< 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

< Back I.K. Silver Little Wanderers: The Everlasting Seasons A tiny dwarf goes on a big adventure into the unknown, by author I.K. Silver Snowy is a tiny, grumpy dwarf who lives in the Winter Village, where winter lingers all year long. He spends his days cutting down trees in the forest, in the freezing snow and biting winds, but he dreams of adventure and a better life. Snowy hasn’t ventured beyond the village, and wants to explore the outside world. When he reads a book about the Originem, a village from another age and time, where there is undiscovered treasure, and the sun always shines and the green grass grows, he decides that’s where he must go. So he packs his bags and leaves the pearly white village to find the Originem and its hidden treasure. Snowy sets off and meets a new friend, Kokoro, and together they travel through magical lands, where they meet lots of strange creatures and encounter many dangers along the way. Their journey is long and hard, but before they reach their final destination, the friends must first solve the mysteries surrounding the four villages of everlasting seasons. Little Wanderers: The Everlasting Seasons is a captivating fantasy adventure book by author IK Silver, with a multitude of interesting creatures and characters, an enticing plot, and a magical world that will engage middle grade readers. This is an action-packed book, full of imagination, exploration and adventure, which will appeal to those who enjoy fantasy fiction and adventure stories. Snowy is a unique, funny and strong-willed character, who shows strength, courage and determination to leave his home and follow his dream. The book has all the key ingredients for a wonderful fantasy fiction story, a magical world, adventure and danger, colourful characters, and valuable life lessons. The book is most suited to younger readers in this age category. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A captivating fantasy adventure, with a multitude of interesting characters, an enticing plot, and a magical world that will engage middle grade readers. 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 Nikita Kapoor Pack of the Lost- The Uninviting Forest Two young wolves must face their fears and enter a dangerous forest, by author Nikita Kapoor A pack of majestic wolves live peacefully in a cave on the edge of the forest on a crooked mountain. But when the roof collapses and the cave crumbles, two young wolves, Daffodil and Jasper, become separated from the pack. Jasper tries to persuade Daffodil to search for the pack in the forbidden, uninviting forest. The forest has hidden dangers and Daffodil is scared, but she won’t allow Jasper to journey alone. She reluctantly agrees, and together they venture into the depths of the forest. Jasper and Daffodil are chased by hungry tigers, and become separated. Jasper desperately searches for Daffodil, and whilst trying to avoid danger, he meets two dogs, Cosmo and Nova. Meanwhile, Daffodil is lost, scared and alone, deep in the forest. She meets a white wolf named Iris and finds a magical amulet, with a connection to her ancestors and the wolf god, Felix. The ghost of Felix helps the pair out of danger and the friends are reunited, but Daffodil is troubled by inner turmoil, and Jasper is haunted by a disturbing dream. Will the pair ever find their way out of the uninviting forest? And can they rebuild their pack? The Uninviting Forest, by ten-year old author Nikita Kapoor, is an imaginative, magical, fantasy fiction novel for middle grade readers. This is the first book in the Pack of the Lost series, and is packed full of action and adventure. The two main characters show strength, determination and leadership skills, as they face their fears and overcome many challenges in the forest. With excellent writing for someone so young, superb world-building, and captivating characters, Nikita Kapoor is a talent to watch out for. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An imaginative, magical, fantasy fiction novel, packed full of action and adventure. Purchase here

< Back Michael Dow Nurse Florence Why and How Do We Sneeze? A lesson in sneezing from Nurse Florence, by author Michael Dow Friends, Jean, Condi, and Sonia are playing together in the playground, when suddenly Sonia sneezes. At lunch time they sit with Nurse Florence, and Sonia explains that she sneezed whilst playing outside, and asks her to explain why. Nurse Florence explains that there are many different reasons why people sneeze, but one common cause of sneezing is caused by different types of allergens that are present in the air we breathe, such as dust mites, bacteria and pollen. She explains what people can do to reduce sneezing, such as trying to avoid the allergens that make you sneeze, and allergy medications for those who sneeze a lot. Nurse Florence, Why and How Do We Sneeze? By Michael Dow is an educational and entertaining book for young readers about the human body, and why and how people sneeze. This book introduces readers to the human body, biology and medicine, in a fun, engaging, accessible and age-appropriate way for younger readers. The book will help children understand medical terminology and build vocabulary about the human body, and is a great resource for parents, carers, teachers and medical professionals to help explain the workings of the human body to younger aged children. Inspired by the work of Florence Nightingale, this book also provides a great introduction to the role of the nurse, and is ideal for those who are interested in nursing, medicine, science and other healthcare professions. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An educational and entertaining book for young readers about the human body. Highly recommended. 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

