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< 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

< Back Samantha Reynolds Help Me Be Me A thought-provoking picture book about children’s emotional well-being, by author Samantha Reynolds. Help Me Be Me by author Samantha Reynolds is an engaging, powerful, and thought-provoking picture book about children’s emotional health and well-being. The book serves as a valuable resource for parents seeking to understand and foster their children’s emotional wellbeing. Written from the child’s perspective, the book follows the journey of a child as they navigate the world around them, and the complex landscape of emotions they experience. The story is accompanied by vivid illustrations, which depict the child’s feelings, needs and emotions. Through the story, parents can initiate meaningful conversations with their children about their feelings and emotions. The book provides valuable advice on how parents can support their children to be themselves, and how to express and manage these emotions in a supportive and healthy way. The enchanting illustrations by Jessica Hiemstra, make this book a must-have for every parent’s bookshelf. Whilst the book is primarily aimed at parents, the engaging artwork also serves as an excellent tool for helping young children recognise and understand their own feelings. The language is clear and accessible, making it easy for both adults and children to engage with the material. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A nurturing guide for parents, offering tools and insights needed to raise emotionally resilient children. Purchase here

< Back Ariel and Brandon Blackwell The Beat In My Head Brandon finds belonging through beats, by authors Ariel and Brandon Blackwell Brandon loves to hum and tap along to sounds and beats in his head. Wherever he is, whatever he is doing, he can make music out of sound. But when he starts to hum and tap along to the sounds in the classroom, his teacher thinks he is not listening and is distracting the other students. The teacher calls his mom, and his mom worries something might be wrong, as Brandon doesn’t have many friends or talk very much. But Brandon is happy, music makes him feel happy and safe. Brandon’s mom takes him to see a therapist and the therapist thinks he is just a little shy. The therapist encourages Brandon to try sports and get involved in new activities. So, Brandon tries a number of different sports, soccer, karate and golf, but he isn’t a natural athlete and discovers sport isn’t for him. Everything Brandon hears, the thwack of the ball and the smack of a kick, distracts him from the game and creates music in his head. Brandon’s mom doesn’t know what else to do to help, but takes him to a music concert, to let loose and have some fun. While dancing and singing along to the music, Brandon notices a guy with headphones, focused on a console and bobbing along to the music. He learns the guy is a sound engineer, who blends and balances music to make it sound good. Later, Brandon meets the sound engineer, Mr Davis, at his church and becomes fascinated by his work. Mr Davis teaches Brandon how to work the audio console, and Brandon discovers a passion for audio engineering. The Beat in My Head by authors Ariel and Brandon Blackwell is an inspiring picture book about a young boy who struggles to find his place in the world. He is only happy when he is listening to music, and making beats in his head, but his behaviour is seen by others as unusual. Through audio engineering, Brandon is able to express himself through music, and he finally finds a sense of purpose and belonging. The book is based on the true story of how the author, Brandon Blackwell, found his vocation and became a successful audio engineer. It will inspire other young readers to be creative, and to express themselves in any way that makes them feel happy. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful and inspiring picture book, about a young boy who finds a sense of purpose and belonging through music. Purchase here

< Back Tucker Madison Green Glass Can Ida track down the man who saved her life as a girl? Eleven-year-old Ida and her father survive a horrific car crash, when their car veers over a bridge and plunges into deep water. They are saved by fifteen-year-old John Murphy, who dives into the water and frees them from the car. John finds two triangular pieces of smooth green glass in the water. He gives one piece of glass to Ida and then quickly disappears from the scene. He gives the other piece of glass to his fifteen-year-old adopted sister, Maggie who has Down Syndrome. Fourteen years later, Ida is a medical student in Michigan and a competitive swimmer. Ida has vivid memories of the mysterious boy who saved her life and treasures the piece of green glass he gave her. She hires a private investigator to find her superhero and he tracks him down to Chicago, through newspaper articles and eyewitness accounts. When Ida finishes medical school, she decides to take her residency in Chicago, in the hope that one day she might meet her hero again. Meanwhile, John is working as a paramedic in Chicago and still caring for his sister, Maggie. John loves his job as a paramedic and continues to help strangers through random acts of kindness. Ida moves to Chicago and discovers over 400 John Murphy’s listed in the telephone book. Her mission to find her elusive hero is not going to be easy. Will Ida ever find the guy who saved her life? And if so, will he live up to her heroic expectations? Green Glass by author Tucker Madison is a tense and gripping drama about one woman’s search for the boy who saved her life as a young girl. This is an elaborate plot, full of twists and turns, which keeps the story alive and interesting. The characters are likeable and believable, and I was rooting for Ida and John to meet and fall in love. Madison develops tension, as the pair become so close to one another, but never quite meet. This is a unique and intriguing novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy drama, romance and mystery stories. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A tense and gripping drama about one woman’s search for the boy who saved her life as a young girl. Purchase here

