Reading Wizards

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
It was really entertaining i loved the part when the lizards met the blind eagle it was a very funny interaction with them

Edward

Popcorn
In my opinion, this book is incredible. It summarises and the feelings of anxiety that come with navigating an American High School brilliantly with humour. It is a very enjoyable read due to it's light-hearted, funny storyline and humorous sketches, mixed with the struggles of an anxiety and OCD sufferer. I give this a nine out of ten, and would definitely recommend to anyone in love with reading.

Ethan

Wolf Siren
'Wolf Siren' by Beth O' Brian is a wonderful twist on the classical tale which we all love and know as 'Little Red Riding Hood.' 'Wolf Siren' is perfectly peiced together with great character development, plot twists and many more interesting concepts that are not all from the original tale which only draws the reader in more. Personally I think it is a masterpiece of a book and definitley deserves to win this prestigous award. I belive this because of how easily this book drew me in and wanted me to read more, I was anticipating every page and not a single one dissapointed.

Ayaan

Ghostlines 
This book in my opinion is terrible, the writing has nothing special to it and is very slow on the plot. The book it was to slow on the action and seems repetitive. The chapters don't show many difference. I got too bored when reading it so I handed it back at chapter 20. Honestly not for me.

david

Birdie
This book contains a lot of emotion, with themes of being an outcast, the impact of bullying and racism alongside the captivating wonder of animals. I personally enjoyed this book as it was a rather heart-warming story with a beautiful message of identity and finding a place to belong during difficult times. As it was set in 1950s England, the language used took a bit of time to get used to, which some may struggle with. However, after a while it became much easier to understand.

Cerys

Wolf Siren
I think it had a brilliant plot and a wonderful retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. The story is about brave Red, partially-sighted, navigating a magical forest. It's a wonderful read for readers who enjoy magical realism . However, i think it was a bit too emotional at the end.

Farwa

The Boy I Love
A beautiful book. The cover called to me as soon as I glanced at it and the book was nothing less! A heartwarming portrayal of the difficulties and challenges faced by homosexual soldiers in the army during WWI. Hussey beautifully accumulated tension and suspense throughout the book using simple, meaningful methods. The characters (especially Danny and Stephen) felt like real, raw people instead of words on paper and Hussey added depth to each character throughout the book. Although I started the book believing I would be met with a gut-wrenching ending (due to them being stationed at the Somme in 1916), Hussey opted to provide a bittersweet ending to the couple and he did it without making the reader feel like the couple simply had plot armour. Overall, it was an amazing book that took you on a rollercoaster of joy, grief, and love while providing real, accurate information on the technical and emotional difficulties of the war, with great prospects for rereads.

Edlin

Not Going To Plan
At first, although I was sceptical to pick up the book as it was written in verse, I did find myself becoming quickly absorbed with the characters, their relationship dynamics, and their values. Zed and Marnie's friendship was a real, accurate portrayal of teen friendship wedged in exam stress and caution but beautiful in its own way. However, the layout of the book did prove difficult to overcome as random size increments and swirly text made it less accesible. I do wish Fisher went more into depth about the ethical issues regarding abortion but her execution on the theme of consent was perfect. Overall, it was quite a quick, satisfactory read that adressed relevant issues within schools or during adolescence.

Edlin

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody by Patrick Ness is a funny, heartfelt, and surprisingly emotional novel that explores friendship, identity, and what it means to belong. One of the strongest aspects of the novel is Ness’s humour. The dialogue is witty and entertaining, making the story engaging for younger readers while still offering clever moments that older audiences can appreciate. The characters are memorable and unique, especially Zeke, whose awkwardness and self-doubt make him relatable. His journey toward confidence and self-acceptance feels authentic and meaningful. The novel carries important messages about loneliness, bullying, and the fear of not fitting in. Ness balances these themes carefully, never making the story feel too heavy. Instead, he uses humour and adventure to create a narrative that is both fun and thoughtful.

Sandra

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
This book is really fun and silly its about three boys who are hall moniters and they are lizards ,one of the three main characters stands up to the school bully and he gets the blame for it even though the bully gets away with it.one of the characters has france on his knee.

