Watford Girls

All That It Ever Meant
I really loved this book because it was very interesting and it had a big twist at the end. It is about a girl called Mati who travels to Zimbabwe with her family, after her mum dies. Her family was quite angry with each other at the start, and argued a lot, but as they got nearer to their final destination in Zimbabwe, they started to forgive each other, and began to be nice to each other. One thing I liked about the book was that it was all about Zimbabwe, and I learnt lots of new things about Zimbabwe, like the culture, and fashion. My favourite character was Meticais, a character who kept pushing Mati to tell her story. I like her because she was funny and had an answer for everything. My favourite moment in the book was the big twist at the end, because it was really surprising. I definitely didn’t see it coming! One thing I didn’t like about the book was that Mati kept having flashbacks to different times, which made the plotline a bit confusing, but, overall, it was a good book. Finally, I would recommend the book to anyone aged 12+, who likes stories about family, journeys, and big twists! I would rate the book a 9.5/10.

Lauren

The Things We Leave Behind
The Things We Leave Behind was an amazingly well-written dystopian story, with well thought out emotions and ideas. It follows the tragic story of Clem, a 15 year old girl, and her little half sister Billie. In a country destructed to rubble by politics, they must escape before it's too late. Staying with their Grandpa in the countryside also becomes dangerous, however, and Clem and Billie must escape further north - to Scotland. Following their journey during this book opened my eyes to the world of politics in a whole new lens. This is a perfect choice for all dystopian, and adventure lovers. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I hope to read more of Clare Furniss's stories in the future.

Anushka

The Final Year
This book is about a boy called Nate, and he’s in his final year at Primary School, but, sadly, encounters several challenges that he has to overcome. It is a very emotional book, and made me feel quite sad at some points, but it all turns out okay at the end. My favourite character is Mr Joshua, Nate’s teacher, because he is really kind and supportive to Nate, but I also like Dylan, Nate’s youngest brother as well, because he is really cute and sweet, but also brave. My favourite moment in the book is when Nate finally finishes Year 6, and he’s happy, and all of his problems and worries are gone, because it is a really happy moment in the book, and it made me feel happy too. Another thing I loved about this book was the way it was written. The whole book is written in verse, which was really interesting, and something I hadn’t experienced before. To conclude, I would rate this book a 9.5/10, and recommend it anyone aged 10+, who likes emotional stories about change, school, and family.

Lauren

The Final Year
The Final Year looks like a normal book on the library shelf that you might not even like because of the way it is written. Honestly I think it is the best book I have ever read. The beginning of the book is really calm, Nate has 1 older brother called Jax and 1 younger called Dylan, who is my favourite character, only 4 yet is going through a lot. He has some problems that no-one knew he had since birth. Dylan loves Spiderman too... Nate just finished year 5 and now he is going into year 6 everyone says "There's SATs", "It will be your last year", "Its time to focus" and so on. Nate's new teacher Mr Joshua is his only friend in year 6 (because his best friend in year 5 and 4,3,2,1 left him and made friends with the school bully). In the middle of the story everything is going well, Nate found a friend similar to him, everyone is calm until the next day...Something HAPPENS to Dylan...something to do with his problem. I don't want to spoil that bit of the story so I won't say anything else... Nate's family is very small, he has an auntie (not married) but his Dad left and his Mum is very poor and always goes to bingo (but never wins). At the end of the story his original friend had a fight with the bully and came back to Nate. Everything goes well and Nate finishes year 6 and his Mum celebrates with Chinese food (I won't tell you what happens to Dylan YOU have to read the book to find out). I love how this book crosses over to another book called Skellig, the librarian in The Final Year recommends it to Nate and the teacher reads it to the class. Overall I enjoyed this book very much! 10/10

