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< Back Josh Weiss-Roessler Future Me and the VR Prison Book blurb... After losing her grandmother, eleven-year-old gamer Lu Jacobs retreats into the controlled world of her favorite VR game with her online team. But when her grizzled, middle-aged future self appears asking for help to stop an AI bent on trapping humanity inside a VR prison, Lu has no choice but to re-enter the real world, specifically Prescott Academy, a school for gifted students where the AI has planted a spy to seed the dangerous technology that will destroy the future. Realizing this isn’t a job for one person, Lu recruits her online teammates IRL. But she still has to juggle grief, friendship, and her secret mission, while navigating dazzling technology, suspicious classmates, and the growing fear that anyone, even her teachers, could be the AI spy. As they race to uncover the truth, Lu’s hardest task may be proving to herself that she’s more than the mistakes and losses she carries. Purchase here

< Back Barbara C. Mishkin TIP's Magical Birthday It is Thaddeus Issac Pendleton’s (aka Little TIP’s) tenth birthday, and he is looking forward to his first ever birthday party at his new house. The house is decorated, TIP wears his best clothes, and he waits for his friends to arrive. His friend Oliver is high spirited and has lots of friends. Katie is kind-hearted and gentle, and loves to wear a bow in her hair. Twins, Marco and Mario love sports and are good athletes. TIP’s friend Malik is from Senegal, and he is a good wrestler. His friend Jimmy wears a patch on his eye, and his friend Henry walks with a cane. As more and more friends arrive at the party, TIP recognises that each friend is interesting, unique, and very special. The entertainment begins and his friend Lucas is the magician for the party, and another friend is the puppeteer. As they all tuck into their party food, TIP receives an unexpected gift from his grandmom and grandpop. TIP's Magical Birthday is a fun picture book, by author Barbara C. Mishkin, about a young boy who celebrates his tenth birthday with his friends. The story shows how individual differences – whether cultural, physical, interest-based or personality-based – enhance friendships. Through this simple yet engaging story, young readers will learn the importance of kindness and inclusivity. The illustrations are bright and engaging, capturing the excitement of a birthday party, while showcasing each friends unique traits. Overall, a delightful picture book and a reminder for children (and grown-ups) that the best celebrations are those with family and friends, where everyone is welcomed, valued and respected. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary : A fun and delightful picture book for young readers, and a wonderful celebration of diversity, inclusion and friendship. www.tipsmagicaljourneybook.com Purchase here

< Back Kate Mathos Georgie Karras and the Niddle of Nern In 1941, as Europe is ravaged by the second World War, a ten-year old girl from Chicago faces an entirely different battle. Georgia Karras’s father has enlisted in the army to help with the war effort, while Georgia discovers a strange green light emanating from her attic. Georgia and her best friend Sam follow the light and find a curious letter and a small bottle of pixie potion. They fall through the floorboards and find themselves in a strange world, known as the Kingdom of Nern. As Georgia and Sam try to make sense of their new world, they meet a pixie named Lizl and a purple ‘fuzzball’ creature named Ned. They learn that many years ago, the current King of Nern began a war with the rightful Queen Aurelia. Georgia and Sam are sent on a perilous quest across Nern to find a mysterious amulet and to right the wrongs perpetrated by the King. On the journey, Georgia discovers that her father’s involvement in the war effort was not quite what she was led to believe. As Georgia tries to find the truth about her father, and restore the rightful queen on the throne, the Kings Guard and evil Leechers will stop at nothing to catch her. Georgie Karras and the Niddle of Nern is a fantasy fiction novel for middle-grade readers, by author Kate Mathos. Set in 1940’s Chicago, the book whisks readers away to an alternate world, brimming with magic and mystery. The story follows Georgia, an ordinary girl with an extraordinary destiny. Packed full of action and adventure, with a colourful cast of characters, and captivating twists and turns, the book will keep young readers on the edge of their seats. With pixies, sea witches, merfolk, dragons, pirates, and many more wonderful creatures, this book has all the ingredients for an epic fantasy fiction story. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A captivating fantasy fiction novel, with a colourful cast of characters, set in the magical and mysterious world of Nern. https://a.co/d/cS3yBPT Purchase here

