Herts and Essex

Glasgow Boys
I found it interesting find out each of their lifestyle and how they were each experiencing their life. It was a good book I really liked how Finley and banjo got to reunite in the end it was good. I would read it again.

Naomi T

King of Nothing
I really liked this book because you never knew what was going to happen next and although there was some sad parts, it is my favourite book so far.

Amy s

The Things We Leave Behind
I enjoyed this read. The story had been intriguing and made me want to read more!

Alice S

King of Nothing
This book is AMAZING! I love the relationship between Anton and Matthew and really enjoyed reading about them both and how their relationship blossomed!

Alice S

The Final Year
I absolutely loved reading the Final Year. It was really enjoyable and showed the reality of what school can really be like. I also found the way the book was layed out; using poems and the illustration in it really good and made the the book more understandable.

Etta W

King of Nothing
A beautiful books that covers many different subjects from (toxic) masculinity to never underestimating the power of friendship. I loved the plot, loved the characters, loved the book. What a perfect read!

maya k

Play
I just want to start by saying I absolutely loved this book. I love how it covered many subjects often not discussed and what a boy in that situation might feel. I also liked how this book showed the dangers of drugs and what they can do.

maya k

Play
3 stars This book reminds of ‘We Were Liars’ by e.lockhart. Although it obviously does not have the same plot nor writing style, they both have the same sense of sadness. I think this book describes male life in a way I saw it sometimes. It emphasises that boys have struggles too and I like how it shows their different perspectives and personalities since they are in total opposites but have lots of similarities too. This book is the perfect example of ‘not everything is a game’ and shows the consequences of actions that you make. I believe more teenagers should read this book and books like this, it explores the dangers of illegal drugs and alcohol. As wells as this, it teaches minors the consequences of dealing drugs and interacting with dangerous people. Lastly on pages 264-265, Matt states a powerful speech that is so true about the world. It may seem pessimistic or ignorant when you first read it but to be fair, it’s realistic. We need to act on issues instead of just having the role of acting and reassuring people we will do things so they don’t have to worry about it. Overall, I rated this book 3 stars because it is quite slow-paced with long chapters and I did not have the urgency to read it. It definitely gave a great message though. I loved how Luc was described as an athlete, Mark an entrepreneur and Matt an artist. They also had different fonts for everyone speaking.

Zoe

Glasgow Boys
I loved this book! It was really enjoyable and I loved the way it had two perspectives in the book to really break up the story and keep you intrigued. My favourite character was Banjo because I loved his personality and kindness towards Alena as the side characters added a lovely implement to the story. Overall, a lovely book with a nice ending

Ananya S

The Final Year
I found this book such a rollercoaster at times I was sad and at times I was happy. I think that is such a good feature of the story as it truly represents life which is as I described a rollercoaster of emotions. I found the poem aspect unique as I don’t read many poem books, I like how the poems tell the story and I love how the poems are written in the authors accent. No wonder how this book has won multiple awards. Its use of text makes it easy to read and emphasises feeling that isn’t just an overly descriptive paragraph. Im definitely going to read the sequel. So overall I absolutely loved this book the story was interesting and filled with ups and downs.

Phoebe C

The Final Year
I really like this book because it really touches the heart. When I first read it I didn't really get what happened but when I read it again it made me shed a tear. What I really like about this book is that some people can relate to it and it can make people who can't relate to it understand what some people are going through. I would defiantly recommend this to people who like poetry and who like very heart warming stories.

Eva C

Treacle Town
great boo but I think a lot more could of happened it in. I give it a 7.5/10

Katherine Jurd

King of Nothing
it is a really good book a bit difficult to understand at first owever i don't think that the boys age really went with the actions in the book as I don't think a 13 year old boy would be going on a double date. So I think you should of made him in year 10 or 11 but other than that I think kt was great. I gave it a 8/10

Katherine Jurd

Glasgow Boys
this was my favourite book. I liked how the story's linked up and it was emotional there nut also was discussing a difficult topic it was hooked and I give it a 9/10

Play
Great book, loved how each chapter was a different person and it started when they were young. It also highlighted the very bad aspects of drugs which I think was very important because of these things I give it a 8/10

Katherine Jurd

All That It Ever Meant
i didn't like this book. I could understand what was going on and I think it was quite boring. I didn't end up reading all of it as I gave up half way through. Therefor I can't give it a sore

Katherine Jurd

The Final Year
loved thus book as well it was very sad but it defiantly hoghlotes some of the problems on younger years. It was very sad but that means the author portrayed the emotion very well in the writing. However I don't really like poetry and therefore I gave it a 6/10

Katherine Jurd

Little Bang
I loved this book and I think that it great that it is in carnigie as it educated children on some hard problems and topics to dicuss. As well as this it was written amazingly and proved even the best students have problems. I give it a 7/10

Katherine Jurd

King of Nothing
I absolutely loved this book. I felt the characters were relatable and I liked the little drops of humour in the story, at first I wasn’t a fan of the character Anton however his journey of becoming friends with Matthew and changing his mind about ruling the school was amazing to read about and I have certainly gained a new perspective on the people around me. The ending is amazing it’s such a page turner. In my opinion it’s essential that you read this book.

