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The Girl Who Broke the World < Back Renee Hayes The Girl Who Broke the World Can a teenager heal the world and restore the balance between humanity and nature? Five hundred years after the Oxygen War that ravaged the earth and destroyed more than eighty per cent of the population, Zemira (Zee) Creedence is looking forward to her eighteenth birthday and the annual moon festival, held every year to celebrate Mother Nature and the creation of the new world. While walking through the forest with her companion, Wolf, there is an enormous blast and Zee falls into a void. She is pulled to safety by Wolf and wakes up in a hospital bed in a neighbouring territory. When all the other patients are discharged, Zee realises that she is being kept in the hospital under false pretences. Zee has mysterious powers she has hidden since childhood and is able to manipulate her environment. She uses her powers to escape the hospital with her friend Pax. But, as the friends attempt to return back to their home, Zee discovers that she is being hunted by the King of Kymera and his army. Returning home, Zee learns that her mother is missing and has been taken as bait by the King. As Zee attempts to rescue her mother from the evil King, she finally learns the truth about her mysterious powers, her absent father, and her families connection to Mother Nature. The girl who broke the world by author Renee Hayes is a fantasy adventure, set in a futuristic world, after the earth was reset following a devastating war. The book follows teen, Zee, as she comes of age, and discovers the truth about her world and her ancestry. This is a tense and thrilling adventure, as Zee finds herself at the centre of a battle for control over the new world. Zee is a strong, powerful, female protagonist, who will stop at nothing to fight for her family and her friends. With a mesmerising futuristic world full of weird and wonderful creatures, and a gripping plot full of mystery, drama, suspense, and a little romance, this is an epic fantasy fiction novel not to be missed. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An epic fantasy fiction novel, with a strong, powerful, female protagonist. Not to be missed. Purchase here

The Vending Portal < Back Judy Liu The Vending Portal Two sisters stumble across an old vending machine and find themselves transported to an alternate universe, by debut author Judy Liu Sisters, Mel and Sage, are walking home from school one day when they take a detour through the Old Town, and stumble across an old vending machine in a bus shelter. The vending machine is out of order and the sisters try to grab a snack by shaking and kicking the machine. Suddenly, the floor beneath them disappears and the girls are transported to an unknown park in an alternate universe. When a uniformed officer approaches the girls, a strange boy named Lewis leads them away and saves them from being captured. The girls visit Lewis’s home, where they learn more about the strange world and the strange people that inhabit it. They manage to find another vending machine and a portal back home, but when their mother gives them a peculiar old key that belonged to their grandfather, they believe there is a connection to the alternate world, and decide to go back to explore further. The girls find Lewis and go on a journey to learn more about their grandfather’s connection to the mysterious world, its memory-enhancing technologies, and the dark secrets of the government. The Vending Portal by author Judy Lui is a magnificent, sci-fi adventure, set in a strange, alternate universe. Judy Liu presents an interesting perspective on the utopian/dystopian society, seen through the eyes of two young girls. This is a fun, fast-paced novel for teens, and will appeal to those who enjoy sci-fi, adventure and fantasy stories. With a captivating plot, well-rounded and likeable characters, and an intriguing multi-verse world, this book will entertain readers of all ages. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A magnificent, sci-fi adventure, set in a strange, alternate universe, this book will entertain readers of all ages. Purchase here

< Back Nina Blakeman The Peace Talk Four men, united by a shared history and a secret they have harboured for ten long years. Every May for the last ten years, four men have been brought together for the anniversary of the death of their high school teacher, Otis Watt. A vigil is held to commemorate Otis’s passing, and high school friends, Andy, Gary, Hal, and Mont y are forced to relive the events of ten years ago. Otis was brutally attacked on the banks of the Arkansas River, after their high school graduation. The four men know more about the attack than they have previously revealed and are sworn by a dark secret that has bound them together for a decade. Each man has gone his own way since the incident, but as they try to move on with their lives, they are haunted by the events of that fateful night. May 2019, the men reluctantly meet before the vigil to put on a united front and to get their story straight. But, when Otis’s daughter, Angela, is found dead at the same high school, the complex web of lies and deceit begin to unravel. Angela had asked to speak to Monty before the vigil, and he was one of the last to see her alive. Monty’s brief liaison with Angela could implicate him in her death and tie him to the death of her father ten years ago. As the investigation into Angela’s death ensues, the lives and loves of the four men intertwine, while they recall events from their teen years. Meanwhile, Monty's tyrannical father and Judge, Winston Reardon, is determined to make a soldier out of his son. The Peace Talk by Nina Blakeman is a gripping, twisty, tale about a group of four men, who share a dark secret from a decade ago. There is no love lost between the men, but their lives became forever entwined when their high school teacher was viciously attacked following their high school graduation. Ten years have passed since the fateful night, but the consequences of their actions still loom large. The event that bound them together a decade ago, now threatens to tear their lives apart. The narrative is compelling and emotionally charged as the author slowly peels back another layer of each character’s psyche, and the circumstances that led to the event. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping and twisty tale, and a masterful exploration of how a single event can impact one’s life forever. Purchase here

