Starcat: A Turnip in Time by James Truner & Yasmin Sheikh

The original Starcat book was a big hit about several years ago with a particular class of mine which always made me wonder why a second had never been released. Fast forward to 2023 and we finally have a sequel, which was definitely worth the wait. Packed with wit throughout, Starcat is a wonderfully crafted story that takes plenty of light hearted shots at the sci-fi genre and its many clichés. Even as someone who never really watched Star Trek, I was able to pick up on plenty of subtle nods to the show. Rather than being a cheap parody though, Starcat is a comedy homage that stands up spectacularly on its own as well. 

The story moves at a wonderful pace and I loved the little call backs to jokes from earlier chapters. Despite being aimed at a younger readership, the humour is complex in parts and really well structured. I found myself laughing along throughout and was unable to stifle myself during our quiet reading time in class. Each character has a wonderful personality, and as the book went on I found it hard to work out who was my favourite because they all played such a perfect role in progressing the story and contributing to the action. That being said, I think the blue cat called The Pilot ended up being my pick, simply for the way he was used despite only being able to make unrecognisable noises. It felt very Simpsons esque. For others it will be the whimsical Plixx, the courageous Captain or the villainous Evil Rectangle. All of them play an important role in the stories and help to create a brilliant book. 

I’m not going to go into the actual plot because I loved finding out how all the different parts would play out but nothing can quite prepare you for the beautifully absurd plots contained. Starcat: A Turnip in Time is a brilliant read and should have a place on the shelves of every school library. KS2 will adore it and some stronger readers in KS1 will find themselves drawn in too. Out now from David Fickling Books, make sure you add this hilarious new title to your collection. Click on the link below to get your copy and see my other primary recommendations:

https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/great-graphic-novels-for-kids

 

Total Splashdown: Two new air-raising adventures from the inflatables by Beth Garrod & Jess Hitchman

The Inflatables was a popular book in many LKS2 classrooms last year and now the gang are back with two new adventures. If you are unfamiliar with the series, it follows a group of inflatable toys as they get up to all sorts on their travels and adventures. This new entry contains two full stories and fans of the original will love these new entries. Throughout, the stories are packed full of wordplay, puns and plenty of jokes that will have younger readers in stitches. Unlike many graphic novels aimed at younger readers the book features no colour and is black and white throughout. Although this may put some readers off, it doesn’t detract from the stories and readers will be able to enjoy it no matter what they are used to. Having two stories in one will ensure readers have plenty to engage them and makes it a great option for school libraries in regards to value. Released on May 11th by Scholastic this is an excellent addition for school libraries and there will be plenty of fans in LKS2 desperate to get their hands on it. Pick your copy up using the link below:

https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/great-graphic-novels-for-kids

Luna and the Treasure of Tlaloc by Joe Todd-Stanton

You can always guarantee that the release of a new Joe Todd-Stanton book will whip primary school teachers into a wild frenzy and have them salivating with intense anticipation. His stunning artwork and deep, detailed pages are the perfect addition to any classroom. Often, children are in a rush to finish their book in order to start the next one but the beauty of Stanton’s work is found when you take your time to dive into the pages and explore all the little details at a slower pace than usual. Every image is packed with minute details that enhance the story and help to build vast worlds that promote exploration and discussion. His latest work Luna and the Treasure of Tlaloc, continues this approach and will be adored by readers acorss KS2.

As well as being a visual treat, the book comes with maps to support the story that could be used to inspire writing and help immerse readers further into the world. When I sat down to read the book, I found myself stalled intially because I wanted to explore them in depth and I was almost trying to work out future plot potential or situations without any context or luck! The story itself is a nice twist on a familiar scenario. Luna finds herself tasked with helping a village girl named Atzi, but not because she is a noble and righteous human who wants to support her, quite the opposite. Luna is intent on exploiting Atzi and claiming the treasure that she believes her map will lead to. For the majority of the story, Luna is a fairly despicable character who has no interest in anybody but herself. This is exacerbated by the fact that Atzi is a warm and friendly character who has the utmost faith and optimism in people.

Although the story may be aimed at LKS2. it is still an incredibly powerful and worthwhile text to use in UKS2. There are plenty of lessons to learn from Luna and the text offers a vast range of opportunities for rich discussion about a host of different topics and areas. From the obvious historical and geographical options to the more complex areas such as exploitation and cultural differences. This text truly has somethign for everybody and will enhance any classroom that it is part of both artistically and emotionally. Released on June 1st from Flying Eye books, this is another excellent additon to the Brownstone Mythical collection and one that will be beloved by readers. Pick up your copy using the link below:

https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/great-graphic-novels-for-kids

 

Mega Robo Bros: Next Level by Neill Cameron

Next Level is the fifth entry in the Mega Robo Bros series and I think it may possibly be my favourite so far. All the entries in the series are superbly written and the illustrations always bring the story vividly to life but there’s something about Next Level which feels like Cameron combines the two even better than before. If you aren’t familiar with the series, it follows Freddy and Alex who are robot brothers that help to protect the world but also still have the same regular sibling issues that everyone else does. In past books, they have worked together to save the world and then spent the rest of their time winding each other up and squabbling over not very much. This book follows a similar pattern but introduces a new villain into the world. Alex and Freddy are called on to save the world and are joined by the usual members of R.A.I.D who come equipped with some new tools including a missile firing wheelchair. As an adult there was nothing in the plot that caught me off guard but I was so taken aback and impressed with how Cameron managed to make two robotic characters become so human and explore the depth of their emotions and mental state without it feeling forced or unnatural. 

As the story progressed I found myself more interested in the boys coping with normal life and trying to deal with settling in rather than the action scenes. This is nothing to do with the action being inferior, in fact it’s quite the opposite. The pages covering various battles are breath taking at times with one double page spread near the end being particularly memorable (I can’t begin to imagine how long it took to illustrate) but despite their brilliance it’s the quieter moments in the book where the characters are given time to ponder that really resonate. 

Fans of the Mega Robo Bros series will love this latest entry and for an already fantastic series it has somehow managed to get even better. Throughout, the story is full of excellent role models and representation that help support the narrative instead of being put in for the sake of it. Fans of action and adventure will love the highly energetic battle scenes while those who want something a little more provocative will be more than satisfied with the time devoted to developing the mental state/approach of both Freddy and Alex. Next Level is an absolutely fantastic book that you can guarantee classes in KS2 are going to absolutely adore and rightfully so. Published by David Fickling Books, Next Level will be released on May 4th. 

Click on the link below to pick up a copy:

https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/great-graphic-novels-for-kids

 

Finding my Voice by Aoife Dooley

My class have been waiting eagerly all year for this follow up to Frankie’s World and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. Much like its predecessor, Finding my Voice follows Frankie and shows her daily journey to understand the world and herself more. Having found out that she was autistic in the first book, Frankie is now trying to come to terms with how this affects her school life but more importantly how others will perceive her if they know about it. Following her inner thoughts allows the reader a chance to really think about being in someone else’s shoes and to consider how people may behave differently for many different reasons. 

Personally, I enjoyed the chance to see familiar characters develop and every reader will be able to relate to the questionable decisions or anxieties associated with the early years of high school. Dooley has a brilliant ability to represent the day to day issues people deal with and make them seem less daunting and show how everybody is dealing with something. This relatable style of writing not makes the books a great read but ensures that they connect powerfully with readers. My copy of the book has been in my classroom for about three weeks and I have several children who have read it multiple times because they love the characters and the way that they can live the experience with them. Released on March 30th by Scholastic, Finding my Voice is another essential book for KS2 that will have readers engrossed throughout and left desperate for more of Frankie’s adventures by the end.  

Hilda: The Night of the Trolls by Luke Pearson

Everyone’s favourite is back with another stunning hardback edition. The Hilda series continues to go from strength to strength and as a result Flying Eye Books have been republishing the original graphic novels in a range of beautiful hardbacks that contain two books. This time they have combined Hilda and the Stone Forest with Hilda and the Mountain King. If your class are anything like mine, then the paperback version of these books will be falling apart and looking slightly worse for wear due to some heavy reading. Thankfully, these new editions provide a wonderful opportunity to reinvest in the stories and feel like you’re buying a new book at the same time! We all love an excuse to buy books after all. Both stories are included but there is also some bonus features at the back including some early sketches which really help to show aspiring artists how the process works from start to finish. My graphic novel group particularly enjoyed seeing these because he helped them to understand that it takes a lot of work and resilience to create the final product. As talented as Pearson is, he does also make mistakes! 

