The Star Outside My Window - Onjali Rauf

Having loved The Boy At The Back Of The Class, it was with a

great deal of excitement that we opened up the parcel when it was delivered (huge thanks to Dominic at Hachette Children's for sending it our way).  There may have been squealing!  Anyway, it didn't take long for us to get stuck in and we weren't disappointed!

Aniyah and her brother have been taken to live with a foster mother after their own mother 'left'.  They'd been living in a hotel-that-wasn't-a-hotel, playing a game of hide and seek from their dad when Aniyah heard her mum leave.  Now their mum's heart has turned into a star that the Royal Observatory want to name and Aniyah is determined to find a way to name it after her mum.  With the help of Ben and Travis, can Aniyah succeed?

K's Opinion.
This book deals with the very difficult subject of domestic abuse in an incredibly sensitive and child-friendly way.  Told from Aniyah's point of view, you get to see the effects without directly referring to the actual abuse.

Aniyah's story is heartbreaking and I'm not ashamed to say that I cried several times (did it get to me more because I'm an adult?  Possibly but that doesn't detract from the message) however, her adventure and her determination are equally heartwarming.  It's clear to see the effects of the situation on Aniyah (and Noah), and the many layers of emotions to the character are to be applauded - there must be many children in this or similar situations who will find solace in seeing they they're not alone.  Equally, I like the portrayal of the other characters: Mrs Iwuchukwu, the foster mum, as well as Sophie, Travis and Ben who are also under her care - again, there will be children who will be pleased to see characters to whom they can relate. 

Onjali is quickly and very successfully making a huge success of writing books that tackle sensitive in an age appropriate and brilliant way.  Children in all situations need to know that they aren't alone and Onjali is doing an excellent job of showing them that.  This is a simply wonderful book (I read it in a day!) that is just bound to win awards!  However, more than anything, it's a compelling story that will warm the hearts of all who read it. 

O's opinion
WOW!!! I absolutely loved this book! I'd even go as far as saying it is better than The Boy at the Back Of the Class which I absolutely adored (I remember wandering around the market in Barcelona last year spotting pomegranates) !! I loved how Aniyah never gave up finding a way to her mum, even if it meant breaking all the rules. I found how the story shows the way that abuse can change someone's life, and the way Onjali wrote about this particular subject incredibly skillful. I loved how Travis and Ben quickly became like brothers to her, and helped her no matter what, even when they had to disobey their foster mother. I think that everyone deserves friends like that, especially after what she had been through.
This is an incredibly well written book that will get to the hearts of many people, children and adults alike. What a book!

August Round-up

Another bumper month for books ... it's been a wonderful summer and we've both enjoyed being able to spend so much time reading.  Things will definitely slow down now we're heading back to school!  Here's what we read in August:

A Most Peculiar Doll Factory - Alex Bell (Illustrated by Nan Lawson)
(Release date: 15th September)
Hoggle's Toy Factory has been closed for 5 years and is a building that scares everybody in town amid rumours of evil teddy bears; but now, the factory is opening again and Tess and her siblings have got themselves jobs there.  On their first day are they about to discover that the rumours are true?

With a cast of wonderfully evil teddy bears, a mysterious (Wonka-esk) factory owner and children who appear braver than they feel, this is a great story; there's just the right amount of tension and creepiness to enthral readers, and adding in mysterious sounds and disappearing siblings, makes this a great read with wonderful illustrations, all wrapped up in Barrington Stoke's wonderfully accessible style.

The Impossible Boy - Ben Brooks

(Release date: 31st October)
Emma and Oleg are best friends who, desperately missing their other friend, Sarah, who moved away, invent a new friend, Sebastian, during a lesson one day.  Imagine their surprise when Sebastian actually appears in their den! A real-life, if somewhat unusual boy, he arrived in a spaceship, with a bag that seems to hold anything and everything, and seems to love school!
          With Emma's mum working 2 jobs and Oleg's dad constantly asleep after loosing her job, the 3 soon embark upon adventures; however, it quickly becomes apparent that Sebastian is in danger.  Can Emma and Oleg save their friend with a little help from their class and a few other interesting chracters?
           Full of magic and impossibility, this is a book that will bring joy to children.  It's full of wonderfully unusual and imaginative things that will enthral and excite readers, and encourage them to explore their own imaginations.
            Sebastian is one of those simply enchanting characters who exudes personality, isn't afraid to be himself and embraces everything.
            The book is set at Christmas, with a heart-warming feel that doesn't have Christmas at its central theme which I like as I think this means it has more of an all-year round appeal.
           Children and adults will love this book that will leave a warm glow in their heart.

