Brentwood Carnegies

All That It Ever Meant
'All That It Ever Meant' is a story about a girl called Mati whose mother unfortunately dies leaving behind her naughty older sister ChiChi, her younger brother Tana, her dad, Baba and her. The story takes you on her travels through Zimbabwe where she encounters a spirit called Meticais who helps her through her grief journey. I really enjoyed this book because it is an amazing short, quick read book which is also interesting and exciting. I would give this book 4 stars.

Emily

Play
This was probably my least favourite book that I read shadowing the Carnegie Awards, as I found it hard to keep up with the way the story and plot jumps from character to character before you even really have a chance to find out what’s going on. Nearer to the end of the book it becomes easier to understand and I found it a lot better. It is interesting to follow the stories of all four boys, but quite saddening to see how one of them gets into the drug business. SPOILER ALERT: The worst bit is when Johnny dies at the end, however, this does give some bite to the storyline. Overall I would rate this book 7 out of 10

Jack

The Things We Leave Behind
I found this book really interesting as the writer creates a very effective atmosphere in which we can feel the characters emotions as they grow to understand what is going on in this dystopian world and the effect that the poor government is having. The plot twists and turns and there is the odd plot twist that keeps the reader on edge as we follow Clem along her journey to save herself and her sister. It is really interesting to see how the author portrays there relationship. Overall it took me a bit to get into it but once I did I really enjoyed this book. I would rate it 8/10.

Jack

The Final Year
This was probably the most unique and unorthodox book I have ever read and I loved it. I don’t know anyone who would even try to write a book in poetry and it has turned out so well. You really get attached to the characters and can sympathise with Nate’s angry outbursts. The story takes a turn when his brother goes to hospital, as we already know how much Nate cares for him, and the reaction is really heartwarming. One of the reasons I liked the book so much is because of the fact that I can remember feeling exactly as Nate did as I reached the end of year 6. In my opinion this makes the book a very strong 9/10 and I really enjoyed reading it.

Jack

King of Nothing
Where to start? This book is undoubtedly my absolute favourite book I read in this Carnegie selection. I loved that it wasn’t over exaggerated, but it captured perfectly how school can be like an hierarchy of popularity. It then shows a break in this hierarchy through an unlikely friendship. The book also shows us how Anton changes, slowly, into a kinder person who realises that popularity isn’t everything and how everyone can change. I love this message and I feel that this story puts this forward to the reader. The emotional rollercoaster of the meetings with his dad and the death of his Nana also shows the struggle of teenagers who appear not to be struggling. Anton seems to be on top of the world at first sight, but really it is just an illusion. This shows that we never know what someone is going through and we should never judge a book by its cover. I also like how his relationship with Matthew transforms, from him being ‘stuck with him’, to them being best friends as it shows anything can happen, even the most unlikely. Overall the book was brilliant, from the key moral messages to the slow and interesting transition from the ‘King’ of school to having a great friendship, this book was utterly amazing. The book also took me on an emotional rollercoaster through Nana's health, and even though she died, this created a realistic sense in the book.

Pranav

The Things We Leave Behind
All I can say is amazing! The book follows the primary protagonist Clem, and how she evades prosecution, from the fascist Prime Minister, Toby Knight. I loved the fleeing atmosphere, where Clem and Billie did anything, to find sanctuary in Scotland, like living in the woods. I also enjoyed the interesting characters in the book, like Shaun and Jonah, who both developed from being portrayed as a possible danger to Clem, to helping her reach Scotland. The journey transitions from road to sea, each journey with heart racing adventures. My favourite character had to be Billie, as she was not only innocent, but I felt she brought the story humour, which was extremely needed as without humour, a book can become dull. I enjoyed the structure of the book, the way the story went back and forth between how she got where she was and the present. This gave the book a unique twist of a different timeline. I loved the dystopic atmosphere of the book and how the country was ruined. It gave the sense that they had to escape a dangerous and unpredictable place, which made the book exhilarating to read.

