4Shadowers

Create Group Magazine

King of Nothing
King of Nothing is a fantastic social realism book, written by Nathaneal Lessore, it recounts the story of Anton, a school bully who uses his convict father to gain popularity and respect. We get to witness the evolution of Anton, who once spent his time with other sexist and rude kids. After being rescued by a loser, Mathew, his point of view changes, showing the reader how easy it is to change and how helping someone who most view as nothing, but a waste of space can be a catalyst for that person changing into a better version of themself.Anton attempts to repay him by teaching Mathew how to be ‘cool’. Just by changing his environment we see how Anton changes his way of thinking. This book shows us that being yourself isn’t always a bad thing and a change of environment can be essential if u want to change. I loved the character development, how Anton improves himself is quite wholesome. The book was really enjoyable and quite funny(I loved how funny Mathew was).

MuzzammilHG

The Final Year
The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow offers a powerful look at the struggles and evolution of a group of students in their final school year. Set in a modern British primary school, the book highlights the challenges faced by teens from harsh social back rounds approaching adulthood. What stands out in the book is the exploration of the characters’ emotional storms, especially the protagonist’s. He has to stand the pressure of upcoming exams while dealing with personal relationships and dramatic events taking place in his family. Goodfellow’s writing feels stunningly real, particularly in moments where the protagonist is close from letting out the “Beast” a metaphor he uses to describe the uncontrollable anger which sometimes threatens to take over. A key moment is when his little brother, Dylan, is between life and death. During this part of the book, Nate, the protagonist, faces the most uncertain and difficult part of his life, as even his best-friend, PS, isn’t here to help him through these harsh couple of days. Despite all this, Nate, thanks to his resilience and determination, stays strong, controls the best he can the “Beast”, and takes care of his younger brother, Jax, without showing his exhaustion or anger. Finally, Nate came out more mature of these misadventures and even found his passion: poetry. The relationships in the book, especially between the protagonist and a close friend, are carefully developed. We witness that the obstacles strengthen this special bond instead of weakening it. A turning point occurs when misunderstandings come to light, testing PS and Nate’s friendship, but ultimately making it stronger. Self-discovery it the theme that lingers after this reading. It’s a journey many can relate to, filled with moments of tension, joy, and bittersweet memories. The book reminds us that the final year of school isn’t just about exams; it’s about figuring out who you are and who you want to become.

RaphaelHG

Play
Play is an incredible novel about four boys who face teenage difficulties and how they cope with them; Mark starts selling drugs, Luc pushes himself to make his dad proud, and Matt starts daydreaming. I enjoyed reading this book because it showed me that everyone has different problems they face as teenagers and that we should respect how others feel, as we don't know them or what they are trying to cope with. I also liked that each chapter was told by different boys, as it created suspense each time a chapter ended and made me intrigued about the continuation of the story. Finally, the part that I enjoyed the most was the fact that it showed us that money isn't the most important thing in life and that doing something you love will make you more comfortable rather than doing something just to be rich.

SrishtiHG

King of Nothing
King of Nothing is a meaningful book about Anton’s changing personality. It takes place in south London, in a very modern setting. The fact that Anton’s emotions are relatable made the book much more interesting. Many moments in this book were very funny, like when Anton goes on the trip with the Happy Campers and they start singing badly; however some moments were suspenseful like when Anton’s dad in prison texts him, creating a contrast and adding depth. This book shows us a lot of things, like how you should never judge someone based on their appearance and get to know them before being judgemental. It also shows us that it’s never too late to change because Matthew and Rochelle forgive Anton for his actions after realising that he is actually a very nice person, made a bully by Kehinde and his other old friends.

YinanHG

Treacle Town
Honestly, I adored the subject Treacle Town gives light to: the inner city. It talks about opposite themes, melting them together. It was the first time I read a book of this style, and my first impression is positive! During the last month, I struggled to find time to read but by the time I had opened the novel, I was in it, and it was very engaging! It is usually hard for me to enter into a book's world and this time, from the beginning to the end, I was intrigued. I learned a lot from this book: for instance, that behind a strong man can hide a broken heart… But I prefer for the next ones who will read the book to interpret it their way and have their own point of view. It is when you read the end twice that you know you loved the book and, it is what I have done! Treacle Town is a harsh but poetic, barbaric but sweet book.

Juliette, PMC

King of Nothing
This wonderful book is about a ‘cool’ boy named Anton who, after being forced by his mum, goes on a very geeky trip where the biggest loser, named Matthew in class saves his life. Since then, Anton has to repay Matthew and he decides to teach him how to be cool. This book was wonderful because it is a book all students can relate to as the author wrote about all kinds of personalities and characteristics that create a certain school atmosphere. I also really enjoy how in this book it comes from (at first) a bully’s point of view; it makes us really think of how different things can affect different persons even though they hide it through violence and rudeness. Indeed, I was at first a bit surprised at how mean Anton was, but through the story, as he reflected on himself, I understood he acted like that for many different reasons. One main reason was the absolute need to be cool and that is a feeling each and every one of us has felt. I also loved the way the author created Anton’s and Matthew’s friendship through lessons on how to be ‘cool’ because it brought so much humour to the book. Finally, I loved this book because I thought it was a perfect balance between a hilarious comfort read and a read where you can learn and reflect about a lot of things of others and your surroundings. If you want to laugh you should definitely read this book!

MargotHG

All That It Ever Meant
I wrote a poem inspired by the text Chichi read at the funeral, here it is: I have just slipped away In your heart, I will stay Call me by the old familiar way I hope you will think of me today I have lived my life Seen all the wildlife But you, your heart has not stopped Even if the time together is lost! Please, let my name be said Without a single effort made Don't leave my jokes dead So that I will not fade.

Charlotte

King of Nothing
My first impressions of Anton are that he's funny, confident, a bit full of himself - but also sort of trying to hide some deeper feelings. He tells his story in a very bold and entertaining way, often using slang, jokes and exaggeration to make himself seem cool and in control. From the start, Anton wants us to see him as "the king of the school", who's feared and respected at school. However, the way in which he tells his story also shows that he cares a lot about what other people think of him. He's constantly trying to protect his image, especially when it comes to getting in trouble or being sent to Happy Campers. Although he acts tough, the way he narrates shows he's insecure and not always as confident as he pretends to be. So, while Anton tries to come across as funny and strong, his storytelling reveals hints of vulnerablility, which makes him more relatable and human. I think the author uses this to help the author see past Anton's front and start to undertand the real person underneath.

