#YAReview: While We’re Young by K.L. Walther

Cover image by Monique Aimee, published by Electric Monkey, 13 March 2025, ISBN: 978-0008688455

Take a break from your normal routine and join Grace Barbour and her friends on a road-trip to experience an extraordinary day out in Philadelphia. While We’re Young is a thoroughly enjoyable, feel-good YA romance which had me hooked from cover to cover. Featuring a cast of 17-year-old high school friends and with the action taking place over a single day, I thought this story played out like a film in my head, and I was not surprised to read in the endnotes that the author had been inspired to write it after rewatching a classic teen movie.

Grace Barbour is adored by everyone, students and staff alike, at the high school where she is student body president, has a flawless attendance record and excels academically. So nobody, with the exception of her prankster sibling James, suspects anything awry when she suddenly falls sick one morning. With graduation fast approaching, followed by the prospect of departure for universities in different parts of the country, Grace is determined to mend broken bonds between her two best friends and has planned an epic day out to achieve her goal. She just needs to persuade Isa Cruz, the high flying over-achiever, to both skip school and help her ‘kidnap’ Everett Alder (Isa’s ex-boyfriend) before they set out on a trip which she hopes will revive happy childhood memories for them all. But what happens when your heart aches for someone who the ‘friend code’ dictates is off-limits, or you have feelings for the sibling of a dear friend? Can the complexities of first loves and emotional traumas be untangled during a skip day? And can three truanting teens at large in the city avoid being discovered?

I had not heard of author K.L.Walther before being sent an ARC of this book, but I believe that her previous YA novels have been hugely popular in the US and I now want to get hold of them. While We’re Young is such a pleasure to read; the characters are engaging, the setting is interesting, the revelations of past experiences are unravelled with great skill and the whole story is wrapped with humour, kindness and contemporary teen references. This is a teen love story that I’m sure will be enjoyed by many readers of 14/15+, it is available for pre-order now and will be published in the UK on 13 March 2025.

Disclaimer: I am grateful to publicist Rory Codd at Electric Monkey for sending me an ARC of While We’re Young ahead of publication. It was my decision to write a review and all opinions are my own.

#PictureBookReview: Don’t Worry, Felix by Yohann Devezy & Katharine Alice, illustrated by Zoe Bennett

Cover image by Zoe Bennett, published by New Frontier UK, 10 November 2024, ISBN: 978-1915167750

Don’t Worry, Felix is a beautiful picture book about feeling nervous, written and designed to be relatable to children aged 3-6. It would be an ideal book to share with young children who are feeling apprehensive about starting at nursery, pre-school or primary school and lovely to share in a classroom setting to help youngsters understand how some of their peers might be feeling.

The text, co-written by author Yohann Devezy and occupational therapist Katharine Alice, recounts the story of Felix, who on his first day at a new school is accompanied by a red balloon. It grows so large as he sits in Dad’s car, that it stops him being able to get out when they arrive at school. It grows so large in the classroom that it stops him being able to speak, and it grows so large in the playground that he cannot get off the bench to join in with a game of football. When Felix tells Dad about the big red balloon later that evening, Dad shows him a simple breathing technique to help him ease his thumping heart, twisting stomach and wiggling toes. In a heartwarming conclusion to the story we see Felix teaching the special breathing trick to another child in the playground.

This is such a cleverly written book, using a metaphor with which young children are very familiar to explain that nervous feelings can hold us back from doing things, and teaching a simple breathing technique to help calm those nerves. The accompanying illustrations by Zoe Bennett are wonderfully expressive, capturing Felix’s emotions in muted shades. There is so much detail and warmth in the home and school settings for children to explore, that despite this being a very recent publication produced by Australian creatives, it reminded me of the Alfie books by Shirley Hughes that I shared with my own children. I also loved the diversity of the characters portrayed; this is an inclusive book in which all youngsters will see themselves represented.

I highly recommend this book to parents and carers, nurseries, pre-schools and early years class teachers, I will be adding it to my collection of recommended fiction books about mental wellbeing.

Disclaimer: I am most grateful to Sophia Whitfield at New Frontier Publishing who sent me a copy of Don’t Worry, Felix. It was my decision to write a review and all opinions are my own.

