St George’s Dragon Readers

The Boy I Love
Normally, I'm a really huge fan of historical fiction, especially during the world wars, and despite it being an extremely well-written book and incredibly historically accurate, I just found it quite hard to continue this book. I really enjoyed the plot, and the idea of Danny and Stephen's relationship, as homosexuality is a topic that is not often discussed that far back in time. Personally, I think that I'm not a huge fan of action and fighting in books, which is probably why I struggled to keep reading (entirely on me), but the parts that established and continued the plot I thoroughly enjoyed! From a written standard, I thought that both Danny and Stephen were very likeable characters, but my favourite character was Captain Jackson. This was because he was a very honourable, intelligent, and warm character, someone who you could rely on, whilst being a strong commander, treating all his men with respect. Finally, although many people were not huge fans of the ending, I thought it was quite refreshing to have a book where (SPOILER) neither of the leads were killed, and despite not quite getting a happily ever after, still could love each other at the end. Though it was not quite my cup of tea, I do think 'The Boy I Love' would be worthy of winning the prize, and would very much deserve it.

Kate

Wolf Siren
Some things I have loved about 'Wolf Siren' is that it is adventurous and about the whole book is that it was really sad that Aerona died because Zac, Wilson’s son 'accidentally' shot her with a crossbow. There are some really confusing words that I don’t really understand, but I managed to somehow understand them. The story is dramatic and I don’t know why the villagers thought that the wolves only attack men not women, because the wolves were just defending themselves. There were many misunderstandings in the characters and it really makes me feel that I can imagine the scenes in my head and that’s how good 'Wolf Siren' is and I hope one day I get my own copy of the book!

Liya

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
The book was amazing, I really enjoyed the character of Miel, I especially loved his cool sunglasses. However, some may believe that this book was too childish, which I would agree with. Although I found the strange and slightly crazy parts of this book very enjoyable and I also liked the odd quirks the book had. For these reasons, overall I adore this book.

Jamie

Wolf Siren
I really like 'Wolf Siren' as it's creative and the ending is very heartbreaking. I love the character of Red, who is courageous and does not let her surroundings and the village's rules change who she is. I like how this book is suitable for different ages, because it is a fantasy. but there are also lots of deeper meaningful messages behind it.

Anita

Not Going To Plan
I think 'Not Going To Plan' is a well written book and although normally I don't like reading books written in verses I enjoyed this book. I like how we can hear from both characters' perspective and how the characters and relationships develop throughout the story. It's quite realistic and I often felt empathy for Marnie and Zed. Also, the topics and themes are addressed very well.

Anita

Not Going To Plan
Despite not actually being a huge fan of books that seem to follow a poetry-like format, I hugely enjoyed this book and loved the storyline throughout! When I first picked up the book, I had doubts (as quite a picky reader), but I was quickly sucked into the lives of Zed and Marnie, sympathising with both of their situations at different points in the book. Despite Marnie's abortion being the main storyline, I really liked Zed's subplot line, and his struggles with his sexuality, and how he felt. As a girl myself, I thought the main subject of abortion and non fully-consensual sex to be a very interesting and important one, as they can often be seen as very taboo subjects that should really be discussed more often (in my view). Not only the plot, but the way it was presented purely through words really captured my attention, almost creating pictures and words with symbolism - emphasising particular things. Altogether, I loved this book, and would be incredibly supportive of it being chosen as the Carnegie Winner!

Kate

The Boy I Love
I enjoyed the presentation of homosexual relationships during WW1 and how society responded to it. It's written well, hooking me with Stephen's cautious emotions and memories, and Danny's lively personality. However, I believe that the title and cover are slightly misleading, where I thought the book was more of a romance when in reality it's more of a historical romance, and goes into quite graphic descriptions of war and trauma. Furthermore, in my opinion the progress was quite slow, and I took a while to get invested in the book, but once I was around Chapter 6 it had all my attention.

Anon

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
I loved this book! I thought that it was really well written and the structure of it progressively going further back in time was really clever. I really liked the main characters and thought that they seemed like very real people. I also thought there were a lot of very funny moments and serious moments which allowed for a good presentation of the main themes. The only thing I disagreed with was the fact that Nemo's family own a Bingo Hall and I don't support the idea of encouraging gambling and I thought that it could have been changed to a different kind of store, but it didn't stop me from liking the book any more and I still really enjoyed reading it!

