4Shadowers

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I really enjoyed Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody by Patrick Ness. It was funny, easy to read and also quite exciting. At the beginning, I was a bit confused by some things, like the story about France being on Zeke's knee, which I distinctevely remembered since I was suprised to hear about France in an English book. What I liked the most was how funny the book was. There are a lot of jokes and silly moments yet it talks about serious topics like friendship or differences between individuals. I also found it interesting that the characters were animals and how they incotporated their animal abilites in human life. For example when the principle explains how he protects himself with his bottom! Overall, I think this book is very entertaining and meaningful at the same time. I would recommend it to anyone who wants an easy and quick read but not boring and always the typical comucical books because it still explores deeper subjects than what you would expect.

Ambre

Wolf Siren
Wolf Siren, by Beth'O Brien, is a phenomenal book for the age of the book's author. A book about acceptance and connecting with nature, fun to read with a filled-out plot, and good character development. I loved it, I'd definitely say it's worth readin!

Namish

Ghostlines 
Ghostlines, by Katya Balen, is a book which talks about belonging, about how it isn't easy to settle in when everything changes, yet there'll be people to help make you feel like you belong. A feel-good story with some elements of angst, it's a good book to read if you're in the mood for some light reading! Would recommend!

Namish

Popcorn
I have read Pop Corn by Rob Harrell. I found this book not very gripping and there wasn't any form of character development in the story.However, I did enjoy the fact that it is all in one day and not in a long period of time. This is overall a good book.

Elyes

Not Going To Plan
Not Going to Plan is about a teenage girl,called Dylan, whose life suddenly changes after an unexpected event,forcing her to face difficult choices /consequences and grow up quickly.The story is written in short ,poetic lines,which makes it feel real and emotional ,like you're inside her thoughts ,wich is the reason to why l really enjoyed reading it. The book explores themes like responsability and relationships.Moreover,the book is written: with a unique writing style which makes the words stand out, and a meaningful morale that shows that even when life goes wrong there is still hope.

Indira

Not Going To Plan
Not Going To Plan by Tia Fisher is a novel written in verse about two very different teenagers, Marnie and Zed. Marnie is rebellious, and Zed is quiet and focused on sciences. Despite their differences, they become friends and help each other in difficult moments.Furhtermore, I really liked how the novel is told from two different points of view, as it gives more depth to the story. Overall this was a great read and I definitely recommend it !

Louise

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
'Twenty-four Seconds Until Now' by Jason Reynolds is the story of Neon and his relationship with his girlfriend Aria. The story starts with the present and then goes back i time: 24 seconds and then minutes, then hours,...etc, all the way to when they first met. I enjoyed this book as i like discovering the characters as we go back in time. It's really short and easy to read.

Anna

Birdie
'Birdie' by J.P. Rose is the story of Birdie who goes to liv ewith her great aunt in the english countryside. There, she meets a pit pony, who she loves and is determined to save from the dangerous mines. I really loved this story as i love horses and you can see and understand Birdie's passion and determination to save this pony. It has lots of short chapters and is quick to read.

Anna

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I enjoyed this book not only because it was an easy read, but also because it can help people who have been bullied take their mind off the fact that they were bullied by reading this fun and humourous book. This book is also good as it a great read for all ages and it is full of illustrations to help you picture what is happening . Overall, it is a good book.

xavier

Wolf Siren
Wolf Siren by Beth O’Brien is an exciting and mysterious novel that mixes fantasy with real-life issues in a very effective way. The story follows Red, a girl who is drawn to the forbidden woods where her grandmother disappeared years before. I liked how the book creates a tense atmosphere with magic, wolves, secrets, and fear in the village, while also exploring themes such as growing up, prejudice, family pressure, and misunderstanding. Red is an interesting character because she is brave but also vulnerable, and her secret makes the story even more gripping. This is a powerful and imaginative read, perfect for anyone who enjoys mystery, fantasy, and unexpected twists.

Yasmine

Popcorn
Popcorn is a lively and memorable story that turns one disastrous school day into something both hilarious and meaningful. Andrew only wants to get through Picture Day, but every problem makes his anxiety grow stronger, until it becomes impossible to ignore. I liked how the book shows that worries are not always visible from the outside, and that even funny situations can hide real fear and pressure. The mix of humour, chaos, and honest emotion makes Andrew feel believable and easy to care about. This is an enjoyable and important read that encourages kindness, understanding, and the courage to accept help.

