Review: AdelAIDE by Melinda Salisbury (Young Adult, Reading Age 8 years +, Dyslexia friendly, Thriller, 10E/10E)

 1st August 2024, Barrington Stoke, 144 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Barrington Stoke

Freya desperately wants to be a famous influencer, like her former best friend, Hye-jin, but no matter what she does, her posts flop. Until Freya’s stepdad arrives home with AdelAIDE, a home-assistant robot.

It quickly becomes clear that AdelAIDE is much more powerful than other home-assistant technology, and the thing AdelAIDE wants most of all is to help her new owners. Especially Freya.

AdelAIDE has lots of ideas to help Freya boost her profile and get more likes and followers. But when Freya starts to follow AdelAIDE’s more radical advice, things quickly spiral out of control …

Nayu's thoughts

Hot on the heels of 1st book Echostar I absolutely wanted to know what happens to Freya whose family welcomes the allegedly helpful piece of technology into her home. Because of all that went on in Echostar I was already on the edge of my seat and wondering what Mayhem would befall Freya. I felt sorry that she was falling into the trap of wanting to popular. She changed so much of herself because of AdelAIDE and almost none of it was for the better. I like when ads on my phone change to things I've been looking at, but the thought of devices listening in is so creepy.

Worse than her every move being monitored was what AdelAIDE wanted Freya to do. Freya was veering into getting a criminal record! Something that would seriously impact her future more than her drastic appearance changes. Her friends noticed the difference in her personality and it was interesting to see how they interacted with her. I loved watching the drama unfold page after page, and it seemed to get more horrifc the further I read. I am so hyped for the next book in the series, The Foundation out March 2025. I can't get enough of this series! 

Be sure to check out Melinda's website. 

Suggested read

Make sure to read book 1 Echostar in this thriller series Echostar by Melinda Salisbury (Young Adult, reading age 8 years, Dyslexia friendly, 10E/10E)

Review: Hetty and the Battle of the Books by Anna James and Jez Tuya (Children's, 9 years +, 9/10E)

 July 2022, Barrington Stoke, 80 pages Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Barrington Stoke

The library is Hetty’s very favourite place in school, and since falling out with her best friends Ali, Mei and Rocket she’s been spending even more time there. So she’s absolutely horrified when she learns that her head teacher is planning to close it down, claiming there aren’t enough funds to keep the library going.

There’s no way Hetty’s going to sit back and let this happen. But can she repair her broken friendships and build support for her library campaign?

Let the Battle of the Books commence!

Nayu's thoughts

A tale about a girl who loves books? I'm in! Hetty is a sweet girl, but one who knows that the school library absolutely cannot close and be done away for a reason that is just so very grrrrr inducing. The way both the students and teachers react to the news is I feel realistic. Usually I'd say petitions don't work, but Hetty and her friends do some delving, and then figure an inventive way on how to get the news out to the right people. Not all their methods were above board but they absolutely worked. 

I was a bit disappointed there wasn't a followup chapter on what happened next once the battle concluded, which is why it didn't get a perfect grade from me. However, there is a lot to love about this read, from the grogeous cover and illustrations by Jez Tuya, to the spunk Hetty has within her. I liked how there was a major falling out between her friends but they still (eventually) pitched in, as the topic was bigger than their friendship and did reunite them too. Book lovers will all love this tale of saving a school library!

Suggested read  

 For more literal school themed drama check out Hopewell High #1 & #2: Stage Fright and All Too Much by Jo Cotterill (Children's, 9 years +, Dyslexia friendly, 10E/10E)

 

Review: Echostar by Melinda Salisbury (Young Adult, reading age 8 years, Dyslexia friendly, 10E/10E)

March 2024, Barrington Stoke, 136 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Barrington Stoke 

 Ruby Brookes and her best friend Deva have won free places at the Ash Tree Foundation Performing Arts Camp over the summer, but only if their school grades seriously improve. So when Deva suddenly starts getting high marks in all their subjects, leaving Ruby behind, she is confused and jealous.

Until she finds out Deva's success is down to EchoStar, a new app that's helping her get ahead.

