Rainbeau Readers
Glasgow Boys
‘Glasgow Boys’ is a wonderfully written novel by Margaret McDonald centered around two boys and their broken friendship. Growing up in care, Finlay and Banjo were in and out of foster homes most of their lives until they met each other, striking up an unusual friendship. We follow two separate storylines of the boys as they struggle to live their lives at university, work and school. As both characters struggle through their new situations as a consequence of absent care and support growing up, they learn more about themselves and their relationships. The novel focuses on themes of masculinity, love and how it can take different forms - not necessarily romantic love. Throughout the book I felt engaged with the characters and found that through the words on the page, I could empathise with the boys. I felt the emotions conveyed were raw and real, creating a sense that the boys’ situation and growth was genuine. The book, however, contains some mature themes and a healthy dose of reality, making it a more difficult read then other novels. In spite of this the book is perfect for anyone who needs a story with deep emotion, a message and a comforting end.
Ellie-Anna
The Final Year
Matt Goodfellow’s “The Final Year” is a moving book about the struggles some young people face due to their parents’ own difficulties. The style of writing used in this book is beautiful: it is written in free verse and skillfully portrays moods and atmospheres. Unlike many verse novels I have read, the lines didn’t seem forced - they flowed seamlessly into each other. This book does contain themes of ‘drinking, child carers, neglect and poverty’ but they are presented gently and discreetly, whilst effectively addressing the issues. However, I wonder if the storyline is maybe too serious for the intended age group, the style of writing seems to be targeted towards younger readers, but the topics talked about are heavy concerns for children to be reading about. It is a book that has the power to make readers emotional (which is an amazing thing), but personally the Year 6 me would have enjoyed a more lighthearted read. This book was paced well, I didn’t feel bored or rushed, and the plot was credible. I wish the slang attempts were left out though; I don’t think they added anything to the book, and slang will date a book for future readers, making it seem less appealing. Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and I will be on the lookout for more books by Matt Goodfellow.
Rosie B
Little Bang
Little Bang is a really powerful book about teen pregnancy and making difficult choices. It’s set in Northern Ireland and deals with serious topics like abortion and family issues, but it explains them in a way that’s easy to understand. I really liked that the story is told from two different points of view—Mel, who’s super smart and wants to go to Cambridge, and Sid, who’s more laid-back and dreams of being a musician. They’re really different, but they end up supporting each other in ways that really matter.
Sometimes the book made me feel sad, but there were also funny and heartwarming moments. My favourite character was Sid because he changes so much throughout the story. The book made me think about how tough life can be, but also how people can grow and change for the better. I’d definitely recommend it to other teenagers!
Chantelle
Treacle Town
Treacle Town is about a boy trying to escape his difficult life and the problems that come with living in a small town. I found the setting interesting, and I think the author did a great job of showing what it feels like to be stuck in a place where nothing really changes. Some of the characters were really well written, especially the main character—I could understand how he was feeling and why he acted the way he did.
One thing I didn’t like as much was the amount of swearing. There was a bit too much for me, but at the same time, it made sense for the story because it showed the emotion of the characters and the tough environment they grew up in.
Some chapters felt a bit slow and didn’t seem that important to the plot, so the story didn’t stay with me as much as I hoped. Still, I liked the author’s writing style and how the book explored real-life issues like family, poverty, and friendship. I think people who enjoy realistic stories with serious themes would like this book more than someone who prefers fast-paced action.
Overall, Treacle Town was a decent read, and I’m glad I gave it a try.
Vanessa
The Things We Leave Behind
The Things We Leave Behind wasn’t really my favourite, and I didn’t enjoy it as much as I hoped I would. I found the story quite slow at times, and I didn’t always feel connected to the characters or fully understand what the main message was supposed to be. Because of that, it didn’t really stick with me.
That said, the book did have some good parts. It explored important themes like loss, growing up, and change—things that a lot of people can relate to. Even though it wasn’t really my kind of story, I can see how someone who enjoys more thoughtful and emotional books might really connect with it.
