Euro Champs
Popcorn
I liked Popcorn because it is funny at times and also I feel like readers with anxiety and OCD would relate to it. The novel also has images that helped me understand the story a bit more though I feel like the plot was a bit predictable. Overall this book was good. I would rate it a solid 3/5.
Clara
Wolf Siren
You shouldn't trust someone just because, you have to know the whole story before you judge.
The narrative is from a girl called Red's point of view and it follows her story as she discovers things about herself, her village's past, and what really happened. In my opinion it was a good book as it involves trust, betrayal, and people being too quick to judge when they don't know the whole truth. The book shows the growth of a person, and how it can affect others as well, as Red changes throughout the book, and how the villagers feel about certain events also changes.
Red lives in a little village on the edge of a forest, and she loves walking in the forest. The rest of the village is scared of the forest as there are wolves in there, and they have already attacked some huntsmen from her village. Red still goes there, even when she knows she shouldn't, as the wolves don't seem to attack the women. One day, she finds her long-lost Grandma in there. Her Grandma teaches her about the forest, and things that Red didn't know she could do. A year goes by, before her Grandma disappears again.
Throughout the story Red discovers what she can do, some secrets, and the whole truth. Red grows up and learns what she must do to finally free the village from their past fears, and to ensure a good future where they can live in harmony with the forest and its inhabitants.
It is a good book to read as it shows how you can never be too sure who to trust and you mustn't judge people too quickly without knowing all sides of a story. It also demonstrates how controlling people can be, and how it isn't good to hide your true self just because somebody else doesn't like it or doesn't agree with you for whatever reason.
Alba
Ghostlines
Katya Balen’s novel is a quietly powerful story set on a remote and isolated island, where everyday life is shaped by silence, sea, and distance. The plot follows a girl whose routine is disrupted when a new boy arrives, leading her to question long-held rumours about a forbidden nearby island said to be haunted. Rather than focusing on action, the story unfolds through atmosphere and discovery.
The character development is subtle but effective, especially in the way the main character begins to shift from certainty to curiosity. Relationships feel realistic, showing how people can grow through small, unspoken moments. The setting is one of the strongest elements, with the island described in a way that feels both beautiful and slightly unsettling. The narrative is closely tied to the protagonist’s perspective, allowing the reader to experience uncertainty and emotion alongside her.
Themes of isolation, memory, and imagination run throughout the novel, reflecting how easily people can project feelings onto empty spaces in the real world. I found the book deeply engaging and thought-provoking, especially in how it builds tension without relying on obvious supernatural moments. It left me wishing for just a few more subtle hints of the mysterious presence on the island, but that also adds to its strength. Overall, it is an insightful read that lingers in the mind long after finishing.
Maria
Not Going To Plan
Rock Bottom Is a Beginning, Not the End
Give this book your all—and it just might give you everything back.
‘Not going to plan’ by Tia Fisher is a fast-paced highly visual novel that really gives its characters a voice. It’s a powerful read consulting sexual consent, unplanned pregnancy and the breaking of taboos. Yes, it does consult these themes boldly, but there is an intentional sincerity sandwiched between the lines of the novel. This strikes the perfect balance between the stark realism of the plot and the meaningful message that has to be transmitted.
The plot follows Marnie and Zed, two total opposites struggling to pass their GCSEs, who form an unlikely bond when Marnie moves to a new school. Their lives are upended when Marnie becomes pregnant after an act of “stealthing” by her classmate Harry, forcing her-with Zed’s support-, to navigate the legal and emotional fallout of a non-consensual encounter while facing their final exams.
What struck me most was how unexpectedly relatable this book felt. My life is nothing like Marnie’s, or any other character’s, yet I still found myself connecting deeply with the atmosphere and feeling as though I was living alongside them. The novel is written with a level of humanity that many books seem to lack. It is something simple, yet often misunderstood. Humanity is not built on perfection or constant excitement. It is shaped by ups and downs, and by individuals who are always learning, growing, and changing.
