Set at 3 different points in one woman’s life, this novel is sublime, unfolding at a perfect pace. It follows the narrator through college, love, friendship, parenthood and along paths life takes because of and despite the people, events and decisions made. It encompasses everything I love in a novel.

1950’s Yorkshire, Birdie is sent from the only home she has ever known to relatives in a village suspicious of difference. Birdie, lonely and confused, finds solace in an old pit pony and through determination, stubbornness and kindness she brings hope into the lives around her. Moving, exciting and powerful.

Lyrical, magical, simple and strange, this novel is beautiful, entwining the real world and myth to create a mystery that had me gripped. Lanny goes missing and it plunges the village into very human behaviour, their thoughts exposed as Papa Toothwort listens in. Hard to explain but a must read.

A cleverly crafted murder mystery. Narrated by Christian who spirals out of control as tragedy plays out in the rapids.Then the author brings you and the characters out of the chaos and you see more clearly as the plot unravels cleverly. Perfect for fans of twisty-turny YA mystery thrillers.

Wow, this books really got to me. Powerful writing, convincing characters and a gritty and emotional narrative had me right from the start. Two boys tossed around the care system trying to keep control of their lives, to forgive themselves and each other and keep hoping that love will save them.

A claustrophobic dystopian thriller set in the deepest part of the ocean where a new organism is being harvested to power life on a post climate apocalypse surface. With a gripping storyline and flowing narrative that bounces between characters worth investing in and an ending primed for a sequel.

A strange and haunting novel with an unexpected and compelling edge of horror. The story unfolds slowly going back and forth in time and as Ursula hungers for human connection and belonging she finds herself in the depths of a living nightmare, that haunts her and keeps the reader gripped.

A fascinating and compelling concept for a novel. Set over 35 years it imagines how one family’s destiny is shaped by what Cora decides to call her son. Three different names, three versions of their lives will bring tragedy, cruelty, love, hope and joy. A powerful, moving and wonderful read.

A warm, gentle and often humorous novel about friendship, family, loss and love which examines connection, family, community and navigating life in your 20s and 30s. Its smooth narrative and well-rounded character made for an addictive read. Moving between two timeframes this is the perfect readers of character led stories.

Sam has a close-knit friendship group but it’s all about to change as they head to Year 7, with some important decisions to make. A funny, emotive and quick read about  juggling friendships, school life, bullying balanced with trying to do what is right and what your heart tells you.

Set in 1994 this happy, heartwarming short novel follows the often-chaotic life of 11 year old Kofi as he tries to earn some extra pocket money by selling a fanzine of song lyrics. Rapping contests, best friends with photographic memories and coping with school life make for an excellent read.

Issac needs to solve the disappearance of his father, chief horologist of the Great Clock in the Palace of Westminster. A trail of clues, a plucky partner and a sinister plot to change time make for a fast-paced adventure full of clever clues, facts and fascinating science. A thrilling page-turner.

Another sensitive, heartwarming and powerful story of young love from the amazing Jason Reynolds. Neon is hiding in the bathroom, reflecting on key moments in his relationship with his girlfriend. Moments that have led them to this pivotal moment, a moment he wants to treasure and so desperately get right.

A gripping and expansive WW2 page-turner about a group of boys caught up in an adventure that quickly spins out of control. With themes of friendship, war, fear, trust and politics, characters are fully explored, the setting vividly described and the story perfectly timed. I was fully and immediately immersed.

Alara lives in a sanitised and perfect world where even negative emotions such as boredom are frowned upon. When her gaming skills get her dropped into London Under she finds a dirty, dangerous but real and exciting world. This powerful dystopian tale explores freedom and societal expectations, perfect for KS3.

A beautifully haunting story of a young woman living through trauma and grief in an often-invisible side of Cornwall. Time shifts back and forth adding to the uncertainty and almost other worldly character of Melody Janie, whose voice is beautifully written as is the setting. I couldn’t let it go!

Warm, intense and evocative, this lyrical story follows 16-year-old Robert, as he embarks on a journey across rural North-East England. Embracing nature’s cycles, he finds Dulcie, poetry, friendship and a new way of living. Quietly packing a punch, I smiled, cried and fell in love with everything about this novel.

When Liv, founder of the Birdeye Colony, invites a young man in, secrets are exposed, decades long foundations crumble and Liv is forced to reassess everything and everyone. Unravelling a tangled past and present slowly, evocatively and with a perfect pace, Heneghan explores the complexities of human nature and interaction.

A stunning, lyrical adventure, packed with myth, magic, danger and love. The characters, setting and plot combine sublimely to draw you in, sweeping you along with Ysolda as her world falls apart and she embarks on an epic quest to rescue her sister under the shadow of the Wolf Queen.