#PictureBookReview: Message in the Mooncake: A legend from Ancient China by Sapphire Chow, illustrated by Xiaojie Liu

Cover image by Xiaojie Liu, published by Barefoot Books, October 2024,
ISBN: 979-8888592298

Message in the Mooncake is a retelling of a Chinese folktale about the cleverness and courage of the Chinese people during the Mongol occupation in the 14th century Yuan Dynasty. The author of this beautiful edition, Sapphire Chow (1954-2023) did not have access to books during her own childhood in SE Asia, and developed her own love for children’s literature after moving to Canada and having her own children and grandchildren. Her reimagining of this folktale is brought to life through her immersive words and Xiaojie Lui’s beautiful artwork which incorporates elements of graphic novel style – panels, text bubbles and different fonts – with more traditional art.

Readers really get the sense of life under occupation, with the Chinese characters including the main protagonist Su-Ling, afraid to raise their eyes from the ground when they are going about their daily lives under the watch of the Mongol soldiers. However, rebellion is in their hearts and in the air, wanting only a means of sending messages to ensure that any uprising is co-ordinated. When the idea for hiding messages inside the mooncakes which are exchanged as Mid-Autumn Festival gifts arises, kung-fu-kicking Su-Ling volunteers to deliver the mooncakes to her relatives in the next village. Surely the Mongol soldiers will not suspect a young girl of playing a part in the revolution, or will they?

The story is full of drama and suspense, and I loved the illustrator’s device of placing a shadowy tiger image throughout the story to symbolise the bravery and fighting spirit of Su-Ling and her compatriots.

At the end of the book there is a factual section, providing information on the Mongolian invasion, the Yuan Dynasty, the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, kung-fu and different types of mooncakes. I found this fascinating and I am sure that young readers will do too. In my opinion, this is a book which would be enjoyed by children throughout primary school, it is both entertaining and educational and presented in a style which encourages everyone to browse. A definite recommendation to add to primary school libraries, classroom collections and home bookshelves.

Disclaimer: I was sent a copy of Message in the Mooncake by publicist Antonia Wilkinson and Barefoot Books. It was my decision to write a review and all opinions are my own.

#Non-fictionReview: All Brains are Wonderful by Scott Evans, illustrated by The Boy Fitz Hammond, expert advice from Dr Rachel S.H. Williams

Blog tour graphic by bsmall publishing, publication date 3 February 2025, ISBN: 978-1916851245

All Brains are Wonderful is a first class non-fiction text for children and the adults in their life, providing an engaging introduction to brain biology, neurodiversity, mental wellbeing and inclusion. It is written by (neurodivergent) primary school teacher and reading advocate, Scott Evans, also known as The Reader Teacher; with expert scientific guidance from neuroscientist Dr Rachel S.H. Williams. Their words are vibrantly illustrated by The Boy Fitz Hammond, creating an educational book that is a joy to browse.

I really liked the way that the content was structured into three sections: first the Science, then Society and finally Taking Action. This combination of pure science and social science is so valuable and leads to joined-up thinking about the social determinants of health, so seeing this done in a book aimed at children is very positive in my opinion. The science section includes an explanation of brain development and anatomy; progresses through the functioning of the component neurones; and then considers brain dysfunctions and neurodiversity. Then there is an exploration of whether neurodiversity should or shouldn’t be considered a disability, and the complexity of neural connections that make every human unique. This book truly celebrates acceptance of difference and the embracing of everyone’s individual neurological make-up. Readers are encouraged to think about discrimination in relation to neurodiverse individuals, and the need to make reasonable adjustments so that everyone benefits from equal opportunities. There are positive messages for children who are neurodivergent to choose the language by which they wish to be identified – for example “I have dyslexia” or “I am dyslexic”, or even to choose not to explain their neurodivergence if they do not want to. There is positive advice about maintaining good mental health and suggestions of practical steps that we can all take to demonstrate empathy, understanding and allyship.