Flood World - Tom Huddleston
(Release date: 3rd October)  
In a future world where London has been flooded and only a wall is protecting the very centre of the city, Kara and Joe live in The Shanties, above the flooding, living from hand-to-mouth.  Life is tough, especially when they discover Redeye, one of The Mariners, is after them, and he's not the only one.  In a world where Kara and Joe are simply striving for a better future for themselves, they need to work out who they can trust and must decide what is the right thing to do.  
          An action-packed, fast-paced adventure with plenty of plot twists and strong characters (particularly the female characters which I love to see, especially in an apocalyptic-style book such as this); this is a book of good versus evil that will be perfect for fans of Charlie Higson and Anthony Horowitz.

A Pocketful of Stars - Aisha Bushby

Safiya lives with her dad and sees her mum every Saturday, however they don't always get on.  After an argument, Safiya decides not to go to her mum's for the weekly visit ... and then her mum falls ill.  During visits to her in hospital, Safiya is transported back to her mum's childhood home in Kuwait and, whilst she can see her mum as a child, her mum can't see her.  But Safiya quickly figures out that her visits are just like the computer games she plays and she needs to discover how to play in order to help her mum.
           Safiya is shy and uncertain of herself - she's learning that friendships change and evolve as you grow up, and that navigating high-school, and being a teenager can be difficult.
          This is a book about family, friendships, growing-up and learning how to deal with the consequences of your actions.  It's an emotionally and beautifully written novel that combines modern day gaming with traditional life in Kuwait.
           I cried right the way through this book and was an emotional mess at the end!  Is it because I'm a mum?  Possibly, but I defy anybody not to be touched by this book.

The Girl With Space in Her Heart - Lara Williamson
Mabel Mint lives with her mum and sister, Toapz.  Her dad left them and she misses him terribly but finds she can't talk to anybody about that.  Mabel likes mum's new boyfriend, Gavin (especially as he enjoys astronomy as much as she does), but Topaz really doesn't like him at all and sets out to prove that they'd be better off without him, enlisting Mabel in her quest.
          With many funny elements to this book, you'll certainly be laughing - Topaz's ideas and theories about Gavin and how she's going to prove them definitely made us chuckle ... as did Mabel's classmate, Luke.
           However, this book also contains many important messages about seeing beyond face value; that people are often hiding how they really feel inside and that people often do what they think is best at the time.
           The book made both O and I think about a book I use frequently in school (The Big Bag of Worries) and I desperately wanted to transport myself into the book so I could give the characters a copy!
            Lara's books are always well written, a pleasure to read and contain important messages for children about things in life that can be difficult to deal with ... this book is no exception and will certainly be heading to my classroom in September.

The Land of Roar - Jenny McLachlan

Arthur and Rose are twins spending time at their grandfather's house over the summer.  Grandad gets them to tidy out the attic so they can create a den and, whilst doing that, memories of an imaginary land begin to resurface in Arthur's mind.  Rose, on the other hand, refuses to acknowledge the place, feeling she's now too grown-up for such things.
           When Grandad goes to help Arthur, Arthur mentions the land, accessed through a folded-up camp bed.  Then Grandad heads through the bed and doesn't return, Arthur heads after him ... and back to the Land of Roar - the imaginary land the twins created, full of mermaids, ninja wizards, dragons and Crowky who has captured Grandad and turned him into a scarecrow - the race is on to save him but can Arthur and is friends from Roar save Grandad?  Will Rose realise they are missing?
           The Land of Roar is every child's imagination come to life and reminded me a little of Neverland.  It's a place where you can journey through imaginary lands, cycle so fast you don't think you'll ever stop and travel through tunnels and over tightropes.  It's a book full of quirky characters that will make you smile, fill your heart with joy and even scare you a little!  This is a story about embracing your inner child, about siblings, working together, never giving up and, most importantly, will restore your faith in the power of your imagination.

