Category Archives: Book Review

White Feather by Catherine and David MacPhail

Posted on October 28, 2018 by

This is a powerful story about the tragic impact of the First World War on both the soldiers who fought and the families that they left behind. The war is over and the whole town is celebrating as the soldiers … Continue reading →

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Corey’s Rock by Sita Brahmachari and Jane Ray

Posted on October 24, 2018 by

This is a beautiful book about the transformative power of stories which will in turn be able to offer the gift of consolation and hope to its readers. Isla and her Mum and Dad have moved to the Isles of … Continue reading →

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The Ink House by Rory Dobner

Posted on October 17, 2018 by

Welcome to the Ink House, an artist’s mysterious mansion built on a magical lake of ink that inspires creativity in anyone who lives there. When the artist goes away on a trip an array of animals great and small venture … Continue reading →

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The Lost Magician by Piers Torday

Posted on October 15, 2018 by

When I was about eight or nine years old I was given the book  The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as a present. It was the book that turned me into ”a reader”. For the first time I felt … Continue reading →

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Perfect Picture Books for Libraries Week

Posted on October 7, 2018 by

Libraries Week takes place between the 8–13 October to celebrate the nation’s much-loved libraries. This year, with a focus on well being libraries across the country will showcase how they bring communities together, combat loneliness, provide a space for reading and … Continue reading →

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Secrets of a Sun King by Emma Carroll – Review and Link to Resources

Posted on October 6, 2018 by

Five years ago this month I reviewed Emma Carroll’s debut novel Frost Hollow Hall for The Bookbag. At the time I said that the ten year old me would have loved the book. Each of her subsequent novels has reminded … Continue reading →

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The Lost Diary of Sami Star by Karen McCombie

Posted on September 20, 2018 by

In her latest book for Barrington Stoke Karen McCombie captures the voice of a young girl who feels she is invisible to her family and friends but gradually discovers that friendship can be found in the most unlikely places. Life … Continue reading →

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Race to the Frozen North – The Matthew Henson Story by Catherine Johnson

Posted on September 18, 2018 by

This is a remarkable story about an equally remarkable man and this enjoyable retelling ensures that his story will reach the wider audience it deserves. Eleven year old orphan Matthew runs away from his violent stepmother to try to find … Continue reading →

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Armistice Runner by Tom Palmer

Posted on September 9, 2018 by

This thought provoking story follows Lily as she uncovers the story of her brave ancestor. Lily has a lot of worries. She is struggling to compete in her fell running races and unable to concentrate on her training because she … Continue reading →

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Firebird by Elizabeth Wein

Posted on September 5, 2018 by

Nastia is a fearless pilot, the daughter of revolutionaries and now as the Second World War envelops Russia she must fight to protect her beloved country from the invading German army. Nastia is determined to fly a fighter-plane but instead … Continue reading →

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