The immersive setting in ‘Not Going to Plan’ adds depth and realism to the story. I’ve been living in the UK for a few years now and sometimes it feels like living in your own peculiar bubble. The book creates a comfortable, realistic setting that reflects that, hooking the reader into the story even more. Although personally the setting felt very tactile, it might not have its full impact on non-Brittish readers who aren’t accustomed to the book’s setting and subjects, such as the concept of GCSE’s.
It is written in verses, where the two protagonists take turns expressing both monologues and dialogues. This structure feels very intentional: not only does it guide the reader through the story more fluidly, but it also gives each character space to be heard. It highlights their individuality and encourages a sense of honesty and bravery in how they express themselves.
In Not Going to Plan, there is a subtle feeling of the relentless struggle to reach perfection, much like in real life. This is explored in several ways throughout the novel. It wasn’t exactly Marnie’s pregnancy that gave the punch, it was quite expected, but rather the whole backstory created behind each and every character, which was stunning and captivating. Every character begins from somewhere, and they all strive for their own version of perfection. Along the way, they encounter problems, some bigger than others, but still obstacles that obscure their perfect reality. I can’t find anything more humane or better reflective of the nature of living. It’s a primordial instinct, a call that isn’t very often resonated.
I believe that authors can choose how to communicate their story and their ideas. It can be through an action-packed plot or through simple thoughts and reflections that appeal to our emotions. For me, this is what sets apart paper with words from a true book. A book, in my opinion, encourages the reader to reflect on deeper, more personal thoughts, and sometimes even act on them in real life. An action-packed story can be exciting, but so can a film. Books, however, offer something more lasting. They stay with you, shaping the way you think and feel long after you’ve finished them. That’s what makes them so powerful.
‘Not going to Plan’ is a book. I felt very drawn to it as I never thought I would. It was comforting to feel absorbed by the humanity of it; to know that everyone has their ups and downs, but we all make it out of the pit somehow. When I flipped the last page of this book, I knew it was only the end of the beginning.
Noemi-Grace
Ghostlines
'Ghostlines' is set on an island somewhere in England. The story follows Tilda as she plays in tree houses, explores haunted islands and grows as a person. The book has beautiful descriptions that creates vivid pictures of sweeping heather and glittering fairy pools. I would recommend it for readers ages 9+.
Anika
Wolf Siren
Wolf Siren: "Seeing Red"
This coming-of-age adventure journeys back in time as well as journeying to another place. At the time that Red's childhood is set, humans are still using wood for heating and crossbows for combat. Yet this doesn't hinder the magic of Red's experiences of wolves and nature and injustice. The cruel mayor enforces the lie of the danger that wolves present to keep the people afraid and under control. It's made worse by the fact that the woodcutter's unexplained absence and the shortage of fuel plunges the town into darkness and disguises something terrible. I would recommend this tale to many a passionate reader, who enjoys a delightful community and family legend.
Ruben
Wolf Siren
Forget the helpless girl in the red cloak. In Beth o' Brien's Wolf Siren, Red isn't just surviving in the woods-she's answering their call. This powerful novel reimagines a classic tale with feminist awareness, exploring what happens when the "hunted" finally find their voice. This book was a mesmerizing read, and I just could not put it down. The story follows Red on her journey into finding her voice, along with Aerona and Delana, who support Red all the way through her exciting, but slightly frightening change. Red and her family live in a small but heavily controlled village, where the mayor finds a way to control everything and everyone in a way that suits himself, but everything changes when Red's emotions take on a mind of their own, and before she knows it, Red is caught up in a world of magic, wolves and wilds. The reader experiences the book through Red's heightened senses to substitute her blurred vision, focusing on touch, smell and sound. This amazing novel was an emotional rollercoaster and hooked me from the first paragraph, making me feel like I was in the book: sad with Red, happy with Red, angry with Red. It is written so vividly that I feel as if I am in her shoes, experiencing the forest through her unique perspective.
This is a must-read for anyone who loves a fantastical, magical adventure with a strong heroine.