Noemie

All That It Ever Meant
I chose to write an additional chapter: The Apology. If I apologize, I'll show them I'm fine with always being bossed around and denied the same rights as my sister. Which I'm not .The one who really has to apologise is my mum for always inflicting all her problems on ME, as if I didn't have enough on my plate dealing with my own . This is all I thought before it happened. The accident. When dad came home with her handbag covered in blood and told us what had happened, a dagger stabbed my heart: all of this was my fault. Suddenly, a surge of immense guilt and remorse enveloped me: if I had known the last time I'd seen her would have been when I kept barking at her, perhaps I would have acted otherwise...

Blanche

Glasgow Boys
When I started reading this book, I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it, but I am very happy that I kept reading because I loved it! I liked that this book is full of friendship and emotion, and I really liked that the author switched between their past and present lives.

Elsie

Play
This book was easy to read and very descriptive. I find it interesting that the story is told from four different first person perspectives. I think some people might find this book a little inappropriate, as it talks about drugs, drinking, death, toxic masculinity, abandonement, etc... but I think these topics are important. The four boys all play a lot of 'games' like "Everyone's setting their socks on fire", and throughout the book the games become even more dangerous, especially for Mark. I love the ending when Johnny thinks about his friends' and his sister's futures as one final game, with all their different choices and outcomes.

Camille

Treacle Town
Treacle Town is a gripping young adult novel set in the dangerous streets of Coatbridge, Scotland. It follows Con O’Neill, a 18-year-old boy caught between gang violence and his desperate hope of escaping from misery. What makes this book compelling is Con’s emotional struggle. Raised in a world where violence and loyalty rule, he faces the murder of his friend Biscuit and the pressure to avenge him. However, Con discovers slam poetry, a form of expression offering him a way to extricate himself from his community’s expectations. His journey is punctuated with doubt, as he is tormented with the fear of being judged for his origins in this new poetry environment, which he initially thinks is only for “posh” people. The setting of Coatbridge allows Conaghan to paint a vivid picture of a city suffering economic decline and gang violence. The environment is oppressive, reflecting Con’s internal conflict. An interesting moment in the novel is when Connor realises the old Con’ died with his friend, Biscuit. He is no longer eager for violence and revenge, and his only focus becomes : slam poetry. We acknowledge for the first time Con’s positive evolution, and start saying to ourselves “Well, maybe he actually has the potential to get out of his “Treacle Town”…” Con’s relationship with his father builds is central to the story. Initially distant due to his father's obsession with bodybuilding and his own grief, Con begins to reconnect with him. This evolving relationship highlights the importance of forgiveness and the complexity of familial issues. Reading Treacle Town evokes a range of emotions. The tension builds constantly, especially when Con faces the choice between revenge and redemption. Ultimately, Treacle Town is about breaking free from the stereotypes that define us. It's a story of self-discovery, the power of expression, and the hope that even in the most challenging circumstances, change is possible.

RaphaelHG

Treacle Town
Treacle Town by Brian Conaghan is an intense novel about Connor, a teenager stuck in a town filled with violence, bullying, and hopelessness. After a brutal act changes everything, Connor finds himself pushed to the edge, trying to make sense of a world that keeps ignoring him. The story is uncomfortable at times, but that’s what makes it powerful. I liked how real the characters felt, even when I didn’t agree with their actions. The language is rough and full of slang, which made it feel authentic. It’s not a happy or easy read, but its definately worth reading and very interesting. I really liked how the story developed and how he stumbles upon the world of slam poetry that completely changes his character.

SashaHG

All That It Ever Meant
All That It Ever Meant is a gripping novel set in the present day about a Zimbabwean family who live in England. The story takes place in Zimbabwe, though there are many flashbacks to moments in England. The atmosphere at the beginning is quite cold and blue, due to the death of a close family member, but, gradually, the mood lightens as the dad, referred to as Baba, decides to plan a road trip to Zimbabwe with his children and all isn't so bad. Matt, short for Matiponesa, is the narrator and protagonist and as you deep diver into the book, you learn a bit more about her way of thinking, her perspective of the world and how she's feeling. The main emotions experienced by Mati are nostalgia and guilt, after having remembered the good times she spent with her siblings, and not apologising to her mother for having said something quite upsetting, not getting a chance to say sorry before her death. By the end of the book, Mati learned, thanks to her guilt, that it's better to say sorry straight away as it's a release of dead weight and helps to process arguments. An important figure who contributed to Mati's character in the end is Meticais, a spirit only visible to her, who appears out of nowhere and starts responding to some of her thoughts (which is the story she is narrating), as he helps her have a different view on many things and to question way of thinking. I felt very joyful when I first saw that the father started talking and laughing again, after being mean and dead inside when the close family member died. I liked this book as it explored many themes including, sorrow, comedy, love, shock, and joy and if you ever feel like smiling, this book is for you.

Ambroise

The Things We Leave Behind
The things we leave behind is an interesting book, it is a dystopia and depicts a possible near future. The future presented is one in which the English government is led by a racist President who wishes to deny all “outsiders” permission to enter England and to deport all non-British citizens. This sets events in motion as the protagonists law-abiding stepmother is not of British origin. The way the story is told is often confusing, Clem, the protagonist, is recounting her past to Polly, a kind social worker. This is confusing as there is no clear transition between present and past. None the less the story is well written, and we recognise that the past Clem is recounting could be what is going to happen, or has already happened to children in other countries. Throughout the book we are made to understand Clem isn’t totally telling the truth. The novel also addresses the mother-daughter relationship as we see that those who love you the most aren't necessarily blood relatives. Overall, it was a pleasant read, my favorite part being when Clem encounters her grandfather. In my opinion, a major flaw in this book is that the way it is written is quite confusing , mostly at the beginning and could put off most people who want to just quickly read a simple book.

MuzzammilHG

Glasgow Boys
Set in Glasgow, this heart-warming book talks about two boys, with very different personalities, who were together in foster care but are now leading their individual lives apart , yet still connected in a way. I really enjoyed the double narrative in the book, alternating between each boy, which allows us to see how each of them is coping with their shared past. This style of writing helped me understand the feelings they had for each other. What I found wonderful in this book is the way the author makes us feel attached to the characters. We therefore bond with them and develop some admiration for their outstanding courage.

EmmaHG

The Final Year
The final year is a novel based on solidarity and friendship. The reader follows the main character, Nate, through different ordeals at home and at school. Fortunately, he has good support from his family, particularly his brother, as well as from an especially compationate, encouraging and empathetic teacher, Mr Joshua. What I found particularly interesting in this novel is its form. It is divided into short chapters, writen in free verse, which makes the story more effective. Moreover, Matt Goodfellow captures what it is like to be a teenager, the difficulties we face with friendship, brotherhood and hard times. Throughout the story, I felt, as a reader, that I was swinging from joy to sadness and this made the book thoroughly enjoyable.

