ELS librarian Samantha goes on an epic adventure with Ross Montgomery's latest novel, The Midnight Guardians. When evacuee Col’s childhood imaginary friends come to life, he discovers a world where myths and legends are real. But they bring dire news: Col's sister is in danger. Together with his guardians – a six-foot tiger, a badger … Continue reading Book review: The Midnight Guardians by Ross Montgomery
KS2 fiction
Book review: I, Cosmo and My Life as a Cat by Carlie Sorosiak
ELS librarian Samantha falls head over paws in love with Carlie Sorosiak's middle-grade novels, I, Cosmo and My Life as a Cat. Are you more of a cat person or a dog person? While I personally think there’s only one answer to this (both, always both), Carlie Sorosiak’s novels, I, Cosmo and My Life as … Continue reading Book review: I, Cosmo and My Life as a Cat by Carlie Sorosiak
Book review: A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll
ELS librarian Samantha reviews Elle McNicoll's debut novel, A Kind of Spark. A Kind of Spark tells the story of 11-year-old Addie as she campaigns for a memorial in memory of the witch trials that took place in her Scottish hometown. Addie knows there's more to the story of these 'witches', just like there is … Continue reading Book review: A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll
Book review: The StrangeWorlds Travel Agency by L.D. Lapinski
ELS librarian Samantha reviews L.D. Lapinski's newly released middle-grade novel, The StrangeWorlds Travel Agency. When 12-year-old Flick Hudson accidentally ends up in the Strangeworlds Travel Agency, she uncovers a fantastic secret: there are hundreds of other worlds just steps away from ours. All you have to do to visit them is jump into the right … Continue reading Book review: The StrangeWorlds Travel Agency by L.D. Lapinski
Book review: Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell
ELS librarian Sarah reviews Katherine Rundell's modern classic Rooftoppers. This award-winning novel did not disappoint. The story is of Sophie and her guardian Charles, both survivors of the sinking of the Queen Mary, and their quest to find her mother and avoid the authority’s attempts to place Sophie in an orphanage. The book is quirky … Continue reading Book review: Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell
Book review: A Sprinkle of Sorcery by Michelle Harrison
ELS librarian Samantha finds the perfect lockdown distraction in Michelle Harrison's A Sprinkle of Sorcery, sequel to the bestselling A Pinch of Magic. The family curse has been lifted and the Widdershins sisters: Betty, Fliss and Charlie are free to leave the prison island of Crowstone. But when a mysterious girl arrives at the Poacher’s … Continue reading Book review: A Sprinkle of Sorcery by Michelle Harrison
Book review: The Island at the End of Everything by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
ELS librarian Sarah reviews her recent lockdown read, The Island at the End of Everything by Kiran Millwood Hargrave. Set in The Philippines, Ami lives on Culion Island, where some of the inhabitants – including her mother – have leprosy. Ami loves her home, with its blue seas and tropical forests, but the arrival of … Continue reading Book review: The Island at the End of Everything by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
The timeless appeal of Berlie Doherty
There are so many excellent new authors of children’s fiction, but don’t forget those who have been around for a while – they have much to offer. Berlie Doherty has been writing books for children and young people for over three decades, with her next book Haunted Hills due to be published this summer. Her … Continue reading The timeless appeal of Berlie Doherty
Book review: The Good Thieves by Katherine Rundell
Vita set her jaw, and nodded at New York City in greeting, as a boxer greets an opponent before a fight.Fresh off the boat from England, Vita Marlowe has a job to do. Her beloved grandfather Jack has been cheated out of his home and possessions by a notorious conman with Mafia connections. Seeing Jack's … Continue reading Book review: The Good Thieves by Katherine Rundell
Book review: Swimming Against the Storm by Jess Butterworth
Our land is sinking. It's disappearing into the water. And no one knows how to save it.Twelve-year-old Eliza and her sister Avery have lived their entire lives in a small fishing village on the coast of Louisiana, growing up alongside turtles, pelicans and porpoises. But now, with sea levels rising, their home is at risk … Continue reading Book review: Swimming Against the Storm by Jess Butterworth
