FOFF Girls
All That It Ever Meant
All That It Ever Meant has an interesting premise but struggles with pacing and clarity. The writing is sometimes poetic but feels disjointed, making it hard to connect with the characters.
The magical realism elements, instead of enhancing the story, often add confusion. While the book offers some beautiful passages and explores grief and identity, it lacks the emotional impact needed to be truly compelling.
I rate this book 2 out of 5
Eeshal
Little Bang
Little Bang is an engaging and well-written story with compelling characters and a strong, immersive plot that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
The emotional depth and character development are impressive, making it easy to connect with the story.
However, while the storytelling is captivating, the overall context may not be suitable for all readers.
Despite this, it’s a powerful and thought-provoking read.
I rate this book 4 out of 5
Eeshal
The Things We Leave Behind
The Things We Leave Behind is a beautifully written and emotional story about grief, family, and self-discovery.
The characters feel real, and the writing is deeply engaging.
However, the details about Clem’s sister near the end were a bit confusing.
Despite that, it’s a powerful and unforgettable read.
I rate this book 5 out of 5
Eeshal
King of Nothing
King of Nothing is a fun and entertaining read with humour and a relatable voice.
The protagonist’s journey is enjoyable, but the plot feels a bit shallow, and some themes could have been explored more deeply.
While it’s engaging and light-hearted, it doesn’t leave a strong impact.
I rate this book 3 out of 5
Eeshal
The Final Year
The Final Year is a heartfelt verse novel that captures the emotions of a boy navigating his last year of primary school.
The writing is raw and authentic, making the story feel real and relatable.
It explores themes of change, loss, and resilience in a natural and honest way.
While some parts are predictable and a few characters could be developed more, it’s still a moving and memorable read.
I could really relate to the emotions and experiences in the book, which made it even more impactful.
I rate this book 4 out of 5
Eeshal
King of Nothing
I think this is a really good book.
At the start, I think it was a bad, but by the end, it was so good! It was nice that he became a popular and clever kid because he was friends with the NERD!! :D
I rate this book 4.5 out of 5
Tasmeia
The Things We Leave Behind
A fantastic book that evokes a lot of emotion. It was very intriguing and depicts a world where it's an authoritarian regime.
Overall, very good and sentimental.
I rate this book 4 out of 5.
Vyga
All That It Ever Meant
An interesting and thought-provoking read. It takes us on a journey with Mati and her family. Mati's mother has passed away and her father decides to take her and her siblings to Zimbabwe, where they are from, to help with the grieving process.
Each of the siblings and their father deal with their grief in very different ways and the rawness of that grief is palpable! It is a hard story to read in places, as the rawness of the emotions leaps from the pages!
Mati tells the story in current and retrospective views. You can really feel the culture shock that she is feeling from her city life in London, to a very different lifestyle as the family travels through Zimbabwe... and then there is Metacais! A non-binary spirit that only Mati can hear and see. They have a unique perspective on Mati's family, the grief they are suffering and life in general.
An enjoyable read, a little confusing in places, but overall, I rate this book 4 of of 5
Mrs Allsopp
The Final Year
I loved everything about this book!
I loved the story!
I loved the iullustrations!
I loved the verse!
AND it was very refreshing to read something that wasn't full of drugs, sex, swearing and violence!! Well deserving of it place in the shortlist!
The friendship issues, feelings and thoughts of Nate is something most young people will recognise and be able to sympathise with.
Every kid should be read this book! I am very much looking forward the its sequal!
I rate this book 4.5 of of 5
Mrs Allsopp
The Things We Leave Behind
An absolutely un-put-downable, dystopian book!
Set in a world that is waaaaaaay too familiar for my liking! The story focuses on race, hatred and mixed/blended families and the many political & social issues that under-pin them.
I had read this book previously to it being shortlisted and enjoyed it immensely! In fact, I made it my favourite book of last Autumn's term!
