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< Back S. Graham Vacant A chilling and frighteningly good horror novel, by author S. Graham. Becca and Mitch, and their two young boys Connor and Logan, are searching for a new home in Dallas, Texas. Mitch moves frequently with his job and the family have relocated several times over the years. Becca is hoping this next move will be the last, and the family can finally settle down in the Texas country. They think they have found the perfect vacant house, on a community with an outdoor pool, parks, and a golf course. The house is ideal for their growing family, but on the first viewing, Becca senses something isn’t quite right. Nevertheless, the couple sign the papers for 1220 Greenway Close and the family move in shortly after. Becca and Mitch soon discover that the house is not so perfect after all, and requires a lot of work to make the house safe and bring it up to scratch. But Becca has even greater worries, she feels a presence in the house and witnesses paranormal activity. Mitch is sceptical and offers a rational explanation, but as the paranormal activity escalates, the couple fear for their own safety and the safety of their boys. When Becca and Mitch finally learn the truth about the peculiar house, they discover the house was never vacant, and they have inadvertently disturbed a furious and troubled occupant. Vacant by S. Graham is a chilling and frighteningly good horror novel, inspired by true life events. The novel is simple, concise, easy to follow, and easy to read. It is a shorter read, at just over 200 pages, and perfect for young adult readers or readers new to this genre. The book is a real page turner and jam packed with action, horror, and suspense. I was gripped throughout, and the twist at the end was a real shocker! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A horror novel, inspired by true life events, jam packed with action, horror, and suspense. Purchase here

< Back Jana L. Farris The Chicken on the Moon A little chick, dreams big. Little Chick was tiny on the day he was born, but he wanted to grow big and tall, so he ate all his corn. He dreams of travelling to outer space, but he is still too small. So, Chick studies hard, morning, noon, and night, and learns everything there is to know about space. One day, all of his hard work pays off when he is selected as an astronaut. But when they try to send him to the sun, Chick knows it is a bad idea, and he takes a detour to the moon instead! The Chicken on the Moon by author and illustrator Jana L. Farris is a fun, creative and quirky illustrated picture book for young children about a little chick who dreams of becoming an astronaut. The little chick is told he will never make it, but he never gives up hope and continues to follow his dream. The book will encourage young children to work hard and follow their dreams. If a little chick can do it, anyone can! This is a fun picture book, written in rhyme. Children will love the chicken characters and will laugh out loud at Chick’s amazing space adventure. The illustrations are cute, colourful, and quirky. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, creative and quirky illustrated picture book for young children about a little chick who dreams of becoming an astronaut. Purchase here

< Back Kate Giles Camp Cattitude Crazy camp capers and cats with a cranky cattitude, by author Kate Giles Camp Cattitude is the world’s top kitten camp, run by the formidable Meowmoiselle. Meowmoiselle trained all the top kittens, including the world’s Expert Sofa Shredder, the Olympic Napping Champion and the Fussiest Eater Alive, and was in high demand from all the cat moms. Camp Cattitude was bursting at the seams, much to the dismay of the neighbouring Rottweilers, when a little kitty named Snug, turned up at the door. Meowmoiselle was smitten by the kitten, and could not refuse to take him in. But Snug was no ordinary little kitten. He was well behaved. He did not follow the camp rules. He had no cattitude! One day, when Meowmoiselle was out shopping, the other kittens escape and wreak havoc in the neighbour’s garden. Little Snug is caught and faces the wrath of a raging Rottweiler. But rather than face-off with the Rottweiler, Snug tries a different approach. He works with the other kittens to repair the damage to the garden, and restores friendships with the warring neighbours. Snug teaches the other kittens an important lesson in kitty cattitude! Camp Cattitude by author Kate Giles is a sweet and funny picture book about a crazy camp, for cute cats with a cranky cattitude. The book is a funny and enjoyable read and has a subtle message about kindness and the importance of not following the crowd. With lots of word play and cat puns, children will laugh out loud at the mischievousness little kittens, and their crazy antics. The illustrations by Ben Chandler and Enile Reiner are simply delightful. With fabulous facial expressions and body language, and intricate details like the dog drinking a cup of tea and the comedy signs around the camp, the illustrations will amuse young readers and adults alike. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and funny picture book, with delightful illustrations. It was a joy to read. Purchase here