It’s not a bad book—it just wasn’t the right one for me. I would consider reading it again in the future, as I might understand it better or connect with it more the second time around.
Vanessa
King of Nothing
I thought King of Nothing was a really good book. It made me think about how people deal with feeling like they don’t belong. The story is about a boy who doesn’t really fit in anywhere, and he’s trying to figure out who he is and where he belongs. He feels invisible to the people around him—like he’s the “king of nothing.” But as the story goes on, he slowly starts to stand up for himself and find his voice.
One thing I really liked was how real the characters felt. The author did a great job of showing what it’s like to deal with things like loneliness, pressure, and friendships that change over time. It felt very believable and easy to relate to.
Overall, I think King of Nothing is a great book for teenagers because it shows that even when you feel like no one sees you, you still matter. It reminded me that it’s okay to be different and that finding your own path is really important. I would definitely recommend it to other students my age.
Vanessa
The Things We Leave Behind
All the Things We Leave Behind was a powerful and moving story that gave a real insight into the lives of refugees and people living under authoritarian rule. It was sad to follow Clem as she slowly lost everything, and the twist at the end was truly heartbreaking. Knowing that something like this could happen in our country—and is already happening in many others—is honestly terrifying.
I would definitely recommend this book, and it’s easily one of my favourite Carnegie reads so far.
Aria
The Final Year
This was such a powerful book, based on a topic that’s not often written about—the experiences and emotions of leaving primary school. It follows a Year 6 student who’s already struggling with anxiety and big emotions, and now he’s worried about finishing primary and starting secondary school.
His journey takes a heartbreaking turn after a terrible incident involving his little brother turns his world upside down. The story shows us what he goes through and reflects the real-life struggles many young people face.
I loved this book, and the illustrations are absolutely beautiful—they really bring the story to life.
Alba
Glasgow Boys
This book was absolutely brilliant! It tells the story of two boys with big secrets, shared experiences, and a deeply connected past.
Banjo and Finnlay grew up together in foster care, but a terrible incident tears them apart. They don’t see each other for three years and end up living completely different lives. Banjo keeps getting into trouble and moves from one foster carer to another, while Finnlay has aged out of the system and moved to Glasgow to study at university.
Both boys say they’ve moved on—but that’s not completely true. Will they ever meet again? Can they reconnect? And most importantly, can they overcome the struggles that come with growing up in care?
Margaret is a genius writer, and this book is just as amazing as her talent. Glasgow Boys was a real pleasure to read. If I could read it for the first time again, I would! It’s not a fantasy adventure, but it still feels magical in its own way.
This book was awesome.
Alba
The Final Year
This book was way better than I expected! Before I actually read it, I thought it was going to be just another boring verse novel—which is a writing style I’m usually not that into. But this one really stood out to me, and it’s honestly one of the best verse novels I’ve ever read.
To be completely honest, I was surprised by how fast-paced it was—like, REALLY fast. But even though it moved quickly, all the important parts of a good story were still there: tension, resolution, and a powerful message.
Sure, it doesn’t go into loads of detail about every little thing that happens, but I actually liked that. It leaves space for the reader to think, imagine, and really get into the story.
One thing I found really interesting was the use of language. As a poet, Matt Goodfellow gives certain words—like "wings" and "beast"—deeper meanings, and I loved that. The way he writes about life and change shows how people sometimes have to adapt, even when they don’t want to.
And I can’t forget the illustrations! Joe Todd-Stanton’s artwork made the book even more gripping. His style fits perfectly with the story and adds a whole new layer to it.
Overall, this is a brilliant book—with an amazing author and a super talented illustrator.
Hayden
Play
Play by Luke Palmer is a powerful and emotional book about four boys growing up and trying to figure out who they are, and what it really means to be a man. Each of the boys has a unique personality, and some even have their own font, which makes it easier to tell them apart and understand their point of view. The story is often sad and deeply emotional, as it explores their dreams and the pressures teenage boys face. The characters aren’t perfect — they make mistakes and bad choices — but that just makes them feel more realistic, like people you might actually know in real life. The ending shows that even after everything they’ve been through, there’s still a chance for change and growth. It reminds us that there is always hope for the future.
