Ousedale Olney
Ghostlines
The book was really empowering, The adventure for the two kids that didn't get off to a good start to being friends has taught me to try and persevere. Rowan sounds like the big brother I will never have. The island of Ayrie sounds like a magical place filled with wildlife and fun. I loved the plot and the short chapters. Moses is a lovely dog filled with kindness and laughter. The book overall was a gentle read and was calming. It was a good book however it wasn't my favorite.
Lilah
Ghostlines
I have enjoyed this book very much this showed adventure and fun my favorite part is her getting to know the mysterious boy.
I really felt like i was there in the book this is a read i will read again and again. This was a really powerful statement saying who ever you are there will be someone helping you.
Imogen
The Boy I Love
The Boy I Love was an amazing read. It links to the historical context so well that it felt real despite the story being mainly fictional. I really enjoyed viewing the relationship between Stephen and Daniel which had a strong bond with Wraxall's relationship with Michael. The accuracy of the horrors of war caught my eye, with the losses throughout the story being very emotional. My favourite part was the day of the Somme, as it replicates that of the real WW1 as they had lost many of their platoon, just as how Britain had lost many soldiers. It was an amazing read and I felt like I was there in the scene. I would definitely recommend this to anyone above 13. My favourite read so far!
Raf
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I think that the story had a very creative theme whilst also relating to real life challenges. Although the book was very enjoyable, some of the vocabulary may seem confusing for younger people. However, the crazy themes (such as Pelicarnassus' robot pelican suit) makes it a very enjoyable read. My favourite character was Zeke because he was always determined to claim victory over his foes. Miel was also an amazing character as he prevented his disabilities from taking the best of him. Overall, a very enjoyable read that I would recommend to 9-10 year old's.
Raf
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I feel that the chronicles of a lizard nobody book was hard to follow the storyline because it was talking about some thing then something else. The age is 7+ which i think is suitable for the storyline but the vocabulary is not suitable for age 7+. I also think that 7 year old would not understand the reference to to what the black dog means or what the word coincidentally actually means.
Evelyn
The Boy I Love
The Boy I Love is a heartbreaking story that shows the brutalities of war. The relationship between Danny and Stephan broke my heart. I know quite a bit about WW1 but this shows you how they would send millions and millions and they would just be shot down. It shows that homosexuality was a huge problem in the early 20th century. I felt overjoyed when they reunited in the end. The anticipation throughout the book was great. Overall it was one of my top 3 Carnegie reads
Lilah
Popcorn
What a day- poor Andrew! Well written and set out. It was great that the overall theme was accepting- your condition (anxiety) and help from others. Aimed at 9+ which if fitted. It was alright.
Debbie
The Boy I Love
A lot of war talk-fascinating and appalling-but made the book feel like it went on too much. The lives lost, bravery, horrific conditions, ill treatment of 'privates' and the atrocities of war were well written and well presented. The world view of homosexuality 100 years ago must be difficult for the younger reader to comprehend. A bit of a twee ending but after Percy's death any of them could have been next so it was twee but a relief- and a few tears!!! A bit long but the best of the Carnegie's on offer this year in my opinion.
Debbie
Birdie
I thought Birdie was a great read! The viewing of racism made if feel real as this was something many young kids and adults had to go through. I loved Mr.Duke, he was like a rock to birdie, helping her get through a difficult phase in her life but it could of been better if we had a little more information about birdies past and her friendship with Julie. Overall I really enjoined the book.
Imogen.H
Wolf Siren
I don't normally read this genre of book. I Thought the book was very advanced for the situation of the magical forest. It didn't relate to little red riding hood like thought it would. The twist at the end with Wilson complicated the storyline and the book. Overall it was a great start but the end was sophisticated and was dark ending.
Lilah
Wolf Siren
In my opinion in thought that Wolf siren is an amazing book I thought the book had some amazing vocabulary. If felt some of the storyline was unnecessary but iit was a good book still.
Evelyn
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
This book is based for the younger years however the vocabulary I would aim at ages 11-12.The plot of the book was hard to follow and the idea of the 'black dog' metaphor of depression is a subtle way to hint at younger kids the way it consumes you. The overall book was a weird and random story however the end was sweet.
Lilah
The Boy I Love
I really enjoyed this book. I adored the relationship between Stephen and Danny. The description and the love between 2 men, despite it being illegal in the time, is so well done that it left me wondering if the was a book 2. Throughout the book, I enjoyed the tiny cliffhangers and at 1 point I thought Danny had/would die and I kind of freaked out because of how connected I got to the character. I loved the book because, not only was it so beautifully detailed, it was about a relationship between 2 young men fighting during WW1. I sure hope William Hussey makes a book 2 because I enjoyed the first book so much!
