'Hour of the bees' by Lindsay Eagar

Staying on a ranch in a drought-ridden part of Mexico is not 12-year-old Carol's idea of a fun way to spend her summer holiday. She'd rather be hanging out with her American friends and getting ready to start a new phase of her life at high school. Her grandfather has dementia, his memory as dilapidated as his ranch, and there's a lot of tension between him and Carol's father as a result of unspoken family history. Carol herself is annoyed by his insistence on calling her either 'Rosa' (the name of her dead grandmother) or 'Carolina' - the Mexican version of her name which she despises.

But grandpa's obsession with the bees that he is convinced will bring the rain sparks Carol's curiosity - especially when she starts seeing and hearing bees everywhere. And his stories about a magical tree draw her closer to him and challenge her perception of her Mexican roots and her family history.

This is beautiful magical realism where, at times, like grandpa's memories, it's difficult to say what is real life and what is story. It's exploration of identity puts it at the top end of the middle-grade age scale, but it would be a great read for 'tweens' who aren't quite ready for full-on teen/YA but are itching for a challenging and thought-provoking read. 

'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!

'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!

'Journey to the river sea' by Eva Ibbotson

Orphan, Maia, travels out to the Amazon in 1910, excited to begin her new life with her cousins. But she is shocked to discover that, far from enjoying Brazilian culture, they have created their own miniature England in their drab, highly-disinfectanted, home.

Maia is far more adventurous, however, and she and her eccentric governess are determined to explore their exotic surroundings - full of screeching monkeys and wild jungle flowers. She makes new friends, including travelling child-actor, Clovis, who longs for English stodgy puddings, and the mysterious Finn, with a big family secret.

But Maia’ adventures, and her friendship with Finn, ultimately lead her into danger. If you love stories with adventure and heart then read this beautifully-written story to find out if she survives her cruel scheming relatives and the darker side of Amazonian life...

'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…