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Escape Room
For puzzle-loving Ami, the chance to challenge herself at The Escape - a thrilling escape room experience - is the perfect day out. With the team set to go, the ‘Host’ sets them a challenge…‘Find the Answer. Save the World.’ Sounds simple enough. But this is no ordinary escape room and soon the children are on a dark and dangerous path where every room is out to get them...
Page Count: 208
Genre: Adventure, science-fiction, mystery Themes: Environment, climate change 'a word about books' says…"Now I love an Escape Room but I have never experienced anything of the like that Ami and her co-escapers face. Christopher Edge’s latest release is expertly written, full-on, fast-paced and is much more than I anticipated. I absolutely loved it."
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The Explorer
When the pilot of their plane suffers a heart-attack, Fred, Con, Lila and Max find themselves crashing into the Amazon jungle. Relying on their natural instincts, they make the best of the situation and begin a search for food and shelter until Fred discovers a map marked with an X. With no alternatives, they head off in search and discover someone has been here before...
Page Count: 416
Genre: Adventure Themes: Environment, friendship, nature 'a word about books' says…"Lots of children have their sights set on exploring; learning survival tips from Bear Grylls and scouring atlases to plot their journeys. This book is for them, full of adventure, courage, resilience and the strength of the human spirit. A gripping adventure."
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The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks
Lottie Brooks is just about to start high school and her life is one gigantic mess. Her BFF has moved to Australia, her hair is boring, she probably has the wrong pencil case and she definitely does not own a bra. Determined not to be a total loser, Lottie hatches up a plan to reinvent herself, gain confidence and be one of the cool kids. Brilliant, what could possibly go wrong…
Page Count: 432
Genre: Humour, everyday life, diary Themes: Growing-up, school, friendship, relationships, personal & social issues, bullying 'a word about books' says…"Kirby delivers dilemmas and dramas, highs and lows, and plenty of LOLs whilst dealing with the real issues that pre-teens face. If ever there was a book for girls in the last year of primary school and preparing themselves for secondary school then this is it."
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Fire Boy #1
Aidan Sweeney never gets post. Inside the mysterious parcel is a jar of Nature’s Own sweets from the cloud forests of Peru and when he and his friends try one they inherit strange superpowers. But the parcel was never intended for Aidan and a dangerous villain is making his way from South America to get his hands on it and will do whatever it takes to get it back…
Page Count: 288
Genre: Adventure, humour, crime Themes: Friendship, family, school 'a word about books' says…"J. M. Joseph knows what kids want to read and his ‘fiery’ debut is fun on an explosive scale. Fire Boy is an outrageously funny and exciting story that is best read in an environment where you can laugh-out-loud, a lot."
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Fire Girl, Forest Boy
Maya is far from home and when her father disappears in the middle of the Peruvian rainforest she is left alone and with only one choice...RUN! Raul is running too - back to a terrible tragedy that haunts him. When their paths cross in the jungle their stories become inexplicably linked. Working together they must search for the truth and stop corruption spreading even further…
Page Count: 320
Genre: Fantasy Themes: Friendship, environment, diversity, BAME 'a word about books' says…"Daykin seamlessly weaves the modern with the legends of the past and brings to life the spiritual connection between humans and nature in a gripping adventure story full of twists and turns and with environmentalism and just a hint of magic at its heart."
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Fireborn: Twelve and the Frozen Forest
Having taken the pledge, Twelve is now a Huntling and has given up her identity and her life to protect the seven clans from monsters and tyranny. When the Hunting Lodge is attacked and a young girl is taken, Twelve vows to get her back. Accompanied by the Stone Guardian of the Lodge, Dog, she sets out on a dangerous rescue mission that will forever change her life…
Page Count: 432
Genre: Fantasy, adventure Themes: Friendship, magic, monsters 'a word about books' says…"From a land of monsters, goblins and magic comes a thrilling fantasy adventure. Fireborn is exciting, adrenaline-charged and delivers relentless action, bombshell revelations and heart-racing battle scenes. A firecracker of a debut."
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Floodland
Zoe has no idea where her parents are. She hasn’t seen them since she was separated that night when the last boats came. Now she has her own boat and can finally escape and maybe, just maybe, find her parents. But Eels Island, led by the mysterious Dooby, may be even worse than the place she has left behind…
Page Count: 128
Genre: Adventure Themes: Courage, determination, family, friendship 'a word about books' says…"A thought-provoking fantasy read that has an all too real feel to it. This dystopian novel is edgy and atmospheric and shows how easily civilisations collapse in the face of extreme adversity."
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Fly Me Home
Leelu wants to go home - to the warmth and to see her dad. London is not home. She doesn’t think she’ll ever get used to her new life. But then presents start appearing outside her new home, objects that give her mysterious powers and can make her wishes realities…
Page Count: 304
Genre: Adventure, mystery Themes: Family, home, immigration, friendship, magic 'a word about books' says…"Coming soon..."
