Kicked Out - AM Dassu

Ali, Sami and Mark are friends who are looking forward to spending the summer together in Mark's plush new house after his mum's lottery win. However, when her new boyfriend, Callum, accuses their friend Aadam of stealing thousands of pounds, everything changes and Ali, Sami and Aadam are kicked out of Mark's house.  With Aadam already being threatened with deportation, this is a set-back that could change their lives forever.  Determined not to let Aadam leave the UK, and also determined to remain friends, the trio set about figuring out how to raise the money they need for his appeal.

Oh my goodness, Az certainly knows how to write a book that gets to you!  I finished reading Kicked Out on Sunday and it's taken a couple of days for me to write this review, largely because it's taken me a while to get my thoughts in order and to be able to write a review that does justice to this book (& I still don't think I've done that!).  

When an early copy of Kicked Out arrived for me, I was absolutely thrilled as I'm a big fan of Az's books and I know the impact they have: I used Fight Back with Year 6 last year and the discussions it prompted were incredible, and Boy Everywhere (to which Kicked Out is the sequel) left me in tears and had a profound effect on me.  

I began reading Kicked Out knowing that the book would highlight issues faced by children and young people today but those issues still hit me as the story unfolded.  We first met Sami and his family, as well as Aadam, in Boy Everywhere, as they were all fleeing Syria due to the war.  Where Boy Everywhere focussed on Sami and his family, it's Aadam's situation that takes centre stage here.  Together, they have settled into life in the UK, with Aadam living with Sam and his family; however, at the start of Kicked Out, we discover that Aadam's lack of documentation for his asylum application (this went missing during his ordeal to make it to the UK) means that his application has been unsuccessful.  Coupled with the fact that the authorities believe he is an adult instead of 16, he is being threatened with deportation unless he can quickly come up with thousands of pounds to reappeal.  As Aadam is already working several jobs (including gardening for Mark's mum in their new home), the chances of raising the money are incredibly slim.  As the plot develops, Az shows us the darker side of humanity in the way the boys are treated, but also shows us the compassion and strength of character that exists in the world, through the boys and their actions.  

As well as the asylum story, the book addresses the issues of blended families.  During the book, Mark has to face the introduction of his mum's new boyfriend and the changes that creates to him as well as his friends.  Ali is also dealing with his dad moving back to the area and is forced to face the situation that his father has a new family and the emotions that creates for him.  It is sensitively done and I think will help children to understand that absent parents does not reflect on them or their worth.  Ali really struggles to accept what his father has done and how he behaves on his return, and I hope this will help readers to understand their own situation if this is something they are experiencing.  

Kicked Out is a stunning book that I think deserves to be savoured so you can take in every detail and is one readers won't forget in a hurry.  It is a powerful story of resilience, hope and bravery that promotes empathy and speaking up for what you believe is right.  Like Boy Everywhere, Kicked Out is a book that will stay with me for a long time to come. 

Search For The Black Mirror - Helena Duggan

Search For The Black Mirror starts where The Light Thieves left off, and Grian, Jeffrey and Shelli are now being hunted as the people responsible for the explosion that has damaged the Tipping Point. The trio are on the run, determined to prove that Howard Hansom is the bad guy.  Whilst staying in the Wilde with Shelli's people, Grian confides in his two friends about the letter and the crystal his grandfather gave him. They need to find Yarrow and the Colour Council who will be able to help in their quest to find the White Rose.  Together, they decide they need to find the three other letters that will help save the sun.  However, with the police hunting for the three friends and their faces now known to the public, their quest is far from easy or safe.  Knowing who to trust is tricky, especially as they are running out of time.

The Light Thieves leaves things on a real cliff hanger so I was very excited when an early copy of Search For The Black Mirror arrived.  I was also pleased that the book begins with a four page 'story so far' map which helped to jog my memory.  

The action gets going quickly and doesn't really let up.  Just when you think the trio are making progress, something else comes along to hamper them, and without the use of technology to help them, you often wonder how they will ever succeed.  The environmental theme is strong in this book with a reminder of the importance of the sun, wildlife and the natural world around us (which seems very timely in the wake of the forest fires that have been devastating parts of the world in the past few weeks).  The reliance on technology is evident at times and Shelli's desperate need to protect nature and animal friends is strong.  It's a message that will resonate with so many readers.