Tim

The Boy I Love
I really liked this book and I thought that it was very well written! I love historical fiction and I haven't read many books about soldiers in WW1. I found their lives away from the trenches, in the french towns and villages very interesting. I thought that the relationship between Stephen and Danny was very well developed and really interesting to follow and it added an extra level of sadness when you consider that they wouldn't ever be able to publicly express their relationship due to the time period. I also loved the presentation of the "Toad" and the "Snake" and it highlighted the irony of generals who never visited the trenches giving out orders. There were times when there was in depth description of fighting and the trenches, which I wasn't that interested in and I disagreed, at moments, with the presentation and glorification of war against the "Huns" and the patriotism, yet I know that it was (and is) a view shared by some people.

Tim

Popcorn
I liked this book. I thought it was a fun, yet at times serious book which was well written. I felt like I could really relate to a lot of the feelings and worries that Andrew faced, but at the same time I felt like he could be quite an unreasonable character and wasn't a very good friend. I also found it quite a simple and predictable book which lead to finding it, at times, quite boring.

Tim

Ghostlines 
I quite liked this book due to the exciting and almost magical environment that was created throughout the book and I loved learning more about the island and about Tilda's life. However, I felt that it ended rather anticlimactically - after the plot and tension being built up and intensified, it abruptly stopped without any real drama or climax. I also didn't like the portrayal of Rowan as being an antagonist throughout the story and how the portrayal of his decision of wanting a different life was hated by everyone and viewed as 'abandoning' Tilda when I thought that there was nothing wrong with him wanting to move on with his life. This was sort of countered at the end of the book with his return, but his apology wasn't necessary and just contributed to the overall contempt felt by the residents of Ayrie towards the mainland, which contributed to me not liking aspects of the book’s message and themes. I also wanted to find out more about Albie and hear his point of view and understand more about his background as I don't think that his mum's reason for coming to the island was well explained.

Tim

Not Going To Plan
I really enjoyed this book! I thought the way the story was written in verse was very effective and eye-catching and allowed for quite a fast paced book. I felt like the two main protagonists, Marnie and Zed, were really well written and felt like very real characters and I really liked seeing how their unexpected friendship developed. I thought that the different views shared by different characters in the book regarding abortion were well presented and showed why abortion is such a debated topic. It also highlighted the problems with the stigma of abortion and teenage pregnancy in society and the fear of judgement, seen when Marnie doesn't even want to discuss her pregnancy with her mum. I really enjoyed this book and thought that its overall messages and themes were expressed and handled really well.

Tim

Popcorn
The book 'Popcorn' was immediately eye-catching and interesting from the very beginning. The story follows the main character, Andrew, as he tries to cope with one of the hardest and most overwhelming days of his life. From the start, we can tell that Andrew struggles with OCD and anxiety, and the book explores how these challenges affect his daily life and the way he thinks and reacts to situations. I found the story relatable because everyone experiences difficult days sometimes, even if their struggles are different. The author does a good job of showing Andrew’s emotions and how he slowly learns to manage the pressure around him. Despite the stressful situations, the book also includes moments of humour and hope, which made it enjoyable to read. I liked how realistic the story felt and how it highlighted the importance of understanding mental health and supporting others. Overall, I found the book thoughtful, emotional, and inspiring.

Lowri

Ghostlines 
The book 'Ghostlines' was enjoyable, exciting, and full of adventure. I found the main character, Tilda, to be fun, brave, and determined. Even though she faces many challenges and fears throughout the story, she still tries her best to show Albie around the island and share all the amazing things about it. Her courage and kindness made her a very likeable character. I also enjoyed the setting of the island because it felt mysterious and completely different from everyday life. The author used detailed descriptions that made it easy to imagine the island and the characters’ adventures. The friendship between Tilda and Albie develops throughout the story, which adds emotion and makes the book more interesting to read. I liked how the story mixed adventure, mystery, and friendship together, keeping me interested the whole way through. Overall, I really enjoyed the book because it was imaginative, exciting, and fun to read.

