Wednesday 26 July 2017

~Review~ What I Was by Meg Rosoff

*SPOILERS*

Title: What I was
Author: Meg Rosoff
Publisher: Penguin
Rating: 2/5


Unnamed narrator falls in love with a boy beside the beach
He goes to St. Oswald’s, a private school for boys, his third school. He skives class and goes down to the beach, where Finn, a mysterious boy with no past, is waiting for him. He feels safe there, and even starts to slowly fall in love with Finn.


What I think:
I gave What I was 2 stars because the middle is boring and the ending is totally unrealistic. The middle is just about the narrator skipping class and going to see Finn, every single day. It doesn’t even skip days, or weeks, just day after day after day of the exact same thing! *SPOILERS START HERE ~ STOP READING*  The ending isn’t believable, as everyone finds out  about him and Finn spending time together. Also Finn turns out to be a girl. Everyone accuses him of having sex with her, because they found clothes on the floor, when actually he got soaking wet in the sea, and had to change. Just because a 14 year old girl and 16 year old boy are spending time together doesn’t mean they’re having sex. A case opens up about this, which I find totally unrealistic. *SPOILER OVER.* Most of the reviews I read about it were saying how unbelievable it was and how boring it was, so I wasn’t expecting much.
I would read others again by Meg Rosoff, as I’ve heard it’s only What I was that was poor. Suitable for 13+, girls and boys.





Thursday 6 July 2017

~Review~ The Sinclair's Mysteries: The Painted Dragon by Katherine Woodfine

Title: The Sinclair's Mysteries: The Painted Dragon
Author: Katherine Woodfine
Number in Series: 3
Publisher: Egmont
Rating: 5/5

A priceless painting has been stolen from a new exhibition.


When Sophie and Lil find out about the missing painting, they decide to join in with the hunt. They are faced with fraud and shiftiness everywhere. Sophie and Lil team up with friends to unmask the villain and get The Painted Dragon painting back in it's rightful place! Sophie and Lil are brave and I couldn't do it because I'm not good at running away from dogs, or villains. 


What I think:

It's a very exciting story with great characterisation. Sophie, Lil and all their friends are easy to identify with, especially Leo, as she is wondering whether or not to stay on at her art school. You can read it as a stand-alone book or as part of the series. I'll definitely read books one and two in the series. 

Sunday 14 May 2017

~Review~ Hollow City by Ransom Riggs

Title; Hollow City
Author: Ransom Riggs
Number in Series: 2- 1) Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children,
3) Library of Souls
Publisher: Quirk
Rating: 5/5


The Adventure continues

Jacob Portman and his friends are fleeing from deadly monsters. They're trying to get to London to save Miss Peregrine, who is trapped in her bird form. In war torn London, amazing yet hideous surprises are everywhere. Can they help to find the cure for Miss Peregrine? And can Jacob decide where he belongs?

What I think:

I gave this books 5/5 because there's twists and turns, so it's really exciting! The photos are also in this book and I love looking through them. Great for boys and girls aged 12+

 

Saturday 6 May 2017

~Review~ What Not to do If You Turn Invisible by Ross Welford

Title: What Not to do If You Turn Invisible
Author: Ross Welford
Publisher: Harper Collins
Rating: 4/5


Ethel is invisible

She only meant to cure her acne, but after she finds out about a acne cure, Ethel accidently  turns invisible with help of a dodgy sun bed. Her family is broken - her mother died when she was little, her dad is no where to be found, Ethel's great granny is in a home and now she lives with her gran.  She goes on an adventure of discovery and friendship to find out who she is and help mend her family.

What I think:

I gave this book 4/5 because it was quite slow in the beginning, even though it's great later on. If you don't like slow starts, you might be put off reading further on.
It's interesting and for girls and boys aged 9 +

Monday 1 May 2017

~Review~ Ink by Alice Broadway

Title: Ink
Author: Alice Broadway
Publisher: Scholastic
Rating: 5/5



Leora has something to hide

In her community, every deed, every milestone is tattooed on you. You can read people, and see if they've lead happy lives or not. When a person dies, their skin is made into a book for the relatives to look at and so that they can remember them.
When Leora's dad dies, his skin book is held back so that the government can decide whether her dad is worth being a book. No one knows why, apart from her mum.
What's the secret? Has Leora's dad lead a good life?

What I think:

I think that this book is cleverly written and if it wasn't for the beautiful cover and interesting first page, I would probably wouldn't have read it. I could never put it down and it's fun to peek into a fantasy culture! Great for boys and girls aged 12+

Wednesday 29 March 2017

~Review~ Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Title: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
Author: Ransom Riggs
Number in series: 1
Publisher: Quirk
Rating: 5/5

A tragic event happened in the forest, to Jacob's grandfather

 
While clearing out his newly deceased grandfather's house, sixteen year old Jacob realises all the stories he heard growing were lies. The invisible boy?  The levitating girl? Lies. He decides to set out to Wales and find 'The Bird' his grandfather mentioned in his dying words.
What Jacob finds turns his world upside down. He'll never look at the stories as lies ever again.
 

