Shelf Indulgence by JCG

Popcorn
I like how this book can help people understand how someone with anxiety can struggle everyday. I thought the author relating Andrew’s anxiety to popcorn-popping was very clever, but the storyline was very far fetched. I also found it quite boring in parts, but I think younger readers would really enjoy this book.

Anya

Not Going To Plan
I really enjoyed this book! It spoke about the important topic of teenage pregnancy and how this affects so many young women and girls, which I feel is not often spoken about. Although I found some parts of the book a bit too old for me I still enjoyed it and just wanted to keep reading! I love how the book is written in verses which is something I don’t usually choose to read but I actually found enjoyable.

Indi

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
At the start of the book I was quite confused about its key message, but once I finished reading it, it was clear that the author was trying to say that friendship is important. I liked how he represented human's personalities through animals. I also liked how the black dog following the mum showed that she was depressed. Overall, I found this book very easy to read. I would recommend it to younger readers.

Anya

Ghostlines 
'Ghostlines' was such a heartfelt book, and the concept of ancestral guidelines through the ocean is so novel. The characters are all so well-fleshed out. Whether it be Tilda’s annoyance at Albie’s silence or Albie’s fears of not fitting in, the reader is able to relate to all the emotions they experience. Sometimes, I find books without antagonists to be dull, but this book is written in a way that keeps the reader hooked and wanting more.

Eleanor

Not Going To Plan
I really enjoyed this book. The important topic it deals with is teenage pregnancy and how it affects so many young women and girls. I feel this is a topic we all need to speak about more openly and more often. Although I found some parts of the book a bit too mature for me I still enjoyed it and just wanted to keep reading. I don't normally read verse novels but I really couldn't stop reading this one.

Indi

Not Going To Plan
I found this book really captivating. It is written in verse and is extremely clever in how the layout of the text reflects what is happening/being said in the book. It was quite unlike any book I have ever read. The sensitive theme was approached with subtlety and maturity. I also enjoyed the way the story was told from the perspectives of two opposing personalities, with their individual thoughts on the same incidents at the same time. The age rating was appropriate too, as I think one needs to be 14+ for this story. I found each and every character easy to relate to. Overall, the book is a delightful, engaging and poignant read.

Alexandra

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I found this book rather slow to pick up. I wonder if I had read it when I was younger (I am in Year 9) then maybe I would have found it more exciting. I think that a good age bracket for this book might be 7-9 years and the humour may appeal more to them. On the whole, although it did not pique my interest, I would not dismiss it but would recommend it to a younger age group.

Alexandra

Not Going To Plan
I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Not Going to Plan’. The narrative voice is really unique, and the plot is incredibly detailed and enjoyable. The characters are all really diverse and interesting, and I like the way that Tia Fisher can mix small moments of comedy into what might otherwise be a very serious book. This is a wonderful and enlightening read for young people.

Eleanor

Birdie
I enjoyed ‘Birdie’ because I thought it was a really novel idea for a story. It is quite rare in books to have an animal that close to the main character, and it added a completely new perspective to the story. It also makes you really think about the consequences of war. Birdie is a great protagonist who shows the reader what self-belief and self-confidence can do to a person.

Eleanor

The Boy I Love
'The Boy I Love' is a deeply moving and thought-provoking book. I found it both emotionally compelling and engaging. One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its exploration of identity, particularly through the lens of sexuality during a time of strict societal expectations. Set partly during the First World War, the story follows Stephen and Danny, two soldiers who navigate the the complex situation of their love for each other and acceptance in a world that demands silence. This creates a constant tension that makes the narrative feel urgent and, at times, heart-breaking. Hussey writes with sensitivity, allowing the reader to connect deeply with the Stephen and Danny’s internal struggles. I also love the quote at the beginning of the book by Wilfred Owen. The emotional impact is of this story is undeniable. The romance between Stephen and Danny is not idealised; instead, it is complex and shaped by secrecy. This makes it feel more realistic, considering the time period the book is set in. Particularly, I appreciated how the novel showed the truth of how LGBTQ+ individuals were treated historically. If I had to point to one negative element, it would be the pacing which felt uneven at times. Some sections are richly detailed and immersive, while others move more quickly, which disrupts the flow of the story. Overall, this book is a poignant and important novel that succeeds in telling a story often overlooked in historical fiction. It challenges the reader to reflect on love, identity, and courage. It is a memorable and impactful read.

