Written by ManonSteffan Ros Cover Illustration by Cynthia Paul Published by Firefly Press
Me and Aaron Ramsey is a heartachingly tender and hopeful story of a football-loving family facing hardships and dealing with difficult changes in their lives.
Sam loves football, both playing and watching. He may not be the best footballer, but it is clearly a passion for him, his family and friends, something that unites them. Whilst his dad is a hero to Sam, he also has another hero, Aaron Ramsey, so when he gets the opportunity to attend a friendly match between Wales and England in a few months to see him play, Sam is overjoyed and immensely looking forward to it.
Life at home is not always easy for Sam and his family so he turns to his love of football, and in particular his hero-worship of Aaron Ramsey, to help him deal with increasing arguments between his mum and dad. But then, his dad gets offered his dream – the opportunity to play for a professional football team, and an opportunity that brings the family closer together. However, when something terrible occurs that shatters his dad’s footballing dreams, the family must learn to adapt to the changes and difficulties they face, or be pulled apart by them.
I must admit that I am not a football fan (except when Ireland plays in the World or European Cup), but that didn’t matter in the slightest when reading this heartfelt story of a family coming to terms with a difficult situation with so much strength and love. It gives a powerful insight into family relationships – the things families keep hidden and what they present to others. The relationship between Sam and his dad as they deal with difficult changes is movingly portrayed.
This is a story that deals with some important issues such as illiteracy, financial worries, mental health and physical disability and their affect upon family relationships. It is also a story of hope, of support, of change, of heroism and of the joy of a shared passion.
A gorgeously told heartfelt story of family, friendship and football that is perfect for readers of 9+.
Thank you to Firefly Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
I’ve just started Alex Neptune: Zombie Fighter. I’ve loved the other books in the series, so I’m really looking forward to this one.
I’ve read a lot of books this week – nine in total! I will be posting my review of Twice Upon a Time tomorrow – a wonderful murder mystery. I have posted a review for The Royal Jewel Plot which is the second brilliant adventure in the Mysteries at Sea series. I saw the cover of Shadow Girl and the synopsis really intrigued me. It was not quite what I expected as I was thinking ghost story but its more a twist on timeslip. Drowning in my Bedroom was such a powerful, gripping novella. I have posted my review. Me and Aaron Ramsey would not normally be the sort of book I’d pick up but, my goodness, it’s wonderful – a powerful portrayal of a family dealing with hardships. I’m hoping to post my review shortly. I bought The Doll Twin last week and couldn’t resist picking it up yesterday. I devoured it in one sitting – a brilliant, creepy adventure with a brilliant twist. One of the children in my class gave me a copy of Holes as she said she’d enjoyed it. It’s one I’ve been meaning to read but never got round to. What a fantastic story – it was another one sitting read for me. I also read Scrap which I’ve had on my TBR for a while. This is the most gorgeous sci-fi adventure – heart-warming and poignant with the building of a gorgeous friendship between Scrap and the last two humans on the planet. I’m so looking forward to the next one in this series. Finally, I read Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm which is a fantastic blend of mythology and sci-fi fantasy with a cast of brilliant characters. I will be posting my review prior to publication.
I’m hoping to read The Island at the Edge of Night next.
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.
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.
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.
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 Northis 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 Roadis 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 Roasteris an unforgettable, mesmerising historical fantasy which swept me into late 19th 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 Darkseais 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 Dreamsis 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 Snatcheris 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 Homeis 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 Islandis 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.
Written by Guy Bass Illustrated by Pete Williamson Colour by Kat Cass Published by Little Tiger
Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel is a gorgeously gothic, deliciously dark and monstrously marvellous adventure guaranteed to bring a swarm of new fans to this brilliant series.
Fulbert Freakfinder’s Travellin’ Carnival of Unnatural Wonders is visiting Grubber’s Nubbin and ready to put on a show for the locals but no-one turns up – except Arabella Guff who tells Fulbert that fear keeps the locals inside at night, and it’s not fear of his freak show, but their fear of Castle Grotteskew …
Meanwhile, in Castle Grotteskew, mad scientist Professor Erasmus is bringing his monstrous creations to almost-life but it is his first creation, Stitch Head, who is using his antidotes to lessen the effects of his master’s ever more dangerous experiments as, should any of these creations, ever escape the castle, trouble is sure to arrive … but then the doorbell rings for the first time in a hundred years … and Fulbert Freakfinder offers to make Stitch Head a star! Could finally leaving the master who has forgotten him be the best decision Stitch Head ever makes, or could he be making a terrible mistake?
