Cover image by Ryan Hammond & Ricardo Bessa, publisher Farshore Books, 27 March 2025, ISBN: 978-0008720256
Jennifer Killick cements her position as the Queen of Middle Grade Horror with this first book in the new Serial Chillers series: The Witch in the Woods! The cleverness of the word play in the title gives you an insight of what awaits inside the covers: whip-smart dialogue, hugely engaging storylines and a presence in the woods that will send an Arctic blast down your spine!
Set in the small town of Hazard (there’s a fabulous map included), which has become a tourist attraction for those in search of the macabre, the story is recounted in the first person voice of 12-year-old Travis. This puts the reader right into the path of every jump scare and ghoulish experience; for a wimp like me this had to be a broad-daylight-hours-only reading experience! However, part of Jennifer Killick’s genius is her ability to mix heart-pounding drama with laugh-out-loud comedy, and the wise-cracking banter between Travis and his upbeat, lovable best friend Zayd, lightens even the darkest moments in the story. When the two boys are assigned to work on a class history project with golden-girl Seline, and the mayor’s daughter Danielle, they seem set up to fail. Travis clearly has some history with Danielle which has resulted in a strained relationship, and nobody but Seline really wants to investigate the history of town legend Blood-Eyed Mary. Forced to venture to the woods known locally as Mary’s Cauldron on a Friday evening, what begins as an evening of pranks swiftly descends into a fight for survival which will bring the four tweens into a close bond as they fight to escape their terrifying pursuer.
It becomes obvious that in a town which boasts the world’s largest sink hole, accountable for multiple disappearances over the years, there is human as well as geological danger lurking below the surface. Clues are unearthed pointing to the sinister historical activities of Danielle’s ancestors, the powerful Da Santos family, and I assume (and hope) that these will be explored further as the series develops. I am sure that I will not be alone in wishing to get my hands on book 2 The Monster in the Mines as soon as possible.
I know from. my school librarian and teacher friends that this author’s DreadWood series has been hugely popular with children aged 9/10 and above, so I highly recommend adding The Witch in the Woods to your library collections, it will fly off the shelves.
Disclaimer: I am grateful to Sarah Sleath at Farshore for sending me a review copy of Serial Chillers: The Witch in the Woods. It was my decision to write a review and all opinions are my own.
Published in the UK by Guppy Books, 05 June 2025, ISBN:978-1916558458
Best of all Worlds is an outstanding YA dystopian speculative novel written by prize-winning Canadian author Kenneth Oppel. This novel combines themes of climate emergency, pandemic, survival, politics, racism and teen passion in the claustrophobic melting pot of a strictly enclosed environment. The prologue announces a death the opening page and then plunges the teenage narrator Xavier Oak into an alien landscape from where the novel builds tension throughout its 240 pages to an explosive conclusion. This is a novel which requires the reader to continually question their understanding of events, both fictional and in the real world. It is a work of the highest quality, which I (considerably older than the target audience of 14/15+) immensely enjoyed reading.
Xavier has reluctantly accompanied his dad (Caleb) and heavily pregnant step-mum (Nia) for a decompressing break at their lakeside holiday cottage, whilst his older teenage brother and mum have remained in the city. Missing his family, gaming fan Xavier just wants to listen to the music that his brother Sam has downloaded to his phone whilst working on the latest escape strategy for the Dungeons & Dragons game he and his city mates are engaged in. He is not impressed on the first morning to find that the Wi-Fi is down, thinking that this is part of Nia‘s plan for a tech-free getaway. Imagine his shock when he realises that the familiar lakeside scenery has been replaced by farmland, crops, chickens and goats and that all three inhabitants of the cottage have a strange triangular pattern of puncture wounds along their spines! After detailed exploration it becomes apparent that the family are trapped inside a dome from which their attempts to escape are fruitless. What’s more they appear to be overseen by an invisible benevolent force with the power to intervene when necessary; this becomes apparent following the traumatic birth of baby Noah.