The trio are clearly now firm friends and the trust is clear to see; however, like all friends, things aren't always plain sailing and disagreements rear themselves at different times.  With new characters to meet as well as old ones, there are twists along the way that may surprise and it is difficult to know who Grian, Jeffrey and Shelli can trust.   They know all too well that time is running out and that the fate of the world is in their hands.

Search For The Black Mirror is an exciting read that will keep readers gripped and will leave them wanting more. Publishing on the 3rd August, I am now desperate for the final book in the trilogy to discover how it all ends. 

The Boy In The Smoke - Rachel Faturoti

To his friends, Isaiah is a happy, confident boy, but they don't know the whole story: Isaiah's mum now studies in Berlin so it's just him and his dad, but things aren't easy. After an accident, his dad struggles with chronic back pain which makes working difficult; as a result, money is tight and they are struggling. 

On his way home from school one day, Isaiah heads into the basement of his block of flats and there he encounters Jacob who appears to him through the smoke in the chimney place. The pair start to communicate and Jacob reveals that he is living in the same building but in the Victorian era. He is in an orphanage after his father went missing and has been declared dead, but Jacob is convinced he is still alive.  Can Isaiah's history project in the local area help to change Jacob's life as well as his own?

The Boy In The Smoke is a book that appealed to me from the start and I read in a couple of days as I found it so engaging.  The book looks at the struggles that will be facing many young people these days in a sensitive way. Isaiah's desire to hide his struggles at home and their lack of money are honest, and things such as needing to visit the food bank and not wanting friends to come round will show readers in a similar situation that they are not alone.  Isaiah is also very clearly a carer for his dad when his pain is at its worst and this is depicted well, showing Isaiah's conflict between looking after his dad and being in trouble at school for lack of attendance and lateness. Isaiah's love for his father is obvious and his strength in dealing with everything shows, but so do the struggles and worries that come with that. 

Then there is Jacob who is a Victorian boy struggling with the conditions in the orphanage he's been placed in.  Using the fire-place and letters as their way to communicate, the pair becomes friends and determin to help each other, with Jacob offering advice to Isaiah who, in turn, uses modern technology and his history project to try to help Jacob.  

In a heart-warming book where the past and the present collide, family, friendship and courage are all evident.  Characters are real, relatable and will help readers to learn that it is important not to judge others.  The plot is pacey and engaging and I was completely invested in the outcome for both Isaiah and Jacob.  The Boy In The Smoke would make a great class reader for anybody looking for a Victorian story with a difference and will provoke interesting discussions around empathy.  I know this book will go down well with my Year 6 class in September. 

Mysteries At Sea: Peril on the Atlantic - H. M. Howell

Alice is excited to be spending the summer with her father on board the Queen Mary as it sails to New York. Whilst her father is working, desperate to ensure the ship wins the Blue Riband prize for the quickest crossing of the Atlantic, Alice hopes to explore the delights of the ship; however her plans are quickly thwarted when her father gives her strict instructions not to leave the staff quarters.  After overcoming her seasickness, Alice decides to sneak out and explore, but after slipping into the first-class swimming pool before it opens, she witnesses an attack that leaves a member of staff unconscious.  Shocked, she determins to find out who carried out the attack and why.  Along with her new friend, Sonny, she begins to investigate but the more they discover, the more serious and dangerous things get. 

I have enjoyed all of A. M. Howell's books so discovering Peril on the Atlantic filled me with joy, more so when I read that it is the start of a new series.

The setting is perfect for a good mystery and wonderfully incorporates the history of the Queen Mary, describing the splendour of it in such detail that I could imagine myself wandering the decks. The enclosed nature of the ship and the multitude of decks, small staff quarters and hidden areas make for a gripping read, and you are very quickly drawn into the adventure. You know the culprit is on board with no way of escape and this certainly adds to the tension and keeps you guessing.

We meet Alice at the very beginning of the book and quickly find that she isn't one to always follow the rules. There is a feistiness to her and she refuses to be treated the way girls traditionally were at that time.  She has to be careful though, as part of her rule-breaking involves going against her father's instructions, and she is has to make sure she doesn't get caught! Along with the new friends she meets along the way, she is a force to be reconned with and her bravery will leave readers on the edge of their seat.  But, at the end of the day, there is the added question of who can be trusted to add into the mix which only adds to the tension.

