Book Squad

All That It Ever Meant
All That It Ever Meant is a young adult book to do with family love, loss, and life lived between two cultures. The story revolves around Mati and her family's journey from London to Zimbabwe after their mother's death, exploring themes of grief, cultural identity, and family dynamics. Additionally, the book features a gender-neutral spirit, Meticais, who only Mati can see, adding a touch of the magical and fantastical. I liked that Mati gets annoyed at the Meticais every time she sees them. I did not like the fact that it was sometimes confusing because it was flicking from past to present. I would recommend this book to young adults, due to its compelling themes of grief, loss, family, and identity.

Willow

The Things We Leave Behind
This book is one of the most heartwarming books I have read. I will suggest this book to children who are 11-13 years old. I think this genre is non-fiction. I love how it shows the world outside as well and how young people are in danger because of political decisions. I think this is a great book and should be read by many people.

Laura

All That It Ever Meant
As someone who like to read fantasy and horror books I thought going into this that I wouldn't like it as much as I did after a lot of plot twists it turned out to be something I'd read again. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rhiannon H-M

The Things We Leave Behind
The things we leave behind is an emotional tale that follows Clem a 15 year old girl and her young sister Billie on their treacherous journey to safety, by road and then by sea, fleeing with nothing but a notebook filled with stories and memories of home. Clem's 15th birthday is the last normal day she can remember, having a picnic in the park with her family and her best friend Mischa it seems perfect. When Clem's step mum Claudia gets taken by a crowd of mysterious men and women in black uniform Clem knows it's not safe to stay. I really enjoyed this book as it kept me engaged all the way through and the plot twists kept it unpredictable and interesting. This book explores the topic of refugees and highlights the dangers of xenophobia and extremism.I would recommend this book to 12-15 year olds and would rate it 4 stars.

Rosie

King of Nothing
The "King of Nothing" by Nathaniel Lessore was nothing short of amazing. At first glance, I wasn't sure if this was going to be a book that I would enjoy but I was very wrong. I didn't expect a book about a school bully to be so full with love and personal transformation. I loved reading Anton's journey to be a better person, and how he realised he needed to set his priorities straight. He realised that everyone was trying to help him; his teachers, his mum and his nanna, and that wearing his dad's badge made him not respected but feared, and how he didn't want to hang out with Kehinde because Kehinde would rather be feared than loved and respected. I really loved the relationship dynamics between Anton and his mum, how he knew that whatever he did she would still love him and that all the things she did wasn't out of spite, but to keep him safe. At first, I couldn't keep up with all the slang but I got used to it as the book went on, and the slang in this book is what some kids these days say, so it wasn't too hard. I rate this book a 4.5 out of 5: what a touching, heart-warming book!!

Seren

The Final Year
The Final Year is a masterpiece of poetry. This fairly short read follows Nate and his struggles while he goes through year 6. Full of heartbreaking twists and touching resolutions, I believe that this book should be shown to a handful of mature children in every year 6 class to remind them that no matter what goes on, they will never be alone in their own struggles.

James

All That It Ever Meant
The book "All that it ever meant'' is a non-fiction book, however I feel that it was a very confusing book. I thought this as at the start I thought that she was alive but as I read on in the book I realized that she was not talking to anyone except of Memphis (her ancestor/imaginary friend?) and I thought she was dead. Although I did like the fact that its was talking about lots of different animals in Jamaica and what it is like to live there.

Laura

Treacle Town
This book has been a really emotional rollercoaster not just for me but for Connor too. As soon as you read the first page it hits you with what young people might experience in certain areas. This book really gives an insight into what you have to do to get revenge or to just leave everything the way they are. This book shows some twisted decisions as well. For example if Connor should stay at home or go fight with his friend. I really enjoyed the part where Connor and his father have fixed their relationship and they think back to the good times - that really made me feel great to know that Connor has someone in his family who respects what he wants to do. What I don't like about this book is the language. I think that some bad words in this book don't need to be repeated so many times. That's why I recommend it to children over 13 years of age (Year9/10).

