Blog Tour: Skylar and the K-pop Headteacher

*Written by Luan Goldie*
*Cover and Interior Illustrations by Amy Nguyen*
*Published by Walker Books*

Skylar and the K-pop Headteacher is a sparklingly fun, heartwarming adventure where friendship, family and K-pop fandom harmonise perfectly.

Eleven-year-old Skylar and her best friend, Dana, are enthusiastic, loyal superfans of K-pop sensation, AZ8. Unable to attend their upcoming concert, they have planned to watch their comeback video at Dana’s house. When her parents won’t allow Skylar to go to Dana’s house, she shows her frustration, and is grounded for a week with her AZ8 merchandise being confiscated and watching their online videos banned.

The only item Skylar has managed to keep is her bunny ears hat, a replica of the one worn by her favourite member of the band. When she is caught wearing it by super-strict headteacher, Ms Callus, it is also confiscated. This proves the last straw for Skylar who is fed up with grown-ups telling her what to do, so she decides to confront Ms Callus to get her hat back. But Skylar gets a lot more than she bargains for when she wishes she was in charge … and finds that she has switched bodies with her headteacher.

And so begins a brilliantly funny, fast-paced adventure as Skylar’s love for dancing and AZ8 doesn’t diminish despite the aches and pains of her 71-year-old body, and leads to her uploading a video which goes viral … but will Ms Callus welcome the internet fame? Be prepared for lots of giggles as an impulsive 11-year-old must take on the responsibility of running a school and changing its strict rules whilst maintaining her dedication to her favourite boyband. Will she be prepared to risk being stuck in the wrong body for the opportunity to meet her favourite K-pop band?

This story has some wonderful messages around following your dreams no matter your age, self-belief, empathising with others, environmental activism, and the importance of family and friendship. I really liked the friendship between Skylar and Dana which felt really genuine with their falling out, making up and shared obsession with AZ8. I also liked that Skylar, through her absence, really learns to appreciate her family and their close bond.

A delightfully fun and warm-hearted adventure guaranteed to find its own fandom in readers of 9+.

Skylar and the K-pop Headteacher by Luan Goldie (£7.99, Walker Books) is available now.

Waterstones

Blackwell’s

Amazon

Luan is an award-winning author and a former primary school teacher – her
exceptional voice and sharp, witty dialogue combine with her knowledge of exactly what makes her young readers giggle to make a perfectly laugh-inducing read for both kids and grown-ups.

Thank you to Lorraine Keating and Walker Books for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour, and for providing me with a copy of Skylar and the K-pop Headteacher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Review: Into the Witchwood by Méabh McDonnell

*Written by Méabh McDonnell*
*Cover Illustration by Erin Brown*
*Published by The O’Brien* *Press*

Enter the Witchwood – if you dare! Into the Witchwood is a dark, thrilling, magical adventure that took me on an incredible journey through the Witchwood: a story that utterly enthralled me from start to finish.

Rowan is peering through her Nana’s window, watching her using magic, rather than attending her 13^th birthday party. She is grieving the loss of her mum who disappeared in the Witchwood surrounding their home six months before, a wood that she is forbidden to enter as she has been told there is a malevolent witch at the bottom of an ancient well at the centre of the wood. But Rowan is determined to enter the Witchwood and bring her mum home … hoping that being a witch will help her succeed.

What she is not expecting is that her younger sister Lila and her neighbour, Farid, will follow her into the wood; what she is not expecting is that she has been tricked by the witch; and, what she is not expecting is that she has to make a terrifying bargain …

And so begins a dark, dangerous and twisting tale as Rowan, Lila and Farid must follow the rules of the woods to try to escape the clutches of the witch. They face terrifying challenges, trickery and danger as they learn to work together to overcome the obstacles in their path, but can they outwit the witch in the well, or will she trap them in the Witchwood?

