Tag Archives: Grief

The Haunted Hills by Berlie Doherty

Posted on October 26, 2022 by alibrarylady

The Haunted Hills is an atmospheric story exploring childhood friendship, loss, grief and guilt set in a landscape that adds much to this multi-layered and thoughtful book. When we meet Carl he and his parents have recently arrived at a … Continue reading →

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Blog Tour: The Dragon in the Bookshop by Ewa Jozefkowicz

Posted on July 1, 2022 by alibrarylady

I am delighted to be kicking off the blog tour to mark publication of Ewa Jozefkowicz’s latest novel for children, The Dragon in the Bookshop. This moving story is inspired by the author’s own personal experience of childhood bereavement and … Continue reading →

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Needle by Patrice Lawrence

Posted on May 10, 2022 by alibrarylady

Needle, Patrice Lawrence’s latest YA novel for Barrington Stoke is a compelling and unforgettable read exploring the issues and difficulties faced by young people growing up in care. A short but profoundly affecting novella this is a book to read … Continue reading →

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Children’s Books for Football Fans from Barrington Stoke

Posted on April 14, 2022 by alibrarylady

In the mid 90s I used to scan the local library shelves for children’s books even slightly linked to football in an attempt to find something to satisfy my two football mad sons. I needed something that wasn’t too overwhelming … Continue reading →

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The Secret Sunshine Project by Benjamin Dean illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat

Posted on March 11, 2022 by alibrarylady

The Secret Sunshine Project is a fitting title for a book that fizzes with positivity. Benjamin Dean’s second middle grade novel is a gentle and understanding look at a family learning to live with loss. A story of kindness, courage … Continue reading →

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Keeper of Secrets by Sarah J. Dodd

Posted on January 6, 2022 by alibrarylady

An animal story with a difference Keeper of Secrets, Sarah J. Dodd’s debut, explores our relationship with wild animals and how nature can sometimes help to heal grief. This is a perfect, thoughtful winter read. When eleven year old Emily … Continue reading →

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Swop The Satsuma-Sized Secret by Lucy Noguera illustrated by Laura Ireland

Posted on November 10, 2021 by alibrarylady

Illustrated fiction can frequently be the key to the discovery of reading for pleasure for young children. When stories are presented both in text and pictures children can access the narrative more easily. When the appearance is designed to be … Continue reading →

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Sudden Death by Tom Palmer illustrated by Elkys Nova

Posted on September 30, 2021 by alibrarylady

Sudden Death, the latest title in the Roy of the Rovers series is a book full of love, both for the beautiful game football can be and, poignantly, for a father too. A story not only for football fans. Last … Continue reading →

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When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle

Posted on May 24, 2021 by alibrarylady

When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle is an extraordinary story told with compassion and understanding. Dealing with the darkest of human emotions; anger, loss, grief, fear and humiliation it shows us that these can be overcome with love, understanding … Continue reading →

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The Shark Caller by Zillah Bethell – Review and link to teaching resources

Posted on February 23, 2021 by alibrarylady

The Shark Caller is a children’s book so wise, tender and comforting that I want to press it in to the hands of everyone I know. A beautiful and lyrical story of family, loss, friendship and forgiveness it completely captured … Continue reading →

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