The Ten Riddles of Eartha Quicksmith - Loris Owen

 

Kip lives with his father, Theo, after his sister went missing years ago at the same time his mother was hit by lightning - she hasn't been the same since and Kip is still coming to terms with that.  Following a string of strange puzzles that seem to find their way to him, Kip is introduced to the world of Quicksmith's College of Strange Energy where children can explore their unique way of thinking and seeing the world.  just after Kip and his new-found friends arrive at the school, a 400 year old letter from the founder of the school, Eartha Quicksmith, is revealed to everyone.  It contains information about 10 riddles that are hidden around the school that need to be solved within the next 10 days - suddenly everybody is on the case. 

Friendships play a big part of this book as Kip has been desperately unhappy and lonely in his new school.  Finding his roommate, Albert, as well as the girls, is huge for Kip and gives him a sense of belonging.  There is a wide range of other personalities to get to know, from quirky professors to some rather unusual characters, and I am very much looking forward to seeing how they each evolve as the series progresses.

This is a fast-paced adventure that combines magic and science in an entirely new world where science isn't quite as we know it; from thoughtwaves to wormholes, this is a place that will intrigue readers.  And the college itself is somewhere I can imagine children will be desperate to go to, from the dorm rooms to eating in the Buttery, the different classrooms and everything the grounds holds, readers will be enchanted!

The big plot that runs through the book is that of locating and solving the ten clues that have been hidden.  Each clue is revealed so that the reader can try to work out the answer for themselves ... if they can!  This helps to add an extra element to the story and will definitely keep readers gripped.

There is obviously much more to come in this series and I'm looking forward to returning to the world of Quicksmith's to see what Kip and his friends will encounter next.

The Ten Riddles of Eartha Quicksmith is due for release on the 10th September.

The Hungry Ghost - H S Norup

Freja has just moved to Singapore to live with her father, his new wife, Clementine, and their twins. It’s a big move from Denmark and she’s wary of leaving her mum who is unwell.  When she arrives, she finds everything new and different; even more so when she sees her Dad wandering by the pool on her first night, seemingly oblivious to the pale girl in the white dress dancing behind him.

Freja’s arrival coincides with the festival of The Hungry Ghost where dead ancestors are able to return to visit their relatives who leave food for them.  When it becomes apparent that the girl in the dress (Ling) is a ghost, Freja is determined to follow her and help her discover who she is - but what is the link between the two girls and how can Ling help Freja?

Freja is a wonderful character: stubborn, fierce, determined and always prepared but also in turmoil over her family situation. She feels guilty about having left her mum; she is desperate to spend time alone with her dad the way they used to and doesn’t really want to get to know Clementine or the twins. She has her own style of dressing and won’t be swayed to change (combat shorts and trousers are perfect for carrying her survival kit; dresses are not!). She’s seemingly fearless when it come to exploring Bukit Brown or tackling potentially dangerous creatures, yet there’s a vulnerability when it comes to family and her need to be loved.

The idea of parental separation and new families is handled well and I particularly liked Clementine and her approach to/discussions with Freja which hint towards how difficult it must be on both sides.

The story itself is pacey and mysterious, with hints and clues drip-fed throughout the plot to keep you gripped. The descriptions of the city, the graveyard and beyond are rich and captivating, transporting the reader to Singapore so that you feel you are alongside Freja every step of the way. I also very much liked the cultural elements of the book - Freja’s newness to the country allows for explanations of these which help to immerse the reader and it’s these links with the past and the traditions that that help both girls in their quest for answers with surprising and emotional results (yes, I shed a tear!).

The Hungry Ghost is a moving story that beautifully entwines family, friendship, culture and traditions in a way that will make you want to hug the book at the end. This is a book that is begging to be read.

When Secrets Set Sail - Sita Brahmachari

Imtiza is about to move in with Usha and her family who are adopting her. The girls have met before, however, don’t know each other well and the timing isn’t perfect as Usha’s grandmother (her Kali Ma) has just died. Whilst scattering her ashes, Usha inadvertently brings the ghost of Kali Ma back but only Usha can see her which makes things awkward as she and Imtiza are sharing a room. It then turns out though that, on moving into the house, Imtiza discovers she can see the ghost of Lucky, an Ayah who is trapped and needs help.  Meanwhile, Usha’s parents are in a race to find the legal documentation that will help them to save their home and business. Imtiza and Usha are two very different characters: Usha is very quiet and close to her family, especially her Kali Ma; whereas Imtiza was abandoned at birth and has no idea about her history.  The pair must work together and learn how to trust each other in order to help Kali Ma and Lucky.

