Tag: family

Zeina Starborn Sky Whale review
Book Reviews

Zeina Starborn and the Sky Whale | Review

Lynda

By Hannah Durkan (published by Hachette Children’s Group)

‘Who … Who are you?’

This made Zeina bristle. He had seen her just as many times as she had seen him and yet he had no idea who she was. This was just like Aboves; people like Zeina were merely part of the scenery – completely forgettable.

‘Who am I? NOBODY, that’s who!’ She knew she could get into trouble for talking to him this way. After all, he was technically her father’s employer.

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The Life and Time of Lonny Quicke review book cover
Book Reviews

The Life and Time of Lonny Quicke | Book Review

Kim

By Kirsty Applebaum (published by Nosy Crow, 2021)

But it was only a rabbit. It’ll shorten a few days from me, a week at the most. Talents like this don’t come free, you know. There’s always a price.

Give a bit of life, lose a bit of life.

That’s how it goes.

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Monsters of Rookhaven review book cover
Book Reviews

The Monsters of Rookhaven | Book Review

Kim

Written by Pádraig Kenny and illustrated by Edward Bettison (published by Macmillan Children’s Books)

She slowed down as she reached the yawning opening to her left that led down into the bowels of the house. She crept towards it, one eye on the incline that led deep into the dark. She fought the urge to whisper, ‘Piglet.’ She remembered the words Uncle Enoch and the others were so fond of using.

Piglet is dangerous.

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Archer's Goon review book cover
Book Reviews

Archer’s Goon | Book Review

Kim

By Diana Wynne Jones (published by Harper Collins Children’s Books)

“Who is Archer?” said Howard.

The Goon shrugged his huge shoulders. “Archer farms this part of town. Your dad pays, Archer doesn’t make trouble.” He grinned, almost sweetly, and sucked the last bit of bread off the point of his knife. “Got trouble now. Got me.”

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August 2021 review round-up book covers
Book Reviews

Libraries 4 Schools 2021 Review Round-Up 3

Lynda

Looking for something to read this bank holiday weekend? We’ve got you covered, in our most recent review round-up! A great selection of books for older and younger readers, we’ve got something for everyone!

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When Life Gives You Mangoes review
Book Reviews

When Life Gives You Mangoes | Book Review

Kim

By Kereen Getten (published by Pushkin Children’s Books)

‘I get caught because you always make me go,’ I reply angrily.

‘How would you know? You don’t remember.’

‘I remember everything that happened yesterday and last week and last month.’

She faces me head-on, hands on hips. ‘Do you really not remember what happened last summer, Clara, or are you pretending for attention?’

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May 2021 review round-up book covers
Book Reviews

Libraries 4 Schools 2021 Review Round-Up 2

Lynda

Welcome to our most recent review round-up, where we take a quick look at just some of the books you might like to add to your school or personal bookshelves. And what a great selection we have for you!

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A Secret of Birds and Bone review cover
Book Reviews

A Secret of Birds and Bone | Review

Kim

By Kiran Millwood Hargrave (published by Chicken House)

She checked her neck again, feeling for the clasp. She searched the front of her tunic, down her trouser legs, all the way to her shoes. Then she felt her neck again.

But she was not mistaken. There was no sign of the locket. It was gone.

It matters, Sofia. Keep it safe, always.

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Valley of Lost Secrets review
Book Reviews

The Valley of Lost Secrets | Book Review

Kim

By Lesley Parr (published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books)

‘One boy, I believe,’ Mr Bevan says.

One.

I think I might be really sick, properly sick, all over my shoes sick. I just want to go home.

I’m gripping Ronnie’s shoulder so tight I must be hurting him but he’s just watching her. Then the woman called Mrs Thomas looks at me and I get the same smile.

‘I’ve changed my mind, Ceri,’ she says. ‘We can make room for two.’

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October October book review
Book Reviews

October, October | Book Review

Kim

By Katya Balen, with illustrations by Angela Harding (published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books)

She wanted me to go to school and spend my weekends with her far away, but then when would I ever be wild and free and climb trees and scavenge for treasure and tell stories by a fire?

I don’t want her.

She’s not wild like we are.

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