Reviews
There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.
The Letter with the Golden Stamp
I can't remember how old I was when I first started collecting stamps. But I've got a whole shoebox full of them now.
Mam used to help me collect them ... Before she got so ill that she lost her job, her friends...everything.
Now it's my job to take care of her and protect her - and my little brother and sister too. But to do that, I have to make Mam a Secret. A secret no-one can ever find out about. Not even my best friends at school, or Mo, our postman.
Or the stranger living in the house across the street. The one no-one has seen, but who I know is spying on us.
(Taken from the blurb)
Any new book by Onjali goes straight to the top of my teetering TBR pile and I read this the moment a copy landed on the doormat. However, it has taken me quite a while to review- not because I didn’t enjoy it, but because the story affected me so deeply.
Over the years, I have met many ‘Audrey’s- children coping with all manner of responsibilities and cares, constantly worrying about their home situation and the threat of the authorities finding out and separating them from their loved ones. ‘The Letter with the Golden Stamp’ is a deeply poignant story which shines a light on the hidden world of child carers and offering them the empathy and compassion they deserve.
Audrey is an absolute delight, quite young for her age in some ways and yet older than she should be in others. The events of the story unfold as she recounts to Sergeant Anita and Mrs Rogers in New Scotland Yard everything that has led her to being so far from her home in Wales. Her innocent desire to be honest with the police allows the reader to learn about Audrey’s life, her mother’s poor health, their ‘Sunshine Days’ when her mother is in less pain and Audrey can go to school without worrying, the days which Audrey misses from school and the occasional shoplifting so that the family can eat. There were moments when I had to put the book to one side and have a little sob as her situation rang so true and her courage, loyalty to her family and selflessness reminded me of children I have known.
And this is what Onjali does so well. Through engaging, entertaining stories and endearing characters, she highlights the situations of those in need with compassion and kindness, offering hope. Audrey is less alone than she thinks- Mo, the postman (everyone needs a lovely postman!), Mrs Davies from the shop and other neighbours are all concerned for the family and trying to help and Audrey comes from a close, loving family whose situation could have been so different had her mother not become ill.
For those who live like Audrey, the book will offer hope and recognition; other will gain empathy and understanding, perhaps be slower to judge and quicker to understand.
A beautiful book!
The Letter with the Golden Stamp
Onjali Q Rauf
Orion ISBN: 978-1510108929
Toxic
Jessica is used to travelling the world with her parents, whose lives are dedicated to the study and preservation of amphibians. Finding herself in the heart of the rainforest, she tries not to resent the nomadic lifestyle which prevents her from forming real relationships and being settled. However, when she meets a local girl, Renata, they strike up a friendship. As Tom, the previous researcher, leaves the research station, he gives Jessica a strange book called ‘Trekking Backwards’ which tells the very strange story of a man called Hadley Cavendish-DuPont…
When they learn that the incredibly beautiful cosmetics billionaire, Anura Hegarty, has just bought the section of rainforest where Renata lives, the girls are initially delighted. But when it turns out that Anura is in pursuit of eternal youth and will stop at nothing to get it, they find themselves in the middle of a perilous adventure!
Mitch Johnson is well known for tackling ‘big issues’ through his very accessible and readable books. ‘Toxic’ challenges the reader to think about the irresponsible and destructive actions of huge, faceless companies and their impact on the environment, and the damaging culture of ‘perfect’ beauty and youth, but also about the responsibilities of the individual.
Highly engaging, the book is extremely atmospheric, evoking the sights and sounds of the rainforest, balancing its beauty and its dangers. The story is sure to generate interesting in this fascinating location and its creatures- particularly the frogs! Messages about the terrible destruction of this special environment are obviously at the heart of the story, but so much passion and love for the natural world is expressed that the reader can’t help but feel themselves growing indignant alongside Jessica and Renata. It is beautifully managed, making it an excellent text to share as a class story or guided reading text, rich in things to discuss and explore.
The story also raises questions about the evils of a culture which promotes false notions about beauty and the importance of eternal youth, pressurising young women in particular to be constantly striving for an idea of perfection which is impossible to achieve. There is much I could say about thus, but I would hate to spoil the story for anyone who hasn’t yet read this wonderful book.
There is much to recommend this excellent book!
