Gaslight by Eloise Williams

Nansi lives in a theatre in Victorian Cardiff - this might sound fun but, in reality, her life is far from glamorous. After losing her mother on a nearby riverbank when she was small, she was taken in by a theatre-owner. But Sid is a cruel guardian, forcing her to steal to earn her keep. He also insists that Nansi’s best friend, Bee, must make a costume using a poisonous dye that could kill her. As a result, Nansi is a tough cookie - and a fun character to journey with.

The story builds slowly, gradually drawing all the players in one by one, which helps us to feel we know each one - important as this shortish book has a big cast of players. However it was when Nansi overhears Sid letting slip an important detail about her presumed-dead mother that the story really gripped me & I moved from a gentle amble to a faster page-turning pace. The Victorian world is impeccably drawn and feels as though the author has really done her research. The characters are solidly-drawn too, each one feeling very real.

A great story for anyone loving a bit of historical drama. If you like a fast plot, and find the early chapters a bit slow, it’s really worth holding out for the roller coaster that this story turns into.

'Letters from the lighthouse' by Emma Carroll

When Olive's older sister, Sukie, disappears in a London air raid, Olive discovers a strange coded message in Sukie's coat and realises her sister is involved in something dangerous. This mystery hooked me into the book right away - I had lots of theories and I desperately wanted to know if any of them were right.

Olive and her brother, Cliff, are subsequently evacuated to a Devon seaside town. All the while, Olive is trying to decode Sukie's message. As the book progresses, lots of other mysteries emerge - why has Ephraim the lighthouse keeper got so much food in a time of rationing? Why aren't Olive and Cliff allowed in Queenie's cellar? Everyone seems to have secrets and Olive (and we the readers) want to know what they are!

This book explores important issues that are as relevant today as they were during the Second World War. It would be a great book for anyone interested in the historical period, and is also perfect for anyone thinking about issues of displacement and persecution. But, at its heart, it's a mystery novel and anyone who loves a bit of intrigue would enjoy this story. I'm proud to say one of my theories was right - although there lots of things I got wrong. See if you can do any better!  

'The Goldfish Boy' by Lisa Thompson

Goldfish boy is, at its heart, a mystery-detective story, with the slant that 12-year-old Matthew, the narrator, has OCD. While his condition is a complete mystery to everyone around him, the author has done such a good job of getting inside his head, that his behaviour makes complete sense to us, the readers.

Matthew spends all his time in his highly-disinfectanted bedroom, watching the outside world go by. So, when 15-month-old Teddy Dawson goes missing from the garden next door, Matthew is the perfect person to work out what happened to him. Matthew knows the quirks and habits of all his neighbours so well that he has a good idea of who might have taken Teddy. There's just one problem - several of the neighbours could've done it. And, as Matthew hates leaving his sterile room, he is forced to rely on the slightly weird Melody Bird to do his footwork in the outside world. As the story progresses, reclusive Matthew is forced to reconsider his ideas about friendship and to face up to his guilty secret that is at the heart of his fear of germs.

I loved the mystery element of this book but, even more, I loved the empathetic portrayal of a boy with OCD. Getting under his skin was fascinating and gave me new insight into the condition. This would be a great book for anyone who loves a good mystery (eg fans of Robin Stevens, Sophie Cleverly etc) but also a brilliant read for anyone wanting a better understanding of mental health conditions.

'Running on the roof of the world' by Jess Butterworth

First up, I have to confess that I was pre-dispositioned to love this book, having read some extracts and already knowing it was beautifully-written, giving an intriguing insight into life in Tibet. But, now I've seen those extracts embedded into the story (and read them in the right order!), I'm totally blown away by this fast-paced adventure across the Himalayas.