Throughout the book, scientific vocabulary is used in context, accompanied by clear graphics and explanations in clear, accessible language that children can understand. There is also a detailed glossary at the end to extend comprehension. From my perspective as a health librarian, I welcome the fact that All Brains are Wonderful will provide children (and their adults) with the vocabulary and background knowledge to discuss neurological health conditions. I was also particularly impressed that in the section about the brain’s processing activities there is a message about critically appraising the deluge of information that we receive from all forms of media, as well as from family, teachers and others. In an age where ‘influencers’ and some malicious individuals spread either misinformation or disinformation (often around health subjects) the encouragement to…

be curious, ask questions and check that information comes from reliable and accurate sources, like scientists and detectives do! page 15

is so valuable to take onboard at an early age.

I am aware that school budgets are really tight at present, but if you are looking to add to your non-fiction collection for KS2 classrooms or primary school libraries, then All Brains are Wonderful needs to be at the top of your shopping list.

I am most grateful to Naomi Weeks at b small publishing for inviting me to take part in the blog tour for this wonderful book, for providing me with a review copy and the graphic used in this post. Do check out the reviews written by the amazing librarians and teachers who are participating in the tour.

#AudioBookReview: The Secret Starling by Judith Eagle, read by Tania Rodrigues

Cover image by Kim Geyer, published by Faber, e-audiobook released 1 January 2020, ISBN: 978-0655657118

One of the great things about being part of the book blogging community is the joy of discovering a new (to you) author through a recommendation from a fellow blogger who really understands your taste in books. I am indebted to Anne Thompson, whose Reading Matters blog is an essential site for anyone interested in children’s books and reading, who encouraged me to seek out The Secret Starling by Judith Eagle. This is an outstanding middle grade mystery, with the hallmarks of the classic novels I read in my own childhood during the 1970s, the decade in which this novel takes place.

Clara Starling has grown up in an isolated and loveless manor house on the Yorkshire Moors under the guardianship of her joyless Uncle Edward. Her regimented routine is only made bearable by the kindness of Cook, and thus her world rapidly becomes bleaker when uncle fires all the servants, announces that he is leaving Braithwaite Manor and promptly abandons her in the village with a bundle of cash! Clara makes her way back to the manor where further surprises await: a boy her own age, Peter, and his cat Stockwell who have been sent to stay by Peter’s guardian in London; swiftly followed by the revelation that the manor house is up for sale! The children decide to pool their resources to fight against this injustice, and are soon joined by Cook’s three grandchildren, led by the indomitable Amelia-Ann. As well as having a lot of fun with no adults around to prevent such japes as indoor horse-riding, or to insist on healthy meals, the children combine forces to help Clara unravel the story of her past, and foil the plans of the manipulative villain.

I loved the way that the plot unfolded; with the action jumping between London and Yorkshire, unexpected revelations of long buried family secrets, and a villainous plan to steal an inheritance. The writing is wonderful, with the pace building beautifully towards the final reveal. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the audiobook version (borrowed from my local public library) which was brilliantly read by Kim Geyer. I realise that I have not read many children’s novels set in the 1970s, but this decade lends itself well to a mystery novel although it was heartbreaking to be reminded of some of the attitudes prevalent in that decade. (I also now have a nostalgic craving for Butterscotch Instant Whip)!

I highly recommend The Secret Starling for readers aged 9 years and above who enjoy a well-written mystery adventure. I am determined to read the rest of Judith Eagle’s back catalogue over the next few months.

#MGReview: Dragon Riders of Roar by Jenny McLachlan, illustrated by Alla Khatkevich

Cover illustration by Ben Mantle, published by Farshore, 13 February 2025,
ISBN: 978-0755503377

Return to the Land of Roar in this rollicking adventure, as twins Rose and Arthur attempt to become Dragon Riders of Roar! This story contains many of the elements of classic children’s fantasy: a brilliantly-imagined world accessed through a portal; children stepping outside their comfort zones to demonstrate remarkable bravery; a battle of good vs evil; and a range of magical creatures – witches, wizards, dragons, merfolk, sinister scarecrows and dread sharks! Jenny McLachlan weaves these into an exhilarating plot which will hold middle grade readers mesmerised until the final page. Scattered throughout the book there are glorious greyscale illustrations by Alla Khatkevitch, which are perfect for a readership of 8-12, who still very much appreciate images to aid their reading enjoyment. The short chapters, told through the voice of Arthur, propel the story, and make this an ideal choice for a classroom read aloud.