I am a huge fan of the Stitch Head series, which I was first introduced to on a teacher training course, so it was absolutely brilliant to see his adventures in this new graphic novel. The full-colour illustrations are absolutely stunning and really capture the darkness and light in this brilliant adventure as well as the expressiveness, and humour, of the many wonderful characters which really brought them to life. I just have to say that I loved the playfulness of the potion labels: a particular favourite was Just Another Manic Monster.
This is a deliciously dark, gothic tale brimming with humour and heart. My heart ached for Stitch Head as he wants nothing more than for his childhood friend to remember him. Forgotten, he spends his time averting disaster for the Professor who is determined to make his monstrous creations regardless of the dangers that might occur should one escape the Castle. I adored the friendship that develops between Stitch Head, his master’s 309th creation and Arabella Guff who make a brilliant team as they work together to save the Castle.
An absolutely amazing start to what promises to be a fantastic new graphic novel series by the brilliant, unstoppable duo of Guy Bass and Pete Williamson. Onwards to the next adventure … The Pirate’s Eye.
Thank you to Little Tiger for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written and illustrated by Jen Carney Published by Puffin Books
The Day My Dog Got Famous is a woof-tastically wonderful adventure brimming with heart, humour, family and friendship.
Ten-year-old Ferris Foster has a real talent for drawing and has entered his comic strip, Astoundog, into his class art competition. However, he loses to his nemesis, Destiny Dean, who epitomises mean girl and takes great delight in boasting about yet another win. He can’t even escape from her taunts during the Easter holiday as she is also his next-door neighbour!
When Destiny insults his best friend, Aldo, Ferris offers a challenge: to see which of them can get the most likes for their talented dogs on YouStream over the Easter holidays. There’re just a few problems to overcome: Ferris doesn’t have a YouStream channel and Aldo isn’t exactly the most talented dog ever unless drooling, trumping and eating things that are best avoided count. But how difficult can it be to train a dog to trampoline? Or play football?
Before Ferris can get too far with Aldo’s ‘training’, he meets his new foster sister, Tia, who is staying with his mums for a few days whilst her nan has an operation. After meeting Destiny and witnessing her boasting, and unkindness towards Ferris, Tia agrees to help him win the challenge. After helping Ferris set up his own YouStream channel, they start looking for ways for Aldo to show his talents …
When bees and sneezes lead to Aldo doing the most amazing trick, could he be about to become an internet superstar? Could he replace Astoundog (star of Ferris’ comic, The Hoot) with his super talents? Or will Aldo prove more of a one-hit wonder?
I absolutely loved this heart-warming, hilarious adventure which made me giggle so much (don’t think I’ll ever look at tights in the same way again!) but there were also parts that made my heart ache for both Ferris and Tia – and Destiny! I also loved the comic strips interspersed throughout the story and the many drawings which complement the energy and warmth of the story perfectly.
Family is tons more important than stuff.
Ferris is the most wonderful, empathetic young boy with a kind and caring heart. He lives with his two mums and his foster sister, almost four-year-old Keely, who communicates through Makaton. He has had 13 foster brothers and 8 foster sisters and has welcomed them into his home alongside his wonderful mums who are just brilliant. The warmth and love that they have to give to those who need care and support when life is tough is inspirational.
A hilarious, heart-warming story, perfect for readers of 9+ who I have no doubt will be just as eager as I am to join Ferris in his next adventure.
Thank you to Puffin Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Catherine Doyle Cover Illustration by Manuel Šumberac Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Pirates of Darksea is a breath-taking, magical adventure that swept me into an action-packed, gripping quest with danger, daring, and the bonds of brotherhood and new friendships at its heart.