Yasmine

Birdie
Birdie by J. P. Rose is a moving and heartfelt novel about courage, belonging, and friendship. Set in 1950s Yorkshire, it follows Birdie, a mixed-race orphan who goes to live with her great-aunt and struggles to feel accepted in her new village. The story explores difficult themes such as racism, loneliness, family, and identity in a sensitive way. Birdie’s bond with Mr Duke, the last pit pony, is one of the most touching parts of the book, as their friendship is full of trust, loyalty, and comfort. This is a beautiful and emotional story, especially for readers who love animals, and it shows the importance of kindness, bravery, and finding your place in the world.

Yasmine

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
Twenty-Four Seconds From Now is a powerful and original young adult novel about love, growing up, and the pressure teenagers can feel in relationships. Jason Reynolds tells the story in a very unusual way, moving through moments like twenty-four months ago, twenty-four weeks ago, twenty-four days ago, and finally the present moment. This structure makes the book interesting because it slowly shows how Neon and Aria’s relationship has developed over time. What makes the novel stand out is how honestly it talks about teenage emotions, intimacy, consent, insecurity, and trust. These topics can be difficult to write about, but Reynolds handles them with sensitivity, humour, and realism. Neon’s nervousness feels believable, and many teenagers could recognise themselves in his doubts, fears, and overthinking. I also liked that the book is not overly dramatic. It feels natural, funny, and human, while still dealing with serious subjects. The relationship between Neon and Aria is shown through both awkward and tender moments, which makes the characters feel real. Overall, Twenty-Four Seconds From Now is an engaging, thoughtful, and relatable novel. It is easy to read but still meaningful, and it encourages readers to think carefully about respect, communication, and growing up. I would highly recommend it!

Yasmine

Wolf Siren
Wolf Siren by Beth O'Brien is a novel which explores the story of a young girl dealing with identity, belonging and her relationship with the natural world. I appreciated this book because it proposes an interesting perspective on the connection between humans and nature. This enables us to reflect on what it truly means to belong, whether in society or outside of it. Moreover, the atmosphere of the novel is quite immersive, especially through the descriptions of the forest, which create a vivid and sometimes unsettling setting.I also found the story interesting overall, particularly because of its originality and the way it develops the main character throughout the novel. The concept is quite unusual, which makes the book stand out compared to more typical stories.Finally, I appreciated the ending, which is emotional and not entirely happy. It highlights the idea that growing up and discovering who you are does not always lead to a perfect resolution, but can instead involve leaving certain things behind, which makes the story feel more realistic and meaningful.

zoe

Ghostlines 
Ghostlines by Katya Balen is a novel which explores the story of Tilda, a girl living on a remote island, dealing with absence, belonging and relationships. I appreciated this book because it proposes an interesting perspective on life in a small and isolated community while addressing emotional themes such as loneliness and change. This enables us to feel closer to the characters, especially through the narrator’s personal and quite natural way of expressing her thoughts. Moreover, the descriptions were not too heavy, which made the setting easy to imagine and, in my opinion, quite immersive.However, I found the pacing rather slow, especially at the beginning. The lack of action made certain passages feel quite long and sometimes a bit tiring. In addition, some elements of the storyline seemed predictable, which reduced the overall impact of the plot.That being said, I found Rowan’s role particularly interesting, especially as the story progresses, as it contributes to a conclusion which is somewhat unexpected and not entirely happy, making it more realistic. Overall, I did enjoy reading this novel for the Carnegie, as it offers a calm and emotional experience, even though some aspects limited my full engagement with the book.

zoe

The Boy I Love
'The Boy I Love' is about Stephen and Danny, two soldiers during World War 1, falling in love when it was impossible and punished by law. This novel is deeply touching and heart-breaking, full of a never ending emotional journey transporting us in the everyday life of a lieutenant and its soldier-servant. I really recommend this book to anyone liking action, suspens and romance books.

Iris

Birdie
Birdie is an amazing book, which makes the reader explore nature and the bond between a girl and a horse. The story is about a young girl called Birdie, who is sent to her greant-aunt's house in Yorkshire Dales. Since the beginning, Birdie is treated like a stranger, an outsider, someone who she felt did not belong there. One day, she is bullied by children, and is forced to hide near a coal mine, when she is surprisingly welcomed by a small and warm pony. The two of them immediately form an unbreakable bond, but soon, the pony is in danger. That is when Birdie comes up with an extremely dangerous and bold plan to save her new friend.

