MTS Northwood
Not Going To Plan
Not Going to Plan is an engaging story that shows how life does not always work out as expected.
The characters are relatable, and their challenges feel realistic.
The plot is interesting and keeps readers wanting to know what happens next.
Overall, it is an enjoyable book with a positive message about adapting to change.
Ishaan
Popcorn
Popcorn is an entertaining and thought-provoking book that keeps readers engaged throughout.
The characters are interesting, and the story develops in unexpected ways.
The author uses humour and tension effectively to make the book memorable.
Overall, it is an enjoyable read that I would recommend to others
Ishaan
Ghostlines
The cover of Ghostlines does not give much away about the story, which makes it intriguing.
It creates a sense of mystery and encourages readers to find out what happens inside.
As the story unfolds, the connection between the cover and the plot becomes clearer.
Overall, the cover is effective because it sparks curiosity without revealing too much.
Ishaan
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
Lizard Nobody is a thoughtful and engaging story about identity and belonging.
The main character is relatable and faces challenges that feel realistic.
The book explores friendship, self-acceptance, and growing up in a meaningful way.
Overall, it is an enjoyable read with an important message.
Ishaan
Birdie
Birdie is an engaging and enjoyable book with interesting characters.
The story is well written and keeps the reader interested throughout.
I liked how the author explored the themes and emotions in the story.
Overall, it is a memorable book that I would recommend to others.
Ishaan
Twenty Four Seconds from Now
I really like how this book is written from back to front which is a very interesting element I have never seen before. It was a very good book but it was not something I normally enjoy reading as I dont read a lot of romance. But overall, I see how this would appeal to other readers and recommend it to others, but not of my liking.
Lishane
Wolf Siren
You can tell just from reading this book the passion that O'Brien has for fairy tales, disabled representation and injustice. The effectiveness of the world building allowed me to get fully stuck into the book and immersed in the world. I found the constant onloading of information and lore to be awkward at times. I'd describe myself as waiting for the explanations and reveals to end so that the exploration and action and discovery could happen just for such a state to so rarely occur. Much of the book took the form of a character explaining hidden histories, followed by Red commuting to the next location or next character to then give her a new load of information. This even continued into the climax of the story in which there was a lore dump immediately before and after the short-lived action, first to Red and then to the villagers. The moments when the narrative escaped this cycle and went into sensory descriptions of Red's experiences of the world were my favourite parts of the book. The way that nature and living beings were interwoven and all sentient was also deeply gratifying to read.
Ossie
Ghostlines
I greatly enjoyed reading this book. It greatly interested me from the beginning with its description of Ayrie and the relation it has to foreigners and visitors. When people visit remote islands such as Ayrie, they partially come for the landscapes and partially for the spectacle of watching people's lives. The lives of the inhabitants of Ayrie who's lives are so different from their own with their lack of the internet, cinemas, arcades and other forms of constant electronic stimulation. When people come to visit remote islands, they often come not to explore the island but to watch this foreign way of life whilst regarding their own way of life as arbitrarily superior. This is a bargain however as tourism is a large source of Ayrie's income. The exploration of these ideas of tourists and islanders forming an in group and an out group through Albie and Matilda was eye-opening. The honesty with which the main character explains their experiences of tourists is only possible because of the narrative voice that Balen chose, Matilda - a young girl who speaks to us honestly. I found Matilda's descriptions provoked memories of how I experienced the world as a younger person whilst still using sensory and sometimes visceral imagery. My favourite use of Matilda's internal dialogue is how we learn of Rowan. At first he is obfuscated to the reader just as he is to her. Our discovery of Rowan is Matilda's rediscovery and in this makes it feel so real. Balen did a great job making me care about not only the characters and the immediate plot, but Ayrie and other similar real islands. That is the lasting impact I think it has had on me and for that I thank Balen.
Ossie
Popcorn
Popcorn by Rob Harrell is a funny and heartwarming story about a boy dealing with anxiety and OCD. It has relatable characters, humor, and an important message about courage and accepting help. Overall, it is an enjoyable and inspiring read.
Aaryan
Twenty Four Seconds from Now
I rather enjoyed this book. The writing was funny and the dialogue between characters and the character dynamics were well written. The writer also manages to make a book that takes place over a longer period of time without it being too confusing or boring. While I don’t relate to this personally, I can see how many older teenagers or above would.
Hafiz
Popcorn
I really liked this book and its comical style and I felt it was a bit less cliché than most books about teen anxiety in life, which is one of the main reason I loved it. The comic strip like images with witty captions were also captivating. I feel from my perspective I am getting a good view of all around life from Andrew, which in my opinion is exactly what a book of this kind should be able to do. I do feel that if I had to change something it would be that I felt there were a lot of unnecessary characters that kind of distracted the main plot of the book. Overall I would give it an 8/10!
Lishane
Popcorn
Popcorn by Rob Harrell is a book through the lens of a boy called Andrew deep diving into the theme of anxiety. The book was an easy read but I found that I couldn’t really connect to the story and found some parts somewhat repetitive. I found the book wasn’t really for me but I understand how it could be more enjoyable for others.
