The SBSJs

Popcorn
I really enjoyed this book. Popcorn has really educated me further about anxiety and panic attacks and in my opinion, has fully captured the vision of what it feels like to have an attack. I've had a really good time reading this, and it doesn't feel like I'm reading a lot either because I get to see pictures every now and then! it's a real breather from other books with only text. I love the actual pictures as well, I love the style being rough and panicky, and also the anxiety files are really creative! Overall, this was an amazing read and Popcorn has succeeded past my expectations, as I picked up the book not expecting a lot. I largely recommend to all audiences, especially children so that we can teach them mental health. This was a beautiful way of spreading awareness about what children feel when they're anxious. It's really common for people to feel alone in mental health, and educating others how it really isn't as bad as our minds perceive it is something I love personally. Loved it!

Melisa

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
Twenty Four Seconds From Now has completely blown my mind. The format of the book, going further and further in time is something I've never seen before. After reading, I wish more authors would use this idea, as it is so unique and very engaging! This book's plot and characters, especially Neon and his personality, made me feel an inexplicable feeling. It felt very relatable, being in a relationship as a young adult and having to make a difficult decision. The idea of books being focused around teenagers, how they mature and learn to find themselves with support. It made me smile. For some reason, I do not find many books centering the boy of the relationship, and this exact one felt very satisfying to read. Usually, it is stereotyped that the man of the relationship is always confident, and is never nervous. That is very incorrect, and seeing this book showing the vulnerability and emotion a boy could also experience made me really happy. I truly thank the author of this book for writing something I think everybody should take into consideration. Jason Reynolds absolutely deserves to be a candidate for the Carnegie Award!

Melisa

Not Going To Plan
'Not Going To Plan' was my first verse novel ever, and to be fully honest, it has completely succeeded past my expectations. Picking up the book, I wasn't sure I'd enjoy it, but after reading the blurb and getting past a few pages, I couldn't get my eyes of the book. Tia Fisher has really peaked my interest for verse novels, and I will definitely be looking into her other books! Excluding the format of the book, the plot and the characters really kept me engaged. Marnie and Zed were beautifully written, and their dynamic truly made me smile whilst reading. I actually got emotional during some parts of the book, and it really comes to show how amazing Tia Fisher is when it comes to writing. I would totally read again! I look forward to more of her books having a chance at being awarded the Carnegie Award. Just so i could have an excuse to read it and smile again!

Melisa

Wolf Siren
I really love the writing style; it was simple yet understandable as I read through. I think the way the story narrates is really good, one of the best I have far noticed. I also love that I can imagine everything clearly and it's described clearly as well. The story plot is actually really good, I loved it. The end bit kind of made me emotional for a bit but overall, I love this book.

Mikaela

Not Going To Plan
This book was actually my first choice when I saw the books. I read the first chapter or so but felt I had to put it back. After I read a few others I thought I’d give it a try and now I realise how wrong I was to put it down. This book was absolutely fantastic and sometimes I didn’t understand the older themes in the book but understood the story. This has encouraged me to read more young adult books and inspire others to do so as well. I’d like to thank the author for making me step out of my comfort zone of fiction to a kind of in between. Thanks for your time.

Seren

The Boy I Love
The Boy I Love by is a powerful and emotional story about love, identity, and courage. Even though I didn’t personally relate to it, I still found it really interesting. It’s also really sad and reveals the truth about the horrors of war. The characters are well written, and it shares important messages about acceptance and being yourself. I would most definately recommend this book and hoping it wins .

Rahel

Birdie
This book to me started off quite slow but throughout the story it builds into a beautiful book. I adored the character of Mr Duke. This book sent my heart on a roller coaster with many melancholic moments but also a contrast of truly joyous ones to. When the Carnegie's came out I never thought I would pick Birdie up but the absolutely amazing content and concept must have superglued me to it as I was not able to put it down. I Commend this author and would love to read more of J.P. Rose’s work. Thank you for an amazing read

Seren

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I was pleasantly surprised by this book and I realise now at first thought I really underestimated it. It was beautifully written to show a powerful concept in a simple way and could be touching to many who have experienced bullying due to them being “ different”. As a very big reader I found the read a bit too easy personally but I love that this author has made this book assessable to lots of people who may find books a challenge. I think Patrick Ness has voiced this concern in a new and interesting way. However I did find the fact that France was on the character's knee a little peculiar. I did enjoy this read , even though it was a quick one. Thank you

Seren

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
It feels like a rollercoaster of imagination where everything is unpredictable. It almost feels like a child wrote this, it's very understandable and fun to read. I love the little illustrations that comes with it, it helps with knowing what's happening and what kind of animal they are (which was really helpful!) I also love that it's just a world filled with animals, something you have never thought you would read.

Marcus Mikaela