Diary of a Wally Kid

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I think that my brothers would really enjoy this book. They would especially love the giant pelican robot suit! This book is about bullying and being a bit different to your friends and standing up for yourself. I loved that the book was about animals that could speak and I will definitely recommend this book to my brothers to read. It was an interesting book but it is not something I would usually read.

jess

Popcorn
I really enjoyed Popcorn. I think it explains what it is like to have anxiety in day to day life as a person who struggles with anxiety; it shows the reality of turning up each day. I think that the popcorn meter is a brilliant way to explain to people how you are right now, and know how you're feeling and having the right coping mechanisms to help yourself. This book also shows having 'safe people' around is really helpful and they are there for when you need their help. I think this is a brilliant book to have out there.

jess

Wolf Siren
Wolf Siren is a novel written by Beth O'Brien. It is an adventurous fantasy novel, featuring a brave protagonist named Red. This book can be described as action-packed, mysterious, and even magical in some places. I liked Red's courage and determination throughout the entire story, as well as the world created by the author, which seemed rather unique. There were numerous plot turns in this novel, which kept me interested until the very end.

Anika

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
'24 Seconds From Now' written by Jason Reynolds is a humorous and realistic novel that focuses on a young teenager named Neon who prepares himself for a night with his girlfriend. The book is written in a very informal style and, thus, easily comprehensible and engaging for teens. I appreciated the way in which the book touched upon the topics of relationships, pressure, and maturity through a humorous lens.

Anika

The Boy I Love
"The boy I love" by William Hussey is a very touching and intriguing novel, which takes place during the First World War. In this work, we get to know about the story of two young soldiers, Stephen and Danny, who fall in love with each other while taking part in the war. This novel describes what kind of hardships the men had to go through, and what kind of attitude prevailed toward those whose loves were not considered socially acceptable.

Anika

Ghostlines 
This was a great book with an interesting story line. I liked how you don't know why Rowan, her brother, has left until the very end and how all you get it little hints to why. For me this made the story more interesting and made me not want to put it down. I liked how the book addressed the feeling of being an outsider from multiple points of view including what it is like to be the outsider or what people see when they look at the outsider. I liked how there were hints about the outsiders' life before he came but we don't know why he left until the end. This technique of delaying an idea is expertly incorporated throughout the story making it impossible to put down. Overall a great book although the language was a bit young for me it was still an enjoyable read.

Kate

Popcorn
I loved Popcorn so much! It was a captivating story about at a boy with anxiety. It used amazing word pictures to describe what is like to have anxiety and I found that I found myself feeling what the main character was feeling as he dealt with his anxiety. I love how the book helps to explain what anxiety feels like through story telling which can help those who have it be able to articulate it or those who don't understand what it is like to have anxiety. The story was interesting and all the characters had their own attraction, even the adults. I loved how the book also addressed family issues and how challenging it can be to have a negligent parent or a family member with Alzheimer's. Over all an amazing read that I would definitely recommend for anyone although the story line is a bit young on the surface but it has depth if you are looking for it.

Kate

Popcorn
Popcorn is a book about a kid with anxiety trying to manage school life. It has been written realistically but also funny so it's enjoyable for younger readers. The scenarios are clearly overexaggerated but can also be seen as an accurate portrayal of what every day life feels like. The characters are all complex and act human, with mistakes and clear differences. The tension was slightly predictable but you could still feel the characters panic and I really liked that.

Lettie

Wolf Siren
I really liked this book and the layout of it because it was an easy read and I loved the storyline of this book. Despite it being really sad in the end I still think it should have a chance of winning.

Bibi

Birdie
I really enjoyed this book and I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves animals and quick reads. This was a heart warming book and it had lots of descriptions which made feel immersed in the book and in Birdie's life. I also thought that Mr Duke, the horse, was the main character and the real hero of this book. One of my favourite parts of this book was finding out about history in a fiction book so it was very fun to explore.

