Goodnight Sun by Eoin McLaughlin
Goodnight Sun is a wonderful text to support families struggling with bedtime routines. This story is certain to raise a smile and some giggles from children and adults alike.
Children’s & YA book reviews
Children’s and YA book reviews
Children’s book reviews: below are our latest reviews of recent children’s and young adult fiction, poetry and non-fiction releases. We listen to recommendations from our readers, teachers, librarians, parents, grandparents, children and authors to decide which new books to review and recommend.
Our team of experienced educators, parents and librarians looks at new picture books for toddlers, early chapter books, first independent readers, middle-grade stories, poetry, teen & young adult, non-fiction and much, much more.
With over two million visitors each year since 2011, the School Reading List is one of the most read and established sources of UK reading recommendations for children’s and YA literature.
We’re committed to being a subscription-free resource for parents, schools, teachers and librarians and we hope that our reviews help to engender and embed a reading-for-pleasure ethos in classrooms and homes all over the country.
We also feature regular round-ups of new books – both fiction and non-fiction – to help support the start of autumn, spring and summer terms in schools; and a monthly ‘book of the month‘ covering new fiction, nonfiction and picture books.
Each review contains a five-word summary, the genre, the ISBN, further information about the author, illustrator and publisher; the publication date; the recommended reading age for the text, and some pointers to indicate which children we think will really enjoy the book.
For each book reviewed there’s also a useful ‘if you liked this book you might also like‘ section, to help teachers and librarians develop each child’s reading interests. Readers can also have a look at each author’s profile page, which includes information about each author, reviews of books by that author, links to teaching resources and contact details for author visits.
Many thanks to the children’s and YA book publishers, publicists and authors for sending review copies.
Our latest new children’s book reviews
Knowing the Score by Ros Roberts
Knowing the Score is a lovely, positive book. You don’t need to be hooked on tennis to enjoy this as everything is explained clearly. Gemma is a mature, instantly relatable, main protagonist.
Sar Wylda & The Legendary Goldbreaker by Jake R Wilson
Sar Wylda and the Legendary Goldbreaker is a feast for the imagination. With inspirational characters, a touch of science, fast-paced life-and-death situations and bags of adventure for children aged 8 years and up.
Beti and the Little Round House by Atinuke
Beti and the Little Round House is a lovely book which has the potential to enchant. There are four stories contained in this charming book, one for each season. It’s a book to treasure!
Big Ideas From Literature by The School of Life
Big Ideas From Literature is an original non-fiction text that would be a great resource for school libraries and classrooms. The book provides both adults and children with a greater insight into the power of stories and how books can change our world.
Agent Harrier: This Book Will Self Destruct by Ben Sanders
This Book Will Self Destruct is a funny, action-packed graphic novel that will appeal to fans of the Agent 9 and Peng and Spanner series. The second book in the series – Agent Harrier: You Only Spy Twice – is due to be published in October 2024.
The Tindims of Rubbish Island and the Deep Sea Treasure by Sally Gardner & Lydia Corry
The Tindims of Rubbish Island and the Deep Sea Treasure is a lovely story written with great imagination. It is easily accessible and written in dyslexia friendly font. I also enjoyed the way each chapter is summarised before it starts.
Bringing Back Kay-Kay by Dev Kothari
Bringing Back Kay-Kay is a special book which explores a missing boy and how his family, friends, and the police view things differently. It’s an excellent story which will draw students in.
The Island at the Edge of Night by Lucy Strange
The Island at the Edge of Night both confirms and surprises in equal measure. Faye is an excellent main protagonist, who is conflicted but strong-willed and absolutely not about to go down without a fight!
Outside In by Daniel Thompson
Outside In is a beautiful, accessible poetry collection that will appeal to fans of Michael Rosen and Joseph Coelho. It’s beautifully presented, with full-colour illustrations on each page by Julia Murray.
The Heart of the World by Amie Kaufman
The Heart of the World is a fantastically rich, swashbuckling adventure that will appeal to fans of Tamora Pierce and Kalynn Bayron. Themes of love, sacrifice, family and destiny are woven together in this intricately plotted and epic tale.
Aya and the Star Chaser by Radiya Hafiza
Aya and the Star Chaser is beautifully entwined with traditional Bengali folklore. This gothic fairy tale explores good versus evil, the love of family and conquering the darkest of enemies.
