Norwich High Bookworms

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I really enjoyed this book even though as someone who is older than the intended audience some scenes were a little bit cringey/predictable. I liked how it incorporated some difficult/commonly avoided topics to the fun/silly idea of the book, such as fat shaming, prejudice against social status, disabilities, neurodivergence and imperfect families (single parents, lgbt parents, etc…). I personally really liked Miel’s character because I thought he was quite funny and I also liked Daniel’s carefree personality. I think this is just because I’m older but the whole France thing was kind of confusing and I felt it was unnecessary and also the lasers. But, I liked how the author tied in facts from the animals and put in tiny details to how the characters do things or for example, their houses. In summary, I think this is a good book for the intended audience.

Hannah

Popcorn
This book really represents anxiety well. I wouldn't know about how it represents OCD, as I don't have it, but it gave me a good understanding of what it is and how its like to have it. The descriptions of panic attacks are really accurate and I love how everything seemed to go wrong in his day, because that happens to me! amazing book :)

Anika

Lord of the Flies: The Graphic Novel
I really enjoyed this graphic novel because even though I haven’t read the original book, I could really understand the characters and emphasise with them just through the illustrations. I really liked the watercolour + fineliner shading drawing style because you could really see the movement in the characters. The story itself was so interesting because it showed how humans could turn into animals when you lose civilisation. My favourite panels were probably the flies chasing Simon on page 235 and the cult-like dance panels that led up to Simon’s murder. The next few panels after were also really good since the monotone colour pallet symbolised Piggy and Ralph’s fear and grief. I hated Jack after I finished the book because of how he turned Ralph into prey and hunted him like an animal, completely contrasting to his ‘choir-boy’ character at the start of the book. He turned into what he hated, a creature without law and order while keeping his original ideals of wanting meat and being chief, though that quickly turned into insanity. Overall I think this book deserved being in the Carnegies shortlist and would recommend to anyone.

Hannah

The Boy I Love
I love this book because it explores a very detailed description of the First World War. There were definitely a lot of words (objects) that I didn't quite understand. The story was told through the main character, Stephan, but I think it lacked some thoughts from Danny (Stephan's love) . The 14+ mostly just goes to the action of the war and the brutalness of torture from the other Captains. This book definitely pulled some of my heartstrings because of the main characters' love for each other. Highly recommend it for people who are interested in the First World War. Loved the relationship between the main characters. Sweet.

Karuna