Christopher Reid believes in magic and stories and the seemingly impossible which leads him on a midnight mission: to go on a pirate adventure aboard the Stolen Sunrise to the secret kingdom of Darksea beyond the horizon of our world. But he is not alone – he is followed by his younger brother Max. The brothers wait together on the shoreline of Galway Bay for the arrival of Captain Thorne O’Malley, the Pirate King of Darksea. But when adventure fails to arrive, Christopher decides it’s time for Plan B …
Two years later, and the Reid family are facing their own turmoil. Christopher is in hospital and his latest treatment does not seem to be working. Whilst Max is counting out his pocket money to buy a new game for Christopher, he sees a bright red parrot tapping at his brother’s bedroom window. Attracting its attention, the visitor delivers a scroll to Max, a letter intended for his brother, inviting him to join Captain O’Malley as a cabin boy to undertake a top-secret quest. He is unsure about accepting the offer, but when the parrot snatches Max’s money, he chases after it, leading him to the pirate ship his brother was so keen to adventure upon. Hoping for magic and a miracle, Max decides to board the ship …
And so begins the most incredible, unforgettable adventure as Max finds himself in the magical kingdom of Darksea, a kingdom which is in danger from a terrifying underwater monster intent on destruction and revenge. Can Max, aided by his friend and crew mate, Ruby, complete the task set by Captain O’Malley? Will Max find the courage and inner strength to take on more than he could ever have expected in order to save Darksea and bring back its magic?
Just wow! What an amazing adventure! 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.
The world-building is spectacular from Darksea’s creation story which leads perfectly to the danger which now threatens the kingdom’s survival to the fantastical creatures and objects including mermaids, wraiths, enchanted ships and living maps. And then there’s Squawk – brilliantly sarky but with a heart of stardust – I absolutely adored him!
And what can I say about Max? My heart ached for him as he struggles with the fear of losing his brother, someone he clearly adores and looks up to. He shows incredible courage and inner strength as he faces his fears and fights to overcome the darkness that is threatening to destroy the kingdom of Darksea, even when this means great sacrifice, and having to take on much more than he could have ever expected. Ruby, who helps him when he first boards the Stolen Sunrise proves a wonderful friend and I loved how supportive they are towards each other. Throughout his adventure, Christopher is never far from Max’s thoughts and I loved this sense of brotherhood which initially brings Max to Darksea as he searches for a miracle for his brother. It gives him both the courage to face his fears and to help someone else who has lost their way.
I thought the theme of darkness and light which is threaded throughout this adventure, both in the creation and usurping of the kingdom, and in the struggles the characters face, was incredibly powerful. I also adored the bond between siblings which survives even when they are separated. And, of course, I loved that the adventure starts in Galway Bay, on the Wild Atlantic Coast of Ireland. I am a huge fan of Catherine’s stories which always sweep me into the most magical, awesome adventures, but which also reminds me of my beautiful homeland and the stories that grow from its brilliant storytellers.
A stardust-sprinkled, swashbuckling adventure with great peril, incredible courage and the bonds of brotherhood and friendship at its heart. I cannot recommend this unforgettable story highly enough: perfect for readers of 9+.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for providing me with a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Becky Goddard-Hill Illustrated by Assia Ieradi Published by Collins
How I Feel: 40 wellbeing activities for kids is a beautifully illustrated and presented book of activities which will support parents and teachers in helping young children of 4+ talk about, and understand, their feelings. I think it’s also perfect for older children to use independently to promote their own well-being, regulate emotions and to encourage empathy for others.
The book introduces children to the wonderful range of animal characters (who are also on the front cover) who will be with them throughout the book which I think is a fantastic way to make young children feel comfortable, safe and secure as they complete a range of activities.
The book is divided into five areas with an opening section on activities which will help children practise identifying and talking about feelings followed by sections on activities to promote feelings of happiness, kindness, calmness and bravery. I really liked that each section has its own colour which matches the colour on the introductory page, making it easily accessible to children who are ready to use the book more independently, especially having already been introduced to the activities by an adult.
Each activity is clearly introduced and presented on a double page in large font with interaction from the expressive animal characters throughout. There are also ‘For grown-ups’ boxes throughout which gives advice for adults completing the activities with children. Children can enjoy a wide range of activities including playing animal charades, making a nature face, taking part in animal yoga, feeding a worry monster and doing the cushion walk – activities to help them become happier, kinder, calmer and braver.
Emotional regulation can be incredibly difficult for both younger and older children, so I think a book which gives children some ways to cope with a range of emotions is a much-needed and powerful resource. I can definitely see many of these activities being used not only at home but in schools to promote emotional well-being and regulation.
This is a book filled with so much positivity and simple, yet powerful activities, that is such a valuable resource (for parents, carers and teachers) for promoting well-being in young children. As a Year 6 teacher, I can absolutely see the benefits of many of these activities for older children both to promote their own well-being, emotional regulation and self-esteem as well as to build empathy.
Thank you to Lorraine Keating and Collins for a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Book Craic 