Tense, fast paced, gripping, I was reaching for my kindle at every opportunity. The story switches between two female voices and as their moving and devastating stories unravel and twist and turn, flow and crash, we are fed the perfect breadcrumbs to be shocked yet not at the final conclusion.

Through tears and smiles, my heart beats joyously as I finish another masterpiece in gentle, powerful and engaging storytelling by David Almond. In 'Falling Boy' he writes about family, friendship, community, emotions and hope with such understated intensity, so lyrically, with such feeling that I am yet again blown away.

Another Jawando stunner and it’s the deeply flawed prison and justice system under the spotlight in a deeply moving, raw, and ultimately uplifting story. Ty is more than one criminal act, we become immersed in his struggle, frustration and determination, and when he finds his voice we soar with him.

The innocence, naivety and loyalty of Rebel, the canine narrator, adds charm to this already heartwarming tale flavoured with adventure , danger and friendship. Rebel is a good dog and loves his life but when his human joins a rebellion and war moves in, he knows exactly what to do.

In a world where water is scarce and heat scorches the land, Ash wakes to find an abandoned village and outcast Bronwyn. They journey to find the Kingdom, a land rumoured to flourish, and through danger and betrayal, Ash becomes an unlikely hero. A thoughtful, gripping and fast-paced dystopian adventure.

A stunning piece of writing told from the perspectives of four boys, friends growing into young men, all different but all working out who they are and who they want to be. A profound, devastating yet light, truthful and moving insight into a the best and worst of teenage life.

A gentle, simple, moving tale about a puppet master at then end of his career, his final creation and a girl with a life of creativity ahead of her. Celebrating imagination, friendship and the circle of life, Almond looks deep into the human soul with a subtle and strange touch.

A too close for comfort scenario where a totalitarian regime that detains anyone deemed not to be British enough has risen to power. Distrust, civil unrest and a refugee crisis sends Clem and her sister on a treacherous journey full of danger, twists and turns. Powerful, clever, moving and thought-provoking.

This intricate, creative and imaginative novel follows Sam and Sadie back and forth through 3 decades as their friendship ebbs and flows and their legendary gaming collaboration changes their lives forever. A love story but not a romance, a tragedy but hopeful and above all about possibilities, connection and identity.

Not published until 2025, I suggest that you grab this exquisite historical novel when you can. Set in a remote farmhouse in France in 1920, it follows quiet, watchful Ettie, the niece of a legendary artist, and ambitious journalist Joseph. A story with depth, sensuous writing and near perfect pace.

Set in a small valley in Shetland where I read it, this novel is the beautiful and gentle story of its inhabitants. I loved its slowness and relished unearthing connection and disconnection between the characters, Tulloch’s narrative carried me away and I was gripped by its simplicity from the start.

I really enjoyed this horror adventure where normal is the village adults become zombies at full moon, however then a group of kids begin to suspect something more sinister is at hand. With twists and turns, both darkly funny and sinister and well plotted, it now has a sequel.

A beautiful, moving, funny novel about a boy in remission from cancer, the girl he meets in hospital and the year they plan to spend doing acts of kindness. Full of warmth and very moving, it is about fitting in, social justice and standing up for what you believe in.

Life for a normal family on a normal street during a normal summer changes forever when protestors move in. Luke’s sister moves into the squat, Sky moves in with Luke’s family, Dad has a midlife crisis and Luke, a normal teenager, doesn’t know what to think. Funny, satirical and moving.

This dystopian thriller with its edge of dark humour comes highly recommended. The pace was perfect, breathtaking in places yet allowing space to set the scene, introduce the main characters and allow us to develop our understanding of this future England and Wales with seamless timing. Escapism at its best.

Earle writes historical fiction like a dream this time recreating the world of London, September 1939, through the eyes of Noah who, along with 2 other children and a growing menagerie of animals set out on an adventure to save their beloved pets. It has everything, joy, loss, fear, thrills.

Set over several decades and in a not impossible future, this fast paced, thoughtful and complex eco-thriller uses current whale conservation and AI science and centres around Abi, an eco-activist, banished to the family’s Norwegian island but still and often dangerously determined to continue to find the world’s last whale.

Funny, heart-warming, emotional, this book is brilliant. Shaun, AKA MC Growls, chases his dream of winning enough prize money to avoid eviction but inadvertently lands him and his best mate in an online situation that spirals out of control. Shaun’s character is infectious and the writing super engaging, highly recommended.

A gentle and humourous human story that quietly packs a punch. Floyd has fallen out of love with tennis and Mike is helping him find the right path but who is Mike, no one seems to know yet he certainly seems to knows what Floyd needs. Funny, moving and uplifting.

I loved this empowering story about finding the courage to stand up for what you believe in despite people’s ignorance, prejudice or simply lack of knowledge. Paced perfectly, the characters were real, and the writing hooked me from the start. Highly recommended as a great read but also for discussion.