Diane

Ghostlines 
In "Ghostlines", Katya Balen's new novel, we are immersed in a heartwarming tale of memory, loss and the wonders of nature. This thought-provoking book invites readers to question what truly connects us to our friends and families. Through the eyes of Tilda and Albie, we discover the remote island of Ayrie, where a lyrical adventure unfolds… When Albie, a reluctant newcomer from the city, arrives, their unlikely friendship becomes a journey of discovery, laughter and grief, as they realized they are connected to each other by losses. Personally, I really enjoyed reading this book as it made me think about all the places and people that feel like home to me. Overall, ‘Ghostlines’ is a beautifully crafted story that will appeal to anyone who loves adventure, friendship, and the magic of the natural world. Katya Balen’s style make it a perfect read for both young readers and adults alike. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a book that touches the heart or sparks the imagination.

Lancelot

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
I really enjoyed twenty-four-seconds from now, by Jason Reynolds. I really enjoyed this book because it felt so detailed and impactful even when it was taken place during 'twenty-four seconds'. The author has written the book with sensitivty, and it makes the book feel real. Aswell as this, Jason Reynolds's book talks about consent, love, growing up during high school, which can make the reader feel like they can relate to the characters in the book. Overall, this book made me feel intrigued and wanting to read more; i highly recommend!

liz

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody is a reflective and thought-provoking story that explores identity and self-worth. It shows how even someone who feels like no one notices them can have deep thoughts and experiences through its quiet and reflective narration. The writing is simple but works well for younger people. It's not full of action, but it gives you a new way of looking at things and how it makes you feel. People who like to think will like this book because it makes you think.

quentin

Birdie
This novel is a story about a little orphan named Birdie who moves to live with her great-aunt in Barrington Dale, where she is not given the warmest of welcomes. At school, she is the subject of shocking racism and feels like an outsider to both the students at school and her great-aunt. When she tries to run away from some cruel boys, she meets for the first time the last remaining pit pony: Mr Duke, her future best friend, for who she will do whatever it takes to protect him. Birdie is a heartfelt, moving story that I particularly enjoyed because my happy place is also alongside horses, they are so understanding and kind. The complicit friendship between Mr Duke and Birdie described in this book is filled with trust, loyalty and love, proving that some animal-horse friendships can sometimes be stronger than anything. Both beings give each other the strength to overcome the numerous difficulties in life, and I find that beautiful. In conclusion, I really appreciated reading this wonderful novel, and I really hope it wins the Carnegie Shadower's award! Thank you J.P Rose for giving us this great reading opportunity! Erin Livia Boutrif 4e - 4Shadowers

Erin

Popcorn
I really liked Popcorn as the book was full of excitement and comedy, but my favorite thing about the book was its originality. You don’t come across books everyday where someone is anxious and is going to have to take school photo. This also makes the reader understand that everyone gets anxious. From this book we were reminded that it is important not to laugh at people as sometimes people can be upset even if they don’t show it. What I also really liked about the book is its comedy. I find it really funny when Kendrick’s ketchup rocket hit Andrew in the head and when Gene puts too many of the crystals in Andrew’s science experiment I just felt like everything went wrong for Andrew. All in all I really recommend this book for people of age of 9 to 13, as it is an easy enjoyable read, and not to challenging to understand.

Christopher

Popcorn
I read Popcorn from Rob Harley and really appreciated this book: it is the story of a boy, named Andrew, suffering from anxiety, and of his catastrophic day at school. The reasons that I loved this book are that the author managed to make this novel both funny and touching. The author Rob Halley also made great illustrations to go with the story which makes it be even more hilarious and entertaining.

Marc

Not Going To Plan
I really enjoyed this book. It was nice to have a story with two people’s perspectives and it was quite funny and wholesome too! It helped me learn about consent and I had a great time reading it.

Justin

Popcorn
I really liked the book pop corn for various reasons.First of all I thought that this book was very captivating and easy to read .In addition i absolutely adored the art work that reflected the main characters anxious personality.Lastly this book was very funny but quite sad at the same time , for example what i thought was quite sad was that the main character’s grandmother has Alzheimer and that the main character’s father abandoned him .Overall i really enjoyed this book i'd give a 10/10👍👌

Matheo

The Boy I Love
A very moving and beautiful story, giving different points of view of the 1rst World War. It makes the reader reflect it’s opinion on the LGBTQ+ , and makes the reader discover how they were seen at the time. It also makes the reader imagine the emotional potential to explore, and it makes it even better when romance is envolved. William Hussey beautifully wrote this book, and I really liked it.

