BAS READING CHAMPIONS
The Final Year
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Thoughtful, Gripping Reflection on Endings and New Beginnings
The Final Year is a masterfully written and emotionally resonant book that captures the complexity of facing transition—whether it's the end of a school year, a presidency, a relationship, or a life chapter. From the very first page, the author draws you into a world filled with quiet tension, poignant moments, and powerful introspection.
What stood out most to me was the way the narrative balances the weight of finality with the hopeful pull of what's next. The characters are richly developed, and their inner conflicts feel deeply human. Every scene feels intentional, layered with meaning and subtle detail.
This isn’t just a story about endings—it’s about growth, legacy, and the choices we make when time feels short. Whether you’re someone going through a major life change or simply love beautifully written, character-driven fiction, The Final Year is a must-read.
I couldn’t put it down—and when I did, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
Let me know if you'd like it to reflect a different tone (academic, casual, etc.) or if it's a different version of The Final Year (there are a few with that title).
Zara Hussain
Play
play by luke palmer is a coming-of-age story centered on the lives of four boys as they navigate adolescence, friendship, and the pressures of their small town. me personally i found the book very positive, highlighting its realistic depiction of male friendships, relatable characters, and exploration of weighty themes like toxic masculinity and drug use
Irshad
Play
this is an amazing book showing each characters feelings of eachother and a view of each character per chapter.4 friends who go to school together but they also have different perspectives of eachother. At first they all make and destroy dens such as the “L” den and many more but as they grow older they make more dangerous games such running jobs and tasks for criminals like Mark has done as a show of respect for his older brother but it gets out of hand . during the middle of the book a guy called Tom who is Marks older brothers friend asks about a package which has something to due with drugs and Mark is acting so confused and tom tells him to hide it under his shirt. this is one of the few main reasons why Marks old friends are mad at him . they feel left out because Mark is hanging out with his older borther, they feel betrayed and worried as Mark is doing something risky and illegal for his older brother. i think Mark is finally feeling proud and excited that his older brother finally sees him as he is worth something and Mark is not facing the truth that his older brother is using him for something illegal and mark wont see that because he thinks he is finally “hanging out” with his older brother . even though this has a bunch of swear words i think its still a really good book and is one of my favs right now.
khadija
All That It Ever Meant
All That It Ever Meant by Blessing Musariri is a powerful and emotional story about a girl named Mati who travels to Zimbabwe with her family after her mother dies. As she deals with sadness and confusion, she meets a strange and magical spirit named Meticais who helps her understand her feelings and her identity. The book is beautifully written, mixing real-life struggles with a touch of fantasy, and it makes readers think deeply about family, loss, and belonging. For People who love emotional stories
, it’s a touching and meaningful book that stays with you. I’d give it 4.5 out of 5 stars for its emotion, creativity, and message.
Zara
Glasgow Boys
The Glass Boy: Nobody is Looking by Julian Magovern is a touching and imaginative story about a boy made of glass who feels invisible to the world. As he journeys through a quiet desert landscape in search of connection and understanding, readers are drawn into a beautifully illustrated and poetic world. The book explores themes like loneliness, identity, and friendship in a gentle and thoughtful way, making it meaningful for both children and adults. While the story moves at a slow, reflective pace, it allows for emotional depth and quiet beauty. Overall, it's a memorable and heartfelt read—I’d give it 4 out of 5 stars.
Zara
The Final Year
I am at loss of words, it's so amazing! Words cannot express how much I love this book.
Sophia
Little Bang
It's a good book, definitely enjoyed reading it. It does talk about teenage pregnancy and abortion but overall, a good book.
Sophia
The Final Year
The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow is a powerful novel that captures the feelings of a child navigating the complexities of life during his final year of primary school. It really encapsulates the feelings of the typical year 6 pupil. I read this book in year 6 and it helped me overcome my fears. I honestly think this is a great book and more schools should integrate this into their curriculum
Irshad
King of Nothing
10/10
liked how realistic the interactions between the characters were and how they used slang. It made the story seem more realistic. I would recommend this to 8-13 year-olds.
jaanavi
All That It Ever Meant
The book “ all that it ever meant” is a mixture of personal struggles, relationships with families and most importantly the connection you have with your parents. It is a book which shows Tana and her families feelings of her mum sadly passing away and how they take a long drive from London all the way to Zimbabwe. Overall this book is an amazing book especially for those who have the same struggles happening to them as they can relate to other people.
Khadija
Little Bang
Little bang :a book written by Kelly McCaughrain explores a teenage girls struggle to get an abortion in a country in which it is illegal. Together with her lover ( a guy called Sid) she must somehow make it work. I really liked reading this book each page made me wish to read more. The fact that Mel and Sid are different is intersting in my opinon. Overall despite the fact that they kept bringing up abortion, the book was amazing. I definately reccomend this to any woman going through abortion. It is quite sad that many young women have to go through this. 13+ 8/10
jaanavi
Play
It's a good book. Mild swearing but overall very interesting. I love the ending of the book. I recommend reading it by yourself as it can get intense.
Sophia