Skipton Shadows

Wolf Siren
I enjoyed this book and thought it was a very clever take on Little Red Riding Hood. It was one of the better spin-off fairy tales that I have read and it increased my awareness of sight loss.

Zoë

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody is a light hearted, entertaining book that follows Zeke the lizard and his friends as they overcome the daily challenges of life as outsiders, while also experiencing the joy of their growing friendships. I personally very much enjoyed this story, as upon first glance of the book, I wasn't sure if it was the sort of thing I would usually read and enjoy, but I was pleasantly surprised and really learnt the meaning of the phrase 'Don't judge a book by its cover' whilst reading this, as I very much liked the humour of the book. One technique that I thought was particularly notable was how Patrick Ness creates a contrast of humour and perhaps slightly more serious themes, as portrayed in the situation that Zeke has with his mother. I felt this was very important because, as the reader, it helped to keep me hooked onto the story. Overall, I would highly recommend this book, as I feel that the story was well written and suitable for a range of audiences.

Olivia

Popcorn
I found this book really extended my understanding of anxiety as I knew little about it before I read the book and it had a decent plot although I did get a bit confused as I though it lasted more than one day. So was then surprised when I realised. I enjoyed reading it.

Zoë

Birdie
This was a beautifully written book set in a different time period that I am not used to reading. The book had me hooked in during the first 20 pages or so, and this was such a captivating book and storyline. However, some parts of the book were a little bit unrealistic, especially the bond between Birdie and the pony. It did get me confused on how fast the two have bonded over a short amount of time, but if it's book logic, then its book logic! Overall, this was such a lovely book and such a fantastic read!

Afreen

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
To begin with I found this book quite confusing and strange but in the end I found it was very good and nothing like any other book I had read before. It was a little young for me but I still enjoyed it none the less.

Zoë

Ghostlines 
This book is wonderful and it made me feel like I was there with the characters exploring the island. It shows what it's like to make new friends in a place where you're new and don't know anyone.

Tabby

Wolf Siren
This was a good, well developed and interesting story. I enjoyed Red's characterisation and felt all the characters were very well-written (all had strengths and flaws realistically portrayed). I don't usually go for books like this, but I enjoyed how this was written and the plot. It was fast-paced, immersive and I really enjoyed how the messages of equality and acceptance were portrayed. I would probably read again and I did like how it was written!

Iris

The Boy I Love
The boy I love was my last Carnegie book to read and it was quite good. The plot was alright, but I did get confused at some points. I struggled to get into it, but once I was about a third of the way through, I couldn't put the book down. The characters were fun and I quite liked Danny as he was a good chap. I thought that Beddowes was a character that exists in many wars, horrible and not caring about the healthcare of others. It was really interesting to find out more about life in the trenches and the protection/defensive that goes into it. The ending was a bit naff and seemed to wrap up quickly and didn't have the ending that I was hoping for. I would recommend this book to 13-15 year olds because some of it has sensitive themes but it is a good read. Overall I would rate it a 6.5/10 as it could have had a better ending and been more engaging at the start.

Amelia M

Wolf Siren
This is a really fun, adventurous book that I couldn't put down until I had read the last page. I love how only the women could go into the forest as it gave them some power and kind of rejected the idea of a patriarchal society. It was a great read and my favourite bit was where Red discovered who she truly was. I found the ending very upsetting but thought that it made the book better. I would recommend this book to ages 9-14 as I think it is a good read but older readers won't enjoy it as much. I enjoyed how there were lots of plot twists and found that it made the book so much more engaging. Overall I would rate this book a 9/10 as I found it heartwarming, engaging and a fun read.

Amelia M

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
At first I thought I might not even like the book, but you know what they say, "Never Judge A Book By Its Cover". Literally! This was the most bizarre and funny book I have ever read. The characters were so bonkers and hilarious and the humour was brilliant. However I was a bit puzzled around about halfway through and had to reread it again so it made sense. Overall this was such a humorous book and I loved the concept of the book and this was such as an amazing read!

Afreen

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
I liked this book as I enjoyed that it wasn't in chronological order, and that we knew what was going to happen when we went back to the past as we had already read it. However I didn't particularly enjoy the plot as I found it didn't really spark my interest. I would recommend this book to 13-15 year olds as it is an alright read but has some sensitive themes. I would rate it a 6.7/10.

Amelia M

Not Going To Plan
Not going to plan was an amazing read - it is filled with heartfelt moments where you truly feel connected to the characters. I personally enjoyed the use of dual narrative as it gave me a version of the story from two very different characters' view points showing me how dissimilar the two characters are. I believe that the book sends a great message to its reader of their self worth and independence. Overall it was a great read and I would definitely recommend it.

