Many titles have full reviews that can be accessed by clicking on the book covers.
|
Adventures on Trains #1: The Highland Falcon Thief
Hal Beckett doesn’t want to go on a train. But with his mum about to give birth he is accompanying his Uncle Nat for the farewell tour of the Highland Falcon. Trundling along the tracks becomes a lot more interesting when precious jewellery disappears. With Hal under suspicion, he and new friend Lenny need to gather evidence and identify the actual thief…
Page Count: 256
Genre: Adventure, mystery Themes: Travel, family, friendship, diversity, BAME 'a word about books' says…”What Leonard and Sedgman deliver is a fast-paced, hilarious, nail-biting adventure-mystery ride around the UK aboard the Highland Falcon and all its grandeur. I strongly recommend children of 8+ buy a ticket and jump on board."
|
|
Adventures on Trains #2: Kidnap on the California Comet
Hal Beckett is thrilled when Uncle Nat whisks him away for a three-day journey across sweeping American landscapes aboard the California Comet. When Marianne Reza, the daughter of a tech-billionaire, is kidnapped, Hal finds himself at the centre of another mystery. But can he uncover who is behind the kidnapping before the train reaches its destination and the criminals escape…
Page Count: 256
Genre: Adventure, mystery, crime, thriller Themes: Travel, family, friendship 'a word about books' says..."This is a passenger announcement for all those travelling aboard the California Comet from Chicago to San Francisco, Sam Sedgman and M. G. Leonard deliver an irresistible middle-grade mystery and a wonderful ode to the joys of train travel."
|
|
Adventures on Trains #3: Murder on the Safari Star
Hal and Uncle Nat are taking a journey across Africa on the Safari Star. It should be the adventure of a lifetime with incredible views of unique landscapes, open plains and wild animals. But when a big game hunter aboard the train becomes the hunted and is found dead in his compartment, it is up to Hal to determine whether it was an unfortunate accident or a terrible crime…
Page Count: 288
Genre: Adventure, mystery, crime, thriller Themes: Travel, family, friendship, animals 'a word about books' says..."By far Hal’s most dangerous and gripping adventure yet, with secret compartments, iron-clad alibis, illegal activity, wonderful landscapes and endangered animals. The series shows no signs of derailing anytime sign and I am chuffing delighted."
|
|
Adventures on Trains #4: Danger at Dead Man's Pass
Hal is thrilled when Uncle Nat appears at the start of the Easter holidays. Having received a letter from an old friend asking for help, the duo head off to the Harz mountains to investigate a family curse and a strange death. With Uncle Nat acting suspiciously and a family shrouded in mystery, can Hal uncover the secret of Dead Man’s Pass and the family curse before it strikes again…
Page Count: 288
Genre: Adventure, mystery, crime, thriller Themes: Travel, family, friendship, folklore, myths 'a word about books' says..."Darker and more sinister than its predecessors with curses, family feuds, undercover detectives, secret spies, a missing will, codes that need to be cracked and a cold and calculating villain. It is full steam ahead in the series that keeps on giving."
|
|
Adventures on Trains #5: Sabotage on the Solar Express
Hal and his Uncle Nat are excited to be in Australia to ride on tech-billionaire August Reza’s latest project, the Solar Express. What should be a dream trip becomes the stuff of nightmares when they learn that the train has been sabotaged, plunging everyone into grave danger. With the train hurtling along, Hal must identify the saboteur and stop their deadly plans before it is too late…
Page Count: 256
Genre: Adventure, mystery, crime, thriller Themes: Travel, family, friendship, STEM 'a word about books' says..."With the heart-stopping action of a Hollywood blockbuster and all of the twists and turns of a Hercule Poirot classic, Leonard and Sedgman deliver another rip-roaring ride along the rails. Excitement, adrenaline and thrills are cranked up to the max!"
|
|
Amari and the Night Brothers
Amari Peters' brother Quinton went missing six months ago and the police have had no luck in finding him. Amari is convinced he is still alive and is determined to find the truth. And when a suitcase appears in her wardrobe it is the beginning of a journey to a magical supernatural world that may hold the answers she so desperately craves…
Page Count: 416
Genre: Fantasy, adventure Themes: Personal & social issues, diversity, BAME, magic, school, friendship, family 'a word about books' says..."The debut middle-grade read from B.B. Alston is a thrilling, über-cool fantasy full of mystery, wonderment, discovery and an abundance of #BlackGirlMagic. This enchanting debut will leave readers hungry for the next instalment in 2022."