Abby

Wolf Siren
The book Wolf Siren, written by Beth O'Brien was one of the best books I ever read. I always thought that I hated fantasy but this book proved me wrong. What I loved about it is that the amount of fantasy ans reality is evenly added throughout the whole book. The main character, Red, confronts many relatable teen difficulties such as relationship difficulties, puberty, pressure and even sexism. Lastly, my favourite aspect in the book was the originality of how Red's village works and "survives". I recommend this book to anyone that loves unexpected turns, a bit of fantasy and misunderstood characters.

Anna

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
I loved this book! Jason Reynolds managed to combine social realism and humor perfectly. This book explores the tough subject of relationships and consent in a funny and comfortable way. The story follows two unsure teenagers into the evolution of their relationships during high school; going through the hard moments, the joyful times and the moments of doubt and instability for the characters. This book is absolutely perfect for teenagers as the topics it covers are important and relatable for this age. A must read!

Lena

The Boy I Love
The Boy I Love is a really emotional story set in World War I. It’s about two soldiers, Alfie and Arthur, who fall in love even though it wasn’t allowed at the time. I liked how the book shows both the sadness of war and the sweet moments between the characters. It also made me think about how hard it was for people to be themselves back then. Overall, it is a sad but beautiful story that I would recommend.

Isabelle

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
Twenty-Four Seconds From Now by Jason Reynolds was a very good read due to the fact that it is told in an unchronological order, which resembles the way we naturally look back at memories and thoughts. By being placed inside the main character’s head (thoughts, memories and emotions), reading it feels more immersive and real, making it engaging to read. Overall, this novel is unique because of its uncommon structure.

Louise

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
'Chronicles of Lizard Nobody' by Patrick Ness is the story of a lizard named Zeke and his struggles at school. Zeke's school only contains animals, such as his principal is a wombat and his bully is a pelican. The author tells the story of his life at school with lots of humour and funny moments. I really enjoyed this book as it 'random' (in a good way) and very funny. It's quite short and is easy to read.

Anna

Ghostlines 
'Ghostlines' by Katya Balen is the story of Tilda who lives on Ayrie island, an island where everybody knows everybody. When Albie arrives on the island, he hates it, everything. Tilda decides to put all her passion and time in to getting Albie to love the island and this challenge will take them both beyond their boundries. I really enjoyed reading this book as you can see the way Tilda is determined to acheive her goal. Also the chapters are quite short so it is a pretty fast read.

Anna

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
The book "24 seconds from now" by Jason Reynalds is a book which is not only fild with suspense, but rt is also a book where the writer transfers his emotions to the reader in a very unique way. It is the story of a boy called Neon and his girlfreind called Aria. The story takes place during a very short period of time but Reynalds turns it into a whole story talking about Neon's feeling and thought's,and his relationship with Aria. Although it can be awkward at times, it is still a book that I would reccomend to readers whp enjoy a emotional rollercoaster. A preety good read.

Xavier

Birdie
I enjoyed Birdie as it reflects the author which explains why the book is so well-written andin detail. I would recommend it to animal-lovers or people that had some problems to adjust with society.

Félix

Wolf Siren
Hi, as a 13 year old girl, i can say i really was completely entranced by your book. I read it in a day !The main caracter is a most stong and courageous young girl i have ever had the pleasure of discovering. I also love the descriptions of the forest. It brought the book alive for me. I may be biased as i have always been obsessed with forests and woods : the freshness of the breeze, the feeling that everything’s alive, late at night and the twittering of birds.It’s an exceptional feeling that i can say with confidence you found and stuffed in a book. I also noticed that the descriptions did not describe things as much as just feeling it gave or the touch which is also a thing i appreciated. If i have to be critical however as a mature ,i hope, child , i do not think things are resolved as easily as in your book. I have read many dystopian and other history books and things tend to never really end ; effort can always be made. This is why i found it to be rather easy to only blame 1 caracter in the end ; i believe it is the society itself that must be changed . There are not always selective people at fault. I do agree that for a children’s book , it is quite a beautiful ending. Many tears were shed.

