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< Back Kat Farrow Bobbin and the Magic Thief Can a young faerie rescue her friend from an evil thief? Miss Bobbin, a head-strong young Spindle Faerie, is an outsider in the realm of the Eastern Faeries. But she needs all the help she can get from her fae-folk when her best friend, Heddy, is stolen. One day, whilst out exploring the woods, Bobbin and Heddy approach the millers cottage. The friends know they are forbidden to get close to humans, but Heddy is attracted to something in the cottage. Entranced by the millers’ daughter singing, Heddy enters the cottage and dances on the spinning wheel. Bobbin tries to coax her out of the cottage, but Heddy is snatched suddenly by a flying sack. Bobbin chases the sack and finds the thief; a strange, little man. She chases the thief but soon loses sight of him. Unable to find her friend, Bobbin seeks the help of the fair Queen Maeb. She pleads with the Queen to help her, but the Queen makes it clear that Bobbin must rescue Heddy herself, because she is the one responsible for her disappearance. As Bobbin sets out on her mission to locate the thief and rescue her friend, she joins allies with a host of woodland creatures. But unbeknownst to Bobbin, the thief has another, more sinister motive for stealing Heddy. When Bobbin learns of the thief’s plot, she is forced to break the faerie law in order to save her best friend. Will Bobbin save her friend? Or will the thief achieve his goal and destroy the Spindle Faeries? Bobbin and the Magic Thief: A Spindle Faerie Tale is the first book in the fantasy fiction series, by author Kat Farrow. The story is a retelling of the classic Rumpelstiltskin fairytale, with a magical infusion of faeries. In this imaginative adaptation, the author transports the reader to an enchanting faerie realm, full of charming characters, wonder, and adventure . The plot, while retaining some of the original Rumpelstiltskin story, takes on many twists and turns. Bobbin is a delightful character, and her journey to rescue her friend is also a personal journey of self-discovery. This is a wonderful novel for young readers, combining elements of magic, mystery, and suspense. It will appeal to readers who enjoy traditional fairy tales as well as contemporary fantasy fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A traditional fairy tale reimagined and infused with enchanting faerie magic. 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 Cheryl Johnson Charli's Adventure Journal, Destination Victoria, Texas and Beyond Young explorer, Charli, and her adventures in her hometown, Victoria, Texas. Inspired by a famous explorer from the 1800’s named Ida Phieffer; Charlotte (Charli) Beatriz Phieffer writes stories about her travel adventures in her journal. Charli’s dad travels all over the world with his work, and sometimes Charli travels with him. She loves to explore and learn new things about the different places she visits. In this book, Charli explores her hometown, Victoria in Texas, which was founded two hundred years ago and has a fascinating history. In her journal, Charli captures a series of adventures in Victoria and beyond: from camping at Lake Texana, zoo-keeping at Texas Zoo, and the annual, lighted Christmas parade. There are twenty-two adventures in total and each adventure is captured on a double-page spread. Each spread includes Charli’s personal experience of the adventure, lots of fascinating facts and beautiful photography. It includes the location of the adventure, Charli’s favorite and most interesting things, and a special imagination or adventure challenge, where Charli had to learn something new or take part in a new activity. Charli's Adventure Journal, Destination: Victoria, Texas and Beyond, is a wonderful travel adventure book by author Cheryl Johnson. Written as a journal extract, the book combines a story of a fictional character, with a handy travel resource. Charli is a charming, fun, and adventurous character and I particularly liked the whimsical illustrations. Young people will relate to the character and enjoy reading about her adventures. The travel resource provides lots of fascinating facts and insightful information about each place and can be used by readers to help plan their own travel adventure. I didn’t know much about Victoria before I read this book, but I do now! It has inspired me to visit this fascinating and historical town, and I look forward to reading more about Charli’s other adventures too. Overall, an insightful and entertaining book for adventurers and travel enthusiasts of any age. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, insightful and entertaining story, with a charming protagonist and a handy travel guide of Victoria, Texas. Purchase here