Chantelle
The Things We Leave Behind
The Things We Leave Behind is an emotional book about a girl called Clem who is struggling after the death of her mum. She has to deal with grief as well as the challenges of growing up. The story shows how lost she feels at first, but also how she slowly starts to find her way again. Clare Furniss writes honestly about real feelings and problems that teenagers go through. The way she describes Clem’s thoughts and emotions makes it easy to connect with her and understand what she’s facing. This book shows that even in the toughest times, it’s still possible to find hope and happiness again.
Elizabeth
King of Nothing
This book is really interesting in the way it shows how people can change, even if they’ve made mistakes in the past. It highlights how much someone is shaped by the people around them, especially those they’re closest to. The author, Nathanael Lessore, does a great job of showing what true friendship means — especially when Anton realises that the people he thought were his ‘friends’ don’t actually support him. The writing style is gripping and full of humour, which made me laugh out loud more than once. In my opinion, this is one of the best books on the Carnegie shortlist — maybe even the best — because it’s one of the few books I’ve read recently that kept me hooked all the way through. Overall, it’s a brilliant, funny and powerful read, and another amazing book by a really talented author.
Hayden
Treacle Town
It’s a hert-wrenching novel that explores life in a broken Scottish town through the eyes of Con O’Neill, a teenager desperate to escape the cycle of violence and hopelessness. After losing his friend, Con finds a new path through slam poetry, which helps him express his feelings and find his voice in a world that wants to keep him quiet. Gang violence is a major theme and has a huge impact on the lives of young people in the story. Brian Conaghan does a great job of showing what it feels like to grow up in a place where nothing ever seems to change. The characters feel really real, and Con’s journey is heartbreaking. Even though the book can be dark, it’s full of honesty and raw emotion. It’s a story that stays with you long after you’ve finished it.
Elizabeth
The Things We Leave Behind
The Things We Leave Behind is a heartbreaking novel that explores themes of grief and the refugee crisis. At the start, I was slightly confused, but as I kept reading, I began to understand the powerful message the book is trying to share. Clare Furniss does an amazing job of tackling sensitive topics like terrorism and political division, with Clem as the main character guiding us through her emotional journey. The dystopian world she lives in feels frighteningly close to the reality we see in the news today. Overall, this is a beautifully written and emotionally powerful story that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading. I would definitely recommend it.
Chantelle
The Final Year
The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow is about a boy called Nate, who’s in Year 6 and looking forward to an amazing final year of primary school with his best friend. But when they get split up, things start to go downhill for Nate, and his year turns out to be very different from what he imagined. I really liked this book, especially the way it’s written in verse—it helped me connect with the characters and understand how they were feeling. I also really enjoyed the storyline. I’d recommend it for readers aged 8 and up, as it’s definitely aimed at a younger audience.
Isabella
Glasgow Boys
This book by Margaret McDonald is about two boys, Banjo and Finlay, who have grown up in the care system in Scotland. They first met in a group home and formed a strong bond, helping each other through tough times before they were separated. The story follows what happens when they meet again later in life. I really liked this book because it’s full of love, care, and emotion. The author writes in a way that made me feel both the pain and the joy of the characters. I would definitely recommend it.
Isabella
Glasgow Boys
This book is really gripping right from the start and is genuinely interesting to read. It explores themes like mental health and understanding others in a deep and thoughtful way. Out of all the books on the Carnegie shortlist, I think this one handles those themes the best.
Even though some of the other shortlisted books cover similar ideas, this one stood out to me because of how well it uses flashbacks and plays with time. These techniques really helped show the characters' personalities and made their experiences feel more real. The contrast between the two main characters—who are very different but still have a strong bond—made the story even more engaging.
I think the way the book explains things like PTSD and panic attacks is really powerful. It helps you understand what the characters are going through and makes them feel more realistic and relatable.
