Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun by Tọlá Okogwu, reviewed by Mia

When Onyeka discovers she has a superpower, her life changes immediately.

Not only is her superpower one of the things that has always caused problems and stress – her uncontrollable hair of curls, coils and kinks – but she has to return to her place of birth – Nigeria. This is a place which exists only in her dreams, because her mother, Tọ́pẹ́, never speaks about it, or her father. Onyeka has so much she wants to know about both.

Such an exciting story about finding your inner strength and discovering who you are. I’m so excited that there are more books to come…

Mia


In the middle of Nigeria is The Academy of The Sun, a a place where children just like Onyeka (called Solari) train their powers. With her mother out looking for her father, Onyeka is left trying to control her power (called Ike), but when a threat to the Solari comes, it’s up to Onyeka and her new friends to help. But is the place that’s protecting them actually the thing they should be running from? 


Such an exciting story about finding your inner strength and discovering who you are. Five stars from me! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I’m so excited that there are more books to come in the series, and that this is to be made into a film! 

The Wondrous Prune by Ellie Clements, reviewed by Mia E

After Prune’s Grandparents die, she moves to their old house with her mum and brother.

This means a new town and a new school, where a group of mean girls (the Vile-lets) bully her and her new friends. All these changes come with big feelings, and with them, Prune starts to see clouds of beautiful colours. Prune loves to draw and carries her sketchbook everywhere. One day she draws a hot air balloon and wishes so much that it would take her away – to her amazement it comes to life!

Prune has always loved superheroes and their powers. She always wished she had a power like them. When she realises she does, it turns out to be more shocking than she thought.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked that it wasn’t just about superpowers, it was about how her feelings affected them.

I liked how Prune became stronger and told her teacher about the bullying.

I like that she tells her mum and brother about her powers, although her mum is worried that it is dangerous.

I love that she chooses The Wondrous Prune as her superhero name. Even though some people had picked on her unusual name, she is proud of being Prune.

I’d like to know what Prune does next, how her powers can be used, and who else might have powers (like the boy on the bus.)

Amelia Fang and The Barbaric Ball by Laura Ellen Anderson, reviewed by Mia and mum Kate

Mia says:
Amelia is a vampire with a cute pet pumpkin, Squashy. Her friends include a Yeti and a Grim Reaper.Amelia, Florence and Grimaldi have been brought up with terrifying tales of Angel Kittens, glitter, and Unicorns!In this first book, Amelia’s parents host their boring annual Barbaric Ball. The King finally makes an appearance, but brings along the spoilt Prince Tangine.Will he be a friend or foe?
There are seven books in the series plus a WBD book. I enjoyed them so much that I’ve read them all six times! I love the illustrations, adventures and characters. It’s funny and quite gross!
I’ve just got my copy of Laura Ellen Anderson’s new book, Rainbow Grey, which I’ve already started and cannot wait to review!


Mum Kate says:I love the twist on the stories they are told, instilling in them a fear of kittens, glitter and unicorns. We discussed how silly this seemed and how easy it can be to believe things we are told, but which aren’t necessarily true. Amongst all the fun and gross stuff, there’s a lovely theme of friendship and acceptance.

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!
Mum Kate reviews books with Mia as the_inkdrinkers_library on Instagram.

About the book

A GORGEOUSLY GOTHIC, WICKEDLY FUNNY NEW SERIES FROM WITCH WARS ILLUSTRATOR LAURA ELLEN ANDERSON

Welcome to the world of Nocturnia, where darkness reigns supreme, glitter is terrifying, and unicorns are the stuff of nightmares! Amelia Fang would much rather hang out with her pet pumpkin Squashy and her friends Florence the yeti (DON’T CALL HER BEAST!) and Grimaldi the reaper than dance at her parents’ annual Barbaric Ball. And when the King’s spoiled son Tangine captures Squashy, Amelia and her friends must escape the party to plan a daring rescue! In their race against time, they begin to realise things in Nocturnia may not be quite what they seem … Join Amelia on her very first adventure. She won’t bite!

This gloriously ghostly new series from the creator of EVIL EMPEROR PENGUIN is perfect for 7-9 year olds and fans of THE WORST WITCH and WITCH WARS. Amelia Fang is a modern Wednesday Addams – but much more loveable!