Tash lives in a Tibetan village, controlled by Chinese soldiers, and has learned there are rules to follow if she wants to survive. One of those rules is that you don't mention the Dalai Lama. When a villager sets himself on fire in protest at Chinese rule, Tash's parents come under suspicion. Just before they are arrested, her father gives her a backpack containing a letter with a secret message for the resistance movement that they belong to. And so Tash begins a journey across the Himalayas with her best friend Sam and two loveable yaks, Bones and Eve. She's determined to reach India, where the Dalia Lama lives in exile, to ask him for help with rescuing her parents. As she and Sam travel, they attempt to unravel the mysterious secret code in her father's letter. The journey is treacherous and everything is against them - the weather, the terrain, the Chinese authorities - and their friendship is put to the test. Can they reach India, save Tash's parents and crack the hidden message in her father's letter?

The book is beautifully packaged with a gorgeous cover designed by Rob Biddulph, and each chapter begins with black and white illustrations that were just begging for me to get my colouring pencils out...

So, not only is this a fantastic adventure story, with a secret code to decipher, it's also a mindfulness colouring book!! What more could you possibly want!?

'The Huntress: Sea' by Sarah Driver

This book takes the reader on an exhilarating, fantastical and sometimes terrifying journey. Mouse is the 13-year-old heroine with the gift of beast chatter (hearing animal thoughts - and conveying her own thoughts back) who is destined to inherit the captaincy of the Huntress from her one-eyed, half-merwraith Grandma. But Stag, a grim navigator returning to the ship after a long absence, has ambitions of his own that can only end one way: mutiny. 

As if that wasn't challenging enough, Mouse's father is missing and has left a secret message for her, urging her to find the storm opals of sea, land and sky. Then her brother - gifted with whale song but prone to shaking fits - is stolen away. The odds are stacked against Mouse, but she's heart-strong and determined and isn't going down without a fight. Enormously feisty and loyal, you can't help but root for her and desperately hope she wins through.

The author has created an awesome world, complete with new mythic creatures such as terrodyls and moonsprites. I loved it so much that, having raced through the pacey plot, I deliberately slowed down towards the end because I didn't want to come back out into the real world - even though I was desperate to know how it all turned out. But the good news is that there's a second book coming along soon, and I can't wait to dive back into this dream-dancing, beast-chattering world!

'Who let the gods out?' by Maz Evans

Stand aside, David Walliams, there's a new comic genius in town! The kid in me giggled and the adult chortled along. This is a book that will make you laugh and laugh. That's despite the fact that life for the hero, Elliot Hooper, is pretty grim. Not only is he the sole carer for his mum who has memory problems, but his greedy next door neighbour is desperate to get her hands on Elliot's house - by fair means or foul.

Enter Virgo - a young immortal - who falls into his cow shed. Together, they accidentally release the demon Thanatos from his prison beneath Stonehenge. Assisted by a cast of Greek gods and goddesses, Elliot and Virgo must stop Thanatos getting his evil claws on the Earth Stone. It's fast-moving and a lot of fun (you'll never see the Queen in the same light again, that's for sure!) There's a huge number of characters but they're all individual and memorable. Hermes is particularly brilliant, hanging out in Café Hero, engrossed in his iGod.

It was great to see a young carer in a book as these kids are often unseen. I really felt for Elliot as he struggled to balance caring for mum with school. With my most serious adult head on, there was just one point that worried me - that the greedy neighbour's actions were described by Zeus as legal when they were most definitely were not (under the mental capacity act) and it bothered me that young carers reading this book might consequently not speak up if the vulnerable adult in their life is being exploited. Despite this, I really enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it for anyone looking for something to put a big smile on their face.

'The Crooked Sixpence' by Jennifer Bell

Up front, I will confess that I adored this book. The world of the Uncommoners is so imaginative and fun and also a bit spooky. Lots of books get compared to Harry Potter but this one really deserves it, with many parallels, and yet it also feels very original.

The magic of this world lies in ordinary everyday objects which are possessed by a departed soul (which seems sad to me and I hope this is addressed in future books). These special objects are 'uncommon': eg a loo brush can be a weapon, a belt can make you fly, a candle can make you invisible. At certain times of the year, Uncommoners head for the markets of Lundinor where they can purchase these weird and wonderful objects.