< Back Geoff Spellberg Escape From Hawaii A love affair, and a battle for supremacy, on the islands of Hawaii. In the late 1700’s, Jake Attucks, a former Captain in the Continental Army, sails to the Hawaiian islands, on board the ship Columbia. He is fleeing his home in New York, following the death of his younger brother, Tad, who was tragically killed on the battlefield. Still grieving the death of his brother, and seeking redemption from his parents, who blame him for Tad’s death, Jake hopes to make his fortune in the Pacific North fur trade. After a violent incident on board the Columbia, Jake is thrown off the ship and abandoned on the island of Maui . When the natives learn of Jake’s weapon-making skills, they are keen to befriend him and learn his skills. The Chief of Maui is preparing for war against the Chief of Hawaii, who has ambitions to take over the entire archipelago . The Chief of Maui sets Jake up with a forge and two assistants, to make weapons for the impending war. Jake settles into village life, but he is forced to work and fight for the Chief, to stay on the island. Jake meets Leilani, a member of the Maui royal family. The couple fall in love, and Jake is adopted into the Maui royal family, so they can marry. Jake learns that Leilani was stolen from her family on the island of Hawaii and is being held captive on Maui against her will. She hopes one day to escape and return home to her blood family in Hawaii. As the Maui and Hawaiin Chief's prepare for battle, Jake and Leilani have an important decision to make. Will they fight for Maui, or will they risk their lives and try to escape to Leilani’s homeland in Hawaii? Escape From Hawaii by author Geoff Spellberg is a historical fiction novel set on the beautiful, tropical islands of Hawaii in the late 1700’s. This is an insightful and fascinating novel, inspired by real events, following Captain Cook’s discovery of the islands in 1778. The book tells the story of the battle of supremacy between two island Chiefs, and the interference of foreign traders and settlers from Europe and Russia. At the heart of the story is a beautiful affair between two fictional characters, Jake and Leilani, who are both enslaved on the island of Maui, but unexpetedly find love in the tropical paradise. With piracy, warfare, romance, and betrayal, this is a thoroughly enjoyable action, adventure novel not to be missed. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction, and those with an interest in the fascinating history of Hawaii. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A thoroughly enjoyable, historical fiction novel, set during a significant period in Hawaiian history. Purchase here

< Back Lynne Harley What If You Could? Will a little caterpillar fulfil his dreams of traveling the world? A little caterpillar is busy doing what little caterpillars do, when he hears his inner voice telling him it is time for something new. Little caterpillar feels lonely, discontent, and blue, and longs for a more fun and fulfilled life. His inner voice urges him to be whatever he would love to be, and to do whatever makes him happy. The inner voice is as warm as sunshine and encourages the caterpillar to let his imagination run free, and to dream big. The caterpillar dreams of flying through the sky and travelling across the world. He dreams of being bright and colourful, and being admired by people wherever he goes. But when the caterpillar wakes from his slumber, another inner voice tells him to give up on his foolish dreams. This voice is cold and mean and has nothing positive to say. The caterpillar is disheartened and discouraged. As the caterpillar goes to bed each night, he is reminded by the warm, loving voice to believe in himself, and never give up. Which voice will the caterpillar listen to? And will the little caterpillar realize his dreams? What If You Could? by Lynne Harley, is an illustrated picture book about a little caterpillar who wants a better and more fulfilled life. As he contemplates his future, he is influenced by two inner voices. One voice is warm, loving, and positive, and encourages him to dream big. The other voice is cold, mean, and negative, and dissuades him for following his dreams. This is a sweet, heartwarming, and inspiring book that introduces the concept of our inner thoughts and emotions to very young children. Written in rhyme, with beautiful whimsical illustrations by Kiram Akram, the book will help young readers to understand their own thoughts and feelings and will encourage them to follow their dreams. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An inspiring and captivating book that helps young readers navigate the complex world of inner thoughts and emotions. Purchase here