|
|
Aveline Jones #1: The Haunting of Aveline Jones
Aveline is not impressed to be staying with her aunt in Malmouth for the school holidays until she discovers a book that used to belong to a girl who mysteriously disappeared thirty years ago. Fascinated by the ghostly stories and the name inscribed in the front, Aveline decides to investigate the truth about Primrose Penberthy. And that’s when the hauntings begin…
Page Count: 224
Genre: Mystery, horror, fantasy Themes: Ghosts, myths & legends, seaside, fear, friendship 'a word about books' says..."A proper spine-tingling middle-grade tale of ghosts and mysteries from the past. With all the ingredients needed for a goose-bump inducing, hair-raising and nail-biting story, readers can expect a heart-pounding introduction to middle-grade horror."
|
|
Aveline Jones #2: The Bewitching of Aveline Jones
Whilst not her perfect summer holiday, Aveline is excited to be heading to the small village of Norton Wick as she will be able to explore an ancient stone circle. Uber-cool and mysterious Hazel is the perfect friendly tour guide and has all all sorts of secrets and stories to share. But Hazel has her own dangerous secret and Aveline needs to find out what it is before it is too late…
Page Count: 256
Genre: Mystery, horror, fantasy Themes: Folklore, legends, witchcraft, magic, friendship 'a word about books' says..."Creepy and thrilling from beginning to end, Phil Hickes had me bewitched from the first page. This is middle-grade horror writing at its very best, just be sure not to fall under Hazel’s spell. Not for the faint-hearted."
|
|
The Bird Singers
Layah and Izzie are not impressed to have been dragged off to stay at a rain-soaked cottage in the middle of nowhere. But then strange and frightening things begin to happen; a puzzling whistling sound, visions of a yellow-eyed lady, dead birds on the doorstep. When mum begins acting oddly, Layah sets out to unravel the mysterious events and how they are all connected…
Page Count: 304
Genre: Fantasy, adventure Themes: Folklore, myths, magic, family 'a word about books' says..."Rooted in Polish mythical folklore and with bravery and a wonderful sisterly bond at its heart, this is a deliciously dark and thrilling mystery that grips from the first page as Layah and Izzie go on a nail-biting search for dangerous family truths."
|
|
The Blitz Bus
Jack and Emmie cannot believe it when they find themselves transported back to London, 1940, on their way home from school. It surely must be a film set. But then the bombs start falling, they attract the attention of the authorities and have to seek safety in the underground. Along with new friend Jan, can they uncover the identity of a potential spy and find a way to get back home...
Page Count: 218
Genre: Science-fiction, mystery Themes: Historical, friendship 'a word about books' says..."Blackwell delivers a thrilling wartime adventure that explores the Blitz through the eyes of children and it makes for a very enjoyable and educational read. It would be an excellent book for any child with an interest in World War 2."
|
|
The Boy at the Back of the Class
Nobody pays any interest to the empty chair at the back of Mrs. Khan’s classroom until the day it is occupied by a strange boy. When four friends learn that the new boy is a refugee who has become separated from his parents they are determined to reunite him with his family. They have come up with 'The Greatest Idea in the World' and it most definitely will work, won't it...
Page Count: 256
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Social issues, immigration, human rights, school, friendship, diversity, BAME 'a word about books' says..."Such an important story and a timely reminder that the qualities of friendship and kindness are perhaps the most valuable of all. Humorous and sad in equal measure, it will live long in the memory. Should be on the bookshelf of every child.”
|
|
The Boy Who Flew
At a time before flight has been achieved, Athan Wilde dreams of soaring into the sky with friend and mentor Mr. Chen. When Mr. Chen is murdered, Athan finds himself in danger as some people will do anything to get their hands on the flying machine plans. As the stakes become higher and lives are at risk, he must decide whether the machine is worth risking everything for…
Page Count: 240
Genre: Adventure, thriller, crime, mystery Themes: Historical, friendship, STEM 'a word about books' says…”This is not for the faint-hearted. It is a cracking suspense-filled read full of mystery, murder and a flying machine that will leave you on tenterhooks right until the last word.”
|
|
The Boy Who Who Met a Whale
Razi was happily watching the newly hatched turtles when the boy inside the boat washed up on the shore. Zheng talks of wild adventures, dangerous villains and long lost treasure. Razi and his sister, Shifa, don't know what to make of the boy but when the villains show up they are forced to follow their instincts and head out on an ocean adventure that will take them far from home...