This is a moving story that combines family, tradition, history and finding the truth.  It’s a historical/ghost story that is steeped in culture and history. Issues of racism are addressed in a sensitive way and the book shows strong female characters in so many different ways that will undoubtedly inspire children.

The varying themes in this book weave together perfectly to create a heart-warming story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading the book. I thoroughly enjoyed Where The River Runs Gold but think When Secrets Set Sail is even better.

Owl and the Lost Boy - Amy Wilson (Released 15th October)

 The follow-up to A Girl Called Owl sees Owl back at school for the new academic year and struggling as, despite the time of year (October - November), summer is still very much thriving. With autumn nowhere in sight and Jack Frost away during the warm weather, it’s up to Owl and her friend, Mallory, to bring things back to normal again, but first they must find Alberic who has also been missing since the start of term. Their mission takes them back into the heart of the fae world where Owl must confront Time in an attempt to return things to normal.

It was wonderful to be back with Owl again, even though she was suffering so much - the heat of the endless summer is draining her of energy and she is struggling to find a way to get back to the fae world and the court in order to try to rectify things.  It’s good to see her friendship with Mallory resumed and the pair make a great team.  It was also great to see the return of some other familiar characters whilst also being introduced to some new ones (I particularly liked Time). 

I‘m a big fan of Amy’s novels as she always manages to seamlessly weave magic and adventure together to create enchanting novels and this one is no exception. A Girl Called Owl has been a big favourite in school so I can’t wait to introduce the sequel into the library.

A book about believing in yourself, knowing your own worth and remembering the value of friendship, Owl and the Lost Boy enthrals you just as much as A Girl Called Owl.

The Silver Arrow - Lev Grossman (Released September 2020)

When Katie writes to her Uncle Herbert asking for a present for her 11th birthday, she doesn’t expect him to arrive with a full-sized steam locomotive with tracks that he’s secretly installed in their back garden! As Katie and her younger brother, Tom, try out the present, they quickly discover that there’s much more to the train than meets the eye; in fact, it’s a magic train that they must build themselves (they add 2 restaurants, a candy car, a library and a swimming pool).  Once built, they head off on a magical adventure around the world where Katie becomes the conductor of the train whilst helping a range of animals who Katie and Tom are able to talk to.

This is a gentle adventure which will remind readers of the importance of looking after the environment and is a great way of introducing children about endangered species.  It’s also a story that will teach children the importance of never giving-up, especially when things get tough, and of the need to make decisions when adults aren’t around to help.

With echoes of The Polar Express and Narnia, The Silver Arrow will appeal particularly to children in lower KS2 but will engage older children as well.

The Otherwhere Emporium - Ross MacKenzie (Released 10th September)

Daniel is back in the final installment of The Nowehere Emporium trilogy and he needs help.  It's up to Mirren to help save Daniel and her mum, Susan.  Along with her friend, Luke, and the school bully, Robyn, she must enter the Emporium and find Susan Feather, her mum, whilst also battling against a most sinister villain - but how does her mum link to all of this?

K's opinion:

From the very beginning, the descriptive style of Ross' writing sings from the pages and the book is a feast for the senses. 

        'Rich, familiar scents of melting chocolate and Christmas spices and new

         books ensnared her, seemed to reach and wrap a gentle arm around her.'

You are immediately drawn into the book and feel as though you are actually there, inside the Emporium(Oh, wouldn't that be wonderful?!) where magic, adventure and wonderful story-telling ensnares and captivates you.

The book switches between present day Glasgow and 1989/1990 to tell the story of how Susan and Daniel met and thus the two plots entwine to create a gripping adventure that will take you on a thrilling journey through time and the many worlds of the Emporium.  The Nightmares lurking and chasing and sinister characters are always on the chase, creating just enough darkness and sinister suspense to mean you won't want to put the book down.