Pranav

The Final Year
All I can say about this book is wow! The poetic writing style of the book beautifully captures how Nate is feeling through the transition from Year 6 to Year 7 and the problems he faces throughout his journey. Firstly, the poetic writing style really made me empathise with Nate and feel what Nate felt. I feel this book was an especially great book for the Carnegie Book Awards, as all the readers of the book have undergone the transition from year 6 to year 7, whilst not as dramatic, the book shows the losing and gaining of friends, and the uncertainty of what will come next. I loved the use of the metaphorical phrase, the ‘beast’ as it reflected how Nate was young and dealing with problems he did not fully understand. I was also thoroughly invested in the rollercoaster of Dylan’s health, which made me want to read on and fully immersed me in the book. Overall this book was captivating, from the relatable story of the loss and gain of friends from year 6 to year 7, mixed with problems with the ‘beast’, poverty and his brother's health.

Pranav

The Final Year
When I first started reading this book, I wasn’t really sure what it would be like. I like poetry, but I usually expect poems to rhyme or follow a pattern. This book didn’t do that, which at first felt a bit strange, but then I actually started to enjoy it. The poems had a nice flow, and even though they didn’t rhyme, they still sounded really smooth and meaningful. It was different from what I’m used to, but in a good way. The writing made me think and helped me picture what the character was feeling. The story is about a boy in Year 6 who is getting ready to move on to Year 7. At first, it seems like it’s just going to be about school and settling in, but then something really unexpected happens. He loses his best friend because of a bully. I didn’t see that coming at all, and it made me feel a bit shocked. That twist in the story really changed the way I was reading it. It made things more serious, and I started to feel more connected to the character because it reminded me of how things can be tough when you’re going through big changes like moving to a new school. One of the parts I liked the most was the relationship between the main character and his teacher. The teacher really supported him, and you could tell that he made a big difference in how the boy coped with everything. I think a lot of people can relate to having a teacher who helped them through a hard time. The way that was written felt real and believable. I also found the family part of the story interesting. It wasn’t like the usual kind of family you read about in books, and that made the story feel more unique. Even though some parts of the story were emotional and a bit sad, there were also moments that showed hope and growth. The main character doesn’t give up, and by the end, you can see that he’s learning how to deal with things and keep going. It felt like a realistic way to show what it’s like moving from primary school to secondary school. I think this book would be really good for children in primary school, especially people in Year 5 or 6. It gives a good look at what it feels like to be in that stage of life, and it shows that secondary school might not be as scary as it seems. The poems are different from usual books, but once you get used to the style, they really help tell the story in a creative way. It’s not a book that I expected to like so much, but I’m glad I gave it a chance

Mo

Play
Play is about four teenage boys trying to deal with life, each in their own way. The characters: Matthew, Luc, Jonny, and Mark all have different personalities and problems, but they’re connected by this weird game they’ve made up, which kind of becomes their way of coping with everything going on around them. What I found interesting was how each boy deals with pressure. Matthew is more in his own world, while Luc is all about testing his limits. Jonny’s a bit of a mystery most of the time, and Mark gets involved in things he probably shouldn’t, just to feel like he matters. The way Mark’s storyline plays out shows how some teens try to find a sense of purpose in the wrong places, and that part actually hit pretty hard. The book looks at some serious stuff like growing up without much support, dealing with toxic expectations, and not really knowing how to talk about feelings. The way the boys act around each other says a lot, the teasing, the silence, the moments where they actually open up. It felt pretty realistic, like a group of teens who don’t always know what they’re doing but are trying to figure it out. There were parts that dragged a bit for me, and sometimes it felt like the book was trying to say a lot all at once. But I still liked how it didn’t sugarcoat anything. The writing style is simple but works for the story. And I liked that the ending didn’t give us all the answers, it leaves some things up to the reader, which actually made it more memorable.