Page Count: 272
Genre: Adventure, thriller, crime Themes: Growing-up, seaside, ocean, family, nature, animals, diversity, BAME 'a word about books' says…”In her second book, Farook delivers another brilliant adventure story. Kidnap, peril, danger, wonderful ocean animals and heart-stopping moments all combine beautifully in a read that has you constantly wondering if everyone will make it back alive."
|
|
Brightstorm: A Sky-Ship Adventure
When Arthur & Maudie’s father, Ernest, fails to return from an expedition to South Polaris they are distraught. To make matters worse, Ernest Brightstorm is accused of breaking the Explorer Code. Knowing that their father would never break the law, the twins join Harriet Culpepper and embark on a sky-ship adventure of their own to uncover the truth and clear his name…
Page Count: 352
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Family, friendship, loss, siblings, STEM, disability 'a word about books' says..."Hardy has written a brilliant adventure story. Packed full of adventure, with thrills and spills aplenty, this original read will hook children in and I challenge even the most reluctant of readers to not want to adventure with Arthur and Maudie."
|
|
Butterflies for Grandpa Joe
Grandpa hasn't been the same since Granny Lou died. He has become a shadow of his former self and lost all interest in butterflies. He hides himself away and Ben can see his Grandpa slowly fading away right before his very eyes. Determined to bring Grandpa back to life and help him recapture just a bit of his former self, Ben hatches a plan. A plan involving butterflies…
Page Count: 96
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Family, friendship, loss, grief, nature 'a word about books' says..."Nicola Davies writes such beautiful and touching books, and Butterflies for Grandpa Joe is another read that will bring a tear to many an eye. A wonderful story of loss, grief, empathy, healing and lots of butterflies."
|
|
Can You See Me?
Eleven-year-old Tally and her friends are at the start of year seven at Kingswood Academy. For autistic Tally, high school brings anxieties and worries. Tally has always known she is different, seeing and feeling the world differently to those around her. But at high school the pressure to fit in is unbearable. And what is ‘normal’ anyway and does Tally really want to fit in…
Page Count: 368
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Autism, family, friendship, school, bullying, feelings, diary 'a word about books' says..."This honest and heartfelt look at the life of a young girl with autism is insightful and full of empathy, understanding and showing kindness to others. Powerful and thought-provoking, this is a ground-breaking book that deserves a place in every classroom."
|
|
The Chime Seekers
When Yanni wishes for the unthinkable, he had not expected that someone would turn up and make good his darkest desire. With his sister stolen and a changeling left in her place, Yanni must venture into a dark and dangerous world of faeries to right his wrong. But will he be able to outwit a devious fae and save his sister before the clock strikes midnight on All Hallows’ Eve…
Page Count: 384
Genre: Fantasy, adventure Themes: Family, friendship, magic, folklore 'a word about books' says..."Any children who have spotted magical creatures hiding in plain sight or have heard the faint sound of chimes will thoroughly enjoy this exciting read (just make sure you’ve got your protective charms and don’t forget that magical necklace)."
|
|
Christmas Dinner of Souls
On Christmas Eve night the worst of the worst gather at Old Souls College for an evening of terrifying storytelling and a chance to enter the catacombs and search for the legendary Dead Man’s Jabberers. Lewis will also be there, but the gathering is no place for a young boy and he is going to have to find a way out before the dinner is over or he might never make it out alive...
Page Count: 240
Genre: Horror Themes: Christmas, humour, ghosts, magic, monsters 'a word about books' says..."This is is the most delightfully disgusting of Christmas reads and I absolutely loved it. Perfect for fans of the Goosebumps series of books and will be enjoyed by anyone who fancies a good fright on a Christmas night."
|
|
Click
When class teacher, Mr. Florez, announces that there will be a fifth grade variety show, everyone is buzzing with excitement. As the children partner up and create groups to perform, Olive finds herself on the outside and not fitting in. She is missing that magic 'click' with her peers and is desperate to find her own special place in the show before the curtain rises and it's showtime...
