The Final year is a story based on the last year of primary school- Year 6. This book is great for children who are about to start Year 6 or who are about to start secondary school because you can relate to what you did in year 6.
For me, every page in this book made me reminisce because I’ve just left Year 6.
“I give this book 5 out of 5 as it is written in verse and truly reflects the dilemmas and issues linked with the final year at primary school.”
Oliver (11)
The main character is a boy called Nate who is about to start his final year at primary school. However, for the first time since nursery, Nate and his best friend are in different classes. His world is turned inside out when his friend then develops a friendship with the school bully. This is made worse when Nate’s brother is rushed to hospital. This story is full of SATs and friendship worries. Will Nate find another friend within his new class? Will he tame the beast inside?
I give this book 5 out of 5 as it is written in verse and truly reflects the dilemmas and issues linked with the final year at primary school.
One of our lovely team of kid book reviewers, 11 year old Niamh, has gathered together her top 24 books of the year in a wonderful Review Crew Advent Calendar!
There is a great range of books, suitable for ages 5 through to teen. So enjoy Niamh’s wonderful reviews and illustrations, and if you like what you read, they’re all available to buy on this page (worldwide shipping available).
Finding Wonder is a brilliant book and it should definitely be on your to-read list!
The story is about a girl called Roo. After the unexpected death of her father, she moves into a wee caravan with her Aunt Joni. Then something extraordinary happens, she discovers that before his death, her father bought a winning lottery ticket.
“My favourite character has to be Aunt Joni as she gives a warm, calming feel to the book.”
Aysha (12)
Deciding to spend the money on something she loves, when Roo sees that her favorite horse, Wonder Boy has gone on the market, she decides to buy the horse. However, before she can collect Wonder, the horse goes missing and within weeks, more famous horses go missing.
Roo and her Aunt Joni decide to investigate. Will they find Wonder Boy and the other horses?
I think this book is for ages 9+. I adored reading this mystery. My favourite character has to be Aunt Joni as she gives a warm, calming feel to the book.
On the afternoon that Cass’ older sister is due to be married, her life is changed forever. Caught up in a chase for a thief, she is introduced to a world of knights. What she doesn’t initially realise, however, is that the knight who helps her rescue her stolen item is not the man she presumes it to be. Instead, her rescuer is a woman.
This discovery welcomes her into a sisterhood of knights, as she is brought back to a grand manor, where women are living together, training in the arts of knighthood. Her choice to stay with these knights and learn their trade, rather than return to her family, and soon be betrothed to a stranger, alters the trajectory of her life immeasurably. Cass learns more about herself and her capabilities, revelling in her newfound strength and freedom, and enjoying liberties that would not be afforded to her in the world outside of the sanctity of the manor. However, old tensions are rising, and Cass and the sisterhood must fight to maintain the fragile peace they have secured.
“I would undoubtedly recommend this book, especially if you are a lover of fantasy, retellings, female friendships, glorious battles, and historical feuds.”
Farrah (17)
Laura Bates has crafted a fabulous tale of female friendships and strength, incorporating elements of Arthurian legend alongside this unique story. The reader is afforded the privilege of watching Cass unlearn the lies she has been fed by society, about herself and women’s roles, and we see her grow into a brave, independent woman, with a strong sense of justice. Sisters of Sword and Shadow explores the medieval society of King Arthur, but focuses instead on the ‘Sisterhood of the Silk Knights’. It is laced with social and political commentary, with discussions and depictions of grief, and there is particular emphasis placed on female autonomy, and the treatment of women within this deeply patriarchal society. Many of the conversations Bates skilfully interweaves remain relevant today.
I would undoubtedly recommend this book, especially if you are a lover of fantasy, retellings, female friendships, glorious battles, and historical feuds. I loved the depictions of the characters, and how they felt like real, nuanced, fleshed-out people, rather than just archetypes. It is an absorbing, fast-paced story, that you should definitely add to your bookshelves.
Set in a beautiful summer in the 1930s, Bea, who has grown up rallying against patriarchal conventions of the time, has been sent to stay with her uncle in Italy, in an attempt from her parents to make her more ‘respectable’ and ‘ladylike’, and thus prepared for marriage. Little do they know that they have instead sent Bea into the heart of a bohemian household, where she will be exposed to, and encouraged to interact with art, romance and self-expression.
“A Much Ado About Nothing retelling, this book will have you glued to your seat as you read it in one sitting. . .I hope you read this book and fall in love with it too.”
Farrah (17)
However, Bea’s idyllic bubble is not immune from the influences of fascism and patriotism that were especially prevalent, and gaining traction in the social and political climate of the 1930s.
Bea’s epic summer allows her to further explore her love for science, and provides her with a forum to exist with autonomy, outside of the confines of the patriarchal society she is normally subjected to. She is afforded breathing space, and as the reader, we watch Bea come into her own, and affirm who she is as an individual, rather than what society, and her parents, wish her to be. She experiences a joyful and lively summer romance, which only adds to plot of this wonderful novel, but above all, this book centres around Beatrice’s growth as the hero of her own story, as she learns more about herself and the world she lives in.
A Much Ado About Nothing retelling, this book will have you glued to your seat as you read it in one sitting. Impossible to put down, Under a Dancing Star contained all of my favourite ingredients, from the marvellous character development and strong friendships, to the delicious feasts, vibrant setting, adventurous escapades and even more. Wood vividly describes all of the places Beatrice encounters, making the experience feel tangible, as though you were there alongside her. Having read several of Laura Wood’s novels, this one certainly affirms her place as one of my favourite authors. I hope you read this book and fall in love with it too.
