Reader Leaders
The Things We Leave Behind
A book I will remember. Even though it took a while to get into it, I am so glad I did. This book left me feeling so happy and sad at the same time with the thoughts of what they are going through. It makes you think about people who have been through very similar and how lucky you are. I get to look at this book as a reminder to appreciate everything while it lasts and be the girl who lived with a bright spirit and constant friendliness like Billie. I loved reading about their journey and really admire the storyline as it swaps between the past and present to show that a person's past makes them the person they are now. All those stories covered up what truly happened but once Clem had admitted the truth and stopped blaming herself only then would the puzzle pieces start to fit together.
Ellena
King of Nothing
What a rollercoaster ride. Several laughs and a few tears shed. Had me constantly staring at the wall and hoping for Anton to choose the right path. What a wholesome story and a true journey of self discovery that I’m sure many people can relate to as they grow through different relationships. All characters represent clear stages that many face themselves, with the “mandem” as a toxic friendship that we all experience but a change in the smiles and happiness that Matthew and Rochelle bring to Anton as his new found friends. Glad it all worked out in the end. I could not put this book down!
Ellena
The Final Year
One reason why I enjoyed reading this book is the fact that the main character, Nate, learns the same sort of things in year six as I did when I was in year six. For example, I also studied Skellig and of course I also wanted to be in the same class as my friends. I also like that this book is quite short to read, with a lot of illustrations that tell the story quite well. The entire theme of the story, year six, is quite accurate, which also makes this book enjoyable.
Joseph
The Things We Leave Behind
I personally really liked this book because of the way it was set in the not to distant future. It helps us to imagine what the future could be like in a way that relates to our own lives. The book is well written and it is one of those books where I just didn't want to put it down. However, one thing I would improve about this book is that it was a little confusing with Clem's little sister, Billie, who seems to be there throughout the entire story but then at the very end, we find out she wasn't actually there. I also like the fact that there is some Polish in the book as I am Polish.
Joseph
The Final Year
I really enjoyed this book. It had a very relatable setting and I thought the poems were such a creative way to tell the story. This was a great read and the storyline had so many ups and downs that helped you develop the characters in your imagination. My only criticism is that sometimes I struggled to follow what happened in a poem. Other than that, what a great story!
Ellena
The Things We Leave Behind
This book goes through the journey of Clem and her sister. They are travelling to the safety of Scotland away from the dictatorship of Toby Knight in England. This is a story about letting things go and what happens if the wrong person becomes the leader of a country. This really makes you think about what some people go through, even today.
Laurence
All That It Ever Meant
This book follows Mati’s family’s life after her mother dies in a car crash. They family travel to Zimbabwe for a funeral. On the journey, she meets a spirit called Meticias, and there are many disputes along the way. Then, we find out that Mati died there. This is a story of letting go of the past and embracing the present.
Laurence
King of Nothing
This book goes through the hardships of Anton, the “King” of his school. Anton gets in a big bit of trouble at school, so he has to volunteer at the ‘Happy Campers’. He gets to know Matthew, a person whom he found to be weird, but now as slightly weird and his friend, who saved Anton’s life. Anton’s other friends abandon him, and it all changes for him.
Laurence
The Final Year
This goes through Nate’s last year of being in Primary School. Then his brother gets very ill. He has a new teacher, who helps him with his life. He also gains a new friend, who is nice. This is a book about trying to survive through all the hardships life sends at you.
Laurence
King of Nothing
I personally really liked the book. This is because it has a good mix of bits that are funny and bits that are serious. I also liked that the book featured characters that were close to my age. The message behind the book is also good - the message is obvious for anyone who reads it. The message is on a very important subject and this book brings it across very well. Overall, the book is the perfect mix of all the things I enjoy reading and this is why I liked it so much.
Joseph
King of Nothing
I really enjoyed this book as it's a heart-warming, funny, unlikely friends genre. It also shows the maturing of a young boy who is getting ready to choose his subjects for his GCSEs, which I can relate to.
Hemjyot
The Final Year
I really enjoyed this book. It was a simple poem story with a beautiful plot. It explored the mind of a quiet Year 6 child with a very sick brother and he finds that a close friend starts floating away. I liked exploring the mind. I realised that I relate to some of the thoughts since I'm not very loud either.
Hemjyot