< Back Mary Myers Pocket Watch Portal Adventure Book blurb... Introducing Pocket Watch Portal Adventures - a thrilling, heart-warming tale that will captivate your imagination and inspire your heart. The Story of siblings Justice, Teddy, Ellie, baby Artie, and their fearless Uncle Jeff, an ancient pocket watch becomes their ticket to the extraordinary. From prehistoric jungles teeming with dinosaurs to futuristic cities of flying cars and holographic zoos, every twist in time is brimming with wonder and danger. But when a shocking mishap strands them in the year 2525, they find themselves in a world without trees, familiar food, or faith. As they fight to survive, they discover that courage, love, and belief are the greatest tools they have. Meanwhile, their heroic father, Christopher, embarks on a daring mission across time itself to bring his family home - proving that love knows no bounds. Purchase here

< Back Aaron Derr Baseball Buddies Building a Team Can new team captain Luis motivate a team of baseball players? Eleven-year-old Luis has recently moved from Texas to Ohio and misses his old friends. He joins the McIntyre Manatees, a community baseball team of boys and girls from the local neighborhood. It is the first day of practice, and he meets his coach, Joe, and his new teammates. Joe explains that now the players are a little older, it is time for them to take more of a leadership role in the team. He asks each player to describe their reason for playing baseball, and Luis explains he plays baseball to have fun. Joe selects Luis as the new team captain, because although baseball is about working hard and trying to win, it’s mainly about having fun. But Luis is not happy. He has never been a captain before and does not think he would make a good leader. The Manatees have three weeks to get ready for their first game and Coach Joe helps Luis prepare the team. Luis thinks the team are working too hard, and not enjoying the practice. They start to incorporate more fun into the practice, but soon the players are having too much fun! Luis calls a players-only meeting to try and improve their game, but some of the team are not happy with the new arrangement and only one player turns up to the meeting. Can Luis bring the team together? And how can he motivate the team to work hard, whilst still having fun? Baseball Buddies: Building a Team is a baseball-themed chapter book for middle grade readers by Aaron Derr. The book follows Luis’s journey as he joins a new baseball team in a new town and is immediately given the responsibility of team captain. Luis is a reluctant captain, but with help from his coach, he develops confidence and leadership qualities. The book shows that anything is possible with a little guidance and a positive mindset. It demonstrates the importance of friendship, teamwork, commitment, and fun, both on and off the field. This is a fun and entertaining book that will help young readers develop confidence and self-esteem. It might also inspire young readers to take up leadership roles, in sport or elsewhere. Perfect for budding baseball players, and anyone interested in sport and other team adventures. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, entertaining and inspiring baseball themed chapter book, with a positive message about the importance of friendship, teamwork, commitment, and fun. Purchase here

< Back Claudine C Wargel Hattie and Dirks Great Garden Surprise The second instalment in The Adventures of Hattie Mae Bramble series Twelve-year-old Hattie Mae lives on a farm in Central Illinois. She dreams of becoming a veterinarian and enjoys helping out with the farm animals, but is less keen on tending to the plants, especially in the hot Illinois summer. Halloween is approaching and Hattie is looking at the pumpkins in Mr Pinchly’s garden shop, with her little brother, Dirk. They notice how expensive the pumpkins are and think they could produce their own pumpkins on their farm, for a fraction of the cost. When they bump into Dirk’s friend who cannot afford to buy a pumpkin, the siblings have an idea to make sure every kid has a pumpkin for the next Halloween. Hattie and Dirk are carving pumpkins with the 4-H club in their garden. The session ends with a messy pumpkin fight, and squidgy pumpkin guts splattered all over the ground. In the spring, Hattie and Dirk plant their pumpkin seeds, and look after the seedlings carefully. But during the summer, their piglets escape and trample all over the pumpkin patch. Most of the pumpkin plants are destroyed, but in the fall Hattie and Dirk harvest a small number of pumpkins and sell them from their farm. But little do they know, following their pumpkin fight the previous year, there is a surprise hidden away in their back garden. Hattie and Dirk’s Great Garden Surprise is a delightful book for middle grade readers by Claudine C. Wargel, and the second book in The Adventures of Hattie Mae Bramble series. Set in the 1970s, on a Central Illinois farm, this is a charming story of a twelve-year-old girl, and her adventures with her little brother. The book beautifully captures the essence of rural life, during a time before cell phones, the internet, computer gaming and social media. It is a reminder of a simpler life when children could play in their natural environment without external distractions. But it is not all play, as Hattie and Dirk have to help out on the farm and complete their daily chores. Hattie and Dirk learn important lessons about responsibility and perseverance, and the rewards of hard work. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautiful story, delicately crafted to evoke a sense of nostalgia for simpler times. Purchase here

