The Tiffin Girls’ Shadows
The Things We Leave Behind
This book was really engaging and fast-paced. The plot was beautifully thought-out and I found myself connecting to the characters and sympathising with their lives. I think the book wrote about some issues that are prevalent in today's society and managed to turn them into a dystopian novel which is scarily realistic. The book was nice to read and I would recommend it to those who haven't read it.
Yashaswini
Glasgow Boys
This was definitely my favourite book out of all of them. It was light-hearted, funny and wholesome. I found it easy to connect to the characters and I thought that the plot was enjoyable and realistic. I really liked Banjo and I thought the writer shared some insightful points through the book which I normally wouldn't have exposure to, for example: the foster care system. Overall, this was a fun and lovely read.
Yashaswini
All That It Ever Meant
All That It Ever Meant was a beautifully written book that tackled the topic of grief in a very manageable way. It also tackled the way children of immigrants experience life, and the family dynamics were also presented well. The ending twist was delivered very nicely, and it was not expected. Overall, it was a fascinating read.
Saujanyah
The Things We Leave Behind
I really liked this book's dystopian themes and emotional moments as Clem struggles with her losses, and faces challenges and danger with her sister Billie. I thought it was beautifully written and very moving, as well as being relevant and well-thought out. I really liked the depictions of all the characters, in particular Clem, as I though that instead of portraying them as one-sided, one-dimensional people, they had real depth and emotions.
Eleanor
King of Nothing
I loved Anton's character loop throughout the novel, and how he realises he doesn't need to be the 'King of the School' to be happy. It's a great portrayal of societal pressures and toxic masculinity, and how Anton overcomes them with the help of his new friend, Matthew.
Eleanor
The Final Year
I really enjoyed this story, which follows a 10 year old boy called Nate, who is in Year 6, about to leave for secondary school. I loved the portrayal of his journey through his struggle to control his emotions and how his anger was seen as a 'Beast' that he has to keep restrained. I felt that this was a really profound portrayal of the transition from Primary to Secondary, and the struggles with friendship and your sense of self. It was really moving, especially when Nate's little brother is in trouble. I thought how the format was mainly lyrical was amazing, and such a good way of conveying Nate's internal monologue.
Eleanor
Glasgow Boys
I loved reading this book, and how it explored Finlay and Banjo's stories seperately until they meet again, bringing the whole story together. I also liked the depiction of both's experience of the foster system, and the portrayal of how they grow up.
Eleanor
Little Bang
Little Bang was an incredibly interesting and thought provoking book delving into normally 'hushed up' topics - like abortion and its ban in many countries. It explored themes of choice, bodily autonomy and difficult relationships between parent and child in a realistic, detailed way that made an instant connection to the reader. The book was easy to read and understand, and the portrayal of the struggles of decision making and other aspects of Mel and Sid's life made me sympathise with them a lot, and impacted me in a personal way. Overall, I think the book had a beautiful portrayal of teen characters whilst still talking about mature and relevent topics in an engaging way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and recommend it a lot.
Nia