Overall, this is a great book about mental health, relationships, and how difficult communication can be sometimes. It might even inspire people to talk more and try to understand each other better.
Hayden
King of Nothing
When I first encountered this book as a part of the Carnegies, I was slightly intimidated by all the warnings of content including ‘crime and violence, misogyny, and toxic masculinity’, however I was amazed by how well these big issues were portrayed in a relatively light, suitable, yet non-patronising manner. The plot of this book is brilliantly paced, interesting and surprising, keeping me hooked throughout. Although the characters’ interactions weren’t necessarily the most believable, they were funny and heartwarming, and I was completely invested in their relationships. Lessore has a brilliant way of evoking readers’ emotions through simple moments making characters seem relatable. This book has definitely earned its spot on the shortlist!
Rosie
Play
The book Play explores the importance of communication in young people’s relationships, the influence of drugs, and the pressures of different social expectations. It does a great job of showing the dangers of getting involved in drug trafficking, similar to Crossing the Line, which won last year’s Carnegie Shadowers’ Choice Medal for Writing. What I really liked about Play was the ending—it shows how life could have been completely different if the characters had made other choices, which is a theme in some of the other books on this year’s shortlist too. One thing that really struck me was the way time is used at the end—it genuinely surprised me. The ‘games’ the characters play also change over time, showing how people grow from childhood into their teenage years. The risks they’re willing to take to get what they want also change, which highlights some of the key themes in the book. However, I didn’t fully enjoy it because some parts made me feel uncomfortable. Still, it’s a powerful story and a good book for understanding the consequences of drugs.
Hayden
All That It Ever Meant
I think this is a very emotional book, with Matiponesa, the main character, trying to figure out who she really is and uncover the truth about her past. It’s a powerful and touching story, with themes of love, family, and identity. The plot moves at quite a slow pace, which gives you time to reflect on what the characters are saying and how they’re thinking — I think that’s important. However, it didn’t need to be stretched out for so long, as it made the book feel a bit slow at times. Overall, I think it’s a really meaningful book, and I would recommend it to readers who prefer a slower, more thoughtful story.
Charlotte
King of Nothing
What really stands out to me about King of Nothing is Nathanael Lessore’s choice to tell the story from Anton’s point of view — the “bully”. It’s not often that we get to see things through the eyes of someone who’s usually seen as the bad guy. I think the book is really well balanced, with a good mix of insight and humour that keeps it interesting. The humour helps lighten the mood and makes the story more enjoyable to read. King of Nothing also carries strong messages and teaches important lessons. It highlights serious issues like gender inequality and toxic masculinity. That said, I did find that some of the slang was a bit confusing, which made a few parts hard to understand. Overall, though, the book does a great job of showing the struggles that teenagers go through — especially the ones that adults often ignore. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
Chantelle
The Things We Leave Behind
I honestly thought this book was quite interesting, mainly because the author chose to write from the perspective of the protagonist, retelling Clem’s story. Even though I found it interesting, I didn’t really enjoy how slow-moving it was. I also didn’t find the beginning very gripping, and it only really picked up for me about halfway through. I think if the story had moved a bit faster, it might have been more engaging for the audience. Overall, though, I still think it was a very emotional and meaningful book, and I would definitely recommend it to fans of dystopian stories.
Charlotte
Glasgow Boys
I think this book is really touching, and it allowed me to fully absorb all the emotions the characters felt. It’s heartwarming and explores important parts of everyday life, like friendship, family, and identity. I would definitely recommend this book because it deals with themes that many of us can relate to and need in our daily lives. The story is so gripping that I was completely hooked until the very last page. I also really enjoyed the flashbacks of the main characters, as they took us into their memories and helped explain some of their actions.
