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Little Bang
I thought that Little Bang is a very thoughtfully written book that makes you step into the shoes of two very different people and consider the situation that they found themselves in, and the situations that hundreds of people faced in Ireland and that people face all over the world today. I found that the characters didn't have much depth, but they represented people faced with these impossible decisions. I think that this book also shows many varying opinions on the morality of abortion and pushes you to empathise with the characters.

Kaja

King of Nothing
King Of Nothing is a book that speaks on gritty realities, but lacks the authenticity and originality that some other books possess. However, the relationships between the characters, specifically Anton and Matthew were nicely conveyed and were enjoyable to read. I felt like it conveyed a message and moral aimed at an audience that may or may not even consider picking up a book. Although there were good moments, I felt at times lectured about a point I was aware of.

Kaja

Glasgow Boys
I thought Glasgow Boys was an utterly brilliant book. I felt that this tells an important side of childhood that is not often heard. It was heart wrenching and hopeful, filled with the bitter harshness of the past and the yearning for a brighter future with people who matter.

Kaja

Treacle Town
I thought that Treacle Town was incredibly well written and meaningful. It is very harsh in its telling of the main characters life, and it does not hide any truth of his world. This book shines a light on the way millions of people live, how their lives look and puts you in their shoes. I think that it tells a very important story and makes you think about the country we live in and how it is organised.

Kaja

The Final Year
I thought that the book 'Final Year' had a very moving and inspiring message, and explored the hard situations that people are sometimes in. I loved how truefully the book was written, in an accessible and real way, and really felt as if an actual boy in his scenario had written it. I also thought that the storyline was brilliant, and I would reccommend this book to others.

Rose

The Things We Leave Behind
This book is written really well. It has a nice high ending but also dramatic sad moments. It's chapters are a bit strange in the sense that they are not numbered and are VERY far apart. The characters are really easy to connect with and they have been developed really well . Lots of moments had me on the edge of my sear (Spoilers: for example the boat and when Claudia gets arrested. The beginning has a bit of a slow start but once the book begins it becomes very gripping. I'd recommend this a friend.

Toby

Glasgow Boys
'Glasgow Boys' is the story of two boys, Banjo and Finlay as they traverse through their life in the city of Glasgow. On the one hand I enjoyed the complexity and layers that all the characters had. The relationship that Banjo and Finlay had was very unique and I don't read many books with characters like them. However, on the other hand, I must admit that the writing felt a little unversed.

Frankie

King of Nothing
While this book was definitely an improvement from Nathanael Lessore's previous book, Steady for this, it still did not please me. I laughed at nothing, the characters annoyed me, and while reading the book, I was just counting down the pages waiting for it to end. By no means is it a bad book, it just wasn't for me.

Frankie

The Things We Leave Behind
The Things We Leave Behind is an utterly evocative book depicting the story of Clem, a refugee from an authoritarian government causing unrest in London. This dystopian novel highlights relevant topics like racism, extremism and xenophobia through simplistic yet emotional prose. Clem, turning 15, is constantly reminded of her traumatic past along her journey across the length and breadth of the country. Furniss maintains a sense of uncertainty and fear throughout the narrative and lets the reader unfurl the beautifully crafted plot. You will almost definitely feel related and empathetic to the raw experiences of the characters and the fragility of memories and family.

Ayaansh