Rainbeau Readers

Ghostlines 
Ghostlines was an amazing book with lots of unusual characters. Tilda is a girl who has lived her whole life on the island. Albi has not; he moved there with his mother, leaving behind the city, his old life, and his family. At first, Albi hates everything about the island until he meets Tilda, who is tasked with befriending him. Together, the two travel to a small island near their home island—the one that is banned.

Joel

Birdie
I loved reading this book, from the start of not knowing anything about Mrs and Mr Winterbottom to the point when we discovered everything behind. Us as readers are Birdie, we experience the discrimination she gets, just because of her skin colour. But she didn’t give up, she told Walter about everything, including her being excluded from class because they don’t believe she can do the questions. This is a really good book, I have really enjoyed it.

Heidy

Popcorn
I found this book interesting and, in some ways, relatable. However, it seemed quite unrealistic to me. Unless you are the unluckiest person in the world, I don't believe that all of those horrible things would happen to someone in a single day. Despite this, I felt a lot of empathy for the main character, and I generally found the book enjoyable to read. The story was quite predictable, as it was easy to tell that things were only going to get worse for the protagonist. However, the book was still an interesting read because its format felt very different from other books. It conveyed a range of emotions in a creative and artistic way, helping readers understand what someone's world or mind might feel like from the inside. It offered a unique perspective and encouraged me to see things from a different angle.

Hazel

Wolf Siren
I loved Wolfsiren because it is a magical and powerful story with a strong and inspiring main character. The setting of the forest felt mysterious and atmospheric, and I enjoyed how the book explores themes of identity, empowerment, and courage. However, I thought the pacing was a little uneven in places, with some slower sections. Overall, it is a captivating and meaningful read that I would recommend to fans of fantasy.

Lucas

Popcorn
I really enjoyed Popcorn because it is both funny and honest about what anxiety feels like. I liked how the story shows one chaotic day and builds tension in a way that feels realistic, while also including humour and illustrations that make it engaging.  However, there is no major climatic event and a slow build to the plot. Overall, it is a powerful and relatable book that handles an important topic really well.

Lucas

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I loved Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody because it is funny, imaginative, and full of interesting characters. The humour made it really enjoyable, but I also liked how it includes important themes like bullying, friendship, and mental health in a relatable way. However, at times the story was hard to understand. Overall, it is a fun and meaningful read that I would happily recommend.

Lucas

Ghostlines 
I really enjoyed Ghostlines because of its beautiful writing and the way it brings the island setting to life. I loved how the story explores friendship, belonging, and change through Tilda’s relationships, and the adventure elements made it exciting as well. However, I thought the plot was slightly slow to get into, as it takes time to build up. Overall, it is a thoughtful and atmospheric book that stays with you after reading.

Lucas

Birdie
I really enjoyed Birdie because it is a heartfelt and emotional story about courage, friendship, and belonging. I loved the relationship between Birdie and the pit pony, as it added warmth and hope to a story that also explores serious themes like racism and identity. However, I felt that some parts of the story were a bit predictable, especially the plot around saving the pony. Overall, it is a powerful and uplifting book that I would definitely recommend.

Lucas

Popcorn
This book was a great read. I think it is a good book to read if you want to understand what anxiety can feel like. I loved how the author used a popcorn character to represent anxiety, as it made the concept easier to understand and relate to. The book was funny, engaging, and entertaining without exaggerating anything too much. Overall, it was an enjoyable read that explored an important topic in a thoughtful and accessible way.

Olivia

Wolf Siren
I loved reading Wolf Siren. It represents women's struggles in a patriarchal society really well, and I found many of its themes relatable. I also loved how the book draws inspiration from Little Red Riding Hood, which gave it a nostalgic feel. However, instead of following the traditional story where the wolves are the villains, Wolf Siren presents the patriarchal society as the true antagonist. This fresh twist made the story even more engaging and thought-provoking. The plot, characters, and overall storyline were all amazing. Wolf Siren is a must-read, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys powerful stories with strong themes and memorable characters.