Although this is an extension to the original Land of Roar series and will therefore be extremely popular with existing fans, there is sufficient back story contained in the introduction and the early chapters that the book can be fully enjoyed by readers who are not familiar with the originals. Although I have read many middle grade fantasy series, I think this is the only one I have encountered where the fantasy world has been created by the imaginative play of the child protagonists, which for me adds an extra layer of enjoyment.

Rose and Arthur are staying with Grandad in the summer holidays before they start secondary school, and both are looking forward to crawling through the folded, old-fashioned camp bed in his attic to revisit their friends in Roar. However, they are frustrated by the unexpected arrival of Auntie Chaya and their baby cousin Lila (who they are expected to entertain). Leaving Arthur to the childcare duties, Rose adds new chapters to the Roar story in her precious yellow notebook; dreaming up a magical boarding school – The Dragon Riders Academy (DRAc) at which she is the star pupil. Additionally she creates a terrifying Witch King, Jago Skua, who steals children with ‘fire in their hearts’ to populate his army, replacing them with changelings. Unknown to Rose, Arthur adds a few edits and illustrations of his own to her story, so that when they eventually clamber through the portal to Roar there are deadly and unexpected challenges to face. Will they and the teachers and students of DRAc find sufficient inner fire to fight a fierce and merciless enemy?

I will not discuss any further plot details because this is a book best enjoyed without preconceptions…and I am certain that it will be a story which many readers, both children and adults will read with a great deal of pleasure. It is available for pre-order now and I highly recommend it to school and public librarians, KS2 class teachers and parents/caregivers of middle grade children.

Disclaimer: I was sent an advanced copy of Dragon Riders of Roar by publisher Farshore Books. It was my choice to write a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

#ChapterBookReview: The Bold Kitten by Holly Webb, illustrated by Sophy Williams

Cover illustration by Sophy Williams, published by Little Tiger Press,
9 January 2025, ISBN: 978-1788957397

I read yesterday that children in the UK had voted “kindness” as their word of the year for 2024, which I continually thought about as I read this latest chapter book from prolific children’s writer, Holly Webb. This lovely, gentle story which is sympathetically illustrated by Sophy Williams, is brimming with kindness, and I am sure will delight many young readers.

The story centres around 7-year-old Hana who, along with her little brother Zahir, her Mama and her Baba, has recently arrived in the UK after fleeing Syria and living in a refugee camp for two years. They have been welcomed into an English family’s home where they are treated with supreme kindness by Mark, Carla and their son Oscar. Despite this, Hana can’t help feeling shy, unsettled and a bit confused by her new surroundings and nervous about her attempts to communicate in English. Her adjustment to living in an English home is greatly helped by the presence of a cat and her five kittens, as well as the constant care that Oscar demonstrates. Rose the mother cat was a stray, and was also provided with a safe home by Mark, Carla and Oscar. As Hana forms a particularly deep bond with the calico kitten, who she is allowed to name Amal, she gradually begins to feel more at ease in her new surroundings. However, when the time comes for the kittens to be given away, Hana finds the prospect of parting from her new friend almost too much to bear.

I love the way that this story uses the concept of taking care of a cat and her kittens to help young children understand the plight of refugees trying to find a new home, and the importance of treating the most vulnerable in society with kindness. The short chapter, large font and illustrated format make independent reading of this story attainable for children who are moving on from picture books. I would highly recommend it for readers aged 6/7 and above.

Disclaimer: I am grateful to Finn at publisher Little Tiger for sending me a copy of The Bold Kitten. It was my decision to write a review and all opinions are my own.

#AudiobookReview: The Wrong Shoes by Tom Percival, read by Benjamin Isaac

Cover image of the audiobook version of The Wrong Shoes, published by Simon & Schuster Audio UK, released 17 July 2024, ISBN: 978-1398527133

Continuing my quest to catch up with books recommended by my blogging friends during 2024, I listened to the audio version of The Wrong Shoes by Tom Percival. This moving story provides an account of the realities of living in poverty in contemporary Britain through the lens of an 11/12-year-old boy named Will. The audiobook is read quite brilliantly by Benjamin Isaac, whose ability to voice all of the characters is astounding, and through whom you feel all the pain and desperation of Will’s experience.