Jeevan
Not Going To Plan
Not going to plan is a unique book wrote in verses. This structure took a while to grow on but I came to realise the structure of the book allowed for a quick and easy read. Alongside this I believe the complex and mature themes in the book could be better displayed through this format. Overall I enjoyed this book and found the plot engaging throughout.
Jeevan
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
One of my favourite things about this book, much like Popcorn, is that the hidden themes are very powerful. The first hidden theme is bullying. The main trio constantly faces isolation because they are brought in under a blending program much like modern racism for me this felt like a good way to portray it. The next theme of depression. Zeke’s mother’s depression has a major impact on him and because of it he is distinctly lonely. I liked the way how Ness shows even parents have flaws. Finally the theme of being ‘fatherless’ which makes Zeke’s loneliness worse it also shows that when family fails you, friends can step in which I found very powerful.
Niam
Ghostlines
Overall, Ghostlines was an enjoyable read, since it gave a modern twist on a traditional thriller. The whole book is action packed, and each event propels the book forward through the plot. The complex mystery of the atmosphere of Ayrie keeps the reader involved and hooked at all times, whilst the logic of the world stays believable. Each character possesses different personalities and motivations that are distinct and authentic, whilst the interactions and friction between the characters creates deep, captivating relationships that contribute to the world building of the mystifying island. The protagonist’s psychological depth and emotions allow a connection with other characters and the reader, and this alongside the unsettling environment created ensures the story is never dull. In the dialogue, Balen uses a technique called stream of consciousness (which is seen sometimes in modern writing and omits the use of speech marks) and although sometimes it is poetic, it can be hard to follow, since there are times when you cannot differentiate between the protagonist’s internal monologue and the story; it also relies on combining long sentences together with “and” or the using commas, which can sometimes feel slightly tedious. That is my only criticism, since all the other aspects were of a high standard. The book is quite a good read, and that is widely due to the world building alongside the characters authentic emotions and motivations.
Evy
Twenty Four Seconds from Now
Overall, this book is exceptionally written, and for me this is because of the unique structure through which this story is told. The narrative’s creativity of the structure amazes me – it brilliantly clicks back to memories and events, regressing, before finally snapping back to “NOW”, creating a realistic and touching ending. The book involves the reader and is fast paced, as they are locked in the protagonist’s racing thoughts and feelings. The protagonist, Neon, shows genuine emotion and stays true to his personalities, and is a relatable character, so the readers can empathise with his story. The book captures the heartwarming emotions and interactions between the characters of honesty, respect, anxiety, and love, and all the dialogue and interactions of the characters feel natural and true to real life. It is a remarkably easy read, written in a modern style that makes the book gripping and enjoyable. The innovation of how this story is written is the highlight of the book, making it an absolutely fantastic book.
Evy
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
Overall, the idea of the book is original in the sense that it is quite absurd in its presentation. However, when you see past the strangeness of the characters and the stories, the situations shown throughout the book are heartwarming and relatable, whilst also possessing many touching morals. It features and incredibly creative premise, and therefore it hooks readers instantly into its bizarre yet surprisingly relatable world. I think that the ending is credible and it suites the book; the themes presented (such as friendship, empathy, and power dynamics) are relatable to the readers as well and therefore involves them quite a bit, but they are presented in an absurd and crazy way which does not seem credible at all. The main characters in the book are very relatable to the readers, and their motivations, reactions and emotions are believable. Underneath the humour, the characters have genuine feelings of yearning to belong and isolation, so the reader can empathise. It is an incredibly easy and relaxed read, and it moves at a fast pace, hooking readers into the story. This absurdity is the perfect medium for conveying the morals of friendship and exploring feelings of belonging and acceptance. However, my only criticism is the fact that sometimes, the situations in the story are too strange and unnecessary for the plot to advance. I appreciate that it brings a sense of playfulness to the plot, but for me there were aspects that were inessential for the plot to move forward and still have the same effect on the reader. Ultimately, is a brilliant read, and the messages portrayed throughout are truly heartwarming.
Evy
Wolf Siren
This book, Wolf Siren, centres around the protagonist, 'Red', who is adventurous and brave. Red felt a connection to the woods, but the woods were perceived as dangerous, and the book follows Red's adventures and experiences as she uncovers a bitter truth. The themes were explored thoroughly, and I really enjoyed this book. There was a lot of suspense, and the atmosphere created was immersive and vivid. Taking a classic fairy tale and recreating it in a more complex way was a great take. Also, this book breaks away from conventional plotlines and keeps the reader guessing, which made the book feel fresher and more surprising. To conclude, this book is a fantastic novel which is packed with suspense and has an immersive atmosphere. I would recommend it for ages 12–14, as you can really grasp the themes involved in this book (especially prejudice and power).
