Category: MG Fiction

The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier

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Meet Jack Sullivan; the zombie-hunting, monster-slaying, 13 year old who's busy riding out the monster apocalypse from his tree house. Life's not too bad, now he's been abandoned by his foster family and left to fend for himself, but it would be better if only he could find his best friend, Quint, and work out … Continue reading The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier

The Crooked Sixpence by Jennifer Bell

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Apparently, I've taken far too long to get this on my school bookshelf, but anything worthwhile is worth the wait as my Nan would have said. When Granma Sylvie has an accident and ends up in hospital, Ivy and Seb find themselves returning to her home, alone, until their parents can get back. Upon their … Continue reading The Crooked Sixpence by Jennifer Bell

Journey Across the Hidden Islands by Sarah Beth Durst

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Publication date: 4 April 2017 When twin sisters, Seika and Ji-Lin are reunited on their 12th birthday, neither realise that their training is over and they are about to embark on The Emperor’s Journey with Alejan, the winged lion escorting them. All three have been trained in accordance with Himitsu tradition that has stood for … Continue reading Journey Across the Hidden Islands by Sarah Beth Durst

Time Travelling with a Hamster by Ross Welford

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Al Chaudhury gets a letter from his father (who died when Al was 8) on his 12th birthday, that sets him off on adventure through time with Alan Shearer -  the hamster, not the footballer - in a bath tub. Ross Welford skilfully guides us on Al's trips to 1984 and back again while he … Continue reading Time Travelling with a Hamster by Ross Welford

A Library of Lemons by Jo Cotterill 

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I picked this up at the Celebration Event for 2016's Coventry Inspiration Book Awards. Having loved Looking at the Stars, I was expecting an emotional journey, and this book was a real roller coaster! Calypso's home life isn't easy. Since her Mum died from cancer, her Dad has taught her the importance of being her … Continue reading A Library of Lemons by Jo Cotterill 

My Brother is a Superhero by David Solomons

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"I could have been one too, except I needed a wee..." I picked this up with a couple of reluctant readers in mind, thinking it would be one of those books that while personally, I didn't really enjoy, would be great for them. How wrong was I? Sharp humour, comic plot devices stand-ups would be … Continue reading My Brother is a Superhero by David Solomons

The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow by Katherine Woodfine

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Another from the Hooked on Books category of the Coventry Inspiration Book Awards 2017. Set in Edwardian London, this book follows Sophie as she tries to get herself back on her feet after being orphaned, and gets a job in the millinery department of Sinclairs, London's newest department store. Beautifully written, Katherine Woodfine's description of … Continue reading The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow by Katherine Woodfine

Ned’s Circus of Marvels by Justin Fisher

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Ned Waddlesworth's life is boring. His school is boring, the town he lives in is boring, his Dad is boring; boring and overprotective. And then it's Ned's 13th birthday; bring on the clowns! They don't just banish the boring, they turn Ned's world upside down. Everything Ned imagines about magic and monsters turns out to be … Continue reading Ned’s Circus of Marvels by Justin Fisher

Looking at the Stars by Jo Cotterill

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A very worthy winner of the Coventry Inspiration Book Awards 2016, Hooked on Books category. My book group unanimously voted this as their winner, with all saying they had cried at various points in the story (including the boys). The story follows Amena and her family through their lives in a civil war torn country, … Continue reading Looking at the Stars by Jo Cotterill