Book Squad

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