Book Review: The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed

 

Book Review The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed Simon & Schuster1992      Four police officers are equited of beating to death a black man called Rodney King. As violence engulfs LA Ashley is trying to focuse on finishing High School but events reveal uncomfortable and hidden truths about the realities of being black even in a protected wealthy environment. This multi-layered story interweaves the rights of passage as a teenager combined with the hurdles about race and class that have to be navigated by people of colour. It is a fascinating and different perspective of real life events seen through the eyes of a fictional teenage girl. A bittersweet journey of self identity and what it means to be black. You are immediately drawn into LA life and the eclectic and engaging group of characters while questioning your own journey through life and seeing events from a different perspective. A gripping and empathetic read that would be excellent for group discussion as it raises many current and ongoing issues as well as being an enjoyable holiday read. 

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW JUNE 29-30

This week my children's book reviews include a young runner with tough choices for middle grade readers, a picture book about a naughty bear's first visit to the cinema, an enchanting circus adventure for middle grade readers and a glittering Bollywood romance for young adults. Perfect for the holidays.

Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

GHOST BY JASON REYNOLDS

CHILDREN 10+

When Ghost is recruited onto an elite running team he must decide what path he must travel. Will he be held back by his traumatic past or will he harness his awesome running talent and win the big race? An exciting coming-of-age urban drama about not letting the challenges and circumstances of life dictate your outcome or dreams. Ghost is a flawed but ultimately inspiring hero who the kids will be cheering on.

ISBN 9781999642525 PB Knights Of £6.99

DAISY AND BEAR BY FABI SANTIAGO

PICTURE BOOK 3+

When Daisy decides to take her friend Bear to the cinema for the first time what could possibly go wrong? Children will love how naughty Bear is. During the film he eats noisily, wriggles around and even answers his phone! The glorious illustrations perfectly capture the twilight of the cinema and the trouble an enormous golden bear can cause. I am sure everyone has experienced their own 'bear' at the cinema or theatre. Hilarious!

ISBN 9781407186696 PB Scholastic £6.99

THE BUTTERFLY CIRCUS BY FRANCESCA ARMOUR-CHELU

CHILDREN 9+

Sisters Tansy and Belle are dazzling trapeze artists until Tansy falls and loses her nerve and Belle mysteriously disappears. When Tansy's shadow comes mysteriously to life can she rediscover her courage and save her sister? Children will fly high with this enchanting circus adventure and its wonderful cast of characters. I loved the gorgeous behind the scene details of the travelling circus. This irresistible story is perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell and Kiran Millwood Hargrave.

ISBN 9781406384369 PB Walker Books £6.99

MY SO-CALLED BOLLYWOOD LIFE BY NISHA SHARMA

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Bollywood film fanatic Winnie is predicted to find love before her eighteenth birthday. But when her fated loved does not transpire she feels lost. Fellow film geek Dev encourages her to find her own happily ever after. A funny and touching romance that celebrates life even when it goes off script. It perfectly encapsulates the ups and downs of growing up while accepting the help of friends, family and even a Bollywood superstar!

ISBN 9781788951463 PB Stripes £7.99

#LoveReadingBookBuzz for Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare

BOOK REVIEW IN ASSOCIATION WITH 

Love Reading Uk

I will be posting my review on each book from The Dark Artifices Series each Friday ! You  can also read about the Book Buzz HERE

LORD OF SHADOWS  BY CASSANDRA CLARE

Young Adult  12+

The second in this riveting and addictive fantasy series with nods to everyone's favourites in the ever popular world of the Shadow Hunters. Will the secret love between young Shadow Hunters Julian and Emma curse them both? Will they be able to save their world with the help of Faerie? Familiar faces and new and diverse characters will satisfy Clare's most avid fans. It's full of romance, excitement and some lovely amusing touches. A real rollercoaster ride and epic fantasy at its best. 

 PB Simon & Schuster Ltd £12.99

5/5 Stars

#lovereadingbookbuzz #lordofshadows #thedarkartifices 

SYNOPSIS 

A Shadowhunter’s life is bound by duty. Constrained by honor. The word of a Shadowhunter is a solemn pledge, and no vow is more sacred than the vow that binds parabatai, warrior partners—sworn to fight together, die together, but never to fall in love.