Maria
Ghostlines
Ghostlines: Isolation in Isolation
This book tells the story of a young girl named Tilda, who tries to regain some of the happiness she lost when her brother left their family's home on Ayrie island by trying to make friends with the new boy who arrives on the island with his mum. This doesn't work out well, since the boy is never joining the community, staying in the shadows. Her last try at persuading him to enjoy life on Ayrie causes everyone a lot more trouble than expected. The themes Balen explores include the influences of differences on society, friendship (love) and longing, the latter relating to Tilda's wishing for her brother to come home. I would recommend this read to those who enjoy emotional stories that share the main character's feelings with the reader. Altogether, I would say it is a nice read, no matter how old the reader thinks the right age range is for them: it's great, just let it pull you in.
Ruben
Wolf Siren
'Wolf siren' is a beautiful tale set in a village surrounded by forest in a world where wolves are feared as monsters. The story follows Red as she tries to change her village for the better. I was lost within the forest of pages in this heartfelt tale and I would recommend it for readers ages 10+.
Anika
The Boy I Love
Love in a book
The boy I love by William Hussey had me giggling and kicking my feet like the teenage girl I am. This book about two soldiers in the military in WW2 (Stephen a Lieutenant and Danny McCormick a private) finding love in a place and situation so horrible and against them most would find it impossible as they hide their relationship from the Homophobic society of the time, finding small moments to love and live in each others presence. They go through thick and thin together, through being buried in a tunnel to the panic of having no way to keep each other safe forever despite their best efforts. This was such a character driven book you genuinely form connections with the characters so strong you cry when they cry you feel the same sadness and fear as the characters when you think you've lost another character. When you feel like Stephen running through the trenches, flipping through the pages to find out if they are still with you, if you'll get to see that dazzling smile, if you'll get to read about their gorgeous brown curls once more or if they'll be forgotten and buried like the rest of the boys out there in the book.
My favourite character in the book is Danny with his light and airy personality bringing joy to everyone in the darkest moments of their lives though the character I felt most connected to was Captain Jackson as he had such a calm personality and helped those he related to and those he shared struggles with without openly saying it instead with subtle gestures and the knowing of how it is helping that person. I do think everyone must read this book at least once just to get the experience of it , the raw emotions fed to you through words, everything so beautifully described you could smell, sense, hear and feel them. The settings were so real I could step into them. A book you don't read through, a book you live through ,a book you get grabbed into, dragged through a battlefield of emotions with and spat out the other end with a book you can't stop recommending.
Eleanor
Birdie
Theme: Historical Children’s Novel
The story is set in the 1950s, about an 11 year old girl named Birdie that has lived in an orphanage for mixed race children in Leeds since she was little. Even though she loved the orphanage, she wanted a family of her own, and unexpectedly got a letter from her Great aunt to come live with her. Birdie left the bustling city of Leeds and everything she’d ever loved and known to the countryside of Barington Dale to live with her Great aunt that she’s never seen before. When she arrives Birdie wasn’t invited with a warm welcome as she expected. Everyone around her in the village, including her aunt, were treating her differently in a way that she didn’t quite understand. When Birdie was chased by a group of bullies towards a coal mine and she accidently went in, she discovered the most magnificent pony she’d ever seen. She goes on a mission to rescue the pit pony from the mine.
I liked how the book created suspense of what may happen next. I also liked that Birdie was a kind and lovable character because the author expressed Birdie as a very animal-loving person, having strong emotions about the ones she cared deeply for. Although I loved the story, I didn’t like how Birdie was bullied and criticised a lot by many around her which made the book a bit harsh to read. Overall I quite enjoyed the book and I recommend it to children who want to understand the deep bonds people can make with animals, and to learn what it was like recovering from the impacts of the world war as it particularly impacted on the story.
Jethmi
Twenty Four Seconds from Now
A book with feeling:
24 seconds from now written by Jason Reynolds is a very emotional and expressive book, capturing the thoughts and worries of a 17 year old boy. Jason Reynolds made me feel as if I was going through the thoughts and the story.