Freeze Frame < Back Tyler Beauchamp Freeze Frame Can a young man leave his traumatic past behind him when he starts a new school? By author Tyler Beauchamp Sixteen-year-old Will Horner suffers from PTSD as a result of childhood trauma, and experiences episodic psychosis and hallucinations. Following an incident at school, when he experienced a psychotic episode in front of other students, he begins a new term at a new high school. As a budding filmmaker, Will and his parents think the Pinehurst Academy, a local arts school, will be the perfect fit. But, Will hasn’t been behind the camera since the incident at his previous school, as film making has been known to trigger memories of past traumatic events, making it difficult for him to know what is real in his world. Will soon settles into school, and for the first time in a long time, he is behind the camera again. He starts to film an end of year movie with his new friends, and hopes to win the grand prize at the Pinehurst’s Arts Night. Will starts to feel comfortable behind the camera, and a sense of belonging with his new school friends. He is determined to put his past behind him and hides his mental health from his friends. But will the process of filmmaking trigger his psychosis? And can Will hide his traumatic past from his new friends? Freeze Frame, by Tyler Beauchamp, is an engaging and insightful coming-of-age novel, about a young man struggling with childhood trauma, PTSD and mental health. Tyler Beauchamp captures Will’s state of mind beautifully, and the dilemma he faces as he attempts to fit in, but is consumed by fear that his mental health will be exposed. The book highlights the stigma that still remains around mental health today, and the many pressures that young people face. Sadly, Will’s story is not uncommon, and many young readers will relate to his journey. With a list of helpful resources at the end of the book, this book will provide much needed support for those who may be experiencing similar issues. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An engaging and insightful coming-of-age novel, about a young man struggling with childhood trauma, PTSD and mental health. Purchase here

< Back D Burton Smith Quoth the Raven Author D. Burton Smith offers a fascinating insight into the world of a young raven. Named after an Edgar Allan Poe poem, Quoth the North American raven lives high up in a nest on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the ocean. He is one of three chicks, and his mom and dad take good care of him and his siblings. They keep their nest fresh, clean, and tidy, and bring food for the chicks every day. Until he is two or three years old, and finds a partner of his own, Quoth joins a rowdy group of young ravens, called the unkindness of ravens. He enjoys dropping and catching objects from the sky, and he catches small animals, like mice, to eat. He likes shiny things, and often picks up objects that have been left by humans. One day, he meets a raven named Viola. After courting for many months, Quoth and Viola build a nest together and prepare for their own chicks. Quoth the Raven is a delightful and beautifully illustrated picture book by author D. Burton Smith, about the life of a North American raven, named Quoth. The book follows his journey from before he was born, his life as a chick and a young adolescent, until he meets a life partner of his own. Burton Smith describes the behaviours and habitat of this beautiful, and often misunderstood, bird. While often associated with death and illness, raven’s are one of the smartest birds in the world. They can use tools, play games, and mimic animal, bird, and even human sounds. Ravens can even recognise people and hold grudges against those who have wronged them! The illustrations by Paul Hock are stunning. Each page is a work of art, with vivid colours and intricate details that bring Quoth’s world to life. Written from the perspective of the raven, this is a charming story that will engage readers of all ages. While primarily aimed at children, the illustrations and story make it a pleasure to read for adults and children alike. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A delightful and beautifully illustrated picture book, that will spark children’s curiosity about the natural world and this magnificent species. Purchase here

< Back J.C. Wade Summer's Reaping A powerful witch named Ursa is heartbroken following the death of her young daughter, Elenwin, who was bitten by a viper while exploring her mothers’ witching pantry. Ursa journeys through the Wild Wood with Elenwin’s decaying body, in search of the evasive ingredients needed to cast a spell to bring her back to life. But, when her spells fail, Ursa must make a living sacrifice to fully restore her daughter. When two local village children are found dead and mutilated in the forest, a young woman named Saoirse suspects the beast that roams the boundary between the human and fae worlds is responsible. When Saoirse’s little brother Dafydd disappears in the middle of the night, she journeys into the forbidden forest to find him. Accompanied by her friend and secret love, Edred, they are guided on their journey by enchanted bees. They find Dafydd alive deep inside a cave, but he is changed beyond recognition. They interrupt Ursa’s evil spell but become trapped inside the cave by the wicked beast. Saoirse and Edred must escape the cave and stop Ursa before Dafydd becomes her next victim. They must leave the human world and enter Faerie to find the summer goddess Áine and restore Dafydd’s soul. But, when Edred is snatched by dark elves, Saoirse is forced to make a sacrifice of her own. Summer's Reaping by author J.C. Wade is a chilling fantasy fiction novel inspired by Welsh mythology. The story follows Saoirse, a determined young woman, who attempts to rescue her little brother after he is snatched by an evil witch. Accompanied by her friend and secret love, their perilous journey through a mystical forest tests their courage, resourcefulness, and friendship. J.C. Wade has created a rich fantasy world, filled with faeries, elves, dragons, monsters, and mythical creatures. This is a dark and chilling tale, intertwined with a beautiful and tender love story. A must-read for fans of fantasy, fairy tales, folklore, and Celtic mythology. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A rich and beautifully crafted fantasy fiction tale, with a perfect blend of dark magic, mysticism, and a touch of romance. Purchase here