Emma Carstairs has learned that the love she shares with her parabatai, Julian Blackthorn, isn’t just forbidden—it could destroy them both. She knows she should run from Julian. But how can she when the Blackthorns are threatened by enemies on all sides?

Their only hope is the Black Volume of the Dead, a spell book of terrible power. Everyone wants it. Only the Blackthorns can find it. Spurred on by a dark bargain with the Seelie Queen, Emma; her best friend, Cristina; and Mark and Julian Blackthorn journey into the Courts of Faerie, where glittering revels hide bloody danger and no promise can be trusted. Meanwhile, rising tension between Shadowhunters and Downworlders has produced the Cohort, an extremist group of Shadowhunters dedicated to registering Downworlders and “unsuitable” Nephilim. They’ll do anything in their power to expose Julian’s secrets and take the Los Angeles Institute for their own.

When Downworlders turn against the Clave, a new threat rises in the form of the Lord of Shadows—the Unseelie King, who sends his greatest warriors to slaughter those with Blackthorn blood and seize the Black Volume. As dangers close in, Julian devises a risky scheme that depends on the cooperation of an unpredictable enemy. But success may come with a price he and Emma cannot even imagine, one that will bring with it a reckoning of blood that could have repercussions for everyone and everything they hold dear

#LoveReadingBookBuzz for Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

BOOK REVIEW IN ASSOCIATION WITH 

Love Reading Uk

I will be posting my review on each book from The Dark Artifices Series each Friday starting today! You  can also read about the Book Buzz HERE

LADY MIDNIGHT BY CASSANDRA CLARE

Young Adult  12+

An exciting new series which returns to the ever popular world of the Shadow Hunters introduces us to the next generation of warriors. A huge book of such epic proportions it will devour you. There is a killer amongst them but whom can they trust? With a large diverse cast this has something for everyone. Doomed love, fractured families, fast and furious adventure and so many twists and turns it leaves you breathless. Epic

ISBN: 9781471116612 PB Simon & Schuster Ltd £12.99

5/5 Stars

#lovereadingbookbuzz #ladymidnight #thedarkartifices 

Message Body

Synopsis

It’s been five years since the events of City of Heavenly Fire that brought the Shadowhunters to the brink of oblivion. Emma Carstairs is no longer a child in mourning, but a young woman bent on discovering what killed her parents and avenging her losses.

Together with her parabatai Julian Blackthorn, Emma must learn to trust her head and her heart as she investigates a demonic plot that stretches across Los Angeles, from the Sunset Strip to the enchanted sea that pounds the beaches of Santa Monica. If only her heart didn’t lead her in treacherous directions…

Making things even more complicated, Julian’s brother Mark—who was captured by the faeries five years ago―has been returned as a bargaining chip. The faeries are desperate to find out who is murdering their kind―and they need the Shadowhunters’ help to do it. But time works differently in faerie, so Mark has barely aged and doesn’t recognize his family. Can he ever truly return to them? Will the faeries really allow it?

Glitz, glamours, and Shadowhunters abound in this heartrending opening to Cassandra Clare’s Dark Artifices series.

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW NOVEMBER 19-20

This week in my childrens book review column I have picked a book of Christmas cards to make your own and great for creative kids, a picture book about a turtle in a dilemma, a mystery that only a young Sherlock Holmes can solve and an epic fantasy for fans of Harry Potter and Narnia. 

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE COLOURING BOOK OF CARDS AND ENVELOPES: CHRISTMAS BY REBECCA JONES
CHILDRENS 7+
One of a great colouring and craft book series in association with The National Trust. The twenty four Christmas cards, envelopes and stickers are decorated with festive scenes including snowmen and robins ready for you to personalise with your own colours. There is also a companion book of Christmas gift boxes, including three recipes for ginger bread, peppermints and truffles that you can make and fill when assembled. Perfect holiday fun for the whole family.
ISBN9780857637260 PB Nosy Crow £9.99

WE FOUND A HAT BY JON KLASSEN
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Two turtles find a hat in the desert. It looks good on both of them but which one should have it? A finely observed tale of friendship, sharing and generosity of spirit. Their shifting eyes say so much with so little you really feel the turtles emotions as one fights his need for the hat. A visual comedy in three parts will amuse with its deadpan humour. Really heart warming finale to the acclaimed hat trilogy. Quietly profound and very special.
ISBN 9781406347517 HB Walker Books £12.99