Bibi

Not Going To Plan
I loved this book! Marnie was an amazingly crafted character, along with Zed which made this book so fun to read! I think that the theme of the book was extremely empowering and the opinions expressed through it I couldn't agree with more. Although this is aimed at older audiences I still found this book gripping and couldn't really put it down! The way the pages are laid out also gives it a certain flair and I loved the way we got both Zed's and Marnie's perspectives in the plotline. In conclusion I absolutely loved this book and will definitely read it again in the near future!

Cassia

Birdie
Birdie is a powerful book about racism and friendship, showing how you can find the positives even in the worst situations. Set in the 1950's, some of the characters ideas and speech were more difficult to understand at the start, but the story pulls you in as it goes. Birdie's sense of right and wrong is very definite, and added another layer to the story. The connection Birdie had with Mr Duke was really sweet and felt very real, I loved seeing the development between them and everyone else. There were some very definite themes that were shown clearly and it was really well written.

Lettie

Ghostlines 
I really enjoyed this book! I found Tilda a loveable and interesting character and paired up with Albie really made the cutest friendship! Although I loved the book in the sense of the plot and characters, I found the use of full stops far to little. Other than that I would really recommend this book to people slightly younger than me. The writing style was vibrant and colourful, making the book feel all the more real, and I found myself getting quite attached to the characters. In conclusion I really enjoyed this book and will probably recommend it to a few people I know!

Cassia

Ghostlines 
I really enjoyed Ghostlines. The book is so adventurous and shows the natural beauty of the world. Katya Balen shows how hard it is when your family grows apart and how the absence of them is in every step you take. Ghostlines is so full of magic and mystery. The book has so many twists and turns that makes it so much more intriguing and fun to read. Overall Ghostlines is full of adventure and mystery that really lets the mind come to life with imagination.

jess

Not Going To Plan
Not Going To Plan I think is a brilliant book for teenage readers. Tia Fisher educates readers on the reality and scariness of teenage pregnancy. This book proves that the people around you are some of the most important people and will help you in the times that you need them. When Marnie decides she wants an abortion, her friends are by her side through it all. Despite their beliefs, in the end the decision was accepted by everyone. Marnie helped a girl who was stuck in a controlling relationship without realising it and spread awareness to girls like her around the world through her art. Not Going To Plan is a brilliant book to spread awareness about manipulation and how deeply you actions can affect somebody else's life.

jess

The Boy I Love
I really enjoyed The Boy I Love, it has made it into some of my top reads! It was a captivating book that really roped you in. This book explains the horrors of war and how unaccepting the world was of peoples sexualities at that time, experiencing the loss of friends along the way because of the ugliness of war and the brutal conditions in the army. Stephan and Danny's relationship had some little bumps along the way which made the book even more lovable and relatable to an extent. Hussey shows in this book the struggle some people have to go through to survive and having a troubled childhood and accepting the ones you love no matter what. Overall I really liked this book and will definitely look into reading more of William Hussey's books.

jess

Ghostlines 
Ghostlines was a really good read. I loved the community aspect and I always wanted to go on to the next page or chapter. The layout was super easy to read and the cover was bright and noticeable. I really wish that this book had a series about them visiting more exclusive islands and the adventures it takes to get to each one. I would also recommend this book to anyone who likes stories that are scary and have plot twists.

BIBI

Wolf Siren
Wolf Siren was such a good book! I loved the themes of injustice and fantasy. Red was such a good main character, with her secretive heritage she makes fantasy much more realistic!

JULIA

Birdie
I recommend Birdie for younger readers ( 9-10 ) who like action. It was an original story idea and had lots of action near the end. It was a unique ending which was believable. It was consistent, and the villagers dislike for Birdie created a tense atmosphere, but nearer the end friendships were born. Birdie is a realistic tale about a girl, a horse and belonging.

