The Carlton Chapter

Little Bang
Little Bang is really the definition of "Don't judge a book by its cover". Mel and Sid's story sets them apart from other characters because their story is perfectly ordinary- nothing unique, no special circumstances, nothing. It's just real, which is quite hard to come across in books lately. Also, they don't get what many call a happy ending, they get their own ending; separating with no scandal with a hope of seeing each other again as friends. Little Bang makes you feel the reality of this and really opens your eyes. One in three.

Maria

King of Nothing
At first I was really unsure about this book as the style it's written in is quite cringey, and it seemed like your typical book for boys who aren't into reading. However, as I carried on, it really grew on me and I found myself enjoying it. However, there were some really obvious messages for teenage boys who misbehave. They weren't concealed very well and I'm not sure how effective they would actually be for that sort of person.

Sadie

Little Bang
Little Bang approaches such a delicate topic like this with extreme precision and empathy, it shows such a magnificent story between Sid and Mel with funny undertones. It captures the affect of teenage pregnancy extremely well but also makes it an enjoyable read. I love that the author presents the emotions of each character with ultimate detail and can convey hidden feelings and tension between characters. I LOVED this book. It is also very educational towards the age range.

Sophie

Treacle Town
I believe Treacle Town captured the effect of knife crime and peer pressure really well. It reflected the emotional rollercoaster you take through grief and it teaches a lesson that when somebody passes away unnaturally it creates a more melancholy undertone towards all the family and friends of the victim. It really captures that all gang violence has a certain affect on the victims relations that they can never forgive. Overall I really enjoyed this book.

Sophie

Treacle Town
I found this book extremely eye-opening. It shows what you don't see behind the 'shady guys' you steer clear of, and perhaps forget are people with feelings, needs and aches. Connor's escape into slam poetry followed by the scene in which he doesn't go into the slam meeting is so captivating because it plants the seed of doubt into your head ; "Is this it? Is he really gonna give it up?". This makes the ending a breath of relief, leaving you to make up their future yourself. Lastly, Biscuit's death makes you think about your everyday life, when you see young people that were killed in the street on the news- who were they, what did they like, how are their parents? Treacle Town changes your view on everyday life and the way you live. Changes how you think...And isn't that what books are for?

Maria

The Final Year
I really enjoyed reading "The Final Year" as it portrayed the transition from primary school to secondary school in away that made me be unable to put down the book. I was connected with all the characters and I felt all the emotions the main character and his companions experienced myself. This book made me realise how good verse novels are and I am planning on reading the second book in this series.

Tallulah