Mo

The Final Year
This book truly shocked me but in a good way. 'The Final Year' was quite unique compared to what I am used to reading. Its poem format intrigued me, along with its captivating story and characters. The book follows the main character Nate through his final year in primary school. Nate’s many hardships and struggles are personified as a monster which takes control of his emotions leading to Nate often lashing out. However, his episodes have been getting worse and more frequent and it’s all because of the looming reality of Nate moving schools. Nate’s mental health is suffering as he faces many situations he doesn’t know how to handle from losing his best friend to a bully, to the intense disease his brother Dylan has to fight, surely no random new teacher can help with this volume of stress, at least this is how Nate felt. The verse format the book really helps to capture Nate’s emotions effectively as there were even some chapters which were less than a page which really put emphasis of what was in there and was one of the main reasons why this book hooked me. I would definitely recommend this to primary and secondary school students (especially students above year three) as I believe it has real life aspects to it which is sure to teach students lessons about what is to come and how hard it can be.

Ethan

King of Nothing
The novel "King of Nothing" written by Nathanael Lessore is a heart-warming book that explores teenage gang-threat, friendship and love. The main character, Anton, goes through a lot of grief and bullying throughout primary school, having to bear the nasty comments day-in and day-out from his peers, constantly reminding him of the one thing he could never forget; his father. This nightmare followed him around everywhere he went, until secondary school, which he thought would be a fresh start. Unfortunately for Anton, the word got out quickly that the new boy's dad was a criminal but instead of it resulting in bullying, it attracted friends - bad friends. From then on Anton faced many challenges in school, with friendships and even at home, Anton worked hard to find out who he really was and what truly mattered. Amid the chaos and tension Anton conquers his personal struggles and as the story unfolds it captures Anton's bittersweet journey and shows his resilience. Nathanael Lessore beautifully blends themes of resilience, identity and bullying into making "King of Nothing" a book with a powerful message.

Teni

The Final Year
I enjoyed the Final Year because I found it interesting how poems can portray such deep feelings and also how they can show what someone is thinking and going through even better (in some cases) than books written normally. I think that it is very well written, especially because it’s written in poetry. I think that showing what a year 6 student is going through in their last year in primary school is really interesting and to read an adult's take on that.

Evelyn

King of Nothing
I thoroughly enjoyed this funny and heartwarming story. I think it really touched on the ideas of peer pressure and the strain of being a teenager. I think this book makes us think about how we may encounter both of these things on a daily basis. In this book Anton sets a prime example to all those facing these strains and shows us that you don’t have to be stopped doing what makes you happy just because your friends look down on it. In my opinion I think Anton was absolutely right to separate himself from his ‘gang’. This separation really allowed him to understand who he truly was, instead of pretending to be this rough gangster who everyone expected him to be. I think this book definitely deserved its place in the Carnegie Book Awards because it was a book that both had me in stitches and tears. Sometimes at the same time!

Amelie

Play
Luke Palmer’s Play is a gripping and authentic portrayal of adolescence, focusing on four teenage boys: Matthew, Luc, Johnny, and Mark. Their lives revolve around invented games and scoring points off each other, which I found really interesting. Another thing I found interesting was the way they all interacted with each other. Each character is distinct with clear, separate voices: Matthew retreats into his imagination, Luc tests his physical limits; Johnny remains enigmatic, and Mark, seeking status and excitement, becomes entangled in his older brother’s illicit activities. Mark's descent into the dangerous world of drug operations shows how easily vulnerable youths can be drawn into criminal enterprises. I found it interesting the way he felt he was worthless and doing these jobs got him some sort of worth and made him feel important and useful. Palmer's narrative goes into themes of toxic masculinity, peer pressure, and internalised homophobia. The boys' interactions reflect the expectations placed on them, like Mark with his mother and Luke with his father and Johnny's lack of expectations shows through his character as he is more carefree. The novel doesn't shy away from difficult topics such as drug use and familial neglect, presenting them with honesty and sensitivity. The boys' banter, rivalries, and moments of vulnerability are intensely authentic. Matthew and Mark's longing for each other was done so well and the author showed what kept them from each other really well, making their reunion worth it. I loved the climax that ended with the death of Johnny and with it the truth to everything. I especially loved the ending. The way their lives went after Johnny's death was vague, allowing the reader to choose their reality out of the given scenarios. Altogether, Play is a piece of art. It is worthy of 5 stars.