Olivia

Wolf Siren
In my opinion, Wolf Siren was an exciting and engaging story. The main character, Red, lives in a village where wolves are feared and hated. Throughout the book, she helps to overcome this prejudice by bringing the people and the wolves together. Wolf Siren is a fantastic book, and I really enjoyed reading it. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys adventure stories with strong themes of courage, understanding, and friendship.

Isabel

The Boy I Love
The boy I love: This is an impactful and historical book about a same-sex relationship in the battlefield of world war one. Moreover, it tells a story of what it was like back then to be part of the LGBTQIA+ community, and the realistic, horrifying experience that soldiers had to go through.

Isabel

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I found The Chronicles of Lizard Nobody very unique and different from the types of books I usually read. I found it both easy and difficult to read at the same time. The layout made it very accessible, and it is clear that the book is aimed at younger readers. However, I found the story itself quite confusing at first. Although things became clearer by the end, it took a long time for me to understand what was happening. I also found the plot very predictable, with few surprises along the way. Because of this, I did not feel motivated to keep reading. It felt more like a dull story that I had to continue rather than an exciting one that made me want to find out what happened next.

Hazel

Wolf Siren
I loved this book! It is a powerful story about feminism and explores the sexism that exists in society. Wolf Siren follows a girl named Red, who discovers something about herself, her grandmother, and the forest that could change the fate of the whole village. The story is set in a village where wolves only attack men, and the forest has been declared dangerous by the mayor. The legend of a "wolfwoman" has always been part of village life, and Red sets out to discover whether it is just a myth or if there is a deeper story behind it. Overall, I would rate this book 8 out of 10. It is an engaging and thought-provoking read that I would definitely recommend!

Charley

Not Going To Plan
This is an amazing book! Not Going to Plan explores the challenges and realities of teenage pregnancy. The story follows Marnie, a teenage girl who unexpectedly finds herself pregnant and must navigate this difficult situation with the support of her friend, Zed. This is a very fast-paced and engaging read. It highlights girls' right to choose and introduces readers to different perspectives on abortion and teenage pregnancy. Thought-provoking and enjoyable, this is a book that encourages important conversations while remaining an entertaining read.

Charley

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I personally felt that this book let me down. It started off promising, with light comedy and interesting characters, but by the end I was disappointed. It felt as though the comedy was being forced into what could have been a genuinely meaningful story, and the more serious elements were often overshadowed by the humour. I understand that the book is aimed at children and needs a light-hearted feel, but for me, the deeper meaning of the story just wasn't fully developed. Despite this, I do think it could be a good book for younger readers, as it provides a way to discuss difficult topics and explain them in a way that they can understand.

Alba

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I quite enjoyed this book because it's silly, fun and imaginative. It explores themes of bullying, friendships and school. The main character: Zeke, is quite a funny and likeable character. However, at some points the book did get a little boring but overall it was an enjoyable and quick read.

Emma

Popcorn
I think Popcorn is an enjoyable book because it is funny, interesting and in some ways relatable. It raises good awareness around anxiety and panic attacks which I think allows some people to be seen. I think the popcorn kernel analogy was effective because it helps the reader understand how Andwrew might be feeling and how close he is to having a panic attack. The book also explores themes of bullying and dementia.

Emma

Popcorn
I like this book because it's really interesting, and I enjoy how chaotic it is, as there is always a lot happening. I like how it shows the perspective of someone living with OCD and helps readers understand what life can be like for different people. I also enjoy the illustrations; they are fun, and the comic-style drawings are humorous. I especially like the idea of being a popcorn kernel waiting to pop, which I think is a very clever and creative concept.

Lani

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
This book did not meet my expectations. I found the plot funny and descriptive. Despite this, nothing in the book made sense. I felt as if it was very random, and it felt like a chore to read it. I understand that this is a children's book, but I would give this 3/10.

Maria

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
This book is very entertaining as there is always something happening, iIalso enjoy the fact that it is based on animal life but includes the life of high schools. I think that concept is cool and I also like the surreal elements like the giant robot and the laser eyes. However I think the book should be targeted at younger ages rather than us.

Lani

Wolf Siren
This is definitely the best Carnegie book I have read so far. It features adventures, wolves and a very interesting plot. I loved the characters, storyline and descriptions. I would rate this book 7/10.