Charlotte
Play
Play by Luke Palmer is a book about teenage boys and how they deal with friendship and the temptation of danger. It follows four best friends — Mark, Johnny, Luc and Matt — who are all struggling with different personal issues. Whether it's the pressure to fit in, problems at home, or figuring out their own identity, the story shows how growing up affects everyone in different ways. One of the characters even gets involved in a county lines drug operation, which shows how easy it can be to get caught up in dangerous situations. I found it really interesting how the author managed to cover so many different challenges teenagers face. He does a great job of showing the struggles young people go through, especially when it comes to friendships and identity. I also liked how the group has a different game they play as they get older — I think it's a clever way to show how they are growing up, while still reminding us of the innocence they're slowly leaving behind.
Elizabeth
King of Nothing
This book really reflects what modern schools and society are like for young people today. It shows how “gang-like” behaviour can spread, and how some students can be forced into acting violently through pressure and exploitation. In the story, you also see how, without proper education, some young people end up thinking it’s cool to act that way. Reading this book taught me a lot about how tough life can be for families with only one parent, and how these families can often be ignored. It really helps readers understand and empathise with people in those situations. I strongly recommend this book because the lessons you take from it are really valuable and rewarding.
Clayton
Treacle Town
I think this is quite a good book, from the death of Con’s best friend to the violence throughout the story and how Con tries to break free from the cycle of violence. I really enjoyed reading it because it deals with both emotional and physical topics. It also made me think about things that have happened in my own life, as some parts of the book are quite relatable. I do think there could have been a bit less swearing, as I found it quite harsh – but I guess it’s one of the ways the author shows how violent life is in this town.
Charlotte
Little Bang
I think this is a really powerful and mature book. It deals with teenage pregnancy in a way that shows all the different emotions the characters go through. It also made me realise how little teenagers actually know about sex education, and it shows why it’s so important that we learn more about it in school to avoid mistakes that can change people's lives. I found the story of Sid and Mel really gripping, and it kept me hooked right up until the last page.
Charlotte
Treacle Town
In my honest opinion, this book took me quite a bit of time to fully understand. The way Brian Conaghan wrote it gives a powerful perspective from Connor’s point of view. The language he used and the way he developed the characters really pulled me in and made me want to keep reading. At first, though, I found it really confusing and hard to get into because the language felt very local and unfamiliar, and it took me a while to get used to it. Another thing I struggled with was the amount of swearing—it sometimes felt like there was a swear word on every page, and a lot of it didn’t feel necessary. That said, I really liked how the beginning and ending were connected, especially in how they explored the theme of violence. It really shows how reckless young people can be when things get out of control, and how one action can cause so much pain—both physical and emotional. Overall, I think this is an amazing book for readers aged 14 and up. It’s powerful and hits you like a punch in the face.
Hayden
Glasgow Boys
I loved this book so much. The story progressed very quickly and I loved the flashbacks where the main characters interact with each other. The author described their emotions so well I thought I was with them through the whole entire story. I honestly couldn't put this book down once I had started reading.
Lena
King of Nothing
I really liked this book, and it didn’t feel like the introduction dragged on for too long. I especially loved the moment when Anton realised what he was doing was wrong and how much more fun he was having with Matthew compared to his old group of friends. It was also great to see how his teachers, friends, and family helped him become a better person.
Lena
The Final Year
The Final Year was a really emotional story with loads of touching poems about friendship. The part where his brother nearly dies really grabbed me – I couldn’t stop reading because I was desperate for him to be okay. It feels like the book is aimed more at younger readers, especially since it’s about Year 6 students and all the changes they go through
Lena
The Final Year
The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow was really well written - it felt honest, raw, and super relatable. The poems showed all the highs and lows of the last year of primary school, balancing the excitement with the fear of change. I really felt for the characters, especially Nate, and the way he handled grief and growing up was both powerful and inspiring. It made me think about my own experiences, and I loved how the writing was simple but full of emotion. I can’t wait to read the next book!
Vanessa
Glasgow Boys
I really liked this book because it was heartwarming and made me feel connected to the characters and everything they were going through. The story was powerful and moving, with moments that made me think deeply about identity, friendship, and the pressure to fit in. The author used strong emotions to draw the reader in and build a real connection with the characters. Margaret McDonald brought both the setting and the feelings to life, which made the book even more enjoyable and emotional.