I really enjoyed the allusions to folklore and fairytales from the witch in the woods luring children into her lair to the dangerous enchantment of a fairy ball and the mystical nature of the trees. I just also have to mention one creature in this story who stole my heart: Tali! I’d definitely like a Tali to be on my side – even if I might not always be prepared for the acerbic wit!

The Witchwood is a perfect setting, richly described, and really enhances the ominous, at times chilling, atmosphere which permeates the adventure as the tension builds irresistibly, making this an unputdownable read. I really felt the sense of danger and uncertainty every time one of the children broke a rule of the woods, not sure what to expect, and eagerly turning pages to find out what would happen.

Rowan is an incredibly sympathetic young girl who is grieving the loss of her mother and struggling to accept that she has gone. This grief manifests itself in her lashing out at her family, especially her younger sister Lila, and in her making a decision that puts herself and others in danger. She shows tremendous courage in facing her fears, in taking steps along the path of healing and acceptance and in keeping memories alive – even when they hurt.

A mesmerising, magical and transformative adventure, with family and friendship at its heart, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to The O’Brien Press for providing me with a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

WWW Wednesday

I’m listening to the audiobook of Casander Darkbloom and the Threads of Power which is just wonderful. Casander is a brilliant character who has been catapulted into an action-packed and danger-filled adventure as he discovers he is the Foretold, prophesied to defeat the Master of All. I’ve also started reading Jane Eyre (abridged for young readers) and, oh my goodness, it is absolutely gripping. My heart goes out to Jane from the very beginning.

This week, I’ve read Skylar and the K-pop Headteacher which was a fun-filled body-swap adventure. I will be posting my review on Friday as part of the Blog Tour. I’ve also read Into the Witchwood which is a brilliantly dark, fantasy adventure: I will be posting my review tomorrow.

I didn’t get to Alyssa and the Spell Garden this week, so I’m hoping to pick it up now that I am on Easter holiday.

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

WWW Wednesday

I’ve just started listening to the audiobook of Casander Darkbloom and the Threads of Power which I’ve been looking forward to for a while. I’ve also just started my next book from my Beat the Backlist challenge, Looking for Emily.

I’ve finished Tourmaline and the Museum of Marvels which was a wonderful adventure – I posted my review earlier this week. It’s taken me longer than usual to finish Fireblood as it’s been hard to find time in the evenings, but it’s one I really enjoyed, especially discovering more about the firebloods and their powers. Oh my goodness – I absolutely loved Fireborn: Phoenix and the Frost Palace. No-one felt safe in this , the peril is ever-present and that ending! I’m so glad I don’t have long to wait for the final part.

I’m hoping to read Alyssa and the Spell Garden next.

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

Review: Tourmaline and the Museum of Marvels by Ruth Lauren

*Written by Ruth Lauren*
*Illustrations by Sharon King-Chai*
*Published by Little Tiger*

Tourmaline is back in her second adventure, Tourmaline and the Museum of Marvels, a magical, thrilling adventure that completely captivated me.

Tourmaline has developed magical abilities since falling into the Source of magic whilst on the Island of Elsewhere, powers which she cannot control leading to mishaps and chaos at Pellavere University where she is living with her mother and best friends, George and Mai. Not only is Tourmaline desperate to learn more about her powers and how to control them, she is determined to keep them a secret from everyone except George and Mai.

When she discovers a postcard telling her that the sender knows her secret and asking her to meet at the Dark Market where magical artefacts are traded, Tourmaline knows that another adventure is waiting …

And, oh my goodness, what an absolutely exhilarating, action-packed adventure it is as Tourmaline and her friends find themselves travelling by airship to the Dark Market to find the sender of the postcard. But things don’t quite go to plan for Tourmaline when she reveals her magical powers and becomes the most valuable magical artefact in the Market. Can she escape from those who are hunting her? Will the postcards that she finds lead her to the answers she seeks? And what truths will be revealed within the Museum of Marvels?