What I think:

I thought this book was really original and unforgettable. The photos included in the book are amazing and a wonderful bonus. I would love to see the film and read the other books in the series (Hollow City, and Library of Souls). Great for girls and boys aged 12+
 
 
 
 
 
 

Saturday 25 March 2017

~Review~ The Bubble Boy by Stewart Foster


Title: The Bubble Boy
Author: Stewart Foster
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Rating: 5/5

Joe lives in a bubble

 
He has SCID, which means he gets ill easier than other people. He lives in a hospital, and he can't remember a life before he moved in. Guests are rare as they could bring fatal germs into his bubble. One day, a new nurse, who believes in aliens and craziness, steps into Joe's life and turns it upside down.
 

What I thought:

I thought The Bubble Boy was moving and exciting. You're always on edge whenever Joe gets ill, and you wonder what will happen next. I couldn't put this book down. Suitable for kids aged 10+

Saturday 18 March 2017

~Review~ Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Original Screenplay) by J.K Rowling


 Title: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Author: J.K Rowling
Publisher: Little Brown
Rating: 5/5

Newt Scamander has arrived in New York

When his magical case full of beasts is lost and some beasts escape, he is thrust into am adventure he'll never forget. With some friends helping him, will he be able to track down the mischevious beasts and to restore New York to normal?
 

What I think:

I think this script is really good, and I would like to see the film. I think it's exciting and fun! Suitable for everyone aged 8+
 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday 15 March 2017

~Review~ Swimming To The Moon by Jane Elson

Title: Swimming To The Moon
Author: Jane Elson
Publisher: Hodders Children
Rating: 5/5


Bee's life has been changed since Moon-Star started at her school.

A bendy tap dancing freak, Chrystal Kelly, has double dared her to enter a sponsored swim, but Bee can't swim, or back out. She has no idea what to do until Moon-Star comes into her life. They create a pact - Bee to teach Moon-Star how write and read, and Moon-Star to teach Bee how to swim. Will it be successful?
 

What I think:

 
I think this book is great, as it tells readers that they can overcome fears. Bee is scared of water and swimming, so it's relatable with lots of children. I found this book interesting and original. Great for kids aged 8+

Sunday 12 March 2017

~Review~ The Other Alice by Michelle Harrison

Title: The Other Alice
Author: Michelle Harrison
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Rating: 5/5

Midge's sister, Alice, has gone missing and instead of her, Tabitha, a talking cat has turned up

Midge has no idea of what's happening, so sets out to find out where his sister is and why characters from an unfinished story of Alice's are coming to his world. With Piper and Gypsy, can he find the truth and stop it from killing Alice? Every story has a villain, but can they all find her and return Midge's life to how it was before?

What I think:

This book is full of fairytales, magic, riddles and adventure. It shows how imagination has a powerful effect lives and how a story may stick with you forever. Great for everyone aged 9+

Tuesday 7 March 2017

~Review~ A Room Full of Chocolate by Jane Elson

Title: A Room Full of Chocolate
 Author: Jane Elson
 Publisher: Hodder
 Rating: 5/5

       Grace's mum has found a lump on herself

Grace doesn't want to stay with Granddad  while her mum is in hospital, and wants things to stay the same. But it can't . She must move away and make friends at her new school. Grace misses her mum so much, and it doesn't help mean Lucy Potts at school. When she meets Megan and her pig, Claude, her life gets a little bit better.

What I think:

This book made me cry, it was so sad. It's full of amazing characters, who you get to know as time goes on. Great for boys and girls aged 11+

Saturday 4 March 2017

~ Review~ A Sea of Stars by Kate Maryon


Title: A Sea of Stars
Author: Kate Maryon
Publisher: Harper Collins
Rating: 5/5

Maya's mother is overprotective

 
Maya's always wished for a sister and that she could go surfing and be with her friends on the beach, but mum is overprotective. So will her wishes ever be granted?
Cat has all the freedom she wants. Her mum can't even look after herself, never mind Cat.
All Cat wants is for her mum to properly look after her. When she goes into care, she gets adopted by Maya's family. Will they live happily with each other, or will it never be happily after ever?
 

What I think:

I think that this book is great. It's moving and quite like nothing I've ever read. I would recommend this story to girls aged 9+
 

 

Saturday 18 February 2017

~Review~ Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell

Title: Rooftoppers
Author: Katherine Rundell
Publisher: Faber and Faber
Rating: 5/5

Sophie was rescued from a sinking ship


No records survived and everyone believes that no woman remained alive. Sophie was saved by kind Charles; who brings her up. No one knows her mother and everyone thinks she's orphaned. She sets out to prove everyone wrong. Running away from the law, Sophie befriends wild Matteo, who scrambles round rooftops and owns the sky. Together, with help from other Rooftoppers, will they find Sophie's mother?

What I think:

I've rated it 5/5 as it is cleverly written and exciting. It's original, as it's set on the rooftops Paris, which makes it a lot more interesting. Sophie is a stubborn but lovable character. 
This story is great for girls and boys aged 10+.