Author Ellen Dee Davidson creates an enchanting and magical world < Back Ellen Davidson WIND It’s a very strange day for sixth-grader Katie. Her classmates mock her as she thinks she hears the old oak tree outside her classroom window talk to her, and later at home she senses her beloved cat, Sasha, is trying to tell her something. Then without any warning, an earthquake strikes the town and Katie falls through a crack in the floor and into the deep dark basement below. But when Katie awakens from the fall, she finds herself in a strange and mysterious world. She encounters Za, a grumpy alien from a far distant planet, also lost in the strange new world. The only hope for the pair is to find the elusive Winged Ones, hidden away in the Golden Hills at the far corner of the planet. Katie reluctantly joins Za on the journey quest, and she is given a charm bracelet to help guide her on the journey. Accompanied by Kira, a friendly lion, the pair set off on a perilous journey, through forests and meadows, deep caves, and rivers. There are many dangers along the way, and the new friends must fend off river monsters and flying beasts, fish men and flower fairies. Katie soon discovers she has a special power to talk to all the creatures featured on her charm bracelet. But as Za is captured, Katie must use all of her strength and courage to resist the powerful forces of the Poison One, to save her friend and herself. Wind is a wonderfully written, faced-paced, fantasy story for young middle grade readers. Ellen Dee Davidson creates a magical and enchanting world, and takes the reader on an extraordinary journey, packed full of amazing characters and fascinating scenes. The main character is well developed, and readers will relate to her journey and her personal struggles, as they learn more about her life at home. The book was gripping, entertaining and full of unexpected twists and turns - a real page-turner and hard to put down! Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A wonderful, faced-paced, fantasy story, packed full of amazing characters and fascinating scenes. A SILVER winner and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back David Kopacz A Bowl Full of Ideas for Inventive Minds A Bowl Full of Ideas for Inventive Minds is a collection of eighteen short stories / vignettes written by visionary healer, artist and founder of a global network of Sound Peace Chambers, Southern Ute elder Joseph Rael (Tiwa name, Tsluu-teh-koh-ay ‘Beautiful Painted Arrow’). The collection is curated by David R. Kopacz, MD and is designed to ‘stimulate inventiveness, creativity, and an appreciation for sacredness in everyday life’. Each story is centred on the four elements of life (earth, water, air, and fire), and the concept of the ‘bowl of life’. Mother Earth is a great big bowl, and all families live in little bowls. From early pioneers to the present day, people have settled in bowl-shaped landscapes to grow crops, graze cattle, and raise children. ‘ The Creator made Earth, Water, Air, and Fire and put them in a bowl and the bowl was shaped like a wheel. The Medicine Wheel holds together Earth, Water, Air, and Fire so that we and all things may live. We are made of these four things: earth, water, air, and fire—energies awakening us to vibrations of life.’ A Bowl Full of Ideas for Inventive Minds is a profound and deeply moving collection of traditional stories and teachings by Joseph Rael (Beautiful Painted Arrow) and David R. Kopacz, with artwork by Rael. The book presents a series of tales that explore the concept of the ‘bowl of life’, a metaphor of balance, connectedness and respect for Mother Earth. This is a stunning collection of stories and art, offering an introduction to the spiritual teachings of Rael, and an insight into the values and beliefs and the Southern Ute people. The abstract illustrations are vibrant and expressive, fully capturing the narrative and Rael’s spiritual teachings. The collection is perfect for readers of all ages who are interested in Native American art and storytelling, and a must read for anyone on a journey of self-discovery or spiritual growth. Star rating: 5 stars Summary : A profound and beautiful bowlful of Native American spirituality, wisdom, and art. Purchase here

< Back Deborah Cholette Digger: Dig or Die! Nick and his friends battle to save humanity from an environmental disaster. It is just another ordinary day at school for Nick, when his friend Stewie charges into the classroom yelling the sky is falling. The school implements emergency evacuation procedures, and Nick and his friends are sent home. NASA officials confirm there is a large crack in the earth’s magnetosphere, causing the atmosphere to leak out into space. The level of breathable air has fallen to just a few miles above sea level, and people are advised to move to the lowest altitude possible. Not doing so may result in death! Nick, his mom, and his sister move into the basement of their house. Unbeknownst to his family, Nick has previously dug a secret tunnel from his house to the ravine. Nick was inspired by his builder-dad, who left the family home some years ago. As the level of breathable air continues to fall, everyone’s life is in danger and the most vulnerable members of the community are isolated in their homes. To help those in greatest need, Nick has an idea to dig further tunnels and connect the houses in the community by an underground network. As Nick enlists the help of his trusted friends, there are others in the community who will stop at nothing to save themselves. Digger: Dig or Die! is an illustrated book for newly independent readers by Deborah Cholette. This is a thought-provoking, fast-paced, action packed, sci-fi adventure, set in a post-apocalyptic world. The book considers what might happen if humans ignore the climate change emergency and continue to burn fossil fuels. Nick and his friends come together to try and save humanity and repair the damage to the earth, caused by adults. Along the way, the kids are faced with a number of obstacles and moral dilemmas, which tests their friendship and their own belief systems. The book encourages readers to think critically about the environment and climate change, and will hopefully inspire young readers to take action to protect it. Overall, an imaginative yet entirely believable science fiction story. Perfect for readers who enjoy science fiction and are interested in the environment and climate change. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An imaginative, thought-provoking, action packed, sci-fi adventure, about a group of kids who try and save humanity and repair the damage to the earth, caused by adults. Purchase here