Publishing on the 3rd August, Peril on the Atlantic is a gripping adventure with that 'just one more chapter' effect. I gobbled it up in one sitting and I'm so pleased it's the start of a new series as I'm already desperate for The Royal Jewel Pot! 

The Secret of the Blood-Red Key - David Farr

The Book of Stolen Dreams was one of my favourite reads two years ago (you can read my review here ) and I've been very excited about the prospect of a sequel ever since. 

Since the end of book 1, both Rachel and Robert have become heroes as life in Krasnia gets back to the way it should be; however, things at home aren't wonderful as their father is struggling to get used to life at home without their mother. One day after school, Rachel is stopped by a boy who seems to know all about the blood-red key, in fact he has his own.  He tells her that they are both keepers of the key and should use their keys wisely.  He gives her a calling card with a phone number on it and then leaves. She tells Robert as soon as she gets home but he brushes it off.  However, when Rachel discovers that a young girl has been smuggled into the Hinterland, Rachel determins to use her key to save her.  The journey is far from an easy one and the fate of Krasnia, Rachel and the girl hang in the balance.

As with The Book of Stolen Dreams, The Secret of the Blood-Red Key is an immersive, cinematic adventure that I simply couldn't put down.  The description transports you right back to Krasnia and the vivid images are once again painted in the reader's mind.  The world-building is once again spectacular and the time spent in the Hinterland is particularly special.  The beginning of the book skillfully recaps the events in book 1 which allows you to venture into the main plot seamlessly (I love when a sequel does this). 

Already invested in the characters, it was great to join them on their journey again, as well as meet some new ones.  Rachel's love for her family shines out of the book as does her bravery, and I love her as a character.

Publishing, 14/9, The Secret of The Blood-Red Key is a book that is fantastically unputdownable and utterly delicious.  Be prepared for a rollercoaster of a ride that will leave you with an incredible book hangover.  

In The Shadow of the Wolf Queen - Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Ysolda had lived a quiet life in the forest with her sister, away from the wolf queen's reign.  That is until the day an earthquake rocks the land and Ysolda's sister vanishes. Determined to find her, Ysolda sets out, accompanied by Nara, her hawk; however, her journey is far from easy and an encounter with the wolf queen makes the quest even more dangerous. 

Kiran is an exceptional writer whose world-building is always vivid and immersive, and In The Shadow of the Wolf Queen is no exception.  Detailed in its description, you are plunged into Ysolda's world in all its harshness and magic and lore.  With a respect for nature a clear theme, the book is one to savour and immerse yourself in. 

Each of the characters encountered are incredible, both those you will love and the ones you know have ulterior motives.  They are relatable and mutli-layered, and will stay with you.

In The Shadow of the Wolf Queen is book 1 in the Geomancer trilogy and the end will leave you wanting more. Publishing on the 31st August, it will be a must-read as the nights start drawing in. 

Code Name Kingfisher - Liz Kessler

Travelling home from my holiday on Sunday, I had fully expected to spend the majority of the flight sleeping (it had been a fairly busy trip for me and crappy health issues had left me much more tired than in previous years); however, the first leg of the journey saw me begin Code Name Kingfisher and suddenly the any idea of sleeping went right out the window!

Set in Holland during the Second World War and also modern day Britain, the book follows Liv who has been tasked with a school history project to discover her family tree. With a small family, and her grandmother closed off after the death of her grandfather, Liv thinks this is going to be an impossible task,  but the discovery of a box hidden in her grandmother's attic opens up a whole new world. Through the contents of the box, Liv is transported back to 1942 Holland where Mila and her sister Hannie are forced to leave their family home and their parents in order to live with strangers; their identities and their Jewish background are kept strictly secret to protect them from the Nazis.  However, as the story unfolds, Hannie finds it increasingly difficult to simply sit and watch what is happening to other Jewish children and is determined to do all she can to help. But do she and Mila know who they can trust and can they stay safe?

I have a real weakness for books set during WWII but I don't think I've read many that are set in Holland. I'm well aware of the plight of Anne Frank and her family, as well as the brave resistance fighters who helped them, but this gave me a different perspective on life for Jewish families at this time.  The idea of parents deciding to entrust their children to strangers to save them broke my heart and I admired Mila and Hannie's parents' strength immensely; also that of the Van de Bergs who take them in. There were so many acts of bravery like this during the war and I always feel that it's important that they aren't forgotten.