The True Colours of Coral Glen - Juliette Forrest.
Coral's gran has died, leaving Coral and her family heartbroken, but also leaving Coral wracked with guilt as she feels responsible for her gran's death.  So, after the funeral, when Coral meets Lyart a ghost who tells her she can talk to her gran one more time before she crosses to heaven, she agrees.  And so begins her journey to stop an evil spirit leaving the graveyard.  She has only days in which to succeed and only a worm and a poltergeist to help her as she braves witches, ghosts, cannibals and her neighbour.  Can she do it in time?
           Coral sees everything in colours (as named on paint charts which adds a quirky touch to the story) that others don't see.  She is clearly grieving, feeling terribly guilty and unable to talk to anyone about how she's feeling; however, there's a feistiness to her, driven by her need to speak to her gran - to get closure and, despite her fears, she won't give up on what she believes in. 
          I also enjoyed Skaw the worm and Moozy the poltergeist, whose friendships with Coral were well developed.  Both characters helped to subtly deliver some important messages to the reader.  
          This is a well-paced , exciting book, with just the right amount of suspense.  It's a story full of magic, ghosts, evil spirits and a very interesting neighbour!  It's about family and about learning to deal with grief and it will definitely be featuring on the shelves in school at the start of term.

Peril en Pointe - Helen Lipscombe

The Scarlet Slipper is the most prestigious ballet competition there is and, just after Milly messed it up, her mum goes missing.  Months later, Milly receives an invite to join Swan House Ballet School; however, all is not what it seems as this is a school for spies!  Whilst finding her feet and learning new skills, Milly must rehearse for this year's Scarlet Slipper ... she also soon discovers that she and her mum are in grave danger.  Can Milly rescue her mum and save herself?
          This is a book that seems to have everything: a boarding school setting, mystery, friendship and feuds, quirky teachers, fiendish villains and plot twists that will keep the reader guessing.  This is the first in a new series of books and I'm looking forward to seeing what Milly gets up to next!

Jemima Small Versus The Universe - Tamsin Winter
Jemima is an incredibly smart young lady who lives with her dad, brother and aunty.  She loves learning but doesn't enjoy school where she is bullied because of her weight.  This situation is only made worse when the head introduces a healthy eating club that becomes known as fat club.  It is this that is holding her back from auditioning for Braniacs a show for intelligent children that she has always loved. 
           Jemima is wonderful but is swamped by the negative comments she constantly hears; she starts believing them and it effects every part of her life (including her decision not to audition for Braniacs).  It's heartbreaking to read the comments she has to endure and I just wanted to hug her and make it all go away for her; however, she is stronger than she thinks and has the help of a wonderful best friend and the new healthy eating club teacher, Gina.  
           Jemima is an inspiration and role model and was just the most wonderful character to get to know: she's kind, bright, loyal and somebody readers will want to befriend.
  This book is full of positive messages on so many levels about so many issues (body image, positivity, perseverance, friendship, believing in yourself, family ... this is definitely a book everybody should read.

The Weird Friends Fan Club - Catherine Wilkins

Erin and Grace both enjoy English and love to write and both share a love of Jane Austin; however, they are complete opposites so when their English teacher tells them they have become part of a 2 person club to prepare for a writing competition, the girls are less than pleased.  Can their love of writing and Jane Austin help bring them together or will their differences drive them further apart?
          This is a funny look at school life; however, there are many more serious issues which are evident: Erin's insecurities and the way she is often treated at school will resonate with some readers, as will her desire to hide the fact that her family have very little money.  Grace's need to engage with social media, to post perfect pictures and to # everything  make her appear incredibly confident but there is another side to her hiding underneath.
          I enjoyed this book and, although the main characters are teenagers the book is definitely suitable for MG readers.

You Won't Believe This - Adam Baron
Cymbeline Igloo and his friends are back for another adventure as their favourite teacher is being bullied by an unknown attacker. Can they find out how to stop them hurting Mrs Martin? Does Veronique's ill grandma have anything to do with this? Either way, Cymbeline has to help them both.