Charlotte

Ghostlines 
This was such a lovely book. I loved the concept of the book and the characters were such fun to interact with. The book had me gripped near the end during the climax of the book. However, near the beginning, the book did drag the plot just a little bit and was a little boring at the start, I must admit, but it got better and better the more I read. Overall, this was such a thrilling read, and I loved reading this book and it was enjoyable and heartfelt at the end!

Afreen

Birdie
This book is great. I really like how it explored some topics I don't often find books, about racism in the past and the life of a mine pony. I really liked how all the characters were portrayed. Highly recommend.

Zoë

Popcorn
When I first saw popcorn, I thought that I wouldn't like it as it isn't the type of book that I normally read. However upon reading it I found it was actually really good and quite enjoyable. I found that the topic was very relatable as lots of people like trying to look good and smart for school picture day. My favourite part was when he was with the nurse and the art teacher. I would recommend this to ages 10-14 as it is a bit young. Overall, I would rate this book a 6.7/10 as it has got a good plot but it isn't really my cup of tea.

Amelia M

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
I thought this was a very good book! I liked the portrayal of the characters' relationship, as it was very positive and I think it conveyed a positive message about how to approach relationships without sounding too preachy. I thought how it went backwards time wise wasn't hard to follow, and I enjoyed the characterisation - it felt as if Neon was talking to the reader. This was a very sweet book, but also dealt well with the more serious topics, it had the perfect balance and was a happy book to read!

Iris

Not Going To Plan
This was the first book that I read out of the eight shortlisted and it was really good. I thought the plot was creative and I liked that it was dual narrative. When I first started I was a bit apprehensive as it was in verse format but I found that later on it made it better and more engaging. I thought that the unlikely friendship was good and the group of friends were all different and happy to express themselves. I would recommend this to 14-16 year olds, purely because of some of the themes. I would rate it a 8.5/10 as it had a good plot and was really enjoyable. When reading this book I struggled to put it down and kept on wanting to read one more page as it was so captivating.

Amelia M

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I thought this was a good book for exploring basics of mental health and things like friendship, but it's not been one of my favourite books on the list. I sometimes enjoyed how random it was - but overall I thought the book was a bit messy in terms of plot. The storyline was clear to follow, but I wasn't sure if it was meant to be serious or humorous, and I think it attempted to explore serious topics but ended up being lighthearted on the next page, which I think created a strange tone. Overall, I think this book was good, but not the best.

Iris

Ghostlines 
This book was amazing! The immersive and amazing descriptions and imagery really got me into the world of Tilda and I loved her character. This was a great read that I would highly recommend!

Immy

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
I enjoyed this book as a short read that had lovely themes of friendship, love and trust. I enjoyed the order of events that went backwards instead of forward in chronological order. I think that it helped me to develop an opinion of the characters from knowing where the storyline ends. Overall, it was a touching and romantic story that I really enjoyed.

Immy

The Boy I Love
I really enjoyed this book as it was really easy to picture and feel the storyline, emotions and settings. Even though the boy's experiences are very different to my own, I could still feel like I was living their lives too. I would have liked to hear Danny's perspective of the plot too. Overall, I thought it was a heartwarming and heartbreaking read that I really enjoyed.

Immy

Ghostlines 
Ghostlines by Katya Balen is an emotional and mysterious story that keeps you interested throughout. The writing is simple and easy to read, but it also creates strong and clear images of the setting. The descriptions help you imagine the place and understand the mood of the story. There is a steady sense of mystery that makes you want to keep reading to find out what happens next. The characters feel realistic and easy to connect with. They each have their own struggles and emotions, which makes the story feel more meaningful. I liked how the book shows both serious moments and lighter ones, including some humour, which helps balance the tone. The story also builds tension slowly, which makes the mysterious parts more exciting. Even when things feel unclear, it adds to the atmosphere and keeps the reader engaged. Overall, Ghostlines is a thoughtful and engaging book with mystery, emotion, and small moments of humour that make it enjoyable and memorable.

Iqra

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
Lizard Nobody by Patrick Ness is a strange and original story that mixes humour with deeper ideas. The writing is easy to follow, but the story itself is quite unusual. It explores identity and feeling different in a way that is sometimes confusing but also interesting. I liked it because of the humour, which appears in unexpected moments and helps balance the more serious parts of the story. There are imaginative and surreal sections that make the book stand out and keep it engaging. Overall, Lizard Nobody is a creative and thoughtful book with humour that makes it more enjoyable and memorable.