Ashton

The Things We Leave Behind
The Things We Leave Behind is set in a semi futuristic totalitarian London where Clem and her half sister Billie live. When their parents get arrested they are alone and flee the city to find their grandpa in Scotland. The book takes a while to get going because of all the dialogue and the time shifts are a little confusing.

Beau

Glasgow Boys
Glasgow boys is a brilliant book that delves into the life of two boys -Banjo and Finlay both who went through similar things and are both trying to get through life and fit in. Finlay who's just starting university and Banjo who's getting used to his new foster family and school. My thoughts on reading the book - it was brilliant. Sometimes I had a good laugh, other times I was left in a mix of shock and, frankly, sadness. A story that speaks about the struggles with people in specific foster situations and how they learn to live with that and get through it really got to me and allowed me to reach a greater understanding in life. I'd love to read this again and again. 5/5

Bethan

The Things We Leave Behind
This is the best book I have read all year. From the heart warming hellos to the heart wrenching goodbyes this book had me in tears on every page. When civil unrest lies in London Clem and her younger sister Billie must escape London and head for Clem's grandfather's house but is it even safe there? It seems wherever Clem goes she seems to find more trouble and more danger... phenomenal, I enjoyed every page 10/10.

Ava

Glasgow Boys
Glasgow Boys is an amazingly well written book that follows two boys, Finlay and Banjo, in their separate lives, and stuggles. It demonstrates their different personalities with ease, and hooks the reader into their story, and shows you their past throughout the book, without overwhelming you with it from the beginning. It is an emotional, well-written tale that had me rooting for all characters, as well as allowing me to truly feel like I was in their shoes, and immersed in their world and struggles. While this book is raw, and discusses more mature themes (substance abuse and others), it is an amazing read I would recommend for any reader, typically over the age of 13. 10/10.

Addisyn

The Final Year
Life for Nate is far from easy- he struggles with the thought of SATs, home life, taking responsibility for his little brothers when his mum is incapable of being a fully performing parent and friendships. There is one more thing though- the beast an emotion so strong that it can never be let out. But when disaster occurs just before Nate leave primary, will he be able to cope? This is an amazing read perfect for anyone who is in need of some reassurance that they are not alone.

Pixie

The Final Year
I was already a big fan of verse novels but didnt know how much i loved it until reading this book! After going through the final year myself, i can really relate to this book - it made me laugh and cry! i could not put it down and think every year 6 class should read "The Final Year" at some point. 10/10 loved it!

Ava

The Things We Leave Behind
This book is an amazing whirlwind of emotions and carefully thought about truths. Clem is a character who despite all the traumatizing experiences she faces, she only has one objective in mind - make it out alive. She is in a world of unrest and danger that can never be shown on her face or in her actions, because she's not alone- she has a sister. This chair- strapping novel is one of upheaval, love, hate and confused truths, will Clem and Billie make it out or will painful memories get in the way and cause unfixable problems. This book is an amazing read and I would recommend this book for anyone aged 12- 15 and in need of a delicious tasting thriller.

Pixie

The Final Year
'The Final Year' is a book about a ten-year-old boy named Nate who lives with his mum and two younger brothers, Jax and Dylan, who think he's Spiderman. Nate also has a best friend called PS. When Nate returns to school in September, he finds himself for the first time, in a different class to PS. Nate feels devastated, especially when PS begins spending time with his rival, the school bully Turner. Yet, Nate's life takes another hit when his youngest brother is suddenly taken to the hospital due to a rare heart condition, making it even more challenging for Nate as he struggles with his feelings. What I really enjoyed about the book was about the structure, which was written in stanzas, which was really interesting and made it stand out from other books. However, I do not like the overuse of slangs, for some readers may find it difficult to enjoy the book. This should be a must-read for all Year 6!