Phoebe C

Play
I found this book really interesting . I love how it provides different viewpoints as it shows that there are multiple sides of the story. Each character has their own way of speaking which is represented by the font and what language they use and I like how some of the words they use and their personalities change along the way. The story lines are amazing in this book. We can slowly see how just doing favours for a friend can escalate into serious things like drug dealing. Which is important because it helps the younger generation know what they could be getting themselves into.

Phoebe C

King of Nothing
Finished it a while ago but forgot to write a review. This is my favourite so far and I love the ending. I love how it’s mainly focused on Anton and Matthew”s friendship and Anton’s relationship with the “gang” but still has other elements and relationships, such as his relationship with his mum and Nanna, and Rochelle. I loved the scene where they’re getting ready for their double date, that part was really awkward and funny, not to mention the date itself. However, almost nothing beats the part near the end in the shelter with the mural. I also love the line “I’m stopping a boy getting his head dunked in a bucket of paint.” “How?” “Self control.” Overall, a great book

Pip

The Final Year
This book almost made me cry (no book has ever made me cry). My own final year was pretty great so I couldn’t relate to this, but it was written so well I felt like I could. I felt like it happened to me. When I saw how it was written I was worried it would be hard to understand, but it was clear and easy to read, while still being poetic. When I read the “I have one brother” part, I swear my heart stopped, the scene was honestly terrifying. I’m satisfied with the ending and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Pip

Little Bang
I found this book quite interesting for young teenagers having sex and at the age of just fifteen getting pregnant and how they thought they were actually going to give birth for abortion in their country was illegal until Mel was able to. It was interesting to know what life would be like if people were to be pregnant at a young age.

Naomi T

All That It Ever Meant
I didn’t like the book that much because it didn’t really explain the characters or who was who or where they were.

Amy S

King of Nothing
This book was a whirlwind of emotions, and definitely captured important issues, whilst making serious topics easier, by introducing women’s rights on Anton's journey to better understanding and taking action. The book was both hilarious and random (Matthew) and thought-provoking and at points very upsetting. I really enjoyed the mix of important topics, and it helped me understand women’s rights and sanctuary’s as Anton’s mother was building while along Anton’s journey too. Matthew added an aspect of light heartedness to the book and lightened the spirit, demonstrating true friendship for Anton, especially during grief and realisation toward his ‘gang’. I loved this book, and I really believe it captured secondary school life, along with peer pressure, grief and friendship. It was an excellent book, and well-written, to display both boys different approaches, especially in lifestyles and hobbies. I would definitely recommend it to and secondary school reader, for an unexpected adventure with Anton and Matthew. 10/10!!

Anastasia

The Final Year
As a Year 7 student who has just moved up from primary school, The Final Year really spoke to me. I couldn’t put it down—I was completely gripped by the storyline from the very first page. The main character’s journey felt so real, and I felt every emotion he went through. It was like I was right there with him, going through everything all over again of that final year of primary school. Matt Goodfellow's book is great and emotional, but also easy to relate to. He really knows what it feels like to grow up, face change, and deal with friendships and family issues. The story made me think, laugh, and even feel a bit sad at times—but in a good way. It’s one of those books that really makes you think even after you finish it. I really enjoyed this great book and would definitely recommend it to anyone in Year 6 or Year 7. I give it 4 out of 5 stars!

Kaitlin H

The Final Year
This book is by far one of my favourites. I love how the author wrote it in a poem sort of style. I think one of my favourite parts is where Nate and Parker Smith become friends after dealing with the trouble of Ps being in Mrs Griffins class with Turner (the school bully). Turner and Ps became friends over the summer where they both went to Spain and when they came back, Ps almost ignored Nates existence. When Nates brother is brought into hospital, Parker Smith and Nate become friends and support each other throughout the rest of the school year- the final year.

Georgina B

King of Nothing
This book is one of my favourite by far. It is really speaking my language and i can relate to it so much. It is probably the funniest book i have ever read and i enjoyed it so much. My favourite part was when Matthew and Anton got lost in the woods and when he saved Anton’s life from the bee sting. I just found this part so interesting and plot-twisting and I couldn’t stop reading. Equally, i also enjoyed following Anton’s relationship with Rochelle. It’s a kind of will they, wont they and it seems Anton quite like’s her but try’s to play it off and ignore his feelings; acting like they are enemies. In conclusion, I think that Nathanael Lessore is a fantastic author and this book brought me lots of laughs and smiles. I give it 5/5 stars and wish all the best.

Emily B

King of Nothing
I enjoyed reading “King of Nothing” as I find it very relevant to our generation. I also found it very enjoyable because it used a lot of slang and relatable moments that were quite funny! I would recommend this book to a friend. :)

Ellie

Little Bang
I thought that this book was very interesting. The author was very good at showing the different perspectives of Mel.

