Many titles have full reviews that can be accessed by clicking on the book covers.
The Mermaid in the Millpond
Bess thought a job at the cotton mill in the countryside, far away from the streets of London, would be a fresh start. But the work is hard, the living conditions are tough and the boss is cruel. There’s even talk of a terrifying mermaid living in the millpond. The place is more like a prison than the beginnings of a new life and Bess isn’t the only one feeling trapped. Bess wants out and she has a plan to not only free herself but also the mysterious mermaid in the mill pond…
Page Count: 88
Genre: Historical Themes: Myths, friendship, loss 'a word about books' says…”History and myth combine in this dark, tense and atmospheric read from the fabulous Lucy Strange that captures the attention of the reader right from the start."
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The Midnight Hour
London. The year is 1859, or possibly present day. Emily is baffled when her mum and dad disappear in the middle of the night. Then strange figures start appearing outside her home. The only clue she has is something known as The Night Post. With sandwiches and pet hedgehog Hoggins she sets out to investigate and everything is leading towards the 'Midnight Hour'...
Page Count: 288
Genre: Fantasy, adventure Themes: Family, friendship, humour, magic 'a word about books' says…”Not one for those who scare easily, this is bizarre, enchanting and often terrifying. Delivering monsters, mayhem and madness, The Midnight Hour will have you jumping under the covers one minute and then bursting out laughing the next."
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The Miracle on Ebenezer Street
After finding an enchanted snow-globe at Old Marley's Curiosity Shop, George hopes he can find the Christmas magic that left the family home after the death of his mother. How many shakes of the snow-globe will it take to show his father what is important in life? Christmas is the time for miracles but will there be enough magic in the snow-globe to change his father’s ways...
Page Count: 240
Genre: Fantasy, adventure Themes:Christmas, family, friendship, love, loss, bereavement, grief, magic 'a word about books' says…"Catherine Doyle’s writing sparkles in a wonderful reworking of Dickens’ classic ‘A Christmas Carol’. The Miracle on Ebenezer Street is a great big festive hug of a book that filled me with Christmas spirit."
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Mo, Lottie and the Junkers
Mo’s life was fine. But now his mum has a new boyfriend and he’s getting two sisters he never wanted in Lottie and Sadie. Things are weird at home and in the neighbourhood things are weird too; Who is the bizarre lollipop man? Why does a strange lady want to befriend them? And what's with the irresistible tasting ice-cream? Lottie wants to know, even if it leads them into danger...
Page Count: 220
Genre: Science-fiction, mystery, fantasy, horror Themes: Humour, family, friendship, moving home 'a word about books' says…”You'll laugh out loud one minute and be on the edge of your seat the next. My first foray into Killick's wild and wacky imagination, and what an outrageously fun place it is. If her imagination is driven by her real life experiences then she is having a blast.”
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A Monster Calls
Ever since his mum became ill, Conor has had the same nightmare. The one with the monster and the terrible ending. But tonight is different. The monster feels more alive. It feels real. And it is standing in his back garden…and it wants the truth…
Page Count: 240
Genre: Fantasy Themes: Bereavement, bullying, family, school, emotions, growing-up, folklore 'a word about books' says…"Coming soon..."
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Moonchild: Voyage of the Lost and Found
When the ship Amira is on is damaged in a great storm, she, Namur (her cat jinn) and her two sea witch mothers seek the safety of land. But the storm clouds continue to gather and are getting worse by the day and it appears to be the work of a powerful bird that lives on the horizon. Then Namur gets lost at sea and Amira must go to extraordinary lengths to get him back...
Page Count: 288
Genre: Fantasy, adventure Themes: Family, friendship, magic, diversity, BAME, ocean, self-discovery 'a word about books' says…"This is a spell-binding read set in the most magical and wondrous of worlds. Full of magic of that of the Arabian Night tales; Moonchild: Voyage of the Lost and Found is both wonderful and full of wonder."