Shahida

All That It Ever Meant
A very thought provoking read with a selection of different characters. This book, although a bit hard to follow, was impossible to put down. The character, Mati, kept me guessing the entire time and I could not have guessed the ending . This book was very good but not my favourite for it was hard to follow. I would recommend it to readers in year 6 and over

Ava

The Final Year
As someone who has never read a book in verses but loves first person point of view books this book was a wonder to read and made me love books in verses. The book was about a boy named Nate who has two younger brothers called Jax and Dylan who live with only their mum. Nate also has a best friend called PS, but as they move up to year six the final year of primary school and get put in different classes their friendship starts to change. But that's not the only thing that's changing in Nate's life, as many exciting, scary and even life threatening events unravel in his life, but how will it all end. I really enjoyed when they went on the residential and Nate and his new friend Caleb have the time of their lives doing all the activities. at first I wished there was more time spent on that subject but now I'm glad they did it the it is as you get to see more of the other events that take place in Nate's life. Something that I did find a little tricky whilst reading the book was all the slang used, but I do think it makes the story feel like it came from a young boy which I do like. I recommend this book to all year six classes and those who sometimes find it hard to find the light in sad and hard times.

Rose

King of Nothing
King of nothing is a teen comedy with a hint of romance near the end. When Anton gets his internet taken off him his mother sends him to Happy Campers where the biggest loser in his class saves his life using an Epipen. They become friends. What I really liked about the book is that Anton changes from a bully to a kind person and it teaches people about women's rights. What I didn't like about the book is that there was some slang I couldn't understand but overall it was a good book. I would recommend it to people who can understand slang and teens. I think that the meaning behind it is that people who want to change can.

Willow

King of Nothing
To be honest I wasn't expecting such a book but the more I read the more heartwarming I felt that Anton was pressured into being the king of the school to save his reputation when he was younger. I would give this book to a year 7 and 8 students. I loved when I found out that Anton loved art - I was over joyed, This made it easy for him to paint lovely pictures. I think this made it easier for when Anton had to stand up against his father for speaking bad about his mum. I wouldn't be able to tell you the Genre, because there are so many in the book. As well as this, the GCSC year is coming up for him and there are two additional options he has to pick for his future, whilst saving St.Lukes and his new freindships.

Laura

All That It Ever Meant
In Blessings novel, Mati and her family embark on a journey from London to Zimbabwe, grappling with the emotional turmoil following the death of their mother. Every family member navigates their grief through their individual methods, along the road trip Mati encounters a spirit named Metacais, visible only to her, who urges her to share their story. As Mati narrates her family's experiences to Metacais, she faces numerous obstacles, including the need to including the necessity to confront her own sorrow. I really enjoyed how despite Mati living between two cultures she still retains her Zimbabwean heritage. I also loved Musariri's element of magical realism in the book. I suggest this book for readers aged 14 and older, as it delves into themes of loss and addresses various issues pertinent to young adults.

Shahida

The Final Year
"The Final Year" is a book that I will never forget. I was surprised how much I enjoy this book, especially because this is the first novel in verse I've read. The story follows a boy called Nate, a year six student as he explores a new chapter of his life, and prepares for more yet to come. Nate's take on strong emotions really captured my attention. I love how he addresses his emotions as "The Beast", as sometimes it's hard to accept your own feelings, like anger and sadness. His teacher, Mr Joshua, couldn't have been a better teacher for Nate in his final year. Throughout the book, Mr Joshua helps Nate learn how to accept and control his feelings, and their bond only grows stronger. Another thing I loved about this book was the relationship dynamics between Nate and his two younger brothers. The pressure and maturity that is set on Nate at home isn't easy as the eldest child, but through dark times, or when he's struggling, he will still always find time to spend with his brothers and take care of them. I would recommend this book to all year six pupils, or anyone who wants to read a touching, heartfelt story. Matt Goodfellow really touched me with this novel; never in my life have two blank pages say so much. I would rate this book a 4.5 out of 5; I absolutely loved it.

Seren