Category: Age 9+

Maggie Blue and the Dark World by Anna Goodall, reviewed by Tegan

This book took me a few chapters to get in to but once I was hooked, I couldn’t put the book down. The book follows a girl called Maggie who sees another girl being kidnapped by a wolf and taken into another world. She really likes the girl, Ida, and decides to go into the world and get her back.

This books is good for twelve and under because of the type of story it is and the language in the book. However, older readers are obviously able to read this and enjoy the story. The tale reminds me of a mixture of Stranger Things and other sci-fi stories. Maggie is also part of the LGBTQ community, she doesn’t like boys and likes Ida.

I enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it to anyone who likes mystery, other worlds, and science fiction. I hope that a sequel comes out because the end made me wanting to read more. 

Hi, my name is Tegen and I am fourteen years old. I enjoy reading book genres like fantasy, crime and adventure. Some of my favourite authors are Holly Black, Alice Oseman, Stephen King and John Green. My other interests include playing chess, horse riding and writing. My favourite quote from a book is ‘that’s the thing about pain, it demands to be felt’ from the fault in our stars.’ 

About the book:

A thrilling tale of friendship and courage – Maggie Blue, strongwilled and isolated, sees her enemy from school taken through a window to a parallel world by one of their teachers and determines to follow, whatever the cost. With the help of irascible cat, Hoagy, they discover a world where happiness is being stolen – and they must do everything they can not to be caught up in its web of destruction.  

Maggie Blue is an outsider, both at home and at school. She lives with her eccentric aunt Esme, and has no friends other than the irascible Hoagy, a stray cat who can talk to her. When Magge sees Ida, her foe from school, being taken through a window to another world by one of their teachers who has transformed into a wolf, she is determined to save her, whatever the cost. But the dark world is full of danger, a place where happiness is valued above all else, and Maggie discovers that her role is far more important than anyone could have guessed. A thrilling and gripping tale of friendship, courage and the power of being yourself.

The Wild Before by Piers Torday, reviewed by Catherine

A ‘Terribleness’ has struck. Little-Hare is the only one who can save his world from devastation… or is he? With the help of his sister, Run-Hare, and an eager group of farm animal offspring, the planet might be in for a chance. But is a chance enough to save Mooncalf, the silver cow who is fading away like the sun on the horizon?

The Wild Before is a beautiful story about friendship, courage and climate change. It proves that you don’t need to be big to be brave and that every action you take has an impact on something. It’s interesting how Little-Hare was always shadowed by his older sister, so after he found Mooncalf he started to exist more as ‘Little-Hare’ as opposed to ‘Run-Hare’s brother’.

This book has wonderful descriptions of the countryside that make you feel like you’re one of the characters fighting Mooncalf’s plague. It’s really sweet that when Little-Hare discovers Mooncalf he promises that he will take care of her, even though he’s just a young hare.

The Wild Before is the prequel to The Last Wild trilogy which features Kester Jaynes, the boy who can talk to animals, and I think they sound really good. If you haven’t read them then reading this book will almost definitely make you want to add them to your reading list.

I like animals, playing with my sister, and all types of books. I also love playing football, going on walks and identifying birds. My favourite species of bird is a firecrest because I love the orange stripe on their heads.

About the book:

Can one hare alone change the world? The captivating animal adventure destined to be loved by readers of all ages. A stunning hardback edition from the bestselling, much-loved author, Piers Torday.

One stormy, snowy night, a pure silver calf is born on an ordinary muddy farm by the light of the moon. This is the legendary Mooncalf, whose arrival has been foretold since the dawn of time.

According to a dream passed down from animal to animal, if the calf dies, a great Terribleness will come – rising seas, a plague, skies raining down fire, the end of all things… and Little Hare vows to persuade all the animals to protect Mooncalf, whatever the cost.

But it’s easier said than done, and soon Little Hare realises that he is the only one who can save the world…

A stunning prequel to the award-winning, bestselling The Last Wild trilogy, touching on timely themes of climate change, friendship, and above all, hope.

All the Money in the World by Sarah Moore Fitzgerald, reviewed by Abi

All the Money in the World focuses on fifteen-year-old Penny and her struggle to remain true to herself following a life-changing event. Penny lives in a small, damp flat, a modern-day tenement in a once grand house that has seen better days. Struggling to cope with the grind of consistent poverty, bullied at school because of her socio-economic status, Penny wishes for more. And that wish comes true when a new friendship and a huge sum of money suddenly enter her life.

This is a timely story for readers of all ages, especially in a country facing an ongoing housing crisis, where the right to a home can no longer be taken for granted. Penny is a wonderful character, flawed and fallible but wonderfully empathetic, and inspiring in her resilience.