Bathgate jules HG

King of Nothing
The main character, Anton, starts off as the self-proclaimed “King” of Year 9. Everyone believes that he’s tough due to his dad being in prison. However, as the book progresses, he starts to change. He’s not as confident as he seems. When he gets to know Matthew, a classmate considered as the “weird kid”, Anton starts to change and think for himself, instead of following his friends opinions and choices like sheep. I liked seeing how he grew as a person and as he became more honest and kinder. He learned that being popular isn’t everything. The book is set in a London school and the local area. It feels real, like a place you could actually go to. The setting helps us understand what Anton is dealing with, like school, family problems, and trying to fit in. It made the story more believable. The story has a good flow to it. It starts with Anton being the toughest person in school, but then he starts to change after he joins a club called the “Happy Campers” and spends time with Matthew, who is part of the club. There are humorous passages and serious moments as well. The plot kept me hooked because the story mixes action, feelings, and dialogue really well and all the events happened chronologically, which made it easy to follow. The chapters are short and easy to read. The mix of funny scenes and emotional passages made it feel real. The opening and ending of the book mirror each other in a way, as it starts off strong and also finishes powerfully, with Anton making an important decision about who he really is. Anton is the narrator of the book and tells the story in his own words. That made it more personal, as it felt like he was talking to me. It helped me understand his emotions and why he made certain choices. As it’s in the present tense, it feels like the events of the story are happening in the present moment, which keeps it engaging. The book made me think about how some people pretend to be tough to be accepted by others. It also shows that being yourself is more important than copying others, especially if it means doing something wrong. I’ll remember how Anton changed for the better even if it was a difficult choice to make.

Marley

Little Bang
Little bang is an insightful book about Sid and Mel who unexpectedly falls pregnant. It takes place in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 2018. The way the author alternated between Sid’s and Mel’s point of view made me understand how each of them were feeling which highlighted their differences in character. The author has used their emotions (serious or joking) to build their complex personalities, each with weaknesses and strengths; I loved how the characters’ personalities evolved over the course of the book which shows the care and dedication of the author. I experienced happiness when Mel finally stood up for herself but also fear and nervousness when their families met. I think the message of this book is to be independent and brave, it also showed me how close ones can influence you in both positive and negative ways.

Yinan HG

The Things We Leave Behind
The Things We Leave Behind is an engrossing novel that brings us into a dystopian world, where a political leader decides to capture and imprison every non-citizen of the country. To escape such a crisis, the main characters, Clem and Billie, go to their grandfathers where it is difficult for them to adjust. This book was exciting to read as it made me think of how I would react if such rules were imposed in the country I was living in, if I would be able to sacrifice my family and friends, and move to another country to try to live peacefully. It made me realise that freedom and liberty shouldn't be taken for granted, as I think that moving away from your parents or the life that you have built, must be very hard, especially at this age. I also really appreciated this book, as I found the ending to be really engaging because it showed me that when we face difficult decisions and are separated from the ones we love, hoping and staying positive are sometimes the key things that help us survive.

SrishtiHG

Little Bang
I really liked this book, because it tallks about an important subject for people our age or older. We can easily relate to the characters and the way the book is written is very engaging. It is a difficuult subject to talk about but the author made it easier to read about and did a very good job with how she approched the reader with it.

Angele

Treacle Town
A very engagging book! a definite MUST READ! I love how the author describes in great detail the lifestyle of these disenfranchised citizens. The book is very well structured and the choice of vocabulary very realevent to the themes of the book. It's interesting to understand those people's lives since it's usually complicated to accesss this type of information. the book is very accesssible and any teenage reader may read it and interpret it in his or her own way.

Nelia (PMC)

King of Nothing
I enjoyed King Of Nothing by Nathael Lessore as it is a humorous book but also meaningful as it represents many people in contemporary life. The way that Antony portrays himself in and out of school shows how some people aren't what they seem. The topics the book explored were interesting, addressing topics like friendship, bullying, harassment and much more. I would recommend this book to other teenagers who would most likely enjoy these type of books.

Maxime

The Final Year
“The Final Year” is the story of a 10 year old boy named Nate who starts his last year at primary school. However his best-friend turns against him. This, plus his poor family background, plus the disaster which strikes his little brother leaves Nate all alone for his last year in primary, leaving him to seek comfort in writing. I definitely thought this book would have been more appropriate for a younger audience because of the simple style of writing. At the same time though, I thought the simple but precise language Nate uses works well as it gives a sense of personality to the character, a character who is very young, compared to many other books in the theme of social realism, but who still manages to pass a message on friendship and things like bullying and poorness. I think what made this book interesting is the fact that we read about coming-of-age and school atmosphere things through the perspective of a ten year old and not a teenager like in many books, making the reader see those things under a new perspective. I also really enjoyed that this book was written in verse because it is another way to write about emotions. For example, Nate wrote poems about many people in his lives, people he like or didn’t like and we directly understood what Nate thought of them without him really saying so. One thing I found a bit strange in the book was the fact that Nate and his smaller brothers use a language that I never would of thought a ten year old would use, with a bit of slang. Also, the boys have phones at their young age. Finally, throughout the book we understand that Nate carries a huge responsibility to take care of his family because his mum is often drunk and his dad is gone and that was strange because I don’t think at ten years old you have a great sense of seriousness. Overall, the author’s use of a very young narrator works in some places, but in other places it doesn’t work with the story.

Margot HG

Glasgow Boys
Glasgow Boys by Margaret McDonald is a compelling story centred around two young boys (in alternating chapters) and how they navigate life after the foster care system. It highlights how tough and unfair the system can be, the emotional tolls it can take on a young mind and how flawed it is. Most importantly, this book demonstrates how life lasting friendships and love can form in unexpected places and circumstances, and that life always has a way of making you face your past. I would recommend this book as the story is very easy to follow, and it’s very beautifully written.

