April round-up

What a month it's been in the bookish front for O and I. We had the pleasure of meeting Sharna Jackson on Easter Saturday at Waterstones Durham and, as we've had 2 weeks off, we’ve read a huge number of books! So, without further ado, I’ll get going with our reviews in the order in which they were read...

Rumblestar - Abi Elphinstone. 

What a brilliant book! Read our full review here: https://kandobonkersaboutbooks.blogspot.com/2019/04/rumblestar-abi-elphinstone.html

No Ballet Shoes in Syria - Catherine Burton. 

Loved this book so much I reviewed it before O had even started reading it! The review is here: https://kandobonkersaboutbooks.blogspot.com/2019/04/no-ballet-shoes-in-syria-catherine.html

Scar - Alice Broadway.

This is the final instalment in Leora Finn's story about division between the inked and the blanks. We don't want to give too much away for fear of spoiling any of the books in the trilogy but we will say this: if you've read the first two books, expect lots of twists and turns in this gripping story that will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.  If you haven't read Ink and Spark, you really should! 

We both love Leora's character: her strength and her determination, despite her uncertainties in everything she's been through. 

This is a brilliant conclusion to the trilogy and all three books are perfect for this looking to make the leap from MG to YA.

Malamander - Thomas Tyler.

Herbert Lemon (Herbie) is in charge of the Lost & Found at The Grand Nautilus Hotel in Eerie-on-Sea when, one day, Violet Parma literally crashes in, in desperate need of help.  Together, they head to the Book Dispensary, looking for answers, only to be given a book about the local legend of the Malamander ... and so their adventure begins.

  Herbie, who has never known his family and isn't completely certain how old he is (12ish), is an independent, self-sufficient young man who, despite first appearances, does have some reservations about throwing himself head-long into every situation. Violet, on the other-hand, is a determined and focused young lady who will do anything and everything she needs to in order to find the answers so she so desperately needs! They are surrounded by a host of quirky characters who live in this interesting but slightly eerie town (it's aptly named!) but who can they trust? Are they all as they first appear and who exactly is Boathook Man?

          This is an unputdownable book with just the right amount of adventure and eeriness to keep you on the edge of your seat.  By the way, I believe every town is in need of a Book Dispensary!

The Middler - Kirsty Applebaum

Fennis Wick is protected by its boundaries and children are constantly reminded that wanderers are 'dirty, dangerous and ... deceitful'. Maggie, a middle child, is feeling ignored in this town where the eldest children are revered as heroes as they are sent to camp aged 14 to fight the Quiet War. However, Maggie meets Una, a wanderer desperate for food and medication for her father and everything changes.

          This book could be set anywhere and I love the fact that the town could be any place in any time. The idea of long, endless summer days hints at an element of carefree life, masking the idea that their eldest will be sent away to war at the age of 14.

          It's clear from the beginning that Maggie feels hidden in the shadows of her elder brother, Jed, who's about to turn 14, so meeting Una gives her something for herself, a purpose she hasn't had before now.  At the age of 11, her voice is strong within the pages of the book. Her relationship with Una is a complicated one and Maggie's struggle with that is clear to see. 

          This book was not as I had expected, beginning gently, with more of a traditional feel to it, then it suddenly shifts and, before you know it, there's almost a dystopian feel. The pace speeds up and you're desperate to discover what will happen.  It's a thrilling book full of sinister elements that explores family, friendships, boundaries and the discovering the truth.

How High the Moon - Karyn Parsons

Set in 1944, in the small town of Alcolu in South Carolina, Ella, is a black girl growing up amongst segregation.  She is happy with her cousins and friends but is always conscious of the racial divide that exists. When her mama invites her to stay with her in Boston, she gets to experience equality - life without segregation. However, when she returns, she discovers that her friend, George, has been arrested for murdering two white girls.

          This is a wonderfully written, historical novel with strong, distinctive characterisation. Told from the point of view of Ella, her cousin Marina and their friend Henry, the story allows MG readers to begin to understand segregation. It's a touching, heart-breaking story about life, friendships, resilience and separation that conveys important messages in an age-sensitive way.  I saw it described as To Kill A Mockingbird for MG and I couldn't agree more. It's definitely worth taking the time to read it.