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Freeze
After writing creepy, winter-themed stories, it is time to share. As the stories are read, Maya finds herself and her three friends starring in each one and they feel all too real. When mysterious new girl Winter stands up to read, skies darken, an icy chill descends and children begin to freeze. Will Maya find a way to stop the nightmare and free the class from Winter’s terrifying grip…
Page Count: 128
Genre: Horror Themes: School, ghosts, friendship 'a word about books' says…"This will be devoured by those readers who like their stories with a more sinister edge and who rather enjoy the feeling of a cold shiver down the spine and don’t mind bone-chilling, teeth-chattering ghostly tales."
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A Front Desk Novel #1: Front Desk
America was meant to be awesome. But for ten year old Mia Tang, America is not the land of the free and the American dream is yet to reveal itself. Her parents spend all day cleaning whilst she looks after the reception at a motel where she’s not allowed to use the swimming pool. The year ahead is going to be difficult but if anyone can rise to the challenges of it then Mia Tang can…
Page Count: 320
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Empathy, courage, hope, immigration, political issues, personal & social issues, BAME, diversity 'a word about books' says…"Kelly Yang’s debut read is wonderful. Hard-hitting issues, plenty of drama and lighter moments of humour all make for a thought-provoking, moving and emotional read that will leave a lasting impression on many."
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A Front Desk Novel #2: Three Keys
Mia's life is good, her family have just bought a motel. It would be even better if motel business was on the up, if Mia's teacher approved of her writing and if there wasn't a governor trying to win an election and pass a law that would threaten the lives of undocumented immigrants, including Mia’s friend Lupe. But if there’s one girl that can rise up to the challenge, it’s Mia...
Page Count: 288
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Empathy, courage, hope, immigration, political issues, personal & social issues, BAME, diversity 'a word about books' says…"I wasn’t sure that I could love Three Keys more than Front Desk but the honest truth is, I do. Hard-hitting, emotional and important, this book deserves a place in all schools, libraries and homes."
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George
Ten-year-old George struggles to fit in with her family and friends. Everyone thinks that George is a boy. But she knows she is really a girl. She has to keep this a secret though. When George’s class get to perform Charotte’s Web she is desperate to be Charlotte. The time has come for George to take centre stage and let everyone see who she really is…
Page Count: 224
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Family, home, school, trans-gender, LGBT+, emotions 'a word about books' says…"This is the first book that I have read with a trans-gender lead character and I absolutely loved it. It feels like a breakthrough moment in fiction for children and I’m so pleased that Gino has written a book about such a relevant and important subject."
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The Girl of Ink and Stars
Forbidden from leaving her island home, Isabella is desperate to lead a search party into the Forgotten Territories after her best friend Lupe goes missing. She has the knowledge of Da’s old maps and the stars to guide her. But danger is lurking far beneath the surface…
Page Count: 240
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Myths, legends, magic, family, friendship 'a word about books' says…"Coming soon..."
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The Girl who Speaks Bear
Yanka doesn’t know everything about her past and struggles to fit in with her present. When something strange happens, Yanka is forced to leave her home and heads into the forest looking for answers. Can she find her true family and uncover who she really is…
Page Count: 416
Genre: Fantasy, adventure Themes: Folklore, growing-up, animals, family, magic, monsters 'a word about books' says…"Coming soon..."
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The Girl with Space In Her Heart
There are three things you should know about Mabel Mynt; she knows a lot about space, she has a lot of worries, she has a big space in her heart after her dad left. Mabel is not looking for a replacement dad but when her mum meets “Galactic” Gavin, she begins to feel a little bit happier. Her sister Topaz thinks Gavin is not all he seems. It is up to Mabel to uncover the truth...
Page Count: 336
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Family, love, loss, grief, anxiety, depression, bullying 'a word about books' says..."Oh Lara Williamson, what an uplifting and heart-warming book you have written. There are times when it might make you cry but there are plenty of times where it will make you laugh, make you smile and fill you with that wonderful feeling of joy.”
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Good Dog, Bad Dog: Double Identity
When Bergman and McBoo are called into the Wiener Brothers Studios in Collie-wood to solve the mystery of unwanted hate mail they didn’t expect for things to turn explosive. Now there’s a potential murder to investigate and the hot-shot detectives need to identify the culprit. But can the starstruck pair solve the crime before the killer strikes again? Lights, camera, action…
Page Count: 64
Genre: Graphic novel, crime, mystery Themes: Humour, animals 'a word about books' says..."This feels like a proper grown-up graphic novel and its dark and gritty film noir vibe will hold much appeal to readers of all ages. The slick story-telling, a fast-paced narrative and an über cool setting will keep readers engaged from start to finish."
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The Good Thieves
Vita Marlowe is angry. Her grandad has been cheated out of his family home and possessions by a ruthless New York gangster connected to the mafia. With grandad mourning his losses, Vita devises a dangerous plan to get back what is rightly for his. Soon, a street-wise pick-pocket and two other boys with their own skills are pulled into a daring plan as four set out to right a wrong...
Page Count: 336
Genre: Adventure, crime Themes: Family, friendship, morals, overcoming adversity 'a word about books' says..."The ridiculously talented Katherine Rundell is one of my absolute favourite authors and I tingle with excitement whenever I start one of her books. The Good Thieves is a romp of an adventure; middle-grade story-telling at its absolute best."