Priyanshi

Popcorn
Though I really enjoyed this book, I felt that maybe it is better suited to younger readers (I am in Year 8). having said that, I really liked how the protagonist sees his anxiety as a 'popcorn kernel' which pops when his levels of stress build up. His grandma has dementia, and one of the stressful events for him is when she runs away. I found this easy to relate to as I have experienced the same thing with my grandma. This book explores real-life situations and serious topics in a light, refreshing and memorable way.

Indi

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
When I first started reading twenty four seconds from now, I didn’t really think it would be my sort of book. But as I read it, I got more and more engaged and started loving it! I really like the author's writing style, and how they have split the book into different sections. I also love the protagonists: Aria and Neon. portrayed. Altogether, a really heartfelt, romantic, and most importantly, a good book.

Jess

Popcorn
This theme of this novel is anxiety in middle school. The whole book was based on this theme and in my opinion, it would have been more realistic if there had been a couple of other themes because anxiety isn’t the only feeling a person experiences. Also the author did not develop the central character enough; the reader didn't get to see his personality, his traits or any of his passions and interests. Another negative criticism is that the climax was almost instantly introduced. I would still give the book a 3 out of 5 because some bits of it made me laugh and others were quite thought-provoking and overall it was a fun and enjoyable read.

Willows

Ghostlines 
The story of Ghost Lines is something many people can relate to. It makes me reflect on the importance of family and 'belonging'. The story is also about the innocence of youth, how things change and can’t always stay perfect because life moves on. The plot features a boy and a girl from different backgrounds who learn to trust that good will come from change. I enjoyed this book so much because the characters were so appealing: Tilda who has a sense of belonging and 'fits in' and Albie who is hesitant and shy and wants to escape back to the life he knew. I would recommend this book to people who are going through similar experiences so they realise they are not alone. This book would get 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

Willow

Ghostlines 
I have loved reading this book! It's a beautifully written story about friendship and change and explores the theme of how hard it is for some people to adapt to change. It is also about how kindness and support can help them understand that sometimes change is a good thing. This is probably one of my favourite books and the best I have read this year. In fact, I even recommended it to my Mum and younger sister and they both loved it!

Indi

Popcorn
At first I was confused about what popcorn had to do with the book, but then it became clear when the author gave us an insight into how Andrew deals with and explains stressful situations: he visualises a kernel of corn, slowly getting closer to popping. This was a really interesting way to show how anxiety manifests in people; and the illustrations really helped show how Andrew is feeling. It was also interesting to see how Andrew's attitude to the school pictures changes throughout the day, as at first he is really anxious and wants everything to be perfect, but gradually he becomes more accepting that he can't control the outcome and becomes more relaxed.

Philippa

Ghostlines 
I really loved Ghostlines, it was very interesting to read considering I live on an island, and although where I live is a lot bigger, it still has some similarities like lots of people knowing each other and being close to the sea. I enjoyed reading how Tilda tries to make Albie stay because she is afraid the same thing will happen to their friendship as what happened to her and her brother’s. I like seeing the character development of Albie throughout the book, as he goes from hating the island to loving and accepting it. This is definitely one of my favourites so far!