… Fast forward three years, Xavier desperately misses his mum and Sam and constantly worries about what has befallen them. However, he has adapted to the self-sufficient lifestyle and the family have assumed that they have been kidnapped by aliens, and have given up attempts to escape. They are settled farming their crops, preserving food for the winters and tending their animals. Then without warning a new family are dropped into the dome. A family from the opposite side of the political divide, a family who own guns and a crossbow, a family who believe in deep-government conspiracy theories. The father, Riley Jackson, is convinced that the dome is some kind of deep state experiment, thinks that the Oaks have taken a cowardly and submissive approach to their captivity and is determined that he will lead his family out of the dome and back to their home in the deep south of America.
Tensions build at multiple levels as the families become acquainted. Firstly there is updated news about the climate emergency and pandemic status on Erf (as Noah refers to the planet he has never seen) and the measures being taken to prevent climate refugees from entering North America. Then there is the sexual tension between teens Xavier and Mackenzie (who is pining for the boyfriend she has left behind). Finally, the shifting levels of trust and distrust between the adults who represent different ends of the political spectrum bring a sense of foreboding and menace to the previously peaceful dome.
This is such a clever book which can be enjoyed purely as a compelling dystopian thriller, or can act as a prompt to conversation about the many issues contained within the narrative. I think that it is likely to spark many interpretations, ideas and questions. I saw the dome as a metaphor for the barriers being constructed between different sections of society and the tendency to interact mainly with others within one’s own particular thought bubble rather than engaging in dialogue to understand the views of others. Without any doubt I can state that this will be one of my choices for top books published and read during 2025.
I highly recommend this to secondary school librarians and readers aged 14/15+ who want a thought-provoking, enthralling read.
Disclaimer: I am very grateful to publicist Liz Scott and Guppy Books who sent me a proof copy of Best of All Worlds ahead of simultaneous publication in the UK, Canada and the US in June 2025. It was my decision to publish a review, and all opinions are my own.
Cover art by Alexis Snell, published by Red Shed/Farshore, 27 February 2025, ISBN: 978-0008725075
This edition of Normal Women: Making History for 900 Years has been adapted from the original adult version to be accessible for a teenage or Young Adult readership. It packs a huge amount of information into under 300 pages, broken up into easily digestible chunks with bold headings and cleverly annotated in a style that looks like handwritten notes. The writing style is quite chatty, so that you feel that you are being guided through history by an enthusiastic and expert teacher. There are illustrations throughout by Alexis Snell, whose linocut prints complement the historical content and add another layer of appeal to this publication. The information spans the dates 1066 to 1994 and can be read in chronological order, but it is also a book which can be dipped into, to explore particular periods of history or themes.
In the introduction the author, Philippa Gregory, tells us that the vast majority of historical records and books throughout the centuries have been written by men, therefore it is unsurprising that women’s stories have been omitted from the narrative. She has carried out meticulous research to unearth the stories of normal women, and here provides accounts of named women who were engaged in every type of activity throughout the span of nine centuries. I found the book to be utterly fascinating and hugely educational, it has certainly filled a lot of gaps in my historical knowledge. It made me reflect that had such a book been available when I was 13/14, it might well have encouraged me to choose history as an O-level subject. I would highly recommend it to secondary school librarians as I feel that it could inspire teen readers to pursue their own interest in history. I also suggest that adult readers who perhaps do not have time to read the full-length adult version of this title, will also find this a very satisfying read. There are trigger warnings before the introduction, as the content does include some examples of abuse of women, so I would advise librarians, parents and care givers to take heed of this.
Disclaimer: I am grateful to Chris at Farshore Books for sending me a copy of Normal Women: Making History for 900 years. It was my decision to write a review and all opinions are my own.
I am delighted to be joining the #BlogTour for I Don’t Do Mountains and absolutely honoured to host the following guest post written by author Barbara Henderson:
Author Barbara Henderson
Enjoy the Great Outdoors – but responsibly!
Heading into THE GREAT OUTDOORS in Scotland? Here are some tips for keeping yourself, others and the environment safe:
You should always:
Respect the interests of other people.
Care for the environment.
Take responsibility for your own actions.
Here are some good principles:
If camping, use small tents and camp well away from buildings, roads and farmland – and have a backup plan to go somewhere else if it’s busy.