I absolutely loved adventuring with Tourmaline and her friends as she explores the Museum of Marvels, learning more about how it has come to exist, the wondrous magical artefacts held within it, and discovering more about her own powers. This is such an amazing adventure with the most marvellous twists and turns, and plenty of danger, that kept me eagerly turning pages. And the revelations – just brilliant! I also loved seeing the return of some familiar faces from Tourmaline’s first adventure to the Island of Elsewhere. And that ending – it has definitely whetted my appetite for Tourmaline’s next adventure.

Tourmaline, George and Mai have formed the most gorgeous friendship: supportive, loyal and humorous. Tourmaline is determined, courageous and not adverse to breaking the rules, but she is also struggling to understand and control her magical abilities. I’ve loved seeing George become more confident with more belief in himself. I’ve also really enjoyed seeing the positive influence that the friends have on each other which feels such an authentic part of a deepening, genuine friendship.

An exciting, magical adventure, brimming with daring, danger and discovery – and the most wonderful friendships! Perfect for young adventurers of 9+.

Thank you to Little Tiger for a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

St Patrick’s Day middle-grade recommendations: Irish authors

Happy St Patrick’s Day! I thought today would be the perfect opportunity to share books by some of my favourite Irish middle-grade authors. I have included a link to my review for each of my book recommendations.

The Eye of the North is a brilliantly fast-paced, thrilling adventure that truly deserves the plaudit of ‘unputdownable’. It opens with the best line ever:

For as long as she could remember, Emmeline Widget had been sure her parents were trying to kill her.

and transported me into the most gripping adventure, brimming with twists and turns, with danger and daring, and with breath-taking revelations.

The Time Tider is a ferociously fast-paced, thrilling and intriguing contemporary fantasy that transported me into an enthralling adventure where the phrase ‘just one more chapter’ has never been so apt. An exhilarating, irresistible page-turner: a heart-warming, intricate story of family and friendship woven into the most brilliant time-twisty plot that is guaranteed to bring hours of reading delight!

The Silver Road is the MOST incredible, action-packed quest adventure, brimming with magic, with danger, with discoveries … I was swept into a modern world interwoven with the old magic and mythology of Ireland and was completely and utterly spellbound. I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoilers, but be prepared to meet witches, giants, wolves, ancient gods and warriors in a gripping adventure that is guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seat as the peril reaches a fierce crescendo. Epically brilliant!

Elsetime is an exhilarating time-slip story which completely captivated me as it took me on a fascinating journey where past, present and future meet in ‘elsetime’, a time where intrigue, danger and revelations swirl amidst friendships, courage and hope. Inspired by the real-life Great Flood of London in 1928, this is a stunningly spectacular read with a beautifully heart-warming ending.

The Chestnut Roaster is an unforgettable, mesmerising historical fantasy which swept me into late 19^th century Paris and into a gripping, dangerous and exciting adventure that completely captivated me. A breath-taking, magical adventure: a story of loss, survival, and the strength of friendship, family and self-belief.

The Shadows of Rookhaven is an absolutely stunning story told from different viewpoints in short atmospheric chapters: tantalising and intriguing; heart-warming and heart-breaking; a story that oscillates with secrets and revelations, and a delicious darkness and tension that makes it an excruciating delight to read.

Stitch is an absolutely stunning, incredibly powerful and thought-provoking story that completely gripped me from start to finish. The action, brimming with peril, discoveries and secrets, kept me turning pages as I was desperate to find out how the three friends would survive in a world where their differences make them more likely to be hated or feared than accepted.

The Lost Girl King is a truly spellbinding adventure that swept me into the mythical land of youth and into an action-packed, unforgettable quest brimming with daring, courage and wit. This is a magical, joyous and exciting adventure brimming with family and friendship, with danger, delight and hope … an absolute must-read!