Philippa

Ghostlines 
This is a thrilling adventure book, jam packed with vivid thoughts. Although it slows a little in the middle, don’t lose heart otherwise you’ll miss the enthralling climax. The characters are brilliant, and it felt wonderful to be transported to an isolated and unrestricted island, with such stunning scenery! I found the quality of writing exquisite and it enabled me to picture every minor detail and enjoy the book even more. My favourite character (although arguably not a proper character) was Moses (the dog) although I now realise his tendency to pinch everyone's vegetables rather similar to my own dog’s! My other favourite character was Tilda; I could empathise with the loss that she felt when her brother went away. Another thing that I loved about this book is how you can see the gradual shift in behaviour from Albie as he slowly warms to island life. I found that I could understand both sides of this story, including why Rowan, her brother, left the island. It was interesting to see the characters evolve in their understanding of each other and their reasoning behind their actions. I also loved how Tilda eventually realised that the island was not really haunted and wasn’t actually dangerous; and that it wasn’t really their island and even her parents had been there as children, which brought some light-hearted fun at the end. Spooky and disconcerting, yet heartwarming and exciting. Brilliant fun and an excellent read. Highly recommended.

Alexandra

Wolf Siren
I found this book eye-opening, both literally and metaphorically as I was made to see the world from the point of view of someone with visual impairment. The first person narrative was highly effective as the reader could then understand the reasons for the protagonist's decisions and how her emotions influenced her actions. It was also interesting to see a different take on ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ and refreshing for the timeless tale to have been flipped on its head. I found the tagline on the cover: “inside every good girl is a wolf” very alluring and intriguing, before I even read the book - very effective. I loved the narrator's descriptive writing: she made the story and atmosphere vivid for the reader and also made us more aware and more understanding of people not only with visual impairments, but also people with invisible disabilities. Reading this book has definitely made me more conscious of what people may be going through and how they are impacted by the way they are treated just because they are 'different'. I think that my favourite character was Aerona, as she was willing to sacrifice her own life to save her sister’s. This story is full of passion and you can tell the love that has been put into it. Very well written and eloquent. Powerful themes. Another extremely captivating read which is dramatic and slightly ominous. An ultimate story of love and loss. Highly recommended.

Alexandra

Birdie
“Birdie” is a heart-warming, moving and beautiful story, as Birdie struggles through a world not yet ready for her. I found it easy to empathise with her, as she risks everything to protect what she holds dear and is even willing to put her life on the line for the freedom of a pit pony who she feels a strong connection to. I also loved the shift in outlook expressed by Mrs Winterbottom, as she realises that the fear of putting a foot wrong in society and being shunned socially is worth a lot less than caring for a young and lovely member of her family who desperately needs a loving home. I also loved how it highlights and brings awareness to the subject of old mines and what the pit ponies were put through. and the horrific and perilous conditions in the pits. A truly poignant yet captivating read. Highly recommended.

Alexandra

Not Going To Plan
A great book. I loved the verse style of writing and the way that the story shifted between the points of view of two very different characters. I think the mix of metaphors and cold hard facts makes the book very interesting and enjoyable to read. The theme in this book is also very important and something that is communicated through characters who develop naturally over the course of the story. This is probably my favourite book out of the ones I have read so far.

Philippa

The Boy I Love
The Boy I Love was beautifully weighted; Stephen’s narrative was perfectly balanced between his light, joyous relationship with Danny and the deeper, heavier war surrounding them. This allowed the novel to be reflective and thought-provoking while still being enjoyable. For me, this book was like a breath of fresh air. It stretched me enough to grieve over the horrors of WW1 and the mistreatment of LGBTQ+ individuals, while allowing me to relax through a gorgeous romance of two lovable characters that is many times re-readable. Now that I’ve finished it, I think it’s safe to say Hussey’s writing is as moving a work of art as The Fighting Temeraire he writes about.

Florence

Not Going To Plan
Although some traits of the characters felt slightly exaggerated, they were well developed. They had strong personal backgrounds and distinct personalities. This book is written in verse and for me the first time reading such a narrative style and structure. Initially, I was a bit sceptical. However, as the story progressed, I appreciated the author's creativity and how she used the style to convey emotions' more powerfully. The story explores the different challenges, successes, and perspectives of the two main characters, Zed and Marnie, in an honest and insightful manner, which was satisfying and engaging to follow.