But Lundinor is under threat from an old enemy, the Dirge, and this is where Ivy and her brother, Seb, come in. Their grandmother has something the Dirge want. Trouble is, they don't know what it is exactly. Granma is in hospital with amnesia and Mum and Dad have been captured by the Dirge and will die at midnight on New Year's Eve if Ivy and Seb don't find this mysterious object. The plot is really fast-moving and quickly hooked me in.

I totally want to be an Uncommoner! I especially want a bicycle bell that talks back-to-front! Book two is out soon and I absolutely cannot wait!

'The secret of Nightingale Wood' by Lucy Strange

This book feels as though it might actually have been written in the year it is set - 1919. It feels very authentic to that era but is still easy to read. It weaves well-known fables into the main story very skilfully and at times feels like an old fairy tale itself. Henry (short for Henrietta) and her family are grieving the loss of her brother, Robert, who died just before her baby sister, Piglet, was born. Her mother has become mentally unwell as a result and is preyed upon by Doctor Hardy, who is keen to test new barbaric treatment methods on her. With her father away, and the nanny easily pressured by the vile doctor, only Henry can save her mother and Piglet.

Henry is isolated but for the visions she sees of Robert and a strange woman called Moth, who she discovers living in the woods. I'd have liked to have seen more of Nightingale Wood and more of Moth - especially as the title refers to this plot strand. Moth lost her wonderful witchiness too soon for my personal liking! But she's still a great character who brings an extra magical element to the story.

This would be a great book for anyone who is grieving - the issue is dealt with beautifully and sensitively. The plot moves slowly at times, but that is in no way a bad thing as the book weaves a kind of spell around the reader and binds you to its entrancing world. Definitely one to curl up with and get lost in!

'The bubble boy' by Stewart Foster

You might think that a book about a boy who stays in the same room his entire life wouldn’t be very interesting but, in the case of this book, you’d be very wrong. Joe has a condition that means his body can’t fight infection, and so he lives in a hospital room, breathing controlled air, unable to go outside. But Joe is very likeable and in his dreams he’s a super-hero. Joe’s observations of the world from his bubble are fascinating. He completely draws us into his life and we quickly feel like he’s a friend.

Joe has a stream of friends and carers who are part of his life, including another bubble boy, Henry, who he chats with by skype. And then there’s Amir, the crazy nurse who believes in aliens and promises to sneak Joe outside. Amir is a totally loveable character who made me laugh and gave me hope.

It's a serious book, edged with a gentle humour. And it is sad in places. It examines difficult issues - hence I've categorised it OMG - but is very easy to read. Anyone who enjoyed  Wonder by R.J. Palacio would definitely enjoy this.

'Wolf hollow' by Lauren Wolk

‘The year I turned twelve I learned how to lie,’ eleven-year-old Anabelle says as she begins this story set in the second world war in a Pensylvanian town. Although the war forms an important backdrop to the story, the main source of horror in Anabelle’s life is bully Betty Glengarry. Anabelle initially tries to deal with the bullying by herself but comes to realise that she must speak out. But Betty has other targets, including Toby, a reclusive ex-soldier suffering from traumatic memories. Toby, viewed with suspicion by the rest of the town, is an easy target. But for the determination of Anabelle’s family to protect him, he is alone.

This is a serious book, dealing with serious issues such as bullying and prejudice. It reminded me a bit of 'To kill a mockingbird', but it is solidly a children's book, probably suitable for 10 +. The text avoids overly graphic description yet is still shocking in how the drama plays out. It could be particularly helpful for anyone experiencing or witnessing bullying.

It's beautifully written. Just one word of warning - have the hankies ready!

'Cogheart' by Peter Bunzl

What if you could have a mechanical fox for a pet? And servants that only needed winding up and the occasional oiling in order to do all your work for you? Well, in the world of Cogheart, you can! If you’ve never read any ‘steampunk’, this is a brilliant entry into the genre which is often set in a pseudo Victorian era and run by steam/clockwork powered technology.

Lily’s father, an inventor and airman, has disappeared, and he has sent her mechanical fox, Malkin, with an important message, to find her. Aided by her new friend Robert, she must discover her father’s special invention, the perpetual motion machine, before the mirror-eyed villains do. Fast-paced, this story thrusts the main characters through so much adventure, it’s surprising they’ve got any energy left for the planned sequel, Moonlocket!