While there is a moral at the heart of the story – who you is what matters, not what you have or don’t have – the author never falls into the trap of preaching to her readers, offering instead and realistic and resonant account of what happens when a teenager’s dreams seem to come true. Compelling and extremely readable, this new story from an already accomplished author will stay with the reader long after the last page is read.

I have two sisters, both are younger than me (I’m the oldest child). I’ve lived in Brighton and Hove my whole life. I live with both of my parents and siblings. I have 6 cats which can be very stressful at times. When I’m older I want to become an English teacher, I want to inspire young people to follow their dreams.

About the book

One day you’re broke. The next, you have all the money in the world. What would you do? A gripping, timely story about cold, hard cash and little white lies for fans of Jenny Valentine, Siobhan Dowd and Lara Williamson.

Fifteen-year-old Penny longs for something better. Better than a small, damp flat. Better than her bullying classmates and uninterested teachers. Better than misery and poverty day in day out. 

An unlikely friendship and a huge sum of money promise a whole lot of new chances for Penny, and she realises that not only can she change her life, she can change herself . 

But at what cost?

Perfect for readers of 10+.

‘If you have a child between the ages of 9 and 13, and they’re not reading Sarah Moore Fitzgerald’s work, you’re missing a trick. Her latest book is laced with her trademark compassion and kindness, as well as being a cracking good read on privilege, wealth and identity. Not to be missed.’ Louise O’Neill, Irish Examiner

A Glasshouse of Stars by Shirley Marr, reviewed by Leontine

Three ways to describe this book are: heart-warming, beautiful and inspiring.

At first it was a bit confusing as the style of writing the author, Shirley Marr, used was one I hadn’t come across before. But I soon got used to it and started to really enjoy the story.

Meixing Lim ( the main character) had very strong and relatable feelings that I thought fitted into the story perfectly. The characters were amazing! Like Meixing they were also very realistic, with really well thought out personalities.

It’s a story bursting with big feelings about the life of a girl moving to a new land. 

It’s a sad story but also (like I said before) heart- warming with a satisfying ending.

I didn’t know what to expect as it wasn’t like the books I read most of the time and for the same reason I wasn’t sure I would like it, I was definitely proven wrong.

An unforgettable story.

My name is Leontine, I’m 10 years old and I live in Hove with my French mum, my Italian dad and my annoying little brother, who is 7 years old. I love reading books especially books about adventure, magic, myths and mysteries. I also enjoy reading comics with my brother.

About the book

Meixing Lim and her family have arrived in the New Land to begin a New Life. Everything is scary and different. Their ever-changing house is confusing and she finds it hard to understand the other children at school. Yet in her magical glasshouse, with a strange black-and-white cat, Meixing finds a place to dream.

But then Meixing’s life comes crashing down in unimaginable ways. Only her two new and unexpected friends can help. By being brave together, they will learn how to make the stars shine brighter. 

A Glasshouse of Stars is based on the author’s childhood and beautifully illustrates the importance of friendship, kindness and love.

 “Told in a unique second-person narrative, this is an exceptionally beautiful and lyrical debut, based on the author’s own experiences”. Picked as Editor’s Choice by Fiona Noble in her June Bookseller previews.

“Heart-twisting and hopeful, bursting with big feelings and gentle magic.” Jessica Townsend, New York Times bestselling author of the Nevermoor series

“A rare and beautiful masterpiece; deeply heartfelt, dreamily magical, and glitteringly hopeful. I adored it!” Sophie Anderson, bestselling author of The House with Chicken Legs

The Three Impossibles by Susie Bower, reviewed by Malia

This is a gripping story, deliciously dark yet fairytale like. Mim is a brilliant character – she is strong and brave, independent and likeable. The storyline moves fast enough to keep you interested and reads beautifully with well written descriptive language. A great book to gift and read.
My name is Malia. I am in year nine at school and have just chosen my GSCE options. My favourite subject at school is English, this is because I really enjoy reading and writing, my favourite book as a child was “The Little Book of Big Words”. My favourite birthday present this year was my kindle, my current obsession is the “After” series by Anna Todd. I don’t have a favourite author as I enjoy reading books by lots of different authors. I would like to be a primary school teacher when I am older and would like to specialise in English with a keen interest in children’s literature. 
My favourite bookshop is The Book Nook, Hove as they are always well stocked with lots of different books (their cafe is quite good too). 

About the book

Mim grew up surrounded by secrets. On the day she was born, her mother died and a mysterious curse was cast on her family. Ever since, she’s been isolated in a walled castle, forbidden from venturing to the Outside. 