Will’s “wrong shoes” are all that his unemployed dad can afford – cheap, fake leather, with a split in the sole that lets the water in. His shabby clothes, battered school bag and lack of essential school equipment make him feel like an outsider, and cause Chris Tucker and his gang of bullies to cruelly call him “Poundland”. Will’s only friend, Cameron, has remained loyal to him since happier times at primary school: before Will’s mum and dad split up; before dad was made redundant; before he had to move to the inappropriately-named estate of Cherry Orchards; and before an accident on a badly-run construction site resulted in Dad being unable to even look for employment. However, when Will rejects a kindly-intentioned offer of help from Cameron, his life sinks even deeper into despair, leading him close to breaking point and in danger of falling in with the “wrong crowd” when an unthinking teacher humiliates him in front of the whole class.

This is an important book, reflecting the lived experience of far too many children in the UK at the present time. Author, Tom Percival, who himself experienced poverty during his childhood has written an eye-opening book which will make children living in similar circumstances to Will feel seen, and which raises awareness of their plight to those of us who are more fortunate. The style of writing, with Will talking directly to the reader and often checking with us whether we understand his thoughts or actions, engenders instant empathy. All the characters are nuanced, so that even the bully’s actions become understandable once we eventually learn about his circumstances.

The story shows just how quickly a family can descend into poverty, and the mental and physical impact that being cold and hungry can have on a child. Both Will and his dad are pushed to the limits of their endurance, with pride presenting a barrier to seeking help, and subsequently both make some wrong choices, which family and friends help them to overcome. I thought that this story did a great job of showing the impact of the choices that anyone can make, both on their own futures and on the wellbeing of others. It is very easy to see that when someone feels they have no opportunities to improve their circumstances, they might be lured into the world of loan sharks or crime. Equally, the contrast between a teacher who recognises a child’s talent and potential and encourages them, versus a teacher who unthinkingly humiliates a child, shattering an already fragile sense of self respect, was brilliantly well portrayed.

The Wrong Shoes tackles some very difficult themes, but does so with a sense of hope and through a voice that will resonate with readers aged 11+. It highlights the power of kindness, encouragement and friendship to provide hope for those living in hardship. At the end of the story there are some facts about child poverty which help readers to understand the extent of this problem. I know from my blogging friends who are teachers that this book is an essential addition to library collections for readers at the top end of primary school as well as secondary school readers. I was very happy to find that the audiobook was available for loan from my public library through the BorrowBox app.

#IllustratedFiction Review: Betty Steady and the Queen’s Orb by Nicky Smith-Dale, illustrated by Sarah Horne

Cover art by Sarah Horne, published by Farshore, 16 January 2025,
ISBN: 978-0008600372

Betty Steady and the Queen’s Orb is exactly the sort of book that primary school librarians and teachers want to have in their collections to encourage children to read for pleasure. The book-appeal is off the scale, from the green foil highlights on the cover to the highly illustrated, hilarious story, this is a book that demands the attention of children aged 7+. There’s even a map (always a bonus in my opinion), random poems from Clammy Pete, and various letters from Dave Schoolboy, scattered throughout the story!

After a short introduction from Salvador Catflap, the greatest storyteller in the magical land of Wobbly Rock, the story commences with Betty Steady hanging out with her friends, the Crossword Crew. For anyone who has not read the first book in the series, there is a brief summary of the previous adventure provided in the introduction. Betty is a formidable twelve-year-old, known as the Guardian of Wobbly Rock, who is not averse to introducing her fists – Linda and Gregg – to anyone who might pose a threat to King Nutmeg. Unfortunately, she has been the object of a shrinking curse, cast by the Toad Witch, and now has to remind the court that she might be small, but she can still brawl!

When King Nutmeg receives an invitation to celebrate the Turnip Festival in the nearby kingdom of Upper Crust, Betty and her friends are part of the entourage, although Betty is frustrated that she is overlooked for bodyguard duties because of her current small stature. Whilst King Nutmeg competes against Queen McNiff in a series of hilariously vegetable-themed challenges, Betty is befriended by Misty Jamjar, a sprite who is secretly holding a grudge against the Queen. Just what kind of a stew will Betty land in if she helps her new friend to “borrow” the Queen’s magical Orb of Ogg?