In this book, we are introduced to four new main characters in Susan, Mirren, Luke and Robyn.   Susan, as a child, is strong and determined, driven by her magical ability.  In Mirren, Susan's daughter, we see some of her Mum's strength: having lost her arm in a car accident as a toddler,she hasn't let this effect her and there is a strength in her that even she doesn't know she has.  Luke is everything a true friend should be and I particularly love that he shows his emotions.  And finally, Robyn, the school bully who shocks Mirren and Luke with her appearance at the Emporium, yet there is much hidden beneath her outward behaviour.

O's opinion

The third in an amazing series, this book introduces Mirren, Luke and Robyn as the main characters. Mirren, there to save her Mum; Luke, there to help his friend; Robyn, the girl that bullies the pair every day at school. A very unlikely combination that comes together to help Daniel and Susan, Mirren's mum. They do not get along at school, but must band together to help Daniel, the owner of the Nowhere Emporium, who has been gradually losing control of his shop, and Susan, Mirren's mum, who visited the shop when she was younger, and has a connection with it and Daniel. The courage shown by the three of them was very admirable, especially as Robyn and Luke could have just left, but chose to help Mirren. I loved how they met the characters in the Emporium along the way, and received friendship from them. This is a very good book. I loved it all the way through.

The Otherwhere Emporium is a brilliant final installment to this trilogy that will have you completely immersed and utterly gripped.  I want, now more than ever, to visit The Emporium!  I won't spoil the final lines of the book, but oh my goodness, thy're sooooo wonderful!!

This is a MUST read for September.

June & beginning of July Review

So, on a day when we're playing catch-up with everything to do with the blog, I've just realised that June's posts didn't go out, so I've combined them with July.  This could end up being quite the mammoth read so i hope you're sitting comfortably!!

Here's the round-up:

Kidnap on the California Express - MG Leonard & Sam Sedgman (Due for release at the

beginning of September)

Hal is back and this time he and his uncle have headed to California to journey on the comet from Chicago to San Francisco.  The trip begins smoothly but quickly picks up pace when a billionaire's daughter goes missing.  Along with his new-found friends, Hal is soon on the case.  Like the fist book, this is a gripping read, and very much an Agatha Christie-style mystery for children.  The illustrations, as in the first book, are wonderful and really help to enhance what is already a great plot.  A must read ... and it's great to hear that the 3rd book in the series, Murder on the Safari Star, will be out in February next year.

Tale As Old As Time - Liz Braswell

One of the girls in my class had been nagging me for a while to read one of the Twisted Tales and I'm so pleased I did!.  Tale As Old As Time is a reworking of Beauty and The Beast in which Belle realises that the enchantress who cursed the Beast was in fact her mother.  I thoroughly enjoyed this twist on the tale and would definitely recommend it, especially if you're a fan of Disney.

Where The River Runs Gold - Sita Brahmachari

This is a dystopian novel set in a time where there is much inequality between the groups in society  In exchange for health care, food and education, parents have to pledge to give their children up for four years to work on labour farms pollinating the crops.  The plot centres around Shifa and Themba who quickly discover that the leaflets about the Freedom Family Farm and the reality are two very different things so Shifa determines to escape and get them home again.  The bond between Shifa and Themba is close and it's their love for each other that shines through.  Shifa's determination to protect her brother as well as to expose the reality of the farms is inspiring.  With messages about protecting the environment as well as friendship and freedom resonating throughout the book, this is an absorbing story about family, hope and never giving up.  

Mohinder's War - Bali Rai

Indian RAF pilot, Mohinder Singh crash lands in occupied France during WWII and is discovered by 13year old Joelle who takes him home where her parents, members of the Resistance, hide him from the Nazis.  However, when they are betrayed, Joelle and Mnhinder need to rely on each other and undertake a perilous journey that could lead them to freedom.

I've read many MG WWII books, but very much enjoyed the different perspective of the novel; exploring, not only the Indian involvement in the war as well as the father/daughter relationship that develops between Joelle and Mohinder.  The book is very much a heart-warming story of friendship and bravery that allows children to understand life during occupied France during the war.