Your Brain is a Lump of Goo by Idan Ben-Barak, illustrated by Christopher Nielsen
Your Brain is a Lump of Goo is an amusing and informative “book made by brains, about brains, for brains.” The illustrations are clever, fun, bright and engaging, encouraging children to absorb the information playfully.
High Top: Sole Mates by Tom Lacey
High Top: Sole Mates is a persuasively positive and bright using colourful illustrations. It’s a brilliant model for young children to understand the concept of being considerate of others and most importantly, to spread love.
How to Teach Grown-Ups About Climate Change by Patricia Daniels
How to Teach Grown-Ups About Climate Change is an excellent introduction to the concept of climate change to captivate the thoughts of children and adults. It could inspire the next Greta Thunberg!
Skylar and the K-pop Headteacher by Luan Goldie
Skylar and the K-pop Headteacher is a joyful tale of friendship, being a super K-pop fan and chasing your dreams. It’s a highly enjoyable read with a great twist at the end.
Richard Scarry’s I Am a Bunny by Richard Scarry and Ole Risom
Richard Scarry’s I Am a Bunny – since its original print over fifty years ago it has been translated into multiple languages, including bilingual editions.
Pink Trucks by Sam Clarke and Cory Reid
Pink Trucks is an engaging read-aloud book that will surely capture the attention and imagination of young children – especially those who are fond of vehicles!
Aliya to the Infinite City by Laila Rifaat
Aliya to the Infinite City is an exciting, fast-moving fantasy for confident readers who enjoy longer books. It has an exciting storyline with enticing cliffhangers which could be suitable for reading aloud.
Countdown to Bedtime Sleepy Unicorn by Candy Bee, illustrated by Tom Knight
Countdown to Bedtime Sleepy Unicorn will help young children slow down, relax and drift off to sleep, hopefully dreaming about the fluffy bunnies, tiny fireflies or some of the other lovely characters they have seen throughout the book.
Bad Panda: Mites, Camera, Action! by Swapna Haddow
Bad Panda: Mites, Camera, Action is a hilarious stand-alone story in itself but, there are others in the series. So, don’t be surprised if your child wants to read the rest of the series after they have finished!
Tourmaline and the Museum of Marvels by Ruth Lauren
Tourmaline and the Museum of Marvels is an excellent follow-up to Tourmaline and the Island of Elsewhere and once again I thoroughly enjoyed the reading experience. The strongest message throughout is that friendship matters.
Those We Drown by Amy Goldsmith
Those We Drown is an immersive tale of mystery and hidden depths that will appeal to fans of Kalynn Bayron’s This Poison Heart. It is not recommended for anyone about to go on a cruise!
Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Where Sleeping Girls Lie is an intricately plotted tale of loyalty and the quest for justice. It will appeal to older readers who enjoyed This Book Kills and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.
Soulmates and Other Ways To Die by Melissa Welliver
Readers will quickly become immersed in this near-future, scarily real dystopia. Soulmates And Other Ways To Die is an original tale of destiny and independence that will appeal to fans of You & Me at the End Of The World.
The ‘Luis Ortega’ Survival Club by Sonora Reyes
The ‘Luis Ortega’ Survival Club is a powerful, uplifting story of bravery, friendship and standing up for the truth. It celebrates female empowerment and will appeal to fans of You Think You Know Me and Moxie.
The Shape of Rainbows by Neal Zetter, illustrated by Will Hughes
If I were asked now to make up a package of ten collections of poetry to be shipped out to every primary school in the country, then this would be one of them. Neal Zetter’s poems are funny, surprising, liberating, clever and thought-provoking.
SATs Like a Ninja by Andrew Jennings
Whether used independently by students or as part of a structured revision program designed by teachers or parents, SATs Like a Ninja stands out as a highly accessible and useful revision guide to help build your Year 6 child’s confidence.
Hide and Seek by Rhian Tracey
Hide and Seek is an absolutely brilliant book which shows how secrecy, rumour, and paranoia became interwoven with everyday life during WW2. It is sympathetic and informative in a way which means most readers in the designated age range will be able to access.
Grimwood: Attack of the Stink Monster by Nadia Shireen
Aimed at children aged 7+, Grimwood: Attack of the Stink Monster is ideal for reading aloud to the class. The unpredictable humour will engage and further motivate pupils to read independently. ‘Awooga!’