The book is based about a boy called Neo, he and Aria have been dating for 2 years, and they finally decide to have sex. At least if Neon stops overthinking it. Follow their commitment to each other as they go back in time showing how their love escalated…
I like how Jason Reynolds made it very realistic and sensitive, however I slowly would lose interest since it would mainly discuss the same things furthermore, since it would go back in time I would already know what would happen.
Rating: 3.5/5
Lilly
Ghostlines
The author starts by explaining a bit about where the young girl called Tilda lives, which is on an island called Ayrie, and about what happens there normally. On the island they never have anyone new move there, but a few people have left before. One day a boy and his mother move to the island. Tilda tries to convince the boy, who's name is Albie, how the island is a wonderful place to live, but nothing seems to interest him. Then she mentions the secret island, the haunted island, the place where everybody is forbidden to go. To try and prove that Ayrie had everything anyone could ever want, she takes him there, but things get quite a bit out of hand when a storm hits.
It was an intriguing book that had a way of getting you to want to read more without having a cliffhanger at the end of each of the chapters. It was quite easy to read, and the book demonstrates that just because people live a bit differently, doesn't mean that their lifestyle isn't as fascinating. The book also shows us that no matter where people come from we can all find a way to get along, even though everyone is quite different.
Alba
Birdie
The book starts with a young girl in an orphanage, Birdie Bagshaw, who is about to go to Barrington Dale to live with her aunt, Mrs Winterbottom. But her time in Barrington Dale at first wasn't great, as she was bullied by most of the townspeople. They saw her as different, because of her skin colour. Then at school, the teacher also treated her differently, which led Birdie to run away and end up in the mines. While in the mines she met a pony, and it seemed as though she felt the pony understood her - she felt a connection with the pony, who she later named Mr Duke. She secretly visited him every so often after that, and she was happier when she was with him.
It's an interesting story that shows that words can be harmful and effective. It was quite an easy read but intriguing as it shows Birdie's thoughts and feelings throughout the book. It had a nice happy ending as she was more accepted by the townspeople so she was happier living there. Although the world has changed in real life, people are still sometimes quite unkind, and this is quite a good reflection on that.
Alba
Not Going To Plan
Not going to plan by Tia Fisher
It is a realistic fiction genre book about teen pregnancies and exam stress while along the way also touching on subjects such as disappointment, expectations and many more subjects that lots of teens my age and older who are or in the future will struggle with. The main character is a girl called Marnie who is lied to in sex and tricked into thinking the boy had protection while she is under the influence of alcohol. She then seeks help from a boy called Zed who she sits next to in her classes about what to do with the pregnancy, how they deal with it and what comes off it is for you to find out by reading the book. A lovely extra that really made the book go from good to excellent for me was the format in which it was written and how words were emphasised by being printed in different patterns, shapes and fonts. Overall a lovely book that I couldn't recommend more to any teen aged 13-18 who loves a good realistic and relatable book.
Eleanor
Wolf Siren
The book I read was called wolf siren and was written by Beth O'Brien.
In my opinion, the story was very engaging and hooked me in. Each time I closed the book to take a short break, I was tempted to immediately reopen it, as though it were an ‘ancient artifact’ that I had unburied like treasure.
The storyline felt like an emotional rollercoaster, which made me enjoy it a lot more than normal.
This story is based on a girl, called red, who is attracted to the forbidden forest outside of her village, then found out she was a ‘werewoman', which proved why she felt connected. Turns out, she had also found out that her grandmother and younger sister were also ‘werewomen', which was a surprise to her.
If I had to rate this book out of 10, it would be a 9/10.
Jahïla
Birdie
Birdie by J.P. Rose is an emotional story about the friendship between a lonely pit pony and a black British girl in Yorkshire. Although the main subject is their relationship, the book also highlights the issues black people faced in the country at the time. It is an amazing read for animal lovers, especially as the pony seems to understand everything Birdie Bagshaw says to him. At first, Birdie's great-aunt is unhelpful, telling her not to visit the pony, but accepts Birdie's choices later on. I would recommend it to anyone who likes animals and family-related stories.
