FOFF Girls
Play
I found Play by Luke Palmer quite disappointing.
The story was difficult to follow, and the characters didn’t feel believable or relatable. It seemed like the book was trying to say something important, but the message got lost in the confusing plot and writing style.
I was hoping for something more engaging and meaningful, but unfortunately, it wasn't my cup of tea.
I rate this 1 out of 5
Eeshal
Little Bang
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! This book is so real and raw and very thought provoking. It shows all the sides of teen pregnancy, the emotions, morals, choices and expectations. It also captured all the stigma about abortion and gets you thinking about topics like body autonomy and how important it is for women to have access to suitable healthcare and not be shamed for it.
Overall, a beautifully written book that captures all the heart-breaking, painful and complex moments of teen pregnancy, as well as highlighting the strength that is needed to take control of your own future.
Definitely an emotional rollercoaster!
I rate this book 5 out of 5
Vyga
Little Bang
The book was quite interesting and I found myself smiling and frowning while reading.
It put me in a place where I thought to put myself in their shoes and see how it affected them and understand how their feelings were justified and understandable.
It makes and encourages people to look and think about how they feel about abortion. I could not put the book down and it opens up discussions with hearts and minds.
I felt really sad when she lost her baby because she wasn't able to stop it and think about anything.
Overall her emotions were completely justified for s person who is only 15 years old.
I rate this book 5 out of 5
Victoria
The Things We Leave Behind
It was absolutely gorgeous and heartfelt and incredible. It shows how the main character handles her pain and suffering and shows what can happen if such a law was to happen in our time and how it will effect people and the trauma it could cause. Our main character is very strong and resilient as she navigates a dangerous world with her half-sister Billie. The bond between the sisters is the central and moving element of the story with the narrative twist and turns.
Told in a mixture of flashbacks, therapy sessions and fairy-tale narratives creating sense of mystery and keeping the reader engaged.
The book develops themes of family, friendship, loss, the refugee crisis, the dangers of a totalitarian regimes and the power of hope!
I rate this book 5 out of 5
Victoria
The Things We Leave Behind
I think this was a really good book because it brings the reader into the book and has a bit of everything in it.
It was interesting because they told us why she ended up in a different place.
I rate this book 4 out of 5
Tasmeia
Treacle Town
My parents would not allow me to read this book because of the language used.
Kadija
Treacle Town
My parents would not allow me to read this book because of the language used.
Tasmeia
Treacle Town
My parents would not allow me to read this book because of the language used.
Hafsa
Treacle Town
Gave up - the language is just to offensive!
It is ridiculous that this is part of the Carnegie awards this year!
Mrs Allsopp
Treacle Town
This book was OK, but is it really necessary to swear multiple times on every page?
However, the poems were a nice touch.
It was a powerful moving theme with the main character discovering poetry slamming. This gives him an escape and a glimmer of hope for self expression providing a sense of potential redemption amidst the despair.
The themes tackles significant social issues such as systemic inequality, poverty, gang violence and lack of opportunities for young people and the impact of environment, friendships, loyalty and loss, but it has such strong language and violence it can be quite difficult to connect with the characters.
I rate this book 2 out of 5
Victoria
All That It Ever Meant
it was a breath-taking book in some places, as you don't fully understand if it is a flashback, or if its the present. The final plot twist was really unexpected, but made but made the whole story make sense as to why she was seeing the strange presence.
Overall, it was an emotional rollercoaster that was heart warming and interesting.
The book is beautifully written and the main character can be described as distinctive and special.
Themes of grief, love, and family are explored and was compelling and heartfelt.
I rate this book 4 out of 5
Victoria
King of Nothing
It was an amazing book and although nothing really happened in the plot, it was hilarious and kept me engaged right the way through. But it was also a little sad and shows how real life really is with no big threats but how life can be for teenagers.
The characters are relatable and connect with the character, especially the protagonist, Anton an his unlikely friend Matthew in questioning his values.
The book tackles significant themes like toxic masculinity, peer pressure, grief and the importance of being true to yourself in a way that doesn't feel preachy.
In summary, it explores lots of different themes like harmful stereotypes and friendships.
I rate this book 3 out of 5
Victoria
The Final Year
It was extraordinary and written beautifully and powerfully. It was compelling and heart-warming.
A quick read book with an emotional spiral and how growing up and trying to cope can be very difficult.
It was powerful and moving, relatable and authentically portraying a child's perspective capturing the challenges, anxieties and emotional complexities of the last year of primary school.
A quick read book with verse format makes this book accessible and engaging for younger readers which is what the Carnegies should encourage!
I rate this book 3 out of 5
Victoria
The Final Year
I loved this book so much. It was unique and it wasn't like any other book I've ever read. It was very quick and easy to read and it is one of my favourite books ever!
I rate this book 5 out of 5
Hafsa
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