< Back E.M. Schorb FIVE AND TEN, A Fairy Tale, a Few Poems, and a Fable Five and Ten, A Fairy Tale, a Few Poems, and a Fable is a collection of previously published stories and poems by author E.M. Schorb. The stories and poems are accompanied by a small number of sweet, hand drawn, illustrations by the authors’ daughters. The first story is a traditional fairy-tale called The Golden Squirrel about the Czar of Russia who asked his magician to perform a magic poem to turn his son, Prince Leo, into a golden squirrel. By turning his son into a squirrel, he hoped to bring him home from China in secret, and to protect him from being stolen by his enemies. Prince Leo, in the guise of a little squirrel, faces a perilous journey back to Russia, where he comes face to face with his fathers’ enemies, and a great white bear. The collection includes six sweet and funny, cleverly crafted poems, The Ghost Shop, The Riddle of the Clock, Monsieur Elan, Instant Angels, The Squid, Sock Puppets Song, The Horrid Truth, and The Rubber Church. My particular favourite from this collection is, It Must Have Been the Angels, which beautifully describes the wonder of nature and humankind. This is a beautiful collection of traditional poems and stories, reminiscent of a time gone by. Reading this book, I was taken back to my own childhood, sitting on my grandmother’s knee, whilst she read poetry. I hope young readers will get to experience the same joy and wonder whilst sharing this book with their loved ones. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy poetry and those who enjoy classic fables and fairy tales. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful, sentimental collection of poems, fables and fairy tales that will be treasured by readers forever. Purchase here

< Back Rachel Goguen Sticks Paws & Pucks - The Championship Game Brothers, Owen and Liam, are coaches for the Boston Hockey Team. It is the most important game of the season as Boston face their opponents, the Wilds, in the championship game. Owen and Liam meet their fellow coaches and the players to prepare for the big game. The team head to the rink, and greet the fans who are hoping for a glimpse of their favorite player. Boston start well and lead the game at the end of the first quarter. The coaches gather the players in the locker room and provide motivation and encouragement for the second period. But during the second period, one of the Boston players, Billy, is injured when the puck hits his leg. Billy is forced to retire from the game, but the other players are not discouraged. The coaches and the players become even more determined to win the trophy for the team. Sticks Paws & Pucks - The Championship Game is a book for newly independent readers by author Rachel Goguen. The story follows the Boston Hockey Team coaches and players as they prepare for, and play in, the biggest game of the season – the championship game. But, when the game doesn’t quite go according to plan, the Boston players and coaches show teamwork, perseverance and determination to finish the game. Goguen masterfully captures the camaraderie of the team and the fast paced excitement of hockey, while weaving in themes of friendship and resilience. Young hockey players and other athletes will enjoy this fun and inspiring story. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A fun and action-packed story about a hockey team, determined to win the championship. A perfect pick for hockey fans. Purchase here

< Back Kristin Nilsen Worldwide Crush: A Novel Rory Calhoun is a teen popstar with perfect teeth and messy hair who’s inspiring first crushes all over the globe. Millie Jackson is just one of the millions of fans who love him—but that doesn't mean her heart doesn't break for him every single day in this laugh-out-loud coming-of-age story. How many of Rory’s fans collect “data” about him in a special notebook hidden in their underwear drawer? Or have faked a fascination with whale migration for a chance to visit his hometown? Millie may not be Rory’s only fan at Susan B. Anthony Middle School, but she's convinced she's the biggest—and the best. Rory’s new song “Worldwide Crush” is climbing the charts, and his lyrics are clear: he’s looking for love—and he’s looking in the audience. Meaning Millie’s secret fantasies of running in the surf and eating waffles with him may not be crazy after all . . . she could be that girl! But first she has to get to his concert—his completely sold-out concert in a city nowhere near her home for which she does not have tickets or a ride. She just has to figure out how. Purchase here