Celeste

Wolf Siren
Do you relish reading books packed with mystery and fantasy? If so, 'Wolf Siren' is the perfect book for you. This novel, set in an intriguing village full of secrets, revolves around disabilities, clearly shown in the main character Red, a short sighted teenager who feels a deep attraction to the mysterious woods beyond her village boundaries. Moreover, this heart-warming tale tackles feminism: in Red's village, women are presented as strong and courageous. For instance, Caragh Pent, a female woodcutter, braves the woods every day even though she is confronted to the threat of the savage wolves said to populate the area. I really enjoyed this magical, compelling, and immersive tale; I found that every character was beautifully presented, as well as the original plot. The suspense was so great that I could not release the book until the end. However, it is my opinion that the start of the book was somewhat confusing, due to the absence of explanation when something unepected happened. For example when 'Red summons her wolves' for the first time, the reader could feel perplexed, since there was no previous mention of Red having any connection with wolves. Overall, I would greatly recommend this unique version of our best-loved fairy tale 'Little Red Riding Hood' to pre-teenagers in search of a moving tale full of magic and suspense.

Eva

Popcorn
Popcorn is the story of Andrew who suffers from anxiety. Andrew compares himself and his anxiety to a kernel of corn in oil and shows this in a sort of anxiety graph with at the end the kernel popping. Today is picture day and he is stressing about keeping his shirt clean. Andrew’s day goes completely crazy with his grandma going missing, a bully destroying his shirt, some much hated ketchup sprayed at him and an explosive science experiment. How muck heat can his kernel take before popping? I loved this book because it is full of humour and is also a book anyone of any age can red and enjoy. There are also drawings and caricatures in the book to illustrate the most funny and awkward moments.

Sibylle

Ghostlines 
Ghost lines is the story of a little girl named Tilda who has always lived on Ayrie Island, cut off from the mainland. To Tilda and everyone else on the island, Ayrie is a dream; with its plaines, hills, water caves and waterfalls, Tilda has lived all her life surrounded by beauty, nature and adventure. One day, at the end of summer, Albie moves into a cottage on the island with his mother. He hates Ayrie and misses the mainland. Tilde tries to make him love the nature and all the things she loves but it doesn’t work and he continues to be indifferent to the wonders of the island. Tilde, out of ideas, has one place left to try, a place to which she has never been, a place haunted by someone’s dead memory, the haunted and forbidden, secret island. What will they find there and how will it change them? I loved this book because of the execellent story but also because of the author’s style of writing. The sentences are structured and punctuated to capture Tilda’s voice. From this we can easily understand her thoughts and feelings making it a quick and fun read.

Sibylle

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
This is the story of Zeke, a lizard, and his best friends Daniel and Alice and his new friend Miel. One school day, Zeke gets in a fight with Pelicarnassus who vows to be his bully for ever and that Zeke will regret punching him. This story is about how Zeke copes a school when he thinks nobody likes or cares about him. Overall,it is funny and easy to read and full of irony and humour. The illustrations explains Zeke’s point of view about what happens at perticar moments.

Sibylle

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
Twenty-Four Seconds From Now is a gripping , honest young adult novel that stands out for its honesty in teenage relationships . I found the non-traditional structure of this book unique and engaging as it makes the reader more profoundly reflect on the characters choices and thought . I think plenty of teens could relate to this book as it doesn't shy away from difficult aspects of relationships such as consent , peer pressure etc. In conclusion, this bold , thought-provoking novel was a really enjoyable and easy read .

Margherita

Popcorn
Popcorn is a novel which deals with Andrew, an ordinary student who must face several hardships on his first day of school. I enjoyed this book, because it draws us, in its way, into a tumultuous and intense atmosphere while putting forwards serious -or even light issues- such as anxiety or Alzheimer disease through the story of a secondary school student; this enables us to feel closer to the main character who faces these different problems in his everyday life. Moreover, it was written in a rather concise way, which is, I believe, convenient. However, the author’s writing style did not seem appealing to me: I found the book quite boring. It lacks liveliness which contributed to that tiresome feeling I had while reading it. Additionally, this novel lacked varieties of focalizations in the different chapters, such as the bully’s, for instance, which could be relevant. Furthermore, I also think this is too stereotyped; it is ALWAYS the “nerd boy” getting bullied and bearing all the world’s problems (poverty, anxiety, the KETCHUP?, the bullying, he’s bad at sport and sciences, and so on and so forth…). Finally, the main character did not appear great to me. Indeed, the author made him too “different”; why not introduce a lambda character who gets bullied? This, would appear more realistic- I could not relate at all while reading the story. The character barely has friends, there is lots of blood and violence, and he is STILL at school. They don’t do anything about the bully… In short, I think this story is a bit exaggerated- perhaps it is due to cultural differences between France and the UK ? It feels like I am watching TV. Overall, I did enjoy reading it for the Carnegie contest, yet, there were several elements which did bother me.

