< Back Hans Ness Rolo and the Legend of Jack Bones Rolo and the Legend of Jack Bones is the third installment in Hans Ness’s imaginative and witty middle-grade series. The series follows the adventures of Rolo, a human boy raised by a troupe of animals on a future Earth where cats, dogs, and other creatures have been genetically engineered to be intelligent and larger than life. Like its predecessor, Rolo on the Planet of the Cats, this novel delivers a rollicking, heartfelt, and thought-provoking adventure that stands on its own while expanding the series’ rich world. Rolo’s ordinary school field trip takes a wild turn when he’s swept away on the legendary pirate ship, the Jolly Wagger, commandeered by the infamous houndrel Jack Bones and his canine crew. Trapped at sea with pirates who have never met a human before, Rolo befriends Jojo, a teen dog with her own complicated family history. As they journey through the pun-filled Catibbean, Rolo learns the truth behind the houndrels’ exile by the Felion Empire and witnesses the ongoing struggle between cats and dogs. The story weaves together daring escapes, pirate raids, a cuddly kraken named Scuddly, and a looming naval confrontation, all while exploring themes of loyalty, prejudice, and the search for belonging. Ness’s writing sparkles with humor and clever wordplay. The world-building is inventive, blending futuristic technology with classic pirate lore and animal antics. The cast is diverse and memorable, including the gruff but noble Jack Bones, the conflicted Jojo, and a host of quirky pirate dogs. The novel balances fast-paced action with emotional depth, particularly in Jojo’s journey to understand her family and her place in a divided world. Perfect for ages 8–12 and anyone who loves animal adventures, pirate tales, or stories with both humor and heart. The book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series, and is sure to delight fans of Rolo on the Planet of the Cats with its blend of action, laughs, and meaningful messages. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A captivating, clever, and compassionate adventure that will leave readers cheering for its heroes and reflecting on the importance of understanding and unity. Highly recommended. Purchase here

< Back L.T. Caton Find Me In Time: Meeting Columbus A group of friends find a time-travelling treehouse, by author L.T. Caton Five friends, Ashley, Emma, Keith, Aaron, and Harry are playing hide and seek in the woods, when they find a mysterious ladder against a tree. They climb the ladder and discover a small tree house. The friends enter the tree house, and realize it’s much larger than it appears on the outside. As they explore the tree house, it suddenly shakes violently, and the five friends are transported to a strange place. They find a family on the run, hiding out in the treehouse. But no sooner have they realised they have transported back in time; they are suddenly thrown forward to the present. Shocked and amazed at their new discovery, they learn more about the powers of the treehouse. The friends start the ‘Tree House Club’ and plan their next time travel adventure. They ask the treehouse to transport them back to Guanahani in 1492, just before Christopher Columbus’s ships arrived in the Caribbean Island and started a colony. They find themselves on the beach in the middle of the Taino tribe, where they are welcomed and treated like important visitors. The powers of the treehouse make them look like tribespeople, and they can speak and understand their language. As the friends become more acquainted with the tribe, they are excited to see the arrival of Columbus’s ships on the horizon. Columbus and his crew arrive on the island, and the friends get caught up in an altercation between the natives and explorers. They are suddenly transported back to safety, but decide to travel back to 1494, two years after the event. When they return to Guanahani, they discover the devastating impact of Columbus’s arrival. Find Me in Time: Meeting Columbus by author L.T. Caton is a super time-travelling adventure for middle grade readers. A group of friends are transported back to 1942 when Christopher Columbus first discovered Guanahani, but the friends soon discover he is not quite the hero they expected him to be. This book is fun and entertaining, but it is also insightful and educational as it tries to present a more accurate picture of a significant event in human history. It will challenge readers perspectives, and help them to understand the importance of ‘truth’ in history. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A super time-travelling adventure, that will challenge readers perspectives. Purchase here

< Back Wittingly Yours You Are Enough, Just as You Are (Yes! It's True) You Are Enough by Wittingly Yours is a heartfelt and empowering book that gently reminds young readers of their self-worth and individuality. Through poetic verses and soothing imagery, the author crafts a message of self-acceptance, resilience, and the importance of embracing one's unique journey. The tone is compassionate and uplifting, making it a comforting read for anyone struggling with self-doubt or societal pressures. The book emphasizes that self-worth is not defined by external validation, material possessions, or social media likes. Instead, it encourages readers to treasure their inner qualities, scars, and experiences, as these are what make them truly unique. The recurring affirmation, "You are enough," acts as a mantra, urging readers to embrace their authentic selves and reject the urge to conform to societal molds. The poetic structure flows beautifully. The verses are simple yet profound, making them accessible to a wide audience. The imagery of nature, such as blooming flowers and growing trees, is used effectively to symbolize personal growth and the importance of patience in one's journey. The book also touches on themes of resilience, reminding readers that mistakes and setbacks are natural parts of life and essential for growth. You Are Enough by Wittingly Yours is a beautifully written picture book for younger readers. With its simplicity and heartfelt message, this book would make a valuable addition to anyone's collection of inspirational literature. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A beautifully written and heart-warming book that gently reminds young readers of their self-worth and individuality. Purchase here