Maria

Wolf Siren
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the setting, the characters, and the plot. The setting was particularly interesting, and it made me want to learn more about the story as each chapter unfolded. Red was a great character, and I loved discovering more about their backstory throughout the book. The story is straightforward and doesn't drag things out unnecessarily. It quickly hooks you in, keeps you engaged, and leaves you excited to keep reading.

Heidy

Ghostlines 
I really enjoyed this book because I really loved Tilda as a character, she doesn’t give up easily and she tries her best. I really liked the description for the island and the story line. I thought the end could have been better but I still really enjoyed this book.

Heidy

The Boy I Love
This book was so well-written I am lost for words to describe it. ‘The Boy I Love’ was a really thrilling book to read, and one of the only stories I have seen with unique twists that drew me in. World War 1 mixed with forbidden love — a book so great my words have flown out of my head. This could possibly be my new favourite romance book. Overall, I really enjoyed the storyline and plots, and as a LGBTQ+ person, it was such a creative and engaging story , and I would love to read more.

Raine

Ghostlines 
I have read many amazing books by Katya Balen, and this one did not disappoint. I loved the mystery surrounding her brother’s disappearance and Tilda’s determination to teach Albie to love the island. Although the ending felt a little unrealistic, I still found it to be a heartwarming story that deserved its place on the Carnegies shortlist. I think it is aimed at readers slightly younger than us, but it was still a great read!

Mackenzie

Not Going To Plan
The book was good, but I wouldn’t say it’s one of the best books I’ve read. It is definitely more suitable for older readers because some parts are quite traumatising. One thing I really liked was the layout of the book, which looked really nice and made it enjoyable to read. I would recommend this book to people over 15 who enjoy this type of drama. It’s not really my kind of book, but I know lots of people who would probably love it. I also liked that it didn’t have long, boring sections that dragged on. Overall, it wasn’t a bad book - it just wasn’t to my taste. I would give it a 6/10.

Ksenya

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I generally thought this book was quite good. Although it wasn't at all for my age group, it was still really fun and enjoyable to read. I did think that the book could have had a more intriguing plot in the middle to keep me turning the pages. I would say this book is really funny and easy and I would say that this should be for ages 7-10

Arya

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
This book was really funny and for me, it was a very pleasing book. Some of the story was ridiculous (humorous) and I could not help but let out a chuckle. I also love animals, and I found this a very exciting read - short but sweet. The best thing is that younger children can read it too, and it shows that everything happens for a reason. This book was super enjoyable and I liked it a lot.

Raine

Popcorn
I think Popcorn by Rob Harrell is a really good book because it is both funny and a bit sad at the same time. It is about a boy called Andrew who has a really bad day at school and struggles with anxiety. Some parts made me laugh, but other parts made me feel sorry for him. I liked how the book shows what anxiety feels like in a way that is easy to understand. The drawings also make it more fun to read and help show his thoughts. Andrew is a very relatable character because he worries about things that lots of people worry about. Overall, I would recommend this book to other people my age because it is interesting, funny, and also teaches you about mental health.

Dinu

Wolf Siren
I found this book outstanding because it was about how we should look after trees better than how we do now and that in my opinion is important to me.

Aurelia

Wolf Siren
This book was very moving and powerful. I loved the character development and how it felt real and possible, even though it included magic. I found it an interesting concept, and the twists it held were unexpected yet plausible. I wish the story didn’t have to take such a sad turn - it could’ve been so perfect for the characters. I loved this book, and I would recommend it as a fantastic read!

Mackenzie

Popcorn
I thought this was a good book, but not the best. It included many relatable elements that reflect a child’s life, but with a twist—focusing on anxiety. It presents an everyday story in a unique and slightly different way. I think this book is great for younger readers with a big sense of humour, as it will make you laugh your butt off.

Olivia

Ghostlines 
I thought this book was really enjoyable and had a really creative story line with a roller coaster of emotions. I would say this book can be read by anyone above the age of 10.