Iqra

Popcorn
Popcorn by Rob Harrell is a funny but also quite emotional book. It follows a boy called Andrew who goes through a very stressful situation, and the story shows how he deals with it. The book is easy to read and understand, and it explains anxiety in a clear and realistic way. Even though it talks about something serious, there are lots of funny moments that make it enjoyable and not too heavy. The illustrations add extra detail and help show what Andrew is feeling, which makes the story more engaging. Overall, Popcorn is a really good mix of humour and serious ideas. It’s an enjoyable read that also helps you understand important feelings.

Iqra

Ghostlines 
Ghostlines was a really good read. I thought that Tilda was a great character and I loved reading her and Albie's story. I honestly could not put the book down until I finished reading it. The plot was really well thought out and I found it to be really engaging. My favourite part was the part with the puffins as it made me like Albie more. I would recommend this book to 10-13 year olds. I liked the mystery surrounding Tilda's brother. I would rate this book a 7/10 as although the plot was well thought out, I would have liked a few more cliffhangers and plot twists.

Amelia M

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
At first I wasn't sure if I would like the book as it looked quite young and not my cup of tea. But I actually enjoyed it and had a good laugh reading it. The storyline was good and well thought out. I found it different to other books that I had read as it had pictures but that just made it more engaging and enjoyable. However I did think that it that it was quite young, and I probably wouldn't read again. I would recommend it to 7-11 year olds.

Amelia M

Birdie
This in a heartwarming book that is all about accepting people's differences and treating others equally. I really liked the character Birdie and enjoyed following her in this story as she is just a fun, quirky character and it is an easy read. I would recommend this book to 10-14 year olds as it is a younger read but does touch on some important topics. The author did a great job writing this and made it very easy to read and follow, whilst understanding what is going on. Overall, great read and I hugely recommend.

Amelia M

Not Going To Plan
This book helped me understand further teen pregnancies and abortion. It was well written and I liked the style of the layout and how it was written. By writing it from the characters' points of view it helped me understand how they were feeling and what they thought meaning it was a very captivating read. It was a quite emotional read and overall it was very well written and a good read.

Rose

Popcorn
I think this book is totally amazing. It has helped me understand the theme of anxiety through the use of humor and comic-like drawings making it easier for people to understand hard topics like anxiety. It rushes into events without really building up and I think this is really effective. It is well written and quite emotional making it a really catchy read. It also touches upon another hard topic of alzheimers with humor making it so more people can understand the disease. Overall this book helped me understand hard topics and was a really good read.

Rose

Ghostlines 
I think Ghostlines was a really interesting, emotional and all round great book. The main character Tilda is really someone I can learn from and relate to, making Ghostlines a really enjoyable read. The book is quite emotional as it touches upon themes of sadness, however it is also joyful, meaning there are some parts where you cry and some parts where you laugh. The book is well-written and builds up to major events meaning it is easy to read. Overall I really enjoyed this book.

Rose

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
In my opinion "Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody" is an extremely captivating book. It adds a sense of comedy and humour through having all the characters as animals and touches upon hard topics in a friendlier way. It also allows the reader to think about how they feel about certain themes and is creative in the way of portraying the different themes. I think the characters are interesting as they have some qualities people can relate to and some others which make them totally unique (such as France on Zeke's knee). The characters also challenge stereotypes and I think this really creates the moral of "be who you want to be". Overall, I really enjoyed this book and it made a big imprint on me.

Rose

Wolf Siren
Wolf Siren is an enjoyable book full of mystery and brilliant characters. I thought it was an excellent take on the original fairy tale 'Little Red Riding Hood' especially because of the way the author Beth O' Brien developed Red's character as the story progressed, as she became somewhat of a leader to those who wanted to fight for justice alongside her. I also particularly liked how the story incorporated themes of feminism and patriarchy, as it was more satisfying every time Red and the other characters overcame challenges to stand up to that prejudice. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book as I felt it was a well written, engaging story from start to finish.

Olivia

Not Going To Plan
Not Going To Plan was a really interesting book. I loved how the author showcased the narration with verse-like format for accessible reading and for a quick pace. This also helped with the awareness of these types of situations and clearly portrayed these well. During some parts of the book, there was a lot of depth and information dropped in all at once. However, some parts lacked this depth and made it a little confusing for events. And some of the characters were left a little stereotyped and not really enough characterization built up for them. Overall, this was a really great read and a good boost of awareness for these real-life situations, and such a heartfelt ending!