< Back Ruthie Godfrey Grandpa's Lessons on Fishing and Life Lessons for fishing and lessons for life, by author Ruthie Godfrey Author Ruthie Godfrey describes her love of fishing in this wonderful picture book for younger readers. With thirteen key lessons for any budding fishing enthusiast, which include: planning and preparation, listening and learning from your teacher or guide, using the right tools, prioritising safety, keeping going when things get tough, staying patient, changing tactics if needed, not reacting too quickly, taking chances when you can, only keeping what you need, capturing memories, looking after equipment, and sharing wealth. These lessons will not only help youngsters preparing for a fishing expedition, but they will also help them prepare for other activities, or challenges they might experience in other areas of life. This is a wonderful picture book for younger children by author Ruthie Godfrey, which captures the joy of fishing in a simple, fun, and engaging way for young readers. Educational and entertaining, sweet and funny, this book was a joy to read. The watercolour style illustrations by Pable D’Alio are charming and funny. The special relationship between a boy and his grandfather, and the precious time they spend together fishing, is captured beautifully. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy fishing, and other outdoor adventures. It might also encourage those who have never tried fishing to give it a go. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful picture book about fishing and life, which is educational and entertaining, sweet and funny. A joy to read! Purchase here

< Back Mariam Latifi A to Z of Mini Muslims A unique and educational book about Islam and being a Muslim, from author Mariam Latifi This is a unique and educational A to Z picture book for children, exploring Islam and being a Muslim. The book is ideal for young Muslims who want to learn a little more about their religion, or for anyone interested in learning about this beautiful religion of peace. Latifi presents a range of interesting facts in an alphabet style picture book, from A which represents the Almighty, All-wise Allah SWT, right through to Z which represents Zakah, which means giving to charity to the poor and needy. This is a great resource for those with limited knowledge of the religion and want to learn more, or for those who want to enhance their knowledge in certain areas. The book also includes a useful glossary of terms and an A to Z of frequently asked questions. This easy-to-read book will help both children and adults to learn about the religion in a really fun and engaging way. It will help them to learn the alphabet, whilst at the same time supporting the development of new knowledge and new vocabulary. The book would be a valuable resource in any home, public or school library to promote religious awareness and diversity. The illustrations by Saba Yasmeen complement the book perfectly. The vibrant and diverse images show the beauty of the religion, and unity of Muslims across the world. We particularly liked the subtle themes and references to Australia. Latifi set out to promote diversity, inclusivity, religious awareness and tolerance, and the book does exactly that. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A fantastic book which promotes diversity, inclusivity, religious awareness, and tolerance in a fun and engaging way. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Ken Waldecker Princess Ella and the Lost Fairy Garden Princess Ella is walking in the royal garden, in search of adventure and looking for the Lost Fairy Garden. She had searched many times before, but never found the secret garden. When she notices the bushes sparkling, Princess Ella thinks it might be fairy dust and follows the trail. She crawls through the bushes, and meets a tiny fairy. She follows the fairy to the Lost Fairy Garden, which is more beautiful than she ever imagined. But the fairies are worried because people are chopping down the trees to build new houses for the villagers. Princess Ella decides to help the fairies save their homes. She returns to the castle, to tell the King and Queen, and all the villagers, about the fairies and the secret garden. Princess Ella comes up with a plan to help the villagers find an alternative place to chop down trees for their new houses. Princess Ella and the Lost Fairy Garden by author Ken Waldecker, is an illustrated picture book, and part of the ‘Princess Ella’ series for young readers. This book sees Princess Ella turn eco-warrior, as she tries to save a lost fairy garden from destruction. The princess must use her courage, determination and influencing skills, to preserve the precious fairy sanctuary. With gentle messages about nature and the environment, this is a great book to introduce young children to conservation. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A delightful story about a princess who learns the importance of conservation. Purchase here

Shades of Yellow < Back Talia Orbach Shades of Yellow Being a teen has never been tougher. Fourteen-year-old Cassidy Summers has spent her whole life being shuttled from one home to the next, as her free-spirited mother attempts to discover herself in every location they explore, from Houston, Texas, to Paris, France. This time, they’re moving into her grandmother’s cramped apartment in Connecticut, so that her mother can carry out her “lifelong dream” of opening Summer’s Café to sell overpriced cupcakes. But when the café struggles to bring in business and her family’s savings start to dry up, Cassidy must confront the possibility of another move. Becca Fox has been training to become a member of the Advanced Youth Equestrian Team her whole life under the intense instruction of Vince Hudson. But between academic troubles, an ongoing rivalry, and a teammate that she can’t seem to stop thinking about—no matter how hard she tries—the possibility of securing a spot on the AYET begins to slip further and further out of grasp. Lauren Mahoney has always felt overshadowed by her older sister, Chloe, a varsity athlete, and all-around perfect person. It doesn’t help that Lauren’s mom seems to wish Lauren fit into the mold of anyone but herself, whether it’s Chloe or her best friend, Becca Fox. But when she finds a guitar that belonged to her father, who died when she was only a few years old, Lauren starts to discover a side of herself that she never knew existed. The worlds of three fourteen-year-old girls collide in this fresh debut novel, supercharged by unreliable parents, the immense pressure to succeed, and deep personal tragedy. Delightful, warm, and witty, Shades of Yellow leaves you feeling the profound power of friendship at any age. Purchase here