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Grandpa Frank's Great Big Bucket List
Frank John Davenport is not too happy with life until he receives a large sum of money from a grandma he didn’t even know existed. But the money comes with a catch…use it to care for the long-lost and rather grumpy Grandpa Frank. Frank is determined to give the best possible care to his new relative but will a bucket list of imaginative ideas bring happiness to his Grandpa’s life…
Page Count: 336
Genre: Humour, everyday life, adventure Themes: Family, illness, dementia, loneliness 'a word about books' says..."Jenny Pearson delivers another perfect mix of humour and heart-warming family drama. Loneliness, family problems and dementia are all gently touched upon and are wrapped up in tender and light-hearted moments that provide umpteen laughs."
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The Graveyard Riddle
When Melody discovers an old abandoned ‘plague house’ in the graveyard she did not expect to find a rather disheveled boy hiding within the darkness. Hal claims to be an undercover spy staking-out a dangerous criminal and he is in desperate need of Melody’s help. Melody is convinced by Hal’s story but her friends Matthew and Jake are keen to find out for themselves…
Page Count: 352
Genre: Mystery Themes: Friendship, family, bullying, personal & social issues 'a word about books' says..."This intriguing, gripping and beautifully written mystery read has bags of heart and explores very real and important issues. Children will love trying to solve the riddles and working alongside Melody to work out exactly what is going on."
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High Rise Mystery
The high-rise TRI estate is home to neighbourhood know-it alls Nik and Norva and they’ve just discovered their community art teacher in a garbage skip, dead. Swinging into action before the police are on the scene the detective duo are quick to start investigating. But when the evidence points to an unlikely suspect the case becomes personal and could change their lives forever…
Page Count: 356
Genre: Mystery, crime, adventure Themes: Family, everyday life, friendship, diversity, BAME 'a word about books' says..."High Rise Mystery is a cracking whodunnit that sizzles with suspicions, secrets and sisterhood. Fast-paced and with a slick plot and great characters it is the perfect murder mystery for the twenty-first century that had me hooked from page one."
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Holes
When Stanley Yelnats finds himself incarcerated at a juvenile detention centre for a crime he didn’t commit he isn’t too surprised. Bad luck runs in the family. What he doesn’t understand is why he has to dig so many holes, perhaps he can dig up the truth…
Page Count: 240
Genre: Adventure, crime, thriller Themes: Humour, friendship, growing-up 'a word about books' says…"Coming soon..."
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The House on the Edge
Faith’s life is crumbling. Her father has disappeared, her mother has lost her ‘Old Mum’ spark and her brother is obsessed with sea ghosts in the cellar. And her home, The Lookout, could tumble into the sea at any moment. The house is hiding secrets and if Faith can uncover them then there may be a way to save her home and her family before everything comes crashing down…
Page Count: 256
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Family, friendship, grief, loss, seaside, myths & legends 'a word about books' says…"In her debut read, Alex Cotter offers readers a thrilling mystery that weaves together a broken family with legends of the past to create a suspense-filled narrative where literally everything could come crumbling down at any moment."
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How I Saved The World in a Week
Billy's mum has taught him a strict set of rules, not just any rules…rules for survival: Be prepared; Pay attention; Trust no one; Master your fears; Never stop trying. Billy has no idea what his mum has been preparing him for but when a mysterious virus sweeps through the city turning people into zombie-like creatures, Billy must call on all his survival skills to keep his family safe…
Page Count: 384
Genre: Science-fiction, fantasy, adventure Themes: Family, friendship, bravery, resilience, mental health, personal & social issues 'a word about books' says…"A thoroughly engrossing read that is the perfect blend of family, friendship, survival and the importance of always being prepared. Making of a survival kit is optional but strongly advised."
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How to be Brave
When Calla's mum Elizabeth is invited to carry out a research project in the Amazon Rainforest, Calla finds herself heading to the School of Good Sisters. But trouble is afoot at the school and new headmistress Magda DeWitt is up to no good. Soon, Calla finds herself at the centre of a kidnapping plot, with a mother lost deep in the Amazon jungle, and relying on her wits, baked delicacies, a blessing of nuns and her new best friends Edie and Hanna to uncover the truth…
Page Count: 304
Genre: Mystery Themes: Family, friendship, school 'a word about books' says…"A delightful twist on the classic boarding school story and it makes for an enjoyable, lively and heart-warming read. A very well-written and appealing debut."
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I, Cosmo
Cosmo has seen a lot in his 12 years (84 in dog years). So when he begins to notice that all is not well in his family home and that Max's world is crumbling around him he sets out to do what he can to save the day. After all, he promised to 'doggedly' protect Max and his family. Channeling a love of the movie Grease and a dream of dancing, Cosmo sets out to dance to victory…
Page Count: 272
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Animals, family, relationships, diversity, BAME, grief, loss, anxiety 'a word about books' says..."A heart-warming tale about a loveable dog and his valiant efforts to save his family. This hilarious take on the world through the eyes of a dog is packed full of moving moments, plenty of warmth and bags of humour. A tail-wagging triumph!"
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