Logs

The Final Year
Whilst many people in my shadowing group didn't enjoy the way the book was laid out, I personally found that it helped portray how the story was told from the perspective of a child who was dealing with many complications in both family life and school. Overall I found this story to be a wonderful insight into what struggles can look like to a small kid.

Emerald T

Treacle Town
Unfortunately, i did not enjoy reading Treacle Town as much as i though i would have after watching the author interview. The ideas in the interview which the author were describing felt uplifting and inspiring, however, i felt as though the book didn't make this come across. The overall theme of violence was too hard-hitting for a young audience and i felt as though targeting this behavior towards readers so young is depressing and tiring to finish. The swearing in the book felt excessive and mostly forced and i did not feel comfortable whilst reading. I wouldn't recommend this book but understand that it may appeal to some audiences. It just isn't my cup of tea.

Scarlet G

The Final Year
I think the final year was very insightful into a young boy's childhood and learning what it feels like to grow up. the format of poetry was very interesting and I think would be very inspirational to young writers that have lot's of potential but don't know how to start. I recommend this novel to all ages as the language and atmosphere was very empowering.

bonny

Play
Play was such an amazing book. think it highlighted the struggles of teenage boys, whilst still keeping the story interesting and linking each different chapter of the boys lives with the games they played very well.Each game was described with such detailed imagery, that you could imagine each win and loss as though you were in the game yourself.l think this book was incredibly powerful, and I love the way the author managed to incorporate so many issues and struggles realistically into just 4 characters.l found that Lucs' POV was fascinating, as it shows an (unfortunately) common case of men raising their sons around toxic masculinity, and idolising it.It showed the complications of Luc knowing the feelings, thoughts and presumptions he felt were wrong, but how can he change that when that it is all he has known? He has watched his father disrespect both Lucs' mother, and all the women around him.We watch Luc push himself to the limit, all just to get little-to-no validation from his father.l think it was the correct choice to leave Johnnies' POV till the very end, as it was so powerful and emotional.The way that each room in the pyramid was so intricately explained, yet so vague, so it lets the imagination run-was so effective.The whole symbolism of the needle and the pyramid was so incredibly thought through and so meaningful.l genuinely sobbed at the end of this book, and I think that this book should be recommended to not only all teens, but adults too.

Lucy

Little Bang
I really enjoyed little bang and i loved how you got to see both sides of the teenage pregnancy and how they both reacted differently, however after Sid found out that Mel was pregnant i hated his character, (even though there were some lovely moments where he was looking out for Mel) he very obviously thought the best way to be there for mel was by working to earn money and staying away from her I felt as though he Victimised himself too much for instance his mum was obviously not very happy with the whole situation but after she had kind of got her head around it she was looking out for Mel and trying to help her as best as she possibly could but Sid kept pushing her away for no reason also i know it wasn't exactly cheating but the fact that he spent more time with the granddaughter of the old lady who owned the garden ( sorry i forgot her name) really just showed that he was trying to escape his problems instead of facing them with Mel, also when he said that the pram was for his cousin my jaw dropped he was basically so ashamed of Mel that he lied, and why would lie to a girl who was barely relevant to any of it if he didnt care about what she thought and he had no reason to care what she thought i really liked Mels character and i felt consistently bad for her through most of the book i felt as though she was kind of abandoned but in the sense that (aside from lucile) everyone just gave their input on what she should do and didn't ask her what she wanted to do with her own body. I was not expecting her to get an abortion and when she was at the airport and rang Sid and he purposely did not pick up the phone and then she went ahead with the abortion and afterwards Sid had the audacity to basically say you killed our baby. OUR BABY??? He wasn't there! I thought he should’ve had no say on the matter whatsoever and also he would have understood why Mel was doing it if he picked up the phone! However I found the book truly fascinating and quite thought provoking,I would recommend.