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE DISAPPEARING DIAMOND BY SAM HEARN
CHILDREN 7+
The first of the Baker Street Academy series this is perfect for Sherlock fans. Young Watson has arrived at a new school and is befriended by Martha Hudson and a certain Sherlock Holmes. When an infamous diamond goes missing on a school trip it's up to them to solve the crime. Or will bully Moriarty try to scupper their investigation? Told through cartoon strips, blog entries and detective notes this will have every super sleuth hooked and on the case!
ISBN 9781407161846 HB Scholastic £8.99

THE KINGS REVENGE BY PHILIP WOMACK
CHILDRENS 11+
The epic conclusion to The Darkening Path trilogy. Friends Simon and Flora must face one final challenge in the land of the Broken King. Failure means losing their siblings forever and never returning home. With shades of Greek myth, Arthurian legend and Grimms fairtyales this classic fantasy adventure with its myriad of colourful and magical characters will cast a spell over you. For fans of Harry Potter and C.S Lewis and appealing to boys and girls.
ISBN 9781909991309 PB Troika Books £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN JUNE 17TH-18TH

My children's books this week for The South Wales Evening Post include a detective dog written by one of our best loved authors, an inspiring book for Fathers Day and not forgetting one for all the little football fans out there. Last but not least the perfect summer read for the holidays after exams.  All In the Weekend Magazine Section. Enjoy!


BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE DETECTIVE DOG BY JULIA DONALDSON AND SARA OGILVIE
CHILDRENS 4+
Peter's dog Nell has an amazing sense of smell so when school books disappear she's on the case. A topical subject this is a wonderful celebration of reading and libraries. A fast paced adventure from the UK’s most beloved author showing off her trade mark rhyming story telling to perfection. Nell's detective work is joyfully captured in Sara Ogilvie's adorable illustrations. A reminder of how inspirational books can be and the importance of free access to them.
ISBN:9781509801596 HB Pan Macmillan £11.99
5/5 Stars

WHEN DAD SHOWED ME THE UNIVERSE BY ULF STARK
CHILDRENS 5+

A father takes his son out on a night time adventure to show him the universe hoping to inspire him and share his own interests. However when the child sees the world from a different viewpoint both their eyes are opened in new ways. A poignant funny tale with sensitive illustrations that really capture their emotional journey. Even though they have a wonderful time for different reasons the memory of their trip will always be remembered together. Philosophical
ISBN: 9781927271827 PB Gecko Press £6.99
5/5 Stars

FOOTBALL STICKER AND COLOURING BOOK BY SAM TAPLIN
CHILDRENS 6+
If any little footie fans are having withdrawals between the UEFA Euro 2016 matches this is the perfect book to keep them occupied. Part of the 'First Colouring' series from Usborne it contains over 150 stickers to recreate matches. The backgrounds are already coloured in so all children have to do is concentrate on the fun details like team kits. Packed with fans, players and goals galore this will satisfy every little sporting fan.
ISBN: 9781409597537 PB Usborne Publishing Ltd £7.99
4/5 Stars

THE SQUARE ROOT OF SUMMER BY HARRIET REUTER HAPGOOD

YOUNG ADULT 12+

A contemporary coming of age drama with a twist. When Gottie's beloved grandfather dies her world becomes fragmented so she theorises these events past, present and future with her love of science to cope with the changes. Reminiscent of a modern day Brideshead Revisited it has a real bohemian vibe. When a kiss can be earth shattering and a touch heart stopping Gottie tries to reconcile her first love with her last. A perfect sumptuous summer read

ISBN: 9781509808281 PB  Pan Macmillan £7.99

5/5 Stars

Childrens Book Review Column South Wales Evening Post Jan 16th 2016

Childrens book column South Wales Evening Post Jan 16^th 2016

This week I picked books featuring lost treasure, dastardly pirates, friends who don't listen, a gothic mystery and a machiavellian dystopia where you can trust no one. 