Mathilde

Little Bang
Little Bang is the story of Mel and Sid, who, when Mel gets pregnant, have to deal with the complexities of abortion in Northern Ireland. We realise Mel’s pregnancy doesn’t only affect Sid and Mel’s lives but also impacts their families. These relationships relationships become tense and fragile at many points in the book. I liked the focus on 'relationships' best because it adds something emotionally powerful to the important message on the risks of teenage pregnancy and the legality, or not, of abortion. The author employs a dual narrative to show us what the characters are feeling. Through Mel’s honest but confident (at the end mostly) narrative about her feelings, we learn to accept all the characters’ diverse opinions whether we agree or not. I also really enjoyed how Mel writes an essay on the origin of time, time travelling and different universes, with many interesting reflections, while Sid focuses on his music. I thought this was a great addition to the book as it was interesting and gave us an even stronger sense of each of the characters’ very different personality, mostly due to their different upbringing. Finally, I really thought this book was incredible as it is at the same time the rather common story of teenage romance, which I really enjoy, mixed with the unusual but important lesson on teenage pregnancy and abortion, plus many funny events, making this book original, heart-warming and humorous.

Margot HG

Little Bang
Little Bang is one of the most honest and emotional books I’ve read. It tells the story of Mel and Sid, two teens dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. The characters felt real and relatable, like people I might know. I liked how it showed both perspectives—especially how unfair things can be for girls. The book tackles big topics like abortion and mental health without feeling preachy. Mel’s struggle between her dreams and family pressure really hit me. It made me think about how important choice is, especially for young people. I appreciated that the story didn’t give easy answers—it just felt true. It’s a powerful, thought-provoking read I think every teen should pick up. Little Bang isn’t just a book—it’s a conversation we need to have.

Elliot

King of Nothing
I quite appreciated the book from Nathanael Lessore for several reasons. Firstly, I enjoyed the setting as it really played a role in making the book engaging as it is very close to how many people live. Moreover, the fact that Anton is the narrator and not someone out of the story makes the main character closer to us. This makes the reader want ot learn more about this character and how he will change. On the other hand, it would be a good idea to learn more about Anton's dad at the start of the book. Overall, I found this book great.

Raphael CI

Treacle Town
Treacle Town is a story about a boy who is exposed to gang violence, always involved in suspicious activities. However, when one of his close friends gets brutally murdered, he discovers slam poetry which helps him break free from the treacherous path he was following. Although I did find the overall idea of the story intriguing, I found the blurb to be misleading, as the book lacks crucial information about slam poetry, as it only contains about four poems in it, (none written by the narrator himself). However, the book shines a light on the difficulties and pressure the younger generation faces today. The dangers which the characters encounter represent the challenges which modern society inflicts on the youth of today even though they are not yet equipped to cope with them.

Juliette

The Final Year
The Final Year is a moving verse novel that follows Nate, a Year 6 student navigating major changes both at school and at home. Through short, impactful poems, Matt Goodfellow captures the complex emotions. What stood out to me most was how realistic Nate’s story felt. Goodfellow’s poetic style makes the book easy to read, yet still meaningful. What I appreciated was the illustrations simple yet powerful. Overall, The Final Year is a well written and heartfelt book that honestly reflects the challenges of growing up.

Stella

All That It Ever Meant
All that it ever meant is an evocative young adult novel that explores themes grief, identity and cultural belonging. The story presents 14-year-old Mati and her family as they travel from London to Zimbabwe after the death of her mother. We follow each family member’s ways of dealing with grief: Baba who keeps to himself, Chichi, the rebellion older sister, lashes out at anyone who gets on her nerves and Tana seeks comfort in unhealthy habits. Mati travels alongside Meticais, a beautifully dressed spirit who only Mati can see and communicate with. I found this book particularly intriguing as it flawlessly blends realism with magical elements (especially through Meticais) whilst keeping its highly emotional aspect. Although the story is focused on the evocative side rather than driven by thrilling plot and exiting adventures, it succeeds in keeping its reader captivated when it counts the most. However, readers who prefer action driven stories might find it slow at some times.

Leonora CI

Treacle Town
I didn’t really enjoy Treacle Town by Brian Conaghan. The story felt too intense at times, and I found it hard to connect with the main character, Con. He goes through a lot, but the way it's written made it difficult for me to feel truly invested in what he was experiencing. The slang and local dialect were confusing and made it hard to follow the dialogue. I also thought the storyline was predictable, especially the themes of violence and grief. The slam poetry part didn’t feel natural—it seemed like it was added just to make the book feel more modern or meaningful. Some parts dragged on, while others felt rushed. Overall, I think the book was trying too hard to be deep and powerful, but it didn’t really work for me.

Jean-Emmanuel

Glasgow Boys
This book was so enjoyable I finished it in 3 days. It tells the story of two long-lost friends trying to survive in a new environment whilst constantly coming face to face with new challenges or problems. Throughout the book, there were many flashbacks, and as you keep reading them you piece together bit by bit what happened to the two friends to make their friendship fall apart. The story eventually comes to a happy ending, when the two boys have overcome all their fears and the haunting past. It was one of the best books I read, and i strongly recommend it to anyone willing to give it a try.

Jayin

Glasgow Boys
Reading Glasgow Boys wasn't the time-pass activity I thought it would be. It was an experience—an adventure through the lives of Finlay and Banjo. And I enjoyed it—every. single. moment. It's an amazing book, that's for sure.

Anirudh

King of Nothing
The main character, Anton, starts off as the self-proclaimed “King” of Year 9. Everyone believes that he’s tough due to his dad being in prison. However, as the book progresses, he starts to change. He’s not as confident as he seems. When he gets to know Matthew, a classmate considered as the “weird kid”, Anton starts to change and think for himself, instead of following his friends opinions and choices like sheep. I liked seeing how he grew as a person and as he became more honest and kinder. He learned that being popular isn’t everything. The book is set in a London school and the local area. It feels real, like a place you could actually go to. The setting helps us understand what Anton is dealing with, like school, family problems, and trying to fit in. It made the story more believable. The story has a good flow to it. It starts with Anton being the toughest person in school, but then he starts to change after, in an agreement with his mother to get ungrounded, he joins a club called the “Happy Campers” and spends time with Matthew, who is part of the club. There are humorous passages and serious moments as well. The plot kept me hooked because the story mixes action, feelings, and dialogue really well and all the events happened chronologically, which made it easy to follow. The chapters are short and easy to read. The mix of funny scenes and emotional passages made it feel real. The opening and ending of the book mirror each other in a way, as it starts off strong and also finishes powerfully, with Anton making an important decision about who he really is. Anton is the narrator of the book and tells the story in his own words. That made it more personal, as it felt like he was talking to me. It helped me understand his emotions and why he made certain choices. As it’s in the present tense, it feels like the events of the story are happening in the present moment, which keeps it engaging. The book made me think about how some people pretend to be tough to be accepted by others. It also shows that being yourself is more important than copying others, especially if it means doing something wrong. I’ll remember how Anton changed for the better even if it was a difficult choice to make.

