Bookwizards

The Boy I Love
The Boy I Love is a very heartfelt and important book for society today. It gives a side to WW1 that not many people know of. Also, It deals with the theme of LGBTQ+ which there are not enough books talking about. It gives young people that are LGBTQ+ positive role models to look up to in Stephen and Danny. It also shows that at the time the book was set, there was intense prejudice and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people so it shows the challenges that people had to overcome back then to find their place in society.

Harry

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
Chronicles of a lizard nobody takes place in a school environment a very interesting plot and shock at the end. I personally enjoyed it because it has great humour but also some darker themes like depression and bullying with parts that many students could find relatable and easy to understand especially if you can relate to the main character. It builds up in a school environment with one of the main aspects being how all the students happen to be animals. It is told by a monitor lizard / newly made hall monitor Zeke and his friends Daniel and Alicia as well as the loud but amusing blind hawk Miel. It was very well told by the main character and it really had a good mix of dialogue and action. Although it was really funny, it did lack a detailed story line with some pages that felt like they were there until the next cool character came on instead of each page connecting with one another. Over all i would recommend this to a friend depending on their taste and what level they read at as it is quite an easy book. But overall it had a relatable charm and twist to it that many can enjoy so this is why i believe that The Chronicles of a lizard nobody should receive the Carneige medal.

Ethan

The Boy I Love
I believe that ‘the boy I love’ is a great book as it shows that you shouldn’t be ashamed by being LGBTQ today and that it should be taught in more books around the world. It is also a book which has lots of empathy romance and discrimination. It is a fast paced book where you’re joining Stephen’s journey through World War Two.

Charlie

Wolf Siren
Wolf Siren was a really interesting book with lots of adventure and mystery. I liked how the story was exciting and kept me wanting to read more. The main character was brave and determined, which made her easy to support. Overall, I enjoyed the story and liked the message about believing in yourself and finding where you belong.

Lucas

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
Twenty-Four Seconds from Now was a really cute and enjoyable story. I liked the plot because it was funny, relatable and easy to follow. One of the best messages in the book was about not being shy and having confidence in yourself. It showed that taking chances can be scary, but it can also lead to good things.

Lucas

The Boy I Love
The Boy I Love was quite an interesting book. I really liked the setting and learning about life during the First World War. The historical parts kept me interested and helped me understand what life was like at that time. Although some parts of the story weren't really my thing, I enjoyed the wartime setting and the way it brought history to life.

Lucas

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody was one of my favourite books. I really liked the pictures because they made the story more fun and kept me reading. The characters were funny and interesting, and I wanted to know what would happen next. It was the first book I read, and I loved its message about standing up to bullying and being yourself.

Lucas

Birdie
Birdie seemed really interesting at the start, and I was excited to find out what would happen next. However, as I kept reading, I started to get bored because the story felt quite slow. I couldn't stay interested in the plot, and I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. Overall, it wasn't really my type of book.

Lucas

Popcorn
Popcorn is a really good book that is funny but also quite emotional. I liked how the story showed the main character dealing with problems at school and at home. The characters felt realistic, and the book had an important message about friendship, confidence and being yourself. Overall, I enjoyed reading it.

Lucas

Not Going To Plan
Not Going to Plan is a really good book about growing up and learning responsibility. The main character goes through some tough situations and has to make important choices. I liked how realistic the story felt, and it showed how challenges can help someone become more mature. Overall, I really enjoyed it.

Lucas

Ghostlines 
I found Ghostlines quite hard to get into and I thought it was a bit boring. The story felt slow and not much happened to keep me interested. I didn't really connect with the characters, so I didn't care much about what happened to them. Overall, I didn't enjoy this book very much and it wasn't really my type of story.

Lucas

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody is a very funny book that also deals with serious themes such as bullying, poverty and mental health. Zeke, the main character of this story, goes through a lot in his childhood and his closest friend seems to be the only one genuinely looking out for him. He has two huge responsibilities, one to look after his mum and two to have the nation of France on his knee. These hardships are something that a child should never have to try and live with and Zeke does quite a good job of balancing all of these hardships in his life.

Harry

Not Going To Plan
I enjoyed this book because it was interesting, educational and informative. It taught me important life lessons in a friendly, safe environment without any dangers or risks. I also enjoyed the style in which it was written and how it depicted both sides of the story and how every story has two sides. I would recommend this book because it fundamental to know, engaging to read and reader friendly but many need adult to understand the principal and messages of the book.

Jonathan

Wolf Siren
Wolf siren is a very bold and exiting book that deals with the difficult themes of gender roles, disability and personal development in a way that engages the reader while adressing these pressing issues in a mature way. The character of Grandma in it is very contrasting to the old, frail grandmother in the traditional version of Red Riding Hood with this version of Grandma being strong-minded and while she is not the best mother to Red's mother, she makes up for it by helping to take down the oppressive hierarchy at the end of the book.

