STAGS Shadowers

All That It Ever Meant
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would but it was kind of confusing - there was mid chapter flashbacks which was hard to get used to. The characters were very developed and interesting. I probably wouldn't read this book again but was pleasantly surprised by what the book was despite me not enjoying it as much as the other books.

Megan

All That It Ever Meant
I thought this book had a good story however the way it was structured was very confusing. I also thought the characters were good and well written so they had distinct personalities and you could see how they approached different problems.

Evie

Play
I did not really enjoy play as much as the other books as I didn't feel it grabbed me. I did think it was a good book though. I also thought at the end it used a really interesting method of showing ways that the other characters could live and what their lives might look like in the future. Overall I thought the book was good but I do prefer some of the other books.

Evie

Treacle Town
I enjoyed reading Treacle Town however I did prefer other books in the shortlist. I thought it was written very well however sometimes some of the dialogue was a bit difficult to understand at first but I did like how it made the story seem more real in some ways or come to life. I also liked how his opinion about where he lived and his 'treacle town ' changed over the length of the book. As he thought more about what he could do to get himself out of his town and do something he really wanted as he discovered slam poetry Overall I thought it was a very good book and would recommend it.

Evie

King of Nothing
I absolutely loved King Of Nothing. I thought the writing was very good. I also thought the story was amazing and I liked how it showed how your views are often influenced by those around you for example Anton's views were influenced by his friends and their podcast; however, as he learn more and met new people he learned more, and as he became friends with Matthew his views changed for the better as he learnt about toxic masculinity and its effects. I think the book had a brilliant message and I also loved the character Matthew.

Evie

Little Bang
I quite liked this book however I do prefer other books on the shortlist. I still think this book is very good. It focuses on the important topic of abortions and abortion rights. I also thought that the contrast of the two families and how they approached the pregnancy was very interesting also as I feel it represents two of the sides to the argument of abortion and some peoples opinions on it. I also thought the characters were well written with each character having good emotional depth. I also liked being able to read from each of the two main characters perspectives.

Evie

Glasgow Boys
I got attached to the characters and got invested in the story really quickly. I think it was a heartfelt story about friendship. Not only about old friends but also about connecting with someone new and accepting your mistakes and others.

Ksenia

Little Bang
Not the best book on the shortlist but it definitely explores some important themes such as abortion and first time sex. I feel as if these topics are especially relevant after the abortion ban in the United States. I felt the ending was quite predictable but there were still some interesting descriptions in the story.

Jude

The Things We Leave Behind
I couldn't put this book down once i picked it up. Whilst many others describe this book as dystopian, I can personally see this story as a reality in our near future. The author's descriptions really immersed me and i could picture some of the scenes in my head. One criticism would be that some of the different perspectives are a bit difficult to understand but it gets easier as the book progresses. The plot twists are extremely surprising and very emotional overall I would definitely recommend.

Olivia

The Things We Leave Behind
It was a bit hard for me to get into the style of the writing of the book due to the fact that its story is going back and forth between present and past. However, as you continue reading and get more attached to the characters it gets easier to read. The whole plot of the book is amazing and entertaining. I especially loved the plot twist.

Ksenia

Treacle Town
This was a bit hard to get into, as the slang was quite hard to understand, however as I progressed I found that I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to many people. I think the message of the book was also really strong because it showed how even after a horrible event you can find hope.

Maya

Little Bang
This book was a masterpiece that had layers of emotional depth and relatable teenage characters. I really enjoyed the realistic contrast between their families and how they dealt with the issue of this accidental pregnancy. I think this book is beautifully told and has the classic feel of a young-adult book. I thought the character of Mel was very relatable for young girls who have always felt like the 'outsiders'. I loved the experience of reading this life-like and deeply clever novel!

Aiza

Glasgow Boys
One of the best books I've read this year. Margaret McDonald is a truly masterful author who perfectly weaves together Finlay and Banjo's stories while remaining ever captivating. Banjo and Finlay's struggles with mental health and their own masculinty are omnipresent in a post Andrew Tate society.

Jude

Glasgow Boys
When I first started this book, I wasn't too sure as it's not the type of book I would normally pick up. However, this book led to be one of my best reads of this year! The style of writing was really good and the plot was so amazing - I even shed a few tears. I could not put this book down and finished it in under 2 days!

Mia

The Final Year
I loved this book. The final year has a brilliant story and is written so well. At first I did not think I would like it very much due to it being a verse novel and the fact I have never read one before however I quickly realised how good this book was and how much I loved the writing style. After a while of reading you forget that it is a verse novel and instead just absorb the words and the story. I also loved the illustrations which helped to convey how Nate felt and his story even better. I also loved how Nate's emotions were described.

Evie

Glasgow Boys
A tough read in places but what a terrific book! It's an uncompromising look at the impact that being in the care system can have, and Banjo and Finlay's experiences really draw the reader in. An empathetic and engrossing read.

Ms Darbyshire

The Things We Leave Behind
The Thing We Leave Behind is beautifully written. It follows a girl and her sister fleeing their home and trying to find somewhere safe while everything they know changes . I loved how there is a story told along with the main plotline which relates to the situations they are in. The ending was surprising while still making sense. The book really makes you think about what the world is like and what it could be like. I loved it and will definitely read it again although it was very sad .

Evie

Little Bang
Little Bang was definitely one of the best books I've read probably ever. It was emotional and I loved how it tackled the subject of abortion from both the perspective of men and women. The tensions are high in this book and personally, I believe it tackled all of the subject matter very well. Both of the main characters I loved which I don't normally so that was a massive benefit for this book and I understood the motives and beliefs of both the points of view. It was a wonderful experience to read this book and I would definitely recommend this to a friend who wants something to read and anyone who is debating the topic of abortion. I also loved how this book tackled the issue of wanting a child but not to be a parent which I believe many people experience. Personally, I believe people I know would benefit from reading this as it gives a very good look about what pregnancy is like and doesn't just show the shiny and perfect side of motherhood. This book was unafraid to tackle harsh issues and I would give it 11/10 stars if I could.

Megan

King of Nothing
King of Nothing was a wonderful book and I couldn't wait to finish it. It constantly kept me wanting to read it and I was so excited to finish and know how it ends but at the same time disappointed that the funny commentary and amazing three dimensional characters were gone until I decide to reread it which I'm sure I will. This was such a good book and none of the characters I found were flat which I do with quite a few books. My personal favourites were Grandma and Anton himself and loved the character development that Anton went though. Overall, my experience reading this book was wonderful and I will never forget the range of emotions this book made me have.

Megan