Marley

Play
A well writen book where the author brings the teenage characters to life in an amazing way. It has some flaws, like the repetitive presence of alcohol or drugs.

Benjamin H

Treacle Town
Treacle Town by Brian Conaghan is a powerful book. I found the story emotional and easy to connect with. It talks about bullying, poverty, and standing up for what’s right and i think the author manages to do it in an amazing way, while keeping it interesting and engaging for the reader. I really liked it and enjoyed reading it. I’d recommend it to someone who likes reading books that are very original and unlike any other.

Poppy

Glasgow Boys
I think Glasgow Boys was an interesting and really well-written book. Usually I'm not really a fan of this genre but this book was so captivating it just kept me wanting to read more. The emotions of the characters in this book can be complex but the author is just really convincing when writing about them it even feels like you're experiencing these emotions yourself. Throughout the story you really get familar with the main characters, Banjo and Finlay, and you get quite attached to them. I think also how the story is structured is a really good idea because it is written either by Finlay or Banjo's point of view which is why, I think, you can really feel like you understand their emotions. The only thing that could have been a little confusing sometimes is the juggling beetween Banjo and Finlay's stories because it creates pauses in their stories so then you might forget what happened to one character after reading on the other.

Ella CI

The Things We Leave Behind
I truly enjoyed reading "The Things We Leave Behind". It was extremely well written and the author did a very good job building tension, which constantly kept me wondering what would happen next. I also found the characters to be very well crafted and appealing to the reader. The plot was original and interesting. However, I do have one complaint. At the end, there is an enormous revelation about Clem's sister. However, I found it confusing, and a little bit anticlimatic. If it had been in another place in the story or presented in another way I feel it could have been clearer and have a more lasting impact on the reader. Anyway, I congratulate the author for writing such a good book.

Hugo LI

Little Bang
I quite enjoyed Little Bang for it’s interesting plot and how this young girl has to survive tons of criticism for wanting to get rid of her baby. The narrative perspective where Mel and Sid take turns to show their point of view, was really helpful to understand the book more deeply. I quite enjoyed the book as it kept the reader engaged at the end of each chapter ( these were short, so helpful to get through the book ), and I liked how the book is based on a real life situation and how Mel dealt with it. Overall, this was a great read and I recommend it to anyone who likes an original plot.

Lily

The Things We Leave Behind
The things we leave behind is the book everybody needs to read. It is transformational : you are transported to a world which could be the present and you discover a terrible future where freedom, peace and hope belong to a distant past... But even in her desperate situation, Clem, the story's main character, manages to retain some precious hope. This vital hope is symbolised by poetic paper cranes and her notebook. Her love of her sister also keeps her going. I really really loved this book, because it is a kind of warning, an overview of a very dark future which nobody deserves to inhabit. I recommend this book because Clem, Billie, Mischa, Claudia, Jonas, and all the characters deserve that their story be told to everyone.

Clotilde

King of Nothing
King of Nothing is an amazing social realism novel about a boy named Anton. He is initially the "king" of his school, as everyone is scared of him and respects his gang of friends because of his dad, who was in prison. After getting in trouble, his mum sends him on a camping trip, where he meets and becomes friendly with the biggest loser in the school: Matthew. Unexpectedly, as Matthew saves Anton's life during the journey, Anton decides to help Matthew become "cool". I adored this book because it showed how appearances can be deceiving, and that we shouldn't judge or mock people when we don't know their personal lives and what they're going through. I also liked that Matthew was clueless and sometimes didn't understand the language Anton was using, which made the story very comic and laughable. Finally, I enjoyed the little inspirational talks during the campers' sessions that made Anton change his personality and want to work harder towards his goals, as it showed that whenever we are determined to change for the better, we tend to succeed and stay satisfied with ourselves, as life is not about showing others that we have a good reputation, but to be happy with yourself and make friends that are worth having.

SrishtiHG

Play
I didn't really like the book because it explores themes that I don't really appreciate such as drug-taking or sexual abuse. However, the book is beautifully written. Overall, the writing style is good but the topics are a bit harsh. If you are not into these topics please do not read. 3/10

Maxime

Play
Play is an interesting book because it talks us through 4 teenage boys who are best friends. They are dealing with a lot of problems mostly drug dealing and sexuality. I really enjoyed this book because it speaks about probems which are topical nowadays. Palmer employs a distinctive narrative technique by presenting the story through the alternating perspectives of the four teenagers.This approach provides readers with an intimate understanding of their thoughts and emotions. I highly reccomend this book because you can relate to some of the issues faced by the characters who are the same age as me.

Bathgate jules HG

King of Nothing
This book took a hold on me and didn’t let go till I finished it. After getting forced to join the ‘Happy Campers’ by his mother, Anton, a troubled teen in major need of character development gets his life saved by Matthew, a boy he used to consider a nobody. He realises at this camp just how wrong his sexist, bullying friends were and how fear isn’t the same thing as respect. He then finally learns the hard way who his real friends are and how to respect others around him. I loved the way Anton evolved from a bullying gangster to a loved friend. This made me believe that anyone can change if they really want to. I found King of Nothing to be an entertaining and inspirational book for young people, especially those who have yet to learn how to treat the people around them with respect.

Aarna CI

All That It Ever Meant
This book is the story, told by one of the teenage girls, of the road trip in Zimbabwe that a family took after having lost their mother (and wife for the father). This book was very well written and reflective, bordering on philosophical, as the narrator deeply reflects on various things such as life and personality. Also, watching the two sisters grow up into adolescence and early adulthood gives us a sense of sister-sister and father-daughter relationships, which can get complicated, even though love always remains. This was very relatable as we all understand that the adolescence period can be hard and tense as we go through a lot of emotional change. Finally, the greatest part in this book is the ending: it flows amazingly well with the rest of the story but it is still so unexpected and shocking that you ask yourself how you could have missed it; I felt like I needed to reread the whole book to see what I had missed!

MargotHG

Little Bang
Though not a book I would voluntarily pick up, Little Bang made me think. Gradually, I started to like it too. It made me think for the first time about the topic of abortion, how different people are affected by it, why different women decide to go through it and how everyone wishes to have a say in it whether it affects them or not. Set in Northern Ireland in 2018, this book shows how Mel and Sid cope with teenage pregnancy and adults trying to make important decisions for them. People react in all different ways and everyone seems to have an opinion. Sid finds odd jobs to financially help as the future father of the child, and Mel explains the genius behind parallel universes to the baby in her belly. Finally, she decides she has had enough of everyone deciding what she does with her body and makes her choice about what she thought was the right thing to do. One thing that interested me about this book by the time I finished reading it was the fact that throughout, I did not have a single opinion about what I thought Mel and Sid should do. Usually while reading books and learning about new situations, I find myself quick to assess the situation and form a judgement about it; it’s human nature. This time, however, I simply did not know what to think, and went with the flow. I can think of a number of reasons for this: this was a new topic to me so maybe I didn’t know what to feel, everyone in the book had such extreme opinions that I found no space to form my own, the main characters themselves were so unsure about what to do. Finally I say this: I am young, so it’s normal for me not to have an opinion about the topic of abortion in this book, but it was very interesting to learn about the many points of view people have regarding it. A refreshing read, I recommend this book to any young adult.