Harry

Wolf Siren
I believe that Wolf siren sounds a a great book with signs of mystery . Wolf siren is a fast paced book which is a twisted version of little red riding hood.

Charlie

Popcorn
I truly liked this story, this story from the journey of Andrew who has anxiety on the highest stakes day of the year (picture day!). It follows the nerve-racking day to get a photo taken. He has all sorts of stuff to keep him picture perfect such as stain removing bacterial wipes and a new top (usually wears second-hand tops from cousin), so this is a big deal to everybody in his family. He tries to do everything in his power, but fate is staked against him. This story has engraved messages that you should know because it will make you a more knowledgeable person and will give you a deeper empathy for the anxiety community.

Jonathan

Birdie
This was a great book as it shows great friendship bonds with Birdie and the pit pony Mr Dukes but Birdie ( the orphan that she is ) is bullied at her new school because of racism. And they are shutting down the coal mine where Mr Dukes lives so Birdie and Mr Dukes leave and they will be forever friends. In the end this book was fast- paced , exciting and you would love this book if you read this.

Charlie

Not Going To Plan
I believe that this was a great book because it shows signs of growing friendship between Marina and Zed when at the start it was all hate and disgust but then they became the best of friends which shows that there is all ways a light at the end of the tunnel and it is nice to read the transition as well.

Charlie

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
I believe that 24 seconds to now was a great read and I really enjoy the idea of from going present to past. I also believe that this book was really creative , kind and caring and you never want to stop reading it .

Charlie

Popcorn
I loved popcorn. Although others did not strongly rate it, it really touched my heart ♥️. It mentions OCD, anxiety and Alzheimer’s as well as bully’s with such strong messages. All of this was also displayed in a really silly and humoured way. As someone who experiences a lot of anxiety, OCD and a grandma with dementia I could really relate to this book and it was a really beautiful piece of art. Please do read it.

Blaise

Popcorn
I liked Popcorn as it was quite an easy read , however filled with strong messages such as anxiety and Alzheimer’s. It was also fun because you kept on feeling for Andrew and the things that happened to him. Overall, I would give Popcorn a 8/10.

Toby

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
The chronicles of a lizard nobody is a adventure style story following the main character Zeke and his life of being bullied . In this book Zeke and his two friends Daniel and Miel fight back against the wannabe super villain Pelicarnassus. This book has a common theme of friendship and overcoming problems. I would rate this book 7/10 for its smooth easy to read energy and incredible illustrations .

Seb

Ghostlines 
I did not love ghost lines. The writing was great and it was quite interesting but it didn’t keep me engaged the whole time. I think if you have an interest in ghosts and easier reads this is the book for you. However, I did like the tackling bias views.

Blaise

The Boy I Love
This book is needed in society. This displays to many people that homophobia can ruin gays lives. It is also displayed in great writing and the world war 1 knowledge/writing and although it doesn’t end with a happy ending it is a great story and we should all read this and get the message.

Blaise

Ghostlines 
The book Ghostlines if a very thrilling story and its fully packed with adventure. This book involves making friendships, braving dangers and resilience. It start of when a boy called Albie moves from the main land and tries to fit into the community with the help of Tilda who was born there. When they become friends they decide to go to a haunted island at night and that's when Tilda realises if Albie is going to stay at the island at all.

James

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
This a great story. I love how it is tracing back through their relationship. The book manages to fit in a bit of drama and keep you engaged. I loved it and I really recommend it

Blaise

Not Going To Plan
This book is lovely. Two oppisite people becoming great friends. This story is written like a conversation between Zed and Marnie and so written in verses so I think this writing is really new to the writing industry. I couldn’t put this book down when I started reading and it. Please read!

Blaise

Wolf Siren
This book is great. This was my favourite book. In a world where we have not yet achieved equal gender rights it is really important that this message is being spread around the world. This is a feminist book. It's about women standing up to controlling men and you must read this because this message must be shown everywhere to make a difference to this world. I also love the creativity of changing the story of Red Riding Hood and rather than a damsel in distress she is standing up for women.

Blaise

Birdie
I love horses and I thought Birdie was great. This book is so important as it is challenging racism and and really showing us how some people are raised and what they must go through. I also thought that the character development was exceptionally good and a really magical book. I really recommend that you read this book.

Blaise

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I was not a fan of this book. I felt it lacked in maturity and for a 12 year old it wasn't the right book. My brother , a nine year old, would love it but not me. Although it does challenge ideas about non inclusivity which is a lovely message. Overall I recommend it for younger and less mature readers but not to secondary school students.