Bird is Dead by Tiny Fisscher and Herma Starreveld
Bird is Dead is a great book for adults to share with a child and explore this important subject. There are amusing moments mixed with the colourful illustrations that give the subject a lighter note.
Elki Is Not My Dog by Elena Arevalo Mellville, illustrated by Tonka Uzu
Elki Is Not My Dog will encourage children to consider things from an animal’s point of view and consider compassion and the care a dog needs. The expressions of the characters enhance the empathy and kindness theme which, runs through the book.
Hotel for Cats by Marie Pavlenko, illustrated by Marie Voyelle
Hotel for Cats is a fun read, with humour aimed directly at younger readers with pawful puns aplenty but the simple storyline also contains a serious message. It’s ideal for reading aloud, especially with all the cat puns contained here!
A Cure Ever After by Angharad Walker
A Cure Ever After is a clever, immersive tale of friendship, deceit and finding your own place in the world. It will appeal to fans of Philip Pullman and Rainbow Rowell as well as readers who appreciate a well-crafted fantasy.
Stitch Head: the Graphic Novel by Guy Bass and Pete Williamson
Stitch Head is an action-packed graphic novel that will appeal to fans of the Amelia Fang and Grimwood series. The graphic novel format makes for a lively and accessible read, even for reluctant readers.
Alyssa and the Spell Garden by Alexandra Sheppard
Alyssa and the Spell Garden is a good book to discuss the importance of community, whether that is where you live, where you go to school, or where you spend your leisure time, and how easily that can change.
The Grimmelings by Rachael King
The Grimmelings is an atmospheric, well-written, standalone novel where the majesty of New Zealand’s stunningly beautiful landscape leaps off the page. The lives of Ella and her family draw you straight in.
I Really, Really Need a Poo by Karl Newson and Duncan Beedie
I Really, Really Need a Poo by Karl Newson and Duncan Beedie is a great talking point for PSED topics and animal studies. Children may want to join in with the gassy sound effects. Expect many re-readings.
Time Travellers: Adventure Calling by Sufiya Ahmed
Time Travellers: Adventure Calling is a brilliant book for those who love or loathe history as it is written in such an informative and engaging way that it should appeal to everyone.
Peng and Spanners by Steve Webb
Peng and Spanners is a funny, action-packed graphic novel. The bold layouts and large speech bubbles will appeal to reluctant readers, making this a highly accessible and fun read. Further books in the series are planned.
The Untameables by Clare Pollard
The Untameables is a charming tale of friendship and bravery. Themes of independence, respecting others and standing up for your own truth run throughout the book, giving young readers a powerful story of tolerance and inner strength.
Frank the Unicorn Alpaca by Gavin Puckett
Frank the Unicorn Alpaca is a fun story with an easy rhythm, which is humorous, joyful, and great to read aloud. Frank is an unlikely hero and at the beginning. everyone can sympathise with his dilemma.
A Drop of Golden Sun by Kate Saunders
A Drop of Golden Sun is a lovely, feel-good, novel where problems are revealed and then solved without too much angst. There are interweaving storylines covering loneliness, bullying, alcohol abuse, fragmented families, and mental health issues.
Winner Takes Gold by Eloise Smith
Winner Takes Gold is is an enjoyable read. As an adventure story for someone who enjoys reading anything sport-related, this could very well hit the spot. The lengths some will go to in pursuit of perfection were scarily detailed.
Diamond Jack: Your Magic or Your Life by Anna Rainbow
Diamond Jack is excellent book is a fast-moving and action-packed read, with great main protagonists to cheer for. There are plenty of surprises, many of which I didn’t see coming at all!
Old Bear by Jane Hissey
Old Bear is a charmingly nostalgic tale that will appeal to young readers and their parents. It would be ideal for bedtime reading or group storytime sessions. The text is beautifully illustrated, with a full-page picture on each spread.
Ultrawild by Steve Mushin
Ultrawild’s large-scale format and shiny cover will give it instant shelf appeal. The intricate line drawings, multiple speech bubbles and graphic-novel-style presentation will grab the attention.
Evolution by Sarah Darwin and Eva-Maria Sadowski
Evolution is a high-quality, fascinating insight into our amazing natural world, perfect for both classroom and school library usage. It will appeal to confident readers with an interest in nature who are looking to be inspired by scientific pioneers.
