Sue is an independent consultant and Co-Creator of www.lovemybooks.co.uk
Varjak Paw by SF Said
Varjak Paw, a misfit in his family of sheltered pedigree cats, sets off alone to seek help in the city when danger strikes. Gradually he gains allies and learns the secret survival skills of his ancestor, Jalal. Can Varjak help his family, solve the mystery of vanishing cats, and cope with the formidable feline foe Sally Bones? An adventure mystery story guaranteed to captivate young audiences with themes of belonging, and self-belief.
Sky Song by Abi Elphinstone
Set in the wintry world of Erkenwald Eska and Flint, from different clans, form an unlikely alliance and set off on a quest to save their world from the evil ice queen. This is a gripping fantasy adventure story with themes of loyalty, friendship and trust, written with warmth and sensitivity, particularly in the love between Flint and his younger sister Blu who has learning difficulties.
The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Rauf
When Ahmet joins the class, everyone wonders why
he is silent. Our narrator and her friends are intrigued and when they find out he is a Syrian refugee and his family are missing they decide to help. The plight of refugee children is unfolded in a highly entertaining way with humour and compassion.
Beetle Boy by M G Leonard
Darkus’s father Dr Bartholemew Cuttle has mysteriously disappeared from a locked room at the Natural History museum. Darkus is keen to find out what has happened and mystified when beetles start appearing – one even wants to communicate with him and his uncle’s neighbours seem to have a mountain of beetles in their house. This is a humorous adventure with a dastardly villain and very appealing beetles.
Letters from the Lighthouse by Emma Carroll
Set in World War Two this is an enthralling historical adventure. When Olive and her brother are reluctantly evacuated to Devon to escape air raids in London, they soon discover the impact of the war on the local community and the differing responses of individuals. With drama, a mystery and a range of intriguing characters this is a great story with themes of prejudice and compassion towards the victims of war seeking refuge.
