The Last Pebble - Alex Thorne

Trader loves nothing more than spending time with his grandpa, especially when they are combing the beaches of Bognor Regis together for unusual stones to add to their collection.  When Trader finds a pebble that proves particularly special it opens up a secret that was never supposed to be discovered. 

There is often speculation about 'celebrity authors' but if there's one thing I've learnt as a book blogger it's not to judge an author by their celebrity status.  Alex Horne has clearly written this book from the heart, and the letter that accompanied the book explains why The Last Pebble was inspired by his own grandfather and his love of geology, as well as trips to Bognor with his own family.  This is absolutely a book written with love at its core and I adored reading it.  

Trader loves stones, he loves spending time with his grandfather and he has a unique take on the world and I love that about him.  He finds making friends difficult and struggles with small talk; however, when Charlotte cones along, he seems to have found the perfect fit in a friend.  Watching their friendship grow as the book progresses is a joy to see and proves that being yourself is always best.  

In the acknowledgements, Alex calls the book 'old fashioned' but I think it's anything but that.  The Last Pebble is the most gorgeous book, gentle and heart-warming it is a story of love, faith and hope; about knowing who you are and being true to your unique self.  To me, that's anything but boring.

Publishing on the 3rd July, The Last Pebble is going to make a perfect summer read.  A book about finding treasure in everyday objects, finding the joy in the little things and spending time with family and away from technology - what could be more perfect for the summer?

The Wycherleys - Annaliese Avery

 

All witches entering society must find a tether, a partner to ensure they retain their magic.  Those who are luckiest find a tether who is also their true love; however, those who are unlucky and have not found a tether after three years, lose their magic forever.  Then there is Aureila, a debutant who, when she discovers that she has inherited the family curse, knows that she will only have one season to enjoy her magic before it is taken away from her, and even then her enjoyment will be limited as nobody will want to be tethered to her. She is feisty and resilient, especially when she discovers that Jules Nightly is searching for a way to ensure that his sister can retain her magic which is disappearing quickly.  When the pair agree to work together, their lives could change forever.

The Wycherleys was everything I hoped it would be and more ... magic, mystery and forbidden romance all wrapped up in the elegance of 1800s London.  What more could I have asked for?

Nightly is a dark and brooding character that teenage me would have found utterly swoonsome (perhaps it's because I could see a resemblance to Mr Darcey). Is it the way he calls her by her surname? Perhaps it's his aloof manner, or the way he seems to be flirting with her despite her knowing he is only interested in the cure for his sister. .. most likely, it's the combination of all of those things.  Whatever, it is, I know readers will delight in getting to know him.

The more the pair research a solution, the more they realise there is much more to this than they expected. Danger and darkness lurk among the balls and galas, and the consequences could prove deadly.

The Wycherleys is a book perfect for getting lost in and I have to admit that I stayed up way later that I should have done to read the end.  I'm already incredibly excited for book 2!

Thirst - Darren Simpson

'Nobody talks about the strange happenings in Maimsbury. No one speaks of the hooded figures glimpsed in the woods, nor the children's game that went so horribly wrong. But most of all, nobody dares whisper their doubts about the river they have worshipped for centuries.

Like everyone in Maimsbury, Gorse is used to the sacrifices made every spring to the River Yeelde. The life of a farm animal - in return for a year of plenty - seems a fair trade. That is, until a tragedy leads Gorse to a blood-curdling discovery.

Because this year is a Brim Year, and after giving so much, the river needs more than an animal's life to sate its thirst...'

Life revolves around the seasons and ensuring that there is enough harvest, and in Maimsbury, this includes keeping the river happy.  It's a ceremony performed annually but as the book unfolds, we learn that there is a much darker undercurrent to the ceremony.  Whilst traditions and folklore change over the course of time, there are some elements that remain steadfast, but just aren't spoken about.  It is left to the chosen few to carry out the darker side of things but are they doing the best for the village or simply failing to acknowledge the darkness of their actions?  

The River Yeedle takes centre stage as the main character in this book and feels very much like a living entity.  It creates a darkness that is brilliantly chilling and will make readers wary of rivers!  I'm certainly pleased I read the book in the sunshine and not on a dark evening!

As the book progresses, and the events of the plot unfold, the full darkness of the plot reveals itself and characters are forced to decide whether to stand up against events or comply with those directly involved.  I won't give any more than that away, but it's safe to say that the plot gripped.

Publishing on the 11th September, Thirst is a thought-provoking book and will definitely raise questions.  It will make a perfect read for anyone looking to bridge the MG/YA gap and will be enjoyed by fans of Phil Hickes and Dan Smith.

The Invisibles - Susie Bower

'In the Land of Magics, four friends live a life filled with wonder.  But there's one rule they must not break: never set foot on the Island of Darkness.