Faith

Wolf Siren
Very cool book i like the story the character has a mysterious backstories and is linked in the forest in many ways which makes the book more intresting, the illustrations are very cocalastic, i would totally recommend the book

Roman

Popcorn
There's a wonderful hopeful tone throughout the novel alongside a sympathetic and authentic representation of panic attacks. Accessible and affecting throughout, this is a romp of read set across a single day.

Mahnoor

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I think this book is brilliant. It takes real life issues that real children have like bullying, self confidence, and disability, and makes it something fun that a primary school student could understand. It’s comedic and childish, but overall carries an extremely important message: You are allowed to be yourself! The main protagonist Zeke is relatable and sharp, and is interesting enough that you want to understand him, and overall, despite being aimed at a younger audience, I think this book can be enjoyed by anybody, regardless of age. I would rate this an 8.5/10.

Jacob

Not Going To Plan
'Not Going To Plan' is a young adult verse novel written by Tia Fisher. Its quick pacing and use of concrete poetry means the book is very visual and engaging to read, making it accessible for even people who don't enjoy reading. The main characters are likeable and realistic, which makes them easy to get invested in from their introduction into the story and the characters' experiences with exams and school life is relatable to the target audience. The book covers the topics of teen pregnancy, sexual consent and abortion. Specifically it covers the legal repercussions and moral wrongness of stealthing, lying about using a condom, as well as different secular and religious views about the morality of abortion. Overall, I enjoyed the book for its characters, the way it addressed topics that can be difficult and its less common structure.

Ava

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I enjoyed reading the lizard nobody because they talked about bullying a lot and mental health which is one of my passions. I also enjoyed reading about Alicia standing up to the bullies triumphantly, despite her small size. The book makes me feel somewhat more confident with the bullies and mental health being overcome by better, happier thoughts and feelings.

Katie

Traumaland
The book is a amazing book especially for people who want long books that keep you reading it. The book never stops with the lore and it makes you want to keep reading because of all the plot twists. This is one of my favourite books that I have read.

david

Not Going To Plan
This book was eye catching by the cover even when on a shelf with many other books. The concept and blurb were interesting and intriguing, creating a desire to explore the story. The poetry layout was unique. However, the change in sizes and the variation in reading direction was frustrating as someone with dyslexia, I would have loved to keep reading but this unfortunately prevented me from doing so. Overall, interesting and eye catching but not accessible for someone with dyslexia.

phoebe

Popcorn
What makes this book stand out is its brilliant honesty. Instead of being overly clinical, Harrell uses the "popcorn" metaphor to perfectly describe that bubbling, frantic feeling of a looming panic attack. It’s a story that tells kids (and adults) that having a brain that works a little differently doesn't make you "broken"—it just means you’re navigating a louder world. It's amazing!

Farwa

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I thought the book was an absolutely charming and hilarious read that managed to make me giggle on one page and feel deeply for the characters on the next! Patrick Ness has created a wonderfully weird world that tackles real-life issues with a light touch. A must-read for fans of animal stories!

Farwa

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I found chronicles of a lizard nobody quite interesting and its views and aspects on mental health and improving. The whole book is just a huge metaphor (at least the way I saw it) and I love it! Its a super easy read aswell.

Emily

Not Going To Plan
It's a very powerful book written in verse, which makes it quick to read and shows the main character’s thoughts really clearly. The structure makes important moments stand out, and the character feels realistic because of her decisions and emotion, which makes parts of the story very enjoyable, I’d recommend it—8/10

Stanley

Ghostlines 
Ghostlines is an atmospheric and beautifully worded story that transports you to the remote island of Ayrie. The language is poetic, making the landscape a character of its own. It’s a stunning read full of heart, adventures, and puffins, bringing to life the invisible connections that bind us. It's a sea-soaked, gripping adventure that deals with tough emotions—like losing a sibling—with incredible sensitivity and warmth.

Farwa

Ghostlines 
I found the beginning a boring and unattractive but as I kept reading i started to find it interesting and in the end I liked the ending

Hareem

Ghostlines 
I enjoyed this book very much though I noticed a few spelling mistakes here and there. I couldn't put it down and the idea is very original!

Emily

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
It was a really nice book to read as it was easy to read and finish,it's an awesome book which I feel I could recommend to anyone and they would enjoy it.

Jenni

Birdie
I found Birdie very intriguing, the idea is very good and I love how they add in some old English words here and there and facts accurate to the time period the book is set in.

Emily