FCC Book Group

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were all unique and interesting in their own way and I especially loved how it went gradually back in time instead of forwards so you could see how their relationship built up and what events led to that moment in the present. Overall a very interesting and enjoyable book that I would definitely read again and recommend to others.

Harriet

Shrapnel Boys
I liked Shrapnel Boys because of its plot. The plot was intriguing and very believable. The book was about the protagonist (Ronnie) trying to get his mum's new boyfriend out of his life. Shrapnel Boys is set in WW2 and a group of boys are still in London whilst the war rages on around them. They create a hobby of collecting shrapnel and compare the shrapnel they have gathered with other kids. If I could describe this book in one word it would be teamwork.

Rhian

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I enjoyed The Chronicles of Lizard Nobody because it was different from most books I have read. The story follows a lizard called Zeke who feels like he does not fit in, but things start to change when he joins a group at school. I liked the humour in the book and found some parts quite funny. The characters felt believable, and I enjoyed seeing how Zeke became more confident as the story went on. The book also explores themes such as friendship and being yourself. Overall, I thought it was an enjoyable read with a good message. I would give it 3.5 out of 5 stars and would recommend it to people who enjoy realistic stories.

Harry

Birdie
I thought 'Birdie' was an interesting book because it tells the story of a girl who is trying to deal with problems in her life and find where she belongs. The main character was easy to pity, and I was excited to find out what would happen to her. The book was quite emotional in places and explored themes such as family, friendship and growing up. I liked the way the characters felt realistic, although some parts of the story were a bit sad. Overall, I enjoyed reading 'Birdie'. It made me think about how different people experience challenges in life. I would give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Harry

Not Going To Plan
I enjoyed reading 'Not Going to Plan' because it felt realistic and dealt with issues that teenagers can face in real life. The story follows Marnie and Zed, who become friends even though they are very different. I liked how their friendship developed throughout the book. The book is written in verse, which made it quite quick and easy to read. Some parts were emotional and made me think about the choices the characters made. However, I found a few sections a bit slow, but I still wanted to keep reading. Overall, I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars and would recommend it to older teenagers.

Harry

Ghostlines 
I enjoyed Ghostlines because the characters we're very relatable which made the entire story more believable. My favourite character is Albie because he loved the puffins. I like how the author created a backstory for the island and left the protagonist's brother a mystery for most of the book.

Abigail

Lord of the Flies: The Graphic Novel
It was a very entertaining book that had lovely illustrations I love the bit where they meet the sailor and finally realise they're going home but it is sad that 2 people aren't going home. All in all, a really nice book.

Henry

The Boy I Love
This book was amazing. It taught me how cruel it could be back then during the war and also how devastating and horrible the war was. It showed that people were treated badly for being themselves and the inequality there was. The start was really hard to get into but as soon as I got past the first 4 or 5 chapters I was glued to the book. The plot was amazing and I really liked how it lined up with real historical events. Overall I really enjoyed it.

Nyree

Popcorn
This book was very good. It was really easy to read and picture. The drawings in the book suggest it would be aimed for younger children but the author touches on how sad Alzheimer's can be and also how hard anxiety is. It’s a very understanding book and I enjoyed it.

Nyree

Ghostlines 
Ghostlines was a very magical and adventurous book. At the start it took me a while to get into because there was too much description and it was very boring but, as I got further into the book it was impossible to put down. The author made the characters really easy to picture and likeable.

Nyree

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
The Chronicles of a Nobody Lizard was a funny and easy read. The personality for each character really suited the animal. It was really adventurous and uses a lot of imagination, it was also really easy to picture. The cartoon drawings in the book suggest it’s for younger children but overall it was a good book.

Nyree

Birdie
Birdie was a very heartwarming book. She’s very determined and misunderstood. The book took me a while to get into as it was a bit boring at the start but as I got further into the book it was harder to put down.

Nyree

Wolf Siren
I liked Wolf Siren because it had several twists . The book was very descriptive as the protagonist (Red) found out about family secrets and came closer with her friends/family.

Rhian

Shrapnel Boys
I enjoyed Shrapnel Boys because the plot was clear with relatable characters. The protagonist was obviously well thought out, he was a boy named Ronald and his best friends Michael and Billy who do not leave London in the second world war and as a new man joins their lives they fight to get him behind bars. I enjoyed a twist near the end. I would absolutely suggest this book to someone who likes reading books about war.

Abigail

Popcorn
Popcorn is a relatable and realistic book about a boy who has anxiety. The protagonist is also narrating the book making your reading experience feel like the story is being told to you by your friend. I would recommend this book to children in year seven and above because I believe that this book could assist and relate to coming of age.

Scarlett