Florence

Wolf Siren
I really enjoyed Wolf Siren. I like the mystery and the reality of sexism explained in a way younger people will understand. I really enjoyed the ups and downs and the unspoken magic of the forest.

jess

Wolf Siren
Wolf Siren is a book full of feminist ideas. There are many details and turns you wouldn't expect to see during certain chapters. It's similar to 'Little Red Riding Hood' in a way, which adds a reminder of childhood. I really enjoyed this book and would love to read it again for the first time.

Anika

Wolf Siren
Wolf Siren is an original version of a fairytale, with a vivid atmosphere, and fast pace. It is easy to read, with spaced out lines, making it easy to dip in and out of. Throughout the book, the characters grow, and it makes the reader feel they're with them. All of the characters emotions are detailed and strong. I loved Wolf Siren because it is an empathetic, empowering book.

Sienna

Not Going To Plan
Not Going To Plan was a really informative read. It educated me on abortion and what is really involved, something that needs to be more widely discussed. The book is also written in verse which explores different ways to communicate the story. Throughout the book, verse or the word placement (both in sentences and on the page) were used to add pace or slow it down, create visuals to further the story, emphasise certain words and create an interactive read. I would recommend this book to mature teenagers, as it deals with mature topics such as pregnancy and abortion. Additionally, it would resonate with teens due to the focus on GCSE’s and the stress inducing environment around those. Furthermore, the book was really insightful and accurate about teenage life, making it a relatable read. This is particularly shown through the dual narration between Zed (an intelligent boy who is struggling with the social obstacles teenage years present) and Marnie (a problematic girl who goes on a journey of values and self development). Overall, I found this read inspiring, educating and engaging.

Abi

The Boy I Love
This story is a deep story following Danny and Stephen, and their battles on the frontlines, as well as their inward battles of self-acceptance and understanding. I really liked how the author balanced out the different scenes, as the tension running through the book was constant but not overwhelming. The character dynamics were natural and impactful, and it was clear the author had researched a lot. I loved Stephen's character progress as he gradually learned how to step away from the prejudices from his family and leaders.

Lettie

Birdie
Birdie is a nice story about kindness with topics like adapting to change and belonging. It is set in a village in a rural part of Yorkshire. Previously, she lived south in a care home for people of colour before receiving a letter from her great aunt who doesn't know what she looks like telling her to come and live with her and her husband in a mining village in the middle of Yorkshire. I really liked the middle of the book, especially when you find out about the mine when she and her great uncle go looking down the mine to see Mr Duke. I also liked the ending with the explosion and Birdie thinks Mr Duke has died when he actually has not. Overall I liked the book but I think it was for under my age group.

JULIA

Ghostlines 
I didn't know what to expect when I first saw the book but I really enjoyed the plot and the story was told with depth and made the Island of Ayrie sound like a place I would want to visit. I felt I got to know all the characters well, I enjoyed the last few chapters the most as it had a satisfying ending.

Belle

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
This story was a funny, engaging and simple story about a lizard who feels out of place because he is larger than his friends. I really enjoyed how a book for children tackles issues about body shaming and making people feel different because of the way that they look. The book also introduces a character who is blind. I really like how the book doesn't just have characters that are what society would call normal and how everyone has their own way to shine and that their disability or abnormality can be a superpower that they can use to help others who feel or are treated as inferior. I loved how this was included and how it is teaching younger children to be nice to everyone no matter what they look like and to help those who cannot help themselves. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a light funny read that also has some depth if they choose to look for it.

Kate

Ghostlines 
Ghostlines is a touching story about acceptance and friendship. Set on an island called Ayrie, the immersive writing style helped show Tilda's emotions and understanding of the world. The characters felt relatable and were written thoughtfully, and I liked seeing the developing personalities. The plot was well thought out, and although I didn't feel much tension as a reader, I saw why the characters might. The only thing I didn't like was as the writing style was in Tilda's eye, it felt a bit too childish and made it harder to appreciate the difficult situations.

Lettie

Wolf Siren
SPOILER ALERT I really enjoyed this book as it gives a bedtime story or fairytale a much more sinister twist. I loved how some of the characters were able to turn into wolves which is an ability I would love to have. I got really attached to the characters and was sad when Aerona died at the end. I would definitely recommend this book.