< Back Deborah Wade Always In Your Heart Always In Your Heart is a picture book for younger children exploring grief and loss, by author Deborah Wade. Always in Your Heart, written by Deb Wade and illustrated by Tim McGee, is a deeply moving children’s picture book about love, loss, and grief. It follows a number of families with children and their experiences of losing a treasured loved one. The children miss their loved ones deeply, and recall precious memories of cherished times they have spent together. The book encourages children to think about and visualise their loved ones and to remember the good times – the hugs and kisses, singing silly songs, reading stories together, and outdoor adventures, fishing and feeding the birds. It also shows children that it is okay to miss their loved ones. That it is okay to cry and be sad. That it is okay not to be okay. The book is a great resource for families who have experienced the loss of loved one, or for those who want to open up conversations about death and grief. With supporting questions for the reader, the book will encourage parents, carers, and children to talk about their own grief, and to discuss their thoughts, emotions, and memories of those who have sadly passed. Beautifully simple illustrations by Tim McGee capture the love, sadness, and sentiment perfectly. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A deeply moving picture book for younger children, exploring the important topics of love, loss and grief’. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Kate Grant No Woman Left Behind: A Journey of Hope to Heal Every Woman Injured in Childbirth No Woman Left Behind: A Journey of Hope to Heal Every Woman Injured in Childbirth is a memoir by Kate Grant about her life and work with the Fistula Foundation, a not for profit organisation set up to provide life-transforming surgery for women with obstetric fistula. Fistula is a debilitating childbirth injury, which can leave a woman incontinent and, as a result, often abandoned by her family and shunned by her community. With a background in advertising, Grant was keen to put her skills to use in the nonprofit sector. She completed a master’s degree in public affairs and found work at the United States Agency for International Development, where she met her first fistula patient at the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia, led by Dr. Hamlin. She later met Ric Haas, the founder of the Fistula Foundation, and was asked to join the board to support Dr. Hamlin’s work. In 2005, Grant became the Fistula Foundation’s first Chief Executive, and led the expansion of the Foundation from supporting one hospital in Ethiopia, to become the global leader in fistula treatment, supporting women in more than 30 countries across Africa and Asia. No Woman Left Behind: A Journey of Hope to Heal Every Woman Injured in Childbirth is a candid and inspiring memoir, which captures Kate Grant’s personal journey, with a powerful account of women’s health inequalities and global health advocacy. Grant’s journey, from corporate advertising to becoming a leading voice for women suffering from debilitating obstetric fistula, is marked by dogged determination, endless energy, and enduring empathy for women impacted by this debilitating condition. Grant’s reflections on leading a global non profit organisation, developing partnerships with local healthcare providers and fundraising under pressure, offer valuable lessons for anyone working in, or interested in, global health and international development issues. The book humanizes and destigmatizes a medical condition that affects hundreds of thousands of women in the developing world. Grant shares personal stories of many women whose lives were transformed following surgery. Their stories are heart breaking, yet uplifting, and shine a much needed light on women’s health and obstetric fistula in vulnerable populations. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An inspiring and deeply moving memoir that shines a much needed light on obstetric fistula. Purchase here

< Back DF Kennedy The Truth A gripping semi-autobiographical novel, by author DF Kennedy Dahlia Frost joins the US Air Force to escape her dysfunctional family, but during one particular mission she discovers a phobia of wearing a mask and small spaces. Unable to conquer her fears, and experiencing recurrent traumatic nightmares, Dahlia is medically retired from the Air Force. When Dahlia returns home to the US, she learns from her mother, Sylvia, the cause of her nightmares. As a child, Dahlia was abducted by her biological father, Dahmon, and driven into a lake where her father tragically drowned. Following her father’s death, her mother marries Bob, a violent man who terrorises and abuses both women. Dahlia learns she has lost six years of childhood memories and records her mother’s testimony in a journal. Several years later, Dahlia writes Daddy Issues, an autobiographical novel based on her dysfunctional family and traumatic childhood experiences. Published under the penname of Frances Slater to protect her identity, the novel becomes a worldwide bestseller. But when Dahlia’s real identity is mysteriously exposed, she is unwittingly thrust into the limelight and back into the arms of her ex-lover, Roland, an a-list Hollywood actor. The couple rekindle their relationship, but Dahlia is tormented by a secret stalker, who seems to know much more about her past than revealed in her novel. As the stalker closes in, Dahlia finally learns the truth about her childhood, and the real cause of her father’s death. The Truth by DF Kennedy is a tense, gripping and emotional semi-autobiographical novel, loosely based on the authors own experiences. The author successfully interweaves a story of horrific abuse and childhood trauma, with joyous, light-hearted moments of love and romance. Dahlia is a well-developed, complex character, with complex relationships. Readers will empathise with her and route for her, but will equally be frustrated by her decisions. This is the first volume in a planned series, and ends on a thrilling cliff-hanger. I can’t wait to read the next instalment in this series. The book will appeal to readers of drama fiction, suspense, and women’s fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A tense, gripping and emotional semi-autobiographical novel, which successfully interweaves a story of horrific abuse and childhood trauma with a beautiful love story. Purchase here

< Back Cynthia Hughes Can I Be President of the United States at 8? Author Cynthia Hughes encourages young people to follow their dreams. Can I Be President of the United States at 8? By author Cynthia Hughes is a small book with a very big message. The children ask their teacher a big question – Can I be President, or even Vice-President, at the age of eight? The teacher explains that it is a very long journey to become the President or Vice President of the United States, but if one imagines it, works hard at school and college, demonstrates good values, and follows their dreams, one might very well become the President by the age of forty-eight. With positive, diverse images of young people, the book will inspire young people to follow their dreams. It will provide hope and encouragement that anyone can be successful in life, if they believe in themselves and work hard: ‘If you can see it, you can be it!” With positive affirmations throughout the book, the book will help young people develop confidence and self-belief, and could inspire young people to get involved in politics. Maybe in a few years, we might hear of a politician who was inspired to enter politics or the presidential race after reading this book! The digital illustrations by Debra Gordon, are bright and engaging for younger readers, and include a diverse representation of young people, which readers will relate to. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An inspirational book for young people, which will help them develop confidence and self-belief, and encourage them to follow their dreams. Purchase here