From the start, I loved how Cymbeline showed a lot of responsibility and courage in not stopping in trying to find the truth(s). I loved how he cared about Veronique and tried to help her out every way he could, even while solving another mystery!

This is a beautifully written book, and I can't wait for another!

OTHER:

The Girl in Red - Christina Henry

Things have been different since the Crisis began (a cough that quickly kills all who contract it) and now the US government are rounding up all those who haven't yet been infected to place them in quarantine camps.  Red (Cordelia, but known as Red as she's never without her red hoodie) has persuaded her parents and her brother (Adam) that they have to leave their home and head to their grandma's house.  Events develop quickly and Red (who clearly knows what she's doing) finds herself journeying alone through the woods with only her backpack and an axe to help her.  Whilst she makes her way through the woods, she must defend herself against the wolves (militia groups and the military).  But can she reach grandma's house in time?
          Red is undoubtedly a strong character but there are definite shades to her: she's defensive and puts up barriers, she's an over-thinker (I liked that you get an insight into her inner thoughts)
and she's an amputee who is determined not to let this make her different.
           This post-apocalyptic tale is a gripping, completely original and modern take on the story of Red Riding Hood.  It's utterly compelling but did make me realise how scarily easy it could be for this to become reality.  
           You'll know that I largely read MG fiction and this definitely doesn't fall into that category but I think it would definitely appeal to a YA audience aged 13+  and is now on O's TBR pile.

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder - Holly Jackson
Five years ago, Andie Bell was murdered by Sal Singh. Everyone knows he was responsible, but Pippa isn't convinced. Soon, she starts discovering secrets somebody wants to stay secret, and if the murderer is still on the loose, what will Pippa have to do to get to the truth?

From the first page, I was hooked on how Andie was murdered and I was sure I knew who it was, but, like any good detective story, I was completely wrong! I loved how Pippa was very stubborn with everything she did, and never let a piece of evidence pass by. This book is really well written and I loved how the plot twists kept me on my toes and not knowing anything for certain!  A great YA read!

William Skhakespeare's STAR WARS - Ian Doescher Not by

William Shakespeare!)
This is STAR WARS, written in Shakespearian language! I loved how it was written so comically in a way that completely mirrors Shakespeare's style of writing. You don't have to be a huge STAR WARS fan to be appreciative of this book. It is AMAZING!!!

July Round-up

With the start of the school holidays and time in Ibiza and Nice, it's been a mammoth month of reading for us.  As the book I'm currently reading always sits on my desk at school, I need to make sure that it's MG, so with no school, O and I decided to branch out and we've read a mixture of MG and YA.  As we know that people who read the blog often only read MG books, we've added age recommendations to the YA books to help people out).

MG:

The Bad Luck Lighthouse - Nicki Thornton

Seth and Nightshade are back!  Seth is struggling to learn magic and when Pewter arrives at The Last Chance Hotel and announces that he's heading to the Snakemouth Lighthouse Hotel, Seth decides this would be the perfect place for him to practise his magic.  However, when arrives, all is not as it seems and the murder of the owner, Mina Mintencress changes everything.

It's great to be back with Seth and Nightshade.  Seth is still doubting himself but is determined to power on and Nightshade is her usual, slightly sarcastic self and is still my favourite character (although I do love Seth too!).  The book builds the tension to an exciting finish and we can't wait for the next instalment.

Evernight - Ross MacKenzie:   https://kandobonkersaboutbooks.blogspot.com/2019/08/evernight-ross-mackenzie.html









Can You See Me? - Libby Scott & Rebecca Westcott.

Tilly Adams is autistic and is terrified at the prospect of starting secondary school.  She knows people don't understand her so she hides her autism as much as she can.  This book is the story of one girl coping with high school and learning that it's ok to be yourself.  

This is a truly insightful book that should be in every classroom and read by every child and every adult.  With diary extracts woven into the story, this is an honest and heart-felt novel that deserves a huge standing ovation.