Set on a private island in Jamaica this fun, charming, immersive novel follows Fayson, a wannabe detective, her rich cousins and a secret club as they try to solve a strange mystery. Getten deals with themes of class, bullying and empowerment with such a light touch that you barely notice.

A beautiful read that despite its poignant story, is both heartwarming and hopeful. December needs her wings and her knowledge of birds to fly away to be with her mother, she is kicked out of various foster homes until she meets Eleanor who allows her to learn to stay grounded.

Grandpa is dying and Jess is drawn into his quest to finish a painting, his final wish. You know the ending before you start, but the journey through grief, love and the natural world that this gentle, magical and often breathtaking story takes us is one not to be missed.

A heartwarming and joyful read with a powerful core carefully yet carefreely woven into the story of Archie who discovers Dad’s secret, a secret that could blow his family apart. Archie has the solution and a chaotic adventure to London ensues where he uncovers a whole rainbow of new friends.

Fun and charming mystery about 10-year-old Flora, so determined to become a detective that she opens her own agency and starts searching for her first case. She soon finds it and we are whisked away on a strange and exciting journey. I very much look forward to Flora’s next adventure.

A thrilling mystery surrounding a boy, his beloved football team and their missing star player. I really loved the pace of the writing, the danger and the determination of Danny to solve the mystery and bring the criminals to justice. A great series for lovers of short, punchy crime adventures.

A sweeping historical novel with a cast of siblings at its core, leading the narrative across several decades through peace, war, love and peace again. Gentle, warm, spiced with thrills and tragedy this novel is perfect for when you have time to be swept away by the lives of others.

This keeps Shafak on my favourite author list, such rich, smooth yet gritty writing that encompasses history, romance, magical realism and leaps across seas and decades. A daughter rediscovers her connection to the island where a community and her parents were once ripped apart by war. A beautifully strange read.

One innocent mistake takes Elwood’s life, one full of promise despite the reality of 1960’s Florida for a young black man. Instead, he finds himself in the Nickel Academy and the nightmare begins. Dark yet witty, uncomfortable and heartbreaking this novel reveals the lives shattered by sanctioned hatred and prejudice.

A timely, disturbing and page turning cautionary YA dystopian tale about how society can turn on its own and how hard fought for human rights can be ripped away when the wrong people win power. This love story both thrilled and angered me yet also made me smile and cry.

This clever, flowing and page-turning YA novel not only thrills, shocks and deals with an often-overseen human tragedy but is also a love story and a celebration of friendship. The reader cannot help but feel the injustice, be angered at the human traffickers and feel joy at the human connections.

Lawrence has once again written a gripping mystery thriller with human stories at its core. Her characters are real, vulnerable, flawed and she faces social issues head on but quietly and seamlessly. A story told by Spey, Dee and sometimes Benni and a road trip fraught with surprises and danger.

A beautiful and other-worldly winter adventure about friendship, family, finding courage and letting go, from an author that always delights. The sense of place, the narrative and the pace of storytelling were sublime from the first words. Perfect for anyone with a blanket, some hot chocolate and the snow falling.

A wonderful adventure that takes the reader across the frozen landscape of an eternal winter. Beneath the snow and ice this is a beautifully written tale of good versus evil and the complexity, rivalry and love between siblings. As with all Millwood Hargrave’s writing it lights up any winter evening.

A magical winter mystery woven through with Wilde, Anderson amongst others, and stitched together with themes of climate, love and empathy. Leonard takes us seamlessly back and forth between the real world and the magic of Winterton and is a story for reading under the covers or together out loud.

An intriguing debut anthology reimagining folktales, myths and legends from around the world. With a sense of power and being seen these stories, like all fairy tales, differ vastly and often cover the coercive and violent side of love but are always absorbing and I thoroughly enjoyed this unique collection.

I became immediately immersed in this captivating historical novel with the Volga flowing through its core. The characters had a hint of the magical and the setting was beautifully depicted. The only slight disappointment was a rather abrupt ending, however a great read that awakened me to an unfamiliar history.

Another triumph from Doerr. In this ode to philosophy, storytelling, climate crisis and kindness, he encompasses history, the present and the future in an epic novel that weaves multiple lives into complex story all linked by one battered and fragmented manuscript. Unexplainable in 50 or 5000 words, just read it!

A thrilling, moving and engrossing environmental dystopia. The author perfectly blends a poetic and moving narrative with a fast-paced thrilling story line and a cast of believable and magical characters. Its theme is both pertinent and frightening yet somehow gives us hope that humans can see the power of nature.

On one level a wonderful coming of age romance yet with so much more nestled within the words and the songs as Ellie navigates the humour, awkwardness and joy of growing up and becoming yourself. I listened to the audio book, but the accompanying playlist is available. Just perfect!