Afreen

Popcorn
I absolutely loved reading Popcorn! This was such an amazing book and I loved how it portrays anxiety, and gave me a better understanding of it. It also gave off the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" vibe. This book was light as well, even when showing large descriptions of the situation. However, because of these descriptions I didn't really think it was necessary to use comic-like pictures, but if it helps both the reader and author, then it doesn't really matter. Overall, I loved this book and it helped me understand anxiety a lot more!

Afreen

The Boy I Love
This was a beautiful, well-written book set in a period of time where certain things weren't positively viewed in society. It was also intriguing that the ending didn't end the way that most love stories would. However, by reading the blurb of the book it kind of gave it away to me about how the story will end. overall this was such an intriguing read and I loved reading it!

Afreen

Not Going To Plan
I've really liked all the shortlisted books I've read so far, and this was no exception! I felt that the verse suited the characters and pace, and helped it feel more immediate and impactful. I think this was very realistic in its portrayal of the issues it covered, and all the characters felt well developed and like they could be very real. I found this quite immersive and it was paced very well, and covered very important topics in a way that felt easy to read and realistic.

Iris

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
To me, this book was interesting in a really good way. It wasn't really the type of book I would read, but to say that I have read it, it was an absolute brilliant read. The plot and action in this book is very self-explanatory and very understandable. But the way the storyline was laid out didn't really cut it for me, as it has confused me at times, and I was struggling to keep up with it. However, the book to me was such a unique read and a one-of-a-kind!

Afreen

The Boy I Love
This is definitely one of my favourite books I’ve ever read! I loved the setting, characters and description. Often when I was reading this, it felt like I was there with the characters, and it was intense but also with a sense of hope, which really made me hope for a happy ending! I’m doing World War I in history at the moment, so it was definitely very useful to learn about how it affected ordinary people and what the fighting was actually like. I found this very impactful and was nearly crying at some points! I found this extremely moving and I was invested in the story, and it was so sad to finish it and know I’ve got no more to read! This is easily one of my favourites so far, I highly recommend!

Iris

Ghostlines 
This is a great book, I loved the setting and I found the plot was really believable and I felt I was there with Tilda and Albie. I thought the ending was good as it neither had you thinking why did it have to end now and nor was it a let-down.

Zoë

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
Twenty Four Seconds from Now is a fun, romantic book that explores the relationship between Neon and his girlfriend Aria. I enjoyed this book a lot as it incorporates heartfelt themes and humour, for example when Neon gets advice from his family members about his anxieties in his relationship, it's fun to see how they offer support in their own unique yet loving ways. I particularly liked the structure and ending of the book as the non-chronological order really helped me to get a sense of Neon's character development and how he faces his fears and grows as a person. I don't think I would change anything about this book and thoroughly enjoyed reading it!

Olivia

Ghostlines 
I thought this book was very interesting and vivid, and I really enjoyed the unique setting! I liked how you got an insight into life on a small island, as it is not somewhere most books I read are usually set, and Tilda was such an interesting protagonist, and it felt very real and almost like she was right there talking to the reader. All the characters felt developed and realistic, and it had a blend of being realistic but also quite warm and comforting. I really loved reading this and was sad when I had to return it, and it's definitely one of my favourite books on the shortlist so far.

Iris

Birdie
I really enjoyed this book and it's one of my favourites I've read so far. At first, I struggled to enjoy it as I felt the plot went quite slowly, but I ended up getting immersed in the storyline and characters! The author definitely had a way of making the characters feel real, and I was really hoping everything would go well for all of them, and I just found it really cosy and enjoyable. I thought it struck a balance between teaching important lessons about history without making it feel unrealistic and like a textbook. It had some really important messages delivered in a heartwarming, interesting way!

Iris

Wolf Siren
Personally, Wolf Siren was a brilliant read. The book had me hooked in the storyline which is based of a children's fairy tale and it was so gripping near the end. As a feminist, I adored and connected with the characters of this book and the challenges they faced. This book opened me up a lot and for me it was one of a kind. However, the start of the book was dragging the plot a little bit, which I must admit got me a little bored, but it got better the more chapters I read. Overall, it was such a good read and I think it may be one of my favourite books that I may read again!

Afreen

Not Going To Plan
This was my first read of this year's Yoto Carnegies and it did not disappoint me! The verse novel made the story flow at a really good pace, plus the dual narrative gave me a feel of the perspective of each character. The informal tone added to the connection between the reader and the characters, and I loved the way that some of the pages were set out with the words in the shape of an image, or in different positions on the page - like illustrations out of letters - and it really gave me an insight into what the narrators are thinking and feeling. I felt like I was inside their heads and experiencing the story as Zed and Marnie. I loved it.

Immy