Ruby is desperate to start using it too, but there is much more to EchoStar than she has imagined. Because EchoStar is always watching and listening …

Nayu's thoughts

I am not super fond of AI technology. Mostly it isn't needed, don't get me started on AI stealing artwork from original artists. I do not have any form of AI actively in my life that I know about, but I know how popular the machines are that can perform internet searches, play specific songs, add items to grocery lists and the list goes on. I was extremely intrigued by Echostar's premise and was heartily glad of an afternoon to read it as I couldn't put it down. 

I could understand Ruby's jealousy, why she didn't want to put the hard work in to improve her grades, and why she sneakily downloaded Echostar (and got her friend in trouble at the same time). I didn't like Ruby's actions, I could feel the danger of the app as she used it. Just how well Echostar knew Ruby was scary, and the mastermind behind it...well I feel Ruby will never be safe despite how it ended. There's always that unknown what if Echostar still kept tabs on her without her knowing? 

By the time Ruby realised it was a very bad app she couldn't delete it from her life, even though she tried. There was no benefit from using it, the depths of trouble Ruby was getting into risked more than not going to drama camp. It certainly had me eager for the next book, AdelAIDE. Ruby learnt major life lessons, as did her family, and the repercussions of her choices I feel will last a lifetime. 

Find out more on Melinda's website. 

Suggested read

Other fun thrillers include Burn Out by Robert Swindells (Young Adult, Reading Age 8 years +, Dyslexia friendly, 9/10E)

 

Clever Cakes by Michael Rosen and Ashley King (Children's, 5 years +, 9/10E, Dyslexia Friendly)

 March 2020, Barrington Stoke, 72 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Barrington Stoke

Are you smart enough to escape from a hungry grizzly bear? Could you trick a grumpy king out of a giant golden belly-button?

It pays to be able to think on your feet, especially if you’re about to be eaten alive or cheated out of a valuable prize! So it’s just as well that Masha and Peggy are two clever kids, each with a cunning plan …

Nayu's thoughts 

 I haven't read a Michael Rosen book for ages, and since the title story appeared to be a version of the Little Red Riding Hood fairytale, which I am rather fond of, I decided to check it out. Michael's distinctive writing style shines through the clever stories. The second tale about a belly button was good in creativity, but not one I would personally reread, unlike the first story which had me hanging on to every single word, forever fearful that poor Masha would come to harm with the bear. Her quick wit combined with the bear's lack of common sense means she does survive her ordeal. 

The bear's hunger and selfishness in kidnapping her prove to be his downfall. He could have just asked Masha to help him out, or at the least pay her. But then there wouldn't be a story to tell. It may be short, but it is very sweet, and will probably make readers want to eat some tasty cake. I'm

 looking forward to when Michael write's another book for Barrington Stoke! 

Find out more on Michael's website.

Because of You by Eve Ainsworth (Young Adult, 10E/10E)

July 2019, Barrington Stoke, 112 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Summary from Barrington Stoke

Poppy’s having a nightmare at home. Her parents have split up and her mum’s new boyfriend is moving in. Dad is the one who’s always been there for Poppy, but now he’s drifting further and further away. It seems like things can’t get any worse until it all goes wrong at school as well and Poppy finds herself being targeted by spiteful bullies. As the vicious online comments keep coming, who can Poppy turn to for help?

 

Nayu's thoughts

Any book published by Barrington Stoke is an excellent one. I'm not paid to say that, it just happens to be every single book I read from them is brilliant, and Poppy's tale is no different. I actually like how they are printed on off white paper in an easy reading format to make it dyslexia friendly, with short chapters to encourage reading. 

I like how realistic the drama in Poppy's life is: unfortunately a lot of parents get divorced, and there are issues like Poppy has with her step father (that's essentially what her mother's boyfriend is). That on it own is a lot to deal with. Add bullying into anyone's life and you've got chaos that threatens to bring Poppy down. I promise life looks up for her by the end of the story, you just have to keep reading and watch her life crumble before it improves.

