Archer's Goon review book cover
Book Reviews

Archer’s Goon | Book Review

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

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

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

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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The Boy I Am review book cover
Book Reviews

The Boy I Am | Young Adult Book Review

By K.L. Kettle (published by Little Tiger)

No. Focus on the Chancellor. I bow, full charm turned up, squeezing down the fear in my gut. This is about you, Vik.

The Chancellor’s sweet, slow tones offer her reserve. “One merit,” she says.

The silence is loud enough: no one’s going to outbid her.

I think the woman I’m meant to kill may have just saved my life.

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March 2021 review round-up book covers
Book Reviews

Libraries 4 Schools 2021 Review Round-Up 1

So many brilliant books have been published in the last six months, and a lot by new and exciting authors, which is always great to see!

We’ve decided that the best way for us to keep you up to date is to do a round-up of titles we’ve recently read, so you can get a quick idea of what you might like to add to your school or home library.

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A Secret of Birds and Bone review cover
Book Reviews

A Secret of Birds and Bone | Review

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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Night Bus Hero cover review
Book Reviews

The Night Bus Hero | Book Review

By Onjali Q. Raúf (published by Orion Children’s Books, an imprint of Hachette Children’s Group)

I waited for him to shout and scream. But he didn’t. Instead, he took off his yellow hat and his shoulders began to shake. That was how I knew that he was crying.

‘How could you do that?’ asked a voice from behind me.

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Christmas carol picture book
Book Reviews

A Christmas Carol | Picture Book Review

Retold by Kristina Stephenson and illustrated by Hoang Giang (published by Puffin Books)

“I bring you a warning,” replied Marley. “Tonight, you will be visited by three spirits. Listen to what they tell you, Ebenezer, for each of them means to help you.”

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Valley of Lost Secrets review
Book Reviews

The Valley of Lost Secrets | Book Review

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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