If you haven’t read either of these stories before then you can rest assured that they contain the usual Hilda magic. There’s plenty of action, mystery, hijinks and of course that wonderful Hilda wit. Anyone who is a fan of the series will love these stories and they are the usually high quality you would expect from a Hilda book. At times people are slightly hesitant to invest in Hilda and assume it is aimed at a younger audience only, but I currently teach in year six and the whole series is beloved by so many children. Released on March 16th, this a special edition of two popular stories that would make a truly excellent addition to any school library. 

 

A Day in the Life of an Astronaut, Mars and the Distant Stars by Mike Barfield & Jess Bradley

If you aren’t familiar with the day in the life series then you have been missing out on some of the very best non-fiction available. The first two books have been a huge success in classrooms and libraries across the country, and this third entry is only going to help enhance this success.  As the title suggests, this entry is focused on space and everything that comes along with it from the diet of an astronaut to the life of a colouring pencil in space! Despite being aimed at a younger audience, the book covers large concepts such as the big bang, comprehending the universe, UFO’s and even gender equality. Addressing such a wide range of areas ensures that readers will be able to get a wonderfully, well rounded understanding of space but it also means they have plenty of choice to explore. 

My expectations were high for the book before its release, and I am delighted to report that it managed to exceed these. It feels like the text has a truly vast amount of information to read but at no point does it feel intimidating or overwhelming. As always, Jess Bradley’s art is superb and does a wonderful job of bringing the text to life and drawing the reader in. Whether you enjoy space or not, this book has something for everyone to enjoy and will appeal to readers for a multitude of reasons. For some it will be the opportunity to expand their understanding of how everything works for others it will be comprehending how you go to the toilet in space!  Released on February 16th from Buster Books, this book is an absolute must have and the series as a whole should be a staple in every school and class library. Non-fiction presented in this way will only help to develop curious and inquisitive readers, which is exactly what the world of education is desperate to do. I cannot recommend it enough. 

 

Juniper Mae: Knight of Tykotech City by Sarah Son

Part of a new series from Flying Eye Books, Juniper Mae is a futuristic tale that shows the importance of self belief and pushing beyond your comfort zone. Juniper is an endearing main character who possess great technical ability but struggles to find her place in society. She often chooses to spend her time alone with her creations, rather than venturing into the world and doing what she can to make new friends. Eventually, this is no longer an option and she is forced to step outside her comfort zone otherwise Tykotech city is doomed. As the story progresses, Juniper is able to use her scientific brain and range of stunning creations but with the help of others instead of just alone in her bedroom. 

Despite being a shorter graphic novel than most, Juniper Mae manages to show an inspiring development in Juniper and her trajectory from isolated genius to hero will inspire anyone who reads the book. The book is also inspirational because it shows a strong female lead character engaging with areas such as science and technology that can often be stereotyped to male protagonists. Getting this book into the hands of young readers could genuinely inspire their future choices in life or allow them to realise that anyone can thrive in these areas. Breaking down these gender stereotypes and barriers doesn’t just happen in one book but the more texts we have representing this, the quicker it can become the norm. 

Juniper Mae is a fun and emotive story set in a fascinating future environment. Personally I would have preferred the book to be longer and show us even more of the world but I also appreciate that a longer story may make it less accessible to readers in LKS2. You can’t have it all! Juniper herself is a brilliant character and I can’t wait to see how future adventures in the series unfold. Each page is beautifully illustrated and you could easily spend hours getting lost in the stunning artwork. The locations are especially eye catching and really draw you in as a reader. Juniper Mae will be released on March 2nd and would be an excellent addition to any KS2 library, especially in year 3 & 4 where this is sure to be a big hit.

 

Agent Moose: Operation Owl by Mo O’Hara & Jess Bradley

This series has been a big hit over the past year, especially with LKS2. The light hearted nature and fast paced escapades make them perfect for fans of Dog Man and The Investigators. Operation Owl is the third entry in the Agent Moose series and fans will be delighted with this new adventure. All of the fan favourite character’s are back and Agent Moose himself is up to his usual tricks of solving crimes and wearing as many daft disguises as possible. The story focuses on Agent Moose and Owlfred trying to solve the mysterious floods and also rescue the missing Madame HQ. As time ticks away, they must work harder than ever to prevent Madame HQ from being hurt and also ensure that the local area isn’t completely flooded. This resolution involves plenty of puns and the most convincing disguise yet from Agent Moose.

Fans of the first two books will love this third entry, but it is also an excellent option for new readers too. The story is easily accessible without reading the first two, but returning fans will take great joy in spotting some little references and acknowledgements of previous adventures. Agent Moose: Operation Owl is out now (published by Scholastic) and would make an excellent addition to primary libraries, especially in LKS2. 

The Investigators: Heist and Seek & Braver and Boulder

This is double review for books five and six in The Investigators series by John Patrick Green. I have always been a big fan of the series thanks to it’s light hearted nature and action packed adventures. These two entries in the series are no different and ensure that The Investigators will continue to be one of the most popular series in any classroom or school they reside in. Both books contain the usual humour, adventure and pop culture references that helped to make the early books a huge hit. Mango and Brash remain as lovable as ever and the supporting cast continues to be packed full of zany characters who add brilliantly to the light hearted atmosphere. As both books progress, they do an excellent job of introducing more advanced vocabulary choices but rather than leave children to guess wildly what the words may mean, the characters take a few panels to explain the meaning and help improve the reader’s understanding. 

The Investigators is probably the most popular series over the past few years in KS2 and these new entries will ensure that doesn’t change. If you don’t have any in your school yet then I simply cannot recommend them enough. They are exceptional value for money and children quite simply adore them. 

Hilda: The Trolberg Stories by Luke Pearson

This is a new release from Flying Eye that combines two previously released Hilda stories – The Bird Parade & The Black Hound. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t be too excited about two previous stories being combined but this book is a special exception. Bound together into a beautiful hardback, this version of the stories really stands out in a collection and is a truly beautiful book to own. The images, which were already stunning, really come alive on the page and stand out so vividly. It’s one of those editions that would be worth owning, even if you already had the two stories in paperback form. released on October 20th by Flying Eye, this is a wonderful addition to any school library and a perfect book for all those Hilda fans out there.

Leon the Extraordinary by Jamar Nicholas

Leon the Extraordinary is the first instalment in a new series from Jamar Nicholas. Based in a world where heroes and villains are considered part of everyday life and something that people consider normal, Leon is desperate to be super but doesn’t have the powers he craves. Just as he begins to fear that he’ll never get an opportunity to experience being super, a problem sweeps the area that renders everybody useless except him, his best friend Carlos and his frenemy Clementine. Finally, Leon gets his chance to shine and as he plots how to save the day, he learns several important life lessons. 

On the surface, Leon the Extraordinary sounds like a familiar story, however it is so much more than that. The book explores several key themes including reliance on technology, hero idolisation and how everyone can be a hero in their own way. These messages are delivered in a way that all readers can access but without compromising the plot or being relentlessly forced on readers. It would be easy to preach these messages but Nicholas does an excellent job of making them naturally flow with the story. 

Leon the Extraordinary is a great addition to the graphic novel options for younger readers and will be an excellent addition to KS2 classrooms. Full of important messages, captivating action and a realistic depiction of trying to fit in, this is a must have for classes. Released on October 13th by Scholastic, make sure you grab a copy. 

The Adventures of Team Pom: The Last Dodo by Isabel Roxas

Following the success of their first adventure, Team Pom are back and caught up in even more chaos. The story follows Team Pom as they investigate the mysterious C.A.O.S organization and try to foil their evil schemes. Run by the evil dodo Steve, C.A.O.S are trying their best to capture the meddling Team Pom and launch an audacious plan to turn the residents of New York into dodos. Each member of the organization has a role to play but the two mice steal the show with their Chuckle Brother esque antics. As the story progresses and the two groups battle for the future of New York, the book balances a blend of action, humour and plot perfectly. Throughout, the book does an excellent job of representing different ethnicities, gender roles and hobbies which is so important when you consider some of the books still being published in the current envrionment. 

Team Pom are great fun and this book is perfect for all of KS2. The excellent blend of humour and action will have readers turning the pages frantically and laughing their heads off at the same time. Book two is an excellent addition to the series and helps to set up the team for lots of thrilling adventures in the future. The Last Dodo is out on September 22nd and published by Flying Eye Books. 

 

Mega Robo Bros: Meltdown by Neill Cameron

Mega Robo Bros has always been a popular series with readers, my class last year adored them and the spin off chapter books. This latest addition, which is the fourth in the series, continues the storyline and manages to pack in a huge amount of action along the way. If you are not familiar with the books then I can’t recommend them enough, they focus on two robot brothers (Alex and Freddy) who act and behave just like regular siblings. They also happen to be super heroes as well. 