Lowri

Wolf Siren
'Wolf Siren' is a captivating book that reimagines a well-known fairytale into a story about courage, freedom, and female empowerment. The author creates an eerie forest setting where the creatures feared by the villagers are not truly evil, while the real cruelty comes from the strict rules and expectations within the village itself. Red is a memorable protagonist because she is brave, determined, and independent, even though she feels trapped by the world around her. Her relationship with her sister adds emotion to the story, and the ending was both touching and heartbreaking at the same time. I especially enjoyed the unexpected plot twists and the way the novel challenges readers not to judge others based on rumours or fear. Overall, the book delivers a powerful message about understanding people before making assumptions about them.

Lowri

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
'Twenty-Four Seconds From Now' is a reflective and emotional story that looks at love, choices, and how small moments can change everything. I thought the structure was interesting and made the story feel a bit different from other books in the Carnegie list. It was thoughtful rather than fast-paced, which made me think more about it afterwards. Overall, it’s a quiet but meaningful book that stands out because of how it’s told.

Sebastian

Not Going To Plan
Not Going to Plan is a relatable coming-of-age story about friendships, family, and things not working out the way you expect. I liked how it balanced humour with more emotional moments, which made it feel quite real and easy to connect with. The characters felt believable, like people you might actually know. Overall, it’s an enjoyable and honest story about life not going how you planned.

Sebastian

The Boy I Love
The Boy I Love is a really emotional and intense read that explores identity, love, and growing up in a difficult situation. I found it quite powerful because it doesn’t shy away from serious topics and feels very honest in how it shows the character’s experiences. At times it was hard-hitting, but that’s what made it memorable. Overall, it’s a moving book that definitely stays with you after finishing it.

Sebastian

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
The book 'Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody' was both enjoyable and puzzling. The plot mainly focuses on the main character, Zeke, standing up to a bully, which is an important and relatable theme for many students. However, the story also includes unusual and bizarre events, such as Pelicarnassus the pelican holding a grudge and becoming a supervillain who tries to destroy the school. Even though some parts were strange, I found them funny and entertaining, especially the random humour throughout the book.The story was amusing and easy to follow, and the characters were memorable in their own unique ways. I also liked the strong friendships between Zeke, Daniel, Alicia, and Miel. They support each other throughout the story and work together when facing challenges, which shows the importance of loyalty and teamwork. I think the book is aimed more at younger readers because of its simple writing style and silly humour, but the message about overcoming bullying can relate to people of all ages. Overall, I found the book fun, creative, and entertaining, although at times it felt a little too simple and unrealistic for older readers.

Lowri

Birdie
The book 'Birdie' reflects on the strong bond between humans and animals and shows their value and importance. The story was very well written, and I enjoyed following Birdie through her adventures in the countryside. The author describes the setting in great detail, which made it easy to imagine the village and understand how Birdie felt as she tried to adapt to her new surroundings. Throughout the book, she faces racism and struggles to fit into the village, but she teaches the people around her that the colour of someone’s skin does not matter. Her kindness, courage, and determination help change the attitudes of others and make the community more accepting. I also liked the relationship between Birdie and her great-uncle Walter. At first, their relationship seems distant, but over time their bond becomes much stronger. Along with her aunt, they slowly become a loving and supportive family. I enjoyed seeing how the characters developed throughout the story and learned important lessons about acceptance, friendship, and understanding others. The book also highlights themes of belonging and identity, showing that home is not just a place, but is also about the people who care about you. Overall, I really enjoyed the book because it was emotional, inspiring, and full of meaningful messages that readers can learn from.

Lowri

Ghostlines 
I enjoyed this book because I loved the sense of family and connection - everyone on the island knows each other. I really liked the setting and it made me want to live on a little island surrounded by nature. It was definitely a book for younger ages as there was very mild peril and the ending was slightly predictable.

Abigail

Not Going To Plan
I really enjoyed reading this book as the verse structure was different and really submerged the reader into the book, especially as it switches between two perspectives. I thought it had a good message and also was funny in parts. It was lovely watching friendships grow and relationships change throughout the book, which made it such an enjoyable book to read.

