The Wondrous Book & Biscuit Club

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
This book is funny and silly and goofy in all the right ways. Unfortunately it didn't land with me. The writing felt like it was designed for an older audience than the actual content of the book, in which the actual country of France lives on the protagonist's knee. The odd darker theme can throw you off, like the death and depression it randomly tells you about halfway through. I would recommend this to any older reader who likes properly fantastical ideas with serious themes under the surface. I'm not really sure I understood what the author was trying to say.

Toby

Ghostlines 
This is an amazing book that made me connect with the characters and made me really want to explore every inch of Ayrie for myself. The book asks a very interesting question: what happens if you're tasked with making friends with a stranger when you have only known the same 90 people your entire life? Turns out it is very difficult; nearly impossible actually, especially if they are homesick and had no say in being isolated on a small island. The book is a must read for those that love compelling tales of friendship and what it is like to feel suddenly uprooted from your life. Albie misses his friends; but Tilda makes sure that he makes new friends through her persistence and determination to make Albie love the place that she loves and values. I like the bits where Albie changed and started to love the Island, the puffins, and the people.

Toby

Birdie
Birdie is a book that is amazing in every aspect, with its funny moments, but also with sad and comforting moments too - it really makes you think. Birdie is set in the 1950s where everyone treats this wonderful and kind girl differently (at first) because she looks different from the children they are used to seeing. It makes you really confused at first because she is so nice and they don't even know her. Then, you find out that Birdie is brown-skinned. It makes you sympathise with her struggles as she fights the prejudiced beliefs that plague England and dictates how people see Birdie and every other black kid in the nation at that time. The book has sad moments as she risks everything to save a friend that had her back since day one. I liked this book very much and would recommend it to all ages.

Toby

Not Going To Plan
I really enjoyed this book. It is a serious read approached in such a way that is not overwhelming. The main character Marnie faces huge challenges that she tries to fix for herself. One of the main themes in the book is my body, my life, my choice. I found this was really important and a topic that should be discussed more often. Marnie's art topic of freedom changes across the book, which I think represents how she grows as a character. All of the characters are represented very well and feel real because they face real problems. Overall this was an amazing read and I would recommend it to anyone.

Olivia

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
24 Seconds From Now is a book that flips what every other book does, by effectively making you read it backwards. This book follows the story of Neon from when he is about to "connect" with Aria - backwards to the day that he meets her. The book is set in everyday family life. If the author is trying to make us feel at home he succeeds entirely. The book also makes you learn stuff in advance, like why Neon hates Denzel Jereme Washington, and how the dog even gets that name in the first place. It's a book that I would recommend to anyone who loves friendships, romance and books where the main character is likeable and identifiable.

Toby

Not Going To Plan
This was an amazing book - one of my favourites! I loved the characters and plot and I think spreading awareness about Stealthing is really important - as no one really addresses that it's a form of rape. This was such a compelling read; as soon as I started reading it I couldn't put it down. The book was written in verse and the layout was unique and creative, though as someone who struggles with eyesight I did sometimes find the words and sentences difficult to follow across gaps. I would give this book a 9.5/10 :)

Klara