Blaise

Birdie
Set in the prejudice-heavy 1950s, this moving tale follows Birdie. A black baby is sent to an orphanage at birth because of the colour of her skin. When she is eventually sent to live with her Aunt Mable, she is met with coldness and cruelty rather than the love and compasion she deserves. Birdie’s life changes forever when a gang of bullies chases her into a dangerous drift mine. Lost in the dark, she is rescued by a horse she named Mr Duke, sparking an unbreakable bond that becomes her only sence of belonging and worth. However, her safety is constantly threatened by local prejudice—including a neighbor determined to keep Birdie away from his daughter. When Birdie discovers a plan to send Mr Duke to the knacker's yard, she orchestrates a daring escape. Their journey is fraught with peril; after a narrow escape from drowning, Birdie must find a way to save a collapsing Mr Duke With the help of a kind vet, they survive. In a gripping climax, Birdie and Mr Duke return home just as disaster strikes the community. Following a heroic rescue mission to save trapped locals (one of which was Mr Walter) in the mines, Mr Duke disappears back into the depths, leaving Birdie shattered. It was not possible for a Christmas miracle to finally bring Birdie to leave her room but is astonished to find Mr Duke healthy again and is happy for the love and acceptance she has fought so hard to find?

Jonathan

Popcorn
I believe that this is a great read as it is about a young boy called Andrew and you go on a journey through his day however his only 1 goal is to keep clean for the school photo for the end of the day. However, there is a science experiment gone wrong a rogue ketchup rocket a bully and a building sense of impending doom. You also encounter Andrew's life at home with his grandma who has alzheimer and him having OCD. I would recommend this to you as it is fast-paced, funny and you never know what is going to happen next

Charlie

Not Going To Plan
Not Going to Plan is a refreshing and uplifting read. It gently reminds us that life doesn’t need to follow a perfect script to be meaningful. The author tells a story that feels very human. They blend humor, vulnerability, and insight in a way that grabs your attention from the very first page. Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, the book presents them as unexpected chances for growth, discovery, and even joy. What stands out most is how relatable the shared experiences are. Whether dealing with missed chances, sudden changes, or moments of self-doubt, the author tackles each situation with honesty and warmth. This approach makes it easy for readers to see parts of their own lives in the story. The writing style is engaging yet comforting, balancing thoughtful reflection with lighthearted optimism. Another strength of the book is its key message: uncertainty can drive transformation. Rather than promoting strict control, it celebrates adaptability and resilience. By the end, readers find a renewed sense of hope and a reminder that sometimes the best moments arise from plans that fall apart. Overall, Not Going to Plan is an inspiring and uplifting book. It encourages readers to welcome life’s unpredictability. It’s a great choice for anyone seeking reassurance that even when things don’t go as expected, something meaningful and beautiful can still come to light.

Alex

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
The book is about a boy and his progression on which he is getting up to this point in time when he is going to have sex with his girlfriend. Then we go in a flashback developing into how he got into this situation, what led up to this moment and what else he does in his life. What I like about the book is the characters, progression and plot of the story. What I don't like about the book is its beginning and the slowness of the start. Finally, I found the book really enjoyable, good and interesting.

Conrad

Birdie
Children all over the country will be excited to meet the strong, independent protagonist in this tale of friendship. Birdie has always lived at Fitzwilliam’s Children’s Home in Leeds but, now, she must leave her beloved Mrs Dudley for a new start in rural Yorkshire, changing the lives of her Great Aunt Mabel and Uncle Walter at the same time. As a young girl of colour, Birdie Bagshaw was abandoned by her mother in the local church. But when her great aunt sends a letter asking to take custody of her, Birdie jumps at the chance to have a family. Little does she know that, in the village of Barrington Dale, life won’t be quite what she hoped for. Upon her arrival, Birdie is baffled by the disapproving looks she receives. Experiencing prejudice for the first time, she is bullied for her appearance and talked about behind her back. Despite these challenges, Birdie remains true to herself, treating everyone she meets with kindness and generosity. Eventually, she finds a friend in an unexpected place: a pit pony, Mr Duke. When she discovers that he is being taken to his death, she sneaks down the mine and runs away with him. However, when she hears about a pair of trapped miners, she knows she must risk returning to save them. Birdie’s bravery and unrelenting resilience serve as a reminder that character is more than skin deep. This heart-warming story is perfect for all readers, particularly fans of historical fiction.

Toby

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I believe that The Chronicles of Lizard nobody is an excellent read as it is fast past thrilling and you can join in with Zeke's life where you can have a laugh and all ways want to turn the page. My favourite bit was when Zeke stood up for himself and and punched the bad guy however that led to some punishments and lost his privilege of a hall monitor.

Charlie