Viktoria

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
Although written for a younger audience (around age 8), this book has a strong message about friendship and belonging. It shows how unique aspects of ourselves, even those we may feel unsure about, can positively impact others and help form meaningful relationships. I found the style of writing simple and easy to follow, with humour and illustrations that kept the story engaging. I particularly liked that the characters are portrayed as animals rather than humans, as it added a witty tone and made the story more interesting. My favourite character is definitely Principal Wombat! The author also included metaphors such as the “black dog” which could represent the mother’s depression. While this adds depth, it may be harder for younger readers to fully understand. Overall, this was a simple and fun read while containing meaningful messages.

Viktoria

Wolf Siren
I really enjoyed Wolf Siren. It was really interesting to see how much growing up can change you and how it can affect everybody differently. I found the end really sad when Aerona sacrificed herself for Red. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would read it again.

Anya

Birdie
Birdie is a story about a girl, with the same name, who moves to a town in England to live with her great aunt (Mrs Winterbottom). She struggles to fit in because of her skin colour, but she slowly gains everybody’s trust and by the end everybody knows how kind-hearted and brave she really is. I also liked how she stuck to her values and didn’t change herself to fit in to other people’s views of her. I liked the backstory of Mrs Winterbottom losing her son at war and then how Birdie shows up and it feels like she was always meant to be there. Overall, this was a very interesting read.

Anya

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
When I first started reading this book I was very confused by the message it was trying to get across to the reader, but now having read the book fully I can see the small details and metaphors that were really cleverly slipped into the plot. All the different animals initially seemed unnecessary but now I see how they were used to show stereotyping of different groups of people and how although they were all at the same school, their perspectives were different because of their background. The metaphor of the black dog was really interesting; it showed how people struggle to live through loss and how it can affect the environment around them. The book was an interesting one-time-read but I probably wouldn’t read it again.

Philippa

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
This book was ok. I didn’t particularly enjoy it but I also didn’t not enjoy it. I found this book really odd as it’s about lots of different animals attending the same school and there's a lizard with France on his knee, which I, personally, found a bit weird. However, I liked how the author showed us that the mum is depressed with a black dog following her everywhere. The book was a very easy read and I would recommend it to younger readers aged 7-10 years as the theme would appeal to this age group plus the book has lots of pictures.

Indi

Birdie
Birdie was a really interesting read as it explores the struggles a mixed race person faces in a not-very-diverse village. There were so many moments in the story that made me emotional, like when finding out that Mrs Winterbottom’s son died at war, and thinking that Mr Duke had died at the end. There were so many likeable characters too. For example, Mrs Winterbottom starts out as a character we as readers perceive as racist and rude, but she turns out to be very kind and accepting of Birdie in the end.

Philippa

Birdie
Wow! What an amazing, beautiful and heartwarming book. One of the things I liked most was the main character, Birdie. Her voice felt honest, thoughtful, and brave, and I liked seeing the world through her eyes. She notices things adults often ignore, and she asks questions that really matter. As she learns more about the past, you can feel her trying to make sense of it and connect it to her own life. It made me think about how young people often understand unfairness better than adults do. Overall, Birdie is a book that stays with you. It’s meaningful without being confusing, emotional without being overwhelming, and educational in a natural way. I would definitely recommend it to anyone, especially if they enjoy stories that teach you something important while still being gripping and full of heart. Birdie was full of surprises and twists.What an amazing book.

Indi

Not Going To Plan
Not Going To Plan is an enlightening book which is written in a fascinating format of verses where you are able to read from the perspective of different characters and how they may view a situation differently to another. It tackles societal expectations and stigmas, tough situations and the realities of life as a teenager. The book is incredibly moving whilst being entertaining and fun to read as it keeps you guessing what might happen next. Reading the events unfold is a brilliant experience and Tia Fisher did a great job at realistically capturing the characters' emotions and struggles.