< Back Laurie Anne Zaleski Travels with Ariel - What's up in Baker Lake? Can a young scientist rescue injured caribou and repair a twenty-year-old borehole? Eleven-year-old Ariel is passionate about the earth, rocks, and science. After winning first place in an International Science Fair at school, she is selected for a HER ( Headquarters of Environmental Resolution) mentorship program . As part of the program, she has the opportunity to work alongside real scientists and be part of a real-life scientific investigation. She is given an assignment in Baker Lake, Canada, and travels with her mom and beloved dog, Champ, to a site on the very edge of the Arctic Circle. She meets her mentor, a world-renowned geomorphologist Dr Bryce, and learns that several caribou have been injured near a damaged borehole on the Arctic Tundra. Her mission is to work with the scientists to investigate, repair, and recalibrate the old borehole and safeguard the migrating caribou. Ariel and the team trek to the site and find an injured caribou and her young calf. They secure the site and take the injured caribou back to the town for treatment. As the caribou are treated, the scientists attempt to repair the borehole, so it can continue to capture important data about the terrain. Will the caribou recover from their injuries? Can they be released back into the wild to continue their journey? And will the team be able to repair the twenty-year-old borehole to secure the site for future generations? Travels with Ariel - What's up in Baker Lake? by author Laurie Anne Zaleski is a chapter book for newly independent readers about a young girl who goes on a scientific adventure of a lifetime to the Arctic Tundra. Ariel is a charming, likeable, and fun character, with a love for geology and conservation, and a passion for adventure. Her journey is inspiring, as she wins a contest and fulfils her dream to be involved in a real-life scientific investigation. The book is full of interesting facts and figures about the earth, geology, and science in general, and will encourage young readers to explore more about these fascinating subjects. I hope this book will inspire a love of STEM, and the next generation of geologists and scientists. Fascinating, insightful, and inspiring. Who said rocks were boring? Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful, inspiring story about a young geologist who goes on an amazing adventure to the Arctic Tundra, Purchase here

< Back Jo-Ann Scranton Kathi Q Builds a Time Machine? Can Kathi Q fulfil her dream and build the worlds first time travelling machine? Kathi loves to build machines. She can practically build anything and everything from everyday household items. One day, Kathi has an idea. She decides to make the world’s first time-machine. Inside her garage, she connects old buttons, gears, switches, toggles, batteries, and zippers together. Eureka, her time machine is born! But when Kathi switches on her time machine, something very strange happens. Everything and everyone are upside down. She hasn’t built a time machine; she has built an upside-down machine! But Kathi doesn’t worry, she decides being upside down is much more fun anyway. As Kathi uses a pair of suction cups to stick to the floor, she quickly adapts to the upside-down world. But, as everything starts to fall to the ceiling, she soon discovers life upside down is not as fun as it seems. How long will Kathi be stuck upside-down? And can Kathi’s machine make the world the right side up again? Kathi Q. Builds a Time Machine is an illustrated picture book by author Jo-Ann Scranton about a very creative, inventive, and talented young woman who loves to build magnificent machines. But when things don’t go quite to plan, Kathi doesn’t worry and makes the most of the situation. This is a fun book for readers, who will enjoy reading about Kathi’s adventures and the silly situations in which she finds herself. It will encourage young readers to be creative, and might even encourage them to start their own science or technology project! This is a unique and imaginative picture book, with an interesting and memorable protagonist. I would love to read more about Kathi and follow her amazing STEM inspired adventures. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, unique and imaginative picture book about a creative and inventive young woman who loves to build magnificent machines. Purchase here

