I have given each of my recommendations for children an age suggestion. These are of course approximate. Please also have a look at younger or older categories.
A quirky story of family and friendship, a squirrel with superhero powers, poems and comic strip illustrations. Wonderful!
Review date: 28.12.23
Age recommendation: 9+
A heartwarming, upbeat and uplifting story of hope and resilience when dealing with the consequences of a traumatic event.
Review date: 13.01.25
Age recommendation: 9+
A Ukranian family flee their war-torn country for a new life in Britain, and confront different challenges.
Review date: 02.05.25
Age recommendation: 12+
A powerful adventure set around the world of theatre in London in the 1930s/
Review date: 12.04.25
Age recommendation: 9+
An action-packed, nostalgic adventure with a contemporary feel, set on a steam liner crossing the Atlantic. Wonderful!
Review date: 15.08.22
Age recommendation: 9+
An angry boy is forced to live through the second world war with the owner of a rundown zoo.
Review date: 18.02.22
Age recommendation: 9+
Billy lives in a care home. He is considered trouble because no one can touch him. He does what he wants, and he is full of anger. But Billy's younger brother and sister live in the home with him. They have known nothing else, and Billy will do anything to protect them.
Age recommendation: 12+
Five friends settle in for a movie marathon at their local cinema, then a wave crashes out of the screen sweeping them into an epic adventure.
Review date: 20.04.24
Age recommendation: 9+
A feminist, modern retelling of Peter Pan with Martha Pennydrop and her brother Scruff.
Review date: 03.01.23
Age recommendation: 9+
A fascinating and charming portrayal of a girl with Aspergers struggling to come to terms with tragedy.
Review date: 23.01.12
Age recommendation: 12+
In the shadow of Vesuvius, the wolf dog Delta has a race against time to save her family in 79 AD Pompeii.
Review date: 06.06.24
Age recommendation: 9+
A beautifully written animal adventure set in World War II, with tragedy and heroism in equal measure.
Review date: 30.04.19
Age recommendation: 9+
A brilliant story told in free verse exploring the challenges of wartime England. Who can be trusted? Who are the real heroes?
Review date: 25.02.24
Age recommendation: 9+
Finley intrigues his classmates and teachers alike with his calm composure. What's his secret? A wonderful story about being at peace with yourself.
Review date: 08.10.24
Age recommendation: 10+
A magical, mystical tale which addresses big issues of grief and loneliness in a young teenage girl with humour and inventiveness.
Review date: 22.02.25
Age recommendation: 12+
Solo and his mum gatecrash funerals for free food. Until one day they're found out.
Review date: 15.01.25
Age recommendation: 9+
A stunning, compelling story with so many layers and facets.
Review date: 14.01.13
Age recommendation: 11+
A wonderful sequel to 'The Final Year'. Brilliant.
Review date: 20.01.25
Age recommendation: 9+
A wonderfully warm and hopeful story told in verse, with beautiful illustrations. There are challenges but great characters too. Brilliant!
Review date: 16.09.23
Age recommendation: 9+
A ghost story for children set in a house inspired by Sutton Hoo, near Woodbridge, Suffolk.
Review date: 26.04.11
Age recommendation: 9+