I wish nobody could relate to Poppy's plight, but unfortunately many will. They will learn there is hope if they reach out for help. The online bullying storyline is well played out, making it clear that it invades every aspect of life but, with a lot of help, it can be defeated. Life will get better. It is firmly on my reread shelf.  

Find out more on Eve's website.

Suggested read

Another read from the Barrington Stoke YA selection is True Sisters by Keren David (Young Adult, Reading Age 8, Dyslexia Friendly, 10E/10E)

Ellie and the Cat by Malorie Blackman and Matt Robertson (Children's, 7 years +, Dyslexia friendly, 10E/10E)

 February 2019, Barrington Stoke, 80 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Barrington Stoke

 Ellie’s bad behaviour is driving Grandma mad! It’s time to teach her a lesson she’ll never forget … by swapping Ellie’s body with Jolly the cat. There’s only one way for Ellie to break Grandma’s curse, and time is running out. Can she change her ways and find some friends to lend a hand before it’s too late?

Nayu's thoughts

Despite knowing how famous an author Malorie is I've actually read very few of her books. These days I want more fun less edgy reads which rules out her Young Adult selections. However, this one caught my eye - who wouldn't want to turn into a magic cat? Apparently that's Ellie. Both why and how she turned into one is fascinating: as a cat lover I liked her having to get to grips with a cat body which is rather different to a human's: think of the fur, the tale, the whole walking on four paws deal, hunting instinct, etc. Ellie isn't the nicest of protagonists. She isn't a sweet little girl who gets cursed, or who accidentally falls down a rabbit hole. She is dislikable at the start, but by the end I did like how she changed herself because of her circumstances. 

I absolutely loved her grandmother! If only she could handle all mischievous children in that way, the world would be a) over run with cats (not a problem, I love kitties!) b) people would soon learn manners with her punishments. I liked that there was a deadline to Ellie being able to transform back into a human, it added a sense of dread every time something went wrong for Ellie: she is a wicked child but did she really deserve to be stuck as a cat forever? It's a question I had mixed feelings on, which probably makes it a good thing magic mostly exists in fiction. 

This is a Barrington Stoke novel, which besides always being brilliant (they truly are, although I am quite the fangirl of their books), they are easy to read using off-white pages, special dyslexia friendly font and margins, plus have a cool cover that I'm proud to display on my bookshelf. There are plenty of illustrations which provide support for all of Ellie's emotions, I hope you go read about Ellie's tale (or should it be tail?) for yourself!

 Find out more on Malorie's website and Matt's website.

Suggested read 

 Be sure to check out Malorie's other books including one I reviewed a few years ago: Fangs by Malorie Blackman and Jamie Smith (Children's, 7 years +, 9/10E)

True Sisters by Keren David (Young Adult, Reading Age 8, Dyslexia Friendly, 10E/10E)

August 2018, Barrington Stoke, 104 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Barrington Stoke 
Ruby has had a lot of foster siblings over the years, but none of them have been anything like Clara. After growing up in almost complete isolation, Clara is distraught at being separated from her mother and overwhelmed by life in a world she doesn’t understand. But the more Ruby tries to help Clara fit in, the more she realises she has to face up to some struggles of her own.

Nayu's thoughts

Please be aware I'm heavily biased because I've enjoyed Keren's books in the past, and as expected this one is no different! I love Barrington Stoke reads because they are jam packed fairly short stories, proving that short is sweet when it comes to books. I enjoy watching the BBC series The Dumping Ground based on the books by Jacqueline Wilson, which is about a children's care home. This has me interested in stories about fostering, which is why I was intrigued by Keren's latest book. It was fascinating finding out what life was like on both sides of the fostering system. Ruby may be used to having strange children in her house because her mum is a foster carer, but Clara enters her heart in a way unlike anyone else. 

There was certainly a lot of mystery about Clara's circumstances which had me gripped, I loved seeing her slowly enjoy life learning about the vast world around us. I like finding out what schemes are in place at schools for children like Clara, and just how valuable the foster system is. Fostering isn't for everyone, and a foster family isn't problem free, especially if they already have children living there. 