< Back Rebecca Sharpless Shackled: 92 Refugees Imprisoned on ICE Air Shackled: 92 Refugees Imprisoned on ICE Air by Rebecca Sharpless is the harrowing true story of Flight N225AX, an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) aircraft that attempted to deport 92 people from the United States to Somalia in 2017. Told through the eyes of Sa’id Abdi Janale and Abdulahi Hassan Mohumed, two of the 92 passengers on board the flight. Sa’id Abdi Janale arrived in the United States with his mother and siblings at the age of 11. The family entered the country with legal immigration status, after they endured horrific violence in war-torn Somalia. Sa’id was facing deportation due to his involvement in criminal activity. Abdulahi arrived at the United States/Mexican border seeking asylum and protection as a refugee as a young man. After his parents were killed in Somalia, Abdulahi escaped to South Africa before embarking on an arduous journey through South and Central America. After two years in detention his right to stay was declined. The 92 men and women on Flight N225AX were shackled in chains on the aircraft for two days. The aircraft was grounded in Senegal and the passengers were immobilized in their seats. Unable to complete the journey, the plane was forced to return back to the United States. The passengers were treated like slaves, abused by staff and unable to use the bathroom facilities. Based on extensive research and first-hand testimonies, the book describes the inhumane treatment the passengers experienced on board the flight, and their subsequent fight to stay in the United States. Readers are taken inside the legal battles that followed, as lawyers and advocacy groups sought to stop the deportations permanently. Rebecca Sharpless meticulously reconstructs the events leading up to, and during the flight, and exposes the brutal reality of ICE’s deportation practices. She describes the passengers experiences in detail, and gives a much needed voice to those who survived the ordeal. It is a timely and sobering reminder of the inhumanity of the immigration system, and a call to action to prevent such tragedies in the future. An essential read for anyone interested in human rights, social justice and immigration policy. It is a story that had to be told, and a story that needs to be heard. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A deeply moving and harrowing true story of 92 people, brutally confined and abused on a U.S deportation flight. https://www.amazon.com/Shackled-Refugees-Imprisoned-ICE-Air/dp/0520398653 Purchase here

< Back Frederick Douglass Reynolds Black, White, and Gray All Over: A Black Man's Odyssey in Life and Law Enforcement An intimate memoir by author and retired Compton police officer, Frederick Reynolds. Black, White, and Gray All Over: A Black Man's Odyssey in Life and Law Enforcement is an inspiring and deeply moving memoir by author and retired police officer, Frederick Reynolds. Frederick discusses his turbulent childhood growing up in Detroit, with an abusive mother and an alcoholic father; and his misspent youth and association with street gangs, which resulted him spending time in a juvenile detention centre. Frederick joined the US Marine Corp in 1980, for a fresh start and to escape his life in Detroit. In 1985, he became a police officer in the Compton Police Department, one of only five Black graduates. Frederick discusses some of the cases he worked on during his time with the Compton Police Department, including murder, gang violence, and drug-dealing. He also discusses wider issues of political corruption, systemic racism, and how he struggled to overcome his own long-standing biases. Frederick describes the demanding nature of his work, and the emotional and physical trauma he experienced in the line of duty, including the murder of fellow police officers, and even an attempt on his own life. Frederick reflects on recent cases of police brutality, racism, and malpractice, but also highlights the work of hard-working police officers who risk their lives every day to make a difference within their communities. Frederick retired in 2017 with over seventy-five commendations. This is a powerful and emotional memoir by Frederick Reynolds, highlighting his struggle for survival as a Black man growing up in the US, and as a Black police officer on the streets of Compton. Frederick’s writing is raw, gritty, and authentic. He masterfully captures the tension of policing in one of the most dangerous cities in the US in an age of political correctness and Black Lives Matter. The book provides a fascinating insight into the history and politics of Compton, and shows how deeply rooted racism is in all parts of our society. An essential read for anyone interested in Black culture and history, policing and law enforcement, or racial inequality. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful and emotional memoir, highlighting one man’s struggle for survival as a Black police officer on the streets of Compton. Purchase here