I Have No Secrets - Penny Joelson

Jemma is 14 and is just like other girls her age: she's intelligent, curious, incrediblly observant and enjoys music, books, nail varnish ... but Jemma has severe cerebral palsy and cannot move or communicate so relies on her foster family and her carer for everything.  When she becomes aware of a big secret she is powerful to do anything, but then her carer goes missing and Jemma is determined to find a way to tell everybody what she thinks happened.

This is a compelling novel and very cleverly written from Jemma's point of view.  It allows you to appreciate how sharp and observant she is as well as understand her frustrations.  As well as that, you become engrossed in Jemma's foster family and the different struggles each of them face.  It's a very cleverly written story with a gripping plot-line that will engage you from the very first page.

YA

Scars Like Wings - Erin Stewart:   https://kandobonkersaboutbooks.blogspot.com/2019/08/scars-like-wings.html





I Am Not A Number - Lisa Heathfield

Ruby West is a normal 14 year old girl who goes to school and enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, Luke.  The Traditional Party have just been voted into power and are promising to make the country a better place for everyone ... at any cost.  This includes rounding up any supporters of The Core Party in the middle of the night and herding them to a prison camp where they are given a number and a brutal regime begins.

Reminiscent of The Holocaust (the author says that this was the basis of the idea for the novel), this is a powerful and compelling story that will grip you.  You'll find yourself rooting for the characters and crossing your fingers that everything will be ok for them.  I even found that I'd been holding my breath whilst reading and hadn't realised!

As a mum?  Did I take different things from this book than O? Undoubtedly!  I found it heart-wrenching at times (I'm not ashamed to say I shed a tear) as, being a modern day setting, it's easy to see how this could become a reality.
(Recommended for age 11+)

The Rest of Us Just Live Here - Patrick Ness.

Mikey and his friends have nearly finished high school and all they want to do is reach graduation without any trouble ... but then the indie kids start dying and the blue lights appear, so what is going on?

This is a sci-fi novel with with a hint of fantasy, set in a realistic setting in small-town North America which covers a variety of issues: annorexia, OCD, relationships and friendships.  It's a clever story (I like that each chapter starts with a synopsis of the sub-plot which links with the main plot) and a great read.
(recommended for aged 12+)

Alex In Wonderland - Simon James Green

Alex Button has a long summer ahead of him and desperately needs to find himself a part-time job to keep his dad's girlfriend off his back; however, his awkwardness is a major stumbling block.  Despite this, he manages to land himself a job at Wonderland, a run-down amusement arcade, and things start to look up.  With a group of new friends, can he finally over-come his awkwardness to land himself a boyfriend?  And, along with his friends, can they figure out who's behind the strange messages being sent to Wonderland?

This is a funny and heart-warming novel and Alex is somebody lots of readers will be able to relate to: he's shy, gets tongue-tied, talks a lot when he's nervous and is desperate to find his first boyfriend and have his first kiss.  This is a romantic summer read that will leave you with a warm glow.
(Recommended for aged 13+)

The Boy Who Steals Houses - C. G. Drews.

Sam and Avery are brothers and they are on their own: their mum left when they were young and their abusive father abandoned them with their auntie who couldn't cope either; therefore it was left to younger brother, Sam to look after himself and Avery (who is autistic).  The pair live on the streets, stealing wallets and 'stealing' houses to sleep in and find food when they know the occupants are at home.  But one day, Sam wakes to discover the family are home and everything changes.

This is a book that shows the worst and the best in people.  It shows how far siblings will go to protect each other and that you should never give up hope.

Perfect for aged 11+

'Grown-up' Books we also read:

Humans - Matt Haig.  a brilliant and insightful book & well worth a read (14+ age recommendation on this one).

The Perks of Being A Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky. A great coming of age book but I've put this in this section as I decided not to let O read it yet.  Definitely a 16+ age recommendation on this one from me.

Evernight - Ross MacKenzie

(Release date February 2020)

Lara is a tosher, living hand to mouth whilst foraging in the sewers to make ends meet; other than her clothes and her toshing bag, the only thing she owns is a pendant her mum gave her before she died.

Meanwhile, Mrs Hester is getting ready to release the Evernight upon the kingdom which will turn everything to darkness, allowing chaos and herself to reign supreme.

