Isleworth & Syon
Play
Play is a very interesting book that has a lot of element of fun and romance. I really enjoyed reading this book and loved the key elements of romance in this. The book also explores the love for friendship and loyalty of your allies. Overall a 9/10 book
Jay
Treacle Town
In ‘Treacle Town’, Connor is an 18-year-old boy trapped in a society of gangs and violence. After a close friend dies due to gang violence, Connor was into the world of slam poetry. I have read some of it and I have to say I didn't like Treacle Town I just found it excessive in the amount of swearing and that made it rather boring and repetitive in dialogue, I found the language used to be quite difficult to understand in places and the plot did not engage me, I never dislike books but I really did not enjoy the book at all. Overall 0.5 stars
Oussama
Treacle Town
Treacle Town is a very special book and puts the concept of desire and responsibility into good use. The book really shows that because of the actions and decisions of the people around you including you're friends and family, doesn't mean you have to follow them or be like them. The author uses the main character to show the audience that despite obstacles and mishaps, you have to keep pushing and achieve you're dreams and wishes. It also explains that you should not be afraid of what other people think of your dreams. Overall a 8/10 book.
Jay
Glasgow Boys
"Glasgow Boys" by Margaret McDonald was a very good book. I really enjoyed every page of it. It’s filled with many emotions with each one different from the last. It broadcasts feelings every person will experience through their life like struggle, worry, hurt, and empathy of hope along with a constant theme of identity. Very good book, highly recommend to year 9's and 10's , I wouldn't recommend to years 8's or below i think there is a lot of cussing for their age, very good story and interesting characters , outstanding . I hope every reader enjoys it just as much as I am. Overall 4/5!
Oussama
The Things We Leave Behind
I really enjoyed this book as I found the characters interesting and it had a good plot line. I think that it was easy to relate to and the ending changed my whole perspective when reading the book. This book was engaging as the storyline could happen to anyone. This is a dystopian book set in an authoritarian Britain. A book that will always keep you on your toes, feeling the same stress as the main character and saves the biggest twist to the end. Every page left a question to be answered on the next and the ending was written beautifully and brought realisation and tears to my eyes. The ending cliff hanger was sad but overall it left you satisfied. I would recommend this book. Overall 4.5/5
Oussama
The Final Year
The Final Year was a short yet brilliant book with a gripping storyline. As the story developed, my knowledge and understanding of the characters developed with it. I think that the fact that Nate has two other siblings and that his family is struggling went really well with the whole stress of him being in the final year. I also think that some pages were longer and felt like passages and that the shorter ones were either quick bits that stacked onto what happened previously, short yet dramatic events that come out of nowhere or one event split into smaller sections for dramatic effect. In all cases it felt like the book itself was a free written poem that flowed really well.
Harry
All That It Ever Meant
All That It Ever Meant is a thoughtful story centered around Mati, a 14-year-old girl, and her family copes with the sudden death of her mother. This book is a touching story that explores themes like love, loss, and finding your identity. It’s set in Zimbabwe after they left England. I like how Blessing Musairi displays how people can act differently in similar situations, as it makes the story feel more real and different compared to the other books . During her journey, Mati is accompanied by Meticais - a calm, mysterious spirit friend who helps Mati understand and reflect on her thoughts and emotions who only she can see. This is my favorite become one of my favorite books because the themes and the plot are very interesting. Overall 5/5!
Oussama
King of Nothing
'King of Nothing' really stood out when the plot was engaging and the character were developed, making the whole reading experience feel much more interesting. It was bit difficult to understand certain vocabulary but was overall an engaging book.
Horatiu
King of Nothing
King of Nothing by Nathanael Lessore is an incredibly important read for teens (as well as adults trying to understand their children and students) living in the 21st century. Teens can often underestimate their abilities, hiding behind the guise of a 'badman' (as this book would put it) to impress their friends. Once I'd got past some of the not-so-sophisticated language, I really fell in love with the rich characters and amazing story being told in the pages of this book. A must-read for pretty much everyone.
Roo
The Final Year
One of the great things about the final year is how well the poetry structure works, even though it feels like it shouldn't. The book tells a heartfelt (yet realistic) story of a boy called Nate who is in his last year of primary school. The story explores ideas of anger and loss, yet also highlights the importance of friends and teachers in young peoples' lives.
Roo
The Things We Leave Behind
The Things We Leave Behind by Clare Furniss explores a world not too different from our own - a place that fights for equal rights, yet still has evil politicians and racism to oppose the peace. One of the reasons this book is so effective is because of its closeness to our own world, making the characters and setting relatable. the story is well-written, yet sometimes begins to feel repetitive. A good read, but not a reread.
Roo
Little Bang
Little Bang by Kelly McCaughrain is an important book exploring the complexities of teenage pregnancy. The book provides multiple different perspectives, allowing for readers see how it must be like for people in different situations to themselves, whilst also providing a character for the reader to relate to.
Roo
King of Nothing
“King of Nothing" explores complexities of morals and power, It really stands out when the plot is engaging and the characters are developed, making the whole experience feel much more interest It’s a bit tricky to identify specific character arcs that might need some more background information about them without exploring the story further. Overall 4
Oussama
The Final Year
Matt Goodfellow's "The Final Year" is a positive and contemplative delve into childhood experience. The poems are dense and the book gives a good impression of the troughs of his childhood. It's a pleasant book, the poems being very emotive. It's an inspiring read. Even if the topic, whilst classic, might not be of interest to everyone
Oussama
The Final Year
The Final Year is an absolute must-read and an overall great book for anyone who is finishing Y6 moving into Secondary School. I became really engrossed into certain parts and story twists. The book really nails what it feels like when you're getting ready to finish Primary school and move on to bigger things. I absolutely love how a few of the characters are really relatable. Also, the way the author describes the stress of The Final Year and all the pressure due to SAT's is very relatable for end-of-primary students. I generally loved reading the book and I felt like it was almost talking about my own life in primary school, especially when it gets to the part about trying to enjoy the last bits of school but also worrying about what comes after. I’d recommend it to anyone who's finishing Year 6 or going into Year 5, as it gets you thinking about your future school and secondary school but still keeps it fun.
Aryan
The Things We Leave Behind
The Things We Leave Behind is expressed in a very depressing way. I didn't have much interest for the book myself and it took me some time to read. Even though the book explores the concept of inequality and an idea of racism, I couldn't enjoy the book. Overall a 2/5 book.
Jay Byrepalli
The Final Year
The final year is a really diverse and interesting book. I love how Nate has to not only face his problems in school, but also take care of his family and especially his brothers Jax and Dylan. The book explores the theme of problem solving and the love of family in a very friendly manner, and losing his best friend is a very big plot point. Overall a 4/5 book.
Jay