The story focuses on our main character, Clem, and her blended family. Clem and her half-sister Billie flee London after civil unrest explodes and their dad fears for their safety. So how does she end up in Scotland alone, telling her story to a complete stranger?
I loved the way the book unfolds and in one shock revaluation, after another shock revelation, it will leave you feeling like you experienced everything that Clem and her family suffer.
I rate this book 4.5 out of 5.
Mrs Allsopp
Little Bang
A challenging read from many different angles!
I love the way that the author chose to skim over the conception part of the story and the uses euphemisms for it - very clever!
The issue of abortion may not be a comfortable read for many, however, I it is a plight that sadly, many 15-year-old girls face.
I also loved the fact that the story was told from both perspectives, not just the girls.
Although teen pregnancy is a difficult subject to broach, this book is written with respect, consideration and sympathy for all everyone involved in Sid & Mel's lives.
I did speak at length to my book group about this book as it is a hard-hitting and is absolutely a 14+ read. Many of the group are under 14, and once again, I find myself considering stopping the Carnegie awards at my school due to the suitability of the shortlist - increasing numbers are very much upper KS3 & KS4 reads!
It is, however, a very good read. I rate is 4.5 out of 5.
Mrs Allsopp
King of Nothing
This book, like last years entry by the same author, actually made me laugh out loud in places.
Anton is a troubled boy, in with the wrong crowd. His single mum and grandma try their best to keep him on the straight and narrow. When Anton gets into big trouble at school, his mum forces him to help out on a community project she is involved with.
The school 'nerd', Matthew, who Anton and his gang bully, volunteers at the community project, and they form an unlikely friendship.
It is sad in places, funny in places, and is about a troubled boy trying his best to be a better person!
Overall, I enjoyed the story. Definitely deserves a spot on the library shelves, but not my favourite book of the shortlist. I rate it 3.5 out of 5.
Mrs Allsopp
The Things We Leave Behind
This profoundly captivating novel left an indelible impression, compelling me to soberly contemplate its overarching themes and harrowing denouement. I would bestow upon it a 4.5/5 rating for its exceptional intellectual depth and incisive critique of contemporary societal structures. The narrative is masterfully constructed to counterpoint modern immigration policies, situating itself in a dystopian realm where "pure British" lineage is requisite for societal inclusion—a chilling yet evocative premise.
What sets this work apart is the breathtakingly unforeseen plot twist in its final act, an ingenious revelation that redefines the entire narrative. The book merits immense commendation not only for the pertinence of its societal critique but also for its intricate portrayal of character dynamics. The evolving bonds between the characters are both poignant and profound, underscoring themes of resilience and interconnectedness.
The revelation of a predestined connection adds an additional layer of emotional gravity, while the unyielding strength exhibited by the protagonists throughout their arduous journey evokes profound empathy. Particularly heart-rending are the experiences of the younger characters, whose trials resonate deeply. This is a narrative that is, at its core, affectionate, empathetic, and imbued with a heartrending despair, making it a literary work of considerable merit and emotional resonance.
Summaya
The Things We Leave Behind
This is a gripping dystopian book that had me hooked.
Set in a near future world that is distant from reality, but instantly recognisable, this book explores political and social issues that young readers will relate too.
I rate this book 4 out of 5
Maryam
The Things We Leave Behind
It nearly made me cry with the shocking plot twist!
It was really emotional and heartwarming.
A definate must read!
I rate this book 4 out of 5
Aqila
The Final Year
This book is a poigent exploration of adolescence filled with raw emotion and an unflinching look at the chasllenges that come with growing up.
The protagonist, Nate, allows readers to connect with his vulnerabilities amnd the complexities of his emotional landscape.
I rate this book 4.5 out of 5
Maryam
The Final Year
I think that this book is reaklly good. I really like the fact that he was introducing himself and his family at the start of the book. At the end, it is so so good!
I rate this book 3.5 out of 5
Tasmeia