When Lara finds a wooden box, she has no idea of its significance and the danger everybody is in.

K's opinion:
Deliciously dark and wonderfully magical, this fast-paced story is full of plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Lara is a strong character: as an orphan, she has no choice but to be independent and self-sufficient.  She looks out for herself and her friends, and is definitely the sort of person you want by your side.  I liked her as a character but I think my favourites (rather unusually for me) were the baddies!  Mrs Hester is a truly evil woman who steals bodies in order to rejuvenate herself and traps souls; whilst Shadow Jack, who lives under her control, appears just as menacing (I can imagine Ross had lots of fun creating these 2 characters in particular); together they help to make the plot utterly gripping - the question is: who will reign supreme when the baddies will stop at nothing to get what they want?

This is an original plot that allows readers to lose themselves in the allies of a different place that is begging to be explored.  The first in a new series, I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next.

O's opinion:
From the first page, this book combines action, adventure and mystery into one great novel. I loved how Lara was never afraid of anything: not the other toshers, nor the mysterious Shadow Jack, not even magical Mrs Hester. She always cared for the ones she loved, even when she had to fight a swirling ball of dark magic to protect them!

I have always loved Ross' books, and this one is no exception. Can't wait for a sequel!!

Top Marks For Murder - Robin Stevens

Top Marks For Murder - Robin Stevens.

Daisy and Hazel are back (yeah!) and have returned to Deepdean just in time for the school's 50th anniversary celebrations.  However, when crimes are committed and with a murderer on the lose, the detective agency spring into action.  With the help of their old friend, Inspector Priestly, can they save lives ... and save the school?

K's opinion:
It's no secret that O and I love this series and it's also incredibly popular in school and we're always thrilled when a new book is published, and Top Marks For Murder is no exception.  Full of twists and turns, the plot will keep you on your toes and will keep you guessing - after such a brilliant ending to Death in the Spotlight, I was uncertain as to how Robin would pull off the surprise in this book but I should have known not to worry ... she did it again so brilliantly. 

It was great to see the characters maturing and 'blossoming into young ladies' whilst still maintaining their characters.  I love Daisy's feisty attitude but it was also good to see layers in her personality.  

Where will the pair end up next?  Were there hints towards the end of this book?  Robin Stevens is most definitely a modern day Agatha Christie.

O's opinion:
WOW!!! This book is absolutely AMAZING!!! When it came through the letterbox I could hear mum shriek with excitement! I have always loved the characteristics of the detecting duo: from Daisy always taking the lead to Hazel taking the clues and ruling out suspects: however they do it, they will always find the culprit. I also loved how much Kitty, Beanie and Lavinia have changed since we last met them at Deapdean. I can't wait to see the next instalment, and neither can the rest of the world!

I am lost for words to describe how good this book is, but one thing is certain: keep writing, Robin!!!

Many thanks to Penguin Random House for our ARC.

The Frozen Sea

The Frozen Sea - Piers Torday

(Release date: 5th September 2019)

Having loved The Last Magician, and waited (not so) patiently for the next instalment, it's fair to say that there was a huge amount of excitement in our house when an ARC of The Frozen Sea arrived in the post; even more so that it arrived just as we were venturing to France so it meant we could take it with us!

Jewel is Patricia's daughter, a lover of books and a girl who is picked on at school for being clever.  One day, whilst hiding from the bullies, she stumbles into a bookshop and unwittingly ends up in Folio, forty years after Simon, Patricia, Evelyn and Larry were last there.  It is her mission to find her missing Aunt Evelyn and, along with only her hamster, Fizz, and Pandora the robot, she must venture to the Frozen Sea and encounter dangers that will make her question everything she thinks she is.  Can she find her aunt and rescue her before it's too late?

K's opinion:

It was just wonderful to return to Folio again and I very quickly grew fond of the new characters, as well as being reacquainted with some familiar characters from The Lost Magician.  Jewel is a clever young lady who lives to read and certainly knows how to think for herself.  She knows she's different and doesn't particularly like this as it is why she is picked on at school, but it soon becomes her greatest asset.  