Toxic Mitch Johnson
Orion ISBN: 978-1510111929
Stepfather Christmas
Harper, Will and mum have always managed on their own, with mum going as ‘full-on for Christmas as her budget will allow’. So when mum announces that this year her boyfriend, Nick, will be joining them, it’s a bit of a shock. He seems nice, but Harper can’t help noticing that Christmassy things happen whenever he’s around. Convinced he’s actually Father Christmas, she is determined to uncover the truth…
Subtitled ‘A Festive Countdown in 25 Chapters’, ‘Stepfather Christmas’ is a wonderfully charming and humorous festive treat, perfect for sharing a chapter a night in the run up to Christmas Day. The idea of a family read each day of Advent is a joy - when my son was little, we used to read a festive picture book each day- and a lovely way to bring everyone together. The chapters are the perfect length and the characters are wonderfully engaging.
Jovial and kindly, Nick works with the reindeer at the petting zoo, makes the perfect hot chocolate and seems to receive an awful lot of post. As the clues mount up. Harper becomes increasingly suspicious that he is indeed Father Christmas in spite of Will’s scepticism when she tries to discuss it with him. Her doubts and anxieties about Nick becoming part of their tight-knit little family will resonate with many children in a similar situation whilst the mystery about his identity brings plenty of festive fun!
Whether read day-by-day or consumed in one sitting, ‘Stepfather Christmas’ is a delightful, thoroughly engaging read!
Stepfather Christmas L P Lapinski
Orion ISBN: 978-1510112698
The Stories Grandma Forgot (and How I Found Them)
Twelve year old Nyla lives with her mum and her grandma. Grandma Farida sometimes goes ‘time-travelling’ due to her Alzheimer’s and with mum working two jobs, much of the caring falls to Nyla, but this is a house full of love so she doesn’t mind. Nyla has been told that her dad died when she was 4, but when her grandma insists she saw him at the supermarket, Nyla is left wondering whether this is Grandma’s ‘magic memory’ or whether there are secrets to be uncovered. As she tries to find the truth about her family, Nyla learns much about herself as the past catches up with the present.
Told in verse, this is such a powerful, emotive story. Nyla is a delightful character whose relationship with her grandmother is captured with such warmth and love. As with many children, Nyla plays a key role as carer, willingly looking after her grandmother whilst her mother has to work. Her love for the person her grandmother was, and is, shines through, creating some deeply poignant moments, encouraging empathy for their situation.
Nyla finds herself on a quest to find out about her father, partly due to the promise she makes to Grandma Farida and partly due to her own desire to discover more about who she is. She is supported in her search by her best friend, Jess, who has no filter and although very dear to Nyla and her family, can overstep boundaries and speak without thinking, highlighting how even the best intentioned people can make thoughtless, clumsy comments which are hurtful. Nyla also has to deal with the overtly offensive behaviour of Harry, another pupil at her school, who seems to single her out and target her for his bullying.
The story works so well as a verse novel, sensitively exploring Nyla’s emotions as events unfold. I don’t want to say too much more about the plot for fear of giving things away for those who have not read it yet- and I do recommend that everyone does! It is truly captivating!
The Stories Grandma Forgot (and How I Found Them)
Nadine Aisha Jassat, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat
Orion ISBN: 978-1510111578
Zeina Starborn and the Sky Whale
Zeina Starborn spends her days dreaming of having adventures in the sky, above the smog-filled city of Ravenport, escaping the life of a Below. When invited to the annual Grand Birthday Bazaar celebrating the 12th birthday of rich Above, Jackson Willoughby, she is reluctant to go, but this leads to her winning a chance to visit the famous Willoughby Whale Hotel- a giant structure built on the back of a flying whale- with Jackson and his Uncle Hamilton. Although her father does not want her to go, Zeina seizes her opportunity and sets off on the journey of a lifetime, full of adventure, mystery and danger.
‘Zeina Starborn and the Sky Whale’ is stunning- I couldn’t put down for a second! From a divided society to environmental issues, there is so much packed into this book, making it a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable story.
At first glance, Zeina and Jackson could not be more different. The Willoughbys are a powerful Above family with untold riches, living in opulence whilst Zeina lives on the airship platform, where her father works as an engineer. However, Jackson is not like the rest of his family, preferring to race velocycles to studying, owning sky whale hotels or taking over the family business. He is more cautious whilst Zeina is impulsive, boisterous and ready for action. Initially wary of each other, they grow to understand each other, becoming a team in the face of hardship and betrayal.