Ruben
Ghostlines
“Ghostlines” by Katya Balen is a brilliantly crafted novel well-suited for young readers of ages 9-12, specifically those who enjoy nature-focused, heartfelt, and adventurous stories. Through poignant and evocative poetic imagery, the novel immerses readers in both emotional and physical landscapes, allowing them to step into another reality.
The plot follows a young girl named Tilda who loves her home described as a wild and elemental speck on the edge of the Atlantic that is quiet in winter and busy with tourists during summer bird-watching.
Tilda loves the nature and tight-knit community of Ayrie, known for its puffins, sea-swimming, and, in this book, a lingering sense of loss. As the puffin season begins to close and the island can be once again ruled over by its inhabitants, the reluctant newcomer from the mainland, Albie, and his mother dock at the harbour seeking a new life on Ayrie.
Albie struggles to settle in, misses city life, and ignores Tilda’s attempts to show him how special the island is.
Seeking to connect with him, Tilda takes Albie on a dangerous trip to a forbidden island, which is central to the story’s themes of overcoming loss and forming a bond.
The book focuses on community, the intensity of young people’s relationships with nature and home, and managing difficult emotions like grief and how one can find home and friendship in unexpected ways.
“Ghostlines” provides a sense of freshness and delight: the characters are crafted with intention and are not to any extent stereotypical. Through each of these characters one senses a different personality, a different story: a different purpose or motivation.I wanted to pick up on how Tilda’s mum is depicted for instance.
Tilda’s mum does not play a major role in the book, however when she is mentioned a parallel emotional reality is created making the reader feel closer to Tilda’s inner life and giving us more context on not just the mother, but also those connected to her or within her family.
Different people’s existences are woven together into the same book in a harmonious way.
It is these little details that truly enhance and complete the story.
It creates a layered narrative effect through local myths, memories, and the concept of “ghostlines,” which suggests that past stories are woven into the present.
What I found unique about "Ghostlines" is that the author is able to capture the inner and outer senses through fluid, poetic descriptions and language this is evident in this extract from pp.77 of the book “ The bright aqua pools that glow like melted sapphires and the foaming silken streams of waterfalls glittering in the sun. The water is so clear you can see every shining pebble at the bottom of the pool. Beautiful”
The haunted island however, gave a slight twist to the novel. Calling it a ‘secret island' felt a touch too childish or trite. The freshness started to fade because it felt somewhat familiar and less original. However, it did not get too out of hand and the integrity of the story remained. I was expecting more of a plot twist at some point, but it remained primarily quiet and emotive all throughout. The ending was beautiful and truly summarises the heartwarming message of the book.
In summary, ‘Ghostlines’ is a beautiful book that provides emotional depth through fluid poetic descriptions and rounded studied characters that feel pertinent to the reader yet they are imagined in a place where nature gives way to thought and reflection and love.
Noemi Grace
Wolf Siren
This book absolutely blew me away! I rate it five stars for its heart warming language. My favourite character was Aerona because she is literally just like me, we are both silly and fun and she is amazing at her art pieces. My favourite part in the book was when Aerona, Red and Delana went to the woods to hide from the villagers and when Aerona shapeshifted into her wolf form. The bit that made me cry was when Aerona got shot from Wilson with his crossbow and I was crying just like Red. Another thing I like about the book was that Red is like Little Red riding hood but the wolves are good in the story. My favourite wolf was Ida because she was so energetic and playful. I recommend this book to people who love nature, fantasy and wonder!
Charlotte
Twenty Four Seconds from Now
The book “24 seconds from now” is about a boy called Neon who is nervous to have his first time with his girlfriend Aria. The book takes you back in time through the events that he has had in life and with Aria that have landed him in this situation, along the way covering topics such as grief, friendship and family relationships. I quite enjoyed this book although this isn't a book I would normally go for however I found myself quite enjoying it. My favourite aspect of this book was how well I felt I knew the character and how well I found that the scenes were set almost making you feel like you were part of the story and experiencing it with Neon. The only thing that really did bug me was the use of “youth slang” which was a bit over used and added in unnecessarily at times although I do understand how hard it is to get and use the right slang in the right moments as someone who doesn't use it daily and in their life normally.