faith

Glasgow Boys
I really liked the book ‘Glasgow Boys’. It wasn’t like anything I normally read, but I found Margaret McDonald’s storytelling quite deep. I found Banjo’s part of the storyline the most interesting, the way McDonald expressed the different characters with actual personalities rather using the conventional backstories of schoolkids and bullies. My favourite character was Kyle, because, despite his rocky start, he really redeemed himself and I thought he had a good moral code. Alena was also a great character. Her struggles with Crohn’s Disease while still staying positive was really inspiring and I loved the way she interacted with everyone in the novel. While I may not have enjoyed Finnlay’s story as much, his struggles with coming out and finding his family was very interesting. It wasn’t as explored as Banjo’s section, however as the story progressed I started to get more into the plotline, and I think Finnlay was quite relatable. Glasgow Boys was a really interesting book and among my favourites in the shortlist. McDonald managed to bring these characters to life, making them unique and funny, which other novels have unfortunately lacked. I really enjoyed this book, and I think it was a fantastic story.

Charlotte

King of Nothing
This was definitely one of my favourite books from the shortlist I thought that all the characters where really interesting and diverse. The book expressed feelings and emotions such as grief and forgiveness and stepping outside of your comfort zone. I thought that Anton’s friends specifically Kehinde where such prime examples of the misogynistic brainwashing that happens to teenage boys all the time and I liked how Nathaniel Lessore showed the challenges that some teenagers face trying to get out of that mental state and then the fear of not being so popular and not fitting in as well. Antons mum was one of my favourite characters I loved how powerful and caring she was and never stopped believing in her own son. Matthew was the sweetest character ever OH MY DAYS I loved him he was so sweet and I felt as though he genuinely cared about Anton and not popularity he was just such a little sweetie pie I give it a 4/5

Faith

King of Nothing
King of nothing is about a boy called Anton who rules his secondary school. The book tells the story of how Anton realises that what he thought was important actually isn't and the true nature of his friends. I really enjoyed this book because it reflects dynamics I see within my own school and experiences, how lots of 'popular' friendship groups can develop into a hierarchy and how young people can be so easily influenced by successful people. This leads me on to my next point and my favourite character, Kehinde. Kehinde was Anton's best friend and allowed him to reach his popularity. Kehinde liked to listen to lots of podcasts promoting misogynist views and encourages young men to believe they will succeed in life just because they are a man. This is shown perfectly when Kehinde tells Anton that he doesn't need to plan for the future because he's a man and he can just get what he wants. I believe that Kehinde is such a great character because he shows how badly influential people such as Andrew Tate can brainwash young men into believing that they are better than women and in doing so, ruin their lives because of their views and behaviour. Kehinde's character taught me how dangerous influencers can be if they promote sexism or racism or any prejudices by using their own success as an example.

Jacoby

The Things We Leave Behind
I loved reading The Things We Leave Behind. The writing was liquid like and I found myself completely immersed in Clem's world within seconds of reading. I was enraptured by this book and how it was disturbingly realistic and close to home it was whilst still maintaining a dreamlike quality that kept me intrigued and allowed for the changes from present, past, and to the occasional snippet of a fairy tale that was being told throughout the chapters. I grew to love many of the characters, especially Billie, which I think reflects the authors's skills because she shared Clem with the reader so well that whatever she felt, I felt too. The ending left me in tears, but also in awe as this has been my favourite Carnegie book so far and the rest have a lot to live up to!

Eden

The Final Year
I really enjoyed the layout of this book because there were only a couple of lines per page as well as pictures of the scene. It gave a good insight into the fears of going from primary school to secondary and would suit a Year 6 audience better I believe. I liked the story line too because it contained many twists and turns that made the book even better.

Evie

Little Bang
Little Bang was a insightful novel, informing readers on the challenges of teenage pregnancy when abortion was frowned upon. Not only that but also the struggles and prejudice which they face in society. Although the main story line was easy to predict the way it was told is enough to keep the readers engaged and entertained.