Ruby's personal trials were hard to read about. In one dilemma she wanted to keep Clara's confidence about a certain someone, yet she wrestled with whether to tell her mum because she wanted to keep Clara safe. I promise it ends happily, and that Clara's new beginning at the end of the book is less harrowing than the beginning. Ruby's biggest secret surprised me, I hadn't seen it coming at all, not that it mattered, and I cheered when she had to face up to the issues surrounding it. Clara helped Ruby gain courage to do that (even if some of it was out of her hands). 

Switching the point of view between the two girls helped increase the tension in the book, with the true story being teased out every few pages. It's horrifying to know that Clara's tale sadly does happen in real life, I only hope that every Clara has a Ruby to look out for them. 

Find out more on Keren's website. 

Suggested read

Be sure to check out Karen's other books like her first series including When I Was Joe by Keren David (Young Adult, 10E/10E) 

and Almost True by Keren David (Young Adult, 10E/10E)

Splash Day by Nick Sharratt (Children's, 5 years +, Dyslexia Friendly, 9/10E)

A great summer read

15th July 2018, Barrington Stoke, 80 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Summary from Barrington Stoke

 Hip hip hooray! It’s Splash Day today and everyone is ready for a water fight! They’ve got their trunks and wetsuits, wellies and rubber rings. Even the teachers are going to join in. Let’s see what happens when Mrs Thistle blows her whistle!

Nayu's thoughts

Here in England and many other countries we are in the middle of a wonderful heat wave, making the idea of this story highly appealing as a way to cool down in the heat. I love Nick's illustrations from previous books with other authors, so I was happy to see he had his own book. His characters seem to have so much fun - what makes this better than a lot of early readers is that every picture is in colour! That's part of Little Gems' books charm, the font is easy to read font, using off-white pages which can help a lot of readers. The idea of a Splash day (loads of water fun at school) is actually based on what a real life school did!! I wish all schools could implement this especially in summer. 

I was curious about how the day would unfold, and was happy as everything was explained. The only reason this doesn't have full marks is an entirely personal opinion: It gets pointed out that there's a safe zone where no water will be used so people can have a break, but not once does it get used. I'd really wanted a scene when a child sought refuge under there, rather than just showing it. That aside it's super fun and will make readers want to participate in water sports. Maybe if enough teachers read this then schools will make splash day a tradition. So spread the word and get everyone in and out of school reading it! 

Find out more on Nick's website. 

Suggested read

Other fun dyslexia friendly reads (which are for every reader regardless of your ability) include a super cold themed read: Nellie Choc Ice: Penguin Explorer by Jeremy Strong and Jamie Smith (Children's, 5 years +, Dyslexia friendly, 10E/10E) 

Nellie Choc Ice: Penguin Explorer by Jeremy Strong and Jamie Smith (Children's, 5 years +, Dyslexia friendly, 10E/10E)

 August 2017, Barrington Stoke, 96 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Barrington Stoke

 Little Nellie Choc-Ice is the greatest penguin explorer there has ever been! But one day she gets trapped on an iceberg that breaks away and floats off into the ocean. And that’s when Nellie’s adventures really begin!

Nayu's thoughts

I read this when I needed a smile and I got many from the sometimes innocent and intuitive little penguin. She looks adorable, her name is cute, but she is not entirely naive when it comes to the dangers of predators. On her travels she manages to outwit almost all of them, the last gets a very close encounter from the brave penguin. 

I felt sad as she travelled further and fuether from home-her family must have been so worried for her! I hope the half promised sequel comes soon-I want to know who else she manages to trick! For the record for a long time I didn't think about what killer whales eat-I thought it was just fish, not poor penguins and seals! Nobody is eaten in Nellie's story though. 

Find out more on Jeremy's website and Jamie's website.

