Review: Drowning in my Bedroom

*Written by Steve Cole*
*Illustrated by Oriol Vidal*
*Published by Barrington Stoke*

Drowning in my Bedroom is a hard-hitting, powerful and absolutely gripping story told through the eyes of two incredible children living in Manila who are brought together in a fight for survival.

Eleven-year-old Junjun lives in a shack under a bridge in Manila with his mother, father and four sisters. He does not go to school, but earns money for his family by begging from passing strangers in the street. When he sees a girl in a wheelchair, he is glad that he is not her …

Gayla is staying at a residential care centre to learn to adapt to using a power wheelchair even though she doesn’t want to use it as she already feels different enough from other children. When she sees a boy sorting through a pile of junk, she is glad she is not him …

When he arrives back at the bridge, Junjun discovers that a storm surge has destroyed his home, and left one of his sisters in need of medical care. Whilst his mother has taken her to try to find a Doctor, Junjun is left with instructions to wait for his father so that they can start to rebuild their home, but he needs to get medicine for his sister …

Gayla is woken by the typhoon-level storm that has destroyed Junjun’s home. She refuses to be evacuated to the local primary school and instead is determined to wait at the Centre for her father to collect her. But then she finds herself alone … until she meets Junjun hiding in the kitchen, hoping to find medicine for his sister.

Can these two children work together to survive as the water levels rise inexorably, trapping them in the Centre? My goodness, this was such a tense, heart-pounding read as Junjun and Gayla fight for survival with the very real threat of drowning in the ever-rising flood water.

This is a story that addresses poverty, disability and climate change through the eyes of two children who pull no punches when talking about these in a brutally honest manner as they make connections with each other. Gayla shares the unfairness inherent in the people of the Philippines suffering the effects of global warming when they are only responsible for half a percent of the total global emissions: they suffer due to the actions of other countries. Junjun and Gayla are such strong, inspirational children – not looking for pity and refusing to be defined by other peoples’ expectations and prejudices because of the situations they were born into. This is certainly a story that encourages empathy and understanding, and which will open discussions around climate change, inequalities and global citizenship.

The full-and-partial-page illustrations are poignant and powerful and are a testament to both the danger and hope within the story.

This is a thought-provoking, compelling novella and one which I cannot recommend highly enough to readers of 11+ .

This book is published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages.

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

Review: Alyssa and the Spell Garden

*Written by Alexandra Sheppard*
*Illustrations by* *Bex Glendining*
*Published by Faber Children’s Books*

Alyssa and the Spell Garden is a magical, mesmerising contemporary fantasy that blossoms with community spirit, family and friendship.

Eleven-year-old Alyssa is spending the summer holidays with her Great-Auntie Jasmine in North London, who she has never met before, whilst her parents are working. Arriving at Jasmine’s Teas, she quickly discovers her Great-Auntie’s love for plants as she has a greenhouse and an allotment with a wide variety of plants. Although Alyssa feels welcomed, she gets upset by something she sees which provides the catalyst that releases her hidden magical powers causing chaos in the teashop.

After her Great-Auntie reveals that her family have magical powers, she invites Alyssa to attend the magical school she runs in her spell garden to learn to control her powers, and help ensure that the magic of the spell garden survives. Her great-grandmother had planted the spell garden, which uses the magical properties of plants to protect the community and help neighbours, when she arrived from Jamaica as part of the Windrush Generation. This is a legacy that the family have continued as Keepers are trained to take care of the magical plants used in spells. But why has this family heritage been kept a secret from Alyssa by her mother?

Alyssa feels a real sense of belonging as she is welcomed into the spell garden by the other children including her cousins, Rosalie and Rue. But the magic is fading and along with it the protection that it offers the community. Will Alyssa be able to discover what is causing the magic to fade before the community also disappears? And, what will she do if she discovers that she is to blame through a decision she has made?

I really enjoyed this captivating adventure and loved the use of magical plants to make healing teas and protection spells. I loved that the children who attended the magical school did not need to have magical powers in order to learn how to use the magical plants for spells. They are a group who care about their community and looking after it which brings its own magic. This is a story that also addresses some important urban issues around eviction and gentrification of an existing community as well as the importance of having natural spaces in built-up areas.

Alyssa is a wonderfully sympathetic young girl. She is struggling to come to terms with her parents’ separation and worrying about fitting in and making friends at the magic school. Feeling a sense of belonging as she makes friends and learns about her family really helps her control her magic and settle in to the community that she is determined to save when it is threatened.

The chapter heading illustrations of plants are exquisite; I loved that each of the plants included a property that leads into the writing perfectly.