Elizabeth

Little Bang
Kelly McCaughrain's Little Bang is a novel that doesn't just tell a story - it makes you feel it. Set in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 2018, the book follows two teenagers, Mel and Sid, whose lives take an unexpected turn after a single night together on New Year' Eve. What unfolds is a deeply emotional, raw and unflinching honest portrayal of teenage pregnancy, societal pressures, and complexities of choice. Mel, as shy science enthusiast from a strict religious family, and Sid, a carefree songwriter with a feminist mother, find themselves navigating a life-altering situation. The contrast between their backgrounds adds layers of tension and depth to the narrative. McCaughrain masterfully explores the stark realities of teenage pregnancy in a place where abortion is still illegal, making the stakes even higher. One of the novel's greatest strengths is it's characters. Mel and Sid are not just archetypes; they are flawed, vulnerable, and achingly real. Their relationship is tested in ways that feel authentic, and their struggles resonate deeply. Sid's journey to prove himself as a father, despite his mother's doubts, is particularly moving, while Mel's growing isolation and emotional turmoil are heartbreakingly portrayed. McCaughrain's writing is immersive and evocative. The novel is told from dual perspectives, allowing readers to experience both Mel's and Sid's emotions firsthand. While dual POVs can sometimes feel disjointed, here it works beautifully, giving insight into how differently pregnancy affects each of them. The prose is sharp, poignant, and laced with moments of humour that provide much needed relief amid the heavier themes. Little Bang is not just a story about teenage pregnancy - it's a story about choice, responsibility, and the way society shapes our decisions. It challenges readers to think about the realities young people face and the pressures placed upon them by family, culture and law. The emotional weight of the book lingers long after the final page, making it a must-read for anyone who appreciates contemporary YA fiction that doesn't shy away from difficult topics.

Aanya

King of Nothing
This is a very funny, but also interesting book because it is certainly a comedy book, but it also looks at some very serious topics. The book is about a boy called Anton, and he thinks he and his gang rule the school, but then he makes friends with a boy called Matthew, and very soon, he starts to question his choices in life. And, by the end, he changes, but you’ll have to read the book to find out how! My favourite character is Nanna, Anton’s grandmother, because she is really kind, and helps and supports Anton, even when Anton doesn’t realise it, or appreciate it, and when he made it hard for her, but she kept going, because she loves Anton. Finally, my favourite moment in the book was when Anton, and his friends go to Nando’s, because it is a really happy, and sweet moment. Additionally, there are a lot of funny bits in this section, which makes it even better! I would recommend this book to anyone aged 11+, who likes stories about school, discovering who you are, and, a bit of comedy! I would rate this book a 9.5/10.

Lauren

The Things We Leave Behind
This is a really amazing book, and I loved reading it. It was very emotional, and it felt like I was going through Clem’s journey with her. It is a dystopian novel, set in the UK, and in the book, a new Prime Minister with some really scary ideas comes to power, and Clem has to escape to Scotland. This was one of the things I really liked about this book - the fact that it was set in the near future, which is a bit scary, because there is a chance that this might actually happen. My favourite character was Billie, Clem’s little sister because she is really sweet, and funny. I felt like she added a bit of humour to an otherwise really sad and emotional book. Also, my favourite moment in the book is right at the end, when Clem meets up with Claudia again after such a long time, because it was a really happy moment for them, but it was also sad as well. Finally, my favourite part of this book was the twist at the end. It’s a super big twist, and it is really exciting! The best part is, I definitely did not see it coming! I would rate this book a 9.5/10, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes dystopian, emotional, or adventure books. In my opinion, I think it is suitable for ages 11+. I really hope you read this book, and enjoy it as much as I did!

Lauren

King of Nothing
As I generally prefer books from other genres, when I first picked up The King of Nothing, I wasn’t expecting such a interesting story on Anton’s personal transformation, friendship, and social awareness. As the story starts to unfold, Anton is portrayed as unlikeable, rude, disrespectful - and even a bully. However, as the story progresses, small moments reveal traces of kindness, hinting that he is not entirely the person he pretends to be. His friendship with Matthew becomes a turning point. Through their bond, Anton gradually realizes the flaws in his past behaviour and begins to distance himself from the crowd he previously was friends with. His journey of self-discovery is really thought-provoking, making The King of Nothing a deeply engaging read that challenges our initial perceptions of Anton. I would rate this book about 4 stars.

