Hetty and the Battle of the Books; Anna James, illustrated by Jez Tuya

Hetty has always loved the library and ever since the ‘Big Falling Out’ with her closest friends she has found herself spending more time there than ever. So when she learns that the headteacher plans to close it down and make librarian Ms juster redundant in the process she is absolutely horrified. Something must be done. Can Hetty repair her broken friendships and come up with a way to save the library before it’s too late? The battle of the books is on. Will pupil power triumph over the headmaster’s sneaky plans…

Love, love, love this. I honestly don’t know what I would do without my local library and the importance of them to many children and their families who do not have access to lots of books at home is impossible to put a value on. Multiple copies of Hetty and the Battle of the Books need to be in every library and school classroom. The next time I hear of a library threatening to close its doors I’ll be strongly suggesting that the decision-makers read this book.

​Featuring illustrations by Jez Tuya, Anna James tells a heart-warming, empowering and important story about a group of school children who take it upon themselves to fight to save their school library from closure. Packed full of meaningful messages, the importance of libraries and why their doors very much need to remain open are the stars here.

Libraries are important and not just because they are full of books. For Hetty and her friends the library is a central pillar of their school community. It is a safe place to meet, it is a space to run clubs, somewhere to do homework, a venue to hang-out before and after school, it offers job opportunities - both paid and voluntary. There is much to fight for and the sense of urgency that something must be done and quickly is conveyed superbly within the sixty-eight pages. Pacy and engaging story-telling will have readers racing through the pages as friendships are rekindled and the fight for a common cause brings children together.

Given that libraries appear to be shutting their doors at an alarming rate, this timely and impassioned rallying cry should hit home to readers of all ages. Libraries are magical places and we simply cannot stand by and let them disappear from our communities, we must try and save them, just like Hetty and her friends.

Children are sure to be inspired by Hetty and will no doubt be motivated to fight for what they believe in, to fight for what is right and will take heart in knowing that that they are never too young to be heard and to make a difference.

As with all Barrington Stoke titles the book is published using dyslexic friendly font and colours so everyone can access this read. With huge thanks to the publisher for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.

Recommended for 8+.