Aarna CI

The Final Year
The Final Year is an intriguing and emotional novel, written in verse, about Nate, who experiences immense change throughout his school year and at home when his brother, Dylan, is unexpectedly diagnosed with a rare disease. I loved the fact that this book was written in verse, as through it, Nate was able to express his emotions well and gave the reader a picture of how life was going and how difficult it was for him. I also found that the characters and their personalities were quite deep and really relatable, as they reacted in ways, in particular situations, where they were at fault, but also understandable, which made me think about my own choices and actions. I think that the best part of this book was the fact that it talked about growing up, the possible difficulties faced in a family, the rage we feel and the different ways of coping with these situations, because they were real-life themes and made me reflect on them.

SrishtiHG

King of Nothing
King Of Nothing is a social realism novel, set in present day, South London. The atmosphere and setting is quite familiar as some of the story occurs in a school where rumours spread quickly, and a "popular gang" dominates the school. For example, this powerful group of friends messed with a student who barged into them without meaning to, by tripping him up and pushing him in all directions. Anton, the protagonist, is a part of this gang, and is the centre of attention at the school, as everyone has heard of his father who was sent to jail. Anton was raised by a single mother and his grandmother, who moved in with them after the father's arrest to help raise Anton so his mother could go to university. Anton experiences deep sorrow and guilt after the death of his grandmother and the bullying of Matthew, the number 1 "loser" in the gang's eyes. Matthew saves Anton's life on a camping trip and by the end of the book, Anton has learned that "true friends" are the ones who stand up for you and care for you during difficult times. He also learns that his reputation at school doesn't matter, and that the most important thing is concentrating on work, being nice to others, being a friend to others, rather than being feared by them. An important moment which contributes to the development of Anton's character, is his camping trip, organised by his mum's refuge camp. During this trip, he bonds with Matthew and the Happy Campers (the children who go to the St Luke's refuge in their free time), although he is out of his comfort zone, he discovers new things. I felt anxiety when I realised that Anton's ex-friends had told him to meet up somewhere, as bait, for them to beat up Matthew, because they didn't want him hanging out with a "loser". I also felt excited when Anton came to the rescue of his friend. This book has shown me the importance of true, caring friends and how important it is to be sure of what kind of people you depend on and hang out with. It has also taught me that change and a fresh starts often a good thing and we can see it here, when Anton adapts to a new environment, joining the Happy Campers and becoming a new person. This book includes many different important and daily life situations, that occur today all around the world and it is very interesting to see how each character deals with those dilemmas and I think this book is a MUST read!

AmbroiseHG

The Final Year
The Final Year is a very nice novel about a ten year old boy called Nate. In this book he brings us through his sad moments and happy moments. Matt Goodfellow uses poems and rhymes throughout his novel. In his poems, he talks about home, friendship and school. Nate is a boy who doesn't have a lot of friends but loves reading and writing, it is his passion. Nate talks about hard times at home in the book for example he talks about the fact that his family never goes on vacation because they are not rich enough. A other example is when he talks about his liitle brother who is sick and is in the hospital. I really liked this book because it is very easy to understand and shows the life of a young boy who struggles throw out the year. I also liked this book because it could be a true story and is very well told.

ArchibaldHG

The Final Year
This book explains to us that when people have up and downs they have to continue their lives and that people who they are not really close to might not know their problems. It also explains difficulties which happen in a daily life . There is also a theme of friendship in this book showing what friends do and what bad influences might do to them.

constantin HG

Play
Play is a interesting book by luke palmer set in 4 teenage boy's neighborhood. The style of narration is semi omniscient as we get to see from the point of view of each character apart from one. This causes us to have a bond with each character and not just one protagonist. It also causes a sense of mystery as we wonder what is the fourth boy doing. Play is about boy's who venture into the dangerous world of dealing drugs. We watch Mark start dealing drugs, something he consideres a game but then we see him realinzing the consequences of even the slightest mistake which causes him to want to stop but the problem is he is already beyond saving.We can see this when Mark is kidnapped in a van where his abductors threaten him, claiming this is his last chance; this was most definitely traumatic for Mark and it caused me to worry for him. Luke Palmer is trying to warn us of the consequences of taking and dealing drugs and the difficulties teenagers may experience. I personally was uncomfortable at some points but overall it was an interesting read that has a clear message.

MuzzammilHG

King of Nothing
l found the book to be a real life reflection about how peer pressure can be inflicted by people who you believe to be your friends. It’s also interesting how Anton has a major character development throughout the story from how he went from picking on people to helping them against his “friends”.

Juliette.f

King of Nothing
"King of Nothing" is a social realism novel taking place in a school similar to ours. It felt familiar as some of the characters reminded me of people I know. The main character, Anton, is a reckless teenager who's always getting into trouble with his gang but just doesn't care. He isn't concerned about his future and doesn't realise that he might be ruining it. However, we can see him change throughout the book, especially after befriending Matthew. He evolves from a careless and thoughtless bully into a more mature and intelligent person. At the end of the story, when his former gang starts vandalising the St Luke refuge, Anton stands up to them instead of helping them like he would have done a few months ago. We can see he's changed and that troublemaking is behind him now. By the end of the book, he's learned that the best friends aren't those who are the most respected and feared by the others, but those you can count on and trust. I felt tension throughout the book as the main character has fragile relationships with the other characters which could be broken at any moment. For example, at one point he is forced to be mean to his new friend Matthew to avoid getting beaten up by his former gang. This nearly destroys their friendship. Reading "King of Nothing", taught me a lot about the complex relationships which link teenagers together. It really made me understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships. It explores themes such as courage, bullying, family, friendship and forgiveness and I think that every teen should read it.

