This week my children's book reviews include a magnificent middle grade mystery, an entertaining board book about farm life, a horrible history of seafaring Britain and Ireland and a feminist coming-of-age drama.
BOOK
OF THE WEEK
WINTERBORNE
HOME FOR VENGEANCE AND VALOUR BY ALLY CARTER
CHILDREN
9+
When
11-year-old orphan April joins Winterborne Home she discovers its
missing heir Gabriel Winterborne living in the secret basement. Can
April and her fellow orphans save Gabriel from his murderous family?
Can they uncover the mystery of the ghostly Sentinel? A rip-roaring
adventure bursting with excitement and escapades. The diverse cast
and twists and turns will grip children until it's ending. Lemony
Snicket meets The Goonies.
Orchard
PB £6.99
WHAT
CAN YOU SEE? BY JASON KORSNER & HANNAH ROUNDING
PICTURE
BOOK 4+
A
collection of gently rhyming verses which encourage the young to look
at the world around them. Children and adults will have great fun
spotting themes and will be inspired to play spot the object. What's
on your plate, in the bathroom, lounge or garden? A fun way to play a
game, explore your home and take a break from the digital world if
necessary. Gorgeous pen and wash illustrations make this a treat.
Graffeg
PB £7.99
HORRIBLE
HISTORIES: ALL AT SEA BY TERRY DEARY & MARTIN BROWN
CHILDREN
8+
A
rollicking and stormy journey around Britain and Irelands seafaring
history. Children will be fascinated by the Viking attack on St
Davids, how Welsh heroine Jemima Nicholas saved Britain from a French
invasion and the dastardly wreckers of South Wales. There are also
fishy tales of traditions and superstitions.Written in digestible
segments with witty line illustrations and cartoons reluctant readers
and future sailors will be hooked. Ship Ahoy!
PB
Scholastic £6.99
RULES
FOR BEING A GIRL BY CANDACE BUSHNELL & KATIE COTUGNO
YOUNG
ADULT 14+
Marin
is bright and heading to the Ivy League. When Marin's favourite
English teacher, Mr Beckett kisses her no one believes her. To make
herself heard and show solidarity for all girls she writes an article
on misogyny and sexism. But the backlash is unexpected. Can Marin
retain her self-respect and her friends? A witty and inspiring
coming-of-age feminist drama about what girls have a right to expect.
Moxie meets Legally Blonde.
Macmillan
PB £7.99