Emerald T

The Final Year
The Final Year was a very easy and quick read in which it had only taken me one day to finish. I really liked how the novel was set out in the form of poetry and how the story was told through the eyes of a child in their last year of primary school. However, i did not find that the book was for the age gap which was recommended as he story was linked to events that occurred so long ago for teenagers. Perhaps the target audience should aim for kids leaving primary school so that they know what to look forward to in secondary, rather that teenagers who have already experienced the transition. Despite this, i enjoyed the book overall and found the points which the book explained to be very useful if seen by the eyes of someone aged 9-10 . I liked reading about the relationships which the characters ha build and he family dynamic which was comforting whilst all the event surrounding the plot occurred. I would recommend this book to those leaving primary are those who want to reminisce on the transition to secondary.

Scarlet G

All That It Ever Meant
I think all that it ever meant was strong but was a little hard to follow and the story line was a bit chaotic although the characters were incredibly and beautifully imagined by the author 'blessing Mariri' it wasn't as greatly executed as I would of hoped but still worth reading. I give this book a 3/5 star review

bonny

Glasgow Boys
Glasgow boys was an especially intriguing Carnegie novel. the story was so clear and vivid in my mind I felt like I was encountering the same experiences, challenges and strong friendships that banjo and Finlay were.I also loved that the author Margaret McDonald has made a very powerful point of raising awareness for the effects children have during their childhood living in care. for example banjo's constant anger issues and Feisty nature to do with this reason of neglect at a young age. I feel like banjo's story was a lot more impactful and emotive than Finlay's and personality shone through. as well as the romance aspect which is a questionable stage of teenagers in this reading category. the other characters play a huge part in banjo's life as his girlfriend Alena's family becomes his which is very heartwarming. overall I give Glasgow boys a 4/5 star review

bonny

Little Bang
This book isn't the kind I would normally pick up and read but it surprised me. The topic of abortion is often avoided and is very controversial and reading this book that discussed the arguments for and against abortion really made me consider how difficult lives some people, women in particular, live. Mel as one of the main characters becomes pregnant and goes through the hardships and experienced the prejudices of that. While Sid tries but just can't get how hard it is for Mel and i really empathise for him. Overall, i really enjoyed this book.

Iona

Treacle Town
Whilst I enjoyed treacle town, I found the characters in treacle town to be a bit stereotypical in this book, and the plot a bit predictable, which meant the book was a bit boring in some parts for me.

Felix

Little Bang
“The only way you can live with your decisions is if you make them yourself. Otherwise it’s just someone else’s universe.” —Kelly McCaughrain. Little Bang follows the journey of two characters whose lives are irrevocably changed after a single unexpected night together on New Year’s Day. Mel is a clever 15-year-old girl with many aspirations, from inventing time-travel and going to Cambridge university to study physics. She could not be more dissimilar to Sid, a rebellious 16-year-old boy who has hopes of becoming a musician but is struggling to stay afloat at school. The two characters connect, and soon find themselves tied together by a baby, named Little Bang, at a time when abortion was illegal in Northern Ireland. The alternating perspectives throughout this book invites the reader to understand how both Sid and Mel experienced the pregnancy, and I found it interesting to compare their struggles. I admired both of their strength, and I did catch myself feeling slightly surprised with how much Sid stepped up which made me wonder about the expectations for men in relationships now. I also felt frustrated at the lack of support for Mel, because although her family were prepared to help her raise the baby, there were times when Little Bang seemed like the priority, and no one was there for her. Throughout reading the novel I admired it for how important the messages within it were, and for how it taught me about what it might be like to be in Mel’s situation. Despite the weight of the subject, Little Bang remained accessible and was written with sensitivity and empathy. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I think that everyone should read it because it could help to foster important conversations that need to be had on the topic of abortion. My favourite moment in this novel was when the debate team at Mel’s school were presenting arguments for and against abortion and Holly went to the lectern and simply said “It’s. My. Body.” because I completely agree with her and it was a relief to read after suffocating from all the external pressure that was being forced on Mel to keep the baby, and not a single person speaking up. I really respect Mel and her incredible bravery, as well as her admirable tolerance of most of the other characters in the book because I do not think I could be in the same room as Smug Nigel for long.