Eliphel

The Final Year
The Final Year is a story that perfectly tailors itself into fitting the mood of the scene, taking the reader through ups and downs, creating moments of suspense and hope only to shatter that spark with a plot twist. I cried many times during this book, showcasing just how much it touched my heart and showcasing just how well written it is. The story goes about Nate, a child entering year 6 and preparing for his SATs, his two younger siblings Dylan and Jaxon, with their single mother working hard to provide, fathers long gone and out of the picture. Except Dylan falls ill halfway through the book, getting hospitalised, and Nate has to deal with the possible death of his youngest brother, losing his best friend to a rebel of a student and the pressure of the SATs. It’s an incredible read, and makes you feel for Nate in ways you never knew you could.

Ela

The Things We Leave Behind
I really enjoyed 'The Things We Leave Behind' and I found it really interesting how it was written because it is written in the present, past with pieces of a fairy tale entwined in the gaps. It is a dystopian, war torn England where the country is on the brink of a decimating civil war. It is from a young girl's perspective, who is separated from her family and has to run to other parts of Britain to escape the coming war. I would recommend this book to Year 8 plus.

Evelyn

All That It Ever Meant
I loved this book immensely! Throughout the story, the characters were telling a tale with a strong sense of determination and kindness. At the start, there is tension between the family, since they had an argument, but at the end of the book, there is a sense of togetherness and peace in the family. Blessing Musariri created such an incredible book and there are many hidden meanings for the duration of the book. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone.

Freya

The Things We Leave Behind
The Things We Leave Behind is an amazing and emotional book. This book was written excellently. Every page I read, I envisioned easily. This book is about Clem and her half sister Billie fleeing to Scotland after trouble breaks out in London. Her journey along the way is far from easy, and she has to overcome several heartbreaking obstacles in her way. The Things We Leave Behind is an amazing story, I strongly sympathised with the characters and it made me feel so grateful and blessed for the life I have now. The ending is bittersweet, but it was written beautifully. This book is so emotional and is now without a doubt one of my favourite books. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone as it really can make you change your perspective and make you appreciate your life.

Priscilla

King of Nothing
I could not have been happier that I chose this book. It is definently my new favourite book. I gave this book a five star rating because it has so many amazing elements to it. The storyline is about a boy the whole school fears, but after his life was saved by the biggest ‘nerd’ in school he starts to wonder if his reputation is so good after all. This book made me change my perspective on many things. It made me think about my current friendships and it taught me to know my worth. It taught me how to tell right from wrong, and that doing something wrong for the right reasons doesn't make you a bad person. It also taught me that anyone can change, and that even at the lowest point in your life it’s possible to turn it around. You are who you surround yourself with. This is also the book that got me into reading, I used to find reading boring and something that I have to do; but I know that I just have to find the right books, like this one. 10/10 read, would definitely recommend.

Priscilla

King of Nothing
I really enjoyed reading this book. It had, aspects of adventure and a plot twist 'The King of Nothing' is about Anton, who is a bully, that meets a person called Matthew who is called the school's biggest loser. Then Matthew, unexpectedly saved Anton’s life, when Anton got stung by a bee. He then uses an EpiPen to save Anton’s life. I would really encourage anyone to read this book and read more of the books that Nathanael Lessore has written.

