Thomas Tallis Reads
Ghostlines
I enjoyed this book and found the plot fun however I feel like there was a few things that did not make sense such as the getting to the island and then not being able to get back, however I feel like this book was a fun read that younger audiences would love but from an older perspective some things did not make sense. This book touches on themes such as Nature,Themes, Friendship, Community, Outsider, Adapting to change, Emotion and Home
Freida
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
This was the first younger child book that I actually enjoyed. It has a easy to follow story line and touches on some major growing up themes. It touches on things that can affect children in school e.g. Bullying and Friendship but also things that can affect them at home as well e.g. Neglect and Poverty. The main character, Zeke is extremely likable because as I was reading I noticed how much you can see yourself in him and really empathize with him through his struggles. It perfectly appeals to a younger audience though the humor and use of animals within the book but also touches on disabilities like ADHD and visual struggles. All round, I really enjoyed this book for its humor and reliability.
Ruby
Not Going To Plan
I thought this was a good book talking about some mature themes and talking about female empowerment and racism, I especially loved the dual POV as i felt like this was a fun way of reading a book. The themes are Verse, Empathy, Consent, Identity, Teenage pregnancy, Stealthing and Friendship
Freida
Popcorn
I very much enjoyed this book as I felt like it was an accurate description of the hardship of school on top of anxiety. It has a very easy story to follow along with and it is perfect for younger readers but also for older readers to understand the theme that younger audiences may not realize. Overall, a good book with themes such as anxiety,
panic attacks, humour, emotional honesty, friendship and bullying.
Freida
Birdie
I thought Birdie was a brilliantly written novel, with a very powerful message behind it. As the book progresses, you can see how Birdie changes through the novel as she discovers the hard truth of this world, that some people are treated differently to others. She doesn't accept this and fights to change it, which hopefully has and will inspire other discriminated groups to do the same. The book also talks about friendships and fighting for the people you love, whether that's saving them from the knackers yard or just when you've got a friend in a race, so your screaming their name louder than anybody else just so they can hear your voice and keep pushing. Finally, it talks about not dwelling on the past, enjoying life, not thinking about what you missed out on, what mistakes you make, and how much you miss someone. Any road you should read Birdie Bagshaw's story.
Emilio
Popcorn
I really liked reading this book, Popcorn is written in a really engaging way and succeeds in capturing the readers interest. This book also deals with the difficult topic of anxiety in a way that is understandable for the target audience and gives an insight on what its like to be a teen living with anxiety. The small illustrations help make the book even more engaging. I particularly liked the story line of this book (the day of the main character keeps on going wrong with obstacles in his way throughout the day) as its a very nice, short read that anyone could enjoy.
Basia
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I overall really enjoyed this book. In particular I liked how all the characters were animals which appeals more to a younger audience. I also liked how the book included important topics such as bullying and grief in an age appropriate way using metaphors. For example, the black dog that follows around Zekes mum, sometimes letting her get up and out of her room, sometimes not letting her do so. Another highlight of this book was the comedic aspects which overall made the book a quite nice and lighthearted read.
Basia