Eden

Treacle Town
My opinion on treacle town is that the story line was inspirational and raised awareness for darker topics that are not usually talked about although this caused the overall effect to be increasingly intense or dull,which meant that it was challenging to read over long periods of time and follow the dialogue and narrative.

bonny clutterbuck

Glasgow Boys
I thought that Glasgow boys was a very interesting book, and that it was quite a safe and a cosy story, that really emphasised how odd relationships can sometimes be the best.Glasgow boys has quite a safe storyline, that wasn’t in my opinion, that gripping-but I still felt for when characters were faced with trouble.I enjoyed the use of extra characters such as Alena and Akash as I loved seeing how the boys(Banjo and Finlay)can love again after their troublesome upbringings.Even though I have much a praise for this book-I must say that I found Finlay’s perspective quite tedious and repetitive-equitably monotonous.Now-I understand that Finlay represented those with trust and commitment issues, but I thought it unrealistic and quite annoying how he would continuously push people away and complain and whine about how he was so lonely-it got to a point where it became such a normal thing-that I just expected to be bored whilst reading his POV.Although my tough thoughts on Finlay’s perspective,I am glad that I now know and(hopefully)can help a future or current friend in a situation where they want to commit, but can’t, and I do feel for him.On a happier note,I adored Banjo-he was funny, interesting and I thought it was so lovely how his issues and relationships developed and how by the end of the book he was happy.I did enjoy how the author made the story line quite cosy-but I can’t help but think that the major events could of been slightly more gripping?I don’t know, but they got kind of glossed over and swept under the rug quite quickly; except for when Finlay would stress out about them.On the contrary, it did make the story seem more realistic and life-like as sometimes life’s events are just simply brushed over.I’ve already used this adjective too many times, but if I were to describe Glasgow boys with one word -it would be cosy-as it is a book I will remember as I loved the message about how every relationship matters and no relationship is odd-just unique.Although it was warm and safe-it changed my perspective on how I view different relationships.Overall, I would recommend this book to people due to the story and underlying message rather than the plot.

Lucy

The Things We Leave Behind
I really enjoyed reading The Things We Leave Behind. The story is a very well written, easy reading story which includes many twists and always keeps you wanting to read more. I found the plot to be very easy to follow and it seemed to be very thought through with how you learn more as you read on. You can build a relationship with the characters and connect ,which only emphasizes the plot even further and the twist at the end. It also includes a sense of reality in the plot, showing us how easy it is for the world to fall into a dystopian like place and through issues which we can see all over the globe. I never got bored and would absolutely read another book by Clare Furniss.

Scarlet G

All That It Ever Meant
This book in my opinion was quite interesting. It is written in a style of writing that I'm not usually used to. When I first started reading this book, it was quite sceptical as I didn't 100% understand the plot. But as the book progressed, it made more sense. I thought the ending was the best part because I felt the writer really highlighted the emotions and thoughts of the main character.

Evie

All That It Ever Meant
Unfortunately, i was not a huge fan of this book. Whilst the writing includes some aspects of comedy, i found that the overall story was lacking in a form of suspense or anything to hook the reader. From the beginning I found the book to be quite boring and simply couldn't get into the story. I believe that the way the author has written lacks description and doesn't allow me to fully imagine what's going on whilst the overall plot doesn't include anything that made me want to carry on reading. I hope that in the future, the author may be able to change this and perhaps add a factor of wow into her books. I personally wouldn't recommend this book to someone but i can see why others might like it . Sadly, it just wasn't for me .