Louisa

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I thought this was a very funny and light-hearted book which I quite enjoyed. I thought Zeke was a likeable character and I really liked Daniel and Alicia as well. Overall, I didn't really feel that there was much of a story, however I still quite liked it due to how fun it was to read.

Tim

Birdie
I really enjoyed this book! I thought that Birdie, the protagonist, was a very likeable character and I felt that I, as a reader, was made to empathise with her and feel for her as she was so ostracised from society. I usually don't like reading stories involving animals, however I liked the portrayal of Mr Duke as looking out for Birdie, but also being fixed in his ways as a pit pony, showing the effect that humans can have on animals and the environment.

Tim

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
I thought ‘Twenty-Four Seconds From Now’ was a really touching and realistic book about young love, and healthy relationships for teenagers. I loved that they decided to make the main character a black male, which isn’t stereotypically the subject of love stories in the media. I also appreciated the unusual structure, in which the time moves back in increments of 24. This was a great book, and I would recommend it to a range of people.

Ben

Wolf Siren
I loved this book. I thought it was a really interesting adaptation of the fairytale and I found the concept of an isolated village under a dictator really interesting. I felt that it was really well written and I loved the main characters, especially Red. I would definitely recommend this book to people who like fantasy stories.

Tim

Ghostlines 
I think this is a really good book because it's very heart-warming. It's also very descriptive, so I feel like I've been to the island as well. The only thing I don't like about this book is that the sentences are too long.

Anita

Birdie
I enjoyed reading this book because it's interesting to see how much Birdie the main character changes throughout the book. However, I think the story plot is a bit too unrealistic, and there was a part in the middle which I found quite boring. But, I think the message and themes of the book are good. I also like the historical background and the setting.

Anita

The Boy I Love
I loved the way that a narrative account was merged with an amazing historical event, so I was hooked to read it, but also Iiked learning new things about WW1 and the life of a solider that I would never have found out just reading facts off Google. Purely, because the author used this information and structured it in a way which created an interesting and emotional story, that was gripping to read. I really liked how there was sadness and bravery, representing so many soldiers who lost their lives fighting for Great Britain. In a way, I think it is an amazing tribute to those who went unnoticed in the war, especially those of different sexual orientations, who were often underrated and disvalued.

Cecile

Birdie
Birdie is an amazing book as we navigate through the book in Birdie's shoes. As Birdie starts a new life where she struggles to fit in, Mr Duke was always there for her. I loved how she is so relatable in many ways, because sometimes you do really feel like you don't fit in. I loved the very heartwarming ending where Mr Duke courageously saves the men in the pit with Birdie. I love the powerful message in the book and I love how it's really easy to just see the bullying that Birdie experiences through her eyes. I like her character and how she first arrives very innocent, sweet and nice, but as she goes through a tough journey, she grows more mature and has a stronger bond with Mr Duke.

Nathania

Wolf Siren
Wolf Siren is an intriguing book that transforms a familiar fairytale into a powerful message of female strength. The author creates a forest where the ‘monsters’ are actually protectors and the true danger lies within the village’s patriarchal walls. Red is an unforgettable protagonist, her character is so strong-willed and fierce yet restricted which makes me relate a lot to her. I love her sister and the ending is just so heartwarming but sad at the same time. I love the plot twists and like how the story gives us this really powerful message: "Don't judge when you haven't even been there before."

Nathania

Ghostlines 
I really enjoyed this book and it made me want to live on a little island as well. I love the suspense and how mentioning Rowan made the book more intriguing. However, I was a bit confused with the speech and dialogues as it wasn't what I'm normally used to. I also think that the paragraphs had too many 'ands', but I think that if it was broken up into more parts then it would be easier to read. But, it was an amazing book and I really liked the idea of the puffin island! :)

Nathania

Not Going To Plan
I am a massive fan of books in verse, so I may be slightly biased, however I was hooked to this book from the first page. I love how the author challenged these ideas and social expectations as it proved a very educating read. Another thing I like was the structure, especially the moments where the poetry was shape poetry - I just thought it was so intelligent and well done. I really liked the two perspectives of Marnie and Zed and the writers creative decisions were excellent. Overall, a great read and I would definitely recommend!

Cecile