< Back Michael Michie Pablo Avocado Can a little avocado take on the fashion world? Pablo Avocado comes from a long line of accomplished avocado’s. His father was a salsa dancer, his grandfather was a sailor, and his great grandfather was so beautiful that he didn’t have to work a day in his life. Pablo is a handsome young avocado, but he is feeling a little lost in life. He wants to make something of himself, but he doesn’t know what to do or where to start. He isn’t even sure whether he is a fruit or a vegetable! Pablo sneaks into his therapists office, hidden under his ‘cloak of secrecy’ so nobody sees him. He settles into the cozy therapists chair, and suddenly has an idea. He dreams of turning the store isles into a colourful catwalk. He dreams of creating fabulous outfits for his fruit friends. He dreams of becoming the next big fashion designer. But Pablo doesn’t want to waste any more time dreaming. He knows just what he needs to do, and the first thing is to get out of the therapists chair! Pablo Avocado by author Michael Michie is a fabulous and fun picture book for young readers about an eccentric little avocado who is feeling sad and a little lost in life. Pablo wants to make a name for himself, just like his father and his fathers’ father, so he visits a therapist to help him make a decision about his future. But Pablo doesn’t need the therapists help, he knows exactly what he wants to do and how he is going to do it! With a little bit of focus and a lot of self-belief, Pablo finally finds his purpose. This is a simple and entertaining way of helping young children to open up and talk through their problems. This is a cute and imaginative story, with lots of humor and plenty of word play to entertain both children and their care givers. Young children will enjoy this adorable character and will laugh out loud at his antics, for example as he hides under his cloak and loses his belly button stone. They will enjoy the colourful illustrations and the fruit and vegetable characters as they feature in various unexpected scenes. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fabulously fun and fruity picture book about a little avocado with a big dream. Purchase here

< Back Carter Fielding Murder in the Marshes The Blake sisters are back to solve another murder mystery. Finley Blake is travelling home to Charleston with her life partner Max Davies for her sister’s wedding. Whitt is marrying David Quinn, and Finley is looking forward to spending time with her family and friends. Whitt has rented a stately mansion for the wedding party, and guests are due to arrive soon. As Whitt and David check the house before the guests arrival, they find a dead body wrapped inside a sleeping bag in the closet. Whitt thinks she recognises the man but cannot place him. The police are called, and a murder investigation opens when they discover the man has a blunt force trauma to the head. Whitt and David, and the wedding party, are relocated to Whitt and Finley’s aunt’s house, while the police search the property. The body is later revealed to be Whitt and Finley’s estranged cousin, Tommy. As the wedding party settle into the house, and preparations for the wedding begin, Whitt and Finley take a trip with their parents to their rental property in Beaufort. As they examine the house that has been left empty for many years, they find another dead body. Inside an old army issue duffle bag, they find a skeleton and thousands of pounds in cash. The police are called again, and another murder investigation opens. As Whitt and David find themselves under suspicion, their upcoming wedding is put in jeopardy. As the police fail to make any progress, Whitt and Finley start their own investigation, starting with enquiries into their own family. Their investigation reveals dark family secrets, a sinister blackmail plot, and a web of deceit and lies. But as the sisters get closer to the truth, they find themselves caught up in a dangerous situation. Will the sisters find a connection between the murders? Will they identify the culprit? And will Whitt and Davids marriage go ahead? Murder in the Marshes is the fourth instalment in the Blake Sisters Travel Mystery Series by Carter Fielding. The book sees the return of the Blake sisters, as they return home for Whitt’s wedding, and find themselves embroiled in another murder investigation. The sisters become unlikely amateur detectives as they discover not one, but two, dead bodies. This is a gripping murder mystery, full of mystery and suspense. While the book successfully embodies the cozy mystery genre, it also explores the sisters personalities, personal lives, and relationships. This adds depth to the characters and enhances the readers emotional investment into the series. While the book can be read as a stand-alone, readers will benefit from reading the previous books to get the full enjoyment of this cosy murder mystery series. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An enjoyable read, perfect for fans of cozy murder mystery. Purchase here