Ronov

King of Nothing
This book is about is about Anton and his friend, they think they run the school. In reality they absolutely don’t run it, but all the other kids go by his rules when really it should be the headmaster. He actually runs the place. Matthew saves Anton’s life and it creates an unbreakable friendship, and then Anton really has a hard think about if he wants to be a bully and run the school or if he wants to to do something bigger with his life. The book is very inspiring because it teaches you a lesson that is if you put your mind to it you can do anything!

Adem

The Final Year
An incredibly real and emotionally charged story about a 10/11 year old boy moving into Year 6, navigating his way through life's challenges - some of which (hopefully) no child should endure. It is a very easy story, presented in verse, but really a story. I love the book, it's very heartfelt and warming, good for kids.

Alex

King of Nothing
'King of Nothing' by Nathanael Lessore is the book I chose for the Carnegie, I really enjoyed this book because the author writes in first person and when he does that he writes like an actual teenager, which makes it sound authentic. It seems like the book was written by a child and not a grown adult. This is a really amazing book.

Nathaniella

The Final Year
I’m normally not very emotional, but when it came to this book, it made my cry more than once. The Final Year is a book about Nate, the life of a boy who’s entering his final year at his primary school. He faces many challenges throughout this final year, navigating friendships, school and a struggling home life - all while his little brother falls extremely unwell. This story is told beautifully in poem. The portrayal of Nate’s resilience in the face of adversity is both inspiring and like you’ve been stabbed with a knife. I would be able to read this book almost everyday, it’s so interesting, I almost couldn’t stop reading!

Alia

King of Nothing
All I can say is wow ! This book was amazing and lived up to what I expected, especially from the author of 'Steady For This' which was also a thrilling book. I could try my best, but I would not find many faults in the plot. To me it was so moving, this storyline was able to make me angry, happy, amused, annoyed and sad all in one chapter. The plot of the King of Nothing follows the main character Anton, whose dad was sent to prison after getting in a fist fight. For as long as he remembered his friends from the “Mandem” have been with him through his highs and lows, as long as he’s with his friends, Caleb, Marcus and Kehinde he will never be made fun of again. He thinks that he will always be the 'king' of the school, but after getting in trouble with his mum and being forced into a “moist” camping trip, then getting saved by one of the losers on the receiving end of his friends insults, he begins to doubt everything Kehinde says. This story explores many different realities, like women’s rights and masculinity and despite being very delicate topics the book handles them almost perfectly. I know for a fact that this book will be one of my top reads for a while.

Ethan

Play
‘Play’ by Luke Palmer was definitely outside my usual reading genre, but I found it a gripping and eye-opening read. The way it explores male friendships, masculinity, and the struggles a boy can face was both insightful and heartbreaking. I found myself unexpectedly invested in their journeys, even when their choices frustrated me. While it’s not the kind of book I would have normally picked up, I’m glad I did - I may not pick another one of this type, but I enjoyed it. It gave me a new perspective on the pressures and challenges young men experience. Luke Palmer definitely highlights the pressures of masculinity and the power of friendship . I would recommend this book to anyone who is ok with 'Young Adult' themes like drugs and gangs, and who likes a thrilling and eye opening story.

Reya

King of Nothing
This was my favourite book of the whole Carnegie shortlist because of its real life setting, I loved the way the author subtly developed Anton and Matthew’s relationship. The plot was incredible and the wide range of vocabulary really made us feel the emotions of the characters, for example you can really feel his distaste at the idea of going to the happy campers, but by the end you can really sense how much he is enjoying it, especially The St. John’s project. I love the plot because it brings in a lot of problems that could happen in real life. However there are also some more exotic problems such as his dad being released from jail. The thing that speaks to me the most, (literally) is the language, the use of more modern language allows us to really get into it. The thing that gives it character is the moment when (SPOILER ALERT) his Nan dies. It was a tragedy, I feel that it did not need to happen, however I feel it really makes this book just that little bit more interesting. I have also read 'Steady For This' and feel that although that one was good, this one is superior. I think that this is one the best books I have ever read.

Jack