In this entry, they are currently suspended from the agency, due to their past indiscretions, and desperately trying to help without causing more trouble. Having recently discovered that they have an evil brother called Wolfram, the boys delve into their family history before being forced to try and intervene when the world is in danger. Neill Cameron does a fantastic job of blending emotional storytelling with gripping action throughout the book. I found myself unable to put it down and racing through the pages, but every now and again a scene would stop me and force me to absorb the emotion being processed by the robotic characters. The book also excels when it comes to representation, with a range of vital roles being performed by different genders, ethnicities and religions. Rather than throw this at you and make a big point, the book does the best thing and normalises these people being in these roles. It has to be said that the graphic novel format is perfect for this in my eyes but credit must go to Cameron for dealing with this so perfectly. 

Overall, this is an excellent new addition to the Mega Robo Bros series and fans of the earlier books will absolutely adore it. Phoenix comics in general are a must have for schools and this series is no different, I fully anticipate that my new class in September will be borrowing my copies of Mega Robo Bros a lot. Meltdown is out now from David Fickling Books.

Bumble and Snug and the Excited Unicorn by Mark Bradley

The first Bumble and Snug was a brilliant book and much like the Narwhal series by Ben Clanton, it had the amazing ability to appeal to children in reception as much as children in year six. Only a year later and book two is out and continuing the brilliant work of book one. From the start, Bumble and Snug continue to be a brilliant comedy duo, who charm and entertain readers in equal measure. Throughout the book, Snug is the more cautious of the two and ensures that the enthusiastic Bumble doesn’t get too carried away with his good intentions. Bumble on the other hand, is a wonderfully carefree character who just wants to enjoy himself and doesn’t always consider the repercussions. Together, they go on a quest to find a unicorn, which they manage relatively easily. However, being friends with a unicorn brings an unexpected amount of chaos.

The friendship between these three is where the book really separates itself from others. Without being preachy or forcing messages down the readers throat, the story shows the importance of being empathetic and considering how your actions can impact others. Often in a story this type of message will occur when the seemingly naughty character or mischevious one finally understands the message they were given. In Bumble and Snug, none of the characters fit this mold because they are all so well intentioned. This makes the message much more pertinent and distinguishes the story from many others, in my eyes, its what makes so joyous to read. 

Just like the first book, this is a must have in your school and it will be loved across KS1 and KS2 so don’t dismiss it simply as a book for younger children. Bumble and Snug and the Excited Unicorn is out now and worth every penny. 

 

Alcatoe and the Turnip Child by Isaac Lenkiewicz

Alcatoe is a witch who enjoys the fact she is on the outskirts of society and is happy to behave in the way everyone assumes she must. The story is narrated by her as she helps out three local children who are looking to get some simple revenge on an inconsiderate local. Having Acatoe narrate the story instead of the children is a nice change to many graphic novels and provides the reader with a refreshingly cheeky perspective. Her joy in being involved with the children and their plot to disrupt the vegetable contest is the foundation for plenty of chaos. The story is simple to follow along with and surrounded by some gorgeous artwork that really helps to enhance events and truly bring the setting to life. Each page is packed with lots of little details that will keep readers entertained for a long while. There’s plenty of creepy crawlies hiding in crevices and curious eyes peering out of the gloom to make this an engaging and interactive read. Fun throughout and beautifully illustrated, Alcatoe is a throughouhly enjoyable graphic novel that is perfect for younger readers. Personally I’d say Y2-4 will get the most out of this, but as always plenty of children in UKS2 will find it enjoyable too. Alcatoe and the Turnip Child is released on September 1st by Flying Eye books.

 

Agent Moose: Moose on a Mission by Mo O’Hara & Jess Bradley

Much like the first book in the series, Moose on a Mission is a light-hearted tale packed full of puns, escapades and a vast array of eccentric animals. Simply put, it’s great fun. Aimed at a younger primary audience (UKS1+) but still enjoyable for older primary readers, Agent Moose returns to solve another key case and enhance his reputation. Accompanied by his lovable sidekick Owlfred, Moose bumps into a range of new problems and has to enlist the help or overcome the problems caused by a range of animals, including some pretty brilliant magpies. He also has the help of his granny in this book, who brings some serious energy with her and will be a character that readers are desperate to see more in the future.

The story moves along at a great pace and features plenty of the trademark puns that made the first one such a hoot. Having granny join in with the case is a nice touch and she will be a big hit with readers, especially with her dramatic entrance. Moose on a Mission is a brilliant follow up and will be sure to capture the attention of readers again. Although it is aimed at UKS1 & LKS2, this book will find plenty of suitors in the upper years of primary. My year 6 class enjoyed the first one immensely and are eager to get their hands on this follow up too. Moose on a Mission is released on July 7th by Scholastic.

Curse of the Chosen II by Alexis Deacon

A lot of people will be eagerly awaiting Curse of the Chosen II, it is the finale to what started out as Geis and is full of the answers people have been searching for. Following on exactly where the first book left off, book two dives straight into the action and races towards finding out who the final remaining contestant will be. All of the time devoted in the first book to developing the world and exploring the characters is vital as the action is frenetic and there is no time for exploring the world in the same level of detail as before. Deacon has managed the tempo expertly and I found myself appreciating all of the depth in book one a lot more as I worked my way through this issue. I knew why certain characters were behaving in a certain manner and you could see it was all pivotal to the resolution.

In a bid to avoid spoilers I won’t divulge much more about the story, as it would be a real shame to ruin it for someone who has been waiting patiently for this climactic edition. Simply said, Curse of the Chosen II is a tense story that grabs the reader by the scruff of the neck and drags them relentlessly to the story’s ending. Once you start, it is very difficult to put it down because you simply have to know what is going to happen next. All of the characters from before have a key role to play and despite there being a vast array of superb ones to follow, Artur steals the show throughout. His arc is a wonderful blend of action, humour, horror and sorrow that constantly enforces him as a fan favourite throughout. 

If you read the first volume then you simply need to make sure you read this final instalment. Alexis Deacon has created a rich world packed full of colourful characters who will have readers rooting for or against them throughout. This is an excellent conclusion to the story set up in the first book (Geis 1 + 2) and one that will shock and appease fans. Curse of the Chosen II will be released on July 7th 2022 by Flying Eye books. 

 

Welcome to St. Hell: My Trans Teen Misadventure by Lewis Hancox

Charting the real life journey of author Lewis Hancox and his journey from awkward teenage girl  to becoming the man he is today, this is an unashamedly real and essential read. In the current climate, texts that cover such previously ignored messages are growing more essential by the day and St. Hell should be an essential addition to any secondary library. Instead of trying to paint a rosy picture of his journey or hide some of the obstacles, Hancox has ensured readers get a truly authentic view of the trials and tribulations that come with transitioning. 

Starting with his transition to high school before moving through his teenage years until the modern day, Hancox shows the effect such a decision can have on a wide network of people. He explores the challenges within families, the struggles of friendships and even the battle with himself and the behaviours it created. At no point does he seek the chance to paint himself as a role model or the saviour for people feeling this way. The message is clear throughout, its not easy to transition and it is far more than just saying you feel like you want to be seen as a different gender. Hancox makes no attempt to hide his own struggles in dealing with this issue and it was refreshing to see an author paint themselves in a realistic light at times to ensure the story is a real, no matter how it reflects on their choices.

I was truly hooked from start to finish with St. Hell and as a book it embraces the graphic novel format wonderfully, many of the pages have images that tell you just as much as the words, if not more. The frank honesty and authenticity from Hancox is consistent throughout and really shines through. With the recent rise of Heartstopper there will be plenty of children wondering what to read next and this is an excellent option, whether they are considering their gender or not. At its core, St.Hell is an emotional story of self discovery but in reality it is so much more than that. For some readers they will finally find themselves being truly seen and represented in a book.

 

Curse of the Chosen by Alexis Deacon 

Curse of the Chosen is a repackaging of Geis volume 1 & 2, which despite being recommended many times I had never got round to reading until now. It is a unique text that embraces its own style and path from the very start. Throughout, the artwork sticks to a washed out palette of murky colours and whilst most books seem to focus on packing in as much detail as possible, Curse of the Chosen leaves plenty for the reader to fill in. The imagery has enough structure to follow but leaves lots of space for the human eye to interpret. At first I found this style slightly difficult to engage with, but this was down to it being so unique, once I had grown accustomed to it, I enjoyed the more vague and abstract approach. Seeing something so different made me realise how plenty of other books follow a very routine bold and bright formula whether it suits the text or not.