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

< Back Tricia Copeland Azreya Aztec Priestess A young Aztec girl's journey of courage, self-discovery and emancipation. Azreya is born with light eyes and a mark on her hand. Her parents fear she is cursed, and they seek advice from a shaman, Nukpana, just two days after her birth. Nukpana confirms Azreya is Tepeyollotl, the Aztec god and Lord of Darkness, with hidden powers and the ability to transform into a beast. Nukpana suggests he trains Azreya to subdue her inner beast, help her learn to control it, and harness her gifts. Just before her fourth birthday, Azreya is sent to live with Nukpana. He trains her daily through games, physical activity, and meditation. She connects with her inner beast, a spotted leopard she names Tecuani. She also discovers her special gift is the ability to hear other peoples thoughts and see the future. For many years Azreya is hidden away, but, as Nukpana attempts to reintroduce her into society, she is ridiculed because she is different to other children. As Azreya harnesses her gifts, Nukpana asks her to help him perform his shaman duties incognito. Azreya is able to help many people by looking into their future and diverting them from danger. Soon, word gets out that Nukpana is an exceptional shaman, and he is asked to help the King. But when Azreya learns that Nukpana has lied to the King, and also realises he has exploited her for many years, she decides to escape. Alone, afraid, and scared her inner beast might surface, Azreya goes in search of her family. But, when Nukpana reveals Azreya’s true identity, she is soon pursued by the King and his army. Azreya, Aztec Priestess, by author Tricia Copeland is an engrossing chapter book for middle grade readers based on Aztec mysticism and mythology. The book is told from Azreya’s perspective, a young girl born with special gifts and extraordinary powers. The book follows her journey from birth to her teenage years, as she is torn from her family and forced to live with a shaman who exploits her for his own personal gain. It is a journey of courage, self-discovery, and emancipation, as Azreya fights for her life and her people. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and the illustrations by Matt Maes are divine. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fascinating and engaging book about Aztec mythology for middle grade readers. Purchase here

< Back Eric Westergard Soul Scepter: Time Marauders A time-travelling fantasy adventure to medieval England. Sixteen-year-old Will Donovan is the son of a mass terrorist, who blew up hundreds of people when Will was just a baby. Will was relentlessly bullied by his classmates, and his family received death threats, when he displayed ‘violent genetic predispositions.’ Unbeknownst to Will, his family have special ‘unhuman abilities,’ and he has been watched and monitored by the authorities for years. During a game of paintball, Will and his friend Danny are targeted by a bully named Tanner and his friends. Will and Danny manage to outsmart the bullies, but they are left abandoned in the Idaho desert. When their friends come to rescue them, they are chased and attacked by a militant organization. The friends find themselves in a battle for a powerful scepter in the middle of the desert. When Will inadvertently activates the soul scepter, the friends are transported back in time to medieval England, in the year 1345. As the friends learn how to survive in their new (old) world, they are pursued by the evil Commander Morgan and his army. Soul Scepter: Time Marauders is a historical fantasy fiction, adventure novel by author Eric Westergard, about a group of American teens who travel back in time to medieval England. This is a well written and cleverly crafted novel for young adult readers, full of action, adventure, and many plot twists and turns. With vivid descriptions of medieval England, and a number of historical characters, this is both an entertaining and insightful read. This is an exhilarating, fun filled, time travelling adventure that will appeal to teens and young adult readers who enjoy historical fiction, fantasy, and stories of time-travel. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An exhilarating novel for young adult readers, combining the thrill of time travel with the intrigue of medieval England. Purchase here

< Back Mark Bryan The Asgardian Exchange: The Touch of the Valkyrie A young student of Asgardian magick must learn how to control her powers, and the darkness within her, to help save Asgard from an evil curse, by author Mark Bryan. This book retells the story of the Asgardians, the inhabitants of Asgard, a fictional realm from Norse mythology and the home of the Norse Gods and Goddesses. Teenager, Amanda West, a student of Asgardian magick, and one of a handful of the Favoured of Asgard, is busy helping the Light Elves with a swarm of Hel bees, when a powerful and deadly curse spreads throughout the Nine Realms. The curse, released by the Hel and Wild Hunt, infects people at random, causing fever and madness. Amanda performs a spell to try and stop the curse, but inadvertently sets it loose, wreaking havoc across the Nine Realms. Amanda must master new spells and learn how to control her powers, and the darkness within her, to help the Valkyrie and save the realms from the dark evil. The Asgardian Exchange: The Touch of the Valkyrie by author Mark Bryan is an imaginative, well written, and cleverly crafted fantasy fiction novel, with a complex and gripping plot. Mark Bryan has created a mesmerising, magical, fantasy world, with well-developed and likeable characters. With a strong female protagonist, Amanda, it was great to see the character grow and develop as she battled to protect the Nine Realms. The novel is rooted in Norse mythology and has a perfect blend of dark magic, mysticism, action, adventure, and suspense, which will captivate and engage young adult readers and appeal to fans of this genre. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An imaginative, well written, and cleverly crafted fantasy fiction novel, with a complex and gripping plot. Purchase here

