Winchmore School Carnegie Group 2025/26

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I find this quite easy to read and I actually have it at home. I like the lizard's character designs but i think the story could be a little more interesting

freya

Birdie
This is a really good book! It acknowledges racism and how people are judged for their skin colour. I also like how the aunt (Mrs Winterbottom) changed views on Birdie overtime. I would read this again.

freya

Popcorn
Popcorn by Rob Harrell was a book I enjoyed from start to finish. At first, it seems like it's just about a bad school photo day, but it becomes much more than that. Andrew's anxiety made him feel very real, and I could understand why he reacted the way he did, even when things got completely out of control. What I liked most was how funny the book was. Even when Andrew was having a terrible day, there were still moments that made me laugh. The illustrations and Anxiety Files were also really interesting because they showed what anxiety feels like instead of just telling us about it. The book talks about serious things, but it doesn't make them feel overwhelming. By the end, I felt like I really knew Andrew, and I was glad to see how much he grew. This is one of those books that is funny, emotional, and memorable all at the same time. (I think this is probably my favorite book, out of all. I LOVE it!)

Kristia

Popcorn
I thought this book was going to be good,humorous,hilarious kinda book since the name is POPCORN and the cover was quite good too but it was quite boring.It would have been quite good or quite helpful for people who suffer from anxiety but I am just not that person(the author could've mentioned it on the cover)that this is an anxiety book.Overall the book was really confusing,with alot going on specially when in the middle of the story the random therapist sessions would come in. OVERALL RATING:2.5/10

Fateha

Ghostlines 
I really enjoyed Ghostlines by Katya Balen because it felt mysterious and a bit spooky, but also really real. Tilda lives on this quiet island where everything feels safe and familiar, but then Albie comes along and hates everything about it. I liked how their friendship was complicated and felt natural, and the part where they go to the secret haunted island was really exciting and a little scary. The book made me think about how different people can see the same place in completely different ways, and how sometimes you have to take risks to really understand someone. It’s a really good mix of adventure, mystery, and friendship, and I think lots of people my age would like it.

Kristia

Wolf Siren
I like how well this symbolises feminism, and the description of the wolves is really good. The characters are unique and the story is intriguing, though it is a little sad due to some of the characters dying. Overall it's a good story and I would read it again

freya

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
When I first read the blurb of Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody, I thought it sounded really weird, but in a good way. A hall monitor lizard having to stop a supervillain pelican is not something you hear about every day. It sounds like the sort of book that is funny but also has some important messages about friendship and bullying. I like books that mix humour with adventure, so this is a book I would probably pick up and read. The illustrations look fun as well and seem to match the silly style of the story.

Kristia

Wolf Siren
Wolf Siren follows Red, a girl living in a village where the woods are feared for their strange magic and the wolves that roam there. Everyone knows that the woods are dangerous, yet when the local woodcutter fails to return home one night, Red is forced back into the place where her grandmother mysteriously disappeared three years earlier. As she navigates the dark and magical forest, Red must confront secrets of her own—secrets that, if revealed, could put her family in danger. The story blends suspense, mystery, and fantasy, keeping readers on edge as Red discovers more about the magic of the woods and her own hidden powers. This book explores themes of courage, family loyalty, and facing the unknown, all wrapped in a richly atmospheric setting full of danger and wonder. Beth O’Brien’s writing draws the reader in with tension and mystery, making it a compelling read for fans of fantasy and adventure. Recommendation: Wolf Siren is perfect for readers who enjoy magical forests, thrilling mysteries, and strong, brave protagonists. It keeps you guessing until the very end and leaves you thinking about the choices Red must make long after the story finishes.

Kristia

Popcorn
An amazing book! My laughter popped out just like it states in the title!

Aleeha

Birdie
This book is a true adventure! It had me on the edge of my seat. I was crying and laughing for the protagonist.

Aleeha

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
This is a highly immersive and fun book- great for young kids! The humour is a bit silly- albeit you can't help but chuckle.

Aleeha Niaz

Ghostlines 
i liked this book , it was very imaginative

Eden

Birdie
i really enjoyed this book, it was really heartwarming!

Eden

Ghostlines 
Ghostlines by Katya Balen is a beautifully written and emotional story about friendship, belonging, and finding home. Set on the remote island of Ayrie, the novel follows Tilda, a girl who loves her quiet island life, and Albie, a newcomer who struggles to fit in. As the two explore the island and its mysteries together, they slowly learn to understand each other and themselves. One of the best things about the book is Balen’s descriptive writing. The sea, puffins, storms, and wild landscapes are described so vividly that the island feels alive. The story also explores deeper themes such as change, loneliness, grief, and growing up, but in a way that is easy for younger readers to connect with. The relationship between Tilda and Albie feels realistic and heartfelt. Their friendship develops slowly, making the story more believable and emotional. The mysterious “ghostlines” and the forbidden island add tension and adventure, keeping the reader interested throughout. At times, the story moves quite slowly, especially in the middle, and some readers may find the reflective writing style a little too detailed. However, the emotional depth and strong atmosphere make up for this. Overall, Ghostlines is a touching and thoughtful novel that mixes adventure with emotion. It is perfect for readers who enjoy nature, friendship stories, and beautifully crafted writing.

Fateha

Ghostlines 
This is quite a nice book about Tilda and her fear of separation between people she cares about, and Albie shows that if you give things a chance you'll see that it isn't so bad after all. I liked the reunion of Rowan and Tilda, and I also liked the puffins.

Freya

Birdie
I enjoyed this book and finished it very quickly!

Ronan

Ghostlines 
I loved this book! I wasn’t too exited to read this as it was not something I would usually read but it turned out to be one of my favourites that I have read so far.

Ronan

Popcorn
I like how this book has a clear representation of anxiety, and the panic attack part was certainly interesting to read. I find it a little unrealistic though on how some of the characters act.

Freya