Cake a Book Club

Birdie
I read Birdie in its proof copy form and enjoyed both the story and the historical background. I'd been curious about these children of mixed parentage as a friend born in 1954 found herself with a similar origin story to Birdie, being fostered from a Barnardos home and taken to live in a rural town also in Yorkshire. Birdie's resilience is enviable as she just wants to be accepted for who she is and not judged on her background. I loved the relationship between Birdie and Mr Duke the retired pit pony, both outsiders in their own way.

Mrs P

Ghostlines 
I loved the world building of the island and the relationship between Albie and Tilda. I also enjoyed the mystery of Rowan. I want a sequel with a time skip of a few years so they can find out how they feel about eachother.

Cece

Popcorn
How can one day at school go so wrong for just one person? While Andrew's friends can laugh off or accept what occurs (see Kendrick's canteen ketchup incident) he finds it difficult and the anxiety levels rack up till the corn of his brain is literally popping. My opinion of Andrew changed throughout the book as the sources of his anxiety come to light and the worry that he will turn out like his absent father Dan, a fastidious yet angry person. The support Andrew receives from his friends and school staff is phenomenal and he finds a kindred spirit in Mr Kellerman the art teacher. Loved the apt illustrations too. This book should be in school wellbeing and learning support settings as well as the Library.

Mrs P