A Kind of Spark - Elle McNicoll

Addie is 11 and she is autistic - she loves sharks and spending lunch-times in the library where it's quiet.  Her days are difficult as she is bullied, not only by her former friend, but also by her teacher, which is why it is so good that the school's librarian is there to offer support.  When Audrey joins the school, the pair become friends, sharing an interest in the witch trials that happened in the small Scottish town of Juniper where they live.  They are determined to have a monument erected in memory of the fact that these women were killed not for their crimes but for the fact that they were different - something Addie relates strongly to.

Addie is a wonderful character and so many young people will appreciate being able to see themselves represented in fiction.  Not only that, but one of Addie's twin sisters, Keedie, is also autistic and their bond and relationship is wonderful to read.  This is a simply wonderful book with so many lessons about friendship and doing what you believe is right; about being brave and understanding what it is like to be autistic. 

I have to add that I also loved the Scottishness of this book and was thrilled when I found the word 'dreich' in there!  It's a word my grandparents used frequently and it brought back many happy memories for me!

Pig Heart Boy - Malorie Blackman

Cam is a 13 year old boy who longs to be able to do the things all normal 13 year olds do; however, after a viral infection, his heart is so weak that his only hope of survival is a transplant.  In desperation, Cam's dad turns to a doctor who may be able to help; however, the procedure is experimental and could be risky as the heart will come from a pig called Trudy, bred specifically to use for transplants.  The novel follows Cam and his family on their journey through the transplant and the inevitable media fallout.  

This is a book I have meant to read for so long and I'm pleased that I finally got round to it.  The story is an emotional one (is that because I'm the parent of a teenage boy? Possibly) and inevitably raises many moral issues as well as friendship issues.  I would definitely recommend reading this and am keen to discuss many of the issues within the book with my class (using animals to transplant organs into humans; keeping secrets for friends, coping with the media...). 

Ghost Boys - Jewell Parker Rhodes

Jerome is 12 years old and lives in one of the poorer areas of Chicago.  He's a good boy but the novel begins as he dies after being shot by a police man who mistook the toy gun he was playing with for a real one.  The story follows a duel narrative: Jerome alive, leading up to his death, and Jerome after his death trying to make sense of what happened (including meeting the daughter of the police officer who killed him).

Incredibly topical at the minute, this is a very powerful book that I read in one afternoon.  I was gripped from the very first page which shows us Jerome as he discovers he is dead.  

The power comes in the fact that this is happening in America and that there are hundreds of children like Jerome.  Portrayed in a way that children will be able to understand, the book looks at the treatment of black children further back in history through Emmett Till, whose ghost appears to help Jerome.  

I've typed and deleted this review so many times as I just don't feel that my words can do the book justice.  Days after I've finished reading it, I am still haunted by the story - this is a book that you have to read - these children need us to understand their story and help to change what is happening in America. 

O's opinion

This is a very interesting book that is very relevant in the current climate. I love how Jerome found more about why he was killed and the prejudices against non-white people in the novel. I found it very interesting how he became friends with the daughter of the man who killed him, and how he received help from Emmett. This is a very topical book and I found it very powerful.

Winterborne Home For Vengeance & Valour - Ally Carter.

April is an orphan who longs to find her mother.  She has a key around her neck that her mother left with her when she was a baby and April has always been determined to discover what it opens.  This is what leads her to the museum one night after closing where she is involved in the fire of the Winterborne collection.  Following this, April finds herself whisked away to live with several other orphans at the Winterborne Home.  It is here that she discovers that the heir to the estate, Gabriel Winterborne, who has been missing for years and is presumed dead is actually alive ... but doesn't want anybody to know.  Now April just has to figure out why, as well as discover why they key her mum left her has the Winterborne crest on it.

This is a great mystery novel, full of action and adventure.  The characters are relatable (well, the children are!) and you'll find yourself drawn to them and completely rooting for them. The setting is suitably mysterious (sprawling mansion with hidden rooms and draughty corners), although I very much pictured it being set in England and not America.  The plot is pacy and will keep you wanting to read more - the ending, in particular, made me want to know what will happen next!.

Overall, a great book that will go down well with children.