Do not light an open fire, including in fire bowls or BBQs, during times of high fire risk (prolonged periods of dry weather) or near forests, farmland, peaty ground, or close to buildings or historic sites. Always pay attention to fire danger warnings and report any out-of-control fires you find by calling 999 immediately.
If you need to, use a camping stove to cook your food. Place it on a level, non-flammable surface away from dry grass and vegetation (and your tent!) and keep a close watch while using it.
Take away all belongings and litter and leave no trace of your visit. When cleaning up, pick up any pieces of broken glass with the rest of your rubbish, as these act as a magnifying glass for the sun and can start fires.
Remember that deadwood provides a home and food for many creatures and is vital for the ecosystem. So, leave the wood on the ground and never cut down or damage trees.
Prepare for the call of nature. If there aren’t public toilets nearby, pack a trowel, toilet paper, hand sanitiser, and sealable bags for your litter to make it easy to clean up. Wash your hands with water or use hand sanitiser afterwards.
If you are interested in finding out more, my sources for this post are a brilliant place to start:
Barbara Henderson is the award-winning author of a dozen books. Her historical and eco-fiction for children is widely studied in schools, and she has won two Young Quills Awards from the Historical Association. She was the inaugural Forth Bridge Writer-in-Residence. Barbara is based in the Scottish Highlands where she still teaches Drama – but she loves to travel and spread the story-love in schools. When she gets the chance, she likes to head to a coffee shop, a museum, a ruin or to the nearby hills. Her latest novel for children, contemporary mountain adventure I Don’t Do Mountains, is out now from Scottish Mountaineering Press.
I am very grateful to Scottish Mountaineering Press and Antonia Wilkinson PR for inviting me to host this blog post and for sending me a copy of I Don’t Do Mountains. You can read my review for the book here.
Cover image by Victoria di Meo, published by Scottish Mountaineering Press, 17 March 2025, ISBN: 978-1907233548
Eleven-year-old Kenzie does not do: mountains, or strangers, and barely does friends! Therefore she is horrified when her teacher Miss Cuthbertson announces an “exciting”project to aid the transition to high school – an outward bound expedition in the Scottish mountains with children from another feeder school. Her first person narrative clearly conveys her worst fears when she discovers that the only person from her current class allocated to her group is all round superstar Sorley Mackay.
Kenzie’s mother is convinced that the experience will be good for her daughter, can see through Kenzie’s plans to duck out of the trip, and greets her arrival home with a huge pile of outdoor clothing and equipment. The day of departure arrives and Sorley and Kenzie are paired up with Rupert and Mariam, and their adult guide Bairdy, along with his dog Drookit. Fully expecting two days of rough walking and overnight camping in the Cairngorms, little do the children realise the levels of resilience, bravery and teamwork that will be required when Bairdy disappears. Each of them find hidden depths and manage to overcome their fears as they inadvertently stumble into the path of wildlife criminals and an unethical commercial landowner. The first person narrative expresses the tension that steadily builds throughout this story in such a compelling manner that I finished the book in one sitting.
Barbara Henderson does an amazing job of rolling out a tense eco-thriller over the space of 150 pages. I have greatly admired previous books by this author she has a fantastic ability to locate the reader in a particular setting with sparse use of words; in this case I think she does an incredible job of transporting the reader to the harsh and beautiful Scottish Highlands. Additionally, she incorporates Scottish history seamlessly into the narrative, here we learn that the landscape has been formed by the Highland clearances and the private ownership which has managed the land to accommodate human activity rather than the natural biome. On top of all of this, Barbara writes characters that are totally authentic, revealing their strengths and weaknesses as the plot unfolds, and building relationships which will be totally relatable for middle grade readers.
I think that the fast paced adventure, short chapters, occasional black and white illustrations and short overall length will make this book hugely appealing to readers aged 8/9+. Hopefully it will encourage a desire to participate in outdoor activities. I am going to pass my copy onto a friend who teaches Year 4, who I know will enjoy using it as a class read-aloud to accompany her topic work on hills and mountains. I Don’t Do Mountains is published by the Scottish Small Press of the Year 2023, Scottish Mountaineering Press, and the end notes contain advice for exploring and staying safe in the Scottish wilderness as well as information about raptor persecution from the RSPB.