Suggested read

Another animal fun filled read is Yours Sincerely, Giraffe by Megumi Iwasa & Ju Takabatake, translated by Cathy Hirano (Children's, 5 years +, 10E/10E)

The Mystery of Me by Karen McCombie and Cathy Brett (Children's, 9 years +, Dyslexia Friendly, 10E/10E)

 July 2017, Barrington Stoke, 80 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Barrington Stoke

Ketty was technically dead for two minutes and thirty-nine seconds, according to the doctors who saved her. She’s on the mend but she doesn’t remember anything about the accident, or much from before. The doctors say her memories will come back but in the meantime school is frightening and confusing. Her only friend seems to be Otis, and he may just hold the key to remembering the old Ketty…

Nayu's thoughts    

I squeed when this arrived in the post as I love Karen's books, especially the ones wth Barrington Stoke and Cathy's work, which captures emotions perfectly. As a fangirl I thought this book was epic with the deep emotions and cunning twists that Karen delivers to shock and make me see most of the story in a new light, this one is no exception. 

I think there's something fascinating about people with amnesia-it must be so scary for them do things they used to do but can't remember doing, and unable to figure out who people are. These are elements that Karen picks up on and works into Ketty's story. 

I was clueless about the story twist, thinking one thing about Ketty when the opposite was true. I did guess about her hair a few sentences before that part was revealed-yay! Ketty learns a big lesson when she regains her memories, one that I hope other people in time forgive her for what she did. That's all I'm saying about this wonderful read that is beautiful in every way a story can be. I love it!!! Defintely heading to be with my other Karen books.

Find out more on Karen's website and Cathy's website. 

Suggested read   

Check out another book by Karen and Cathy: Honey and Me by Karen McCombie (Children's, 9 years +, 10E/10E)

The Ghost in Annie's Room by Philippa Pearce and Cate James (Children's, Dyslexia friendly, 10E/10E)

 July 2017, Barrington Stoke, 96 pages, Paperback, Review copy

 Summary from Barrington Stoke

When the Brown family go on holiday, Emma likes her cosy room. But her brother keeps teasing her about ghosts, her aunt keeps chatting about her absent daughter, and no one will tell Emma the truth about cousin Annie’s old room…

Nayu's thoughts

I didn't know Philippa was dead until I finished the book and read the back page-I don't always read a press release sheet before the book I'm reviewing. Having a dead author is obviously sad for the world as there won't be new stoeies from Philippa, but kind of cool because her words are reaching so many people. 

I love how this tale isn't so spooky I had to stop reading, and the twist at the end made my spine tingle as Emma finds out the truth about Annie. It made me laugh a lot as it's typical feelings for what happened for Annie's mother, and that's all I can say wihout spoiling the surprise! There's a real sense of family holidayness - I know what I mean, what happens on a typical family holiday happens to Annie, even if that phrase doesn't make much sense to other people. 

Cate's illustrations really drew me in to the story (honestly no pun intended!), it's a style I like and the softness of the pictures made it all a smidge less scary. It's not a book I will reread at night or when I'm on my own, but it's a sweet one and I want to treasure it because I don't have any of Philipp's books. Plus I like what happens to Emma, including her annoying little brother's antics which I wanted more of! 

Find out more on Cate's website. 

Suggested read

Other mysterious tales from Barrington Stoke include Car Wash Wish by Sita Brahmachari and Louise Wright (Young Adult, Reading Age 8, 10/10E, Dyslexia friendly, short 'n' sweet review)

The Valentine's Day Kitten by Cathy Hopkins (Children's, 7 years +, Dyslexia Friendly, 10E/10E)

July 2017, Barrington Stoke, 72 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Summary from Barrington Stoke
When Marcie’s little silver kitten Misty goes missing, her best friend Ellie leaps into action and Operation Find Misty is born! But Ellie’s detective skills are put to the test when it seems a mysterious boy might lead the pair to the missing kitten.

Nayu's thoughts 

 I usually don't review books with a Valentine's Day theme as I'm not fond of the holiday, but this ome is about a cute cat which I simply have to share with you! As a cat lover I fell in love with Misty straight away and felt heartbroken that she got lost (having had a stray cat be returned to it's owner and a rescue cat of my own (and my family)) and think I was as upset about the matter as Marcie, although I suspected it would be a happy ending (it is). 

I love Marcie's best friend's exhuberance for life and getting what she wants eventually. Marcie needs her bouncy personality while they try to find such a special cat. How she gets found is realistic...it is known for dreams to actually come true in some cases, so it's not as fictional as you may think. At university I always dreamt of the fire alarm going off a few minutes before it did go off (my halls of residence had an unfortunate amount of traipsing out in pjs) something that made my friends want my bizarre internal wake up call! 