Much like the artwork, the story takes a while to truly settle in. Deacon throws the reader straight into the action but with very little background it can be tricky to establish motives and roles. As you work through the plot, characters are developed carefully and in an endearing manner. Essentially, the book is about a host of people battling to claim the right to take over from the dying matriach. What sounds simple to start remains far from it, lies, betrayal, magic and murder all lie in the way of the competing souls and nothing is simple for them.

Despite being aimed at a younger market, this is not one to put in every classroom. Personally, I would say it’s a year six and above text and the book itself warns readers about dark themes within. While there is nothing truly horrific and I don’t feel a year five would be scarred for life by reading it, there is a lot going on and at times it may become difficult to comprehend for those earlier KS2 readers. Those who are ready though, will be treated to a sprawling fantasy adventure that drags the reader into its universe and doesn’t let go. Out now from Flying Eye Books and soon to be joined by its sequel, this will be a big hit with fantasy fans young and old. 

 

Sisters of the Mist by Marlyn Spaaij

This book had piqued my interest a few months ago when I saw it on a coming soon calendar and it immediately struck me as a book my class might enjoy, purely from the cover. As a cover it really engages you and pulls you in immediately, the sense of mystery and eeriness is perfectly communicated. When I received the book, it didn’t disappoint.

The illustrations had their own style and really stood out on the pages, pulling the reader in to the story straight away. At times, there are pages with very few words so the imagery is required to do a lot of the work, which thankfully it accomplishes throughout the story. Often the wordless pages had me pausing the most, as I searched for any minor details or references to ensure I had fully taken everything from the page. This is a sign of how engaged I was in the universe, as one of my biggest flaws is racing through a book too quickly! 

The story follows three sisters and their trip to visit their grandma in Frygea Forest, which happens every year. Frygea Forest is a slightly mysterious setting full of wildlife but also trolls and tiny little root goblins. Initially, I thought I was about to read a slightly spooky story about someone going missing or spirits taking over etc. but I was wonderfully surprised to find a heartfelt coming of age plot running through the whole story. Not only was this a vital part of the plot but it also covered topics such as periods and puberty in a way that some people have been afraid to in the past. Lots of people will immediately assume the book is KS3 because of this content but it was delivered in such a reassuring manner that UKS2 will be able to read it, they may need a little explanation but it contains the kind of information that they need to and should be learning at this age. 

Although the story seems like a simple tale of a sister being lead astray and wandering into the woods to be ambushed by evil spirits, it’s so much more. Throughout, important messages of what’s normal growing up, how we all develop individually in regards to both personality and physically shine through. At no point, does it feel like messages are being forced in or out of place, as the story reaches its climax, all of the threads blend together to create a wonderful ending. Since having the book on my classroom shelf, it has been borrowed constantly, at times it never makes it back to the shelf because someone intercepts it on the way. Everyone who has read it has loved it and there is still a list of people waiting to get their hands on it. 

Sisters of the Mist is out now and I would thoroughly recommend it for Year 6 classes, who could use it really effectively to accompany their RSHE classes as well. Thanks to Flying Eye for the review copy, you have made a lot of children happy in my class. 

 

The Aquanaut by Dan Santat

The Aquanaut seems to have been coming soon for a long while (probably just me being impatient), but having finally read it, I can assure you it was worth the wait. Dan Santat has managed to create a truly unique book that captures so many themes and feelings in one story and I still haven’t worked out how he managed to do it so well.

From the very beginning, the book drags you straight in to an emotionally intense scene where we see a ship going down and one of the crew members (Michel) forced to drop down permanently into the abyss. Similar to Amulet or Lightfall, the book has you hooked and there are little hints and signs that the hermit crab who interacts with Michel is going to be pivotal. Even with this nod, there are still some subtle details that you just won’t realise are vital till the end, the payoff is worth the wait though. 

As the story progresses you meet a range of characters including several aquatic creatures who manage to walk around in a diving suit. Or The Aquanaut as you will come to know them. At first they come across as an adorable and at times hilarious character that brings charm and slapstick comedy in equal measure. Yet they end up being so much more and the emotional blows they deliver throughout their quest will be enough to bring some people to tears of both joy and sorrow. They run into one of the other main characters in Sophia who seems to be the only person who understands them but she has her own problems to deal with both in and out of school. 

As the story reaches its conclusion you will be hard pressed not to be emotionally moved and shocked on multiple occasions, but often not in the way or when you expected to. Santat does a superb job of weaving small and subtle details into the plot that become integral as the book progresses. Additionally, he brings all of it to life with some truly stunning artwork that really brings the world to life. The vibrant colours and deeply saturated colours make everything burst off the page and often I found myself having to do a double take so I could truly soak in the beauty of a page. 

The Aquanaut is a brilliant book and will be an excellent addition to any KS2 library. It will have the best effect in Y5&6 but there’s nothing that younger children can’t see, and some will adore the creature characters. Along with the stunning art and engaging story, the book also does a brilliant job of addressing topics such as loss, overcoming your fears, working together and being present. All of these are delivered in a way that readers will easily resonate with and can use to help them reflect on their own experiences. 

The Aquanaut is out now and is a book you need in your school. Thanks to Scholastic for my copy. 

 

The Rema Chronicles: Realm of the Blue Mist by Amy Kim Kibuishi

Realm of the Blue Mist (I’m going to call it Rema because my brain can’t stop thinking that’s the name) is the first book in a new fantasy and adventure series by Amy Kim Kibuishi. The book is split into four sections and each has its own distinctive feel that ties in effectively with the previous. Chapter one throws you straight into the action and the wave of new words/terminology makes it clear that this book is meticulously planned and not going to end in one volume. Tabby, the main protagonist is thrust into a whole new world and forced into trying to find a way back home. however, the path home is far from simple and despite being helped by Phillip, she is faced by a vast array of issues. Initially, I was a little overwhelmed by everything going on but that isn’t the books fault, trying to spread it out slower would make it harder to pack in everything that’s needed. 

Chapters 2,3 and 4 are able to integrate new ideas at a more manageable pace and embellish the character’s backstory. As I approached the halfway mark, I felt a much greater understanding of how the story was developing and I was fully immersed in the world, Rema had hooked me in. Throughout the story, twists and turns are thrown your way and nothing is as simple as it seems. Rema does an excellent job of developing the story and characters whilst moving the plot along at pace. Exposition is kept to a minimum, and as a reader you are aware that you will learn what you need, when you need to. 

Just when you think you know how everything is going to work out for Tabby, Rema throws in it’s final twist and leaves you begging for book 2. Although a sequel is in the works, fans will be desperate to find out what happens immediately, the wait will be a tough one! Overall, Rema is a thrilling, fast paced adventure that is sure to be a big hit with KS2. The range of characters, emotional storylines and rich world building will have readers hooked and begging for the sequel to come out as quickly as possible. The Rema Chronicles is released on March 7th and published by Scholastic who very kindly provided me with an advanced copy. 

Georgia and the Edge of the World by Robin Boyden

Recently, I was very lucky to receive a selection of books from the excellent David Fickling Books. Within the selection was Georgia and the Edge of the World which had been on my radar for a while but for one reason or another, I hadn’t got round to reading it. Immediately, I grabbed the book and put it on my desk, then two children borrowed it and I was made to wait another week till I could read it! Both assured me it was excellent so at least my wait was worth it. The story starts by introducing you to a rich world filled with lore that inevitably drip feeds into the plot later on. I was hooked but also concerned, books had dragged me into their world like this before and then fizzled out. Thankfully, my concerns were eased very quickly. 

Georgia is a strong character and rather than putting her into peril to find an excuse for a saviour or teach her some preposterous moral, the story just makes sure we realise she’s a strong female character who can fight her own battles. Georgia is a problem solver, a warrior, an inventor, resilient and just a good soul. Her love of adventure and fearless attitude to life makes a nice change for a story, too often we have to work through the character’s flaws or battle their one weakness. Georgia felt different, if anything the story focused on embracing her and celebrating her skills. Yes, others did belittle and question her ability but she stayed strong and this is so important for younger readers to see. I am intentionally ignoring a lot of the plot details as I don’t want to reveal the twists and turns that come a long the way, needless to say a book that refreshingly treats its main character like this, also has a refreshing twist or two that bucks the usual trends. Throughout the story, Georgia explores a range of beautiful lands and meets a host of quirky characters who all have their own important role to play no matter how insignificant they may seem to start.