Vanessa
All That It Ever Meant
This book is a touching and thoughtful story that explores themes like love, loss, and finding your identity. It’s set in Zimbabwe and follows the main character, Matiponesa, as she tries to make sense of her past and figure out who she really is. Musariri’s writing is emotional and powerful, and it really makes you feel for the characters. The story moves at a slow pace, which might not be for everyone, but I found it a really moving read that made me reflect on myself.
Chantelle
The Final Year
The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow is an absolutely brilliant and touching read. It captures the raw emotions and challenges of growing up in a way that feels really real and relatable. Told through poetry, it follows a boy named Nate during his final year of primary school as he faces friendship issues, problems at home, and big personal changes. Goodfellow’s writing is simple but powerful, and it really stays with you. One of my favourite things about the book was Nate’s own poems—they give such a strong sense of how he’s feeling and add a really personal, emotional layer to the story. It’s one of those books that pulls you in and keeps you thinking about it long after you’ve finished.
Elizabeth
King of Nothing
This book was surprisingly good, and even though it’s not the kind of book I usually go for, I still really enjoyed it. It follows the story of a teenage boy called Anton, who thinks he’s the coolest guy in school and acts really tough—everyone’s kind of scared of him. But then his mum sends him to a camp, and he meets an awkward guy called Matthew. At first, Anton doesn’t like him, but as the story goes on, they become friends, even though they’re really different. I liked how the book showed that life as a teenage boy isn’t just black and white, and how it explored masculinity in a realistic way. I also liked that there were some serious moments, but they were balanced out with funny parts too.
Lea
Play
I think this is a really good book because it deals with mature themes and real-life issues that could affect anyone, like drug dealing, alcohol abuse, and how some people see masculinity. These topics make the book feel serious and powerful. It really connects with the reader by showing the characters' emotions and the reasons behind their actions, and it also helps us learn from what the characters go through.
Charlotte
Play
Play is about four boys who are close friends. The story switches between each of their perspectives, giving us a look into what’s going on in their individual lives. Luc pushes himself to the limit to win his father’s approval, Mark gets caught up in drug dealing and starts drifting away from his friends, Matt escapes into his imagination, and Johnny just wants to feel free.
This is a very mature book that explores serious themes like drugs, love, masculinity, and alcohol abuse. Although the switching perspectives were a bit confusing at times, I still found the book really gripping and powerful.
I would recommend it to readers aged 13 and over because of the mature content. It’s a thought-provoking story that shows how different people deal with pressure in their own ways.
Isabella
Treacle Town
Treacle Town by Brian Conaghan is about a boy called Con O’Neill, who lives in a town torn apart by gang violence, sometimes even leading to death. The story follows Con as he tries to break free from the cycle of violence and tragedy and find a way out of Treacle Town.
At first, I found the book a bit hard to get into because it’s set in Scotland and the language took some getting used to. But once I got into it, I really enjoyed it. The book deals with deep and meaningful topics, and I thought it was powerful and thought-provoking.
I would recommend this book to readers aged 13 and over, as it covers mature themes and contains quite a bit of strong language. It's a gripping and emotional story that really makes you think.
Isabella
King of Nothing
This book is about a boy called Anton who, along with his friends, is one of the most feared students at school. He doesn’t care about getting into trouble - it’s all just a bit of fun to them. But when his mum decides to send him to a local activity group, everything begins to change.
I really liked how the book explores the theme of toxic masculinity and shows that it can be overcome, especially when people take the time to understand themselves and others better. The topics it covers are really relevant and important in today’s society. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone aged 10 and over, especially if you enjoy realistic stories set in the present day that deal with serious issues in a relatable way.
Isabella
Little Bang
This book isn’t exactly the type I usually go for, but I still found it interesting and important. It shows the struggles and challenges young people can face when they’re in tough situations, including teenage pregnancy. The story makes it clear how important it is for young people to think about the consequences and risks of their actions. It also shows how much more education is needed around sex and relationships, since both Mel and Sid are confused and unsure of what to do at first.