Although Mila and Hannie are sisters, they are clearly two very different characters, both very strong in their own way but different in how they deal with things.  I don't want to say any more so as to avoid spoilers but they are characters I won't forget in a while. 

Then there is Liv.  Living in Britain today, she is dealing with several big things in her life: she is still coming to terms with the death of her grandfather and is also coping with changes in friendships.  Friendships often change as children progress through school but I really felt for her.  The discovery of the box and the subsequent investigations into its contents come at just the right time for Liv. 

Told in the third person, Code Name Kingfisher flits between Liv's story and that of Mila and Hannie, creating a tension that makes you want to read 'just one more chapter'.  I found myself very quickly absorbed and fully invested in the lives of all three girls and shed tears on more than one occasion (goodness knows what the person beside me on the plane thought!).

Full of hope, courage, friendship and family ties, Code Name Kingfisher is a book that will draw you in and capture your heart. It will remind you that bravery can be found in the most unlikely of places and that you should never give up hope.

Pushing on the 14th September, Code Name Kingfisher is a must-read book this autumn. 

The Spirit Snatcher - Cat Gray

Pip wants nothing more than to fit in and for his parents to be less eccentric than they are. As they head to London to begin a new life, he is dreading his new school and is thankful he has a few weeks before he needs to start. Arriving in Elbow Alley is far from what Pip was expecting, especially not when confronted by a girl who warns him to leave immediately. On their first night, Pip is woken by a strange mist-like apparition which enters his room causing him to feel strange; however, it quickly leaves and Pip begins to think it was just a dream until he awakes the next morning to find his usually bouncy parents sitting lifeless in front of the TV. Heading out, Pip bumps into Fliss, the girl who warned him against staying the pervious day. When he tells her about his parents, she informs him they have been spirit snatched and the same fate awaits him and Fliss when they turn 13 in two days' time. Can the pair, along with Fliss's dog Splodge, get to the bottom of who is snatching spirits before it's too late?

The Spirit Snatcher has all the ingredients for a captivating read: a spooky setting, a mystery to solve,  brilliantly engaging characters, a cute dog and the ability to draw reads in from the start. Mix them all together and you have a book that I promise you won't be able to put down. 

Pip is a character many will be able to relate to as he is profoundly embarrassed by his parents and wants nothing more than to blend in and have a 'normal' life. The move to London is supposed to be a new start but he really can't see his parents changing their ways any time soon. The phrase 'be careful what you wish for...' springs to mind here as Pip ultimately gets what he wants: once his parents have been spirit-snatched, they do nothing but sit in front of their TV and phone, enabling Pip to eat all the junk food he wants. However, he soon realises that all he actually wants is to have his parents back, eccentricities and all.  Perhaps it also helps that the residents of Elbow Lane are far from your usual neighbours.  As Pip gets to know Fliss, she shows him that blending in isn't everybody's goal in life. I loved her individuality and her sense of self.  

The Spirit Snatcher is a book that will remind you that it's OK to be yourself and that family aren't always as embarrassing as they may seem (I've been telling my son that for years!).  Publishing at the end of September, The Spirit Snatcher is the perfect read to cosy up with as the evenings turn chilly and you need a friend to keep you company. It's a brilliant read and one I know will go down well in school next term.

Dragon Force Infinity' Secret - Katie & Kevin Tsang

In the five years since the end of Dragon Destiny, humans and dragons have been living alongside each other with Billy and the original Dragon Force crew leading the way. Together, they have set-up Camp Claw where students can develop their skills and learn how to protect the world as they now know it. With heart-bonded humans and their dragons, as well as humans who show potential, being invited to attend, it is a place that many aspire to. When Lance Lo and his sister are walking home from school one day, they are confronted by a Dragon. Whilst Lance fears that the Dragon will attack, Zoe is very calm, especially when she discovers that this is the Dragon she will be heart-bonded with. Whilst Lance is excited for his sister, he is also jealous as he knows this means she will be heading to Camp Claw in the summer and will probably be the youngest person there. When he then receives an invite, it takes much persuasion to convince their parents that both of their children should be allowed to go. After all, it's only for 3 weeks. 