Arya

Popcorn
Popcorn was a really thrilling book, and I really enjoyed reading this. It explained anxiety really well and I like the references to a popcorn kernel. I think it was a really great story and I liked how Andrew had to conquer many, many difficult challenges, especially for him, but I loved it when he found people who supported him and talked to him. I found Jonesy and her obsession with sea life humorous, but also relatable since I really love the aquatic world as well. I definitely learned a lot from this book, and it was an extremely fun story to read.

Raine

Birdie
I really liked this book. I enjoyed the storyline, and it has a strong meaning behind it. I was really happy that, in the end, Birdie was happy, and I liked the ending very much.

Kate

Popcorn
I thought this book was really good and enjoyable. It was quite a short easy read for me so I would definitely say it is suitable for 8+ but it is still a really good book and I feel like it describes anxiety really well helping many people understand what it is really like.

Arya

Not Going To Plan
Not Going to Plan was a really interesting book. I enjoyed the format, as it is a verse novel, which makes it a quick read. I liked how it frequently swapped perspectives between Zed and Marnie, allowing you to see both of their viewpoints at the same time. I would definitely recommend this book, and if I had to rate it, I would give it 5/5, as it was a very fun read. My favourite character was Zed because he remains loyal to Marnie throughout and is a very kind character.

Fleur

The Boy I Love
This book was a heartwarming story set in the war. I really enjoyed it and I found the book on the whole very interesting. I would definitely recommend it to others as it such an amazing book. I would rate it 5/5. My favourite character would be Danny because of his bubbly, cheeky personality and how he is so kind throughout the whole book. Overall, I really enjoyed this fantastic book!

Fleur

Birdie
I really enjoyed this book because it showed the joy of the relationship between a person and a horse developing over time.

Aurelia

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
This was a hilarious wonderful story although it could have had been more adventurous but apart from that it was fabulous

Aurelia

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
It was an amazing, funny story full of fabulous jokes. Although there could have been a bit more excitement in the story, apart from that, it was very enjoyable.

Aurelia

Wolf Siren
I thought this book was absolutely amazing. Phenomenal. Really, it was filled with adventure and excitement. It was a rollercoaster of emotion and thrill and I couldn't wait to read the next chapter. I think this book should be available for everyone and I definitely recommend it.

Arya

Wolf Siren
This book was an enthralling read. I found that the story was well structured and tied together nicely. The pacing struck a good balance between being too fast and too slow, and the way the characters handled emotions such as grief added depth to the already exceptional atmosphere of the book. One of the things I liked most was that the world the author created didn’t feel too similar to other books I’ve read, making it a unique and memorable experience.

Theo

Wolf Siren
This book was a fantastically written nod to Little Red Riding Hood. I loved the main character, Red, and how the story reflects the world we live in. For example, in society, when women can do something that men cannot, it is often not openly discussed. In the book, this is shown through the forest, which the men of the town cannot enter because of the wolves. I also liked how, throughout the story, I felt as though I was discovering everything at the same time as Red. Alongside the plot twists, which were always just around the corner, this made it a really enjoyable read.

Amelia

The Boy I Love
This book felt like a recount of true events. The relationship between Danny and Stephen didn’t feel rushed or artificial, as it does in so many books. They both faced challenges, and while it wasn’t a fairy-tale ending, it was sweet and felt genuine as I read. I found the harsh portrayal of trench life eye-opening, showing just how terrible the conditions were for those fighting. I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.

Amelia

Ghostlines 
I think Ghostlines was a beautifully written book. The descriptions were so powerful that I could picture everything really clearly in my mind, as if it was right in front of me. I understood how Albie must have felt when he moved, and I think Tilda was a very strong and determined character because she kept going even when Albie refused to do anything. I really loved the storyline and the ending. This was a great book to read, and I didn’t regret reading it at all.

Raine

Ghostlines 
It was a wonderful experience to read this story because it showed the joy of all the character’s personalities and their fabulous adventures.

Aurelia

Wolf Siren
Wolf Siren was definitely my favourite Carnegie book so far, and I really enjoyed the exciting mystery plot, which made me want to keep reading more and more. The fantasy elements, like the wolfwomen and the magic of the forest, made it even more thrilling and intriguing. Although the ending was quite sad, I would still give it 5 stars because it was an incredibly fun read. I would recommend it to everyone.