Zoe

The Boy I Love
The Boy I Love is a really interesting but emotional story. I liked it because the romance feels almost forbidden, since it is set in 1916 when homosexuality was not accepted. This makes the story more tense and exciting, as it feels like anything could happen. The characters are brave, and their relationship feels very 'new' because of the time they are living in. Overall, it’s a great book that I really enjoyed.

Briana

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
Lizard Nobody is a good book aimed for children around 7 to 9. It follows a pretty classic stucture of children's books where there is a good guy and a bad guy and the good guy ends up winning. For it's purpose and aimed age group i think it is a exellent book with intresting characters and a funny narrative. I also liked the fact it had a few unforseen events that took us away from the perfect life scenario. All taken in acount it is a very enjoyable and simple read, great for young readers.

Eita

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I really enjoyed this book, because although it may seem simple due to its generic plot, hidden meanings of things that might appear normal or just a small addition of the story represent much larger problems, a really important example to me being the "black dog", which for me, calls out a deeper subject that younger audiences might not pay attention to, which is what makes the book even better, since its accessible to older and younger age groups without becoming boring or superficial.

Leonie

The Boy I Love
Personally, this book wasn't really the right fit for me. However, I loved the profound message of the book and I would highly recommend it to people who want to know more about LGTBTQ+ history, people that are in to romance or just people who are looking for a more mature young adult novel.

Liam

Not Going To Plan
I really apreciated reading the book Not Going To Plan because i found the writing structure poetic and unique.The theme of friendship was presented in a unsual way showing that even if you're nothing like someone in particular you can still build a strong and reliable relationship.The characters were suprisingly memorable and endearing making the story captivating.

Lucie

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
I really enjoyed reading Twenty-Four Seconds From Now by Jayson Reynolds as it has a humouristic twist to the heartfelt plot. I didn't expect the story to go back in time although the decision to write it like this is very original and thoughtful as it shows a slight change of point of view in the story.

Chloé

Not Going To Plan
Not Going to plan is the perfect twist on a romantic novel. Instead of showing the love and desire you usually expect; it highlights the things that can go wrong and how to face the difficult consequences of teenage pregnancy. Moreover, we can see different perspectives on the situation primarily from the two friends (Marnie and Zed) but also their peers. Finally, I found the character developpement really impactful. Marnie's clear and oriented mind and her desire to be independent help her make impossible decisions. But the way Zed manages to appreciate Marnie and understand her despite their differences; to the extent of helping her in her most vulnerable moment truly showcases his emotional capcities.

Sia

Popcorn
I read Pop Corn by Rob Harrel. The book follows a young boy named Andrew who suffers from anxiety. Through comic book style illustrations and writing the writer plunges the reader into his day and struggles.  The main problem I found with the book was its weak plot, minimal charachter developement and childish story. Throughout the book, we learn little about the protagonist, which makes it difficult to feel connected to him. Furthermore, the plot is basic and infantile and leaves the reader feeling like the story is rushed. Another problem I found with the book was the way the writer seems to be writing a guidebook to panic attacks with the techniques and suggestions for handling having one, supporting someone who is having one or supporting someone who just had one. This textbook approach to writing that seems to be taking over from what used to be entertaining creates a rising sense that for a book to be recompensed it must have one or many didactic messages. For me personally as a reader this makes me feel a deepening sense of dissapointment at the turner that children's litterature is taking as it moves further and further way from the epic sagas like Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings towards lessons in kindness, sex education or mental health. Though these topics are no doubt important, they go against the principles of fiction in which you dive into a fantastical paralel universe. In conclusion, although Pop Corn does present an important topic, its lack an engaging storyline, character development and a developed and intricate plot. While its aim in educating children about panic attacks and anxiety is valid, the result is a dull and repetitive story similar to a guidebook far, far, far away from the epic chronicles that used to be litterature.

