Bilbo Baggins’ Bookworms

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I enjoyed all of the plot, and I think it had very good ideas, and the book was written very well so you could empathise with the characters. Even though I didn't particularly enjoy the writing style, I thought it suited the book very well. However, because of all of the separate plot lines, I think they all were tackled a bit mediocrely and I would've preferred all of them to be a bit fuller and fleshed out. Ignoring this I did enjoy the book and will be creating a more satisfying ending in my mind.

Madeleine

The Final Year
This was a beautiful book to read, I saw my younger self in much of it, and the illustrations were so pretty. I enjoyed the fact it was in verse, and I think it really added to the story. I thought some plot points were slightly confusing and could've been expanded more, but all in all it was very realistically written and handled more sensitive subjects well.

Madeleine

King of Nothing
I really enjoyed this book. I liked how Matthew unexpectedly saves Anton’s life in the woods and how Anton promises to help Matthew with Fernanda.

Jonatan

Glasgow Boys
I thought that Glasgow Boys was a wonderfully written book which diverged from the usual topics of drugs and gang violence, providing a refreshing new topic for readers. This is my favourite book so far as I thought shadowers could really empathise with the characters, and it raises awareness of the hard work put in by nurses-in-training and the NHS. 9/10.

Laurie

Little Bang
“Little Bang” is a beautifully crafted novel that does a fantastic job at portraying the serious events that derive from teenage pregnancies. Whilst writing about such a challenging and sensitive topic, McCaughrain has managed to fully encompass the many struggles and sacrifices both Mel and Sid had to make and overcome; this is shown from both protagonists’ authentic perspectives and this specific style of emotive writing from both views balanced the plot and would install a deep connection with any reader. I did, however, find Mel’s decision to get an abortion rather abrupt at the end, especially with how far the plot had developed when she made it. Overall, I really appreciated how raw and true to life the novel was and how McCaughrain has handled such a sensitive subject, whilst still weaving in an engaging, emotive and compassionate storyline.

Cianna

All That It Ever Meant
“All that it ever meant” is a book that shows the challenges of a family, who go on a road trip to cope with two unexpected deaths. Although this book is interesting, the plot is unclear and lacks impact. For me, the way that it is written meant that the characters were unclear. However, the ending is unexpected, giving the book an exciting end, and I liked how it combined magical spirits with reality. Overall, this book explores the grief of losing a loved one but unfortunately was ambiguous.

Shreya

Little Bang
‘Little Bang’ is a heartfelt approach to understanding what it is like as a teenager who needs an abortion in a country where this is illegal. The author introduced the characters well and I personally was able to follow the storyline even when the perspective changed. The moment I began reading it, I was dragged into its depths and I almost couldn’t put it down! It began to feel as though I was going through the story alongside Mel and Sid rather than just reading the book. Overall, I believe Kelly McCaughrain did a great job with this book as it explained the message she was trying to put across thoughtfully and well.

Lena

The Things We Leave Behind
This book makes us scared for our future in these turbulent times . It makes us feel scared for our future and our family. It makes us place our selves in the place of refugees instead of only hearing about in the news. It places us in vulnerable positions that us westerners are not used too. Certain details made it seem very real and thoughtful. However, some details were a bit cliche, such as the paper cranes, which is an overused plot device. Apart from that it's fantastic 7.5/10.

Jonty

The Things We Leave Behind
"The Things We Leave Behind" did make me cry towards the end. I found the premise of the book very engaging, as I thought maybe this kind of situation could happen to us in the future if someone threatening got into power. I also thought that maybe it was a case of the premise of the book was better than the actual writing style. I found myself thinking that if the book was about anything else I might not make it all the way through. Having said that I did love some certain characters like Sean who I found very loveable and sweet, and Claudia who I thought acted like I might in those situations. Imogen Glass however I found incredibly one dimensional, and Bridie, who I felt was a bit of a lazy plot device. I did love how it explored very serious issues like dementia and displacement through something more fun and thrilling. The twist I thought was beautiful and I enjoyed reading it very much. I found myself turning through the pages, but I did find it slow at times and I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style so I would give it 7 stars out of ten.

Seb

The Final Year
"The Final Year" is a captivating book with surprises, joy, sadness and most of all a strong message that shows that life will work out. The book drew me in even before I had read the first page, with one look at the poem shaped paragraph I knew that I would enjoy the unique way that the book was written. The novel is about starting a new year and the bumps and obstacles of friendships and family. The book was very calming but also made me excited and determined to find out what happens next. To conclude "The Final Year" is a phenomenal book and a great way to spend your time.

Xanthe

All That It Ever Meant
"All That It Ever Meant” is an intriguing novel about Mati's road trip to Zimbabwe after her mother’s death. In the beginning of this novel I personally was confused on who each of the characters were but as the book progressed it became more clear. I enjoyed hearing about the day trips they had and how everyone processed the death. I think the ending was good but some more explanation of meticais' role would have been more helpful. Overall I think that Blessing Musariri did a fantastic job on this novel!

The Things We Leave Behind
This book is really intriguing and until I finished the book, I would not put it down. The dystopian setting of this book helps us to realise that this book actually does have some disturbing truth in it. Clare Furniss has done an excellent job with a unique story whilst hiding some truth in it. It is an emotional book that helps us to feel empathy to refugees and show us what would happen if a ‘dictating government’ came into power.

Shreya

The Things We Leave Behind
'The Things We Leave Behind' leads you through a journey of survival in a future disturbingly similar to what some people face today. It is easy to imagine yourself in the position of Clem, our protagonist, making the message this story leaves you with all the more potent. This book, while being one of adventure, illustrates effectively the need to bring peace through justice in a setting that we once believed was safe from autocracy, and it is done brilliantly.

Theo

Treacle Town
This novel is powerful and packs a punch. Con's inner conflicting thoughts and emotions are portrayed in such a convincing way. Allowing the language and dialect to wash over me, I became immersed in Con's world and the empathy I felt for him and the other main characters grew as their stories unfolded. Willing them to make the right choices, I was utterly gripped to the very end.

Rachel