I loved the way Misty disappeared and how she was found, as well as the temporary owner having a bit of attitude! As usual Barrington Stoke's books truly are easy to read with the off white pages and good word spacing, perfect for reading entertaining tales. 

Find out more on Cathy's website.

Suggested read

Cathy has written other fun books for Barrington Stoke including Mum Never Did Learn to Knock by Cathy Hopkins (Children's, 11 years +, Dyslexia friendly, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review) 

Hopewell High #1 & #2: Stage Fright and All Too Much by Jo Cotterill (Children's, 9 years +, Dyslexia friendly, 10E/10E)

April 2017, Bloomsbury Education, 80 pages, Paperback, Review copies 

Summary for Stage Fright from Bloomsbury

Alice's parents are having problems and she has the lead in the school play. Can her friends help her to get over her stage fright?

Summary for All Too Much from Bloomsbury

Samira wants to do well, her parents want her to do well, her teachers want her to do well, but the pressure is starting to tell. Can her friends rescue her when it all gets too much?
 

Information about the High-Low series from Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury High Low books encourage and support reading practice by providing gripping, age-appropriate stories for struggling and reluctant readers, those with dyslexia, or those with English as an additional language. Printed on tinted paper and with a dyslexia friendly font.

Nayu's thoughts  

Bloomsbury have started a new imprint for those who find reading a bit tricky and understandably want books that include topics for their age, as well as for dyslexics, Hopefully I'm not breaking any rules by mentioning I've read these kind of books from Barrington Stoke for years, so was intrigued by Bloomsbury doing their own range. I got super excited when I saw Jo's name as she is one of my favourite authors. 

While I prefer longer tales these shorter reads are perfect for the target audience. Their off white page colour is pleasing to the eye, as are the short sentences and nice wide margins. The illustrations make the story even more appealing. 

It has the usual Jo Cotterill magic in, with lots of misunderstandings between the friends at boarding school. I absolutely love how Samira wears her headscarf most of the time but when she's in her pjs she doesn't, which is realistic. Her storyline in All Too Much is an important one, with incredibly realistic reactions from her friends. I think I'd have liked a little more adult input when the truth about Samira comes out, but it's so well written I didn't have the heart to give it a lower grade. Being under pressure from anyone, but especially your parents is hard to deal with for adults who know of more coping skills that aren't harmful. Poor Samira takes the only way she can see, but once the truth is out her friends help her gain better coping tactics. 

Samira becomes a support to Alice in Stage Fright, who didn't understand that she needed to tell her teachers about her homelife because of the dramatic effect it had on her key role in the school play. Again like Samira Alice didn't have enough coping methods to deal with the problem of her parents in a healthy way. She needed to find out the facts, which took a while, and speaking up sooner would have saved a whole load of chaos. I'm eager to read more from this series! 

Find out more on Jo's website. 

Suggested read 

Check out the books which made me fall in love with Jo's work, her Sweet Heart series including Deep Water by Jo Cotterill (Children's, 10 years +, 10E/10E)

Billy Button Telegram Boy by Sally Nicholls and Sheena Dempsey (Children's, 5 years +, 10/10E, Dyslexia friendly, short 'n' sweet review)

All the illustrations are like this - in colour!

July 2016, Little Gems, 96 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Barrington Stoke
Billy Button has always dreamed of being a telegram boy. He loves their smart uniforms and shiny bicycles, but he’s too young for the job. So when the regular telegram boy breaks his arm and Mr and Mrs Button are in urgent need of a new boy, Billy jumps at the chance to don the Royal Mail badge and ride his very own bicycle. But will Billy be able to keep all the village residents happy with his deliveries? He might have to work some magic to make grumpy Mr Grundle smile…

Nayu's thoughts
Telegrams were extremely important before emails existed as Billy discovers! What I enjoyed the most was finding out how telegrams worked, the process they went through at the post office, the fact that boys like Billy were able to bring news to people that a normal letter couldn't do in a timely fashion. I enjoyed learning about the disadvantages of telegrams too- I'm grateful technology has advanced since then, but this provides a perfect peek into the past.