< Back Christine Corrigan Mendez Leo Gets His Nighttime ZZZs Leo loves sport. He is always busy, doing this, doing that, doing everything! But, because Leo is busy doing lots of different activities, he gets tired sometimes. Leo often wakes up during the night and cannot get back to sleep. He thinks about all the things he needs to do and the places he needs to be. He tries new techniques to get back to sleep, but nothing seems to work. One day, Leo falls asleep during class, and another day he falls asleep while playing in a soccer match! Leo’s good friends are members of the Kids Can Club and Leo decides to join. The Kids Can Club take on all kinds of projects to help kids, animals and grown-ups too. Leo shares his story with the Kids Can Club, and they make it their next mission to help Leo get back to sleep. Leo learns a new technique called the ‘Scrunch up-Five Unscrunch’, which he uses to get back his nighttime ZZZ’s. Leo Gets His Nighttime ZZZs is an illustrated picture book for newly independent readers, by author Christine Corrigan Mendez. This is an engaging and insightful book for young readers about a young boy who struggles to sleep. He tries everything to get back to sleep, but cannot do it on his own. With a little help from his friends at the Kids Can Club, Leo learns new techniques for a restful night’s sleep. The book will help young readers understand why they might struggle to sleep, and provides practical tips to help them get a good night’s sleep. The story emphasises the importance of friendship and teamwork, and will encourage young readers to share their problems or concerns with others. With full guidance on the ‘Scrunch up-Five Unscrunch’ technique, this is a fabulous resource for children and their parents or caregivers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An engaging and insightful book, with practical strategies to help young children have a restful night’s sleep. Purchase here

< Back Lori Giesey The Ascent Book blurb... “But what if I can’t?” Maddie, Charlie, and Sophi are excited about their first ever Cousin Camp. With Mima’s knack for adventure, Papa’s mischievous antics, and no parents allowed, they’re sure to have a grand time! When unexpected struggles arise during scavenger hunts, deep cave explorations, and a daunting hike, they must learn to work together to overcome their fears and take the next right step, or miss out on the adventure and the biggest discovery—that they can do hard things. After three decades of facilitating adventures for youth and adults in both personal and professional settings, Mima (aka Lori Giesey) is capturing the most memorable moments from real-life events in Cousin Camp Chronicles, a series of purposeful adventures curated to help young children cultivate their imagination, sense of wonder, and belief in themselves. Join a growing group of cousins who learn they are stronger than they think, especially when they work together. Avid adventurer Mima (aka Lori Giesey) finds joy in helping others discover their strengths and power. Purchase here

< Back Hazem Nassar The Diversity Cube and the Cloud Wizard An evil wizard causes disharmony amongst the squares on a Rubik’s Cube. All of the squares on a Rubik’s Cube were different colors, had different names and spoke different languages. For years, the squares lived in peace and harmony with one another. Amongst the squares, six best friends (the ‘Bestest Six’) decided to host an annual festival to celebrate their diversity. They invited the other squares on the cube to join them, and the festival was a success, as each square learned more about their neighbours. But after the festival, one orange square ‘Orong’ made unkind comments about the other squares. An evil wizard named Druff overheard the conversation and decided to spread his hatred, to separate the squares. At the next festival, the squares refused to move, and the wizard cast a spell to freeze the cube. As the Bestest Six try to restore harmony to the cube, a battle ensues with the evil wizard. Can the six best friends defeat the evil wizard? And will harmony ever be restored to the diversity cube? The Diversity Cube And The Cloud Wizard by author and illustrator Hazem Nassar, is a unique and imaginative picture book for older children about diversity and inclusion. Nassar uses the squares and colours of a simple Rubik’s Cube to show the importance of unity and acceptance of others. The message is delivered in a simple way, that children will easily understand. It’s hard to imagine how an inanimate object will resonate with readers, but through the bright and vivid illustrations, Nassar brings the squares’ characters and story to life. The book will serve as a useful tool to discuss unity and diversity with children. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A unique and imaginative picture book for older children about diversity and inclusion. Purchase here