Eva

Wolf Siren
I recommend Wolf Siren because it is action packed and understandable, and has a really interesting theme. The characters are believable and it has a broad range of emotions especially near the end. The community which Red lives in is held up by trust and repaying favours. Red's unusual bond to the woods is interesting and beautiful.

Florence

Birdie
This was an interesting story from the point of view of a young orphan who has just moved in with her aunt. At the start of the book we are not aware what she looks like or what her situation is until we see how others react upon meeting her. I really enjoyed this technique as it showed how prejudice and racist some people are without even knowing that they are and how it makes the person they are being mean to feel. The plot followed the relationship between a girl and a horse she met and is trying to save from being put down as he is old. I feel that it accurately represents the relationship and bond between a young person and any animal. It had a interesting story line even if it was a bit young for me. I would recommend this book to someone who is looking for a fun, heartfelt story.

Kate

Wolf Siren
I enjoyed this book, although I usually read books of a higher age range. I thought it used powerful language and I became quite attached to the characters. I thought it could have benefited from a bit of romance, though I understand this is definitely just a personal preference. Although the idea was a bit done-before, I think the author still managed to twist the story to make it original. It could have engaged me a bit more as I was intrigued to know the ending but not gripped. Overall I thought this was a good book but not to my usual reading taste, though I know if I had read this a few years ago I would have been extremely passionate about it.

Cassia

Birdie
'Birdie' is a story about a young girl who reluctantly leaves her foster family to pursue her family in the Yorkshire Dales. However, along the way, the book takes an unanticipated turn when she encounters an unexpected friend. This book had a good plot full of friendship, challenges, animal love and the authors very clever way of introducing themes of racism to a younger audience in a way that they can easily understand and process. I believe this book will appeal to children aged 6-9.

Noa

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
'Twenty Four Seconds from Now' had an interesting structure with it moving from the future to the past and it had a moderately engaging plot. It follows the relationship between Neon and his girlfriend Aria and how their relationship grows closer and stronger. It is told from Neon's perspective which gives the view of Neon's feelings and emotions as he and Aria take the next step into their relationship. The book didn't have a very gripping storyline and was more of just a narration of a teenagers day-to-day life. It didn't contain any exciting or gripping parts. The book is aimed for 14+ readers and overall, I wouldn't recommend this book as I didn't find myself enjoying the plot or the style it was written in.

Theresa

Wolf Siren
A very detailed and heart-warming tale of friendship, fairytales and making sure you stand up for what you believe in. I would recommend for younger audiences however as I feel I was too old when I read it.

Alice

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I thought it was a great book that clearly had lots of effort and imagination put into it. I loved how Patrick came up with the idea that Zeke should have a country on his knee. I also liked how Zeke had such supportive friends. I would definitely recommend it for kids in between 7 and 10.

Eva

The Boy I Love
'The boy I love' by William Hussey was an amazing read and by far my favourite out of all the Carnegies shortlisted books. It explored a range of themes like war, LGBTQ+ and romance. It was very detailed and transported me back to 1916. The story was told by a young man called Stephen who falls in love with another young solider called Danny. The book takes us on an emotional journey where we learn about the hardships of world war one and what life was like for LGBTQ+ members in the 20th century. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a historical, romance book.

Issy

Not Going To Plan
In the book 'not Going To Plan' by Tia Fisher, the story explores serious topics such as sexual consent and abortion. The book is set in the present time in a secondary school from the perspective of a girl called Marnie and a boy called Zed. I personally loved this book and would definitely read it again. The book transported me to another world and allowed me to see through the eyes of Zed and Marnie. I would definitely recommend this book.

Issy

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
Although 'Twenty-four seconds from now' is a remarkable book and very deserving of the Carnegies award, I found it very hard to read. I usually read fantasy books so it did help me step out my comfort zone but I thought the storyline was quite basic and hard to follow. I also didn't like the way the book was set out (present to past).

Issy