Atharva
Not Going To Plan
This book "Not going to plan" centers on two main characters Marnie and Zen who are starkly different in nature. Marnie being a troublesome teenager and Zen being a smart, studious person. Marnie ends up in a situation (becoming pregnant) where she needs Zen's help to make a very important philosophical decision still being argued by philosophers today. The themes were discussed well, and I enjoyed the verse novel type. Despite this, this book was not for me for a number of reasons. The issue with this book is that the author oversimplified the situation. The central conflict (pregnancy) is treated more of a inconvenience rather than the ethical question involved. It felt one sided and does not engage with the mistakes the main character made. Tia Fisher does not reflect on any mistakes, drinking, personal boundaries and the ultimate mistake Marnie chose to make. which I did not like. Drinking and vaping at 16 is illegal and this was not reflected in a bad way but more as a choice. Her pregnancy was also her fault for making those decisions'. To conclude, this is a verse novel discussing serious and complex topics but in my opinion could have been presented in a more 2 sided, reflective way.
Atharva
Popcorn
The book "Popcorn" is about the protagonist Andrew, who has a school photography day. At school, a series of challenges await him until his school picture day, with Andrew also talking about struggles at home with family members, as well as his Grandma having an incurable disease. Andrew also has anxiety; it shows us how he reacts in certain situations. The narrative was interesting, and the humour makes the story intriguing. I believe the themes listed were explored in depth (especially anxiety and bullying), which helped make the story more meaningful and memorable. The only thing that I would critique is that the book had a constant stream of embarrassing situations throughout, which made the book feel more chaotic than believable. This ruined the more meaningful parts of the story. To conclude, I think this is a fantastic read with an important concept, which only falls short for me due to the ridiculous amount of embarrassing situations throughout.
Atharva
Ghostlines
Ghost Lines by Katya balen was a really enjoyable read. I liked how the story slowly revealed more about the characters and their lives, which kept me interested throughout. The friendships in the book felt realistic, and I enjoyed seeing how the characters grew and changed.
Some parts of the story were quite emotional, but there were also lots of hopeful moments. The book explores themes of family, friendship and belonging in a way that is easy to understand and relate to.
Overall, I thought Ghost Lines was a great book with an interesting story and memorable characters. I would definitely recommend it to other readers my age.
Kyle
Birdie
This book , "Birdie" is about the protagonist who has ventured into the unknown of a new city, adjusting to her new life because she was adopted. However, stepping into this new world arose unfortunate challenges. One of which, was the protagonist 'Birdie' being treated as an outcast to society. Just as things were going disastrously, she meets an unexpected ally along the way. J.P Rose gives an unvarnished portrayal of people like Birdie who do not fit in by uncontrollable measures. I enjoy how the author depicts the protagonists resilience and alienation which makes the story realistic and immersive. To add to this idea of realism, this book is set in 1952, with Birdie speaking in a Northern dialect. This book explores the themes thoroughly (e.g racism and identity) . To conclude, Birdie is a fantastic read that I would recommend to everyone.
Atharva
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
This book, "Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody", follows a protagonist (Zeke) who is essentially being bullied and has to navigate the difficulties of school and new friendships with animals of different class. Throughout the story, the author presents a creative and unique perspective which makes the book unlike anything else I have read. All of the characters being animals was very unique, and a country sitting on the protagonists knee was humorous and different. I enjoy how the humour and unusual style make the story engaging and entertaining to follow. However, despite the originality of the book, I felt that some parts of the story lacked emotional depth and were not as memorable as I had hoped. Although there were enjoyable moments throughout, the book did not leave a particularly lasting impact on me. Lacking emotional depth, predictable story structure of protagonist vs villain and themes explored only on surface level (any of the themes listed for this book other than humour) make me question how this book made the shortlist this year. To conclude, "Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody" is an imaginative read with an interesting concept that many readers may enjoy, but is ultimately lacking compared to other books in the shortlist. I would probably recommend this book to younger readers below the age of 9.
Atharva
Popcorn
Popcorn was a funny and heartfelt read that kept me entertained from beginning to end. Even though it deals with serious topics like anxiety and fitting in, it balances them with humour and exciting moments.
I especially liked how relatable and creative Andrew was, especially during the chaos of the giant popcorn disaster. The story was fast-paced and easy to follow, and the illustrations added even more fun to the reading experience.
Overall, Popcorn was an enjoyable story about friendship, courage, and learning to face your fears that stayed with me after I finished it.
Kyle
Birdie
Birdie was an emotional and engaging read with lots of twists that kept me interested. Although it begins with heavy topics like racism and unfair treatment, it ends on a hopeful note.
I especially liked how brave and determined Birdie was, even during difficult moments. The writing made it easy to connect with the characters and their struggles.
Overall, Birdie was a powerful story about friendship, prejudice, and hope that stayed with me after I finished it.
Kyle
Not Going To Plan
Not going to plan, by Tia Fisher, is a brilliant book. It mainly follows Marnie and Zed as they get ready for their GCSEs. However, when Marnie gets pregnant, she needs Zed’s help even though they are opposites.
I enjoyed how the book is written in verse but reads like prose, and how you get Marnies perspective and also Zeds. However, I feel like the book is too centred in Marnie.
Overall, it is a great book for older readers.
Zach
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