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Murder Most Unladylike
Daisy and Hazel’s detective society have never had an interesting case. The most exciting things have been spying on students, reading secret diaries and finding Lavinia’s tie. Then Hazel discovers Miss. Bell’s dead body and they have a real crime to solve. But when she returns minutes later the body is gone. With no evidence and no body, this will be a tough case to crack...
Page Count: 352
Genre: Mystery, crime, thriller Themes: Friendship, school 'a word about books' says…"I’m a sucker for a who-done-it, and Robin Stevens writes a brilliant murder story that scores top marks for her first in a new series. Amateur sleuths will truly revel in it and will be writing down their own case notes to try and find the truth through the lies."
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Mystery of the Night Watchers
May 1910. Halley’s Comet is approaching Earth and for no apparent reason Nancy and her sister, Violet, have been whisked away from their home in Leeds and taken to stay with a grandfather in Suffolk whom they have never met. Not allowed out, having to follow strict rules and with a mother acting strangely, Nancy is determined to find out what exactly is going on but to do so she will have to dig deep into her family’s past and she could endanger those most dear to her…
Page Count: 352
Genre: Historical, mystery Themes: Friendship, family, bullying 'a word about books' says…"A gripping mystery read set against the backdrop of the appearance of Halley’s Comet that easily had me hooked from first page to last."
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New Kid
Twelve-year-old Jordan Banks dreams of going to art school but his parents have enrolled him at the prestigious Riverdale Academy Day (RAD) private school on the other side of town where he is one of the few black students. Can Jordan make sense of his new world whilst staying in touch with his old world and remaining true to himself? It’s not easy being the new kid…
Page Count: 256
Genre: Graphic novel Themes: School, diversity, BAME, stereotypes, bullying, prejudice 'a word about books' says…"The move to high school is a challenge for lots of children and Jerry Craft tackles some big issues in a light-hearted and humorous manner in this brilliant graphic novel that perfectly captures the highs and lows of school life."
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Nightlights
Bedtime is magical for Sandy. It is when the tiny lights appear out of the darkness of her bedroom. She catches them and magics wonderful creatures to play with, and then in the morning, she remembers her creations in drawings. Sandy’s drawings go unnoticed until new girl Morfie takes an interest in them. But Morfie is after much more than just Sandy’s artwork…
Page Count: 56
Genre: Graphic novel, fantasy, adventure Themes: Magic, friendship, school 'a word about books' says…"For all art-lovers and creative kids, Nightlights is a mesmerising feast for the eyes. If you want a stunningly illustrated graphic novel then you’ll be hard pressed to find one better than this."
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Noah's Gold
When Noah stows away on his big sister’s geography field trip everything goes wrong. Lost on an uninhabited island, the minibus has gone over a cliff, the teacher has disappeared and Noah has broken the internet. Without food, phone signal and adults the children look doomed until Noah finds a treasure map and they head off in search of gold and the button to reset the internet...
Page Count: 304
Genre: Adventure, humour, mystery Themes: School, family, food, friendship, seaside, siblings 'a word about books' says…"Brilliantly written, this is a cracking adventure story that is told with huge dollops of wit, warmth and charm. I strongly recommend children take some time away from the screen and pick up Noah’s Gold, it is a fantastic children’s book, it is GOLD!"
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Not My Fault
Maya blames Rose for the accident that caused her ‘stupid leg’ and they haven’t spoken to each other since the the terrible day. Rose wants things to be back to the way they were. Maya’s behaviour is out of control. Everyone is apprehensive about the week long school residential. It is make or break time for the sisters. Can the sibling bond be rekindled or will it be broken forever?
Page Count: 272
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Siblings, family, injury, feelings, empathy, school, friendship, bullying 'a word about books' says…"Everything about Not My Fault is totally realistic and totally believable and that for me is what makes it such an enjoyable read. It is an engaging and emotional book which deals with some difficult subjects."
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The Nowhere Emporium
The Nowhere Emporium has landed in Glasgow and orphan Daniel has just stumbled into it. Recruited by the shop’s mysterious owner as an apprentice, Daniel's eyes are soon opened to a magical world of wonder and possibilities. But when a vengeful stranger from the past reappears, the shop and all of its wonders face terrible danger and it's up to Daniel to save his new home...