Felix

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
Twenty-four seconds from now is a heartfelt book that dives into the main character's (Neon) daily life. Through a somewhat unconventional beging the writer captivates us immedately by telling us very little about the character in question and proceeds to slowly work his way back in time to introduce us to each of the characters. By learning about Neon's life and family we learn about who he is and how it will affect the crux of the story which is his relationship with is girlfriend Aria. Though this is a love story it is written differently to a classic predictable romance book centering it around our knowledge of the character and his life rather than the couple in question creating a different dynamic to the usual happily ever after story that we have come to expect from a romance.

Alice

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody by Patrick Ness is a touching and amusing book about standing out, feeling overlooked, and learning to believe in yourself. The story centres on Zeke, a shy lizard who often feels unimportant at school, as though nobody really notices him. As the story unfolds, he finds himself in unexpected moments that slowly help him become more courageous and self-assured. What I appreciated most about this novel is how easy it is to connect with Zeke. His struggles with fitting in and feeling invisible are very believable, and they reflect emotions that many readers may understand. The book also has plenty of comedy, especially through Zeke’s embarrassing and awkward experiences, and the illustrations add extra charm and energy to the story. I liked this book because it is not only enjoyable to read, but it also carries an important message. It reminds readers that even when they feel small or ignored, they still have value and significance.

Yasmine

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
Twenty Four Seconds From Now Twenty Four Seconds From Now by Jason Reynolds is a very engaging and unique book. The story is structured in an interesting way where it begins in the present, then moves through memories from the past, and eventually returns to the present again. This narrative style keeps the reader curious and invested in the story. The main characters are Neon and Aria, and the story is told from Neon's perspective, allowing readers to understand his thoughts and emotions more deeply. Overall, the book captures an important moment in the characters’ lives in a thoughtful way.

Devyanshi

Wolf Siren
Personally, Wolf Siren is a book with a very original story full of mysteries. I found this book quite interesting as the story opens in a interesting setting, with interesting caracters. I kind of like the fact that it is inspired of the story of Little Red Riding Hood but still keeps the story unique. However, in the beginning, the book takes time to really start and become appealing to the reader: but, the real suspense starts and the book is magic. I deeply recommend this book to people fond of mysteries.

Amaury

Not Going To Plan
Not Going to Plan is a powerful and honest novel that feels very real for young readers. It tells the story of Marnie, who is expelled from her expensive boarding school just before her GCSEs and has to start again somewhere new. There, she ends up sitting next to Zed, a brilliant but very reserved student who seems completely different from her. While Marnie is talented in subjects like art and Spanish and Zed is much stronger in maths and science, they both share the same goal: they want strong results in school. What begins as a simple academic arrangement slowly develops into an unexpected bond. What makes the book so engaging is that the characters feel believable. Marnie is not perfect, which makes her easy to understand, and her struggles with sadness, school, and relationships make her story even more touching. The connection between her and Zed adds even more depth to the novel, especially when their growing friendship is shaken by a painful and unfair event that changes everything. The novel does not only focus on one issue. It also looks at mental health, trust, adolescence, and learning to deal with consequences. It shows how essential friends and family can be when life becomes overwhelming. Even though the subjects are serious, the writing stays accessible, emotional, and sometimes humorous, which makes the story easier to connect with. It is a meaningful and memorable read for teenagers, with important messages about choice, support, and growing up.

Yasmine

Ghostlines 
Ghostlines is a beautifully written and emotional story about a girl called Tilda who lives near the sea. When a new boy, Albie, arrives, they begin exploring a mysterious island that everyone believes is haunted. As they spend time together, their friendship grows and the story slowly reveals deeper feelings beneath the surface. The book has a calm but slightly eerie atmosphere, with strong descriptions of nature like the sea, wind and rocks. The island feels important and almost alive. The relationship between Tilda and Albie is natural and interesting, and it makes the story more engaging. Even though it may seem like a ghost story at first, it is really about emotions, growing up and understanding fear. The writing is poetic and sometimes a bit complex, but it makes the story feel powerful and meaningful. Overall, Ghostlines is a touching and thoughtful book that mixes mystery, friendship and emotion in a very original way.

Yasmine

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody by Patrick Ness, is a funny and emotional story about being different and trying to find where you belong. The book follows Zeke, a quiet lizard who feels invisible at school and like a "nobody". However, things start to change when he ends up in situations that push him to be braver and more confident. What i liked most about this book is how relatable it can be for some people. Zeke's, feelings about fitting in and being unnoticed feels real, and it shows that its okay to be different or not the loudest person. I also enjoyed the humour, which comes from Zeke's akward situations and the illustrations make the story even funnier and more expressive. Overall, I enjoyed this book because it is both entertaining and meaningful. It teaches that even if you feel like a "nobody", you still matter and can be a "sombody".