Hannah

Not Going To Plan
Not Going to Plan is a book that explores serious and sometimes ‘hushed’ topics like abortion, and it tries to show the bigger picture by including different opinions. I really liked the different points of view from Zed and Marnie, because it adds more depth and makes the story more interesting than if it was told by just one person. I also found it really engaging, as so much happens in a short amount of time for each character.

Amelia

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
This book was disappointing. I found it hard to get into the book, as every time I started to understand what was happening in a scene, either we would time travel, or it would go into hyper detail about a flashback. I also felt that a lot of the information that we were getting was unnecessary/unrelated, and only breaking up the story further. The book didn't really have any storyline, as it was too busy trying to accommodate the complicated structure. I found myself waiting for the story to start for the whole book, as it all felt like an introduction. Not a great read in my opinion.

Mackenzie

Birdie
I really enjoyed Birdie and the kindness, animal facts and 'old language' throughout the book. I felt especially sorry for her when the older boys ( and even the teacher!) were very racist to her. I was not bored once through the book especially the scenes with Mr Duke, and I felt quite sad when everyone thought he was dead. But it made the story even more enjoyable when he survived. I would recommend this to people age 8 to 14 and I am glad I chose to read this one.

Hannah

Wolf Siren
Wolf Siren is quite a tricky book to review. Personally, I really liked the plot and the setting, and I thought it had a strong ending. The characters felt realistic and lifelike, even though the story includes magic. I also loved the storyline because it felt unique. However, on the other hand, I found that the story moved quite quickly, especially at the beginning, which made it a bit hard to keep track of at times. The main character, Red, was very well written, with clear feelings and motivations, which made her easy to understand and relate to. The themes of feminism and disability are shown strongly throughout the book and are key parts of the story.

Alba

Not Going To Plan
When I first read the blurb for this book I wasn't very excited and I didn't expect it to be very good, however I was shocked about the way that you bond with the characters and really feel for them throughout the book. I loved the way Zed was portrayed but I wish there was more about the physics test he did because I feel like I wanted to know more about it. Marnie was my favourite character as I loved the way that she acted throughout the book. I really wish there was a second book as it's a bit sad saying goodbye to the characters

Lucy

Birdie
I didn’t really enjoy this book, as it took me quite a long time to get through and I found it quite difficult to stay interested. I also didn’t like the plot, as I felt it was slow and not very engaging. I think this might be because it’s aimed at younger readers and isn’t really my type of book. However, the writing was very good, and I would recommend it to readers aged 7–12.

Arya

The Boy I Love
I absolutely loved this book, I read it in in 3 hours and was rushed with so many emotions whilst reading this. It was a meaningful book rather than a smutty romance, it focused more on the war around them rather than the blossoming love between two young men in the middle of it all. If there was a sequel; it wouldn't do it justice for this may be a national treasure in the future.

Olivia

Not Going To Plan
I really liked this book because it was from a very interesting perspective. I felt like it had a great plot and was a very gripping read. I liked the sense of friendship conveyed across the whole book which was very good and I would definitely recommend it.

Fleur

The Boy I Love
This was a very interesting and inspiring book that really brings the experiences of war to life. It made me feel like I was there on the battlefield, and my heart raced along with the characters as they faced the dangers of World War 1. It also felt very historically accurate. The contrast between Danny and Stephen made the story a really unique read. I liked how they stayed loyal to each other while fighting for their lives and dealing with life-changing choices and secrets. I don’t usually enjoy or fully understand war novels, but this one was definitely an exception. A fantastic book!

Mackenzie

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I really enjoyed this book because the illustrations are very cute, and I loved seeing the friendship between Zeke, Alicia and Daniel. Zeke is a very kind character, and he’s the type of friend who will always help you and stand up for you if someone is mean. However, sometimes he doesn’t handle things in the best way.

Heidy

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
I really enjoyed reading this book. I like how it truly explored Neon's emotions and gave him a deep character. My favourite scene was when Neon is at the Bingo hall with his friends on Halloween because it created a great setting with lots of description. I think this book raised awareness of different people's emotions, and so lots of people should read it.