In conclusion this was a short but sweet book with a romance genre which I would highly recommend to people ages 16-19 as it might be more relatable to them than people my age as people my age aren't really thinking about having sex for the first time any time soon.
Eleanor
Ghostlines
The book Ghostlines is about a girl called Tilda and a boy called Albie who live on an island in Scotland called Ayrie. The island has a haunted island close to it which children are not allowed to explore but they go there anyways. Tilda feels like there is something spooky on the island but stays because she promised Albie to go there . One of my favourite parts of the book is the front cover because the colours really represent the story . The plot was amazing because it kept you guessing and there were twists and turns in each chapter . I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure books. 4/5 stars because I felt as if it wasn't directed towards my age group but was still great!
Clara
Wolf Siren
I really liked this book because it had tons of ups and downs. For example, it was good because it retells the little red riding hood story with a bit of a twist. What I really loved was the magic in the woods and wolves .The fact that there was a cliff-hanger at the end of most chapters was really good in my opinion because it kept me reading more and more of this book.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to people who like fiction and fantasy.
Clara
Birdie
Birdie by Hannah Gold is a tender and touching children’s novel that follows the journey of Birdie Bagshaw, a girl who has never known her family and is leaving Leeds and Ms Dudley’s children’s home to begin a new life in the Yorkshire Dales with her great aunt. However, when Birdie arrives in the village of Barrington Dale, she is not met with warmth or kindness, but instead with coldness, as if an impassable grey cloud hangs over the community. After being bullied by the local children, Birdie seeks refuge in a nearby coal mine, where she loses her way and is rescued by the last remaining pit pony—an unsung hero who not only saves her life, but, with her help, begins to thaw the hearts of those around her.
Birdie is a well-written novel that reflects the author’s strong sense of identity and voice. The book explores a range of themes, including identity, belonging, history, adapting to change, and racism, particularly through a mixed-race, post-war experience, as well as ideas of respect, empathy, and the importance of animals. As a result, the novel presents a variety of vivid characters with strong personalities, allowing the reader to form clear connections with them. However, despite this, the story as a whole can sometimes feel unrealistic, cliché, or even slightly forced. While choosing a young child as the main character offers an interesting perspective and insight into different situations, it can also make parts of the story feel overly simplistic or lacking in emotional depth.
At times, it feels as though the characters’ actions lack realistic consequences, which makes the story less believable. As a result, although Birdie is a pleasant and well-intentioned narrative, it may not feel as impactful or inspirational for older readers.
Birdie does convey a meaningful message; however, the way it is written does not always give enough weight to the significant historical and social issues it raises, such as racism. At times, the novel lacks the depth of emotional description needed to fully capture the intensity of these experiences in a realistic way. On the other hand, Birdie remains a strong example of courage and self-discovery, and is likely to inspire younger readers to follow in her footsteps. It is a gentle and heartwarming story that will particularly appeal to animal lovers.
Noemi Grace
Ghostlines
"Ghostlines" is a wild and heartfelt book, which so far has been my favourite book on the Carnegie.
It concerns a young girl called Tilda, who lives on a faraway Island called Ayrie, where everything is familiar and everyone knows everyone, It's perfect! Until a new boy (Albie) arrives. Albie despises everything on Ayrie: the wildness, the isolation. But Tilda is determined to find something Albie will enjoy. So she takes him to the forbidden, Haunted Island, and what they find there will change them both forever...
Overall," Ghoslines" is a very atmospheric, evocative book about strong bonds and trust. Katya Balen has shown me the world of wilderness and friendship. I would definitely recommend this book.
Rating: 5/5
Lilly
Not Going To Plan
It was really good, I love it when Marnie kind of liked Harry but then realised he was not nice and to me there was some kind of twist, because if you read the blurb, when she and Zed become friends and help each other you have that feeling when you think they’re going to kiss or something. Anyway, I LOVE the book, my favorite character was definitely Marnie, it made me sad when she didn’t want the baby and had an abortion. I give this book five stars for its creativity, romance and a little bit of humor. I recommend this book to teens who love romance and friendship.
