And, in amongst all of that, I have managed to get some reading done so here's my round-up (Ol has gone AWOL this month but I'm hoping he'll be back next month!...
MG Books
Pages & Co - Tilly & the Lost Fairy Tales - Anna James.
Tilly and Oskar are back and heading to Paris before Christmas to visit Oskar's dad. But with Chalk still on the loose, the pair have been given strict instructions not to bookwander whilst they're away; however, they just can't resist and end up in the land of fairy tales where they discover all is not what it seems. Can they help?
What's not to love about this book? Book shops, fairy tales, Paris, snow, Christmas, adventure ... it's the perfect mix. We love Paris and it's made us want to go back (we're now planning a trip for next summer!). I actually find myself rather jealous of Tilly! Firstly for living in a book shop & secondly for being able to bookwander (especially in Paris!)! Throw in some characters who can't be trusted and it makes this the perfect book for curling up with - rather like being snuggled under a soft welcoming blanket!
The Star Outside my Window - Onjali Q Rauf
https://kandobonkersaboutbooks.blogspot.com/2019/10/the-star-outside-my-window-onjali-rauf.html
The Somerset Tsunami - Emma Carroll
Fortune Sharpe lives in a small hamlet where her brother is the only male. Life is good until one of their neighbours is taken away, accused of being a witch. Then, one night, Fortune's mother cuts her hair, dresses her as a boy and sends her off to find work. Eventually, she finds herself at Barrow Hall as the servant for Ellis; however, Ellis has very different ideas as to how he wants to live his life from his father. Then a tsunami changes everything and suddenly, without warning, Fortune's life changes again. This is a thrilling adventure set in the reign of King James I, in Somerset at a time where strong women were trialled as witches. In amongst all of this, Fortune needs to save herself.
Fortune is strong (even at her most terrified) and stands up for what she feels is right. She's true to herself and an inspirational character. I was also fond of Ellis who refused to conform to his father's desires and follows his own dreams.
This is a book about witches, water and wonderfully strong females who remind us that it's good to be different.
Child I - Steve Tasane.
Set in a refugee camp, this is the story of I whose parents have been killed and, without a lifebook (a passport), is forced to remain in the camp. Food is sparse and life is dangerous. The guards are unkind and name unaccompanied children with a different letter of the alphabet. I, along with his friends' names, form the chapter titles: I; LIE; LOVE; EVIL; LIVE; and how poignant those titles are. These children are so very alone in the world and are forced to fend for themselves, so thank goodness for Charity and her bus who are on-hand to give what little help she can.
Based on real events from refugee children around the world, this book allows us to see how strong and brave these children are, and also how resilient: they have nothing yet still find ways to play, have fun, find food and survive. The wonderful positivity of I in dire circumstances is a joy to read. This book is powerful and thought-provoking, heartbreaking but carries a sense of hope. Definitely one to read if you get the chance.
Butterflies for Grandpa Joe - Nicola Davies.
Ever since the death of his granny, Ben's Grandpa Joe has been a different person: instead of the usual garden and butterfly-loving person Ben knows, he's slumped in front of the TV, unresponsive and won't go outside. Ben feels he's losing his Grandpa and is determined he's going to be the one to save him ... with butterflies.
Themes of grief, nature and empathy are all wrapped up in Barrington Stoke's dyslexic friendly style. It's wonderful to see Ben's determination and his great empathy towards his Grandpa and his situation. This will be a great book for children learning to deal with the death of a grandparent or who just want a great, short read (84 pages).
Seven Ghosts - Chris Priestly.
Mrs Fox is showing Jake and a group of children around Grimstone Hall, whilst telling them stories of the house's history and of the ghosts who are reported to live there to give them inspiration to write their own ghost stories for a writing competition.
Gripping, thrilling and just chilling enough, these stories will be loved by children. I recommend reading them during daylight hours unless you're feeling brave! (I wasn't!). I love Barrington Stoke books for their accessibility and dyslexia-friendly format which doesn't compromise on story.
Shadows of Winterspell - Amy Wilson
Stella lives on the edge of the forest with her Nan (who happens to be a ghost) and Peg. She's lonely and is desperate to go to school and to make friends; however, her Nan has forbidden it - for her own protection. So what happens when Stella betrays her Nan and enrols in school? What happens when she discovers why her Nan has really been protecting her?
I just loved the characters in this book! From Stella with inner-strength she doesn't know she has, wading her way through a journey of self-discovery, to Zara who's the sort of friend anyone would want by their side. And let's not forget Nan, Yanny (who's a fairy but uses glamour in school to hide his true appearance) and Peg; they make a wonderful team.
Shadows of Winterspell fizzles with excitement, secrets and magic in a way that draws you in and won't let go. Once you're there with Stella, Yanny and Zara, you won't want to leave and I guarantee they will stay with you long after you've read the last page.
YA Books
The Deathless Girls - Kiran Millwood Hargrave.
Lil and Kizzy are twins and part of a travelling community who are attacked on the eve of the girls' divining where they were due to discover their fate. Their mother is killed and they (along with others) are captured by Boyar Valcar, the feared local lord, and used as slaves. Working in the kitchens to begin with, Kizzy (the feistier and more attractive of the twins) soon catches the eye of the Dragon and it's up to Lil to fight for her.
This is the untold story of Dracula's brides, told a long time before the story of Dracula we know. It's the story of Lil and Kizzy and I liked the fact that Dracula only briefly appears: it's their back story that forms the basis of the book and not their lives as vampires and I feel this makes a refreshing change. Although twins, the girls are very different, yet their strength is evident from the start. The writing is, as with all of Kiran's book, beautifully descriptive and lyrical, and grabs you from the start. I also found the love aspect of the book interesting, with Lil slowly falling in love with one of the girls she meets in the kitchens.
This is a great YA book for those who enjoy Gothic novels; it's a story of survival, sisterhood, love and revenge.
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