Disclaimer: I was sent a free copy of I Don’t Do Mountains by publicist Antonia Wilkinson and publisher Scottish Mountaineering Press, and invited to participate in a blog tour. The guest post written by Barbara Henderson can be read here.
Cover image Ella Okstad, published by Hachette Children’s Books, 13 March 2025, ISBN: 978-1804536407
Welcome back to the Island of Egg for the fourth adventure featuring young puffin Tiny and his friends who are training to be rescue puffins. Each evening, as the pufflings settle down to sleep in their underground burrows, Old Kintyre tells them a story, and this time he recounts the legend of ‘the wandering puffin’ who is said to haunt the labyrinth of caves under the island. Tiny is determined to never set foot in the caves!
However, when a young chick, Flotsam, goes missing during Puffin Power training (slippery log challenge, rock rolling, puffin pyramid building) and there is no sign of her on the beach, there is no choice but to search the caves. Tiny has to muster every drop of his courage to keep walking through the claustrophobic space, driven on by his concern for the fluffy chick. It looks as if the young puffin rescue team might have to put their training into practice sooner than expected! During their underground adventure the Puffin Rescue cadets learn how much power they can gain from working together and discover their beaks’ ability to glow in the dark. The end notes contain some factual information about puffins.
Like the previous three books in this series, Tiny and the Cave Ghost is perfectly pitched for newly independent readers of 6+. The book is exactly the right size for small hands to hold comfortably, the font is clear with lots of white space and the text is broken up with Ella Okstad’s cute and expressive black and white illustrations. In just over 100 pages, author Cath Howe has constructed an exciting adventure with just the right level of jeopardy for young readers; it will keep them enthralled without scaring them. A while ago I listened to the brilliant Australian teacher-librarian, Megan Daley, talk about the importance of book series for young readers because familiarity with recurring characters makes reading and comprehension less challenging (I’m afraid that I can’t remember which episode, but you can explore the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast here). I would highly recommend the Call the Puffins! series to all librarians, parents and caregivers who want to put a highly enjoyable and gentle adventure into the hands of a young, emerging reader.
Disclaimer: I was sent a review copy of Call the Puffins! Tiny and the Cave Ghost by publicist Antonia Wilkinson and publisher Hachette Children’s Books. It was my decsion to write a review and all opinions are my own (unless otherwise stated).
I have reviewed the previous titles in this series, you can read the reviews by clicking on the links below:
Cover image by Hugh Raine, published by Farshore, 27 March 2025, ISBN: 978-0008720926
With the recognition that comic books and graphic novels are a valid and enjoyable choice for children to choose to read for pleasure, I know that many schools are making efforts to build up their collection of books in this format. This recent publication (due for release on 27 March 20025) from Farshore books has a cover and title that will immediately appeal to many children aged 6/7+ who will find lots to enjoy inside. I believe that it is the first in a series featuring the Beano characters Betty and the Yeti, written and illustrated by Hugh Raine.
The book is divided into 4 sections, one for each season with appropriate seasonal short comic stories in each section. I liked the colour coded page borders which help children easily navigate between the segments. The stories are each one or two pages in length, which makes this an ideal choice for those times within the school day, or at home, when children have a short time to pick up a book and read for pleasure, in between other activities.
Betty is a smart talking, quick thinking character, who has the added bonus of parents who grew up in Nepal. This makes her the ideal candidate to re-home a stray Yeti that Dennis the Menace has discovered eating from the slops bins at school! After this short introduction featuring a few different characters familiar to readers of The Beano comic, the remainder of the book focusses on Betty and her constant challenge to keep a large and smelly Yeti at home without her parents noticing. As you might imagine, this leads to lots of escapades that children will find highly amusing. At the end of each section there is interactive content such as drawing guides, mazes, word searches and observation challenges.
I think that Betty and the Yeti: Friends at First Fart is likely to be a popular choice amongst lower and upper Key Stage 2 children; I shall be passing my copy on to a primary school librarian friend and will be interested to find out how quickly it is borrowed.