< Back Hayley Lyle Barefoot King: The Indian Dalit Who Defied Caste to Bless Others A deeply moving biography by author Hayley Lyle. Barefoot King: The Indian Dalit Who Defied Caste to Bless Others is a biography written by author Hayley Lyle about a man born into the lowest caste in India. Natarajan ‘Raj’ was born in 1966 into the Paraiyan caste (a low-caste group of Hindu Indian society, formerly known as ‘untouchables’ but now called Dalits). His family were bonded laborers, an illegal yet prevalent form of slavery. At five years old, Raj’s father sent him to school to try and give him a better chance in later life. On his first day at school his teacher gives him a new name, Rajendran. Worried that a Hindu untouchable name like Natarajan would condemn him to stay in his caste forever, the teacher changed his life. Lyle writes, ‘With a single swipe of a pen, she redefined Raj’s entire reality in a way that would allow Raj himself to forge his own role and prospects’. Raj excels in school, but he is ridiculed and bullied by the other students. At the age of thirteen, Raj received a sponsorship from a relief organisation, Bright Future, to continue his studies. He would later work for the organisation, impacting the lives of thousands of people during a fifteen-year period. He went on to work for the Samuka Initiative, as a national coordinator overseeing the sponsorship and education of thousands of children and families. He worked with the Global Rights Network, fighting against the illegal system of bonded labor, and he also helped to set up a grassroots non-profit organisation named Maarga, to enrich the lives of children in the slums. This is a powerful and inspiring story of an extraordinary man, who was able to climb out of extreme poverty, through education and charitable sponsorship. The biography captures his struggles as he strives to make a better life for himself and others. Through his philanthropic work he improved the lives of thousands of people in villages and slums. Raj’s journey is an inspiration to others who find themselves trapped in similar circumstances. The book explores the inhumanity of the caste system, and the pain, hardship and suffering experienced by many thousands of people. It is a powerful reminder of the social inequalities that exist in India and across the world. The book is based on Lyle’s research and interviews with Raj and with other significant people in his life. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful and inspiring biography of an extraordinary man growing up in the lowest caste in India. Purchase here

< Back Charly Froh How to Solve the Mystery of Crying Space-robot Novo travels to earth to solve a mystery, by author Charly Froh Space robot, Novo, from the planet Infinita, is back for another exciting adventure. His week starts with shopping at the Martian Market, but on his way home, Novo is caught up in a space storm that destroys his venus-bot flowers, and causes liquid to leak from his laser eyes. Novo tries everything to make the liquid stop, but nothing will stop the drip-drop dripping. His only option is to contact his earthling friends. They will know exactly what to do! So, Novo whistles for his scooter, vrooms towards earth, and is reunited with his earthling friends. The earthlings explain the liquid is tears from crying, and people can cry when they are happy, joyful, angry or frustrated. But, Novo still cannot explain his tears as he feels neither happy, joyful, angry or frustrated. The earthlings listen to Novo’s story, how the space storm destroyed his precious flowers, and how he feared the rain would rust his body, and then suddenly the tears stopped. With a little help from his earthling friends, Novo realised his tears were tears of sadness, and that talking about his sadness helped him feel much better. Novo returned back to Infinita to share his news with all the other space-bots. How to Solve the Mystery of Crying by author Charly Froh is a cute and funny picture book about an adorable little robot who travels to earth to solve the mystery of his leaking eyes. This is a delightful book and Novo is a sweet and adorable character, who will appeal to younger readers. The book deals with a complex topic in a really simple, engaging and age-appropriate way, and will encourage young readers to share and discuss their thoughts and feelings with others. The illustrations by Zuzana Svobodova are bright and engaging, and with lots of interesting and funny details, will keep readers entertained for hours. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A delightful picture book about a sweet and adorable robot character, who goes on a space-tastic adventure to solve the mystery of crying. Purchase here

< Back Kathleen Troy Dylan's Villain Dylan’s Dog Squad is back and they face their biggest challenge yet, by author Kathleen Troy Twelve-year-old Casey, his American Cocker Spaniel, Dylan, and Casey’s best friend Sumo, make up Dylan’s Dog Squad, a trio of detectives on a mission to solve mysteries, and find missing persons and animals. The Squad has been hired by their neighbour, ten-year-old Holly, to solve their first case. A famous chimpanzee, Bailey, has disappeared from his treehouse, while at the same time, the police are investigating missing postal packages across the town. As Dylan tracks down the mischievous chimp, and saves him from drowning in a neighbours swimming pool, he is captured on camera and becomes an overnight social media sensation. The newfound celebrities are invited to the opening of a new primate habitat at San Diego Zoo, where Dylan saves the day again when Bailey wreaks havoc in the visitor’s centre. Returning home, Dylan hopes that he will pass the coveted American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Test at the Dream Big K-9 Academy. But, as Dylan finally takes his test, the owner of the Academy collapses and is suddenly rushed to hospital. The trio are faced with their biggest case yet, as they discover a notorious criminal, the Sledgehammer, has put the future of the Academy in jeopardy. The Squad risk their reputations and their lives to expose the Sledgehammer, and bring him to justice. Will Dylan’s Dog Squad catch the criminal? Will the trio save the Academy from closure? And, will Dylan ever pass his Good Citizen Test? Dylan's Villain is the third instalment of the Dylan's Dog Squad series, by author Kathleen Troy. This is a charming and humorous book for young readers, with a captivating plot, and loveable and entertaining characters. I particularly enjoyed the special bond shared between Casey and Dylan, and Dylan’s sweet and funny commentary throughout the book. Readers will be thoroughly entertained and will laugh out loud at Dylan’s antics and observations. This was a delight to read and will captivate readers of all ages. I look forward to reading more from Kathleen Troy and Dylan’s Dog Squad in the future. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A charming chapter book for readers of all ages, with a host of entertaining and amusing characters. Purchase here