Page Count: 288
Genre: Fantasy, adventure Themes: Magic 'a word about books' says…"Brilliantly imaginative and imaginatively brilliant! Suspense, magic, mystery and thrills are all in store in this fast-paced and sometimes dark fantasy narrative that can all be enjoyed for just a small price of your imagination."
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Once
1942. For almost four years Felix has lived in a Catholic orphanage. Sent there by his Jewish parents to keep him he safe he longs for the day when they will come back for him. On the day the feared men in suits with armbands turn up and start burning books, Felix knows he has to escape. Fearing for the safety of his parents and their bookshop he sets off to warn them…
Page Count: 160
Genre: Historical Themes: War, friendship, human rights 'a word about books' says…"Gripping and tear-jerking, Once pulls no punches. The holocaust and the persecution of Jews was a diabolical act and Gleitzman’s prose give the reader a sense of what it would have been like in an emotional read that will live long in the memory."
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The One and Only Ivan
The Exit 8 Big Top Mall is where silverback gorilla Ivan calls home. Living in his indoor domain, Ivan has long forgotten life in the wild. Then Ruby arrives, a baby elephant with much clearer memories of freedom and she wants Ivan to see their situation for what it really is. With a promise to fulfil to an old friend, Ivan sets about bringing change and a better life for them both…
Page Count: 336
Genre: Historical Themes: Animals, empathy, animal rights 'a word about books' says…"Ohhhhh Ivan, he and his friends will break your heart, pick up the pieces and carefully put it back together again. Inspired by true events, Katherine Applegate’s story of a gorilla who lives in a cage at a shopping mall is something vey special."
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Opie Jones Talks to Animals
Opie Jones is your average ten-year-old girl with possibly the world's worst superpower. Having the ability to read the minds of animals is really frustrating until she learns of an evil super-villain with plans to turn her school into a child workhouse. Can Opie, along with the advice of a not-so-crack-team of animals, learn to control her superpower, protect her friends and save the school…
Page Count: 336
Genre: Adventure Themes: Animals, school, friendship 'a word about books' says…"Nat Luurtsema brings her comedic genius to the middle grade book scene in a laugh-out-loud read that provides answers to the question that we all want to know the answer to...what are animals thinking?"
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Oranges In No Man's Land
Beirut had once been a lovely city. Then Lebanon was invaded and civil war broke out in the capital. Ayesha, her two brothers and her Granny have sought refuge in a war-torn flat. Granny is sick and needs medicine and that means crossing the Green Line and entering enemy territory...
Page Count: 128
Genre: War, historical Themes: Growing-up, international, bereavement, family, fear, human rights, BAME, relationships 'a word about books' says…"A moving and gripping read inspired by author Elizabeth Laird's personal experience of living in Beirut during civil war. A tribute to the power of human strength and courage even in the darkest times and full of kindness and goodness."
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Orphans of the Tide
When a whale washes up on the shore and a boy crawls out, the City inhabitants come to the only logical conclusion...the Vessel, the life form of the dreaded Enemy has returned and must be destroyed before it can cause devastation. Ellie is convinced that the boy is innocent and is determined to find the truth. But to clear his name she may have to reveal her own dark secret…
Page Count: 320
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Magic, bereavement, monsters 'a word about books' says…”One of the best books I have read in 2020. Myth, legend and dark truths combine in this enthralling, captivating and thrilling tale. The story starts at pace and never lets up. From the opening page to the last, not a word is wasted.”
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Our Castle by the Sea
1939. Twelve-year-old Pet’s world is torn apart with the outbreak of war. Her idyllic life at the lighthouse is crumbling around her and now is not the time to have German ancestry. Amongst mounting tensions, growing distrust and acts of sabotage, Pet must untangle an ever-growing web of secrets and lies to keep the lighthouse safe and save her family...
