MTS Northwood

Birdie
Birdie, by J. P. Rose, is about how a young girl can step into the unknown and get through it. Set in 1952 in Yorkshire, it follows the story of Birdie, who is taken in by a family that she didn't know she had. However, she is treated as an outsider just because of the way she looks, and while hiding from bullies, she is rescued by an unlikely companion. But when her friend is in danger, Birdie makes a plan to rescue him. I found the characterisation very good - as you read the book, you start understanding the characters more and more until you have a sort-of encyclopedia of facts about them. I also liked how the novel is written in the type of language that Birdie spoke in - a Northern accent (e.g 'Alreet'). However, I found some parts of the story quite hard to believe. Overall, Birdie is a great book about differences and how animals can impact you.

Zach

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
This book was rather enjoyable, juggling humour while making a realistic environment, managing to be funny AND about animals! The main characters were very well written, being bullied for who they are and what they look like. The main villain was creatively written, and the was the author made him able to get away with what he does was quite smart.

Hafiz

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
To start where the book starts “ I’m making you both Hall Monitors,” maybe not the most gripping first line but of course evidence to why this book was chosen to feature around a Lizard, (Monitor Lizards). Though an interesting read, The Chronicles of Lizard Nobody started off slowly not, in my belief, bringing in many readers mainly justifying this books usage of Lizards and the sitting of France upon the main characters knee. A plot point which kept me curious for a large majority of the book and really wasn’t all together solved. Though an enjoyable read, this is main problem with the book, it seems the author (Patrick Ness) had so much in his mind he didn’t seem to be able to tie it together in the way I would have liked. Introducing, so many plotlines that seemed like circles dragging you round but never quite ending. Though this is a minor query in the grand scheme of this book, after the plot is established at the start the book moves very quickly maybe even a little too fast, giving us a tour of our Lead Lizard (Zeke’s) life and the sad death of his father which lead to an emotional sealing up of his mother, convey very sweet but sadly by the authors introduction of the black dog. Though the “Main Plot” follows a familiar ‘We can be Heroes’ plotline in an epic fight against a supervillain, where the book really shines is in the background. From the Panda’s chill dudes sitting and talking about heavy metal, to the birds believing they are above all else just because they can fly. This is where the book is truly superb outlining real world stereotypes, in the animal kingdom. Then, of course Miel, who’s introduction brightens the book exploring how the disabled born into an ‘Upper Class’ can shine in unexpected ways for all. In the end this book is brilliantly written, with a plot that feels clunky yet a world that feels like an escape. A good book to say the least, written in the charming style that Patrick Ness has perfected. Good book, enjoyed but in the end would only recommended, in certain circumstances.

Joshua

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
Twenty-Four seconds from now is an uplifting book about coming-of-age and teenage relationships by Jason Reynolds. It follows the story of Neon, who is about to go to bed for the first time with his girlfriend Aria. The structure of the novel is fascinating, as it goes back 24 minutes, then 24 days, then 24 weeks and finally 24 months, when Neon and Aria first met. It helps the reader find out more about the characters as you go through the books. I really enjoyed the book, and the characterisation was excellent - at the end of the book, you could immediately tell which character was which simply by a description of the clothes that they wear. However, the anecdotes that much of the story is told with can drag on for a while and go slightly off-topic sometimes, and there is some ambiguity about the location of the events (i.e what country they are in). Overall, though, I think it is an excellent read for older students (13+) that talks about modern relationships and grasps with feelings as boys grow up.

Zach

Wolf Siren
I quite like this book as it has introduced me to a new style of writing I have never seen before, which is modern interpretations of fairy tales. I also like how this book incorporates themes such as sexism in subtle and strong ways to convey different messages against stereotypes. The only thing I would say to improve the book would be that I think a bit too many themes were discussed and the book would be better if it were more focused on a few of them rather than a bit focused on all of them. Overall I give it a 7/10 and still strongly recommend to all!