Namya

King of Nothing
I think King of Nothing is a really amazing and interesting book. It’s about a boy called Anton who cares too much about his reputation. He thinks that being feared makes him important, but when his mum forces him to join the Happy Campers, everything changes. What I liked most about this book was how real Anton’s journey felt. He’s not a perfect person, and sometimes, he makes some really bad choices. But that's also what makes this story interesting. His friendship with Matthew was also one of my favourite parts and is also the most important one, because it showed that you don’t have to be popular to have good friends. Anton starts to realize that being kind is better than being feared. The book is also really funny. Anton’s inner thoughts are hilarious. But beyond the jokes, the book also touches on important things like how boys are taught to act tough and to hide their emotions, and I also liked the way the characters spoke because it felt so real, like they are right here talking. But the book also makes you think about important things like how boys feel pressure to act tough. Overall, I think King of Nothing is a great book because it’s funny but also meaningful. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes books that are funny but also make you reflect on what really matters – friendship, respect and the kind of person that you want to be.

Ka hei

Glasgow Boys
I blame myself for the initial skepticism I had - I could not be happier that this book went well above and beyond my expectations! Finlay and Banjo are such well-written characters, and I thoroughly enjoyed learning everything about their lives from regrets and misunderstandings to struggles with family and love. Their own paths were so elegantly crafted to diverge and merge at just the right places, and the suspense of the slowly revealed truth was just perfect. Reading this was being whisked away on a cathartic journey and getting a peek into the vulnerable, innermost thoughts and feelings of both characters. I experienced an emotional connection with the characters and felt all the hurt, love, anguish and so much more as if I was standing right next to them, going on the same path. The writing was that good!! Needless to say, I absolutely adored the pace and style, and generally just Margaret’s writing as a whole. All the plot elements are so well balanced and executed and it really has everything you could ask for in a book. And I could go on for a while but I couldn’t possibly capture the exquisite flow of words this book is and claim I’ve done it justice. But after nearly being moved to tears by the ending how could I not rate this a 10/10? Though I haven’t finished the other books yet, I have a slight hunch this will be my favourite. I’d also like to wholeheartedly thank Margaret McDonald for gifting us with an absolute gem - I could feel her love of Glasgow seeping through the pages, and I can only aspire to love like her. Please go and read this, I genuinely doubt you will regret it.

Claire

Glasgow Boys
Even though I’m only half way through this book I am enjoying every second of it. It’s filled with many emotions with each one different from the last. It broadcasts feelings every person will experience through their life like struggle, worry, hurt, empathy and a glimpse of hope along with a constant theme of identity. I hope every reader enjoys it just as much as I am.

Alisha

The Things We Leave Behind
This book was so sad I LOVED it. The plot twist was so sad and the entire story is really gripping. It feels so realistic - like it could have the ability to happen in real life to real people, which just brings the plot closer to the reader and also makes it stand out against most dystopias. I felt so immersed in the book. The only negative thing I have to say is that I do feel like the romance felt ever so slightly forced, but I think thats probably just a matter of opinion. Will definitely be rereading at some point! 4/5 for definite!! So emotional and well written.

Divya

The Final Year
When I first picked the book up I expected it to be only mildly interesting, nothing exciting but I was so wrong!! From the very start the characters feel fleshed out, you can really tell what they’re like so quickly even just from their actions, before we begin to find out more about them. They feel like characters who could actually be real. The verse writing style was AMAZINGLY DONE and I also loved how the illustrations perfectly captured the scenes, characters, and emotions. So powerful and moving. Exceeded my expectations SO MUCH! 5/5

Divya

King of Nothing
I was very moved by "The King of Nothing", it was not the book I thought it was going to be. The character of Anton does not appear very likeable at first, he is dismissive of people, rude to his family and other students at school, and has a poor attitude. However there is a glimmer of hope when he stands up for Matthew against his friend Kehinde at the start of the book, because he remembers that Matthew was once kind to him. When Anton's Mum takes him to task and sends him to a youth group that Matthew attends, we start to see a softer side to him. Gradually as he takes part in the activities with the group he begins to enjoy himself and discovers a love of painting. He starts to see his old friends in a new light, and realises that they are not really good friends at all. He realises that he does not need his tough reputation to be liked, and in fact his old friends are bullies. When he attends a talk about gender equality, he starts to appreciate all his Mum and Nanna do for him and how misogynistic Kehinde really is. As he makes new friends he finds the courage to move away from his old friends and his old views, not an easy thing for anyone to do. I really liked the positive messages in this book about tackling any forms of prejudice and standing up for your friends and family and yourself.

Mrs Small