Page Count: 192
Genre: Graphic novel Themes: Friendship, school, family 'a word about books' says…"A believable and accurate experience of a young girl navigating the choppy waters of friendship and trying to work out exactly where she fits in with her peers. Olive's situation is completely relatable and will strike a chord with many readers."
|
|
Clockwork
In a tavern on a cold winter's night sits apprentice clockmaker Karl. Tomorrow he will add a figure of his creation to the famous clock in town. But he is lacking inspiration and has created no such figure. Also in the tavern is storyteller Fritz with a story that is also incomplete. A cloaked figure arrives, bringing with him a possessed armour clad knight and things take a dark turn...
Page Count: 96
Genre: Adventure, fantasy, mystery Themes: Fear, friendship, magic 'a word about books' says…"A dark, creepy and mysterious story. Every action has a consequence and just like every tick follows a tock, the characters in Clockwork are most definitely all wound up and must face their fates."
|
|
Crater Lake #1
When Lance and his year six classmates arrive at Crater Lake they find the adventure centre to be eerily quiet. Things only continue to get weirder as day turns into night and strange things happen to those that fall asleep. Something is definitely not right at Crater Lake. Will Lance and his mates survive the night? Whatever happens, they must never fall asleep…
Page Count: 244
Genre: Science-fiction, horror, thriller Themes: Friendship, BAME, fear, school, bullying 'a word about books' says…”Jennifer Killick serves up a fabulous dose of middle-grade horror that will have children staying up long past their bedtimes. I devoured it in one nerve-shredding go. Grab your torch, pull up the covers and whatever you do…‘DON’T, EVER, FALL ASLEEP’.”
|
|
Crater Lake #2: Evolution
Months have passed since Lance and his friends returned from the nightmare school residential at Crater Lake. But these memories come flooding back following an explosion at the university science lab. And the safety of Straybridge, in fact the safety of the entire human race, depends on Lance and his mates working together to stop an invasion of advanced alien mutants...
Page Count: 256
Genre: Science-fiction, horror, thriller Themes: Friendship, BAME, school, teamwork 'a word about books' says…”Phew! Now my pulse has returned to somewhere near normal. Jennifer Killick is back at her brilliant best. If Emma Carroll is the ‘Queen of historical fiction’ then Killick is rapidly becoming the loveable evil overlord of the comedic sci-fi horror."
|
|
The Deepest Breath
Eleven year-old-Stevie has a funny feeling inside her chest. It’s the not the same feeling that she gets when she is around her best-friend-forever Andrew. This is different. There is a girl at school that Stevie likes. And whenever Chloe is around, Stevie gets that warm fizzy feeling. Confused and anxious, Stevie needs to find the answers to the questions that she is too shy to ask...
Page Count: 180
Genre: Verse Themes: LGBT+, everyday life, family, friendship, feelings, emotions, school 'a word about books' says…”A heart-felt and emotionally charged read. Books like The Deepest Breath are so important. It is essential that LGBT+ children see themselves represented and they need to know that their feelings are normal and that it is OK to feel the way that they do."
|
|
The Diamond Brothers in...The Falcon's Malteser
When Johnny Naples gives a package to Tim Diamond: Private Detective, the job sounds easy. Keep it safe and don’t give it to anyone. But Tim is the world’s worst detective. Then Johnny Naples is killed and all kinds of unsavoury criminals want the package. Never mind keeping the maltesers safe, Tim and his brother, Nick, are going to have to work very hard just to stay alive...
Page Count: 224
Genre: Crime, mystery, thriller Themes: Humour, family 'a word about books' says…"Horowitz writes with his foot pressed firmly on the accelerator pedal and the action, twists and turns unfold at break-neck speed. The read is non-stop action, thrills and laughs, a heck of a lot of laughs."
|
|
El Deafo
Kinder was never a problem for Cece as all her classmates had hearing aids and she was the same as everybody else. But now she has moved home and she has had to start a new school with a huge box strapped to her chest - The Phonic Ear - and making friends is proving difficult. But her new Phonic Ear may be the key to unlocking super powers she never knew she had...
Page Count: 288
Genre: Graphic novel Themes: Family, friendship, deafness, school, acceptance, true story 'a word about books' says…"A superb read that raises awareness about some of the daily challenges that deaf people face and is sure to educate and help children understand what deaf and hard-of-hearing children have to go through each day."
|