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
KS3 fiction
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
Book review: The Witch’s Tears by Katharine and Elizabeth Corr
ELS library assistant Aimee falls further into the magical world of authors Katharine and Elizabeth Corr with their YA novel, The Witch's Tears. You can read Aimee's review of the first book in the series here. This is the second spellbinding instalment of The Witch’s Kiss Trilogy. After defeating the evil wizard Gwydion and the … Continue reading Book review: The Witch’s Tears by Katharine and Elizabeth Corr
Book review: The Twisted Tree by Rachel Burge
ELS library assistant Sarah succumbs to the lure of Rachel Burge's chilling YA novel, The Twisted Tree. Whilst pondering over this review it struck me: what is a sure-fire way to know that somebody really enjoyed a book? Is it a) they feel a little sad once it’s come to an end, b) they frantically look to … Continue reading Book review: The Twisted Tree by Rachel Burge
Book Review: Alex in Wonderland by Simon James Green
ELS librarian Samantha takes a mini-break with Simon James Green's hilarious YA novel, Alex in Wonderland. Sometimes you need a book that will make you laugh. The kind of snorting, warthog-like laughter that sends your breakfast – Coco Pops, of course – flying across the room, alarming both your cats and the strangers walking past … Continue reading Book Review: Alex in Wonderland by Simon James Green
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 Witch’s Kiss by Katharine and Elizabeth Corr
ELS library assistant Aimee reviews Katharine and Elizabeth Corr's debut Young Adult novel, The Witch's Kiss. Having recently read and loved the first book in Katharine and Elizabeth Corr’s second series, The Throne of Swans, I decided my next move would be to give their first series a go. The trilogy starts with The Witch’s … Continue reading Book review: The Witch’s Kiss by Katharine and Elizabeth Corr
Book review: A Throne of Swans by Katharine and Elizabeth Corr
ELS library assistant Aimee continues her winning reading streak with fantasy YA novel, A Throne of Swans by Katharine & Elizabeth Corr. This book is set in a kingdom where nobles can transform into birds. It follows the story of Aderyn, who, following her father’s death, inherits the role of Protector of the dominion … Continue reading Book review: A Throne of Swans by Katharine and Elizabeth Corr
