'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.

'Murder most unladylike' by Robin Stevens

Set in a 1930s boarding school, this story will please anyone who enjoys a good old ‘whodunnit’ with so many suspects and possible motives for murder that your own school will seem boring by comparison (or perhaps not?!)

 

Hazel, the narrator, and her best friend, the annoyingly perfect and all-round popular Daisy, must work through the suspects, alibis and motives. Each new snippet of information changes the investigation. As Hazel narrates, you feel you are a part of the detective agency yourself, as you know as much as Hazel & Daisy do. Hazel, from Hong Kong, has to navigate the strangeness of English boarding school life with its prejudices & customs (and the wonderful bun breaks, which really should be reintroduced back into the modern school day!). Her friendship with Daisy is put to the test as they draw closer to identifying the murderer. Hazel is a likeable narrator and I felt I was in very capable hands.  

 

'Murder most unladylike' is the first book in a series of mysteries which Hazel and Daisy have to solve. This one was a tad slow to get going, but once the investigation was in full swing, I was hooked. I was totally wrong in my suspicions as to who the murderer was - will you do any better..?

'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…

'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...

'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...