A wonderfully enchanting adventure blooming with the magic of friendship and family and the spirit of community, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Faber Children’s Books for providing me with a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

WWW Wednesday

I’m about half way through Twice Upon a Time which I’m really enjoying, especially the mystery and the special time powers the twins, Merry and Spike, have. I’m really looking forward to seeing how this turns out.

I’m definitely on Easter holidays! I read Jane Eyre (Abridged for Younger Readers) which I absolutely loved. I think this is done so cleverly for younger readers at the end of primary school and going into secondary. I also finished listening to the audiobook of Casander Darkbloom and the Threads of Power which I really enjoyed – full of action and danger with a twist that makes me desperate to read the next one. I picked up Looking for Emily from my bookshelf this morning and absolutely could not put it down. Lucy has moved to the quiet seaside town of Edge and is fully expecting it to be dull and boring. But then she finds a museum dedicated to a girl who went missing from the town years before. Together with her new friends, Sam and Jay, they are determined to find out what happened, but this brings them into the path of a sinister stranger, and danger. This was brilliant – absolutely gripping. I also read Alyssa and the Spell Garden which was a gorgeously magical, gentle read which I really loved. I’m hoping to post my review tomorrow. Bringing Back Kay-Kay took me totally by surprise – it was a single sitting read for me as I was absolutely engrossed in the mystery and the sibling bonds. I have posted my review. Finally, I devoured The Whisperwicks: The Labyrinth of Lost and Found which was utterly, utterly spellbinding – unbelievably brilliant world-building, wonderful characters and a fascinating plot. I will post my review shortly.

As it is my Easter holidays, I’m hoping to read these three before next Wednesday.

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

Review: Bringing Back Kay-Kay by Dev Kothari

*Written by Dev Kothari*
*Cover Illustration by Tara Anand*
*Published by Walker Books*

Set in contemporary India, Bringing Back Kay-Kay is both a superbly gripping mystery and a deeply moving and hopeful testament to the strength of sibling bonds in the most desperate of times. Heart-warming, heart-breaking and utterly brilliant from start to finish.

Lena has been enjoying some welcome attention from her parents whilst her much-favoured older brother, Kay-Kay, has been away at summer camp in Goa; she even wishes that he would stay away for longer. But when her parents arrive back from the train station with the news that her beloved brother is missing, she is devastated. The local police think he’s just another runaway, but Lena is convinced that they are wrong. Unable to bear her parents’ pain and the idea of living without Kay-Kay, Lena sets out to investigate her brother’s disappearance … and to bring him home.

So begins a dual journey of discovery as Lena painstakingly and determinedly pieces together clues leading up to Kay-Kay’s disappearance, as she retraces his steps across India, and as she gains insight from speaking to those who know him. But this is also a journey which reveals a side to her brother which he has kept hidden from his family: secret hopes and dreams and a fear of not living up to the weight of expectations. Can Lena discover the truth behind her brother’s disappearance? Will she be able to bring Kay-Kay back, or will she too late to save the brother she needs?

Without you, Kay-Kay, there’s no sun, no warmth, no light. I will find you – my brother, my friend. I will find you and bring you back.

This story is written from Lena’s viewpoint, with direct address to her brother, which I found incredibly emotive as it gives such a painfully beautiful insight into their relationship, especially as she faces her own truths and discovers her brother’s secrets. The deep, unbreakable bond between the siblings sings from the pages of this story, and makes Lena’s journey to find Kay-Kay absolutely gripping and, at times, almost unbearably tense. Lena’s pain at the loss of her brother is palpable, but she shows such incredible strength in finding the courage to keep going and never give up hope even when those around her do.

I absolutely loved the poetry that is included within the story which I must admit brought tears – so incredibly powerful and heartfelt. I also really liked the setting in contemporary India and enjoyed learning more about this vibrant country from the train journeys to the culture and food and drink.

An evocative, emotional and exhilarating mystery with family and sibling bonds firmly at its heart.

Thank you to Lorraine Keating and Walker Books for providing me with an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

March Wrap-Up

March has been a busy month with Parents’ Evenings, World Book Day and assessments not to mention day-to-day teaching. I’m so ready for a break over Easter when I’m hoping to catch up on lots of reading, and also celebrate our tenth Wedding anniversary.

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 13 books this month: 10 physical copies and 3 audiobooks.

NetGalley:

My feedback ratio is at 96%. I have requested and been approved to read one book in March.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent twelve books by Publishers this month.

Books bought:

I’ve bought 12 books in March.

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

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.