Iris

The Boy I Love
’The boy I Love’ is a heart-breaking yet beautiful story of two young men’s forbidden love. It is set during World War 1 and both young men are fighting for their country, Great Britain. Follow Stephen and Danny through heart stopping twists and turns, navigating marshy trenches and worrying decisions. As their relationship develops, flourishes and becomes more than just one between lieutenant and private, so does the danger they find themselves in. I would definitely give this book a 10/10!

Maddie

Wolf Siren
Wolf siren was an excellent book filled with lots of plot twists and a heartwarming meaningful story about acceptance and change. The book is very sad at the end and quite an emotional read.

Indi

Wolf Siren
I really enjoyed reading 'Wolf Siren'. I thought it was really interesting to understand the world from the viewpoint of someone who struggles with visual disabilities. Their reality is conveyed through vivid descriptions using colours. For example: what it is like having your period or losing someone you love. I was also able to connect with the story more deeply because it's in first person narration and everything felt more immediate. For me, this narrative style also gave me a better insight into Red’s thoughts. Overall a great read!

Philippa

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
'Twenty Four Seconds from Now' was an easy, enjoyable and worthwhile read. The opening felt quite detached as I felt like it didn’t have enough context. But as the story progressed, it became more engaging and interesting. I particularly liked the backwards structure, as it revealed the main characters’ relationship over time in a way that felt honest. The author doesn't just focus on romance but also on friendships, family, and the pressures that come with growing up.

Viktoria

The Boy I Love
'The Boy I Love' is, overall, a well written book with vivid imagery. However, I believe that the romance progressed too quickly, resulting in a lack of emotional depth and connection between the characters. I felt like we moved too quickly past significant character deaths, as well as the world war two setting got relegated to the background and not given its due; it was completely overshadowed by the romance. Therefore, I couldn’t fully relate to the characters or be immersed in the setting. Having said that, I still found the book interesting and totally worth the read.

Evie

Not Going To Plan
Not going to plan is an incredible book that discusses a sensitive topic with lots of maturity but also makes it entertaining for the reader. I love how in the back of this book, the author has included extra material for people experiencing similar situations to find comfort, support and help. To me, this book is really important as it talks about something that may be considered shameful so it isn’t spoken about enough. I love how the characters Marnie and Zed are so completely different and yet they still become best friends. I think that Tia Fisher is an inspiring author and her style of writing is amazing!

Jess

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
This book by Jason Reynolds was a fabulous read. It contains a perfect blend of humour and meaningful writing with a unique form of story-telling as the events unfold at different points in time such as 24 minutes earlier or 24 days earlier. This creates a fascinating atmosphere which was very enticing and makes it difficult to put the book down! The main character, Neon, is a 17-year-old boy who is a realistic and relatable character for many teenage readers alike. Throughout the book, we learn more about Neon and how he may try to appear confident but carries anxieties about his relationship with his girlfriend, Aria. His family attempts to help him with his struggles; his mother offers her advice on romance over a meal and his grandma shares humorous personal accounts to ease his nerves. The plot is a simple yet exciting one which sparks readers’ curiosity with each turn of a page.

Iris

Not Going To Plan
This book was excellent! I believe a good writer is one who conveys their message in such a way that it is both authentic and effective. This is exactly what Tia Fisher did. She taught me something new, allowing me as a reader to connect deeply with the story and understand the emotional reality behind it. I have read Tia’s work before and like the way her novels are written in verse. It helps the reader connect to the story in an intensely emotional way because the language is concise and therefore more hard-hitting. I felt as though I was in Marnie’s thoughts. I admire how Tia has handled such a sensitive topic with honesty and care, never romanticising the situation but instead showing the true challenges and consequences the characters face. This made the story feel powerful. The characters were also very well developed and both Marnie and Zed’s journeys felt genuine. This book is moving and leaves a lasting impression. I would highly recommend it.

Priyanshi