I Want a Dog by Jon Agee
I Want a Dog is a lovely book, using straightforward language in just the right amount and at the right register, clearly and economically illustrated and revealing an important insight, which I have for some time now tried to ensure that my grandson can absorb.
Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm by Ash Bond
Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm is a fast-moving middle-grade novel which draws the reader into an exciting dual-realm adventure. Readers will relate to the characters and the mythical Cosmic Realm.
Growing Up Powerful Journal by Nona Willis Aronowitz
Growing Up Powerful Journal is a positive, interactive resource for the early teenage years that will appeal to fans of Judy Blume and the Rebel Girls books. Each section has a multi-choice personality-style quiz and real-life stories of inspiring girls and young women.
A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond, illustrated by Peggy Fortnum
A Bear Called Paddington is a delightful collection that will appeal to readers of all ages and will be a particular delight for story time sessions. In this edition, the marmalade-loving bear from Darkest Peru is as charming today as ever.
Ancient Love Stories by Emily Hauser
Ancient Love Stories will appeal to both history and romance fans and to all readers longing for their own epic love story. Written by classical scholar Emily Hauser and illustrated by Swedish designer Sander Berg, this is a highly visually appealing book.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe board book is a gentle way to introduce very young readers to a more sophisticated series of children’s stories. This version brings that magical world to life for younger children.
The Memory Thieves (The Marvellers 2) by Dhonielle Clayton
The Memory Thieves is fast-moving and exciting throughout and could easily be enjoyed as a whole class experience or as private reading for those at the higher end of the suggested reading ages and abilities.
Storm Dragon by Dianne Hofmeyr and Carol Thompson
Storm Dragon is a beautifully illustrated book which, according to my six-year-old grandson, had nothing in it he didn’t like! The grandpa and his grandchild tackle everything with an enthusiasm that leaps off the page.
Santa’s New Reindeer by Caroline Crowe and Jess Pauwels
Santa’s New Reindeer all children will enjoy and I think will result in it becoming a favourite Christmas read. It is a pleasure to read aloud to a young audience who I have no doubt will enjoy it enormously, especially as the reader has to say ‘poop’!
Merry Whatmas? by Eoin McLaughlin and Polly Dunbar
Merry Whatmas? is a lovely book about what Christmas should be about seen through the eyes of Hedgehog, Tortoise, and their friends. Each page covers a different friend and their favourite part of the preparations for the big day.
Scarygirl Film Tie-In: The Origin Story by Nathan Jurevicius
The illustrations in Scarygirl are wonderful and there is far more in each picture than first meets the eye. One advantage of this graphic novel is that one visit isn’t nearly enough.
Last-Place Lin by Wai Chim, illustrated by Freda Chiu
Last-Place Lin is a positive and highly relevant tale of determination that will appeal to fans of Charlie and Lola and Julia Donaldson. The bright illustrations and minimal text make for an accessible read and children will identify with the Sports Day theme.
Super Space Weekend: Adventures in Astronomy by Gaëlle Alméras
Super Space Weekend is a high-quality non-fiction text that will appeal to both existing space enthusiasts and those who want to learn more about the subject. The graphic novel style format makes it accessible for both confident and reluctant readers.
I Loved You In Another Life by David Arnold
I Loved You In Another Life is a beautiful tale that will have even hardened cynics believing in true love and soul mates. This tender tale will appeal to fans of Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper and Lauren James’ The Next Together.
Absolutely Everything by Christopher Lloyd
Absolutely Everything is an ambitious concept and a stunningly realised achievement. This book is highly recommended for children aged 10-13 in years 6, 7 and 8 classrooms, and school libraries in Key Stages 2 and 3.
Best Friends Forever by Lisa Williamson
Lola is literally starting big school, because she’s going to Henry Bigg Academy! Best Friends Forever is a relatable, empathetic book, whose main protagonists are great characters with realistic problems they need to solve.
Man-Man and the Tree of Memories by Yaba Badoe
Man-Man and the Tree of Memories is a beautiful book and the work of illustrator, Joelle Avelino, compliments Yaba Badoe’s story perfectly. It is a joyous story with bright, multi layered illustrations which add depth to every page.
The Star Whale by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Petr Horáček
The Star Whale is a delightful poetry collection that will appeal to fans of Michael Morpurgo and budding David Attenboroughs. The collection includes blank verses and strong rhyming patterns, tongue twisters and songs.