Disclaimer: I am grateful to Farshore for sending me a review copy of this book ahead of publication. It was my decision to publish a review and all opinions are my own.
This post contains my selection of books, published for children, that I have read and reviewed, which have a neurodiversity theme or neurodivergent main protagonist. Several of the included titles are written by authors with lived experience of neurodivergence. My criteria for deciding which content to include here is guided by reading the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ website. In a post here, the following is stated:
Neurodiversity is usually defined as the range of differences in brain function throughout the human population, whereas neurodivergence is variation from ‘typical’ function…potentially includes people with learning disability, autistic/ADHD traits, other neurodevelopmental conditions like dyspraxia, dyslexia and Tourettes syndrome…
Please click on the book title to read a review of the book, all book review opinions are my own.
Books for children of 3-6
Cloud Boyby Greg Stobbs, published by OUP Children’s, 6 February 2025, ISBN: 978-1382054904. A picture book about an endlessly imaginative young boy who has difficulties concentrating. Written and illustrated by Greg Stobbs who has lived experience of ADHD.
How to Make a Story by Naomi Jones, illustrated by Ana Gomez, published by OUP Children’s, 2 February 2023, ISBN: 978-0192779045. A vibrant picture book about a young boy called Milo who is struggling to get the fantastically creative ideas in his brain onto paper when he is asked to write a story. It models the process of writing in a way that is completely relatable for children in Key Stage 1 and the input that adults can provide to help youngsters, especially those showing dyslexic tendencies.
Books for children of 6-8
Dinosaur Pie by Jen Wallace, illustrated by Alan O’Rourke, published by Little Island, 18 April 2024, ISBN: 978-1915071491. The author Jen Wallace has been diagnosed with ADHD and autism and this book was inspired by a story she made up for her children to encourage them to eat their dinner. The humour and imagination are likely to be enjoyed by all young readers, there is an undercurrent of kindness to the way that Rory’s friends, family and headteacher deal with the fantastical situation he experiences.
Books for children of 8-12
Paws by Kate Foster, published by Walker Books, 4 August 2022, ISBN: 978–1406399240 A search for friendship, the bond between a boy and his pet dog, and the power of kindness are key themes in this big-hearted book for middle grade readers. The main protagonist, 11-year-old Alex is autistic, and through his voice readers gain an insight into the daily challenges he faces and the effect that small acts of kindness make on the lives of others.
Everdark by Abi Elphinstone, published by Simon & Schuster, 7 January 2021, ISBN: 978-1471194702 One of the most brilliantly imaginative current children’s authors, Abi Elphinstone, who is dyslexic herself has written this book featuring a dyslexic main protagonist who models the power of dyslexic thinking in a fast-paced fantasy adventure. In addition to the brilliant story, the book has been printed in a dyslexic-friendly font and the author’s endnotes encourage all children to believe that they are capable of extraordinary things.
All Brains are Wonderfulby Scott Evans, with expert input from Dr Rachel S.H. Williams, illustrated by The Boy Fitz Hammond, published by b small publishing, 3 February 2025, ISBN: 978-1916851245. This is a marvellous non-fiction book for KS2 children, written by neurodivergent teacher and reading champion, Scott Evans. It explores the workings of the human brain, discusses neurodivergence and encourages acceptance and inclusion.
Always Anthony by Terri Libenson, published by Harper 360, 23 May 2024, ISBN: 978-0063320925 is the eighth graphic novel in the very popular Emmie & Friends series. This story features a central pairing of shy, bookish Leah and ‘too popular for words’ golden boy Anthony, who is struggling with Grade 7 assignments because he is dyslexic. The supportive relationship they develop is revealed very well in the graphic novel format and a chapter where Anthony reads his essay about his struggles with dyslexia to his class will encourage recognition and empathy in readers. I think this book is probably best for readers of 10+.
The Boy with the Butterfly Mindby Victoria Williamson, published by Kelpies, 19 March 2019, ISBN: 978-1782506003 This dual narrative story about blended families features one main protagonist who has ADHD. We see the journey of acceptance that step-siblings and step-parents encounter through the compelling narrative, as insights into the thinking and behaviour of a child with ADHD. The author of this book has extensive experience of teaching children with special educational needs. I think this book is probably best for readers aged 10+.