Fizz, meanwhile, is a hamster who is full of sarcasm and a feisty attitude, that's apparent from the start but he really comes into his own as a character once they enter Folio and Jewel can understand everything he is saying ... I loved him!  I also liked Pandora who showed us that everybody (even robots) think they have flaws.

Being born and brought up in Newcastle (& still a resident Geordie), I was thrilled that the book is initially set in Newcastle and (I'm going to show my age here!) the fact that it was set in the 1980s took me back to my youth (blimey I sound old!): mention of Casio watches, Our Price and Wimpy took me back to Northumberland Street many a year ago!  It also lead to the tentative ideas of computers controlling everything; everything being on the sandstone and people becoming reliant on them … it made me think of Ipads and our current technology … perhaps a lesson for us!

This was an exciting plot that had me gripped from the very start. I very quickly found myself rooting for Jewel and her companions, and literally couldn't put the book down (instead of people-watching whilst having a drink in Café de Paris in Monaco, I was firmly back in Folio!).  The links with The Lost Magician were clever (particularly the extra content in the paperback!) and I thoroughly recommend it.  The Frozen Sea is a fitting sequel to The Lost Magician and I cannot wait to share it with my class!

O's opinion:

When I finished The Lost Magician, I asked myself, "What's next for these adventurers?" The answer arrived in the post a couple of weeks ago! The Frozen Sea has everything in it: robots, trolls, gods, even a bookstore in Newcastle! Somehow, Piers has managed to fit them all together in a land of amazingness called Folio (obviously, the bookstore is in Newcastle, not Folio). I loved how Jewel always searched for a logical explanation for everything, even though in many cases there isn't one - for example, a talking bear ruling a country of robots and story characters.

I have always loved Piers' books, and this is his best yet! However, there is only one pressing question: will there be a book 3???

Scars Like Wings

Scars Like Wings - Erin Stewart

(Release date: 3rd October 2019) 

Ava's life was changed forever when she was badly burned and left severely disfigured in a fire that killed her parents and her cousin, Sara.  A year, and 19 surgeries later, Aunt Cora (Sara's mum) has persuaded Ava that it's time for her to return to school.  Unable to bare seeing her old friends, she chooses  Crossroads High, with the understanding that she only needs to stay for 2 weeks.
      Then Ava meets Piper, a fellow burns survivor who is wheelchair bound.  Can they work together to conquer their fears and beat the stares at school?  Can they find their new 'normal'?

K's opinion:
With strong, contrasting characters, this book is written honestly, showing the full range of emotions and the reality of living with burns.
Ava is trapped between life before and after the fire.  Sever disfigurement is defining her, as well as her sense of guilt that Sara's parents are now looking after her.  She just wants to hide away and disappear.  By contrast, Piper is confident and seems to be owning her scars and injuries. But what lies beneath those scars?  As the pair become friends, what isn't Piper telling Ava? The contrast between the pair works well.

This is an emotional story about finding strength, finding courage and finding yourself. Tackling the issues of loss, change, friendship and family in a heart-felt way, this is a truly brilliant debut novel that I read in one go and which made me cry (whilst on a sun-

lounger round a pool!)!  It's a story that will stay with you long after you've finished the last page and shows us that it's important to understand that what you see in the mirror is just one part of what makes you you.  

I would like to say that Scars Like Wings is 'inspirational' but won't for reasons that will become clear when you read the book!  Instead, I will say that this is a heart-felt, heart-warming novel that should be read by everybody aged 12+.

O's opinion:
This book shows the troubles that disfigured people have to go through every day: the looks, the constant whispering behind their backs; everyday life is hard on them, and this book shows the feelings that they would have. Ava is shown to be a person who struggles to fit in but, as the book continues and she meets Piper, there is a new side to her. The side that is shown when people aren't mean to her every day, where she feels like she belongs.

This is a good book because it shows how we can help people who have been scarred in accidents by not staring at them or whispering about them behind their backs. I loved how Erin has written Ava as a real person with many different emotions.  It felt real to me.  I will definitely recommend Scars Like Wings to my friends.

Many thanks for Simon & Schuster for our ARC of this stunning novel.