Horsham BOok HUNTers
Play
Play was definitely a hard read. It explored themes like drugs and sexuality and the overall challenges of male friendships. I really enjoyed the character of Matt as he felt the most realistic and I found his struggles with his sexuality really relatable. The book was gritty and intense but still real and a intresting read.
Liam
The Final Year
This is a really good book. It feels relatable, however it doesn’t relate to me at all. It is well written, easy to understand, and a brilliant story.
Aidan
King of Nothing
It good
Rafael
Treacle Town
Treacle town is quite a good book. It follows Con O’Neill who is stuck in his treacle town as he tries to break away from gang violence and come to terms with the death of his friend and his mother’s suicide. I was a bit confused at the end by whether Con wrote the treacle town poem or if it was actually Biscuit but the message was still the same and came across so clearly and thoughtfully. I liked this book but I don’t think it is the winner. 7/10
Holly
Glasgow Boys
I thought it was a very well written book and approached normally unspoken topics. I enjoyed reading it from the two perspectives and it gave a very wide view on how tricky it can be coming out of care. I really liked the ending and overall felt like I followed along in their journey.
Isabelle
The Final Year
Although this is not a book that I would usually pick up ue to the poem aspect, I enjoyed The Final Year, more than i thought i would. The subtle hints and symbolism was very clever, and how Nate viewed his situation. Also the
change In Nates mental health from 'The Beast' and his breathing techniques really showed the mental strain that Nate as a child was dealing with. I liked this book but I wouldn't necessarily read it again.
Holly
Play
A glorious heart breaking book about friendship between teenage boys, each dealing with their own struggles, such as sexuality, drug dealing, sports, and love. This book also cautions readers about the dangers of drugs, while being a beautiful book of romance, with a twist of humor.
Jennifer
Little Bang
An amazing book that really shows the character's feelings and emotions through difficult times. Sid was attempting to become a good father but never thought about Mel's feelings for the pregnancy. I liked this book a lot, and I would definitely would read it again.
Holly
The Final Year
This book was quite an easy read, but I liked the way it was written as it really captured how the boy was thinking. It felt like such a personal story but written in a way that everyone could relate to. I found the book very eye opening about the things some people go through. I recommend this to others as it is so lovely to read.
Isabelle
The Things We Leave Behind
This could be the single most beautiful heartwarming and saddening book I have ever read. ‘The things we leave behind’ really captures the feelings of Clem and her love for Billie. When she tells her story with Billie in it despite Billie not being part of that story. A very clever book that deserves to win 100%.
Holly
The Final Year
At first I didn’t really enjoy this book as it just didn’t feel relatable to me. Nate talked different to how I would’ve in primary school and he had a phone way before I ever would have. Therefore it was hard to really connect with the characters however as the book went on I felt I did really understand Nate. The Poetry was really well written and honestly quite beautiful. Overall it was an interesting read and not the kind of book I’d read before. But I would definitely recommend it to anyone in y5 or y6.
Liam
Little Bang
Little Bang isn't afraid to address a pressing issue in society today: a woman's right to have control over her own body. This issue is explored through Mel, a fifteen-year-old, and the people around her. McCaughrain includes different perspectives - this isn't a book written in an echo chamber - but what I love is that she makes the characters and the reader question their own real thoughts and opinions on abortion and women's rights. McCaughrain said she wrote this book because there were no books that addressed this issue when she was younger. I'm so happy she did.
Ms Fisher
Glasgow Boys
Glasgow boys explores the story of two boys called Banjo and Finlay. It shows the story from both of their perspectives which allows the author to slowly reveal the details of their friendship. I loved this book because of the way the author balances the serious sides of the story with funny lighthearted humour. Although the boys face hardships within the story the overall plot is very hopeful and shows a genuine coming of age story that shows them growing up, falling in love and repairing friendships.
Liam
The Things We Leave Behind
This book told a gut-wrenching story about the dangers of unrestrained extremism and intolerance that is very relevant today. 7.6/10
Jack
The Things We Leave Behind
I really loved this book. I thought it was a really interesting narrative and such a clever way to dictate her story. This book brings you on Clem’s journey through a changing world and I found myself hooked throughout. The parallel fairytale confused me at first but was a great way to mirror the experiences Clem was going through. I really recommend this as a book for everyone to read as it is really in tune with current events and I found it was very powerful. 10/10 one of the best books I have ever read.
Isabelle
Play
Play was an interesting book it was not my favourite since I thought the plot was not very clear. There were some parts I enjoyed like the tense scenes where mark is dealing. In addition Luc’s love life is quite interesting. Despite this though I found the ending a little anticlimactic.
Raf
All That It Ever Meant
A beautiful story about healing and bonding with a comedic twist. I found this book very enjoyable and found myself smiling quite a bit. The characters are displayed wonderfully and each have their own unique self.
Jennifer
King of Nothing
At first this book seemed so factually incorrect and rude in the ideas towards women that I didn’t want to read any further but then I realised it isn’t about what society is like it is about what it should be like and how Anton changes during the book and becomes a much better and kinder person. By the end I loved this book it was shocking at the start but it turned into a very heartwarming read. There are many people who need to read this book.
Holly
Glasgow Boys
I found this book at first hard since Banjo’s accent is thick. However besides Banjo’s accent it was a really good book and I would thoroughly recommend to any friend.
Raf
All That It Ever Meant
I found this book to be all in all not very good. The story line was really predictable towards the end and completely confusing for about 80% of the book. Through out the story the characters names changed on a regular basis with the changes only being explained in the final chapter. I didn't like this book at all.
Holly
Glasgow Boys
Despite having a challenge at the start to understand Banjo’s Glaswegian accent, it became quite fun to read and learn the stories of the separated friends. It almost seems as if they become honorary brothers by the end of the book. I really enjoyed Glasgow boys and would definitely recommend it and read it again.
Holly
King of Nothing
I think this book is displayed as incredibly wholesome, and is tear bringing in both ways. I believe it is very inspiring for young readers as it sparks hope that anyone can change. While it is making readers laugh, it also raises awareness of toxic masculinity and misogyny. It was an incredible read.
Jennifer
Treacle Town
Because of Treacle Town, I've become somewhat obsessed with the 'Treacle Towns' around Glasgow. Treacle Town provides a raw insight into a deprived, depressed, neglected area where there seems no hope or help for any kind of upward mobility. It's incredibly painful and sings to The Poet X but in a very different way and in a very different context. A very worthy read.
Lara
Glasgow Boys
This is a book about a beautiful, raw, challenging, special relationship between two male characters - two male characters that have been dealt a pretty rotten hand. It's honest, insightful, difficult, infuriating, but most of all real. I loved it. I haven't read anything like it - ever.
Lara