But Mim has never been able to stop asking questions – and when her father enlists the suspicious Madame Marionette to train her in the art of being a princess, her curiosity only gets more intense. Determined to understand, Mim sets out on an epic adventure in which she will break all the rules, encounter strange creatures and use all her cunning to solve impossible problems. But will it be enough to bring happiness back to the lonely castle on the rock?

The Weather Weaver by Tamsin Mori, reviewed by Thijs

This is a brilliant book. A very exciting, magical adventure.
I am 10 years old and in year 5 at school. My favourite subject is PE. I like all sports but my favourites are rugby and cricket. I play both of those for local teams. I enjoy reading, especially books by MGLeonard, Roald Dahl and Vashti Hardy. I also love the Harry Potter series. I like gardening and being outside, I have a bug box and a microscope to study things with. When we have to stay indoors, I like playing board games and card games.                                            

The Book Nook staff verdict

A story that grabs you by the hand and spins you along, with magic that wraps you up and warms you along the way. Stella is fierce and wears all her emotions on her sleeve. A reluctant adventurer who doesn’t always get things right but whose heart is firmly in the right place. Perfect for fans of the Storm Keeper’s Island, this book is a fantastic adventure. Wise, touching and full of surprises. We loved it. 

About the book

What if you could befriend a cloud? What weather would you choose? What if the weather matched itself to your mood, whether you wanted it to, or not?

11-year-old Stella has returned home to Shetland to spend the summer with her Grandpa, but it’s nothing like she remembers. Grandpa is lost in his grief for Gran, the island is bleak and Stella feels trapped, until she encounters an old woman, Tamar, who can spin rainbows and call hurricanes.

With the help of Nimbus, a feisty young storm cloud, Stella begins to learn the craft of weather weaving. But when her cloud brain-fogs Grandpa and The Haken (a sea witch) starts to close in, she realises that magic comes with big responsibilities. It will take all her heart and courage to face the coming storm…THE WEATHER WEAVER is essentially a Moana tale for Shetland; a coming of age story, intertwined with island myths and hidden magic. At its heart, the novel tackles the following themes: independence, the meaning of home, and the fallibility of grown-ups.

The Secret Detectives by Ella Risbridger, reviewed by Aysha

The Secret Detectives is one of my favourite books to date as it’s very well written. . This book is about a girl called Isobel Petty who is on a mail ship going fro, India to England with another girl called Lettie Hartington-Davis. On the journey, Isobel meets up with a boy called San Khan and they see something they shouldn’t have. They work secretly to find the culprit and slowly Lettie joins them too. They get notes from a mystery person telling them to go away. will they go away or do Isobel, Lettie and Sam need to see who was the behind the plot before it’s too late?

I really liked this book as it is a murder, adventure and mystery story. I would recommend this book for children 9+ maybe 10.

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Hello my name is Aysha and I’m 10 years old. I love reading, sports and baking. The book I’m reading is Nevermoor The Trials of Morrigan Crow. I like to read mystery and adventure books. I play two instruments the piano and the tenor horn which I enjoy. In my spare time I like to draw. 

About the book

A gripping, beautifully written historical mystery, from an incredible new voice in children’s fiction.

The body seemed to fall for a long time. There was no splash, or if there was it was lost in the waves. Isobel was frozen to the spot for a moment – and then her common sense caught up with her, and she stepped back quickly into the shadows.

When Isobel Petty is orphaned, she finds herself being taken away from her home in India and sent to live with a distant uncle in England. On board the S.S. Marianna, she witnesses a shocking act – somebody being thrown overboard in the middle in the night. But when the ship’s captain insists that nobody is missing, Isobel and her two new reluctant friends must solve two mysteries – the identities of both the murderer and the victim – before they reach England and the culprit has the chance to escape.

Inspired by The Secret Garden and the golden age of crime writing, The Secret Detectives is perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and Katherine Rundell.

“A thoroughly entertaining mystery and a heartening story of friendship. I loved it.” – Katherine Woodfine, author of The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow

The Nightsilver Promise by Annaliese Avery, Reviewed by Callum

I found (The Nightsilver Promise) to be an engaging book with an intricate story. Its about a girl called Paisley Fitzwilliams who is trying to find her mother after she goes missing. The story is set in a mystical world that puts it aside from other fantasy fiction books as it is set in a parallel version of Modern day London. Overall I found this book to be unique and easy to follow while at the same time having a complex plot and story.