Scarlet G

Glasgow Boys
“Glasgow Boys" by Margaret McDonald is a moving exploration of identity, community, and the struggles of the Scottish working class. The novel follows the lives of two young adults, Finlay and Banjo, as they navigate the challenges of their unique circumstances. Finlay, an 18-year-old nursing student at the University of Glasgow, and Banjo, a 17-year-old high school student in foster care, both struggle with their pasts and the challenges of their present situations. I think the novel's power lies in its authentic portrayal of the character's emotional journeys and the societal issues they face. One of the central themes of "Glasgow Boys" is the impact of the care system on young people. Both Finlay and Banjo come from care backgrounds, which significantly influences their lives and decisions. Finlay's struggle to balance his nursing studies with the lack of a support network highlights the systemic challenges faced by care leavers. Without familial support, he must navigate university life alone, intensifying the pressures of his coursework and clinical placements. This isolation underscores the broader issues within the care system, where young people often transition to adulthood without adequate preparation or resources. Finlay's journey sheds light on the urgent need for structural changes to better support care leavers in their pursuit of higher education and personal development. Similarly, Banjo's difficulty in adjusting to his new foster family and managing his anger highlights the emotional toll of the care system and also how children within the care system should be cared for as if they were in a “normal” family for example their emotions taken notice of. McDonald effectively uses these characters to expose the broader issues within the care system and its long-term effects on individuals. The novel also delves into the theme of masculinity and emotional vulnerability. Finlay and Banjo's experiences reflect the societal expectations placed on young men to suppress their emotions and appear strong. McDonald challenges these stereotypes by depicting the boys' internal struggles and their need for emotional connection. For example in the quote “It’s a teddy. He’s fifteen. He doesn’t know how to explain it without opening up his insides.” Is a clear reference to how Finlay feels he needs to tell Banjo why this toy is so precious but can’t because it would be perhaps wrong or inappropriate for him to do so. The novel suggests that true strength lies in acknowledging and expressing one's emotions, rather than conforming to traditional notions of masculinity. This theme is particularly relevant in today's context, where there is a growing recognition of the importance of mental health and emotional well-being. Community and friendship play a crucial role in "Glasgow Boys." The bond between Finlay and Banjo, despite their estrangement, serves as a testament to the power of human connection. Their journey towards reconciliation and self-forgiveness is a central narrative arc that drives the story forward. McDonald portrays the boys' friendship as a source of strength and resilience, emphasising the importance of supportive relationships in overcoming personal challenges. The novel ultimately conveys a message of hope and the possibility of healing through connection and understanding. Banjo’s connection with Alena and her family is a prime example to how small and simple connections to people can make life an easier experience for those who struggle with their mental health. In conclusion, "Glasgow Boys" is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that addresses significant social issues through the lens of its well-written characters. Margaret McDonald's debut work is a testament to her ability to capture the complexities of the human experience, particularly within the context of the Scottish working class. The novel's exploration of the care system, masculinity, and the power of community makes it a relevant and impactful read. Glasgow Boys was an excellent read that I really enjoyed that I otherwise wouldn't have read.

Iona

Little Bang
I admit that when i first saw the book, i was a little skeptical about whether i would genuinely enjoy it or if the theme of abortion would overrun the plot line. But as soon as i started i was surprised at how well the author has incorporated the aspect into the story. Whilst being extremely educative, the book itself is very well written and easy to read and got me hooked only a few pages in. I would definitely recommend it to a friend

Scarlet G

Treacle Town
I really enjoyed this book mainly because of how they mixed both English writing and Scottish slang. I think it made the book a lot more interesting to read. I would recommend this book to teenagers as it contains some controversial and challenging context that require higher levels of maturity. The characters' lives were described very well, developing on the challenges that some people have to experience. Overall, I found this book very interesting and has made readers aware of these hard topics.

Evie

The Final Year
The Final Year was an excellent insight into a completely different perspective of the world to my own. Nate our main character is ten years old and lives in the rougher side of town. He has two younger brothers and none of them live with their fathers but only live with their mother instead. Nate's mother struggles - and this is one of my favorite bits about Nate - he continually looks after his brothers and tries to help his mum. Nate also struggles with his anger and has found that writing poetry helps him to stay calm. At school, Nate is studying Skellig by David Almond and he really loves it as if he can relate to the main characters. Overall, I really enjoyed it but some parts were expected and there wasn't anything unusual in my opinion about the book.

Iona