It was the vivid voices that had me in this absorbing domestic drama about two very different teenagers whose lives converge when their parents move in together. Told in alternate chapters, Tommy and Ryan find a common bond in their dyslexia but will this bond survive an unfolding secret?

I loved this school adventure, Killick successfully blends horror and humour in a tale about a Saturday detention that takes an unexpected turn involving monsters in both human and insect form. The relationships between the 4 students, the dialogue and the emerging story are paced to perfection. A great read.

A story that you don't realise quite how brilliant it is and how it has made you wonder and ponder, smile and float away from this world, until you've read the last page. A magical and mysterious fable-like tale of childhood, good and evil, that blurs the realms of reality.

It took me a while to read this modern classic, but I was not disappointed. Set in a Cornwall both wild and magical, Dunmore delicately weaves being human, tragedy and grief with the possibilities and magic of nature and a world under the ocean. I look forward to volume two.

Grow explores how easy it is, in our darkest moments, to believe and be sucked into toxic ideologies. The forces of right-wing extremism feed on Josh’s anger and vulnerability and Palmer explores whether Josh has the strength and support to resist in this page turning, emotional and relevant must-read novel.

An unexpectedly joyful and moving road trip novel taking us across the American South, through its landscape and history with Scoob and his G’ma who is trying to right some wrongs. Scoob is on a physical and an emotional journey, learning more about his family than he ever imagined existed.

I cannot recommend this compassionate wartime adventure enough for any age. Amid an engaging and pacy storyline of high jinks, air raids, unexploded bombs, soldiers and schoolyard rivalry, Dan Smith flawlessly weaves in subtle threads of empathy, kindness, friendship, love, grief and hardship leaving the reader invested, heartbroken and hopeful.

I was totally immersed in this must-read pandemic novel from the beginning. Intense yet low-key and with story building timed to perfection its pertinence sent a shiver of recognition and possibility through me. Fear, choices, sacrifice, memories; what would we do, how would we act if the world fell apart?

I was quickly drawn into a world of magic and illusions, power, lies, romance and friendship in this atmospheric historical novel. I sunk deeper into late Victorian Bristol with its vivid characters and potential for change. Not too dark or too light, this novel had near perfect momentum and tension.

An intriguing and powerful reimagining of Italy’s violent invasion of Ethiopia told from various viewpoints but that focuses on Hirut, a quiet servant with the strength of myth and legend, and the other hidden women of war. A fresh and unexpected retelling of a history of which I knew little.

Pacy and wonderful dual-narrative novel about grief, love, getting lost and finding oneself. Maudie’s struggling; Dad has died, Mum has disappeared, so determined to find her, she kidnaps Jake, her funny, unpredictable brother who hates loud noises. Darbon gives such clear voices to her characters that I was fully immersed.

A heartfelt, absorbing, well-paced story about Scrabble-mad Finlay, family, friendship, bullies and trust. Finlay’s stammer has worsened since his mother disappeared, his dad mostly ignores him, and the bullies find him and his new friend easy targets. Finlay’s determination and naivety, and the flowing narrative created a perfect, absorbing read.

A unique short novel that had me hooked from the start. The dreamlike quality of the world that we are thrown into from the start and the slow reveal that is never really complete may frustrate some readers, but I loved it because it left me intrigued but never frustrated.

Ash is marginalised, doesn’t quite fit in and soon finds his power of song weaving maybe dangerous. A fantasy adventure set in the snowy wastes at the edge of the world pitched at younger readers that has with well-realised characters, an inventive plotline and high-level vocabulary. A great read-aloud story.

Another powerful, raw yet hopeful novel by Jawando about injustice, friendship and the choices we make. As well as being a great story, it opens your mind and eyes to people’s capacity for prejudice, apathy and hate but also the compassion and empathy we can show if we choose to.

Funny, fast and action packed, this first instalment in a brilliant series of books about Sam Wu is the perfect tonic for old or young. With a range of wacky characters including Sam’s two long-suffering best friends, and wonderful illustrations this is perfect for readers who like short snappy chapters.

A strange and dark, yet touching and compelling novel. I was unexpectedly hooked as it slowly captivated me and reeled me in. This bittersweet love story between a cursed mermaid and the fisherman who rescues her is mythical in its subject matter, but fully and tragically human at its core.

Klara, an Artificial Friend, is the gentle and slightly detached narrator of this very modern, foreboding and pandemic novel. Humans live in a strange world that is never fully explained and that we see through the eyes of Klara whose childlike, innocent and flawed view is both disturbing and moving.

An absorbing, rich and captivating novel that sweeps across eight decades and has a city at its heart. I love a book that gives me lives I care about yet frustrate and fascinate me, that throws history into the mix, makes me laugh and cry, and this does exactly that!