Helena G

The Things We Leave Behind
Amazing book I would definitely rate high! All throughout reading this book I enjoyed it a lot and couldn’t stop reading it. I wish they would create a part two where it follows on about clems real mum so we can find out more about her. I found it extremely sad about the fate of billie, I loved their relationship and just wished she could’ve made it in the end. Overall I would read this again definitely!

Naomi T

Little Bang
little bang is a really emotional, raw book that I really enjoyed. I loved the fact that it was written about a difficult/ not openly talked about subject and how it realistically viewed how someone in that position would feel . It was a really good book.

maya k

All That It Ever Meant
I quite liked this book, however, I also found the plot quite confusing. I only really started to get what was happening closer to the end! Not the best! Not the worst!

Alice S

The Final Year
I liked this book a lot. It was a quick read because of the poetry. I liked the plot it had a lot of twists and turns. Overall, this was a good read!

Alice S

The Final Year
I thought this was a good book and was something people of my age could relate too. It was a short and sweet book with great vocabulary too. Overall, a good read.

Ananya

King of Nothing
I found this book very inspiring of how a bully could go into a friendly one. At first I wasn’t so sure but as I read more I started to really enjoy it. I just really love how mathew and antons relationship grew throughout the book at first sight he hated mathew but in the end became his best friend. Overall I’d rate this book really high.

Naomi T

King of Nothing
I loved this book. I think what makes it so amazing is it challenges the image of masculinity and how someone can change just by being with the right people. It also showcases what many teenagers might feel and really connects with the audience reading the book. Overall , a really good book.

Ananya

The Final Year
I really enjoyed reading this book, even though it was really easy, it gave me flashbacks and memories from my primary school. It scared me when Dylan died but came back to life. I can’t wait for the next book!

Naomi T

All That It Ever Meant
In my opinion, I loved reading this book as I loved the time jumps and how it had a magical element to the story. I would have prefered if they had put more context into the story about, where they are etc.

Etta W

All That It Ever Meant
Nice book, I love how it mentions a lot about Zimbabwe and its culture. It was a bit confusing and I didn’t really understand the whole meaning of the book but I liked how they kept telling stories about their life after their mothers death and how their relationship developed throughout the book.

Naomi T

All That It Ever Meant
I think all that it ever meant is a very beautiful short story with a very sweet, sentimental core. The Easter egg at the end surprised me but I quite liked it.

maya x

The Final Year
I think final year was a very sweet, thoughtful and well thought out book. It was different to what I was expecting but it turned out in a good way :) I really loved this book.

maya x

Play
In my opinion, this book was quite good. The ending was a bit confusing but other than that I really like how the four boys grew and developed as they aged throughout their school years. I definitely rate this 13+ but I think it was a good book.

Naomi T

Glasgow Boys
I feel this book could win Carnegie and would deserve to because it raises awareness of difficulties of care kids after they leave and have no safety net. It also represents the friendship between Finlay and banjo really well and i enjoyed it a lot!

Alice

The Final Year
I liked it because it was easy to read and not boring. It was also quite sad.

Amy S

King of Nothing
This book was so fabulous to read. It shows that your reputation is not very important and sometimes losing your reputation can mean that you can have true friends. Also, it shows that you will only realise how much you really love a person after they are gone.

Angela

King of Nothing
I haven’t quite finished it, but when I tell you I screamed when this book was announced. I really loved Steady For This last year and I was so excited to read this. What I’ve read so far is amazing and I can’t wait to finish it. I love how it reflects real life issues of toxic masculinity, while integrating it with friendships and being who you are. I also like how Anton says that if someone told his mum she had to wear makeup, or have her boyfriend’s permission to leave the house he’d “take the guy’s head off”. I swear this book was written with people like me in mind because I was smiling uncontrollably when Matthew asked if he liked Wicked the musical. It’s my favourite musical and I’m going to see it in the Easter holidays. Anyway, really great book so far.

Pip

King of Nothing
I really like this book because. I really like all the plots in this story and all the characters and how they’re shown, that is what i think that brings out the personality in this book. I also think that this not only tells a story but can give us some life lessons as well. Like treat people the way you want to be treated and being cool doesn’t mean it’s good. And as the book says who would want to be king off nothing.

Eva c

Little Bang
I originally misjudged this book because I didn’t want to read about abortion however when I read it I really like how the author provided both sides of the story. Usually the father is villainised however it was nice to see how good of a father did would be. One of my favourite bits is that when each side of the story is presented the style of writing slightly changes which demonstrates how good the writer is and shows how different people think differently.

Phoebe C

Glasgow Boys
Glasgow boys is an AMAZING book. The plot twists are so interesting. The romance keeps the book exciting and has me hooked! Banjo and Finlay are amazing characters! At first I was struggling to get into the book as I didn’t think it was my cup of tea! But after a few chapters, I couldn’t get enough of it!

Alice S

Treacle Town
This book was really interesting as it came from a perspective I haven’t explored before. I found myself really invested in the characters as they had many sides and you could see how they changed during certain events. I won’t spoil the ending however I think it is a really effective one. My only criticism is the language because I couldn’t understand what they were saying but after my first chapter I got the hang of it and it isn’t a bad thing because it further built up the characters.

Phoebe C