The Wrong Shoes
I read this in one sitting! Meet Will, or Poundland as the bully squad refers to him as. The black & white almost-manga style strip illustrations are so impactful. Poverty + Will's sense of responsibility to look out for his dad means that he makes some bad choices in a moment of desperation… This is a powerful, punch of a book that's unputdownable, relatable, grows empathy, and speaks to struggles going on in playgrounds + school corridors everywhere.
I Am Wolf
It’s a sci-fi warzone out there! A world built in the future, humans have found a way to be at one with machines as hosted creatures called Constructs. Wolf is one such Construct. Wolf tribe member 12 year old Coll survives from one day to the next with the help of his magical anthryl-infused posthetics. A huge battle leaves him displaced, and together with his new band of misfits they use brains and brawn to bring about an end to this age of chaos and destruction.
The Hidden Story of Estie Noor
A story told in verse is an exciting way to walk in someone else’s shoes. Leaving behind a horrendous experience of racism by her teacher in her school, Estie travels north to Scotland where she finds her truth, acceptance, love, family and community… and an exciting mystery to solve!
Artezans: The Forgotten Magic (Book 1)
How are your dreams these days? Are you someone who doesn't remember them, enjoys escaping off into wonderful fantasy worlds, or are you susceptible to nightmares? What about your kids? For this, friend, the first of a new fantasy series from the brilliant LD Lapinski, is about to shake your brain up!!
Spin! : 10 Exciting New Voices in Poetry
KIDS LOVE POETRY!!!!!!! Our current UK Children's Laureate, the absolutely AWESOME Joseph Coelho, has teamed up with poetry performance company Apples and Snake, publisher Otter-Barry Books, with support from the Arts Council England - and illustrator Ruthine Burton to LIFT UP and publish poetry from 10 debut poets - and the poetry is a wholesome and well-rounded collection of poetry for older Primary-age children, dealing with themes of friendship (and the hazards of gossip), disability, poverty, cultural representation (food, names, heroes, history (including slavery), hair and more), emotions, relationships with grandparents, being yourself.
Tyger
It took 9 years for SF Said to write this book. SF Said is a scholar who is an entity unto himself, an oracle of learned wisdom evoking higher awareness through his multi award-winning works of children's literature. If you're a fan of apocalyptic literature soaked in symbolism you're going to love 'Tyger'. The cover artwork and plentiful illustrations throughout by the incredible Dave McKean are soul-clenching, jaw-dropping.
The Lost Whale
Book Review by The Kids Books Curator: ‘The Lost Whale’ by Hannah Gold, illustrated by Levi Pinfold (HarperCollins) For ages 8+. From London to LA, an 11 year old boy goes on a journey to find belonging, himself, joy, love and the healing power of an endangered grey whale. A beautiful and bold story of second chances. You'll love it... ocean's promise!