Upon arrival, they begin their lessons, lead by the original Dragon Force team, but it quickly becomes apparent that life  at Camp Claw may not be as safe as it seems. Can Lance, Zoe and their new friends rally to save the day?

It really is no secret that I am a MASSIVE fan of the Dragon Realm series and have been shouting about it to anybody who will listen since well before the launch of book 1. So, the recent arrival of Dragon Force Infinity's Secret on NetGalley was met with much excitement (there may have been dancing!). 

Whilst Billy, Charlotte, Dylan and Liu are part of this new off-shoot in that they are teachers at Camp Claw, it is Lance and Zoe who are the main characters. Siblings, it is great to see the dynamic between them and the different emotions Lance has when his sister is heart-bonded before he is.  He is obviously very protective of her and this is apparent in so many ways throughout the book. I love this as so often sibling rivalry can cause problems. Although Zoe is a fierce and independent person in her own right, Lance's love and closeness is lovely to read. 

With a new place to discover, Camp Claw is bound to become somewhere readers will want to immerse themselves in. The eating area alone sounds fabulous and the out-of-bounds parts very tempting!

Like the Dragon Realm series, Dragon Force Infinity's Secret is a fast-paced adventure that grabs readers from the very beginning. With an ending that will leave you wanting more, this new series is guaranteed to bring a whole new army of fans to the Dragon world. Perfect as a stand-alone but even better if you've read the Dragon Realm series, I predict Dragon Force Infinity's Secret is going to be a huge hit when it publishes on the 14th September. 

Bridget Vanderpuff and the Ghost Train - Martin Sterwart

It's my stop on the #BridgetVanderpuff blog tour and I'm delighted to be sharing my review of this deliciously wonderful book again...

 

Bridget is back and after her adventures in Bridget Vanderpuff and the Baked Escape, she is settling into life with Mr Vanderpuff and the elf Pascal in the bakery. With Tom also living in the village, life is great, especially as everyone is getting ready to celebrate the Parade of the Hungry Ghost. Mr Vanderpuff is in full flow with his patisserie creations but can't quite come up with that one master-piece that will wow everyone for the festival. Then talk turns to the mysterious ghost train that has reportedly raced through other towns.   Although Bridget is excited at the prospect, the other residents of Belle-on-Sea are less thrilled, and become even more scared when people start to go missing. Bridget and Tom decide it's up to them to get to the bottom of things before it's too late.

I adored meeting Bridget in the Baked Escape (you can read my review here) so I was absolutely thrilled when I discovered that Bridget Vanderpuff and the Ghost Train was available of NetGalley. The book immediately jumped to the top of my pile and my only regret was that I wasn't prepared with a range of pastries to satisfy the hunger pangs that inevitably come when reading the book - yes, the descriptions of the delicacies in Vanderpuffs are as mouthwatering as they were in book 1. Tom is clearly a frequent visitor to the bakery and is somewhat of an addict when it comes to the pastries (I don't blame him to be fair!). It's so good to see the pair back together but Bridget is clearly the more daring and adventurous of the two. Her inventions are fabulous (as is her hair) and her fearless nature is ever-present. I was drawn to her sense of adventure and the way her powers of observation help her (her first conversation with Lord Dare was great to read). I knew in book 1 that I loved Bridget but that grew after reading her conversation about her favourite book! That is a girl who shares my view of books! 

Bridget Vanderpuff and the Ghost Train will once again sneak into your heart and give it a big squeeze. The writing is delicious and has the air of a timeless classic about it, making it a series that will be read for years.

Ghostly goings-on, daring-do and oodles of mouth-watering creations combine with friendship, love and saving the day in a book that readers will adore. Publishing 31st August, Bridget Vanderpuff and the Ghost Train is guaranteed to warm your heart and leave you craving cake! I can't wait to see what awaits in book 3. 

The After School Crime Club - Hayley Webster

Willow is in Year 6 and always feels like she doesn't quite fit in.  Instead, she loves nothing more than spending time with her Nana and together they enjoying watching old films.  But when Willow's Nana dies, she is left feeling more alone than ever.  Then her mum decides to send her to an after school club in the local book shop to help get her through her SATs and suddenly she finds that she is making friends.  There's just one catch: in order to be accepted into the group, she needs to get involved with some 'fun dares'.  At first, it feels ok, but as the dares get bigger, Willow begins to question what is happening and whether fitting in is worth it. 