Butterfly Wings by Samuel Larochelle, illustrated by Eve Patenaude
Described on the cover as ‘A hopeful story about climate anxiety’, Butterfly Wings is a unique, lyrical tale that will appeal to a wide readership of concerned readers and future climate activists.
The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow, illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton
The Final Year is a highly relevant book that would serve as a great support for year five and six pupils who are facing their own imminent move to secondary school. The verse format makes for an accessible read and the illustrations enhance the realistic setting.
The Taming of the Cat by Helen Cooper
The Taming of the Cat is a highly relatable story for 9-12-year-olds who will love this tale of Brie, who really isn’t your everyday mouse! Illustrated by the author, the animal drawings are beautifully done.
The Wolf Twins by Ewa Jozefkowicz
The Wolf Twins will give readers on the outside looking in an understanding of what it’s like to be a twin, especially when your sibling looks exactly like you! It will also appeal to those with siblings very close in age.
Nikhil and Jay: Off to India by Chitra Soundar
Nikhil and Jay: Off to India is an accessible read for newly independent readers who want more realistic and representative stories than those often found in prescriptive reading schemes.
The Silver Road by Sinéad O’Hart
The Silver Road is an immersive read that will appeal to fans of Catherine Doyle and the Percy Jackson books. The twisting plot is reminiscent of oral storytelling traditions and classic fantasy tales such as The Wizard of Earthsea.
All That It Ever Meant by Blessing Musariri
With themes of identity and finding your own path in life, All That It Ever Meant is a clever, heartfelt tale that will appeal to confident older readers and fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Angie Thomas.
Channel Fear by Lisa Richardson
Channel Fear is a ghost story for the social-media generation. The plot is fast-paced, and the scares are satisfying without resorting to cliches. The rather toxic love triangle between Iris, Byron and Molly adds a dose of realism to the paranormal plotline.
Monster Stink by Anna Brooke
Monster Stink would be a popular addition to any year 2 or 3 classroom. What child doesn’t relate to bogeys and farts? My 6 year old grandson loved it and found it funny as well as ‘ewww’, which was, I think, what the author was hoping for.
Animal Homes: Rainforest by Natasha Durley
Animal Homes: Rainforest is a fresh and inspiring non-fiction read. It’s a perfect introduction to help inspire an interest and love for conservation and the natural world found outside our own countryside.
Peanut, Butter & Crackers: River Rescue by Paige Braddock
Peanut, Butter & Crackers: River Rescue is a fun book with lots going on. The story is a gentle way of showing what can happen when curiosity and impulsiveness take over. It also shows the power of friendship, especially when you have got yourself in a spot of bother!
The Fantastic Electric Mash-up Machines: Obstacle Attack! by Tyler Byrd and N.S Blackman
The Fantastic Electric Mash-up Machines: Obstacle Attack! is a fast-paced, action-packed racing story. The cartoon-style drawings, large print and off-white paper make the book particularly accessible for emergent and struggling readers.
Agent 9: Flood-a-geddon! by James Burks
Agent 9: Flood-a-geddon! is a full-colour, action-packed graphic novel. The serious ecological message of melting ice caps is nicely conveyed amidst the madcap adventure and James Bond-style gadget action.
Finding Wonder by Lauren St John
Finding Wonder is an engrossing adventure story that will appeal to young horse fans. Best-selling author Lauren St John has a knack for weaving gripping plots with animal and conservation themes.
Mia and the Traitor of Nubis by Janelle McCurdy
Mia and the Traitor of Nubis is a brilliant, fast-moving, adventure story with a likeable main protagonist who is easy to relate to. I will absolutely be on the lookout for the final instalment. I need to know how this concludes and at the moment I have no idea, which is an excellent place to be.
The Girl Who Grew Wings by Anna Waterworth
The Girl Who Grew Wings is an empowering feminist tale that definitely sits at the more mature end of the Young Adult spectrum. The book does not shy away from issues of misogyny and violence against women.
The Moon is a Ball by Ed Franck and Thé Tjong-Khing
The Moon is a Ball is a sweet collection of tales that will appeal to fans of Julia Donaldson and A.A. Milne. The stories have simple plots that will appeal to young readers, but with deeper, more thoughtful messages that will also entice older children.