Pirates of Darksea is stardust-sprinkled, swashbuckling adventure with great peril, incredible courage and the bonds of brotherhood and friendship at its heart. I absolutely loved this action-packed, gripping quest which is brimming with peril, magic and the most brilliant and unexpected twists and turns. I genuinely gasped at some of the revelations which kept me turning page after page as I was completely swept into the magic and power of the story-telling.

Sally in the City of Dreams is a wonderfully charming and exciting historical adventure with friendship and family at its heart. I have no doubt that young readers will enjoy getting to know Sally and her friends as they travel from early 1900s Ireland to New York, the City of Dreams, to start a new life. A heart-warming, exciting historical adventure with strong friendships, sure to be adored by young readers of 9+.

The Spirit Snatcher is a spine-tinglingly thrilling, spooky story that completely captivated me: an adventure brimming with friendship, humour, danger and a brilliant cast of supernatural creatures.

Search for the Black Mirror is the second in The Light Thieves trilogy: a thrilling, gripping rollercoaster of an eco-adventure that kept me utterly entranced throughout. This is a brilliantly inventive, unputdownable eco-adventure that is guaranteed to captivate readers of 9+.

The Wild Way Home is an absolute treasure trove of adventure, excitement and danger set in a wild and natural environment whilst, at its heart, it resonates with the importance of family, friendship and acceptance. This is a truly breath-taking story – both painful and heart-warming – that completely captured me as I was transported back in time for an action-packed adventure with Charlie and Harby who prove that being born millennia apart is no barrier to friendship.

The Way to Impossible Island is a stunning, action-packed timeslip adventure linking the past to the present in such an exciting and mesmerising way. It wholeheartedly captured me from the peril in the opening chapter to the wonderfully uplifting ending, transporting me into a richly evocative landscape with the most wonderful characters. This is an exhilarating and heartfelt adventure where the ancient past and present day meet through the hopes and fears of the most remarkable young characters who find each other at just the right time … an unforgettable story of friendship, family and acceptance.

St Patricks Day Irish GIF by Amanda | Happy Magic Co. - Find & Share on GIPHY

Review: Little House

*Written by Katya Balen*
*Illustrated by Richard Johnson*
*Published by Barrington Stoke*

Little House is a powerful, poignant and empathetic story that speaks such heartfelt truth about home, family and hope.

Juno doesn’t want to stay in the countryside with her grandfather for the summer as she’d rather be spending it in the city, enjoying time spent with her friends. She doesn’t really understand why her mother has to leave her even when she explains to Juno that she wants to help children who have lost their homes and family.

Whilst Grandpa is spending time in his workshop, Juno explores his house and, in the attic, discovers a homeless, abandoned family of dolls and a neglected little house. She immediately feels a connection with this lost family and a responsibility towards them. Can she make them a new home and, at the same time, learn to understand and accept the choices her mother has made?

This may be a short story but, my goodness, it is a much-needed call to empathise with all those who have been torn from their homes in whatever circumstances. Through Juno’s epiphany, she comes to understand the importance of home and caring for the plight of others. This is a story that offers so much opportunity to open discussion about what makes a home and the importance of actively caring for others. I think the metaphor of the doll house and family is a brilliant way to sensitively engage children in empathising with what is happening to children and families in many places in the world.

Juno goes through a turmoil of emotions (including anger, resentment, fear and loneliness) as she moves from feeling powerless to feeling empowered through her desire to help, and the strong, empathetic feelings this engenders. Her grandfather’s gentle, kind nature and his practical and emotional support is just what Juno needs as she works through her own changing feelings.

This is a beautifully told, thought-provoking novella with a message that brought tears, brought anger, and brought hope. It has had such an impact on me as an adult reader, and I have no doubt will be a story that speaks to the hearts of younger readers.

The full-and-partial page illustrations are absolutely stunning and really express the importance of home, family and love in such a warm and tender way.