The After School Crime Club is the sort of book that I love to read and one that always goes down well at school, so when it arrived in the post last week, it jumped to the top of my reading pile.  

Willow is a character that many readers will identify with; she doesn't feel like she fits in at school, she sits alone when eating her lunch and there are children in her class she's never spoken to.  She generally feels a bit lost and finds the time with her Nana is when she feels herself.  She can talk to her and she loves nothing more than getting lost in an old film - the references to films like Singin In The Rain are wonderful.  Finding it difficult to accept that her Nana has gone, Willow continues to visit her house and uses it as an escape.  The After School Club isn't something she's looking forward to but the group she meets there quickly change her mind.  However, things take a darker turn when Willow finds that she needs to complete dares in order to be accepted.  Things spiral and Willow finds herself in situations she doesn't want to be in, and without her Nana to talk to, she feels that she is loosing herself.

The theme of friendship is explored in detail in this book and will make readers question what makes a good friend as well as how far you should go to keep a friend.  The balance between wanting to fit in and changing who you are will make an interesting discussion point in school, including how to get out situations you may find yourself in and don't want to be.  As well as that, the moral aspect of what defines stealing and whether it is ever right to take things is a thought-provoking one that is highlighted in the book.  I have to admit that I felt uncomfortable at times when reading the book as I just wanted to dive into the plot and help Willow; I found my stomach churning as I imagined myself in Willow' situation.  The After School Crime Club would make an amazing class read and perfect to explore so many different PSHE topics (family relationships; single parents and new partners; grief; friendships; moral dilemmas).  

Publishing on the 3rd August, The After School Crime Club is the perfect read for fans of Tamsin Winter's books and will definitely be in the pile of books I offer to my new class in September when they chose their first reading for pleasure book.

The Beast of Knobbly Bottom Attack of the Vampire Sheep - Emily-Jane Clark

Nine year old Maggie lives with her Mum and her younger sister, Lily in a village called Knobbly Bottom.  Maggie is far from happy about this as there is nothing to do there and she would much rather return to their old home in Leicester.  However, things begin to take a rather unusual turn when Maggie begins to see sheep with red eyes and fangs popping up.  These menacing creatures seem to be determined to take over the world but Maggie has other ideas.  Her mum refuses to believe her so she needs to take things into her own hands.  Can Maggie save Knobbly Bottom before it's too late?

This is a laugh-out-loud read that is full of adventure and capers that will keep readers entertained.  The chatty, first person narration makes Maggie feel like a friend from the beginning and the illustrations by Jeff Crowther compliment the story-line perfectly.

From baguette-wielding sword fights to talking sheep in sun-glasses, this is a book that readers will adore and is perfect for those in lower KS2 who are gaining confidence in their own reading.

Publishing on the 6th July, The Beast of Knobbly Bottom is a guaranteed hit and I can't wait to see what comes next.

 

Alex Neptune: Monster Avenger - David Owens

Alex Neptune is back along with Zoey and Anil, and this time something strange seems to be happening which means that the usually friendly creatures of Haven Bay are becoming angry and disruptive; the locals are not happy, blaming Alex for the change.  So when Alex and his friends discover that it's a deadly parasite that's infecting everything, they decide they have no choice but to do something about it.  But their quest is far from straightforward or safe, and travelling into a storm, as well as into a dragon, are all going to be needed if they stand any chance of saving the day.

I have been a big fan of the Alex Neptune series from the beginning and it they just get better with every book.  Alex has definitely found his feet when it comes to controlling his powers but things need to move to a whole new level if the team are going to overcome this latest problem.  Along the way, they need the help of family and there are even some old friends who creep up along the way.  With the residents turning against Alex, he needs to do everything he can to rectify the situation before it's too late.

This is an epic adventure and one that will have you smiling as well as nibbling at your finger nails with the tension.  The Alex Neptune series is one that is proving popular in school and there have already been children eyeing up my copy of Monster Avenger!

Publishing, 6th July, Alex Neptune: Monster Avenger is a must-read, and I can't wait to see what happens in Zombie Fighter!