Billy has to do the right thing, but he does bend the rules a little. I wasn't mad because his heart was in the right place, and it ended up being a happy ending. There are memorable characters within the community which have me hoping hard that I'll get to read more of his adventures which are filled with charming illustrations.

Find out more on Sarah's website and Sheena's website.

The Snow Globe by Jane Ure and Charlie Alder (Children's, 8 years +, Dyslexia friendly, 10E/10E)

Amazing cover!!!

July 2016, Barrington Stoke, 80 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Summary from Barrington Stoke

Abi’s life is wonderful. But then she has to say goodbye to her old house, her old school and her old best friend. The only special thing she has left is a snow globe from her gran. Can the snow globe help Abi find new friends?

Information for Adults: This book has a dyslexia-friendly layout, typeface and paperstock so that even more readers can enjoy it. It has been edited to a reading age of 8.
It features a removable ‘super-readable’ sticker.

Nayu's thoughts 

I've never known such an important snow globe! It signifies so much to Abi on a personal level, and what happens to it throughout the story has a deep and lasting impact on Abi's new friendships. What I love about Jean's work is that I frequently have no clue what's coming next in the story, leaving plenty of twists for me. 

I liked the alternate look at friendship Abi's life explores, how true friends are hard to find and not always who you think they are. The illustrations bring an extra dimension to Abi, who I frequently felt sorry and uncomfortable for. Because of her friendship choices she suffers a little at home with her parents having views on her friends too. I promise it has a happy ending! It's firmly sat on my reread shelf. 

Find out more on Jean's website and Charlie's website.

Suggested read

Read Jane's other books which include Star For A Day by Jean Ure (Children's, Reading Age 8 years +, Intended Age 9 years + 10E/10E)

Thicker Than Water by Anne Cassidy (Young Adult, Dyslexia friendly, 10E/10E)

15th May 2016, Barrington Stoke, 80 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Content: crime, murder, guns, friendship

Summary from Barrington Stoke

George dreams of an easy life – a little record business and enough money to get by. But it’s hard when he has Lennie to look after too. Lennie’s got a way of getting into scrapes and he doesn’t know his own strength. So when they hole up with Billy and his dodgy business, they hope they can stay long enough to get some money saved. But wherever Lennie is, trouble is never very far away.

Information for Adults: This book has a dyslexia-friendly layout, typeface and paperstock so that even more readers can enjoy it. It has been edited to a reading age of 8. It features a removable ‘super-readable’ sticker.

Nayu's thoughts 

A chilling read based on the classic Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck which I've never read. I know it's frequently studied for English, but that's as far as my knowledge goes. I wanted to read it because I like Anne's work and adore Barrington Stoke books. 

It's not a fluffy read, that's for sure. It deals with tough issues, working in not entirely legal places. It's clear how much Geoege cares for Lenny, but I don't understand the ending. Surely they could have run away to a distant place and be themselves? I did understand why Lennie wouldn't be safe in prison, having watched a lot of criminal drama involving prisons, but for George to do what he did is awful and very wrong. There is no excuse for what he did. 

I did like Dolly, despite her putting up wih Boxer she was sweet, and was working towards her own dreams. The entire book is a grim read, but I do highly recommend it as it makes me think a lot about right and wrong. 

Find out more on Anne's website. 

Suggested read

You must check out Anne's other books which include an easier to understand (for me) than Thicker Than Water  read Finding Jennifer Jones by Anne Cassidy (Young Adult, 10E/10E)

Diary Of An (Un)teenager and Return of the (Un)teenager by Pete Johnson (Young Adult, Dyslexia friendly, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

November 2016, Barrington Stoke, 80 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Content: teen drama, humour 

Summary from Barrington Stoke 

Diary of an (Un)teenager

Spencer is disgusted at the idea of being a teenager. He’s not interested in girls, skateboards or huge trainers – he’ll be an (un)teenager instead! 