Saturday 4 February 2017

~Review~ The girl of Ink and Stars by Kiran Millwood Hargrave


Title: The Girl of Ink and Stars
Author: Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Publisher: Chicken House
Rating: 3/5

Isabella is trapped on Joya

 

Isabella's island, Joya, is ruled by an evil Govenor, who is Isabella's best friend's, Lupe, father. After a suspicious death of a young girl, Isabella accuses Lupe of being rotten and causing the death. Lupe sets out to prove she isn't rotten, which causes mayhem in Gromera. Isabella goes out into the Forgotten Territories to save Lupe.
 

What I think: 

 
I had heard lot's of great things about this book, and was quite disappointed. Everything is resolved in middle/early end but things go wrong later on for no apparent reason. Suitable for boys and girls aged 11 - 14.
 
 

Sunday 22 January 2017

~Review~ Has anyone seen Jessica Jenkins? by Liz Kessler

Title: Has Anyone seen Jessica Jenkins?
Author: Liz Kessler
Publisher: Orion

Jessica has a superpower!

 
Jessica Jenkins was ordinary, but since she got a necklace from her mum's friend, she can turn invisible without thinking about it! Izzy, her best friend, is excited but is it really so amusing? Concealing Jessica's power will be dangerous and where has it come from? What if the wrong people find out?
 

What I think:

 
It's really different and unique, as not many books feature girls with invisibility and for that reason, it was part of the post Books I love; 2016 edition.
Perfect for all genders aged 10+.
 
 
 
 

Thursday 19 January 2017

~Review~ Far Rockaway by Charlie Fletcher

Title: Far Rockaway
Author: Charlie Fletcher
Publisher: Hodder


                                            Cat has just been hit by a truck.



At hospital, Cat is battling a haemorrhage and is whisked into a world full of adventure, excitement and fun. Strange people roam the landscape - some trustable, some not. She doesn't know if she's going to win but she knows one thing: Real Girls rescue themselves.

What I think:

 

I love this book as you will never be able to put it down and be a favourite with everyone!
With a hint of Treasure Island, boys and girls aged 11+ will love this amazing story



Wednesday 18 January 2017

~Review~ Time Travelling with a Hamster by Ross Welford

 Title: Time Travelling with a Hamster
Author: Ross Welford
Publisher: Harper Collins

                                        Al has a time machine


Al Chaudhury has a possibility of saving his father's life. But to do that he has to travel back in time to 1984. With challenges going on in 1984 and the problem of sneaking out every night to break into his old house to get the time machine, will he keep his secret concealed from his family? And will he be successful?

What I think:


I absolutely loved this book as you couldn't put it down, and if you did, you were left wondering what was going to happen next. A fascinating read of saving your family, suitable for any gender aged 9+



Sunday 15 January 2017

~Review~ The secrets of Billie Bright by Susie Day

  Title: The Secrets of Billie Bright
  Author: Susie Day
  Publisher: Penguin

Billie Bright has to do a hero project

 
She has recently started secondary school and in English, she and her classmates have to do a project about someone they admire. She chooses her mum, who died of cancer when Billie was five. But that's the problem - 'Welsh' and 'smelled nice' does not fill up 48 pages. Whenever Billie asks her father, or brothers, about her mum they go quiet. Will Billie get the information she needs for her project? And will she reveal secrets about her mum?
 

What I think:

I think that it's cleverly written and shows that you shouldn't be scared of secondary school. Also people who have lost friends and relatives when young can relate to the story as well.
Perfect for girls aged 11+
 
 

       

Monday 2 January 2017

Books I love; 2016 edition




    It is now 2017, and I was thinking about books I read in 2016. I read loads of good ones, but some stood out more. Such as The Dream Snatcher by Abi Elphinstone and the second book in the series, The Shadow Keeper*. I thought that these stories were fast paced and full of adventure. I got the privilege of meeting Abi during the Edinburgh Book festival, where she signed my books.  Also, to tie in with the theme of adventure and excitement, I loved Alfie Bloom and the Secrets of Hexbridge Castle, and the second one in the trilogy Alfie Bloom and the Talisman Thief*. All books mentioned in this paragraph were exciting and the authors have lots of imagination.



The Moonlight Dreamers by Siobhan Curham was relatable for most teenagers, as it's about four girls being misunderstood.  Also Girl out of Water by Nat Luurtsema, about a socially awkward teenager who finally accepts her tallness. Both books focus on accepting yourself and not letting others get you down.


Kitty Slade series by Fiona Dunbar and Has anyone seen Jessica Jenkins? by Liz Kessler*  are about girls with powers. Kitty Slade sees ghosts and has to help them and Jessica Jenkins can turn invisible when wearing a special necklace. I decided to group these together as they are about magical powers and dealing with them.

Girl with a White Dog by Anne Booth, Butterfly Summer by Anne-Marie Conway and Tangled Secrets by Anne-Marie Conway are very moving and sad. In Girl with a white Dog, Jessie learns about Nazi Germany and how it impacted on her family, right up to the present. Butterfly Summer and Tangled secrets are about sadness when a loved one dies.


I enjoyed reading them and hope you will too!

* I haven't reviewed it yet