I definitely want my own mechanical fox! Malkin steals the show and could probably star in his very own novel/adventure/steampunk empire…

'Hercufleas' by Sam Gayton

The town of Tumber needs a hero to save it from the giant, Yuk. So Greta, our brave heroine, goes in search of a giant-slayer. Now, a young flea might not seem like the ideal choice, but Hercufleas is no ordinary flea, with a big heart and a talent for using his little strengths to big effect.

The plot is full of surprising twists and unexpected turns. Hercufleas must make impossible choices: between his family and Greta; between taking life & saving it. Gayton has created a wonderfully detailed world and I would love to read more adventures with the characters he has created.

All in all it's an unbefleavably exciting adventure! If you enjoyed Beetle boy  you'll love this.

'The many worlds of Albie Bright' by Christopher Edge

After the death of Albie’s mum, his father tells him about quantum physics and the scientific possibility of parallel worlds. Albie starts to wonder if he could travel to an alternate universe where his mum might still be alive. All he needs is a cat, a cardboard box, a rotting banana and a quantum computer…

The result is a number of journeys into different versions of his life – all of which give him new perspectives on his real life back home. Can Alfie meet his mum in an alternative world? Can he come to terms with his loss? Will the cat survive? This book had me turning the pages fast as I felt so strongly for Albie and was desperate for it to all turn out well.

There’s lots of science in this book which is fantastic if you’re into science – but really not a problem if you aren’t because it’s all explained in such a simple way you’ll feel you are a top Nobel-winning professor by the end. I definitely wish I’d read this book before starting physics lessons at school – they might have made more sense and they could have been a lot more fun (especially if I’d got my hands on one of those quantum computer thingies…)

'Girl of ink and stars' by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

If you like maps then you’re in for a treat with this book - Isabelle, the heroine, is the daughter of a map-maker (‘cartographer’ if we’re being posh) and so she knows how to draw them, using the stars as her guide. Not surprisingly then, this is an adventure story where maps play a big part. Set on Joya, an island that used to float freely in the ocean, myth also plays a big part. Maps and mythology - what a perfect combination!

Isabelle blames her best friend, Lupe, the governor's spoiled daughter, when one of their classmates goes missing. Lupe takes Isabelle’s harsh words to heart and goes into the Forgotten Territories in search of the missing girl. Isabelle then goes after Lupe, chopping her hair off and disguising herself as her dead twin brother in order to tag along with the cruel governor. But this is a dangerous world with deadly ‘Tibicenas’ (demon dogs) and the threat of the mythical fire demon. Can Isabelle find Lupe before the Tibicena do? Can she save the island from the fire demon, Yote (who might not be just ‘a bedtime story’ after all…)?

I found the story a little slow to start with but, if you like fast-paced adventure, it’s worth holding out because once it gets moving it really propels you forwards. It’s a beautiful book with inky illustration around the edges of the pages (this does risk being distracting at times) and - of course - maps!

'Beetle boy' by M.G.Leonard

If you, like me, are a little squeamish around things that scuttle, then you might be in for a surprise with this book. Beetles - apparently - are intelligent, courageous and caring creatures!

 

Darkus Cuttle, the book’s hero, isn’t bothered by ninja insects - he’s got something far more pressing to worry about - the strange disappearance of his dad from a locked vault. But the discovery of a hamster-sized (don’t freak - he’s friendly!) rhinoceros beetle called Baxter introduces him to a whole new world and also gives him a brand new problem: the dastardly villainess, Lucretia Cutter. Lucretia has an altogether unpleasant interest in Darkus’ new beetle friends and Darkus and his school mates must find a way to save them. Could there be a link between Lucretia and the disappearance of Darkus’ dad? Well, you’ll have to read the book to find out!

 

If I’m honest, I was just a little disappointed by the explanation of how Darkus’ dad disappeared from the vault - BUT the book has so many wonderful characters and lots of great drama, that it didn’t spoil it too much in the end. And, although I still wouldn’t want to cuddle a beetle, I’m looking at the bugs in my garden with a lot more curiosity - you just never know when you might need a beetle to save the day...