Georgia and the Edge of the World is an excellent adventure story that children in KS2 will adore, it is a an excellent take on the action/adventure genre and one that will inspire so many young writers to have a go at telling their own stories. 

Katie the Catsitter 2: Best Friends for Never by AF Venable Colleen and Stephanie Yu 

Last year, I was hugely impressed with the first Katie the Catsitter book and couldn’t wait for the sequel. My class have been counting down the days till book 2 was released and they won’t be disappointed when they get their hands on it next week. This time out, Katie has some new friends who are into skateboarding like her, but she isn’t able to rekindle her friendship with Beth to the level it was before the summer. As the story goes on we see the girls confront a range of social issues that readers will encounter themselves in the coming years. Along side all of this relatable material is the battle for superhero superiority and the crisis of confidence that Mousetress is suffering from (along with a crippling bake off addiction!). 

Fans of the first book will be delighted with this follow up, thanks to it’s beautiful art and engaging story. The cats are as adorable as ever and their personalities shine through again thanks to some superb illustrative work by Yu. Most importantly, the story doesn’t try to preach or throw morals down your throat. Instead, it delivers a series of important messages through it’s story which makes it so much more impactful and helps to demonstrate why they are so important. Throughout the story, you are shown the importance of being yourself, not giving into peer pressure, compromising, working together and valuing friendships. All of these are essential in helping Katie to solve her own problems and help the Mousestress with hers. Book 2 is a triumphant follow up and will be a huge hit in classrooms in KS2, a great recommendation for fans of Raina Telgemeier who will adore it .  It also has skateboarding cats in, which should be enough to convince anyone who is still on the fence. 

 

Agent Moose by Mo O’Hara and Jess Bradley

Much like the fiction world, there has been a string of graphic novels published recently that will be a big hit with the 7-9 age bracket. Previously it could be tricky to find the right books for this age but now there is a brilliant variety and Agent Moose is another that is sure to be a hit with this age group. From the first few pages you get a good idea of the light hearted and tongue in cheek adventure you’re about to embark on. Agent Moose is an excitable secret agent who isn’t as effective as he thinks! Accompanied by his trusty sidekick Owlfred, they set off to try and solve his 100th crime. As the plot unveils, Moose and Owlfred bump into a colourful range of characters that contribute various puns to keep the jokes flowing. 

Humour is a strong selling point of the book and it is balanced well throughout, there are a few running gags that are used to good effect along with plenty of puns or animal based jokes to keep things flowing. Jess Bradley has applied her usual bright and vivid illustrations to the book and those familiar with her work on A day in the life of… will be delighted to see her bringing all her skills to the book. All of the animals have a look that suits their character and helps the reader to distinguish them from each other with ease. All in all, Agent Moose is a great light hearted read that will find a lot of fans in Year 2 – 4 predominantly, although I have no doubt those children in older years will also adore it. It’s perfect for fans of Dog Man, Squidding Around and the Narwhal series. Thanks to Scholastic for the copy, you can grab yours on the 20th January. 

Just Roll With It by Veronica Agarwal and Lee Dunfey-Lavoie

This is one of those books that would be brilliant already but when you consider the impact of the past 18 months and the manner in which this has affected people then it becomes even more important. Mental health has become something we are so much more aware of in society now and books are doing a brilliant job of representing the struggles people can have with it. Just Roll With It focuses on mental health issues in a hugely empowering manner. The story follows Maggie as she tries to navigate the struggles of a new school, living in her sisters shadow and all while suffering from OCD. 

All of these challenges are dealt with in a very sensitive and supportive manner. The artwork is beautiful throughout but the most important aspect is how powerfully it is used to show the impact of mental health. Throughout the book Maggie has decisions to make that she uses her dice to help her with, when this goes differently to how she would like or becomes too overwhelming the illustrations show her thoughts and emotions consuming her and the panel. This visual representation is incredibly powerful and will help readers to feel seen.

Along with Maggie learning how to cope with her own problems, she also has to deal with the rumours of a wild snake causing havoc on the school grounds. This story line runs throughout the book and by the end the metaphor it represents helps to end the book in such a poignant way. Showing the character ‘slaying’ her own demons and how that makes everything else easier is handled carefully and in a way that will allow everyone to see how sharing a problem can help to make it smaller. 

Just Roll With It is an excellent book that promotes friendship, sharing and appreciating people for who they are. It constantly celebrates characters who are following their own path without patronising them or forcing it down the readers throat. By approaching the subjects in this way it normalises things that we shouldn’t have to think of as different in today’s society. Story telling like this will only help to allow younger readers grow up appreciating the beauty of being unique and being who you truly are.  Along with all the brilliant work it is doing in this regard, the story is also a fun and engaging tale of friendship based around a mutual love of role playing games and just being nice people. A vital book for the UKS2/KS3 classroom that carries a multitude of vital messages, I can’t recommend it enough.

 

Frankie’s World by Aofie Dooley

Having seen the success of books like Can You See Me? and the effect they had on children who finally felt represented in literature I was eager to get my hands on this upcoming release by Aofie Dooley. Having a graphic novel that represented those children who may not fit into the supposed normal routines or expectations is vital but having it written by someone who has dealt with those issues themself is even more important. The book felt genuine and realistic throughout and never tried to make an agenda about autism or use it as a justification for struggles. Instead the story focuses on trying to deal with everyday problems and family issues whilst trying to gain a greater understanding of why the world seems to work differently for Frankie compared to other children. 

As the story progresses Frankie encounters other children who are like minded and appreciate her for who she is rather than comparing her differences to others. This is portrayed in the perfect way, no big celebration or characters being forced to unite over a tenous link, instead they learn about each other and share discussions that help them to ascertain their similarities. As the story progresses we see Frankie continue to develop as a character and as she comes to learn about her father and his autism diagnosis, she begins to compare this to her own journey. Such a delicate topic is dealt with in an empowering manner that highlights how autism is nothing to judge someone by or to single them out for. Frankie embraces the clarity it gives her and appreciates how it helps her to be unique. 

Aofie Dooley has captured so many important messages in this story but for me the most important one was giving the characters a chance to celebrate their unique personalilites. Being able to speak from her own experiences allowed her to tap into an easily relatable but poignant delivery that will provide anyone who reads it with plenty to think about. Not only will this text be a big hit in UKS2 classrooms across the country but it could be used to ignite lots of purposeful discussions about how we treat each other and understanding our differences. Children who feel like they don’t quite fit in or don’t understand why they seem to think differently will be delighted to see these traits celebrated and acknowledged in the story. If you work in a Y5 class or above I can’t recommend this book enough, it will be popular with all readers but for some children it will be especially powerful as it could be one of the few times they feel truly represented in a text.

The Messed Up Life of Johnny Moore by Max Toper

Be aware this book is not a comic or graphic novel, however Max seemed like a very keen and enthusiastic young author (He’s not even 20!) who was willing to share his work with someone like me despite it not being in my usual format. It seemed only right if he was willing to give me a chance to do the same myself. 

The messed up life of Johnny Moore focuses on the struggles of the titular character as he tries to deal with reintegrating in mainstream school. Johnny finds this difficult due to his autism, no one seems to understand his needs or provide the support network you would expect for a child who requires additional support. However the provision in his new school is different and Johnny is promised the support he craves. As the story unfolds the reader is informed of a plan to disband this support and the struggles it and its staff have had in the past. 

The plot focuses on Johnny and his struggles to settle into this new system, often choosing to react to adverse situations with violence or refusal, rather than listening to the advice he is offered. Sometimes it feels like Johnny is hard to empathise with due to the speed he is willing to give up and use the threat of violence. However there is a large part of me that realises this is probably due to me not being in those situations myself, I may find them hard to reason with but for those children who have been failed by the system or lacked the support they need, this may be far too relatable. This seems to be a running theme of the book which leans heavily on the idea of schools being too uniformed and putting pressure on the children with additional needs to change rather than changing to support them. Again, as someone who didn’t have this at school it seemed unbelievable that a child could be treated like this but sadly we’ve all heard the horror stories. Just because I didn’t experience it doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. Being forced out of my comfort zone like this didn’t always make the story flow but actually that was important, it made me take stock and consider how I provide supoort as a teacher. Do I do enough? Do children feel that they are treated fairly by me? Being forced into quite deep reflection was uncomfortable at times but simultaneously beneficial. 