So when one child does the unthink able, they must all pay a terrible price - exile to Wasteland, the bleak world where only grown-ups live.'

The joy of this book is the unknown... after the first few chapters we have no idea what has happened to Merlin; we have no idea who the girl is or how she has come to lose her memory; we don't really know who the invisible children are or how they came to be be like that; we have no idea why the Catcher is so determined together their hands on children... and that is what I found so intriguing. It is the unknown that kept me gripped as the breadcrumbs of answers were scattered.  Susie has created an intricate plot full of twists that really leave you guessing, and for me, that was what I loved most.

Primarily, this is a book about friendship and about being there for each other, but themes of resilience and doing the right thing also weave their way through the pages.

Publishing on the 5th June, The Invisibles is a captivating read and one I know will be in demand in school next half-term.

 

Summer Under The Stars - Kate Mallinder

Sasha, Cam, Nell and Hetal have been friends for years but recently life seems to have got in the way and the lack of time means the girls have drifted a bit. However, when an opportunity arises for a road trip across France, it sounds like the perfect way to reconnect with each other, but not everything goes to plan, and with a wedding to get to, the pressure seems to just build and build.  Could the adventure of a life-time end up ruining the girls' friendship?

All four girls are struggling with issues in their lives which are dominating their thoughts and emotions. Sasha's dad is about to get married again and she really doesn't want to be a bridesmaid, especially when her dad calls her unreliable.  Cam is all set to meet her paternal grandparents for the first time, having only recently connected with her dad.  Nell is terrified her new boyfriend will end up cheating on her while she's away, and Hetal is doing her best to make sure everything is perfect but feels she's just getting everything wrong. 

The girls are normal teenagers all learning how to navigate life changes, emotions and friendship.  Doing that whilst travelling across France, couped up in a small car and a tent was never going to be plain sailing.  One of the biggest issues is that the girls don't talk to each other about what they have going on, choosing to bottle it up instead, which is never a good idea.  

The trip itself is a glorious jaunt through France, with a host of different towns visited which made me dream of crusty baguettes and flaky croissants.  Clearly things don't go smoothly for the girls (what would be the fun in that?) and a host of challenges are set to try them; the question is whether they will bring the girls closer together or push them over the edge.

The book is one that will make you smile, and may even make you shed a tear or two.  With themes of friendship and family issues woven through the pages, the book will enable readers to understand that talking is better than bottling things up.

Publishing 12th June, Summer Under The Stars is a sun-filled road trip full of warmth and hope that will make the perfect summer read, especially if you're heading to France! It's a perfect for those who are just moving up to YA.

Runaways - E L Norry

I was drawn to Runaways having recently read reviews by book friends. Starting it on a Sunday evening, my first regret was that I'd picked it up at the end of the weekend and not the beginning! 

Runaways tells the story in dual perspective of 2 very different people, Jamie and July.  Through different circumstances, they meet at Waterloo Station and then again on the train to Bournemouth.  Both intent on finding somebody they care for who they feel can help them with problems at home, the pair end up supporting each other because running away from home isn't as easy as they think it will be.

At first glance, July is strong and resilient; she's had a tough life so far but has known love, and she cares about those around her. She clearly worries a lot and,  coupled with the grief she is carrying and the latest change in situation with her mother, she feels she has no choice but to take drastic action.  Jamie, on the other hand, has lead a more sheltered life in many ways; however, although he lives in a nice house and there is money to spare, life is difficult for him at the minute. He's desperate to be heard and loved but he feels everyone is too busy for him.  Despite only being 11 years old, both feel they have no option but to runaway.  

I'm sure there are many of us who thought about running away when we were children, but that was just it, a thought.  For July and Jamie, they feel they have no other option.  Running away is a serious issue (as Norry states, over 100,000 children and young people go missing every year, with a third of those being 13 and under).  Through Runaways, it's very easy to see how children can end up alone and with nowhere to sleep; it's a scary situation and the book portrays this well. The idea of forming a simple plan that falls apart when ideas don't fit into place quickly becomes a reality for July and Jamie, and I found myself incredibly pleased that the pair had each other.

Runaways is completely engaging and draws you in from the beginning (hence the reason why I wished I'd start it at the beginning of last weekend!).  Readers will empathise with the characters and I think that's incredibly important in this book as this will undoubtedly instigate some interesting and important conversations.  

Publishing on the 3rd July, Runaways is a book about searching for answers, family, forging friendships in times of need and being heard.  With messages about staying safe, being brave and speaking up when you are worried deftly woven through the plot, readers will see that running away isn't the answer but finding a way to get your voice heard can be tricky. 

This is a book I won't forget in a hurry.