< Back Jennifer R Sommer Her Eyes Were on the Stars: Nancy Grace Roman, "Mother of Hubble" Space Telescope Nancy Grace Roman’s journey to becoming ‘Mother of Hubble’. As a young girl, Nancy Grace was fascinated by the stars in the night sky and started her own astronomy club to search for constellations. As she moved from place to place for her dad’s job, the stars became her nearest and dearest friends. By junior high, Nancy knew she wanted to become an astronomer, but astronomy was not a typical career for a young woman in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Most colleges at the time did not accept girls, but Nancy found one that did and was accepted onto a science course. She also worked as an assistant at an observatory and earned a degree in astronomy in 1946, and later a PhD. As a scientific researcher, Nancy began to study the stars in the Milky Way and made some new discoveries. In 1959, she was asked to set up the space astronomy program at a new space agency, NASA. Nancy’s significant scientific achievements, her position as Chief of Astronomy for NASA, and her role in the space telescope project, led to her nickname the ‘Mother of the Hubble’. This is a remarkable book for middle grade readers, about a remarkable scientist, Nancy Grace Roman. During a time when few women went to college, and fewer studied astronomy, Nancy went on to become one of the leading scientists of her generation. I had heard of Nancy, but I knew little about her life. This book has inspired me to go and study more about this incredible woman and her achievements. Well-researched by Jennifer R Sommer, and based on many conversations with Nancy herself, this is an insightful and accessible book for readers of all ages. The book will appeal to readers interested in science, and particularly astronomy. The starry illustrations by Gayle Cobb are simply stunning. This is a fascinating read and highly recommended. The book will inspire children and adults alike to look up. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A remarkable book about a remarkable scientist, Nancy Grace Roman. Purchase here

< Back Charly Froh Lotti and the Impossible Dream Lotti overcomes many obstacles to follow her dream, by author Charly Froh Eleven-year-old Lotti starts a new school at Little Hill Middle School, New York. Lottie tries desperately hard to try and hide her knee injury and the scar on her leg, from a medical accident when she was a baby. Teased throughout kindergarten, Lotti vowed never to reveal her scar again. But the school rules state she has to wear the school PE uniform and Lotti is required to wear a pair of shorts. Her classmates notice the scar on her leg and tease her relentlessly. When an Olympic rhythmic gymnast visits the school and showcases her skills, Lotti is fascinated by the sport. She contacts the gymnasium and joins up straight away. Lotti worries about wearing a leotard and revealing her scar to the other gymnasts, but also worries whether she can achieve the skills and flexibility required, due to her knee injury. Lotti does not want special treatment, and through hard work and determination, makes the team who will compete in the upcoming Junior Regional Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships . Lotti finds friendship and a sense of belonging at the gym, and is determined to succeed in the sport. At the same time, she settles into school, develops new friendships, experiences her first slumber party, and goes on a date to the movies with a boy. But as the Junior Regional Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship approaches, Lotti is anxious about wearing the championship leotard, and revealing her scar to her teammates. When her teammates notice the scar, some of them question her place on the team, and think she has taken the place of a more capable gymnast. Lotti’s role in the championship is put in jeopardy. Will Lotti’s team mates accept her place in the team? Will she compete in the Regional Championships? And can she put her traumatic kindergarten experience behind her to move forward in life and shine in the sport she loves so much? Lotti and the Impossible Dream by author Charly Froh is a sweet, heart-warming and inspiring story about a young girl who is determined to follow her dream. Against all odds, and with the support of a loving family, supportive coach and good friends, Lotti overcomes many challenges and becomes a successful rhythmic gymnast. Based on a true story, this book will inspire others to follow their own dreams. Young readers will relate to Lotti’s experiences, her fears and anxieties, lack of confidence, school bullies, and struggle to fit in. It will help to develop confidence, self-esteem and resilience in younger readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet, heart-warming and humorous novel, which will inspire young readers to follow their dreams. Purchase here