< Back J.T. Tenera Erift's Journeys: Secrets of The Sealed Forest A magical adventure, inspired by video game fantasy, by author JT Tenera It’s Joseph Erift’s last day of eleventh grade, and he can’t wait to spend the summer playing video games with his best friend, Eric. During school, he has a run-in with a troublesome rich-kid, Clyde, and bumps into a mysterious elderly man in the school corridor, but the last day is rather uneventful. But when Joseph returns home, he finds a special package has been delivered, notifying him that he has qualified for two, all-expenses paid tickets to the tropical islands of Murean. The trip includes a professional demonstration of a new video game, but there are strict instructions not to tell anyone else about the trip, including his parents. Joseph invites his friend Eric, and the two friends sneak out of their houses and cycle all the way to the airport to catch their flight. Arriving in the remote Murean Islands, Joseph and Eric meet Professor Benjamin Thessit, a coffee-addicted, eccentric man conducting research into a powerful and ancient force...Magic. The teens soon discover that the Professor has lured them to the island under false pretences, and their mission is to hunt down a man named Ryan Morter, who has stolen important pieces of his research. So, rather than watch a demonstration of a new video game, the teens find themselves in a real-life gaming adventure, where they must discover their hidden abilities and the magic within themselves. Erift's Journeys: Secrets of The Sealed Forest is the first book in a new series, by debut author J.T. Tenera. It is a magnificent, fantasy story about two young men who go on a magical gaming adventure. The book is easy to follow, the characters are beautifully developed, and the world building is…Magic! Inspired by video game fantasy and anime, this book is packed full of action, magic and adventure. With lots of gaming references, the book will particularly appeal to middle grade readers and fans of fantasy fiction, animated series and video games. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A magnificent, fantasy story with beautifully developed characters, and magical world building. Purchase here

< Back Sara Kale My 1st Book of AI : An Easy Introduction to Artificial Intelligence for Kids My 1st Book of AI by Sara Kale is an introduction to artificial intelligence for young children. With its gentle tone and engaging examples, this book attempts to demystify AI, making it approachable and understandable for ages 3 to 7. Children are invited to explore what AI is - explaining that it stands for "Artificial Intelligence," a tool made by people to help with everyday tasks. The book uses relatable analogies, like comparing AI to a hammer or pencil, to show that AI is not a person, but a helpful tool that lives inside computers and devices. It reassures young readers that AI does not have feelings, cannot love, and is always under human control. The book shines in its focus on safety and responsible use. Children are encouraged to always ask a trusted adult before using new apps or sharing information, and to treat their privacy as something precious. Through playful activities, like sorting pictures just like AI does, kids are invited to think critically and creatively, learning that their own curiosity and kindness are what make any tool truly powerful. The book emphasises the importance on real-life connections. It reminds children that while AI can be helpful in finding information, reading aloud, or helping doctors, real friendships and family time matter most. The closing pages encourage kids to put down their screens, play outside, and spend time with loved ones, reinforcing that people are irreplaceable. Parents and educators will appreciate the conversation starters and practical advice woven throughout, making this book perfect for shared reading and discussion. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A warm, reassuring, and age-appropriate guide to the world of AI. Purchase here

< Back Ona Gritz August Or Forever Sisters reunited, by author Ona Gritz Ten-year-old Molly lives with her mom and dad in upstate New York. She has an older half-sister, Alison, who is an art student and lives in London with her mom. Molly has only met Alison once, but they communicate regularly via letter, email and on video chats. When Molly overhears her mom and dad talking about Alison visiting their home, she is overjoyed. She cannot wait to spend time with the sister she adores and dearly misses. But Molly is disappointed to hear that Alison will only be visiting for a month in August, and hatches a plan to try and get her to stay permanently. With her best friend, Diane, Molly clears the garage to create an art studio for Alison, and she tries to persuade her dad to give her a job as an art teacher at their school. Molly creates a special Sister Book for Alison, full of precious photographs and childhood memories of the pair growing up in different continents. But, when Alison arrives in New York, Holly soon realises that sibling relationships are not as easy as she imagined. Molly becomes jealous of her older sister, and starts to resent her taking over her room. Molly accidently breaks Alison’s cherished glass pendant, and the relationship between the siblings becomes strained. When Molly discovers the Sister Book is missing, she is convinced Alison has destroyed it, and plans to spend the rest of the summer at camp, to avoid spending any more time with her wicked sister. Did Alison destroy the precious Sister Book ? Can Molly and Alison repair their broken relationship? And will Alison make a permanent home in New York, or return back to London? August or Forever, is a charming and beautifully written book for young readers, by author Ona Gritz. The story is about two siblings separated by divorce, who are reunited after many years living apart, in different countries. Convincingly told from the perspective of a ten-year-old girl, the book captures Molly’s fears, anxieties and insecurities as she meets her sister for the second time. Despite their differences, and time apart, the siblings share a deep bond and love for one another. With likeable and endearing characters, and a captivating plot that many readers will relate to, this book will appeal to young readers and teens. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An endearing book about the unique and powerful bond between sisters. Purchase here

