Angmering Book Lovers 4 Life
Not Going To Plan
This is an easy-to-read book based around a complex topic I feel strongly about.
Marnie finds herself pregnant after a disastrous party. Unable to speak to the adults in her life, she turns to her friends, old and new, for support and help.
By adding dialogue to the classic verse novel format we can understand multiple perspectives and viewpoints, so our own prejudices are challenged and gaps in our knowledge filled.
Bibliophile
Ghostlines
Two children from very different backgrounds eventually forge a strong friendship despite their differences because they are both struggling to cope with change. We get to explore Tilda's island home as she introduces it to Albie who is initially reluctant to settle in this new, wild environment so far from his friends. It must seem strange to come to live in a community with so few people that they all know each other really well, but Tilda tries her hardest to make Albie feel welcome. Eventually, of course, both children find resolution for their problems, but not before they risk their lives during a fierce and dangerous storm. This is a great story.
Bibliophile
The Boy I Love
All the horror and cruelty of World War One told from a viewpoint we don't often hear about. Times have changed so much, but intolerance and bullying still happen, even now. We still have a lot to learn and this sensitive portrayal helps us by encouraging empathy with the characters.
Bibliophile
Twenty Four Seconds from Now
A difficult topic handled really cleverly and with humour as we trace back how Neon and Aria's relationship developed. It was great to learn more about their characters and family life so that we could see how they had reached this point.
Bibliophile
Popcorn
Poor Andrew - what a disastrous day!
It was really useful to learn how it feels to be anxious and how we can help our friends who are struggling with this. Despite all the terrible things that happen, this is still a very entertaining story. Top marks to the author!
Bibliophile
Birdie
A touching story in which people's prejudices are challenged by a kind and loyal heroine. It was interesting to learn about themes I knew very little about.
Bibliophile
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I loved this book! It contains so much humour whilst dealing with heavy themes like bullying and parental illness. What a great idea to portray all the characters as quirky, unusual animals. Excellent!
Bibliophile