High-rise Mystery - Sharna Jackson

Living on a London Council-estate in a high-rise block, sisters Nick and Norva discover the body of Hugo, a much-loved art-teacher and antiques dealer, in one of the rubbish chutes.  The pair are soon on the case, determined to solve the crime before the police.

          This is an excellent read with brilliantly strong characters who make the most of modern technology to help them investigate the case. It's great to see diversity in MG fiction and these two independent girls with distinctive voices will be relatable to many children.  They are clever, witty, resilient, determined and resourceful, and their sense of justice will be inspiring to many. This is a modern-day, inner-city Murder Most Unladylike and we can't wait to read more!

The Good Thieves - Katherine Randell.

We just absolutely loved this book.  Here's our full review: https://kandobonkersaboutbooks.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-good-thieves.html

Swimming Against The Storm - Jess Butterworth

Eliza and her sister, Avery, have always lived in their fishing village in the swamps of Louisiana; however, when they're told their village is sinking and they will be forced to leave, the pair enlist the help of their friends and set out in search of the mythical creature 'loud-garou', hoping that proving its existence will help save their home.

          A fast-paced adventure story through the swamps that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Complete with swamp animals and a race to save their home and themselves, this is a brilliant MG read.

A Far Away Magic - Amy Wilson   

Everything is different for Angel following the death of her parents: a new foster family and a new school to cope with; however, she is reluctant to make friends so why is she so drawn to Bavar? Why is it she sees him when nobody else seems to pay attention to him? Could there be a link to the death of her parents?

          This was a captivating story that entwines magic and monsters yet gives you a feeling that there is something lurking in the shadow.

          The pain and hurt experienced by both characters can be felt throughout the book and elements of both characters will resonate.  In Bavar, there is the desire to be invisible, of feeling that he doesn't fit in and with a determination to do things his own way.  For Angel, it could be her desire to shut others out after the death of her parents, throwing a protective barrier around herself, whilst maintaining a quiet determination to seek out the truth of her parents' death.

          This is a story of loss, family (in all shapes and sizes), love, determination to be yourself, friendship, magic and embracing who you are.  It's a dark and mysterious story that felt like it was holding its breath until just the right moment, enticing you in with anticipation and magic.  

Definitely one to read!

Vocabulary Ninja - Andrew Jennings.

I was so excited to receive a copy of this book as I've followed Vocabulary Ninja for a while now.  I use the word of the day idea in the classroom and was looking forward to reading more about his ideas and, I have to say, that I was not disappointed.  This is an honestly written book by somebody with a genuine love of vocabulary and a real desire to make a difference to children's learning.  It's full of useful ideas that can be easily implemented into the classroom.  Some things I already do (we have a sleuth book so we can be vocabulary detectives which is similar to the The Word Explorer's Journey); some things I currently do I will tweak having read the book and there are also many, many things that I will now be working into my teaching (my class loved the nouns v verbs last week).  I am keen to introduce the Picture Processor; the Vocabulary Vault is brilliant and I really like the Scintilating Synonyms grid.

In short, this is a book every teacher needs and I can see my copy becoming very well-worn.  Huge thanks to the Vocbaulary Ninja for this great book!

NE Book Awards 2019

North East Children's Book Awards

I was so pleased when I discovered that my school are taking part in the NE Book Awards, and even more pleased when I saw the short-listed 6 books as I'd already read 1/2 of them!  A few weeks later, and I've now enjoyed them all so here's my blog to let you know my opinions...

The Girl In The Window - Penny Joelson

Kasia is trapped in her bedroom after an illness just keeps getting worse. Sometimes she is able to get downstairs and even meet with her neighbour, Mrs Gayatri. She dropped out of school a year ago and is worried about being left behind in her work. When she sees an abduction of a woman outside her bedroom, and catches sight of another girl in the house opposite, everything changes.

I like this book because it takes dark subjects - child trafficking and mental illness - and makes an amazing story about them that helps raise awareness. I love how, even though Kasia is stuck in bed for some of the time, she can do the most amazing things with her friends. I love how Penny kept me on the edge of my seat, always wanting to find out more, throughout the novel, and how she has written Kasia as a disabled person, but able to do so much - this filled me with joy.