Towards the end Johnny can be seen trying to improve his behaviour and choices whilst remaining true to himself. It’s an important reminder that you shouldn’t lose sight of who you are and try to change your whole personality just to fit in. This compromise allows him to build friendships and brings his family closer together whilst making sure the perfect picture of home life isn’t portrayed. His family struggles throughout and despite trying their hardest his parents find it difficult to know what to do at times. Seeing parents portrayed in this manner is essential as too many often feel wrong or inept when put in this positions but the truth is it’s ok to be unsure and the book communicates this well. 

The book won’t be for everyone and some will prefer the less confrontational nature of a text like can you see me? That being said this text definitely has a place and for those people who have been mistreated in the past or are suffering with it currently, it will help them to feel seen and heard. This kind of inclusion and realism is essential in books. Toper has shown maturity beyond his years to complete this text and hopefully he will continue to hone his craft and carry on addressing matters that don’t receive the attention or representation they deserve.  

 

A Day in the Life of a Caveman, a Queen and Everything in Between by Mike Barfield & Jess Bradley

After the success of A Day in the Life of a Poo, a Gnu and You the dynamic duo of Mike Barfield & Jess Bradley are back with a new book that focuses on history this time. A quick flick through the contents page and a scan of the front cover should tell you enough about how perfect this book is for children and how it will appeal to all readers at some point. The bright imagery immediately catches the eye and the range of topics covered is so vast that there is truly something for everyone. When reading myself I was immediately drawn to the pages on war elephants, samurai swords and (my favourite) Russian beards. But a less war or facial hair interested reader may prefer to read up on the history of cavemen, royalty or important inventions. 

With such a broad range of topics each given one dedicated page of interesting facts and information readers can pick up a lot of information without having to scroll through large amounts of thick text. In fact it’s a book that you can easily pick up and just read a few sections of before putting it back down again. Having a historical book that is so quick and easy to access makes it perfect for the classroom and there is defintiely a lot of scope to use it as a teacher to support learning or develop critical thinking skills as well as it being a superb addition to any bookshelf. It feels like Barfield and Bradley are on to something very special and I truly hope there is more to come from them in this format as they create books that educate and entertain without comprising on quality. Quite simply, if you teach in KS2 this is an essential text to have in your class and one that will prove useful for both teachers and students. 

Rating: A day in the life of being a 5/5 book 

 

Ham Helsing by Rich Moyer

I have no shame in admitting that from the moment I saw the name and cover for this book it was going to take something truly horrific for me not to love it. Thankfully Rich Moyer has delivered an absolute triumph of a story and made sure this book is more than just an amazing front cover. Start to finish it is filled with some wonderful imagery and quirky comedy that means there is something here for almost any reader. From rapping chickens to thesaurus wielding rats, turtle flipping bad guys to sword swinging pigs, this story is full of unexpected suprises throughout.

I don’t want to wade too much into the story because it was such a joy to discover the subtle plot twists as I went and Moyer does a brilliant job of subverting your expectations in a variety of ways. It works so well because all of the characters have such clear personalities that compliment their actions throughout, the two rats are reminiscent of the old men from the muppets, Ham is a classic under dog hero, Ronin shows how fierce and strong female characters can be and much more. None of them are forced or boxed into cliches and Moyer really brings the world to life with tiny details and by letting the images do a lot of the talking. Speech is used to further the story or complement the panel, this means the words are all important and help the story flow at a perfect pace. I honestly cannot recommend this enough, End of Year 3 and up will adore this especially if they are fans of The Investigators series. 

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds & Danica Novgorodoff

Ever since it was announced that this book was coming out in graphic novel form I’ve been eagerly anticipating its release. I still haven’t read the original (that will be rectified soon) and everyone kept telling me that it wouldn’t work in graphic novel form. Due to this I thought I would come to the graphic novel new so I could make a genuine judgement rather than one clouded by my opinion of the original. I can appreciate where the fear was coming from, after all they adored the original version and didn’t want to see such a beloved text ruined. However there is an argument to be had that transforming this verse novel into graphic form may attract some readers who previously may have ignored the title because they don’t like poetry … yet.

I’m not saying that’s right but I know when I was younger if someone had offered me a poetry book or a graphic novel I would have chosen the graphic novel every time. Why not have two versions if it gives a greater chance of getting people reading? Especially YA readers who need to be exposed to emotionally challenging texts like this.

Thanks to Faber I was able to get my hands on this a week before release and I’m really glad I did because now I can argue my point about how brilliant this is when it’s officially released. Some people may not deem it necessary  or they may say it doesn’t have the impact the original version did but this book has every right to exist.

The images add harsh reality to the bleak messages portrayed in the tale of William Holloman. Having the imagery of gang violence surrounding the words describing family members taken too soon is incredibly powerful. If you needed a reminder just how real these issues are the supporting images provide it. Nothing is held back, at times it almost wants to make you uncomfortable. from the start to the finish the book is a constant rollercoaster of emotions. The watercolour style of Danica Novgorodoff adds a confused and chaotic vibe to the pages which echoes the poetic words of Jason Reynolds perfectly.

As William struggles to deal with his conscience, the imagery spills out of the panels and slowly drips down the page. Some people would struggle to deal with this seemingly ‘messy’ approach but reading this book with all of the rules adhered to would defeat the entire point of it. In a story that looks at harrowing realities of growing up in certain areas it makes sense for the art to break all the rules. Crisp and clean pages would create a huge juxtaposition that would most likely lessen the impact of everything it stands for.

In many ways the art also helps make the book more relatable to those who haven’t witnessed the scenes described. If we want YA readers to appreciate how difficult life can be, the tragedies that occur or simply the injustice that exists then some will need that visual representation to fully comprehend it. For some it will already be something they’re well aware of, potentially a representation of their life, but others may need the visual realisation that they live in a sheltered existence or a more priveleged position than they realise.

As I worked my way through the book, my mind was constantly thinking about how fortunate I was to grow up knowing I was safe. Imagine the impact it could have on younger readers. For some it could be the catalyst for change or the spark that inspires them to fight for casues close to their heart in the coming years.

Once you have digested all of the art and layout changes that come with a verse novel being converted into a graphic novel there is still the debate about whether the text has translated well. Now I do have to admit I find myself rushing through the text at times and my love of imagery can distarct from the incredibly important word play of Reynold’s. However after finishing this book I found myself flicking back through pages to re read sections and playing over certain phrases in my mind. As someone who grew up in a very different environment, the lexical imagery created by Reynold’s had a lasting effect. His repetition of simple statements and constant questioning really resonated with me as a reader. I was completely drawn into the world created and absorbed by the moral dilemma playing out. The use of questions transfers so much ownership onto the reader that it’s almost impossible not to keep thinking about the story long after you’ve finished.

There’s no denying that some of the impact the words have can be lost due to the images and some will argue that the graphic format detracts from the most important part which is the original poetry. However I think it has to be a case of reading the format that works best for you, if you are someone who doesn’t want the visual stimulation then this isn’t the version for you. If you are someone who responds well to it though then this is a book well worth investing in. Following the thoughts and feelings of William as he comes to terms with one of the biggest decisions in his life is an absorbing read that is thought provoking from the very start. In a world where we are clambering for change but often too afraid to actually confront it books like this become vital. Being able to see how dangerous, unfair, inescapable, cyclical or unjust life is for many doesn’t have to be something we accept. More exposure to texts like this at a younger age will give them a better chance of standing up and fighting for what is right. Do we want people to grow up thinking the circle of violence and retribution is their only choice? If the answer is no then we need to provide them with books that show this reality and this is a book that does that in the most powerful and impressive way possible. It would be fair to say that this is a text children should be looking at before they leave high school, the lessons it teaches us stretch way beyond just English.

Snapdragon by Kat Leyh

This book had been on my to buy list for a long while but everytime I’ve gone to purchase it had been out of stock or I was distracted by something new and shiny. Finally I managed to concentrate long enough and purchase it which turned out to be a brilliant decision on my part. Every bit of praise this book has received is thoroughly deserved. It’s brilliant.

I don’t want to give too much of the book away but it is essentially about a girl called Snapdragon who is struggling socially at school. She lives near a supposed witch and after her dog makes it’s way onto the witches property they end up striking an unexpected friendship. This friendship impacts a range of events in the local town and will change Snapdragon forever in more ways than one.

Not only is the plot genuinely brilliant in the book but it manages to cover lots of important issues as well. Some of these mean the book should only be given to those children that are ready, not because it’s full of inappropriate things but because they need to be mature enough to process what is happening.

One of the main things they need to be able to deal with appropriately is the journey of Louis. he starts off as Snapdragon’s friend but goes on his own journey and transition as the story progresses. The fact that the story makes Louis seem much happier when he puts on a skirt and is called Lulu is exactly how it should be, why should it be a problem when he is happy after all?