< Back Renee Hamilton Norey Loo Glory's Adoption Story Book blurb... Celebrate adoption through the eyes and heart of nine year old Norey Loo Glory, as she sets the record straight that "adoption is an awesome option". Purchase here

< Back Amanda M Cetas Thrown to the Wind A harrowing journey of strength, survival, and self-discovery. Based on true events, this historical fiction novel follows one boy's journey from France and across the ocean to North America in the seventeenth century. In France, 1660, during a period of rising tensions between the Catholics and Protestants (Huguenots), nine-year old Etienne Gayneau, a Huguenot, is separated from his cousin and only friend Nicolas. But, when a ship arrives in La Rochelle transporting King Louis XIV's elite musketeers, Etienne agrees to meet Nicolas at the harbor to witness the event. Etienne dreams of becoming a musketeer himself one day, and senses he is about to witness something momentous. But he doesn’t realise that the arrival of the ship will turn his life upside down. Etienne must choose whether to flee France with his family, to avoid his father’s arrest for being a heretic, or to run away and hide out in a safe haven with his cousin, a Catholic. If Etienne leaves France, he will never see Nicolas again or fulfil his dream of becoming a musketeer, but if he stays with his cousin, he will never see his family again. Etienne decides to flee, and leaves with his family, leaving everything but their faith behind. The family face a perilous journey, first to Amsterdam, Holland, and then across the Atlantic Ocean to New Amsterdam. The journey is fraught with many dangers, as they encounter criminals and pirates, and face many other challenges, including illness and injury. Etienne is quite literally thrown to the wind, but eventually gains confidence as a cabin boy. Thrown to the Wind is a well-researched, historical fiction novel for middle grade readers, by author Amanda M Cetas. The story follows a family who flee religious persecution in seventeenth century France, and seek refuge and freedom in the unchartered territories of North America. Told through the eyes of an innocent nine-year old boy, this is a harrowing journey of strength, survival, and self-discovery. Beautifully written, with meticulous attention to detail, the author brings this fascinating period of human history to life. The authors ability to balance historical accuracy with a compelling narrative, makes this novel an entertaining and enlightening read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, and particularly those interested in seventeenth century migration from Europe to America Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautiful coming of age story about a young boy who flees religious persecution, leaving everything behind but his faith. Purchase here

Will Harley James solve the clues to find the missing statue, and save the world from ultimate destruction? < Back Leah Cupps Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings Harley Rebecca James, a budding cryptologist, and the daughter of a world-renowned archaeologist, is on an expedition to Tikal Guatemala. Out walking with her dog one day, Harley discovers a Mayan carving and a missing stone from six nooks carved into the wall. When Harley finds the sixth stone, and places it in the wall, part of the wall collapses and she discovers a hidden, glowing, statue. But before Harley can tell her dad about the mysterious artefact, it is stolen from under her bed. Harley soon learns about the legend of the three Mayan Kings, and if her statue meets two other missing statues, it could result in world destruction. Harley must follow the clues to find the statue before it gets into the wrong hands. Little does she know that a criminal gang is also in search of the missing statue, and Harley and her friends must stop them before it’s too late. Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings is a superb story for young, independent readers. Harley is a strong, confident, female lead, with a quest for knowledge and adventure. The book will appeal to those who like action, adventures, and mystery stories. With lots of interesting facts about Mayan history, readers might be inspired to learn more about this fascinating, ancient civilisation. There are cryptic clues throughout the book, that will also encourage readers to learn more about code breaking and cryptology. The book is complemented by wonderful illustrations, and other resources to access on the authors website. As the first in the series, this book sets the scene for future adventures of Harley James, and we look forward to reading the next instalment. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A superb mystery story, with a strong female lead. A BRONZE WINNER and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Vicki Scott Burns Charli's Turtle Triumph: A Marine Biology Adventure Book blurb... On a school field trip to the aquarium, Charli meets a marine biologist who rescues sea turtles. Charli can't stop wondering what it would be like to be a marine biologist herself. Soon, she is lost in a turtle daydream. When she finds a weak sea turtle stranded on the beach, it's up to Charli and her friends to save him - and to figure out a way to help save all sea turtles! Purchase here