Tapper Watson and the Quest for the Nemo Machine is a thrilling adventure through space by Claire Fayers, who’s best known for the Accidental Pirates book series. It is illustrated by the brilliant Becka Moor who has drawn some of my favourite books like the Mickey and the Animal Spies trilogy and the Libby series.
The story features Tapper, a boy from the planet Eris who has been sent to space by his uncle. He is accompanied by Argo and Belladonna who are there to look after him. On an unplanned trip to Earth, they meet Fern Shakespeare, her dad and a talking plant called Morse.
“It’s so imaginative and funny. I absolutely adored how Claire Fayers created so many planets in this book, and who wouldn’t love a book with lobster mobsters and talking plants?!”
Niamh (11)
When Mr Shakespeare loses his memory, Tapper and the others must travel to outer space on an adventure to find the mysterious Nemo Machine to restore his memory, but it isn’t easy doing so when you’re being chased by two lobster mobsters armed with ray guns that turn you into stone!
Tapper Watson and the Quest for the Nemo Machine is a brilliant, unique story full of twists and non-stop excitement. I love this book because it’s so imaginative and funny. I absolutely adored how Claire Fayers created so many planets in this book, and who wouldn’t love a book with lobster mobsters and talking plants?!
I particularly enjoyed the exciting chase scenes through space, my heart was pounding I was so excited reading it! I also liked the Greek Mythology names (e.g Scylla) and references.
This book is ideal for people who love space adventures, imaginative characters and thrilling twists!
Perfect for fans of: The Peanut Jones series by Rob Biddulph.
I think everyone should get to read this Fantabulous book (that is not a word I use often).
“I absolutely loved this book. It taught me so much about World War II and stuff you don’t get taught at school.”
Aysha (12)
Nancy suddenly finds herself working for a girl’s school in Stanbrook where she encounters a girl named Sidney about her age who has just moved here. They are positive that something is going on in the stables with Mr Armitage, the owner of the house and Miss Taylor, a sports car driver. As Nancy and Sidney explore the house, they discover even more secrets and shocking news. Can they figure out what they are planning before it is too late?
I absolutely loved this book. It taught me so much about World War II and stuff you don’t get taught at school.
This book includes World War II, Mystery + Detective.
I think this book is suitable for ages 11 upwards.
This book is Katie Kirby’s fourth book in the Lottie Brooks series and doesn’t disappoint. Filled with her usual humour and catastrophic storyline, it was a book which entertained me throughout.
“Lottie Brooks never fails to help me see that my life is far more stable than hers.”
Emily (13)
Lottie Brooks is a twelve-year old girl who stumbles through her teenage years with the help of her friends and hamsters. This time the novel is based around Lottie going on a residential trip to Camp Firefly with her class. Separated from her best friend, Lottie attempts to challenge herself by abseiling, raft building and walking along a sensory trail blindfolded. This story is full of friendship dramas with hilarious consequences. Lottie has to also navigate around the mean girls from a private school who are also staying at Camp Firefly as well as suffer the outcome from having her diary read out loud.
Lottie Brooks never fails to help me see that my life is far more stable than hers. A great book for 11 years and up if you like laugh out loud storylines. A must read for anyone about to embark on a school residential trip with their classmates.
Alessandra is the second daughter of a wealthy man. This means that she has been overlooked her whole life. Her older sister has always been the one to go to balls and have boys fall in love with her.
One day she convinces her father to let her attend the ball of the Shadow King. The King has never let anyone touch him however no one knows why. Alessandra is convinced she will be able to seduce and marry the king. Then, kill him in order to claim the kingdom. However, she does not take into consideration that her feelings might just get in the way.
“I was hesitant at first when I read the blurb…however, Levenseller manages to hook the reader by keeping the suspense running all the way to the end. Overall, I loved this book.”
Tegan (16)
I was hesitant at first when I read the blurb, as it sounded like the average stereotypical enemies to lovers. However, Levenseller manages to hook the reader by keeping the suspense running all the way to the end. You learn to have mixed feelings about Alessandra but in the end, I just ended up feeling sorry for her. She thought the only way to gain her Father’s respect was to murder the king. And when she starts to develop feelings, she feels as though she cannot disclose this to him.
Overall, I loved this book. The characters develop throughout the book in positive ways. The Shadow King learns that he can’t shut people out and Alessandra learns she can’t shut out her feelings.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a simple read and enjoys the stories of enemies to lovers. It is not for young readers however, as it does have graphic scenes and also sexual scenes.
Helen Peter’s novel, Friends and Traitors, is a thrilling and fast-paced story which kept me turning the pages from start to finish.
“Who will listen to a servant and a schoolgirl with an overactive imagination?…I found this story incredibly engaging. The plot was full of twists and turns as their adventure develops.”
Emily (13)
Set during World War Two in the 1940s, the main character is a teenage evacuee called Sydney whose boarding school is evacuated to a large stately house in the countryside. Sydney is a loner and makes friends with a maid called Nancy and together they unwittingly uncover a secret Nazi plan which would threaten the security of Britain and their chances of winning the war. But who will listen to a servant and a schoolgirl with an overactive imagination? And will the girls succeed in alerting the authorities to the revealed traitors top secret plot?
I found this story incredibly engaging. The plot was full of twists and turns as their adventure develops. I would recommend this book for 10-year-olds and up particularly if you enjoy war and mystery stories.