'Oy yew' by Ana Salote

Oy lives on the smells and crumbs of his local bakery before he is snatched and sent to work first in the factory, and then the house, owned by the villainous Master Jeopardine. The master’s child slaves have a strange tendency to vanish before they grow tall enough to leave with their wages. And, if this wasn’t bad enough, Jeopardine has an obsession with rare and valuable bones and has his eye on Oy’s unusual thumb joints...

Can Oy and the other waifs escape before they grow too tall? And can Oy survive the master’s attempts to bump him off so he can exhibit Oy’s bones in his collection? This is a very imaginative story with lots of twists and turns so buckle up for a bumpy ride!

If you've ever wondered how 'Oliver Twist' would've turned out had Lemmony Snicket collaborated with Charles Dickens, this will give you some idea. And should you find yourself falling in love with this weird and wonderful world, the good news is that there’s another two books to follow…

Wilf the mighty worrier saves the world by Georgia Pritchett (illustrated by Jamie Littler)

Now you may not think that someone as anxious as Wilf would make a very good hero because he's afraid of just about everything. His list of things he is officially scared of includes: lifts, the sea, dark places, stuffed animals, the waggly wavers on insects and peanut butter. He is, however, blinking brilliant at hopping.

But Wilf must overcome his fears when supervillain, Alan, and his stroppy teenaged robot moves in next door with plans to destroy the world. Can Wilf survive the beginning of the end of the world? And will he stop worrying enough to save the day?

This is a very funny book that had me in giggles all the way through. And, as someone who also suffers with anxiety, I even picked up a few tips... Perfect for 8+ readers who like silliness and fun with an unlikely hero.

The Dream snatcher by Abi Elphinstone

Moll Pecksmith is being pursued by a witchdoctor called Skull who creeps into her dreams, seeking to lure her away from the safety of her gypsy camp into his evil clutches. On learning that Skull is responsible for her parents’ deaths, she decides to exact revenge by finding the “amulets of truth”, the only things that can destroy Skull’s power.

Moll is a fun character to hang out with. I really want to be her and spend my life climbing trees, catapult-shooting, and burping the alphabet. She’s got a couple of cool sidekicks too – the bumbling Siddy, who has a touch of Ron Weasley about him, and the mysterious Alfie.

Not quite so fun are the evil creatures pursuing Moll: his bloodthirsty hounds and the ghostly vapours that slip down Moll's throat, trying to extract her name. In fact, the book is so packed with darkness and peril that the reader risks becoming numb to the horrors that Moll faces after a while. However, it maintains a good pace and is never slow or boring. Some readers may be frightened by the darkness. But kids who enjoyed the later Harry Potter books will delight in this book's magical world.
 

Horrid Henry's Nightmare

The front cover glows in the dark!

Well it grabbed my attention anyway. I had to cup my hands around my eyes to check. And glow it did. Having pressed my face so close to the copy on the shelf, it seemed a bit rude not to take it to the check-out...

Not that I needed much encouragement. I’d heard good things about horrid Henry from some of the kids at the library where I’m doing voluntary work. The only complaints were about the distinct lack of Henry on the library shelves, the early kids having stripped them bare.

This latest offering from Francesca Simon has the usual collection of short stories. My favourite is the one where Henry and his pal, Rude Ralph, try to freak each other out with scary stories. Here Henry shows a rare vulnerable side. It turns out that he isn’t quite as tough as he likes to make out. That makes him easy to identify with, and we can all think of someone a little (or a lot) like him. He has a certain charm so that, despite his horridness, we can’t help loving him.

Is Henry a good role model? One mum at the library said that she didn’t like her daughter reading the books because she copied the bad behaviour. But the thing with Henry is that he doesn’t always get away with misbehaving, there are often consequences. So perhaps the books are a good way to chat to would-be Henry’s and Henrietta’s about how being horrid can go horribly wrong.

Funny, loveable and glows in the dark. What more could a kid (however grown-up) want?