SDG Reads
Wolf Siren
I LOVED Wolf Siren!! Red is such a brave young girl who chooses to stand up to her enemies, instead of deciding to stay in the shadows to keep herself safe. She also accepted who her grandmother was as if it was a part of everyday life.
Maisie
Ghostlines
I read Ghostlines and I thought it was really good. Not my favourite book but I thought the way it was written captured the atmosphere of the island. I really enjoyed this book.
Alice
Birdie
Birdie is a fabulously brave and empowering girl who always finds the way to make people believe that she is the same as them however different they see her as . I loved this book !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nancy G
Birdie
A very heartwarming and well thought through story. I loved the character of Birdie as she was an animal lover (like me) and when she realised that her loved ones were in trouble, she went back to help them, although that meant possibly hurting her closest friend.
Maisie
Ghostlines
This book warms your heart and makes you feel all warm inside while problems are made and solved.
Nancy G
Birdie
It was brilliant and taught people about racism. I think it was fun but also educational. I loved it
Minnie
Birdie
It was brilliant and taught people about racism. I think it was fun but also educational. I loved it
Minnie
The Boy I Love
This book is incredible and a book that tears out your heart then puts it back together in the best way possible. I love this book
Nancy G
Popcorn
Popcorn is a book about a boy called Andrew who has anxiety. It is set over the course of one day - the day the school photos are being taken. Like Chronicle of a Lizard Nobody, it also had black and white illustrations but in a comic book style, which I liked. I think this would be a good book to read if you experience anxiety as it would probably make you feel less alone. It is humorous but there are some more serious bits like when he has a panic attack. It reminded me a bit of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and I think my little brother would like it. I didn't really resonate with the main character as I don't have anxiety and I usually prefer books with a female main character.
Hannah
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody by Patrick Ness is a book set in a American school where the main characters are animals, including a trio of monitor lizards. The book contains black and white illustrations that look a bit like doodles alongside the text. I thought it was quite fun and silly and something that my nine year old brother would enjoy as it is aimed at younger readers.
Hannah
Popcorn
It was a very educational book which taught you about how to understand panic attacks and help yourself when you are under pressure. It helped me a lot. I really loved this book!!
Minnie
Twenty Four Seconds from Now
Twenty Four Seconds From Now was unusual as it was written from the boy's point of view, instead of the girl's and it went backwards in time, instead of being chronological which would be the more traditional way of telling the story. It is about teenage feelings and has mature themes. It was good to see that boys have worries and emotions too but I didn't really resonate or connect with any of the characters or their problems so it didn't grip me.
Hannah
Not Going To Plan
I really enjoyed this book. It was different to anything I've read before. It explores quite grown up themes but in a way that is appropriate for a YA audience. I learnt lots from it and found it very educational but in an interesting way. I liked the hints about one of the characters being neurodivergent, as I'm neurodivergent myself, and I always appreciate seeing neurodivergence represented in books. It is also written in verse and plays with words visually on the page - I was a bit sceptical at first but quickly got into it and this ended up being one of my favourite things about the book.
Hannah
Not Going To Plan
I think 'not going to plan' is probably my favourite book I have read so far. It takes you on rollercoasters of relatable themes to real life, as Marnie tackles life changing events all at the same time. This book showed me true friendship between Marnie and Zed and how one small change in her decision could have changed her life forever and that you should always choose the right decision for you and, in Marnie’s situation, not just because of someone else thinks that abortion is murder just because of their religion and what they believe in. I think having two different perspectives in this story really makes it different to other books and really stuck out to me. Overall, this book highlights the theme of freedom to be yourself and make your own decisions-no matter what anyone else says.
9/10
Violetta
Lord of the Flies: The Graphic Novel
This illustration book is amazing the detail and thought put into it makes it seem like the actual book but with a more visual aspect.
Stevie
Freedom Braids
I think that this illustrated book shows the true path of some people in Africa who have been forced to move. It is truly inspiring.
Stevie
Popcorn
I think Popcorn is a really good book which perfectly captures the stresses of school picture day, except with so many obstacles to face.
Chloe
Ghostlines
I loved Ghostlines because it was really engaging and I felt like the plot was written in a way that was easily understandable but with a vast vocabulary.
Chloe
The Boy I Love
William Hussey's The Boy I Love is an emotional, heart-wrenching historical fiction novel set during World War I. It follows a 19-year-old officer, Stephen, returning to the trenches of the Somme, who finds forbidden, tender love with a bright new recruit, Private Danny McCormick.
Zoe
Wiggling Words
I think that this book was amazing, and proved that you can NEVER be too old to read illustration books.
Stevie
Ghostlines
Ghostlines by Katya Balen is an emotionally charged, beautifully crafted middle-grade novel about the true meaning of home, change, and the invisible ties that connect us. Set on the remote, wild island of Ayrie, the story follows Tilda, whose idyllic life is disrupted by the arrival of Albie, a grumpy newcomer from the city.
Zoe
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I thought this was a brilliant book that I would have definitely enjoyed when I was younger . I think its extremely funny and has a brilliant plot.
Chloe
Wolf Siren
I didn't really enjoy Wolf Siren by Beth O'Brien. While the thought of reimagining Little Red Riding Hood with a visually impaired protagonist is commendable, the execution felt too drawn out and repetitive. The pacing dragged during the forest scenes, and the emotional stakes (like the family secrets) felt underdeveloped.
Safia
Not Going To Plan
Not Going to Plan is an amazing book, though it is done in verse and explores big themes in teenage lives. It is a very good book. Some of the shape poetry was good.
Zoe
Birdie
I really liked Birdie and thought that it was a brilliant engaging book because of the well-thought through
structure ,high level vocabulary and has brilliant historical themes.
Chloe
Ghostlines
Loved it, great book and story telling.
Dorothy
Ghostlines
I love this book so much! It drove me on a path of spirituality and I felt an even stronger connection to the ocean as I read.
Stevie