The Wonder Wig < Back Dr. Shon Lewis The Wonder Wig Meet Brooke Bell: an extraordinary young girl with an extraordinary wonder wig. A young girl named Brooke Bell lives with her mom and dad in Arkansas. Brooke has short, afro hair and wishes she has long flowing locks like her favourite Barbie dolls. One day, Brooke takes one of her moms’ wigs and wears it to school. But when she drops one of her books, the wig falls off her head and the other students laugh at her. Her grandmother comforts her and reminds her of her natural beauty. Her mom on the other hand is cross she took the wig. Brooke is unhappy that her parents are always working and never spend anytime with her. She enjoys spending time at her grandparents’ house, and following the incident with the wig she asks to live with them over the summer. After lots of arguments, her mom finally agrees. During the summer break, Brooke helps out at her Aunt Pam’s hair salon, enjoying the interactions with customers, and admiring all the hair products and wigs for sale. Over the years, Brooke continues to work at her aunt’s salon at weekends, and her relationship with her mom improves. When she is aged sixteen, Aunt Pam gives Brooke a wig. But this is no ordinary wig. The wig has special powers that enable Brooke to hear other people’s conversations. She hears other girls talking about their alopecia and decides to help them. She keeps the special powers a secret, disguises her appearance, and uses her earnings from the salon to buy wigs for girls with alopecia. As Brooke helps more girls, there is a news report of a nameless person, they call ‘Dashing Dazzle’ donating wigs to a hair clinic for girls with alopecia. A cash reward of $20,000 is offered to identify the mysterious wig benefactor. Will Brooke reveal her identity and claim the cash prize? And will she reveal the powers of the extraordinary wonder wig? The Wonder Wig by Dr. Shon Lewis is a fun and imaginative short story for young adult readers, about an extraordinary young girl with an extraordinary wonder wig. Brooke’s life is changed forever when she is given a special wig as a gift. But rather than using the special powers for personal gain, she decides to use the powers to help others more in need. This is a great concept, and a positive story for women and girls that celebrates the beauty and diversity of afro hair. The book promotes hair-positivity and good hair health, and encourages readers to accept their natural beauty whilst respecting individual choice on haircare products and wigs. At the same time, the book raises awareness of alopecia and may help to reduce stigma associated with this condition. I particularly enjoyed the ‘Dashing Dazzle’ character and believe the author could explore this character much further. I would love to hear more from her and her wonder wig! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, positive and empowering story for women and girls, which celebrates natural beauty and respects individual hair-care choices. Purchase here

< Back Sheeba Varghese Mommy, Am I Indian Today? Two young brothers are getting ready for a wedding. They are dressing in traditional Indian outfits, called kurta pyjama’s and wear a type of scarf called a stole. The brothers always wear matching outfits for special occasions, and sometimes they match their mothers outfit, called a sari. One boy asks her mother, “Mommy, am I Indian today?” His mother takes out an old photograph album and tells him the story of how her parents came to America from the state of Kerala in India, many years ago. She describes how they emigrated to America in search of a better life and opportunities for their children. She explains that the boys are not just Indians when they wear their traditional Indian clothes, but they are Indians every day. The brothers feel proud when they leave the house in their special kurta pyjama’s. Mommy, Am I Indian Today? is an illustrated picture book by author Sheeba Varghese about two brothers who are attending a wedding and wear traditional Indian outfits, called kurta pyjama’s. The brothers are curious about the outfits, and it prompts a discussion with their mother about their heritage. The book introduces young readers to Indian culture and Indian wedding traditions, and addresses themes of identity, multi-culturalism and belonging. The book is an excellent resource for sparking conversations about cultural identity and family traditions. The water-color style illustrations by Tori Tilahun bring the vibrant Indian culture to life, and show the beauty and elegance of traditional wedding attire. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An entertaining and educational read for young readers, and a wonderful celebration of Indian culture and heritage. Purchase here