PGS Library
Treacle Town
This book was actually really good. Like, I could actually see the characters (and their situations) being real. That's how good it is. Another thing I like about this book is how Brian Conaghan doesn't censor himself. It's gritty, it's realistic, and it's overall a great book if you're tired of flat characters. All the characters in this book are multidimensional, and that's why I kept reading it.
Overall, if you're looking for a realistic story you won't be able to put down, try Treacle Town.
Ellie
Treacle Town
This book appears to me a lesson that all human beings should learn. When Trig declares a vendetta against their opposing gang (of whom we interestingly never meet the members of), and Con discovers Slam Poetry, it portrays the message that no matter where you are from or who you are, the art of writing is always an escape route - probably the wisest, most promising one. Also, Treacle Town is quite important to read in terms of cultural awareness, because the book is not fictional and sugarcoats nothing, there really are people out there suffering the same as Con O’Neil and his friend Nails. Even the title of the book encourages analytical thinking, as it suggests being stuck in sticky treacle, a twisted metaphor, yet also an intriguing one. Yes, to conclude, this book lacks nothing, says everything, and, in everyone who may read it, awakens something.
Molly
All That It Ever Meant
All That It Ever Meant actually took me quite aback. Before I elucidate, I would say that the tale of a family’s bereavement was spun tragically into a web of subtle links and witty conversations between the Matiponesa and the flamboyant sage of Meticais. It depicts a deeper perception of our daily surroundings, and Mati’s technique of “looking behind things” was rather eye-opening. Reading it, I found my self wondering whether the author themself ever used that such skill. The book is both quirky and lyrical, however, my only critique would be that the book did not wholly make me acquire a true sense of the character’s sufferings for their late mother, probably sourcing from the fact that, as the reader, I did not get to know her well in the story. To now explain my previous point, the twisted end took me by a great surprise to find out that the protagonist was actually dead! A dark, enthralling dénouement - very, very unanticipated, and an ingenious turn of events.
Molly
Little Bang
Sometimes, - rarely - you come across a book that just makes you … fascinated. I can’t begin to imagine the amount of research that must have been consumed for the work, and, I think, to truly gather all of the facts combined with a personal flare required to write a book such as this must have come from the depths of the heart and soul. Doubtlessly, the time put into this gut-wrenching composition echoes through on every page. The portrayal of the characters are relatable and similar to those from even classic literature: with complex, controversial views on usually unquestioned aspects of life, such as Lucille’s outlook on motherhood. In addition, I admire the way that Mel and Sid are artfully demonstrated, Mel with her intriguing ideas of parallel universes, and the latter - though he is ignorant and foolish when at school - shows an occasional flicker of the same intelligence possessed already by Mel. I find this an interesting interweave. Overall, this modern book is a heartfelt epiphany for us all.
Molly
The Final Year
I thought the Final Year was a good story, which showed the struggles that everyone goes through when comes to changing school. The way Nates worry was portrayed as a monster he had to stop from coming. I would rate it an 8 out of 10
Fliss
King of Nothing
I'm not entirely sure how I felt about 'King of Nothing' as I felt it didn't give me the thrill of escaping to somewhere unknown. But I thought that it was well written and all the slang,although it's not my thing, helped to show each characters personality. I think it could have had a bit of a more unique and less obvious storyline. I thought the moral was very true about how, no matter how hard it is, we should try to do the right thing. I would give it 6.5/10.
Fliss
All That It Ever Meant
I found 'All that it ever meant' to be quite confusing and didn't set much of a setting at the start of the book. I was able to get the gist of the story but could not get into it due to lack of signs of whether we were in the spiritual world or the real world. I would rate
Fliss
The Things We Leave Behind
‘The Things We Leave Behind,’ was one of the most page-turning dystopias I have ever read! I particularly noticed and enjoyed the way the author took problems we have in society today, such as discrimination and abuse of people’s basic rights, and were exaggerated to expose its dystopian category. It also reveals, to all readers, that, although it was a work of fiction, many of the ideas, and points reflect the hardships of people around the world, and how people deal with them. I think I grew to love Clem throughout the book, and the way the author writes her journey through her unique voice is intriguing; I loved how Clem often expresses her emotions with almost the, ’ghosts,’ of the people she loves- e.g. Mischa. All in all, I would recommend this book to KS3+ students.
Maebel
The Final Year
‘The Final Year,’ probably was not my sort of book, but I can fully understand why others my age might like it. The way the protagonist, Nate, writes in his own voice is very inspirational, and shows children, like me, that is all right not to use grammar, and spelling, and if you are enjoying what you are writing, that is all that matters. There is no right or wrong in writing. The content of the work displayed a very interesting, yet an emotional rollercoaster of a ride, about a working-class family, in a time of hardship and struggle, and how they manage this. The book picture framed a place of society that is often overlooked and not being given enough attention to, and the beautiful poems enhanced it. I would recommend this to Upper KS2+ students.
Maebel
Play
I would say this book can be likened to a key. For me, it opened a door that I never knew existed, revealing, simply, the many possibilities of life. All a person’s life experiences are just one path they could have chosen; this book lyrically and wittily explores the finer points of it. Each character within Play is unique, shaped by their families and life journeys, but the four also have much in common, making this story relatable and individual. Towards the finale, I have never read a deeper, purer description of Time itself, or even of life, but it truly moved me, and, I think, will resonate with me forevermore. Only a sage could have brought such wisdom to words.
Molly
All That It Ever Meant
‘All It Ever Meant’ was very enjoyable- I couldn’t put it down! It put a unique and beautiful perspective on how we should look at the world and was narrated by an intriguing and inspirational character. The way the plot and the story were written left me wanting more: I loved how the journey Mati (the main character) took with her family slowly revealed how a family coped with bereavement, but also exposing what modern day life is like. I liked how Meticais’ role in the story was written- he came across as gentle, witty and mysterious. The contrast between cultures was also interesting to learn about, and how the characters felt where they belonged was displayed. I would recommend this book to KS3 + students.
Maebel
The Things We Leave Behind
At first I thought that 'The Things we Leave Behind' would be like every other dystopian book. After a few chapters I couldn't put it down. I think it was different as the journey is unlike most you read about, it had so many stages of the journey.
Fliss