Along with covering gender identity and inner happiness the book also looks at homosexual relationships and briefly explores how they used to be deemed inappropriate in the area the story is set. Again this isn’t made into a big fanfare it is portrayed as something completely normal and accepted which is exactly how it should be. As a reader the effort not to make a big fuss of it was brilliant, this way readers won’t perceive as something that could be deemed wrong or different. If it’s made to see normal then people will perceive it as that.

Finally the book looks at developing friendships and not feeling pressured to conform to certain social expectations. Why be unhappy just to fit in? This is obviously a regular problem in schools and society so the more children can be exposed to this message the less likely they are to fall foul of the dreaded peer pressure.

I realise I haven’t explored much of the story but for me the joy was uncovering the next twist or turn first hand, I loved the fact I went in with minimal knowledge. For some that may not be enough but trust me it is worth taking the risk. From the first page I was absolutely hooked and I know it must have been good because when I started Master of Puppets was smashing out my stereo (track 2 on the album for the non metal-heads reading this) and the next thing I knew I had reached the final track and literally could not remember any of the songs playing. You may not know it but that is truly the highest praise it can receive!

Mr Wolf’s Class: Field Trip by Aron Nels Steinke

I am a huge fan of the Mr Wolf’s Class series and I won’t lie, I was ready to love this book before I’d even read a page. Having since devoured the book in an afternoon sitting I can confirm it is possibly even better than I originally anticipated. I’d go as far to say it’s my favourite in the series so far.

The story follows Mr Wolf and his class as they embark on a residential trip. During the trip the usual events take place that any teacher will be able to relate to or recall their own harrowing experiences of. On their trip the class make new friends with another school and engage in a range of social activities with them. They also embark on their own learning sessions as a class which are mixture of exploring outside and learning about the world around them.

Part of what makes this book so special is how relevant and important the learning is. Without being preachy or forcing an agenda, the book manages to cover current issues such as climate change and reducing litter/waste. At all times the message feels natural and just part of the story but reinforces so many important issues that children today need to be aware of. Along with highlighting these it also shows how children can have an impact on them and the demonstration of how to be pro active is so important.

Currently, my class could probably be split into two sides: Those that want to help change things and those who will just say it’s not their fault. Books like this that show characters actively making choices to try and improve the world around them as well as encouraging others to follow suit are more important than ever. They can not only help demonstrate the importance of participating but also show that it’s never too late to start.

Although these aren’t the only messages the book promotes they were the ones I felt resonated the most. The story also covers dealing with friendship issues, making new friends, being responsible and coping with anxiety. None of the themes or messages covered are laid on too strong though and all are weaved so naturally into the plot that it makes them all seem what they are. Normal things. It shows readers that it’s okay to be anxious, it’s okay to be upset and it’s normal to have disagreements. How we deal with them is the important part.

It seems with each book that the Mr Wolf series goes from strength to strength. The stories continue to be fun, light hearted and full of realism that children and adults alike can relate to. As a teacher there’s the extra level of realism added with Mr Wolf’s thoughts and again all of them were incredibly accurate and relatable to. I’ve only been on one residential as a teacher and could already identify with nearly everything that happened and Mr Wolf’s thoughts about it. If you haven’t got any of the series in your school yet I can’t recommend them enough for KS2, I currently have year 6 children reading the books for their third or fourth time because they love them so dearly. This entry will be no different I am sure, the first child to get their hands on it in my class had read it by the next day and was upset she had to pass it on because she wanted to read it all again.

 

InvestiGATORS by John Patrick Green

This book is going to be big, really big, any class that has it is going to struggle to keep it on the shelves. It’s perfect for year 3/4 especially those who may be less confident or enthused when it comes to reading. Year 5/6 will love it as well though and to be honest most adults will take pleasure from some of the pun work at the very least. InvestiGATORS is a book that would be brilliant shared between adults and children because some of the jokes are probably going to escape younger readers but the chance to discuss and explain them will create an excellent collaborative reading experience. Fans of 70’s – 90’s action films or police procedurals will love the nods to genre cliches and stereotypes.

The story revolves around a missing chef that Mango and Brash (the investigators) are hired to find. The fact they are alligators bothers no one in the story and the complete acceptance of this by all humans only adds to their charm. As they work the case, past issues arise along with a whole manner of wonderful cliches. This sounds like I’m being negative but trust me it is a huge selling point and I took great joy reading about a case going wrong when it was supposed to be that character’s last job before retiring. The InvestiGATORS knows what it is and steers brilliantly into all of the cliches and fun that can be had when you are self aware. There’s no attempt to reinvent the investigative genre, puns are used to maximum effect and throughout it just feels like a book that wants to be fun. It succeeds.

Personally I loved it but more importantly kids will adore it. It seems like a natural progression for those fans of Dog Man (which is a smash hit in my school) but it’s a brilliant book for anyone that wants a light hearted and action packed read. This book will appeal to all but you can easily see how it could be a stepping stone for those who struggle to engage with reading and it may just help them light their reading fire. 5/5, 10/10, must buy, whatever your rating system is this book smashes it and is something that should be in all KS2 classrooms as far as I’m concerned.

Zatanna and the House of Secrets by Matthew Cody & Yoshi Yoshitani.

They say don’t judge a book by its cover but I definitely purchased this book based solely on the cover. In fact I was debating whether to buy this or Anti/hero and I chose this because something about the cover was so alluring. In a cruel twist of fate there is a preview of Anti/hero in the back of this book and now I’m desperate to read that as well so I might as well have purchased both there and then.

Zatanna is a very enjoyable read and my favourite thing about it is that I know my class are going to truly love it. I enjoyed it but I’m not the main target audience and you can see how there will be so many children who are going to be fully enveloped by the story of Zatanna. As I worked my way through the mysteries of the book I could already picture those kids who would simply devour the story. Then a talking rabbit entered the fray and several more names immediately popped up. Without giving too much of the book away Zatanna is a child who possesses more power than she knows and ends up in a position where only she can save the day with a little help from Pocus the rabbit.  Her dad is not necessarily who he seems and her family history is certainly not the same as Zatanna has been told. While dealing with all of this, Zatanna still has to deal with the trials and tribulations of growing up and settling in at school. Of course there is a lot more to it than that but it’s a story where you take great joy from each reveal and twist that is delivered, I would be cruel to remove that joy from your reading experience.

The story is a mixture of mystery and fast paced action but also manages to work in important themes such as dealing with friendships, self confidence and the importance of being respectful. For me it felt like a book that fans of Raina Telgemeier would enjoy as despite it’s fantasy/magic elements the characters deal with a lot of real life issues. Common issues that we all go through while growing up. Despite all of the emotional depth the book still manages to pack in action at a great pace so those who may struggle to focus will be entertained as well. In regards to age this is an all ages book but I would say Year 4 and up will be the readers that can get the most out of it. It’s a worthy addition to any KS2 class and is another example of an excellent book from DC for kids.

RuinWorld by Derek Laufman

From the first page to the last, RuinWorld is a book that draws you into its universe and makes you desperate to stay there as long as possible. It is truly superb. At no point does the book feel oversaturated with unnecessary dialogue, the pacing is perfect and the action is sprinkled effectively throughout to keep you on the edge of your seat. I came to this book ready to like it, everyone had told me it was great and I had been toying with buying it for months. However, I wasn’t prepared for how much I was going to love it. Everything about it seemed perfect for me as a reader and the illustrative style of Laufman really supported the quality of his writing.

The story in simple terms is a classic adventure where a group of adventurous types meet and form a team in a bid to stop an evil enemy gaining dangerous levels of power. Despite following a classic format of the action genre, the book never feels cliched or predictable. All of the characters have their own personal reasons for being involved and these are developed or responsible for choices along the way. Again, this is done naturally rather than just shoved in because that’s what happens in adventure stories.

You’ll meet lots of characters throughout the book but the real stars of the show are Pogo and Rex. At times they feel like a modern version of Sam and Frodo but they develop at a much quicker rate and have less conversations about potatoes. Rex is the bold and brash heroic one of the pair while Pogo is nervous and often only one tentative decision away from causing disaster. Others join them in their quest but these two really steal the show.

RuinWorld is one of the books that feels like an essential in all classrooms, it’s not a risky pick where you wonder if this years class will appreciate it. There will be children in your class who will adore it and chances are once a few start reading it most of the class will because the joy this book gives the reader is infectious. As soon as I had finished it I needed to speak to people about it, whether they had read it or not. Laufman has created a truly brilliant book and we can only hope that he is going to revisit this universe more in the future.