Callum Newman age 12

I have lived in Hove all my life and I am 12 years old and started in year 7 at Kings School in Sept 2020. I have a few long term hobbies that I do locally, these are karate and climbing. I love reading, especially thrillers and science fiction but I am also happy to read general fiction. One of my favourite books is The Explorer by Katherine Rundell and I also really enjoyed Wonder and Oggie and Me by RJ Palacio and I am about to start reading Terry Pratchett (The Colour of Magic). I have found reading has helped me with any writing I do both inside and outside school. 

About the book

An epic, fate-fighting adventure like no other. A stunningly imagined new series, destined to be a classic.

In a re-imagined world, the Empire of Albion is ruled by science.

Everyone’s destiny is pre-determined by a track of stars on their wrist, and 13-year-old Paisley Fitzwilliam discovers that her fate is to die before her fourteenth year.

But when her mother goes missing and is presumed dead; there is nobody left to protect her Dragon Touched brother Dax.

So begins a breath-taking adventure through Floating Boroughs, a vault guarded by Dragon Walkers, and the dark sewers of lower London.

To save her brother, Paisley must unlock an ancient secret that will not only defy her stars, but will change the course of history forever . . .

For fans of Nevermoor and Philip Pullman.

A cinematic Game of Thrones Jnr for middle grade.

“Destiny, science, stars, and a sprinkle of magic.” – Vashti Hardy, author of Brightstorm”A smart, original, fantasy adventure.” – Dominique Valente, author of Starfell 

The Three Impossibles by Susie Bower, reviewed by Sophie

First of all, I’ll try to give away NO spoilers. I didn’t know what to expect from this book. I wondered what one of the impossible tasks would be-perhaps it would be to never eat chocolate again! (Dun, dun, duun!) No spoilers but…. that’s not it. 

This book is impossibly amazing (get it?) The characters are unique and special in a loveably um… well characterish way. (Cool made-up word there!) My favourite part is the unexpected twist at the end – WHAT HAPPENS? I promised you no spoilers soooo……, well, no spoilers. Read it for yourself!

My name is Sophie and I am 9. I live in Essex with my family: my younger brother and sister, mum and dad and not forgetting my 10 month old hamster. As well as reading I enjoy lots of other things. Some of my hobbies are reading, writing, drawing, playing the violin, drama, swimming and gymnastics. At school I am in year 4. My favourite lessons are art, music, drama, ICT and English. My not-so-favourite lessons are maths, science, history and geography. 

About the book

Mim grew up surrounded by secrets. On the day she was born, her mother died and a mysterious curse was cast on her family. Ever since, she’s been isolated in a walled castle, forbidden from venturing to the Outside. 

But Mim has never been able to stop asking questions – and when her father enlists the suspicious Madame Marionette to train her in the art of being a princess, her curiosity only gets more intense. Determined to understand, Mim sets out on an epic adventure in which she will break all the rules, encounter strange creatures and use all her cunning to solve impossible problems. But will it be enough to bring happiness back to the lonely castle on the rock?

Antigua de Fortune of the High Seas by Anna Rainbow and Oli Hyatt, reviewed by Mia

Antigua, or Tiggy to her friends, is the daughter of an officer. She’s expected to stay on land, wear dresses, and fear the sea, but all she really wants to do is to explore the ocean. 

The Pirate King comes and kidnaps all the boys, including her little brother Diego.  Tiggy sets out with her friend Marina and a crew of old pirates to rescue the stolen boys of Haven, discovering some secrets about herself along the way. 

I really like Tiggy’s determination. She’s not always confident that her plan will work, but she bravely gives it a go anyway. The crew work together well and have great friendships.

This is an exciting pirate story, with magical and mythical creatures and I really hope there will be more adventures! 
🌟🌟🌟🌟

Hello! My name is Mia, I am 8 and live in Harrogate. I like writing stories and drawing pictures. I am a Brownie and also help with Rainbows. I enjoy performing, and have dance, piano and mandarin lessons. Obviously I absolutely love reading!

About the book

A magical, thrilling pirate adventure: fun, fantastical and totally unputdownable! Tiggy has always had the ocean in her blood – and lately, she’s been dreaming of mermaids – but she’s a high-born girl on the Isle of Fortune, forced to wear dresses, attend balls and (worst of all) comb her wild curls.

But then the Pirate King strikes, wielding deadly turquoise magic, and Tiggy’s younger brother is stolen – along with every boy on the island.

Tiggy knows it is time to claim her destiny, take to the high seas and rescue the boys of Fortune …

A spellbinding, hugely exciting pirate adventure: fun, feminist, classic in feel and totally unputdownable.

Perfect for fans of Pirates of the Caribbean!Oli is co-founder and executive producer at Blue Zoo, a BAFTA-winning film animation company – bringing a brilliantly cinematic and visual feel to Antigua de Fortune.