Carnegie@StBede’s

Little Bang
This book is a beautifully written and sensitive portrayal of two teenagers and a really difficult subject. It's a love story - but it's also about finding your own way and being true to yourself in the midst of the noisy clamour of everyone else's opinions , not to mention politics, religion and society. Northern Ireland in 2018 is a very specific time and place but like all the best books, this story feels timeless.

Ms Hill

Little Bang
In this book, Mel, an academic genius with her heart set on Cambridge, becomes pregnant aged 15 in Northern Ireland during a time, not that long ago, when abortion was illegal.  This book moved me to tears, opened my eyes to other perspectives and gave much me greater empathy.  The plot is brilliant, the characters honest and believeable and the book totally unforgettable.

Ms Shakhov

The Final Year
Nate is 10 and even though he's had some really tough stuff to deal with, everything seems to be going ok - until his best mate gets put in a different class to him for year 6. And then things start going from bad to worse, at home and at school, and Nate has to draw on reserves he didn't know he had, and find help and support in new ways. I found this story profoundly moving - it's really all about love, friendship, dealing with adversity and the power of words. It's written in verse, which makes it a quick read, but which also powerfully represents Nate's voice and his struggles to express his feelings.

Katie

The Things We Leave Behind
I found the pace of this a little slow at the start but it really picked up speed as the book went along and it became quite gripping from about a third of the way in. There are stories within stories as the main character, Clem, voices her own feelings about loss (temporary and permanent). There are lots of loose ends to tie up at the and I think that the author does a good job of leaving the reader satisfied and interested to know how it all turns out for each of the characters. We are left with hope even though we don't know exactly how things end for everyone.

Ms Shakhov

Little Bang
This book explores the topic of teenage pregnancy in Northern Ireland at a time when abortion was still illegal. This is a poignant story, narrated through the eyes of the two main characters, Mel and Sid. It describes, through references to time travel and parallel universes, their beliefs, challenges, hopes and doubts for the future. I have thoroughly enjoyed this book, the storytelling is beautiful, making it an informative and powerful read about choices and growing-up in a changing world.

Ms Bressler

Homebody
I really like the idea of the book. Trying to find youself in the world and doing things that can help you find out who you really are is really good! Theos decisions have gave him a positive impact to his life and even when things go down hill, he always climbs back up to find his home body. I really like this book!

Adam

Homebody
This is a book shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Illustration and I think it deserves to be.  The pictures merge with fantasy and are playful which makes what could be a difficult topic of finding your true authentic self as a trangender/ cisgender person seem less daunting.  The author/ illustrator uses muted colours and simple but effective drawings in a comic strip/ graphic novel style.  In my opinion, this is a thought-provoking and helpful book.

Ms Shakhov

Clever Crow
***** Best picture book ever! I've enjoyed this book until the last stroke of the brush. Gorgeous pictures,great facts that you might have never known and displayed in a way that makes it hard to put it down. Just love it!

Isla