Auguste HG

The Final Year
The Final Year is a powerful verse novel about Nate, a Year 6 student facing big changes at school and at home. Matt Goodfellow captures all the emotions of growing up, fear, hope, anger, and friendship in short, powerful poems that feel very real.I really liked The Final Year because it felt so realistic. Nate’s story about struggling at school and at home reminded me of times when I had to deal with change too, and it made the book more relatable. The way Matt Goodfellow writes in short poems made it easy to read but still emotional, and very well written. I liked how it wasn’t just sad the whole time, there were moments of hope and friendship that made the tough parts feel even more powerful. Overall, I thought it was a very good book that shows what growing up actually feels like, and how it can be difficult balancing life at home and at school while having to deal with change.

SashaHG

Treacle Town
Connor starts questioning himself and the point of his life after his best friend, Biscuit, gets murdered. After deciding that being a gangster will get him nowhere, Con discovers the world of Slam Poetry and finds that he quite likes it. A book about regret, fresh starts, toxic friendships and letting go of revenge, Treacle Town provides an insight to people in less privileged areas, who sometimes find themselves stuck, with no way to put their talents to use. While not necessarily the type of book I would go for, I must admit the author did a good job writing it.

Aarna CI

All That It Ever Meant
A stunning tale told in a distinctive style, All That It Ever Meant follows Mati as she tells Meticais, the ‘spirit’ that has recently taken to following her around, the story of how her family has been coping with the death of her mother. Meticais, Mati’s attentive audience, picks up on the fact that perhaps Mati isn’t telling her the entire story of what happened the night her mother died. Of course, everything is revealed via a gripping plot twist. Filled with flashbacks explaining how life was before the death and how life has dramatically altered after, this book wholly deserves the title ‘Special’. I recommend this book to people who can enjoy a story without knowing the whole truth; people like me who relish in the 'feeling of an incomplete mystery' and try to create their own versions of the answer.

Aarna CI

The Things We Leave Behind
This dystopian fiction kept me hooked till the end as the idea of the main character, Clem keeping a ‘secret’ from us intrigued me. What piqued my interest was the way we readers find out she’s hiding something; she doesn’t tell us directly but her audience, Polly the therapist deduces from her stories that something is amiss. I was in awe of the complicated structure the author implemented for the flashbacks; the present, with Clem telling Polly her story is short and told between the main story that Clem tells in the form of flashbacks. Another interesting element is the side story that comes in sometimes at an odd moment in a chapter in the form of a fairy tale. The author’s retake of the famous Grimm story, Jorinda and Joringel. Towards the end of the book, everything becomes clear and the reader makes the connection between the two stories. An inspiring novel that reduced me to the point of tears by the end, The Things We Leave Behind is a tale I shall never forget.

Aarna CI

Glasgow Boys
Absolutely beautiful. An artful mixture of two different points of view expressed by two completely different speaking styles and dialects. Finlay with his soft, socially withdrawn attitude, craving for a fresh start and Banjo with his violent thoughts, anger issues and foul mouth, weighed down with regret and asking himself whether it’s a fresh start that he needs. This book shows them separately trying their best to fit in while letting us glimpse at the flashbacks of their shared past. I admire the way the author has structured the flashbacks: they progressively tell the entire backstory so that we know what happened that made the boys the way they are and how their relationship was affected, and by the time we have a clear picture, everything changes. This book provides an insight to the lives of people in care and I recommend it to everyone.

Aarna CI

Play
Although this book is not my cup of tea due to the topics it addresses, I commend the writer for successfully capturing the essence of 4 boys in one book. Written from 4 different points of view, Play shows the growth of Matt, Mark, Johnny and Luc as they go through high school, strengthening their friendship and inventing games. Living in an environment where underaged drinking and illegal drugs are the norm ,the four, especially Matt, find themselves in a difficult situation as Matt’s drug dealing gets out of hand and turns out to no longer be 'a simple game'. What I like about this book is that throughout, we only get the points of view of Mark, Matt and Luc as they navigate through personal affairs; Johnny’s is saved for the absolute end and told in an extremely unique way that connects the reader with the characters.

Aarna CI

The Final Year
This book, written in verse, follows Nate, a 10 year old boy in his last year of primary school who tells about the difficulty he faces when dealing with particularly negative emotions, especially this year where everything seems to be falling apart. The book contains Nate’s unique writing style as he discovers his gift with words and jots down his poems as a way to clear his head. The Final Year is a beautifully written book that reduced me to tears on two occasions. Although targeted towards a younger audience, older readers find themselves touched by Nate’s mature thoughts as he expresses them in his unique way.

Aarna CI

All That It Ever Meant
All That It Ever Meant is a riveting novel about an African family from Zimbabwe, living in England. After the death of a family member, they set out on a road trip to their homeland and discover the magic it has to give. This book really intrigued me, as the main character, Mati, didn't tell all her back-story and life with her family at once, but revealed it in her actions, making the reader realise how complicated her feelings were. I also loved the idea of Meticas, a spiritual figure only Mati could see, as she made Mati honestly tell her story, adding humour to emotional bits, like when she talked about death and how she was coping with it. Finally, the grief she felt, made me realise that I shouldn't take people for granted and learn how to make the most of my time with them.

SrishtiHG

Little Bang
Little Bang is a fascinating novel about two differently raised teenagers, Mel and Sid, who meet during New Year's Eve. On their first date, Mel unexpectedly gets pregnant. This evokes huge problems between their families, as abortion is illegal where they live, and Mel's family is religious, whereas Sid's isn't. I adored reading this book, as the author decided to alternate the chapters between the two teenagers, which made me understand how each of them was feeling in moments of difficulty and how they were coping with it. Even though I initially disapproved of Mel's choice, I liked that she stood up for herself and made the decision she wanted to make, even if others didn't like it. I also loved the little facts about time-travelling and how they added to the story as they made me learn new things, such as parallel universes and the different theories. Lastly, this book made me realise that little things that we do can contribute to long-lasting events that may be extremely serious in the future, so not only, we have to be responsible for our actions and choices, but also independent and strong.

SrishtiHG

Little Bang
Little Bang is a riveting book that lures you in with its unique and essential concept. It is set in Northern Ireland in 2018, when abortion is illegal. On New Years Eve, on Mel and Sid’s first date, Mel gets pregnant and her hopes of getting into Cambridge University are instantly crushed. This creates huge problems in both families, and Mel is struggling to say what she wants to do; as her family is so disappointed in her that they refuse to let her have a say. The author chooses to let Sid and Mel narrate alternate chapters and this helps us understand how each of them are coping. It also shows that Northern Irish teenagers aren’t informed on these subjects and this makes it an even more stressful time for the teenagers who are plunged into a new world in which they know nothing. In the end, I admired Mel’s choice to do what she wanted, regardless of what others wanted; since she didn’t feel ready to have a baby and shouldn’t be forced into something that is irreversible. Something that makes this book special is how the author adds in some little facts about time and it opened up a new way of seeing time; it made me realise how many parallel universes are created when you are faced with a simple choice.