She Wolf - Dan Smith

Set in Northumbria in December, 866, this is the story of Ylva who sets out on an epic journey in search of the three fingered man in order to avenge her mother's death.  Having to cope with the wolves that inhabit the forest as well as the harsh, winter conditions, Ylva must keep her wits about her in order to survive - but can she trust those she meets along the way?

This book is AMAZING!!!!!!! Dan has done it again with a book set in Viking times, a hero who is desperate for revenge and a dog who never leaves her side. Ylva (which means She Wolf) is young and, at first, seems fierce and determined but we soon discover that she is a many layered character and, behind her determined, stubborn exterior, there is a scared girl whose bravery is what drives her on. 
I loved how Ylva was courageous, even in the face of her worst nightmares, and faced up to her enemies. 
 She makes mistakes along the way which is good as nobody gets it right all the time & that is will make her relatable to readers: she's human and often thinks she knows best! I was also particularly fond of the relationship between Ylva and Geri, her dog: the discussion between the pair adds another dimension to Ylva, allowing her to share her inner most thoughts with her best friend.
Ylva's strength in the darkest times made me want to be like her. We should all try to be more like Ylva.

Boy 87 - Ele Fountain

Meet Shif: an ordinary boy who likes chess, maths and racing his best friend home from school. When soldiers come to his door, everything changes. Now he is forced to leave his family with only his best friend for company, and embark on a very dangerous journey. Will he make it to England?

This book is a gripping story of refugees and best friends, travelling from everything they love to find a new life and a story that makes you realise the cruelty and kindness that there is in the world. I loved how Shif never gave up and always stayed positive, even when all seemed hopeless. I loved how Ele took such a grim topic and made this amazing book about it. 

  Boy 87 grabs hold of you from the very beginning and doesn't let you go until the very end.  Harrowing and heart-breaking in places, whilst heart-warming in others, this is a must-read book!

SeaGlass - Eloise Williams

Lark is struggling when her family decide to take a break in a campervan park for the half-term holiday. Her mother is ill, her sister has stopped talking and she has fallen out with her best friend. To add to that, is a girl in a green dress following her everywhere, or is her sister playing a trick on her? 
All will be revealed in Seaglass.

Form the start, I was gripped by the mystery and deception in everyone. I loved how Lark was always protective of her sister and was always scared when she disappeared - and she disappeared a lot! Eloise wrote this so well - from the very beginning, I was gripped with the plot, the characters and the emotions. I loved how Lark was so loving with her mother, and helped her Dad because of it.
This is a fabulous book and I loved it from the start right to the end.


A Darkness of Dragons - S.A. Patrick

Patch is trying to make his way in the world as a piper when he is sentenced to serve jail time (a very, very long sentence) for playing a forbidden spell on his pipe which endangers those around him.

Whilst in his cell, he uncovers a secret about the evil Piper of Hamlyn and, after the dragons attack the castle where he's imprissoned inadvertently allow him to escape, he must uncover the truth about the Piper of Hamlyn who is on the loose.

Together with his friend Wren (a girl cursed to live as a rat) and Barber (the outcast dracogriff) they embark on a journey to try to save the day.

From the start, this book is high-paced and energetic, so I had to keep reading to find out what happened. I was intrigued from the beginning and I loved it to the end. This amazing read was a page turner and I couldn't stop reading because, towards the end the suspense increased even further!

I loved Wren because she was determined to help Patch and not think about herself first. She was kind to him and helped him escape and wasn't scared about anything. I was surprised at how helpful Barver was to them and how friendly he was.

The Closest thing to Flying - Gill Lewis

100 years ago, a girl wrote a diary. When Semira finds it, she finds her first friend, one she can relate to, one she can inspire to be. A friend who reaches through time to bring comfort and inspiration.  Semira is a refugee, brought to England with her mother and being 'looked after'  by Robel who claims to be helping them but is very controlling.  When Semira stumbles across the diary, it unlocks a new world to her - that of Henritta (Hen) who lived in Victorian Britain.  As the similarities become apparent, can they help Semira uncover the secrets of her own past and also help give her the strength to be brave enough to do what's right in this life?

I absolutely ADORED this book! The contrast between Hen and Samira was amazing. I loved how Hen and Katherine were free and didn't care about what people thought of them, even when they were looked down upon. This book is a great book about friendship, love and bravery, and it is a stunning story that should be on every bookshelf.