Charlotte
The Boy I Love
The boy I love was an amazing book, my favourite in the Carnegie challenge so far, with heartfelt and intimate scenes. The book is set in WWII, and the language used is lyrical, and I was hooked from the first paragraph. The book is well written, with adjectives and adverbials that helped create clear scenes in my mind. The plot is about an 18-19 year old boy called Stephen who just recently lost someone very dear to him, called Michael Greaves. When Stephen decides to join the army, he meets a cheerful and high-spirited boy called Danny. Stephen immediately decides he needs to protect this boy, do what he never did for Michael. Soon, their relationship complicates, and they become closer, but will the war, and the ever-watching eyes of Captain Beddowes, separate them forever? Find out in this profound and captivating book that leaves you aching for more!
Conclusion: Overall I give this book a 4.7/5 stars. Very entertaining and I love the intimacy! This book also highlights the gay soldiers in the chaos of the war, and vividly describes the danger and punishment that homophobics like captain Beddowes can inflict on secret gay couples.
Maria
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody is a hilarious, entertaining story of a peach-throated monitor who is made a hall MONITOR and has to (unfortunately) meet nasty Pelicarnassus whose mum's name is one to live up to (she's a supervillain...). He learns a lot from people around him and encounters some real moral concepts. I would recommend this story to any age group who can understand and cope with the minor violence included. It pleases and makes you smile even if you didn't think you were in the age category. I really enjoyed it and think it was a great choice to be added to the list.
Ruben
The Boy I Love
'The Boy I Love' is a heartwarming novel about the second world war and gay love. It is sad, happy and a lot of other feelings. The story shows the difficulty and dangers faced by soldiers in WW2 as well as the prejudice against gay people at the time.
I would recommend the book to ages 10+.
Anika
Not Going To Plan
"Not Going to Plan" by Tia Fisher is a fascinating and powerful book. The story focuses on friendship, problems and decisions! I found it really interesting that Tia Fisher wrote the book in verse and not in just long paragraphs. My favourite part is how she wrote the book using two perspectives, this gave me an insight on what both characters felt! However, at the start of every verse the line is bold, this made me feel a bit confused, as I did not know whether the author was trying to make me focus on something.
Overall I think "Not going to plan" was a fantastic read. Tia Fisher has made a very realistic book in my opinion, and I would 100% recommend it!
Rating: 8.5/10
Lilly
Ghostlines
The book Ghostlines touched my heart. It was so clear that it was about friendship, adventure and new places. My favourite character was definitely Tilda, she was so gentle and tried her hardest to earn Albie’s trust even when he was rude to her. I also thought Moses was a good character, stupid but gentle and funny. The part that I loved with Moses was when Tilda woke up with a potato in her ear and Moses licked it. It made me laugh! Even though the story is a little bit younger for me I adored it, the description was spot on, Tilda’s personality and character was great. My favourite part of the whole book was when Albie and Tilda sail to Alda Isle, their bond was so strong! I also thought Micheal was funny since he has his goats on leads, but I think Tilda was so brave when she and Albie ventured into the haunted island, Even when she was frightened she was also excited and I love it when the characters are scared but excited because it gives the book more plot and you think, oh Tilda’s scared of course she’s going to run back to her home and stay safe but no, she and Albie ignored the (scary) bit of the island and made great effort to create ‘The Hideaway’ It sounded so comfy! I recommend this book to people who like adventure books, ghost stories, and friendship! I give this book 5 out of 5 stars, it just ripped my heart!
Charlotte
Twenty Four Seconds from Now
I loved how Reynolds made his book very different compared to other authors, because he started at one time and went back every 24 seconds, and I loved it!!! I give this book 5 out of 5 for its uniqueness and unusualness!!! I recommend this book to people who like romance, friendship and going back in time!
Charlotte