Even though I didn’t find the book fully enjoyable to read, I think it’s a powerful story that represents the lives of many young people in Northern Ireland. Because abortion is illegal in the book, characters like Mel and Sid face huge difficulties with money, school, and their future. The switch between Mel and Sid’s points of view helps the reader understand how both of them are affected in different ways—whether it’s financial pressure or mental stress.
Overall, I think this book is great for young people to read, because it highlights how important it is to think carefully about our choices and how they can affect our lives and others around us.
Hayden
Play
This book is about four boys and how their friendship grows and changes over time. It explores important themes like friendship, masculinity, and loyalty. The short chapters help keep the story fast-paced and gripping, but the main message is never lost. It doesn’t shy away from serious issues and shows how the characters’ decisions have a big impact on their lives. I found it honest and intense, and it really made me think about how even small choices can affect not just you, but the people around you too.
ethan
Little Bang
Little Bang is about a girl called Mel and a boy called Sid. It’s a dual narrative, switching between their points of view and showing how their lives and families change after their first date. I really liked this book because it deals with serious and important themes, especially abortion, which I think is very relevant today. Reading it opened my eyes to how difficult it can be to get the support someone needs in that situation. The story hooked me from the start, and I genuinely enjoyed reading it and learning more about the challenges people my age might face. I would definitely recommend it to anyone aged 12 and up, especially if you’re interested in real-life issues and powerful, emotional stories.
Isabella
The Final Year
After being given a note book by his teacher he finds his passion for poetry. he finds he can show his emotion through poems. He feels in a good position until his Brother drops dead. But that's what he thinks. He is actually alive and has a really big heart condition. During this time he also had problems with his friends but in the end, they made up and everyone is happy. I think this books was better than I thought and I also really liked the way it is written, like ''the crossing'', in a poetry form. I guess writing in poetry form expresses your feelings and emotions a bit more, also emphasizing Nate's love for poetry after discovering that poetry is his thing and hobby.
Charlotte
King of Nothing
I think this is a really good book. Standing up for yourself and your opinions is something we should all be able to do - not just because of what our friends think. I love how this book feels so relatable and delivers an important message about identity and the kind of person you want to be.
I also think the choice to have Anton’s dad in prison is really smart because it highlights how learning from your own or other people’s mistakes can help shape your decisions in life. At first, I didn’t expect this to be one of the best books I’ve read, but it completely proved me wrong. The way the characters' lives intertwine makes the story so engaging, and the theme of friendship is both powerful and heartwarming.
Charlotte
Little Bang
I really enjoyed this book. It deals with serious topics like teen pregnancy and illegal abortion in today’s world, and I think it handled them really well. I liked that the story wasn’t just told from Mel’s perspective but also from Sid’s, showing the different struggles teens face in this situation.
I found it interesting how the pregnancy changed both of their lives in completely different ways - Sid’s life actually improved because he became more motivated, whereas Mel’s life was completely uprooted. Before the pregnancy, she had a clear future, but her parents pressured her to take time off school, which completely changed her plans. I liked how the author explored the differences in how teen pregnancy affects boys and girls.
I also thought the book handled the topic of abortion well. It showed that if you take the time to look at your options and do your research, you can make the right decision for yourself. I liked that Mel was confident in her choice, even when others disagreed with her. The ending was really sweet and showed that there can be light at the end of tough decisions.
Lea
The Things We Leave Behind
This book is set in a dystopian world where London has an authoritarian regime and civil unrest. It's about a girl called Clem and how she is separated from all of her family and friends in an attempt to hide from the police after her stepmother was taken away. This book is set in the present, where the protagonist is speaking to a counsellor recounting her story. I liked the ending of this book, and how things turned out, but I felt that the book had a very slow pace and it was only in the last quarter of the book that I really started to enjoy it more. I would recommend it to fans of dystopian books.
Isabella