Page Count: 336
Genre: Historical, adventure, mystery Themes: Family, war, everyday life 'a word about books' says…”A beautifully woven tale about the second world war as seen through the eyes of twelve year old Pet. This gripping wartime adventure perfectly captures a young girl’s life on the home-front and is a great read for fans of historical fiction.”
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Pax
When war arrives and Peter’s father joins the soldiers, Peter’s world is turned upside down. It is an easy decision for his father to abandon Pax - the fox cub that Peter rescued five years ago - at the roadside and to drive Peter hundreds of miles away to the home of his grandfather, just another one of the evacuated children. Alone with his thoughts, Peter quickly realises that not fighting more for Pax was a huge mistake and so he sets out to find him...
Page Count: 288
Genre: Adventure Themes: Family, friendship, animals, war, growing-up, feelings, emotions 'a word about books' says…”Pax is beautiful and brutal. This animal story of an unbreakable bond, an unforgivable betrayal and a journey against the odds is not for the faint-hearted."
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Peanut Jones and the Illustrated City
Peanut Jones is having a tough time. Her dad has mysteriously disappeared and her new school sucks. Everything changes when she discovers a bright yellow pencil that has special abilities. Drawn into the magical world of Chroma, Peanut finds herself on an important mission to save the world from losing its creativity and in doing so she may find out what happened to her dad...
Page Count: 384
Genre: Adventure, mystery Themes: Family, humour, friendship, magic, animals 'a word about books' says…”Bursting with creativity and imagination, Peanut Jones and the Illustrated City is a brilliant adventure written with humour and heart and filled with amazing illustrations. An awesome middle-grade read!"
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The Pear Affair
After Nell’s au pair Pear suddenly returns to France, Nell is left distraught. Pear used to write, promising to come back for her but the letters have stopped. So when Nell’s parents announce a surprise trip to Paris she tags along. Soon Nell finds herself hiding in posh hotel laundry rooms, exploring underground tunnels and trying to uncover a conspiracy in the hope of finding Pear...
Page Count: 288
Genre: Adventure, mystery Themes: Family, friendship, bravery, resourceful 'a word about books' says…”Does for the tunnels of Paris what Katherine Rundell’s Rooftoppers did for its roofs - it brings them alive in a magical and most exhilarating way. Grab yourself a croissant, pour a ‘chocolat chaud’, and let Judith Eagle sweep you away into a Parisian delight.”
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Pig Heart Boy
Cam is thirteen, he has mates and he wishes he could do the things they do. But he can’t. Cam has a heart condition, a condition that is weakening his heart. There’s this doctor who thinks he might be able to help, it’s risky, never been done before, and involves a pig…
Page Count: 256
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Personal & social issues, family, friendship, illness, school, loyalty 'a word about books' says…"Coming soon..."
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A Pinch of Magic #1: A Pinch of Magic
It was Halloween when Betty found out the truth. On her 13th birthday. All she had ever wanted was to leave Crowstone and go on adventures but an ancient family curse prevents her and her sisters from leaving their home. Three magical objects with the power to change their fate could hold the key to freedom and adventure. Or will the objects lead them into even greater danger...
Page Count: 368
Genre: Adventure, fantasy, mystery Themes: Magic, family, home, myths, legends 'a word about books' says…"Michelle Harrison casts a spellbinding read into the world of middle-grade fiction. Never mind 'a pinch of magic', this tale of an ancient curse, enchanted family heirlooms and an unbreakable sisterly bond is magic by the bucket-load."
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A Pinch of Magic #2: A Sprinkle of Sorcery
When escaped prisoner Willow turns up at the Poacher’s Pocket in the middle of the night it’s the start of a daring adventure for sisters Fliss, Betty and Charlie. Charlie is mistaken for Willow and is kidnapped and it is up to Betty and Fliss to try and put things right. But can they find her and a mysterious land that only exists in fairy tales before it’s too late…
Page Count: 384
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Magic, family, home, friendship, siblings 'a word about books' says…"Coming soon..."
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