EmmaHG

King of Nothing
« King of nothing » is a rib-achingly funny and thoughtful social realism novel, telling the story of Anton, feared and respected by all in his London school. One day, the school’s biggest loser, Matthew, unexpectedly saves his life. This leads to an unanticipated friendship, and Anton begins to question all the values and principles that have guided his actions until now. This book is set South London, alternating between a school, the protagonist’s house, and the meeting place of a group called the “Happy Campers”. This environment makes it easy to identify with and connect with the characters. Throughout the book, we observe the evolution of Anton’s mindset, in a very positive way, which brings us joy. We can see his family is also very proud of him. Indeed, he switches from a very enclosed, brutal and nasty personality to an open-minded, thoughtful and generous young boy. This transition, mainly provoked by his new company, Matthew, and the death of his beloved grandmother, is preceded by a difficult period of self-questioning and profound sadness, leading to a new willingness to make things better. This is illustrated by a moment when someone comes to the “Happy Campers” meeting place to discuss gender equality. Listening to it, Anton realizes how sexist and inaccurate the podcasts he used to listen to with his mates were, and starts wondering whether he should still stay with his little “gang” because they could actually be toxic for him. At the beginning, I despised the disrespectful and bullying Anton , but I still felt a little attachment to him as he was the main character. In the end, I was totally amazed by the way he managed to transform his identity to his benefit, and how some moments completely changed his vision of the world. For example, the moment he realized Matthew was right about the fact that being his true self is the better way to be liked, that he didn’t want to follow his father’s path, evoked a large range of emotions for me, particularly relief, empathy and respect. This book is, I think, the written representation of the proverb “Don’t judge a book by its cover”. Reading it, I understood the importance of not judging others by their appearance. Indeed, from Anton’s bully vision, Matthew and Rochelle seemed to be two weird nerds, but when he gets to know them better, he falls in love with Rochelle and finds Matthew super nice! I strongly, strongly recommend this novel.

RaphaelHG

SrishtiHG

The Things We Leave Behind
The Things We Leave Behind is a tragic book that takes place in England in a dystopian world in the near future. The world this book introduces us to is unfamiliar and unsafe. However, sometimes the action takes place in familiar places for example McDonalds. The main character Clem deals with a lot of different emotions for example, disbelief, fear or love. I experienced shock and sadness but also sympathy for Clem at the plot twist at the end for which the author has cleverly integrated clues. I think this book’s goal is to sensibilise and maybe remind us what could happen to the world if we don’t do anything. However I also think that this book teaches us that some people are bad and we can’t do anything to make them kinder.

YinanHG

Treacle Town
“Treacle Town” is the story of a young man who, after having lost his best friend in what he calls a “battle”, realises that a life full of brutal violence, revenge and tragedy is not worth it. He realises that fighting “battles” against other gangs just brings more sadness and anger to his life and he tries to escape his life; his sketchy town, thanks to the universe of slam poetry. I thought this book was so incredibly well thought through as the author creates a very real and honest personality for his character; and whilst the young man changes for the better throughout the story, we’re still able to recognise the character’s intact personality, which is full of faults because of the rough environment he had to grow up in, but also very truthful and soft. The young man’s unique personality gets through to the reader thanks to the rather vulgar expressions he uses but also by the way he interprets his uncertain friendships, family relationships, important events that happen in his desolate town and the way he ultimately admits that he does love his town and friends despite the violence and faults present in them, which can easily hide the positive aspects of everyone. I also really enjoyed how this book broaches very important aspects of life such as racism and poor working-class societies through the punch-in-the-face slam poems the author created for his character. All this made this book very thought-provoking, outspoken and heartfelt even though it could be seen at first glance as a “normal” book with a lot of slang language and brutal events.

MargotHG

Glasgow Boys
This fabulous story is set in modern day Glasgow, featuring two boys who lead different but very similar lives as well. I really enjoyed the way this book is narrated by the two boys in a double narrative as they talk about their lives, which are affected by one important past event they both lived through together. This double narrative, linked to this (initially) unknown event let me piece the their different feelings together, finally understanding the cause for their emotions and attitudes. However, what really made this book extraordinary in such a heartfelt way is the the bond that the two boys share and the bond they create with other people amongst the hardships and griefs of life. This book was so fully charged in beautifully captured emotions that it made the characters relatable in many ways, making them even more endearing to the reader

Margot4hg

Treacle Town
Treacle Town is an engrossing novel about Connor and his aggressive gang of friends. This novel takes us through how Connor, who was initially unable to resist any criminal activity, manages to escape his brutal town with the help of slam poetry. I appreciated this book, as the back-story was quite original and helped me connect with the main characters and understand how they would be feeling in some situations. I also really liked the mixture of slam poetry, because they were interesting to read, made me get absorbed in the story and made me think about real-life themes such as racism. Overall, even if there was a lot of foul language, I think that it developed the personality of the characters and helped me understand how awful the town or the situation was.

SrishtiHG

King of Nothing
I found this book very interesting and entertaining as not only was it funny due to the informal language, but also because it still covered an interesting topic that I had never read about before. One thing in particular that i found very, like, cool, I would say, is that we were able to hear Anton's thoughts. I found this fascinating because when I see people like Anton and Marcus, I often wonder what they think of themselves, of their actions, what their parents thought about them, and things like that, and this book allowed me to get an idea of the possible answers

Stefan

Glasgow Boys
Glasgow Boys is a romantic and social-realistic novel about two boys who had previously been in foster care together and had moved on. This engrossing book talks about their separate lives, how they overcome difficulties, how they find love and themselves, eventually reuniting and discovering the real meaning of friendship. I enjoyed reading this book, as it initially didn't tell how the two boys knew each other and kept me engaged until the end, as I wanted to know their relationship. I also really liked this novel, as I learnt that having true and loyal friends was beyond special and not everyone got the chance to find such people in their life. Finally, I loved the ending because not only was it emotional, when the two boys reconciled, but it was also mixed with humor, giving me a chance to cry but also laugh, and at the same time making me think thoroughly about the choices I make in life.

SrishtiHG

The Final Year
I think this book was quite good. (I read the book before the shortlist was published). I liked the book because I think the "beast" in the book can show the abrupt change of emotions during a school transfer or other difficult moments in people's life. In addition, it shows Nate's transition from a boy to a young adult. However, the reason I didn't like it that much was that I would prefer a student of my age rather than a year 6 pupil. It could also be a bit more descriptive. 8/10

Maxime