Against the Odds by Alastair Humphreys, illustrated by Pola Mai
Against the Odds is an inspiring collection that will appeal to fans of the Rebel Girls books and readers who prefer non-fiction. As well as being highly engaging for reading for pleasure, the book would also be inspiring for class activities and creative writing prompts.
Secret Sister by Sophie McKenzie
Secret Sister is a gripping thriller that will appeal to readers who enjoy, but are perhaps now ready to move on from, Jacqueline Wilson and Cathy Cassidy. The two girls are strong and independent, battling an adult world of restrictions and secrets.
Thieves’ Gambit by Kayvion Lewis
Thieves’ Gambit is a fast-paced, intelligent thriller. Rosalyn is a highly capable, charismatic protagonist. She is smart, savvy and brave, fiercely loyal to her family even as she grows increasingly disillusioned.
Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans by Isi Hendrix
Adia Kelbara is an exceptional read. With a brilliant main protagonist who leaps off the page, this book is alive with discussion points. The eminently satisfying conclusion leaves the reader wanting more.
Indiana Bones and the Invisible City by Harry Heape
Indiana Bones and the Invisible City is an exciting novel for ages seven and up which has thrilling discoveries to be made in each chapter. The humour works well as a tension breaker on more than one occasion.
My Dad is a Tree by Jon Agee
The drawings are straightforward and direct, but also subtle. We were able to discuss how a slight change of shape or direction of the characters’ eyes made a difference to what they appeared to be thinking. And we are both now experts in drawing rain!
One Chance Dance by Efua Traoré
One Chance Dance is a wonderful book that carries the reader along on a tide of positivity. Jomi is a sympathetically written main protagonist who is easy to cheer for as he and his bushbaby face life head on.
How to Train Your Dragon 20th Anniversary Edition by Cressida Cowell
In the 20 years since it was first published, the How To Train Your Dragon series has grown to 12 volumes with 14 million copies sold. There are also three blockbuster film, three TV series adaptations and more live action planned for 2025.
Super Small: Miniature Marvels of the Natural World by Tiffany Stone
Super Small: Miniature Marvels of the Natural World is a picture book bursting with jaw-dropping facts. Fifteen poems introduce the reader to a variety of tiny creatures whose amazing powers belie their small stature.
A Head Full of Magic by Sarah Morrell
A Head Full of Magic is a positive, fun read that will particularly appeal to those who, like Fleur, are approaching the end of primary school and facing their own life changes.
Nowhere Island by Tania Unsworth
Nowhere Island is a fast-paced, survivalist adventure story. A modern story that will appeal to fans of Katherine Rundell and Eva Ibbotson, the descriptions of the island make this an immersive tale.
Overemotional by David Fenne
Overemotional by David Fenne is an endearing and wholesome LGBTQ+ read that fans of Simon James Green, Tola Okogwu and Alice Oseman will enjoy. Combining the awkwardness of crushes with X-Men-style action sequences, teenagers will find it hard to put it down.
Last Girl In by Cheryl Diane Parkinson
Last Girl In by Cheryl Diane Parkinson is a feel-good book with a positive message highlighting the advantages of believing in yourself. Sports-loving and less confident readers will enjoy this satisfying story with short chapters.
Sing If You Can’t Dance by Alexia Casale
Sing If You Can’t Dance is a moving story of finding a new path when life has taken a cruel twist. It gives much needed representation to those affected by chronic health problems, without resorting to mawkishness or ‘heroic suffering’ tropes.
The Not-So-Uniform Life of Holly-Mei by Christina Matula
Holly-Mei suffers regret, anxiety, misapprehension, jealousy and paranoia, all of it unnecessary and, thankfully, short-lived, in this fast-moving account of her journey towards self-knowledge and emotional balance.
Forwards Always by Matthew Hodson
Forwards Always by Matthew Hodson is a fun, engaging poetry collection for fans of Benjamin Zephaniah and Joseph Coelho. With lively and accessible poetry this is a collection to be read out loud and shared around in KS1 and KS2.
Growing Up Powerful by Nona Willis Aronowitz
Growing Up Powerful is a positive, relevant guide to the early teenage years that will appeal to fans of Judy Blume and the Rebel Girls books. There is a strong emphasis on individuality and self-expression, of living life on your terms rather than comparing yourself to others.
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