6/5 – It is that good and that essential, if you teach Year 4 and above you need it.

The Boy Who Became A Dragon: A Bruce Lee Story by Jim Di Bartolo

Bruce Lee is a name known round the world and often one of the first people mentioned when thinking about martial arts. He remains increidibly famous despite dying 47 years ago, yet how much do people really know about his life? Before reading this book my knowledge was limited to the following: he fought Chuck Norris, his son was The Crow and Brad Pitt’s character fought him in the latest Tarantino film. I was quite frankly uneducated and ignorant to the journey Lee went through in his 32 years on this Earth. However thanks to this fantastic telling of his youth from Jim Di Bartolo I now know significantly more.

The story focuses primarily on Lee’s formative years  and the struggles he endured. Academic, physical and political isues all arose for him consistently. From the start the book is honest and isn’t afraid to showcase how unfair things were in Hong Kong as Japan took over and seized control. Along with highlighting how these issues affected the people in the country it explores the knock on effect it had on the economy and the wealth of Hong Kong citizens. Racism plays a part throughout and shows how despite being seen nowadays as an Asian star, Lee often found himself outcast due to his mother being half German. Repeatedly we see his struggle to understand where he fits in with society.

As the story progresses you begin to realise that this book isn’t here to portray Lee as a man who was just naturally brilliant and succeeded at everything because of genetics. If anything it’s the opposite. Di Bartolo brilliantly showcases how hard it was for Lee to focus, how he didn’t know what his passion was and then when he found it how hard he had to work in order to become the legendary name he is today. This isn’t your classic turns up for one session and is better than everyone by the end. As a reader you see Lee deal with setbacks and obstacles continously but the key is he doesn’t let them stop him. As a role model he is everything we preach about in the teaching industry, resilient and robust. Willing to make the sacrifice required to achieve his dreams even when others are actively stopping him.

The story of Bruce Lee will ring bells with teachers across the world of a student who showcases potential and ability but can’t direct it appropriately. They might be the student who gives up before they’ve really tried, they might say nothing interests them or it may be that they always blame something else for stopping them. This is the perfect book to show them.

Bruce Lee battled through adversity, he struggled in school, he was always in trouble but when he found the passion for something he pushed himself as hard as he could to be the best he could. Personally I think this message is vital for children to see especially as they prepare to transition to secondary school and the fear of not being good enough or popular is often amplified. It also shows that you can turn things around, a reputation can be changed and you control your own destiny. Yes there are some artisitc liberties taken in places but the author acknowledges that himself in his notes at the end, however the core values are present throughout and it’s hard not to resonate with the never give up attitude of Lee even when he’s being dragged home by the police on a regular basis!

Personally I loved this book and can’t recommend it enough for year 5/6. It can teach the reader lots on a personal level along with lots of historical information that they are unlikely to know at all. For some this will be the inspiration they need to push themselves while for others it’s a fantastic opportunity to read about a different culture and a character who compares very differently to the so called modern ‘celebrity’, 5 stars for sure.

When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson & Omar Mohamed

Buy this book. If you take only one thing from this review then let it be that message. In simple terms books like these need to be in every UKS2/LKS3 classroom up and down the country. The messages and values displayed throughout are so important for children to read about especially if they have come from a very priveleged or secure background. Much like Illegal by Eoin Colfer, WSAS isn’t designed to make being a refugee seem more light hearted or a plight that people exaggerate, it is designed to give you an accurate and honest portrayal of how difficult life in a refugee camp can be. Not every refugee will have the same story and that is an important point raised throughout, even in camps designed for safety no refugee has the same experience or treatment.

The main story of WSAS follows Omar and Hassan, two brothers who have fled Somalia after their dad was killed. Along with losing their father, the boys have been separated from their mum and have no idea if she has survived or not. As the reader we get to see the boys grow up and deal with problems that many of us would never experience, at times they have to go without food for a day and school is a luxury that Omar is almost made to feel guilty for. Hassan has seizures but there is no help with medicine or guidance on supporting these. As the story progresses both the boys have their own battles to fight but the goal is always to try and secure a new life in America. A safe life.

I don’t want to say much else about the story as the rollercoaster of emotions that come with reading it shouldn’t be spoilt. Instead I want to focus on why this book is so important. Throughout the story the character’s in the camp showcase a range of important values. Omar shows exceptional resilience, maturity, responsibility, humility and he has a fantastic work ethic. The whole camp has an excellent attitude to school but the female characters Nimo and Maryam in particular set a phenomenal example that a lot of children could learn from. No matter what prejudice is thrown against them they try their very best to achieve as much as possible in school. They don’t settle for less than their best at any point. Despite the difficult situation all the characters are placed in there are never any excuses offered for poor choices or attitudes.

Having a chance to see people in such a diffiult situation but still full of aspiration is something that classrooms need. Speaking personally I know a lot of children in my class would be unaware of how tough the life of a refugee can be and are often prone to acting like they are the only ones finding things tough in life. Being able to share a story like this with them would really open their eyes and show them how they actually have a lot to be thankful for. Saying the story of Omar and Hassan is inspirational feels frankly a little underwhelming but it’s the best I can offer. WSAS is a brilliantly story that is brought to life by beautiful illustrations that help support the messages being conveyed. It covers a topic that many people are still ignorant of and is often misrepresented in the press. Despite being 2020 and technology giving us more access to the world than ever people still act like refugees are just here to take and not give. Such biased and unwelcome views are the reason books like this need to exist as they will help to enlighten readers about some of the atrocities refugees have been forced to endure before even gaining the opportunity to settle in a new country. Being based on a true story only enhances the power of the book and makes it one that should be talked about for years to come. The content is suitable for year 4 up but I would suggest pushing it more at year 5 as the length and content may be difficult for the average year 4 reader to sustain.

Donut the Destroyer review – Sarah Graley & Stef Purenins

In a bid to keep myself sane and carry on talking about all things graphic novel I’ve decided to write a few reviews. These are all based on books I’ve purchased and intend to use in my classroom when things return to a more normal state. None of them have been gifted to me so you can be assured what I say is my genuine opinion.

Donut the Destroyer is the latest book from Sarah Graley who has previously written Minecraft and Glitch. Glitch has been so popular in my school that I’ve had children from five or six different classes borrowing my copy and it’s been read so much in the last year that it will need replacing soon. You know how it is, the type of replacing that tells you the book has been loved byt hose who’ve read it rather than the replacing you do when someone spilt their water bottle on it.

Donut the Destroyer (Dtd) is a story about a character called Donut who is a member of notoriously evil parents, has a best friend who’s evil and is expected to attend the evil Skullfire academy. Instead she follows her heart and attends the heroic Lionheart school. It is all about the choice and battle of good versus evil. However it deals with the topic in a very new and refreshing manner that will ensure readers not only have an action packed story to read but will be presented with examples throughout of how they can control their actions and choices.

Covering the choice between being good or being evil could have ended with lots of moral lectures or very bland story telling that just wanted to make sure readers got the point. Graley steers clear of this though and delivers scenarios that allow an engaging story to flow while also demonstrating how responsible we all are for our own behaviour. Donut should be evil, her parents are world famous villains yet at no point does she think it’s the right thing for her to do. She always follows her heart and tries to do what she thinks is right in a situation. She tries not to give into peer pressure, she chooses friends that respect her for who she is rather than changing her behaviour to fit in. Her desire to be a prefect shows aspiration and when things don’t go her way she picks herself up and tries again, there’s no room for her to give up or throw a tantrum just because she didn’t ger her own way. These lessons are vital for younger readers to engage with as they set a brilliant example for them to follow. As I read it I immediately thought of several members in my class who would either adore the story or would benefit from seeing a strong role model like this, who was willing to fight for what they believe in. A personality trait that is hugely important but can so easily be dismissed by people who simply claim someone is ‘easily led’ as if that makes it acceptable.

Clocking in at 189 pages and packed full of well written dialogue, Dtd will be a challenging read for year four children but one they should be capable of. Year five and six will devour this story and be begging for more I am sure of it. As an adult the book reminded me of The Good Place. I’m not suggesting at all that Graley copied the T.V series but I had the same feeling of inspiration when reading how she had managed to put her own spin on a very saturated topic. As the story progresses it would be easy to throw in cliches or follow tired character arcs but Graley ensures her characters stick to what they believe in and proves that you should always fight for what you believe in. After all we tell children to follow their heart so the books they read should definitely be preaching the same message.

If you teach in UKS2 I have no doubt this will be a hugely popular addition to your library and a title well worth investing in. Glitch was a well written story that I enjoyed but I would argue this is an even better read.