Indira

Wolf Siren
Wolf Siren by Beth O’Brien is an engaging fantasy novel, telling the story of "little red riding hood" but from a different perspective. It is a great book, with themes like feminism and power driving it's setting as well as a whimsical a magical world. Red, whose ability to control wolves creates both tension and interesting moral questions, with wolves being hunted and feared by all her village for the chaos and danger they have brought. The book does a good job of showing her internal conflict as she struggles between following orders and thinking for herself, making her feel realistic and easy to understand. I also really enjoy the background stories we get with this fantasy world and found the setting extremely well imagined and described along side the referneces to the original fairytale. One thing I would comment on however would be lack of fixed goal for Red lasting quite a long time in book, with her finding herself without a specific goal. Despite this, the book is still extremely entertaining and captivation but possibly aimed at a lower age range then my own. Nevertheless, i still really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves to read fantsy.

Megan

The Boy I Love
The boy in love by William Hussey is an incredible book with,unlike other love books,many different outcomes.It is not a typical romance as it is set in 1916 during WW1. Stefen is back after having lost an ear at war. He has also just lost his dearest friend,Michael. On the train to France,he draws Michael out of grief which immediately interests a short and interesting boy,Danny. They fight in the trenches together and are always paying close attention to each other,afraid to lose one another.This book was very good for my age range and it really captured my attention as something unique. I read this exquisite book in about 4 days. It is deeply addicting and is probably one of the best books I have ever read. Though I haven't read the other books yet, I think this one is very deserving and should win the Carnegie award or at least the Shadowers prize!

Capucine

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
I really enjoyed Twenty Four seconds from Now because the way the two characters come up to this moment is pogniant aswell as realistic. Throughout the story we can see how Neon and Aria grow emotionally while trying to face this first experience. Not only this but since the book is writen in reverse we get to learn more about their personnalities. Finally, what I enjoyed most in the book is the way Neon expresses his emotions: his nervousness extends to Aria's needs aswell; the fear of doing something wrong or hurting her. This shows us how he considers the impact of his actions on her and isn't just thinking of his own needs. Which demonstrates how much he actually cares for her.

Sia

Not Going To Plan
'Not going to plan' by Tia Fisher is an awesome book for teenagers, especially for teenage girls since our body (the menstrual cycle is starting...)is changing and our mindset is developping ; there may be accidents such as pregnancy that aren't wanted at this young age but that can happen, so this book allows us to imagine being in the same situation as Marnie and making us feeling what she is living and feeling what she is going through. Moreover, reading this book tells you what you can do if this situation happens and the different ways to get out of it. This story makes you realize how important your parents and friends are, to support you in bad situations like this one. As a teenager reader, we can "relate" to Marnie which makes us even more interested to know what will be her decision and how will her friends help her. The young pregnancy isn't the only relatable part; the fact that Marnie fell into depression at her all-girls boarding school, that led her to drink alcohol and smoke, is something many teenagers today can relate to. Marnie's story helps the teenagers that are in a similar situations, to feel less alone. Even for girls that haven't sombered in that depression it will warn them about it. This book doesn't only talk about the theme of teenage pregnancy and abortion but also about friendship,self-identity and responsability, globalizing everything a teenager can live. The book treats difficult and explicit topics which can be unpleasant to read about, but Tia Fisher wrote it in an easy-to-understand,emotional yet funny way. Overall, it's an incredible book to read !

Kiara

Popcorn
Popcorn. It is interesting to read and a good book as it basically says "It's fine to not be embarassed about things that are different about you than the general public." (Or atleast, that's my interpretation of it...) But, personally, the book feels like reading a book from "Diary of A Wimpy Kid", which isn't a bad thing, but it was a bit more childish for me. Overall, good book with a coherent plot, but seemingly intended for a slightly younger reading age.

Namish

Not Going To Plan
The book "not Going to Plan" is, in one word, amazing. It is a fictional book yet the social realism, the matter-of-fact story and Tia Fishers writing style make it feel like this book is a non-fiction, that the book is real. It is written in verses, which makes it extremely fun to read, a breath of fresh air if you will, and also a quick read. Engaging, highly realistic, wonderful plot, this book is a gem and a must read!

Namish