Lishane

Birdie
Set in a post WW2 world, Birdie is a story where the protagonist is forced to tackle racism, without knowing what she has done to deserve this treatment. It also deals with forbidden relationships and friendship issues, mainly because of a horse. Overall, a heart-warming story, dealing with some tough issues. Not my cup of tea though. 7.6/10. I would recommend this to an audience the same age as me (10-14)

Eashar

Popcorn
This book feels much the same as Chronicles of a Lizard nobody, but more real. I can strongly relate to Andrew and his obsessions, and the topics in these books feel much more real than in Chronicles of a Lizard nobody. Andrew’s journey through school and home life are new hardships I have not previously read about. Overall a very well written book for anyone who liked Chronicles of a Lizard nobody. 8.7/10 I would recommend this to a younger audience (8-12).

Eashar

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
This book feels very whimsical, but, reading between the lines, presents some very real issues including struggling family relationships and bullying. It is very heart-warming to hear Zeke’s journey through school life, both the good and the bad, and the final realisation almost made me cry. Overall a very good book and a nice change of pace for an author who normally writes these sort of books in a very heavy way. I would give it an overall 8.6/10 and recommend it to a slightly younger audience (7-12).

Eashar

Popcorn
Initially when I saw the book I thought it would be quite childish because the front cover was so bright and even the illustration in the front looked similar to a book I had read when I was seven, but this was actually not the case. I found the book to be very engaging and an amazing read. The way how it talked about serious topics on a humorous level was really well done. The different challenges Andrew faces also highlights real world themes which are often not discussed. The burden he feels from the state his grandmother G is in, the bullying he faces at school and his anxiety and OCD. I thought the way how his Anxiety was portrayed was really beautifully done. Lots of the time when he was anxious it was perceived stress. Obviously from the view of a reader this may seem obvious but until you have been that person how can you know? It is nearly impossible. Overall for me this was an amazing novel because it explored very serious themes in a humorous way. I would really recommend this book.

Niam

Birdie
Birdie Bagshaw is a young girl. the story about her life is a truly impeccable and heartwarming tale. Picture this, you are an orphan who has never known her family. you are now - out of the blue - going to live with your aunt who treats you like an outsider. However, this treatment is not because you are an orphan, it is because you are a darker skin tone in comparison to her. Racism is a horrible thing and this tale about her miraculous life really encourages you to think before you act or speak. Despite this unrighteousness, a spark of hope encourages her to push on and keep going despite the bumpy journey. She finds a friend. A little pony in fact. But would it embrace her equally or treat her like the rest?

Aaryan

Not Going To Plan
This book was very good. The concept of a teenage pregnancy is a very real thing to many people, and Not Going to Plan did a very good job of describing the process leading up to it in an understandable way. While the main characters did seem a bit cliche, the rebellious bad girl and the nerdy boy, they overall helped to create the atmosphere of a toxic school.

Hafiz

Wolf Siren
Such a good read. It’s a Little Red Riding Hood retelling but so much better. The forest is creepy, the mystery keeps you hooked, and the themes of hardship and courage really make you think. The start is a little slow but it’s absolutely worth sticking with. 4/5.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Ishaan

Popcorn
Popcorn is a side splitting book full of emotional honesty and hilarious mishaps throughout the book it is very relatable for people who have a lot of anxiety. I consider this a very good read.

Alessandro

Not Going To Plan
I really liked this book as I had never read a book with this type of formatting, which I think is called shape poems? The book covers mature themes that are important to talk about and it kept me engaged. Also the fact that there were multiple short poems made it a quick easy read for when I am travelling to just open up the book and start a new poem. I enjoyed this book and gave it a 9/10!

Lishane

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I am more of an older reader but I found that this was still an enjoyable read, as when you first look at it you first think of a more childish cartoon-like storyline but it actually covers deeper themes such as bullying and more detail than seen to the eye which I thought is very important to showcase to younger readers. I really liked the idea of everyday school children being represented as animals as it is something I had never read about before. If there was one thing I had to critique, it would probably be just that because I am a slightly older reader I found the illustrations visually appealing but slightly unnecessary to the storyline of the book. Overally, I highly reccomend it and give it a 8/10!

Lishane