With the winners of the Cheshire Schools' Book Award 2022 due to be revealed on Wednesday 29th June, ELS library assistant Rosie revels in the colour and joy of George Lester's shortlisted novel Boy Queen. George Lester’s Boy Queen captures the attention right from the first look. Rachel Vale’s eye-catching cover sets the tone for … Continue reading Book review: Boy Queen by George Lester
KS3 fiction
Book review: Show Us Who You Are by Elle McNicoll
To celebrate World Autism Acceptance Week 2022, ELS library assistant Rosie reviews Elle McNicoll's ground-breaking science fiction novel, Show Us Who You Are. Show Us Who You Are by Elle McNicoll is a sci-fi book set in the near future, suitable for children from about 9 to 14 years. It is a story of friendship … Continue reading Book review: Show Us Who You Are by Elle McNicoll
Reading all over the world…
Books can take us anywhere. They can sweep us away on grand adventures, or take us somewhere to quiet to think. In this post, we will be taking a closer look at children's books that have a strong sense of place. As well as deepening understanding of curriculum topics, such as habitats and conservation, these … Continue reading Reading all over the world…
Author interview: Anna Goodall
The most exciting thing about reading the first book in a new series, especially one from a debut author, is that you know that there is more to come – more magic, more humour and even more adventure. After reading Maggie Blue and the Dark World, we had to find out more about the story and … Continue reading Author interview: Anna Goodall
Author guest post and interview: Joanne O’Connell
We are delighted to welcome our first author, Joanne O'Connell, to the ELS blog. Joanne's debut novel, Beauty and the Bin, is a warm, funny and timely story, exploring food waste, fast fashion, friendship, and very embarrassing parents. Full of quick and practical ideas for greener living, Beauty and the Bin is an inspiring read … Continue reading Author guest post and interview: Joanne O’Connell
Book review: Maggie Blue and the Dark World by Anna Goodall
ELS librarian Samantha follows a one-eyed cat into the unknown in Anna Goodall's debut novel Maggie Blue and the Dark World. Maggie Blue is an outsider, both at home and at school. She lives with her eccentric aunt Esme, and has no friends other than the irascible Hoagy, a stray cat who can talk to … Continue reading Book review: Maggie Blue and the Dark World by Anna Goodall
Festive reads: middle grade and YA edition
Following our post on Christmas-themed picture books, we've rounded up a selection of shiny new chapter books for older children and teenagers. We've also sneaked in a few of our all-time favourite wintry reads – perfect for reading with a mug of hot chocolate and a festive treat or two! For younger readers The Miracle on … Continue reading Festive reads: middle grade and YA edition
Book review: The Midnight Guardians by Ross Montgomery
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
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: The Witch’s Blood by Katharine and Elizabeth Corr
ELS library assistant Aimee is back to review the final book in Katharine and Elizabeth Corr's magical Young Adult series, The Witch's Blood. You can read Aimee's verdict on the previous two books here and here. This is the third and final instalment in The Witch’s Kiss Trilogy. With Leo captured by Ronan and taken … Continue reading Book review: The Witch’s Blood by Katharine and Elizabeth Corr
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