This is the author’s third novella for Barrington Stoke and is another triumph of heartfelt writing carrying important messages that will encourage empathy and discussion. I can’t recommend this highly enough and think it is a story that should be shared in every school.

This book is published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages. This one is for ages 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

WWW Wednesday

I’m listening to the audiobook of Fireborn: Phoenix and the Frost Palace which I’m absolutely loving – no idea why I’ve waited so long to read it. I’m also continuing reading Fireblood which I’m really enjoying, especially as I think we’re about to meet some dragons!

I’ve finished listening to the audiobook of Greenwild: The World Behind the Door which was such a fantastic story. I loved the world of Greenwild, accessed via Kew Gardens. I’m really looking forward to reading the next one in this series. I also read Little House which is such a powerful, empathetic story told beautifully. I will be posting my review shortly.

I’m hoping to read Tourmaline and the Museum of Marvels next.

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

Review: Fairy vs. Wizard (A Stink Adventure)

*Written and illustrated by Jenny McLachlan*
*Published by Farshore*

I absolutely adored meeting S.Tink in her first adventure, Fairy vs. Boy. Now, she’s back in Humanyland in Fairy vs. Wizard – and she’s taking the mischief and mayhem to new heights. This can be read as a standalone as it has a brilliant account of S.Tink’s first adventure at the start of this one, told in graphic novel format.

11-year-old Danny Todd is keen to make everyone at his new secondary school think he’s cool and funny despite his pointy-toed shoes and the boiled eggs in his lunchbox. He might have got away with it if he hadn’t found himself pretending to talk to a grape in order to stop everyone finding out that he was, in fact, talking to a fairy … a very mischievous fairy who has returned from Fairyland.

Stink assures Danny that she has just come for a minibreak and will be gone back to Fairyland the following day but, when Danny arrives home from school, he finds her crying as she has lost her new wings. She needs to stay for longer so that she can complete a good deed and earn enough fairy nuggets to replace – not her wings, but her old wand with a brand new Mercorn 1000.

Stink promises not to cause any trouble and to stay safely hidden in Danny’s hair but this is Stink … so that promise lasts for all of two minutes. After all, there’s the lure of Scotch eggs, a science cupboard to explore not to mention bringing some friends back from Fairyland to enjoy a Malteser playground.

After an assembly performance that goes ever-so-wrong, Danny loses any chance he ever had of gaining a reputation of being awesome and cool. When his teacher tries to help by offering Danny the starring wizard role in their form assembly, Stink is determined to help him earn an AWESOME and COOL reputation.

And who better to help train him than a real wizard? How was Stink meant to know that her old friend has morphed into an evil wizard with nefarious plans? Can the friends work together to thwart Nobeard’s dastardly plans? Can Stink complete her good deed before Danny’s reputation is cemented as a loser?

This is a fantastically funny, brilliantly bonkers adventure, guaranteed to bring giggles galore to young readers who may well be wishing for a surprise visitor the next time they open their lunchboxes. Stink is unabashedly naughty, incredibly impulsive and causes oodles of trouble … but she has a heart of gold and understands the importance of friendship.

The many wonderfully expressive and funny illustrations throughout complement the warmth, energy and humour of this story perfectly.

This is a hilarious, heart-warming adventure brimming with mischief, friendship and magic, perfect for young readers of 7+.

Thank you to Farshore for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

WWW Wednesday

I’m continuing reading Fireblood: The First Flight and am fully expecting to meet some dragons soon! I’m listening to the audiobook of Greenwild: The World Behind the Door which is just wonderful. I’m loving the links with nature and the world of Greenwild.

I’ve finished listening to the audiobook of Which Way to Anywhere read by the author which is such fun. I really like the style where the narrator talks to the reader and loved the humour. I also read The Day my Dog Got Famous which was such a fantastic read. I posted my review at the start of the week. I also read and reviewed Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel. I loved the original story, so it was wonderful to re-read it as a graphic novel.