< Back Marsha Tufft The Sea Turtle Spy Project: Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures Book 4 Twelve-year-old Putney Hicks is ready to spring into action. As news spreads of a legendary three-legged turtle laying its eggs, she fears that the bright lights of a nearby porch will tempt the vulnerable babies away from the ocean. And with only ten days left before they hatch, Putney works furiously on a clever prototype to save the newborns before they become easy prey for hungry predators. Just as the ingenious middle schooler makes progress on her design, she’s terrified when her beloved AI companion vanishes. And without her trusted helper by her side, Putney’s frantic efforts to rescue the tiny reptiles could be in jeopardy. With the clock ticking, can she track down her smart sidekick and help the hatchlings survive? The Sea Turtle Spy Project is the energizing fourth book in the award-winning Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures middle grade series. If you like courageous young girls, seaside settings, and science-inspired curiosity, then you’ll love Marsha Tufft’s fun-filled mission. Purchase here

< Back Vali Benson Blood and Silver A gripping story about a young girls fight for survival during the silver rush, from author Vali Benson In 1880, twelve-year-old Carissa Beaumont travels from San Francisco to Tombstone, Arizona, with her mom Lisette, her mom’s employer Lucille, and two other women. They arrive at their new home, Rose Red’s Home for Wayward Ladies, a run-down brothel where Lisette and the women are expected to earn their keep. Soon after their arrival, Red Rose is found brutally murdered, and Lucille takes over operations at the brothel. Lisette becomes sick and Carissa discovers that Lucille has been drugging her mother with Laudanum. Carissa calls the doctor, who introduces her to Miss China Mary, the local drug dealer who controls most of Tombstone. Together they hatch a plan to slowly reduce her mother’s drug supply and wean her off Laudanum. Miss China Mary grows fond of Carissa, and finds her a job tending to women’s hair and cosmetics at the Grand Hotel. But just as Carissa is enjoying her new independence, she makes a remarkable discovery in the hotel basement that will change her life forever. Blood and Silver by Vali Benson is a tense, gripping, historical drama, about the life of a young girl during the 19th century silver rush. Carissa is determined not to follow in her mother’s footsteps and seeks our new friendships and new opportunities. Carissa is a well-developed and relatable character, who shows courage and determination to move on in life, when all hope is lost. Based on real life events, places and characters, the book is an entertaining and educational read about a fascinating time in American history. With plenty of drama and suspense, this book was hard to put down. Well written, with vivid descriptions of a small but rapidly growing town in Arizona, the book will appeal to readers of women’s fiction, historical fiction, and westerns. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An entertaining and educational read about a fascinating time in American history. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Tony M. Quintana Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed A young librarian becomes an unlikely hero, as he is forced into battle against an evil army, by author Tony M. Quintana The city of Azahar is shielded by a protective barrier from the rogue empire of Zaphyrelia, and its evil emperor, Abelon Asedia. Asedia has an army of soldiers and mechanical monsters, known as the Ochre Brigadiers, who terrorise the population. A young library assistant, Dashiel Ermitage, notices a break in the protective barrier around Azahar, and everyone suspects the Ochre Brigadiers might be behind the attack. When one of his friends goes missing following the attack, Dashiel sets out to rescue him and battle Asedia’s evil forces. Dashiel successfully takes down the invading monsters and is approached by members the Cobalt Phantasms, a secret order dedicated to restoring peace and supporting the Zaphyrolean people suffering under the emperor’s tyrannical rule. Dashiel leaves his family and the safety of Azahar to join the Cobalt Phantasms, where he is trained with the Doizemant, a powerful and magical baton given to him by his father. As Dashiel earns his place with the Phantasms, and battles to save Azahar from destruction, his new life is threatened by a long-held secret that, if exposed, could bring his journey to an end. Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed is an exciting and entertaining read, by author Tony M. Quintana. This is a coming-of-age story of a young man, whose wish for excitement and adventure is fulfilled, when he joins an elite order to fight against the evil forces. Dashiel is sweet and unassuming, but courageous and brave. He is a likeable character, that many young people will relate to. I particularly enjoyed Dashiel’s journey and growth throughout the book, and the development of friendships and blossoming love. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, teen, fantasy adventure, with wonderful characters and excellent world-building. Purchase here