The Ghosts and Jamal

I want to share my love for this one far and wide because it has filled my heart on many levels. The Ghosts and Jamal is a beautifully written and important story that deserves to be read and celebrated widely. Reading this book has also introduced me to a new-to-me independent publisher, HopeRoad, who I...

Piglettes by Clémentine Beauvais

I can't tell you how much I loved this book. To do so I would have to come and meet each of you individually and just hug you, really tight, go off on an animated political rant and then possibly dance and force feed you cheese. Because there is so much going on in this...

Troublemakers by Catherine Barter

Troublemakers by Catherine Barter (Andersen Press) is a political coming of age story about memory and the stories that ground us and bind us to our past and our families. It's beautifully written and had a place in my heart within the first few pages. 'In three years I will be able to vote and...

I Have No Secrets

'Jemma knows who did the murder. She knows because he told her. And she can't tell anyone. Fourteen-year-old Jemma has severe cerebral palsy. Unable to communicate or move, she relies on her family and carer for everything. She has a sharp brain and inquisitive nature, and knows all sorts of things about everyone. But when she is...

Goodbye Days by Jeff Zentner

'Can a text message destroy your life? Carver Briggs never thought a simple text would cause a fatal crash, killing his three best friends, Mars, Eli, and Blake. Now Carver can't stop blaming himself for the accident and even worse, there could be a criminal investigation into the deaths. Then Blake's grandmother asks Carver to remember her...

Grandad’s Secret Giant

Billy doesn't believe his Grandad when he tells him there's a secret giant living in their town and protecting the residents with secret good deeds. Billy doesn't believe in what he can't see. '"But Grandad," Billy said, 'if the giant is so helpful and good, why does he want to stay such a big secret?"...

We Come Apart

There are some authors whom you cherish. Their words bring you to life. Their books are stroked and collected in different editions. A new book's publishing date is scribbled on your calendar and you inhale it when it arrives. There are so many authors whose work sends me a bit giddy like that and Sarah Crossan...

Under the Love Umbrella

I love to wave my diversity flag and champion books that are inclusive and celebrate diversity. Under the Love Umbrella by Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys (Scribe) does so beautifully, and I am thrilled to be a part of this blog tour and sing the book's praises. This book deserves to be in every nursery...

One Thing Stolen by Beth Kephart

  This book is stunning.  The cover is gorgeous and perfectly depicts the essence of the story- all hail Kristine Brogno. But the writing! The writing is like nothing I've ever read before. Think Sarah Crossan meets Jeanette Winterson. It is the book that I am still holding even though I've finished it. Because I can't...

Little Rebels and Radical Acts of Kindness

I missed The London Radical Book Fair and the awarding of the Little Rebels Award on Saturday. We were away visiting family and I couldn't make it. But I was there in spirit and via Twitter and it prompted a lot of thinking over the weekend. Allow me to share... Letterbox Library's Little Rebels Award celebrates...