The importance of animal welfare and the dangers of pollution are at the heart of the story. Zeina and Jackson’s growing horror as they realise the truth of the whale hunt they are on- the cruelty and the STAN system used to control them- sits in stark contrast to the callous indifference of those leading the hunt whose only concern is the profits captured whales bring. The way power corrupts, misinformation and reporting bias are also explored through the story. It would make an excellent text for guided reading or for a class novel with plenty to reflect on and discuss whilst enjoying a fabulous adventure!
I am certain that there will be more stories about Jackson and Zeina as they continue their adventures on airships, their friendship now firmly established. Highly recommend this one!
Zeina Starborn and the Sky Whale Hannah Durkan
Orion ISBN: 978-1510110649
The Strangeworlds Travel Agency: The Secrets of the Stormforest
A belated happy birthday to L D Lapinski whose birthday was yesterday!
Jonathan and Flick discover that an organisation, not unlike The Strangeworld’s Society, known as ‘The Seren’ are threatening the multiverse, destroying worlds by draining their magic. Although they had been trapped in a world they called Serentegra, they are now free once more and are hunting the suitcase that contains the end of the multiverse. Flick, Jonathan and their friends must find this case first and uncover the secrets of The Strangeworlds Society before it’s too late.
‘The Secrets of the Stormforest’ is the stunning conclusion to the incredible ‘Strangeworlds’ trilogy which has captivated so many children (and adults!). It is always tricky to review the finale to a series for fear of giving things away and spoiling the story for other readers, but I will try!
Throughout the series, each place the children visit is vividly described with a richness of detail which makes it a joy to read. One of the places they journey to in this book is Pendularbor which, with its three suns and sentient plants, is incredibly imagined.
Flick’s strength of character and determination really shine through in this story as she courageously faces events and possibilities which threaten everything she knows and loves. She really begins to believe in herself and what she can achieve, but is also touched by deep grief and regret as events unfold. The supportive love of family and friends once again shines through in this book as her quest is full of action, peril and uncertainty. The Seren are decidedly sinister and the children’s encounters with them are chilling.
It is always sad to reach the conclusion of a series which you have really enjoyed, but ‘The Secrets of the Stormforest’ brings everything to a very satisfying conclusion, leaving the reader full of hope and happiness for Flick and her friends.
An action-packed, brilliantly crafted read, ‘The Secrets of the Stormforest’ is not to be missed!
The Secrets of the Stormforest L D Lapinski
Orion ISBN: 978-1510111035
You can read my reviews of the first two books in this series here.
Yesterday Crumb and the Storm in a Teacup
Adventure and magic await in every teacup!
Born with fox ears, Yesterday Crumb is forced to work in the circus where she was abandoned. However, her life changes when she is rescued by a caustic raven called Madrigal and goes to live with Miss Dumpling at her magical tea shop with flamingo legs known as Dwimmerly End. Starting as an apprentice tea witch, Yesterday finds herself surrounded by incredible customers, flying teapots and magic. Here, she learns that she is a strangeling who has lost her magic and begins to feel that she has found her place in the world.
But a sinister figure called Mr Weep seems to be trying to ensure that things do not run smoothly for her…
Exciting and imaginative, ‘Yesterday Crumb and the Storm in a Teacup’ is an incredible read. I could not put it down and was completely absorbed into Yesterday’s world. Whilst there are sure to be comparisons with other magical adventure stories, Andy Sagar’s world building and attention to detail make it unique and special.
Yesterday- or Essie as she becomes known- is a wonderful character. Feisty and impetuous, she is also incredibly vulnerable, full of insecurities and questions about her past. This feeling of being different and being made to feel different is tackled throughout the story and Essie finds inner courage and self belief with the support of her new-found ‘family’ who all belong, no matter what. Mr Weep is a suitably despicable villain who seems intent on thwarting Essie’s happiness in her new life.
Who wouldn’t want to spend time in the teashop?! There is such joy in the descriptions of Miss Dumpling and her travelling teashop with its wonderful concoctions that everything is vividly brought to life and you can almost smell the Chimera Creampuffs and taste the Pearlescent Peppermint!
With so many characters to ‘do the voices for’ and being such an immersive treat for the imagination, ‘Yesterday Crumb and the Storm in a Teacup’ would make an incredible class story, no doubt inspiring children to create their own magical shops and get swept up in their own magical adventures. Such a treat!
Heart-warming and wholesome…there’s nothing that can’t be solved with a pot of tea and a slice of cake!
Yesterday Crumb and the Storm in a Teacup Andy Sagar
Orion ISBN: 978-1510109483