< Back Edwina Dorch Summertime and The Livin' is Easy A young girls faith is tested to the limit, by author Edwina Dorch Jasmine, a ten-year-old Black American girl, is helping her mother, who works as a maid for the Harris family. Dr and Mrs Harris, and their daughter Cindy, are a wealthy family, who live in an affluent gated neighbourhood. Jasmine admires Cindy’s clothes and shoes, and her many books that could fill a public library. Dr Harris notices Jasmine’s tattered shoes that are held together by safety pins, and Mrs Harris gives Jasmine a bag of Cindy’s unworn clothes and shoes. Jasmine dreams of becoming a preacher, but as she compares her own life to Cindy’s privileged life, she loses her faith in God. At home, Jasmine and her older brother Frankie, are berated by their abusive stepfather, and escape the house to play hide and seek in the backyard. Their stepfather orders Jasmine and Frankie to the store to buy bread, and they use the opportunity to have a little summertime fun. On the way to the store, Frankie dares Jasmine to open the door of a derelict ‘ghost’ house, and Frankie finds an old, discarded wheel. But when they get to the store, Jasmine discovers she has lost her stepfathers money, and fears what her stepfather might do when they return home. The siblings search for the money, but Jasmine falls down a hill and into a manhole. Frankie helps her out, and luckily, she is unharmed. As the pair return home to face their stepfather, with no bread and no money. Jasmine feels lost and powerless, and turns to God for help. Summertime and the Livin' is Easy by author Edwina Dorch is a powerful middle grade story about a young black girl growing up in North America, trying to make sense of the world around her. This is a short and simple novel, that deals with complex issues of poverty and privilege, power and abuse. Jasmine is an authentic and endearing character, and many readers will relate to her experience. Overall, this is a powerful and thought provoking book, but the symbolism might be lost on some readers of this age category. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful middle grade story about a young black girl growing up in North America. 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

< Back Heather Mateus Sappenfield The River Between Hearts A young girls’ American Dream is thwarted when her family is deported, by author Heather Mateus Sappenfield Ten-year-old Rill Kruse reluctantly follows her cat to Fort Kruse, the tree house built by her father. Fort Kruse is a special place for Rill and the Kruse family, but she hasn’t visited since her father went missing over a year ago, following a kayaking accident on the Colorado river. Krill refuses to accept her father is gone, and believes he is lost somewhere down the river and will return home safely one day. As she enters the tree house, Krill is surprised to see a young girl, about the same age as her, hiding out in the tree house. She recognises the girl, but when she tries to approach her, the girl runs away. Rill eventually catches up with the girl, and learns her name is Perla. Perla is a Mexican immigrant, whose family have been caught by immigration services, taken into custody, and sent back to Mexico. Rill befriends Perla and allows Perla to hide out in the tree house. She brings her clothing, a sleeping bag, and food to eat, and helps her to write a letter to her family in Mexico. The two girls become good friends and Rill learns more about Perla’s family, their difficult life in Mexico, and their treacherous journey to the United States. As Rill comforts Perla, she starts to think about the loss of her own father, and slowly begins to accept that he will never return home. The River Between Hearts is a heartfelt, emotional novel for middle grade readers about two young girls, from different countries and different cultures, who share similar experiences of loss and grief. Despite their cultural differences, and some language barriers, the girls realise they share many things in common, and develop a close friendship. The book deals with difficult socio-political issues, such as death, illegal immigration, deportation and discrimination, in a way that young people will understand and relate to. Whilst the book deals with difficult issues, it is a wonderful story of love, friendship, compassion, hope and courage. A great novel for middle grade readers, but would also appeal to teens and adults alike. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartfelt, emotional novel for middle grade readers about two young girls who find a connection through unimaginable loss. Purchase here