Lizzie
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
Well, for a book with a 7+ age rating I thought too many long, complicated words were used, especially names. Concepts such as the 'Black dog' and tryrants are too much for the age range and the story was very jumpy and disjointed. I found it hard to keep track of who was what animal/insect. The overall story, if you could pick it out and understand it, was suited to the reading age as were the consequences and ending. I don't understand what this book was trying to be/do when the language was for an older age range and the story younger.
Debbie
Ghostlines
A book for the younger end of the reading scale, however, once again Katya Balen writes a brilliant story. The way human nature, animals and the great outdoors are detailed and included in her books is amazing. Like her other books it took a couple of chapters for me to get into it, but then I was hooked. Always something to learn about nature in a Balen books too. Owls in October, October and puffins in this, Ghostlines. I would recommend this book, an enchanting tale.
Debbie
Not Going To Plan
I liked this book. I liked how in chapter 1 it brings up typical teenage actions e.g.. vaping, alcohol and doing piercings and tattoo's by yourself. I liked how in chapter 7 you learn about Marnie's mum and Zed and Jessica's backstory. One of my main issues however is the layout of the book and the format it is written in. I found it amusing, I was in hysterics and it entertained me for hours. I found the party very confusing, I didn't know where everyone was and I also thought that when Zed and Luca kissed I thought it should be more of a thing across the book towards the beginning. I loved how Marnie's friends supported her. I loved when Jessica and Marnie put Harry to justice for his actions. I loved the ending but i would like to of seen the GCSE's results and saw the expression of happiness if they got good GCSE's. I would like to know more about Naomi's backstory.
Lilah
Wolf Siren
Other than there being a wolf in the forest the book is nothing like Little Red Riding Hood!!! I loved the beginning, especially the alluding towards female empowerment but it suddenly went a bit 'Twilight', with people turning into wolves. For me, it went downhill pretty fast. That Red was partially sighted added to her character but it did feel like token disability inclusion. Too much period talk, no need to kill Aerona. Overall an OK read but not as good as it thinks it is.
Debbie
Birdie
Not a bad read. The 'thee' and 'thou' was really irritating- the book is set in the 50's and there is no other olde English used. I did like the Birdie character and her aunt and uncle quickly became so beloved. Having grown up with grand parents alive during WW2 the racism did not surprise me and I thought it was very well dealt with- however, not dealt with clearly enough for the younger reader to understand the importance. Mr Duke- all my fears and tears were for him. Thank goodness it was a happy ending.
Debbie
Wolf Siren
One of the most empowering book I have read all year! I loved all the feminism and how the story plot grows. Although I think that they could keep Areona, I enjoyed getting to know all the different characters and all the personality traits, especially Reds. But I think that the ending could include what happens to Wilson it would be better but overall I really enjoyed it.
Imogen Humphrey
Birdie
My thoughts on Birdie varied throughout the book. At the beginning, I loved the touch of racism to add the reality of what it is like for a black girl in 1952. The pony Mr Duke was a personal favourite as I believed that it was a personal support animal and Birdie's best friend. Birdie had a heart and soul along with Mr Walter who was kind from the beginning however it took a lot for my head to change about aunt Mabel. I would of liked to see more of Julie and also Mrs Dudley's and Birdie's childhood. Overall my verdict is that it was a great read and a great adventure to dive into.
Lilah Jeavons
Not Going To Plan
Having previously read and LOVED Crossing the Line I was ready for her verse written style. Just as before I was unenamoured to start but soon drawn in by Zed and Marnie and the alternate telling. Another funny and moving, realistic tale of friendship, making mistakes and how, where and when to seek help. The book doesn't shy away from YA issues and, more importantly, doesn't give you the answers. Felt all the art stuff at the end was a bit much and I don't think she needed to change her display last minute. Overall a great read.
Debbie
Twenty Four Seconds from Now
Whilst the book has a realistic storyline and characters , I found the main concept contentious (U16 school) and was not a fan of the backwards structure. Also, sometimes the writing was in quite a cultural style, not just the spoken words, but other times written in 'The Queen's' english. The book/story never found its groove for me. It would have been a better read if written in the order occurred as would have been a clearer story and not felt like abstract bits of someone's life. Not a winner for me.
Debbie