Meeting Meg: A Whistledown Farm Adventure - Nicola Baker

 

Ava and her friends are looking forward to a long summer holiday but time away from school means more time to help out on the farm, but also means more time spent in the den with friends.  When Ava begins to help look after a little of new puppies, things turn out slightly differently than Ava had imagined.

The Whistledown Farm series is a wonderful set of books that brighten my mood every time I read them and the arrival of Meeting Meg put the biggest smile on my face!  

It was great to be back with Ava and her family, and the warm sunshine of the summer oozes out of the pages.  Long days helping out with sheep shearing and hay baling make me want to head to my nearest farm!  It was lovely to see Ava spending more time with her parents and to see her sharing her love of animals with them, but when she begins to help look after the litter of puppies for Joe, things become rather more complicated.  The plot will certainly open up discussions about responsibility, caring for a pet and consequences.  

The book also looks at sibling relationships and what happens when a younger sibling wants to tag along - I'm sure there are many readers who will be able to relate to this.  I also liked the gentle was in which bullying is also broached.

The third book in the Whistledown Farm series, Meeting Meg is a joyous story that will encourage readers to explore the outdoors, and it's a book that is guaranteed to uplift and make readers smile.  I'm now very much looking forward to see what winter will bring to the farm when Saving Snowflake publishes in October.

Oops, I Kidnapped A Pharaoh! - Luan Goldie

 

'When Skylar and best friend Dana accept a ride in Nana’s new tuktuk, they don’t expect to travel through time – nor to accidentally kidnap Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh King Tut and turn him into a K-pop sensation! Soon Skylar and Dana are on a whirlwind race through time to put things right before they change history for ever…'

Having already read great reviews about this book from some of my blogging friends, I was really looking forward to reading Oops, I Kidnapped A Pharaoh! and I wasn't disappointed.  The book is fast paced and full of humour and excitement.  With Skylar's Nana's tuk-tuk masquerading as a time-travelling machine, she and her best friend Dana unexpectedly end up on the adventure of a life-time.  A trip to collect ingredients turns out to be more than nipping to the supermarket and they end up in Ancient Egypt meeting Tutankhamun!  When the Egyptian King decides he needs to escape his responsibilities for a bit, he hides in the tuk-tuk and ends up in modern Britain attending a K-Pop convention!  And that's only the beginning!  

Readers will love exploring time travel and meeting a host of historical figures in this hilarious book that would make a great read aloud in class or at home.  With themes of friendship as well as the butterfly effect to explore, the book is guaranteed to prompt some interesting discussions, not least of which would be where would you go and who would you want to meet?

Oops, I Kidnapped A Pharaoh! is a thoroughly enjoyable read that will leave readers with a big smile on their face. 

Pia's Pet Club Puppy Problem - Serena Patel

 

Pia adores pets and is desperate for one of her own, so much so she's read everything she can about them.  She'd prefer a dog but would be happy with any pet; however, with her parents separated, the chances of her getting her dream are looking slimmer by the minute.  Then she meets Hari in the garden of her dad's apartment building.  He's trying, rather unsuccessfully, to train his puppy Luna before Nani arrives.  With Pia's help, can they train Luna in time?

I love Serena's Accidental Detective series so I was thrilled to see that she's written the first in a new series.  The book is a delightful read that is full of humour but also weaves in some important topics that will help readers.  As well as the responsibility of own and looking after a pet (I also liked that there was mention of why people might be wary of pets), there are also issues around parental separation and Pia getting used to moving between two homes.  As well as that, sibling relationships are explored.  

Pia is a completely relatable character and one readers will enjoy getting to know.  She makes mistakes and gets things wrong, and it's important that readers understand that this is part of life.  

With illustrations by Emma McCann that perfectly compliment the story, Pia's Pet Club is a perfect chapter read for children in Years 3 and 4.  I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.

Oliver's Great Big Universe Volcanoes Are Hot! - Jorge Cham

 

Oliver is back in his second book.  After his best friend, Sven, barfs epically in the school canteen and Oliver slips and falls in it, the pair become known as the 'Epic Barf Kids'.  To counteract this, Oliver decides that he needs to find a way to take people's minds off the event.  With his first book having been a big success, he decides that writing a second book will be the key to success so sets about discovering everything he can about volcanoes.  But is the book good enough for him to win first prize and to ensure that everyone forgets that epic barfing incident?

This is a thoroughly enjoyable book that brilliantly combines laughs and science.  I really enjoyed the wealth of facts that Cham had managed to deftly weave into the book, all explained in a way that will be easy for readers to understand.  From facts about lava to continental drift; the layers of the Earth to different types of rocks - I think I may have even learned something new myself!  The illustrations compliment the book perfectly and enhance the understanding of the facts that are being explained ... and add to the humour too!