The Boy Who Grew Dragons - Andy Shepherd

When Thomas brings home fruit from the tree in his grandad's back-garden, strange and unusual things start to happen, and from the fruit pops a dragon!  A dragon whose poop will explode if it's not cleaned up quickly and the sparks from his mouth cause all sorts of problems!  Thomas names his dragon Flicker and is determined to keep him but feels it best to keep him secret from the rest of his family.  And so ensues a hilarious tale of dragontastic escapades.  But what will happen when his friends find out about Flicker and when more dragon-fruit begins to appear on the tree?

          What's not to love about this book?  Mischievous dragons (I love that they're friendly), chaotic scenes as Thomas tries to keep things secret, exploding poop and wonderful illustrations all make for an engaging plot that everyone will love.  This book will definitely make you want to hunt for dragon-fruit trees in the hope of discovering your very own dragon!

My Headteacher Is An Evil Genius - Jack Noel

Tom Ginger is painfully shy and doesn't have any friends - she wears braces and is very conscious of that.  However, when a new headteacher suddenly bursts into the school, making dramatic changes, Tom suddenly realizes that her braces are incredibly useful as they actually act as radio transmitters which enable Tom to hear everything the headteacher is up to - but can Tom and her new friends foil Ms Fortune's plans in time?

          This is a hilarious book full of dastardly deeds on the part of Ms Fortune.  With an unlikely hero in the form of Tom, this is a wonderfully interactive book with illustrations, plans and notes dotted around the page to enhance the story.  A great read.

The Ship of Shadows - Maria Kuzniar

Aleja dreams of adventure whilst spending much of her time reading about it; however, when a mysterious ship turns up in the port of her home town of Seville, Aleja is drawn to it.  When she is accused of stealing, it is the female crew of the ship who come to her rescue and suddenly her dreams become a reality.

         This is an absolute delight of a book!  Full of swashbuckling adventure, journeys to far-off lands and a strong team of female pirates.  There's a warmth and richness to the writing that draws you in and allows you to imagine yourself alongside Aleja as she battles Kraken, travels by camel across deserts and gets tor grips with swords and pistols.  This book is full of wonderful characters: Aleja is a bookish heroine who craves adventure and is somebody I think a lot of people will relate to.  Whilst the all female pirate crew show a strength and independence as well as bringing out their various different personalities (Frances and her love of cake, and Milka and her fearsome pride in her scars to name but two).

        This is a brilliant read and one that will make you want to head off on your own adventure across the high seas.

I, Ada - Julia Gray (Released September) (YA)

Ada Lovelace is known for her work in mathematics and early computer programming but what of her early years?  This novel follows the true story of her early life and teenage years and her relationship with her strict mother, lady Byron.

          Ada is clever and keen to learn; however, her mother, determined that she won't turn out like her infamous father, the poet lord Byron, insist on a constant stream of tutors in a variety of subjects, particularly in mathematics. But Ada is strong-willed, she longs to know more about her father and longs to live her life the way she wants to - she longs to be free.

          Throughout the novel the complex relationship between Ada and her mother is explored and the book also touches upon Ada's battles with ill health through her teenage years. Written very much in a traditional style, there is a feel of Bronte or EM Forster to the novel and I enjoyed reading it.

O's books:

The Penguin Lessons - Tom Michell

This is an autobiographical novel, where Tom travels to Argentina to teach in a school. On holiday to Uruguay, he sees a beach that is covered in dead penguins from an oil leak in the sea. He does find, however, one penguin that survived, and takes him back to his holiday home to clean the penguin and release it back into the sea. When the time comes to let the penguin go, it does not leave, so Tom has to find a way to smuggle a him across the border to Argentina. How will he do it? Find out by reading.

This book is very interesting, and also hilarious. I loved how Juan Salvado (the penguin) was so hard to look after and clean, but also hard to leave behind. The comedy between man and penguin was very funny, especially as penguins don't talk. This is a good read for fans of comedy and penguins.

Playfair Cricket Annual 2020

If you read my cricket book blog, you would have seen the 2019 edition of this book, and it's back! This time, it contains stats about the Ashes, England in West Indies and scorecards from the year, plus the yearly all-time records. Unfortunately, due to the current situation, the back end of the book will not count, as this consists of all matches that should have happened this year, including the Hundred, matches against Australia and the Vitality Blast.