Hazel

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I really enjoyed the book because it is really funny. I really like the park where Zeke talked about the story of France and his knee.

KATE

Birdie
This story is very inspirational because Birdie doesn’t give up. When things get tough, she always finds a way out of it. Birdie will do the right thing even if means losing out on something she wants. Birdie is a reflection of how we could be in our lives. Kind, empathetic and righteous. I really enjoyed this book and will remember its message always.

Zeven

Ghostlines 
I really enjoyed Ghost Lines as the characters were very relatable and the story line was thrilling and adventurous. It shows a lot of kindness and sorrow and how hard it really is to move somewhere where you know no-one and everything you love is across the sea. I liked reading the sub plot of her brother, Rowan and the dramatic last few chapters which ended nicely when all the secrets were revealed. This book is an enjoyable read and I would recommend it to people age 8 to 13.

Hannah

Not Going To Plan
I think this book is really good and definitely worth reading. I don’t usually like verse novels, but this one is really interesting and keeps you hooked all the way through. I would recommend it for Year 8 and above because it includes some sensitive topics and a bit of mild swearing. However, it isn’t too strong, and the censored parts are very short and only last for a couple of pages. The chapters are about 5–8 pages long, which makes it an easy and enjoyable read. I would give this book 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Arya

Not Going To Plan
I found this book really interesting because it made me think about issues I never thought before, and it was presented in a really nice way to understand. It had characters I could understand in an environment I go to nearly everyday, meaning I could feel how the characters felt and why. My favourite character was Zed as he was really nice and smart. :)

Ethan

Ghostlines 
This book is very inspiring because Albie is a very relatable person. He has moved to a new place and needs to make friends. Change can be a difficult thing but this book shows how to adapt. This book shows a lot of kindness which is why I enjoyed it.

Zeven

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
This is a really funny book. The normality of villany is what makes this such a laugh. Zeke is a character whose actions should be what we act like. Showing kindness and empathy. I really enjoyed this book

Zeven

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
I really enjoyed this book . The main character Neon is a nervous teenager, his life is seemingly very unusual and spontaneous and the best thing is his girlfriend, Aria. Personally, I didn't find the book the most relatable to me but I can see why it is to others. What I did really like were the characters and how I could really see them as people or even my friends.

Amelia

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
This is an amazing book. It is really easy to read, but still has an interesting and engaging plot. I loved the humour, and the characters are developed really well. The author also uses emotive language effectively, and the illustrations are fantastic. My favourite character was Miel because he is so cool and funny. I really hope this book wins this year!

Ksenya

Wolf Siren
I absolutely adored this book, it reminded me of my favourite movie and brought back so many memories of the original story “The little red riding hood”. This book was so good I cried at the end because it made me so emotional at the end when I finished it. Please read it and trust me you will not regret it!!!

Olivia

Ghostlines 
I really enjoyed this book and how it expressed growing up, fitting in and making new friends. It had a fun light theme with a deep meaning, this book was so good I read it in one sitting! If you’re a fan of a descriptive countryside book then this is for you.

Olivia

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I really enjoyed The Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody because it was incredibly funny and imaginative. It also explores important themes like friendship and bullying. I felt really sorry for Zeke when I found out about his mum, but I was glad that things worked out in the end. I also found it hilarious that he had “France” on his knee! My favourite character was Miel because he is very smart and still helps others even though he is blind. I would highly recommend this amazing book.

Hannah

Wolf Siren
This book is quite different to many dystopian stories. Grandmother being a wolfwoman and human put a really interesting twist on the story because that lead to a unity between wolves and people. I really liked how the book shows humans and animals can live in peace, side by side and is a lesson that we need to learn. The story based of Red Riding Hood was cleverly adapted.

Zeven

Popcorn
I really enjoyed the book. The comparison to a popcorn kernel was quite fitting because it allows the reader to really understand how close Andrew is to having a panic attack and also how is he feeling. The illustrations helped because they added to our understanding of how anxiety feels in quite a comical way.

Zeven