With messages about taking care of the planet, friendship and being kind, Oliver's Great Big Universe: Volcanoes Are Hot is a book that will go down well in school and is perfect for fans of Wimpy Kid and Louis Stowell's Loki.  Great as part of the series, but also great to read as a stand alone, I really hope there will be more from Oliver.

Exit Stage Death - Ava Eldred

 

Livi Campbell is heading to spend the summer in her favourite place: Camp Chance, a musical theatre summer camp where she will be a senior and will finally get the coveted staring role in the end of season performance.  However, she didn't bank on two famous people being at camp this summer; nor did she bank on a camper showing up dead.  Suddenly, her summer has taken a very different role and, along with a group of friends, she finds herself embroiled in hunting down a killer before they strike again.

This was a wonderful book and one that kept me guessing until the very end!  My theories changed with every chapter and I had so many people as the culprit at various stages as the plot unfolded and twists were revealed!

Set in America, readers will adore the setting, especially anybody with dreams of a career on stage, or those who dream of long summers at camp without their parents!  From sharing dorm rooms to after hours parties, the book has it all.

The story is told from Livi's point of view and readers will quickly get to know her and understand her desire to make this her best year yet; however, everything seems to be working against her.  When Chloe is found dead, everybody believes it's been a tragic accident; it's only Livi and her immediate friends that know otherwise, and that's down to the cryptic note that is left for them to find...

Exit Stage Death is a brilliant read that will grip and entice readers.  It's perfect for those who are beginning to make the move from MG to YA, and it's already being coveted by members of my class; so much so that one girl approached me every day last week to ask if I'd finished the book and raced to my office to borrow it on Monday morning! She's had her head buried in it ever since!

Publishing 5th June, Exit Stage Death makes for a perfect summer mystery.

Dork Diarie's - Sister Showdown! - Rachel René Russell

 

'Lately, Nikki’s little sister has been a TOTAL BRAT! But while Brianna is busy raiding her closet and taping a HIDEOUS drawing of Nikki on her bedroom door, Nikki has more important things to think out. It’s the end of summer and she has only 72 hours to completely reinvent herself before starting at Westchester Prep&hellip.

SQUEEEEEEE!! Nikki is determined to be the COOLEST, CUTEST, SMARTEST, MOST INTRIGUING girl at school. But when disaster strikes and Brianna gets hold of Nikki’s most cherished items… her phone AND her diary, her world is turned upside down. Will an unexpected emergency ruin Nikki’s fabulous start to the new school year or, worse, ruin her relationship with wacky BFFs, Chloe and Zoey, and cute crush Brandon?'

Okay, it's time for me to confess that I have never read a Dork Diaries book!  I know; I'm sorry!  So with a sunny Saturday afternoon to spare, I stretched out in the garden and jumped in.

I have to say that I really enjoyed the book.  The chatty style makes the book relatable and an easy read, and I loved the combination of illustrations and text.  

There's a lot going on in Nikki's world, not least of which is making sure she has the right outfits to create the best impression at her new school.  But then disaster strikes and Nikki's world comes tumbling down, and her little sister takes control of her diary.  

With strong themes about friendship, fitting in and family life, Sister Showdown is guaranteed to be another success in this hit series, and I'm now heading off to find the other books in the series to read. 

The House At The Edge Of The World - Nadine Aisha Jassat

 

Amal and her family have just lost their home and the library they ran so it's with a huge amount of luck that they receive a letter saying that they have inherited a house from a long-lost relative.  However, when they get there, somebody else believes that the house it theirs and gives them 30 days to prove they have a claim on it.  With a race to find proof, Amal and her family begin to learn exactly what the house means to them.  As strange things begin happening, is it possible that the house is leading them to the truth?

Nadine's first book, The Stories Grandma Forgot was the first book written entirely in prose that I'd read (you can read my review here), and I really enjoyed it, so I was excited when The House At The Edge Of The World arrived.

Amal and her family are facing huge changes in their lives with the closure of Honeydew Library.  Together, they know they will get through this one way or another but the house is something they don't expect.  When they arrive, things are almost spooky and rumours in the village suggest that there is more to the house than they know.  As Amal begins to explore, she starts to wonder whether the house is listening to her and magic weaves its way into the book.  With Victoria and Hector breathing down their necks, there is intrigue and a race against time that creates a tension within the prose and will keep readers guessing.

I have to give a nod to Flavia's illustrations that wonderfully compliment the story.

With a host of characters to get to know (both wonderful and evil), including Hope House itself, The House At The Edge Of The World is a book that readers will delight in.  It is a wonderful story of magic, family, perseverance and hope that will enchant readers and open their lives to the world of books in prose.