The SBSJs

Glasgow Boys
I loved the character Alexa in this book as she is so outgoing and bubbly. She is very kind even through her illness. My favourite part in the story is when Finlay and Akash cook together as they have an amazing friendship, and later, relationship. I liked how the book did flashbacks to Finlay and Banjo’s past. I would recommend this book as it shows how people cope with grief and addiction.

Marianna

Play
I loved the different points of views of the four boys because it sort of helps us to know how certain things are to them as individuals I would definitely recommend this book to my friends mostly because of the way its written. I think it is beautifully written. My favourite character was Johnny, he was always a good friend, he was supportive and happy no matter what was happening amongst his friends I was sad about Johnny but there was still something beautiful about the way the scene was written. Poetic

Chukwufumnanya

King of Nothing
I liked how funny this book is and the slang accent. I would recommend it to my friends as I am sure they would like it. Anton's grandma is my favourite character because she is quite funny and cheeky

Ayomide

The Things We Leave Behind
The best part about the book was the plot twist and my least favourite part was the slow beginning. Billie was my favourite character because she was such a positive character, and was a massive part about the plot

Michelle

The Final Year
I like how this book was written with the author's accent. I would recommend it to my friends because it is a good book and they would like it. I like Nate and his siblings the best. They all have their own obsessions that relate to them. Nate moved into Year 6. My favourite part was the beginning when we were introduced to the characters

Stephen

King of Nothing
This book has high humour levels and a good story with a character with a developing personality. My favourite character was the nerd, Matthew, and how he helped Anton to change his life and understand himself. My favourite part was when Anton and his grandmother were on the bus to the hospital and Anton's grandmother blames him for her bottom burps and lectures him about his 'cheeky butt' This is a good laugh out loud story and the perfect adventure to share with your friends

Elijah

King of Nothing
My favourite thing about this book is how Anton was really tough when he first started helping his mum, but then took down his bold cover with the help of Matthew. I liked the character of Matthew the best because he persevered to make Anton a better person and become one of his friends. He's determined, though I agree with Anton - Matthew is a bit of a wimp and tends to stick too much with Anton. My favourite part of the book was where Anton stood up to his 'friends'. It was a scary moment until.... I would recommend this book to my friends because I know that they enjoy books about friendship

Soliana

King of Nothing
The best thing about this book is that I can relate to some of the action and there's a clear definition of high school life I really like the main character Anton because his personality changed in the middle of the book. At the start he is the 'popular cool guy' but near the end he becomes less popular but more open. He develops a friendship with the school nerd... I would recommend it to my friends as it is a fun read with many hilarious moments

Rahel

King of Nothing
I liked the story in this book, and how the lesson is revealed My favourite character is Matthew because he is funny and doesn't care about other people's opinions of him. He is kind, even to those who push him away, like Anton. He even saved Anton's life. Matthew helps Anton to realise that lots of things he believed are wrong I would recommend it to my friends because it is funny and thought provoking

Martha

The Final Year
Some lines in this book are quite poetic and the story of a kid having a beast in him is very overarching. My favourite characters are Caleb and his Year 6 teacher because they seem to share a bond. Caleb is going into Year 6 soon but he doesn't feel comfortable. Its also implied he has a beast inside him I would recommend this book to Year 5 turning Year 6 students or people who like poetry

Yannick

The Final Year
I liked how the book shows people less fortunate and it shows lots of slang and street talk. I would recommend it to my friends because it is quite easy My favourite character was the main one because he is struggling with mental health and it shows him being different to others. It also shows him making and losing friends. I liked the plot twist about the younger brother..

Isabella

The Final Year
I think this was a really good book because it talked a lot about Nate's emotions. It is quite a short and enjoyable book so I would recommend it. My favourite character is Nate because he expressed his talent and emotions through poems. My favourite part was the poems in the book, and parts where he talked about his emotions. I loved every part

Iqra

The Final Year
In this book, I liked the hints towards mental health and it makes the story a little better. I would recommend this book to my friends as I think it is set close to where we live. My favourite character is Nate. I liked him the best because of his display of mental health and he feels relateable at times. I liked it when they found out the truth about his brother

Kaiyan

The Final Year
It was sad when the 2 friends got split up. My favourite character was Caleb, and I loved the 'slang speak' in the book. My favourite part was the bit about Dylan... I really liked the book as it is interesting and quick to read

Keira

All That It Ever Meant
All That It Ever Meant= Blessing Musariri's Carnegie-nominated 'All That It Ever Meant' is a moving story about loss and identity. After their mother's death, Mati and her siblings journey from London to Zimbabwe, guided by a unique spirit only Mati can see. Musariri's powerful writing explores Mati's grief and her connection to both cultures. While relying on introspection, the book offers a heartfelt look at family and healing, with a surprising twist that adds depth. Recommended for older teens who enjoy thoughtful and emotional stories.

Soliana