Montsaye Librarians

King of Nothing
King of Nothing was a fun story about the serious subject of bullying in school and the reputation of others. It highlights the possibility of changing how you present yourself and the role a young person can play in other lives - the impact of unkind behaviour and later, kindness instead. The writing brought the main character, Anton, to life and told from a first person perspective his voice was natural and realistic. It was detailed expertly by the author how Anton changes his mindset in terms of what masculinity means to him and his metamorphosis sees him growing into a truer version of himself. this is one books to read for any young boys at secondary age, or anyone else wanting to understand them. The style of writing is light and funny - especially as Anton gets to know Matthew more and enjoys his company. Matthew is quirky and lovable, without being a cliché - his personality is never simply the 'victim' or 'misfit.' I intend to share this book with Year 7 and 8 readers in our school - I am sure they will love it, as I have.

Mrs P

The Final Year
I really like the book because I feel like it shows the realities of moving up to the older year groups in primary school. I also like the way that it portrays some of the characters and how their relationships change - like how it tells you PS and Nate used to be best friends, then it shows that Turner has basically taken PS away from Nate. This really shows how Nate deals with it and how Mr Joshua helps Nate get through tough times and tells him to turn it into poetry.

Aubrey

Little Bang
This book is a great representation of the struggle some young people have to endure when it comes to pregnancy and abortion, especially for those where laws are too strict. I would recommend this book to lots of people as it is a gripping and enjoyable read.

Charlie

Play
I like Play. It is very nice and nostalgic. It makes me think of other stories and films such as Stand By Me and It. A very good book - please read!

Jacob

The Final Year
I loved this book - it is lyrical, poetical and totally down-to-earth as well! I can still hear Nate's voice as I recall his story. It has familiar characters and themes - friends who fall out, brotherly love, the challenges when parents are distracted by their own demons. The most significant characters, alongside Nate, are his teacher Mr Joshua and his 2 brothers Jax (8) and little Dylan (4). When Dylan falls ill it was like a sledgehammer and Nate's perspective during this part was described so expertly - a masterpiece. I recommend this!

Mrs P

Little Bang
This was our first book in our reading group and it really did start us off with a bang! I was lucky enough to enjoy this one as an audiobook and I am so glad I had the chance to hear the characters' alternating voices - I literally know Mel and Sid as if they were my family now! The two narrators really work to give a well-rounded view of the events that happen as they fall in love and navigate the inevitable changes in life when falling pregnant. I really loved Mel's scientific intelligence and how her thoughts and words frame the theme of time - discussions of time travel and the possibility of this only moving forward really reflected their reality as a couple faced with impossible decisions. Sid's energy and attitude begin with a rebellious energy, changing as the story moves forward and he writes songs reflecting his tenderness. The overarching idea is that as youngsters they learn to make their own decisions and take responsibility for those - this is really powerful. A riveting love story for our time - I recommend it.

Mrs P

Play
I found Play an engaging read, right from the start, I haven't stopped talking about it! The four main characters are brought together in realistic, messy, silly, powerful, loving friendships. As a reader it was fascinating to move from one character's voice to another (thanks for the different fonts!) to follow their interweaving storylines, as their relationships with one another move apart and together. No spoilers here - be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster! You will recognise these boys - you know them or are them! Enjoy their story, it is superb!

Mrs P

Play
Play is a very good book, in my opinion. It is about four boys who are all very good friends. At the start of the book the boys mainly focus on building dens, coming up with new games and this promotes the theme of play which runs throughout the story. One of the boys - Luc - shows the toxic masculinity than men and boys can suffer from. Mark gets caught up in drug dealing. Matt becomes an artist. Jonny though... Well, I will give no spoilers! 4 stars out of 5!

Edith

The Things We Leave Behind
Personally, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it. It's about 2 sisters, Billie and Clem, both of whom live with their father and Claudia (Billie's biological mother, Clem's step-mother). That is, until Toby Knight gets elected as Prime Minister. Knight has a wish to exclude people who he deems unworthy of living in England, from England. This book is about the struggles that the two girls have to face and how Clem misses her mum. This story got me very emotionally involved and upset at some points (made me almost cry!). I would give the 'Things We Leave Behind' 5 stars out of 5 - a perfect score.

Edith

Little Bang
In the story, Sid wants to join a band and Mel loves science. At a new year's eve party they have sex and get pregnant - Sid is keen to have the baby, but Mel is not. Eventually Mel decides to get an abortion. Mel loves physics and time and often refers to it, as they are running out of time to get an abortion. I thought the book was good.

Olivia

Little Bang
The theme of Little Bang was about how difficult it can be to make a decision that's right for you and how pregnancy is experienced differently. Personally, I didn't finish this book as it was not of interest. I found it hard to focus on which character was talking as I read it.

Elspeth

Little Bang
I think that 'Little Bang' was pretty good. It was about how pregnancy is experienced by different people and how difficult it is. One of the most common themes was the abortion debate. although it wasn't my usual style of book, I still kind of liked it.

Aubrey

Little Bang
I enjoyed this book and awarded it 4 out of 5 stars overall. It's about two teenagers and an unexpected pregnancy. Sid and Mel live in Northern Ireland. Sid has a not-so-good relationship with his mum, but Mel has a strong one with her parents and does not want to disappoint them. Mel is worried about the future - how it will be with a child and going to university. She talks about time travel and how you can't scientifically go into the past, which also makes sense for what has happened in this story.

Zara

Little Bang
Little Bang is a story about an Irish couple named Sid and Mel. Sid is a pink-haired boy who like music and Mel is related to Nigel, a devout Christian who uses her for his anti-abortion agenda. I would give the book 4 out of 5 stars!

Jacob

Little Bang
This book is about Sid and Mel's - though mostly Mel's - struggle with pregnancy and abortion. It really shines a light on women's rights to decide what happens to their bodies and how men and women experience pregnancy differently. the theme of time is used throughout the story - if Mel could time-travel, would she choose to do things differently?

Bethany

Little Bang
This book, Little Bang, is about an unexpected pregnancy between Mel and Sid. the book focuses on the laws against abortion in Northern Ireland. It also shows how the relationship between Sid and Lucille (his mum) and Mel and her parents are different. It shows that pregnancy is different for different people - Sid was almost excited for the baby, as it gave him something to work for. Mel however wasn't sure about the baby as she wanted to finish school instead of staying at home caring for a baby. And then, there is Nigel - he is Mel's brother-in-law and very opinionated. I give this book 4 1/2 stars out of 5!

Edith

The Final Year
My opinion of the Final Year is that it is very good! It is written in a way that is fun to read and understandable when you think about life. Matt Goodfellow is an awesome author. I really enjoyed the character's relationships - the bond between the brothers is amazing.

Elspeth