Do You Know Me? published by Scholastic, 2 April 2020, ISBN: 978-0702300950 is co-written by teacher/author Rebecca Westcott and teenager Libby Scott who is autistic. The power of Libby’s voice which is expressed through the diary entries of main protagonist Tally, calls out to all readers to empathise with neurodivergent individuals. The setting for the story is a Year 7 residential trip, which provides familiar territory for all readers in the top form of primary school or first year of secondary school.
Check Mates by Stewart Foster, published by Simon & Schuster, 27 June 2019, ISBN: 978-1471172236 A first-person narrative in the voice of Felix Schopp, a year 7 boy who frequently finds himself in the withdrawal room at his secondary school because his ADHD causes him to be disruptive in class. It is a deeply sympathetic portrayal of the frustrations felt by an individual with ADHD and also a beautiful story about a deepening relationship with a grieving grandparent, which grows during his grandfather’s attempts to teach Felix the game of chess.
A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll, published by Knights Of, 4 June 2020, ISBN: 978-1913311056 An important #ownvoices or #livedexperience book about autism which highlights the value of being true to yourself and also of providing allyship for neurodivergent or indeed any individuals who are labelled as being ‘different’. The author has gone on to write a number of prize-winning middle grade and young adult novels, but I think that this debut novel is outstanding and its success paved the way for many other #ownvoices authors in the children’s books domain. I would recommend this book for readers in the top form of primary or first and second years at secondary school.
Books for Young Adults
Maggot Moon by Sally Gardner, published by Hot Key Books, 3 January 2013, ISBN: 978-1471400445 The author is herself dyslexic and the dedication in this prize-winning novel is “For you the dreamers, overlooked at school, never won prizes, you who will own tomorrow” It is a brilliant example of ‘what if’ dystopian fiction with a dyslexic main protagonist, Standish Treadwell. It is possible to buy an edition printed in the Open Dyslexic font and there is also a stunning interactive edition which I purchased on Apple Books. I read this book long before I started blogging, but it has lived long in my heart as one of the most powerfully moving and original novels of any genre that I have read. There are some scenes of graphic violence, so I would suggest that it should be read by a Young Adult/Adult readership.
I will add to this blogpost over time when I discover books which I think should be included.
Proof copy covers, publication date 8 May 2025, published by Hachette Children’s Books, ISBN: 978-1444981926
How utterly joyous to revisit the Isle of Berk and catch up with Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third, through his newly discovered short adventure stories! Publishing in May, ahead of the new live action movie due for release in the summer, I can see this book Doom of the Darkwing (and future titles in the series) being a huge hit with young readers. It combines huge dollops of humour (and smaller dollops of dragon poop), a wonderful cast of Viking and dragon characters and loads of illustrations. The shorter format (my proof copy has fewer than 170 pages) is likely to appeal to young readers who are building their reading stamina. The exciting plot, laugh-out-loud jokes and unusual school setting are hugely engaging, making this a story that children will want to read for pleasure.
For anyone unfamiliar with the original novels, there are portraits of the main characters, a map of The Barbaric Archipelago and a guide to Viking tribes at the start. As the story progresses, each character is introduced with sufficient back story for newcomers to catch up with the movers and the shakers in the Viking world inhabited by Hiccup and his cute dragon Toothless. For Hiccup, starting his first day at the Viking and Dragon Training School, the pressure to succeed is almost unbearable. How can he possibly live up to the expectations of his father, Stoick the Vast, when trainer Gobber the Belch will not listen to the battle ideas he has gleaned from reading ‘The Art of War’? Despite all the mocking attention from the other young warriors-in-training and the threat of gaining an amoeba level grading for his Battle Training module, Hiccup is the only member of the Hairy Hooligan tribe who seems capable of thinking logically when a distress message is received from the neighbouring Bog Burglar tribe. Can peace-loving Hiccup, and his friend Fishlegs really sail their rickety boat, The Hopeful Puffin Mark 4, through a force 9 gale and into the chaos caused by a Thunderdeath Darkwing to rescue their pal Camicazi? I suspect that young readers will not want to put this book down until they have discovered the answer!