Return of the (Un)teenager 

Spencer’s back, and the (un)teenager plan has been derailed a bit by the fact he kissed Emily at the disco. What to do now?

Nayu's thoughts

Despite the male protagonist (I prefer females as they are easier for me to relate to) I loved these diaries of being 13 and entering the teenage world. That plus I adore Barrington Stoke stories, as well as Pete's work too. Spencer seems as normal as any teen can be, struggling with new situations that teens can encounter, desperate to stick to a plan to avoid being a teenager. Obviously that doesn't work perfectly, and there's much humour in all the mishaps and understandings. 

I think it would be hard to find a reader who can't relate to even a tiny bit of Spencer's story, which covers so much despite it being a short novel, so it's a book for everyone who is going or has gone through the teenage years. 

Find out more on Pete's website. 

Car Wash Wish by Sita Brahmachari and Louise Wright (Young Adult, Reading Age 8, 10/10E, Dyslexia friendly, short 'n' sweet review)

January 2016, Barrington Stoke, 80 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Summary from Barrington Stoke
Hudson is a skilled reader of books but not so much of people. Mum’s new bloke Louis is keen to help, but the triple whammy of news about a wedding, a funeral and a baby announcement is a lot to deal with in one day, especially for Hudson!

 

Nayu's thoughts

A touching tale of how a teen with Aspergers copes with several major life events in one go. It's touching to see how Hudson feels and thinks to his grandad dying, because he uses some skills he has been taught on how to understand people who don't always mean what they say. Through his thoughts Hudson figures out how he feels to the idea of a new sibling, and his mum getting married. 

I felt sorry for his mum when Hudson didn't understand why she wouldn't let him wear the funeral suit to the wedding, and for Hudson because so much is implied by expression, tone, and what is left unsaid. I felt sorry for him since his dad doesn't acknowledge he sees the world differently to most, but in some ways his view point protects him from being hurt or overly sad. 

The car wash scene was sweet too-it's amazing how easy it is to offload to someone when in certain situations (talking in the dark isn't in the book, but it is like being in a car wash gives a sense of privacy (or of dying which is how I feel about them!). This book has a lot to think about! 

Find out more on Sita's website and Louise's website.

Honey and Me by Karen McCombie (Children's, 9 years +, 10E/10E)

Content: humour, bittersweet situations, 

Summary from Barrington Stoke

Kirsten's facing a rough time and turns to her old friend Honey for help. They haven't spoken in ages, but they're 'forever friends' and nothing will change that. Because Honey isn't like other girls.

Nayu's thoughts 

So far every book Karen writes which I've read needs a tissue warning. Honey and me is bittersweet. I wanted to scoop Kirsten up and tell her that everything will work out eventually, which it does. It just has to go very wrong before it can right itself. Feeling out of place isn't a fun emotion to feel, and can really get you down, which Karen accurately conveys. I had a different theory on who Honey was, which made her actual identity a pleasant surprise. Honey is exactly what Kirsten needs to cheer her up, as too are some newer friends who are there if she just reaches out to them. 

Find out more on Karen's website. 

Availble from most bookstores including NRC affiliate Foyles.  

Suggested read

Another of Karen's books is The Girl With The Sunshine Smile by Karen McCombie (Children’s, Reading Age 8 years +, Target age 9 years +, Dyslexia friendly, 9/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

Mum Never Did Learn to Knock by Cathy Hopkins (Children's, 11 years +, Dyslexia friendly, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

 April 2015, Barrington Stoke, 80 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Content: grief, tissues needed

Summary from Barrington Stoke

Emily and Mum are close – real close – and then Mum goes. But that doesn’t mean they have to stop talking, even if Dad doesn’t like it.

Nayu's thoughts 

I had to laugh because I think all mother's enter without knocking at various points in a child's life, even when they aren't a child! The first instance was hilarious, counteracting how heartbreaking it was to see Emily upset over her mother's death. Well, she kind of wasn't because she could see her, so was really happy, but that happiness turned to annoyance and had people who cared about her worry at how she was taking the death. The humour was spot on and worked brilliantly with the illustrations. It was a happy ending, with tissues needed both then and at other points in the story.