I greatly enjoyed reading this book for its inventive plot, funny characters and brilliant word play. Who would have thought that vegetable-related puns could induce so much laughter? I laughed out loud when Beverly, the Queen’s Guard of the vault is introduced, carrying her axe named after her hairstyle – Choppy Bob! This character is:

“tough with a capital B. And tough doesn’t even have a B. That’s just how tough she was. page 105

At just under 200 pages, all filled with fun and action, Betty Steady and the Queen’s Orb should be added to your middle grade readers’ 5-a-day, for a healthy burst of enjoyment.

Disclaimer: I am most grateful to Farshore Books for sending me a review copy of Betty Steady and the Queen’s Orb. It was my decision to read the book and all opinions are my own.

#AudioBookReview: Birdsong by Katya Balen, read by Eleanor Yates

Cover art by Richard Johnson, audiobook published by Barrington Stoke, 16 October 2024,
ISBN: 9780008752125, narrated by Eleanor Yates

During 2025 I intend to enjoy some of the (very long) list of books published in 2024 that my blogging friends have recommended so fulsomely. One way that I hope to achieve this is via audiobooks on the BorrowBox app provided by my local public library service; Somerset Libraries. This week I was able to borrow Birdsong by Katya Balen, which I thoroughly enjoyed on my walk to and from work. Firstly, I must commend Eleanor Yates for her perfectly pitched narration. For me, the narrator is just as important as the content for enjoyment of an audiobook, and Eleanor Yates read the book beautifully. This story lends itself especially well to audiobook format, the addition of music, sound effects and bird song to the narration brought the story to life brilliantly.

Since being seriously injured in a car crash, music has disappeared from Annie’s life. She has initially lost the ability and later, the will, to pick up her flute; an instrument in which she previously excelled. As this short novel begins we meet Annie and her mother, packing up their house and downsizing to a dilapidated flat on the 15th floor of a tower block because her mother has lost her job through having to care for Annie during her recovery. It soon becomes apparent that the effects of the accident on Annie are far deeper than the white scar on her arm, a line which appears to separate her old life from her current one.

Annie is clearly facing a psychological struggle to recover fully from her injury. She is unwilling to perform the exercises prescribed by her physio and finds it easier to use her accident as an excuse for exempting herself from activities that she doesn’t want to make the effort to do. She has even withdrawn her application for a scholarship to a prestigious music school. As the novel develops we see the way that her brain is so naturally attuned to see musical patterns and to hear musical notes and rhythms in every day surroundings, making her fear of trying to resume playing her instrument even more heart breaking.

However when she meets Noah, a boy her own age who has set himself up to be the guardian of a local pair of blackbirds living in a scrubby, wild patch of brambles and hedges beside the estate playground, her outlook slowly begins to change. Through Noah’s actions and encouragement, she learns to take care and responsibility for the vulnerable blackbirds, and to appreciate their beautiful song. When tragedy strikes one of the pair, music provides a means of connection and reignites Annie’s passion for music making.

This is a glorious and wise novella, in which the unfolding of a friendship, the action of caring for another living creature, and the healing power of nature are combined in the exploration of the mental aftermath of a trauma. The anxiety and blame which can hold back recovery are dealt with gently and with kindness. The parallel plot of Annie’s relationship with her mother is told with great compassion. In my opinion, Katya Balen is one of the finest writers, particularly when it comes to bringing the natural world alive on the page. She has a lyricism and ability to conjure imagery that inspires awe and wonder. No word is wasted or extraneous, particularly important in a short novella such as this. I also loved the choice of Noah as the name for a boy so focussed on looking after a pair of blackbirds.

The physical book is published by Barrington Stoke and as I have referred to in previous posts, this means high-quality pages, dyslexia-friendly font, tinted pages with plenty of blank space, and accessible language. I would recommend this book to readers of 10+ and strongly encourage primary school and secondary school libraries to add this title to their collections.

Click this link for my review of October, October by Katya Balen.