War of the Worlds - H.G.Wells

An absolute classic. George and Amy live in Surrey, and when they see eruptions from Mars with their friend Ogilvy, they do not know anything more about it. But when a meteor crashes in the middle of the forest next to their house, they are very curious. All of a sudden, they are running from huge fighting machines from Mars that destroy anything in their path. George gets Amy out of the way, but comes back to discover more and to protect their home. Will they survive? Will they see each other again?

This book is a very interesting depiction of what could happen if Martians invaded. I found it quite exciting when George met the fighting machines, and I was always scared for him and reading on! This is a very good book, and very well written.

Good Girl, Bad Blood - Holly Jackson

We are back in the Good Girl's Guide to Murder series, and there's been another disappearance! Pippa said before that she wouldn't get involved in another investigation, but when she is so close to the person disappearing, how can she just say no?

I love these books, especially Pippa's bravery and stubborn nature, not stopping until she finds the culprit. Ravi is also amazing, because he stays by her side no matter what, like a true friend. This is a very well-written book; I can't wait for more!

My A-Z of Cricket - Henry Blofeld

This is a collection of stories and memories from Henry Blofeld, recalling some of his favourite cricketing memories through the ages, whether it's him watching a county match at Lord's as a child, or his last Test commentating for England. This is the ultimate story time collection, from the master of cricketing commentary. A very memorable character, his stories are portrayed very beautifully through this book.

The Cricket Pocket Bible

Yet another cricket book! This one is for everyone, whether you are new to the game, or a die-hard member of the Barmy Army! Talking through subjects from famous stadiums to the best players, this is a guide to everything cricket, from basics to the kit and the laws and etiquette. Amazing.

Health Heroes - Emily Sharratt (Released 6th August)

I have to admit that I don't read enough non-fiction so when Health Heroes arrived with the postman, I gobbled it up!

This book is a brilliant look at so many aspects of the world of medicine at a time where this field is under so much pressure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  It begins by looking at 'heroes through time', starting with the Ancient Greeks; then it takes us on a journey through heroic women (I think this section fascinated me most of all), surgeons, discoveries and inventions, and germ busters.  It then moves on to look at modern-day heroes, those in hospitals, out in the community and heroes in the field.

Throughout, the book is set-out in a visually appealing way with speech bubbles, illustrations, notes added and key words in bold - definitions of which can be found at the end of each section.  The information on each person is interesting and informative but succinct so will hold the attention of even the most reluctant reader - it also makes it easy to dip in and out of.  The writing style is accessible and friendly, and I very much like that such a wide variety of people have been included, from radiographers, midwives and cleaners, to hospice workers, physiotherapists and paramedics.  The book allows children to understand that working in health care isn't just about being a doctor or a nurse (although they do the most amazing job - I have many friends who are doctors and I am in awe of each of them).  I hope that this book and the positivity that radiates from the pages will help many children to discover a future career as a Health Hero and will continue to promote the idea that not all heroes wear capes.

After the War - Tom Palmer (Released 6th August)

Friends Yossi, Leo and Mordecai are part of a group of three hundred children who have been brought to the Lake District having survived the atrocities of the Nazi concentration camps during WWII.  The story, set in the summer of 1945, is the tale of how these boys adjust to a life of freedom, having been treated with such brutality for so long.

Based on the true story of the Windermere Boys, the characters in the book are fictional, 'composite characters' based on Tom's extensive research for the book; however, they feel very real and you can't help wanting to reach out to them.  It's Tom's attention to the small details that I feel makes the difference and helps you to understand just exactly how difficult such an adjustment must have been for these boys who are very different characters but whose shared experiences bond them.

Told primarily from Yossi's point of view, the story switches between Windermere and the war and the events that lead the boys to Windermere.  By using flashbacks, the reader is able to understand exactly what these children experienced without having to dwell too much on the details which can be quite harrowing - Tom gets the balance just right.

I know how many schools study WWII as part of their curriculum and I can highly recommend this book.  Using a language that's accessible, the story allows readers to fully understand what these children experienced (Barrington Stoke and the authors they use for their books do this so well) and at 188 pages, it's a great length for studying in the classroom.  There are also very useful links on Tom's website that can be used in conjunction with the book.

After the War is a heart-warming story of survival, friendship, hope and moving on, and is a story that we must continue to share.