NDHS Book Group

Wolf Siren
I thought that this book was a good story with many plot twists. The characters were diverse and there was a range of different factors that really made the book a fascinating read. It was one of those books that I did not want to put down. A great read that I would recommend to people who like fairy tales.

Wilbur

Birdie
I thought that this book was very heartfelt and also extremely informative. The characters were each written very well and I enjoyed the main character's personality. A very good read that I would recommend to a lot of people!

Wilbur

Birdie
I thought that this book was very moving and shows the importance of companionship and care. It also contains a varied and interesting plot which makes the book fascinating to read and and certainly a good book. I also think that it helps to show that everyone is equal and has the same respect despite having different backgrounds or cultural heritages. I would recommend this book to an animal lover or someone who likes slow calm books.

Pyrros

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
The chronicles of a lizard nobody is a very entertaining book, especially for younger readers. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it myself, especially the appropriately themed chapter titles and France! It was an uplifting book that focuses on themes of friendship and justice as well as bullying and how to respond. Overall it was a fun read that I would recommend to many people.

Isabel

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I thought that this was an amazing whimsical story. It is aimed at younger children, but has more mature undertones and themes. It is very comical and I like how all the characters are animals. Personally, I felt like the pace was a bit too slow and the plot was confusing. However, I really like how the "black dog" represents Zeke's mum's depression. Overall, it was a fun read and 7-11 year olds would thoroughly enjoy this!

Annie

Popcorn
Popcorn is a very interesting book about Andrew Yaeger that seems to be a light-hearted, fun read whilst blending in the struggles of anxiety. The author made it much easier to understand what it must feel like and makes it relatable for the reader. The fact that the book is one progressive day is really powerful and allows the author to really go into fine details. The book also blends humour and there were many times where I almost laughed out loud. Overall, Popcorn was a unique insight and was a brilliant read.

Isabel

Birdie
I loved this book! It is probably my favourite! A wonderful piece of writing, and I must admit I grew quite attached to Birdie and Mr Duke.

Evelyn

Birdie
This was a lovely book that managed to portray the distinct racial injustice present in the 1950s whilst blending hope and realisation that everyone is equal in the story. The characterisation of Birdie and her unique views are really interesting, especially how she couldn't understand how she was different from everyone in the beginning. I believe this a powerful statement the author is making and that the whole book was enjoyable. The way Birdie manages to sway the people of Barrington Dale truly shows it doesn't matter what you look like.

Isabel

Popcorn
I thought that this book was bursting with humour and plot twists whilst also having a serious but interesting message incorporated in the story. I think that the author has written this book very well and I am keen to read more books by him.

Pyrros

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I thought that this book was extremely hilarious and I enjoyed the animal antics in the story. The story of France was definitely not true but funny anyway. The facts about the different creatures were informative and I liked the villain's character and actions. I really enjoyed this book. A great choice that I think has a good chance of winning.

Wilbur

Popcorn
I thought that the book was interesting and comedic. It taught me lots about anxiety that I didn't know before. I think that Popcorn was a worthy winner and I would like to see more books like it. More people (old and young) need to learn more about anxiety; this book is a good first step into the impact of anxiety. G (the grandma) also has dementia, this book can also help you learn about dementia. A great read.

Wilbur

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I thought that this book was interesting and exciting . I also felt that the author had done well to include a sense of humor along with a varied and interesting plot that kept you interested.

Pyrros

Wolf Siren
I loved the theme of feminism and gender inequality, the fantasy/ magic elements also added to how amazing this book was. It has an extremely empowering message behind it there were definitely some heartbreaking scenes towards the end. I also really liked the fact that Red is partially sighted, yet that doesn't limit her which I think can be inspiring to other people who struggle with similar issues. This book, in my opinion, is a 10/10.

Amelie

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
This is absolutely not a book I would have normally picked up (being a fantasy and classics type of reader) however I was more than positively surprised. The first chapter was a rocky start (for me personally) but the more I read the more I enjoyed the book. It was extremely realistic and relatable, being a teenager myself of course, and it addressed a lot of issues that affect me or my friends personally. I also enjoyed the fact that it was from a male point of view; it showed the guys could also have issues or insecurities around this topic and struggle to navigate between fact and fiction especially with no prior experience. It was overall extremely well rounded, well written, relatable, realistic, and an extremely pleasant and educational read.

Lena

Ghostlines 
I thought that this was a truly wonderful book. It was engaging and compelling; full of adventure and emotion. I love how the characters are brought together by the beauty of nature (including puffins!!) There was nothing that I didn't like about it. I think that this book is suitable for ages 9-11. Overall, I loved it!

Annie

Ghostlines 
Ghostlines review. This book is by my favourite author and so I was delighted to see it has been nominated and shortlisted. This book is so beautiful with a unique, poetic writing style that makes the story so vivid. The beautiful descriptions and phrases contribute greatly to the gripping storyline that makes it all the more special. The way the author portrays Tilda as so passionate is so pure and heartfelt that I as the reader found myself protective of Ayrie. Again, the beautiful figurative language really enhances the story: the picture that has been painted is so clear and vivid. The phrases made me pause and just marvel at the perfectness of that phrase. I loved reading this book and all the others by this author. Thank you Katya Balen for such a stunning book and I would love to read whatever you write next. I hope you are proud of your nomination.

Isabel

Birdie
This book was an amazing story of friendship and loss. I like how it highlights racial discrimination, bullying and what it is like to feel different to people. I particularly like this book because it reminds me of the book Black Beauty and the power of animal companionship. I found that the pace was slightly too slow for me and I would have liked it to be a bit faster. Overall, I thought that this was a great book and I recommend it to animal lovers and younger readers.

Annie