My proof edition did not contain the finalised artwork, but the rough sketches indicate that there will be plenty of black and white illustrations throughout the book, again contributing to its appeal for emerging readers. I think that Doom of the Darkwing will be a fantastically popular addition to primary school libraries, and classroom ‘reading for pleasure’ collections throughout Key Stage 2.
Disclaimer: I am very grateful to Rebecca at Hachette Children’s for sending me an early proof for review. All opinions are my own.
Cover art by Steve Lenton, published by Macmillan Children’s Books, 15 May 2025, ISBN: 978-1035033874
Holy Moly! I’m not going to lie, the storytelling in this book is epic! Frank Cottrell-Boyce’s writing shines brighter than an LED and his latest middle grade novel, The Blockbusters! is more entertaining than a multiplex full of Oscar winners! This author has a unique talent for combining jokes, wisdom, and human relationships with a warmth and kindness that bring a smile to your face, new ideas to your brain and a glow to your heart.
The story opens with a cutting from the Hollywood Reporter. Breaking news from the Oscar ceremony: child acting sensation Beatrice Bonnie’s (BB’s) award for best supporting actress was accepted by an imposter!
Then we cut to Rafa Rush, recounting the ‘actual story’ not the ‘movie version’ of how he and the nurture group from Star of the Sea primary school found themselves on a film set thanks to their smart talking, Shakespeare loving, teacher, Ms Greenwood. Having taken the small group to visit a local Shakespeare theatre, she is not deterred by the barriers erected by the film studio who have turned the theatre into a movie set. Before you can yell ‘action’ Rafa steps into the role of body double for famous child star BB and the accidental school trip transports teacher and pupils from their ordinary lives in Birkenhead to the glitzy, pampered world of Hollywood stardom, with hilarious consequences.
This story is a love letter to films and the film industry, a creative medium in which this country (and this author) excels. I listened to Frank Cottrell-Boyce discussing his desire to encourage children to consider careers in the film industry during his guest-edited edition of the Today programme on Chistmas Eve last year. He does this brilliantly in The Blockbusters! introducing many of the roles which contribute to film-making through memorable characters who will engage children’s imaginations. The nurture group are a wonderful central cast: Blunt Mabel who has decided to always tell the truth regardless of consequences; Alvin Popcorn who has an encyclopaedic knowledge of blockbuster movies; the endlessly questioning Quiz and the quietly heroic Ms Greenwood. Rafa himself is a character that everyone will warm to; temporarily living with his elder brother Cillian at Uncle Miles’ flat while their mum is trying to sort out their housing problem, he is bright, friendly and determined to make the best of his opportunities.
The narrative is structured as scenes rather than chapters, with Rafa guiding the reader as to how particular episodes would be presented in the filmed version. The plot and dialogue are perfectly pitched for maximum enjoyment by both adult and child readers; this is a book which demands to be read as a bedtime story or a class read aloud. This story is noticeably shorter than previous books by this author, which I am sure will also make it appealing for children aged 8-12 to select to read independently. Once they get started, the vivid plot and laughs on every page will likely bedazzle them. In this shorter length story, not a word is wasted, from the opening page little clues are planted which foreshadow later revelations, and all the strands mesh together to form a heartwarming picture of family and friendship.
I loved the portrayal of Ms Greenwood. She brilliantly represents so many caring, passionate and intelligent educators working in our schools. Her quirky speech patterns, heavily influenced by her devotion to The Bard, add a unique flavour to the book and gently introduce young readers to language that they will recognise in later years when they start their GCSE courses. Some of the plot twists, especially around mistaken identity and subsequent misunderstandings are also Shakespearean in nature. In my opinion, her assertion early on that the children in her care would never end up in someone’s junk folder, set her up as a heroine worthy of any Shakespeare play.
I read an eARC provided by NetGalley which contained unfinished artwork. However, I have no doubt that illustrator Steve Lenton will depict the situations and characters with his usual panache in the finished book, which is available for pre-order now. I strongly urge you to read it, it will make you happy! And that’s a wrap.
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