrust.  It was an emotional roller coaster of a story, both heart-warming and poignant, as I followed Pip and her friends on their dangerous mission.

Four weeks after the events of The Umbrella Mouse, French Resistance group Noah’s Ark have been left with physical and emotional scars including grief at the loss of some of their friends.  Courageously, Pip decides to continue to fight with Noah’s Ark, led by the indomitable Madame Fourcade, who agree to undertake a new assignment which requires them to meet a white mouse in the catacombs beneath the streets of Paris to help the human Allies in the liberation of the city.

This does not, of course, mean that Pip is leaving behind the Umbrella she has carried with her from her home in London and which is both a constant reminder of her childhood with her family, and a painful reminder of her terrible loss:  Pip still intends to fulfil her mission of taking it to a new life in the Umbrella Museum in Italy.  This has just been put on hold whilst she continues to fight with Noah’s Ark.

When a friend they thought they had lost returns, he brings them a dire warning:  they are being hunted by the Milice, who fight for the Axis powers, and who want revenge on Pip who has become a symbol to unite the French Resistance fighters.  They must escape the terrifying Butcher Birds and make their way through occupied territory to join in the liberation of Paris …

So begins an enthralling action-packed adventure, filled with the constant threat of danger, with astonishing revelations, with bravery overcoming fear, which sees Noah’s Ark fighting for their survival against terrifying new and old enemies. Will they be able to fulfil their mission of helping the human Allies liberate Paris, or will they be thwarted by a determined and cruel foe?  Will new friendships lead to trust or betrayal?

I absolutely adored Pip who despite her diminutive size and understandable fear and grief, radiates a great deal of courage and tenacity.  She has found a new family in Noah’s Ark, a family who she clearly loves.  Pip is willing to take great risks to protect and defend them, even when that threatens her own safety.  She is clever, noble and loyal and determined to do all she can to fight for a freedom she completely believes in:  a perfect symbol of hope to unite the Resistance in their final efforts to liberate their country.  Pip is an incredibly endearing and sympathetic character which made my heart ache for her when she experiences feelings of guilt and grief.  I just wanted to reach out to her and hug her, so I’m glad that she good friends, old and new, to support her and care for her.

The reality of war is portrayed through the eyes of the animals, through their interactions and experiences, in a way that makes this period of history accessible to younger readers.  Whilst there is heart-break, grief, cruelty and destruction, there is also bravery, hope, friendship and heroism.

Sam Usher’s gorgeous illustrations are scattered throughout the story: they portray the characters perfectly, and really capture their personalities, just as I imagine them from the story.

This is a powerful and vividly told story which has at its centre the strength of friendships and the constancy of courage despite the cruelty of war with THE most heart-warming ending which is a perfect tribute to a brave little mouse!

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