BOOK OF THE WEEK

HOW TO FIND GOLD BY VIVIANE SCHWARZ

PICTURE BOOK 3+

I love the beginning of this story when Crocodile tells his friend that finding gold will be dangerous to which Anna replies "Good! Let's go!" Setting the tone we follow the two fearless friends in a rollicking adventure as they search the seas for lost treasure. The rich illustrations and clever use of colour really enhance this rip roaring tale of bravery, determination and believing in yourself. Great for intrepid little treasure hunters everywhere!

ISBN: 9781406362138 HB Walker Books Ltd £11.99

5/5 Stars

SHHH WE HAVE A PLAN BY CHRIS HAUGHTON

PICTURE BOOK 3+

With a hint of Inspector Clouseau and the Marx Brothers this will appeal to both adults and pre schoolers and have you snickering throughout. Four friends see a beautiful bird and make a plan to catch it but they are repeatedly foiled by their own stupidity hence a lot of slapstick comedy. The limited colours, strange little characters and simple short text adds to its appeal. Communication can be invaluable sometimes!

ISBN: 9781406360035 PB Walker Books Ltd £6.99

5/5 Stars

THE UNLIKELY ADVENTURES OF MABEL JONES BY WILL MABBITT

Mabel Jones is press-ganged into serving on the pirate ship the Feroshus Maggot before she is allowed to return to the ‘hooman’ world! A comedic Pirates of the Caribbean with a witty play on words, reminiscent of Lewis Carroll, that will have you laughing out loud. A thrilling adventure full of wild and wacky characters such as Captain Idryss Ebeneezer, (A wolf with a false leg). For more anarchic fun and activities visit www.mabeljonesbooks.co.uk

ISBN: 9780141355146 PB Penguin Books Ltd £6.99

5/5 Stars

THE RED QUEEN BY VICTORIA AVEYARD

An enthralling mix of X-Men meets Hunger Games. In a Machiavellian world where superhuman Silver's brutally rule over Reds there seems no hope of change. However when Mare, a Red, is discovered to have unexplainable electrifying power she becomes a powerful pawn in a brutal game where there can be no winners. Action packed with only a touch a romance this is suitable for boys and girls. Trust no one.

ISBN: 9781409150725 PB Orion Publishing Co £7.99

5/5 Stars

CHRISTMAS BOOKS FOR TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS 2015

MY TOP TEN CHRISTMAS PICKS FOR TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS 2015

1.A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES BY SARAH J. MAAS

Already a huge fan of her inaugural fantasy series The Throne of Glass which is inspired by Cinderella becoming an assassin imagine my excitement getting my hands on her new series A Court of Thornes and Roses. Based on Beauty and the Beast with a bit of Greek myth thrown in this blend off romance and adventure set in a darker, decadent fairy world will certainly raise the pulse of older teens. For Celeana fans the latest Queen of Shadows is out now. 

ISBN 9781408857861 PB £7.99 Bloomsbury

2.MY SECRET ROCKSTAR BOYFRIEND BY ELEANOR WOOD

A witty coming of age book that’s the perfect escape from impending homework. Geeky blogger meets wild child rockstar are all the ingredients needed for a witty contemporary love story. When Tuesday throws caution to the wind to sneek of to Glastonbury to meet the boy of her dreams things don't quite turn out as she expects it. Ps. Don't forget to read the hilarious inspiration for this story at the end, it seems fact is stranger than fiction.
Click Here For Full Review
ISBN 9781447277873 PB £6.99 Pan Macmillan
Ratings 5 Stars

3.TO ALL THE BOYS I'VE LOVED BEFORE BY JENNY HAN

Lara has sent out love letters to five of her old crushes by mistake. How will they react? Especially when one is her sister's boyfriend. A novel about the pitfalls of first love, sisterly rivalry and coming of age. Combines the family dynamic of Little Women with the romance of films, Pretty in Pink and Ten Things I Hate About You. Engaging and heart warming for lovers of Rainbow Rowell and Stephanie Perkins.
ISBN: 9781407149073 PB Scholastic £6.99

4.A THOUSAND NIGHTS BY E.K.JOHNSTON

A richly embroidered tale of family loyalty, bravery and adventure. Based on Scheherazade, a young woman saves her sister by becoming the new wife of a demon king but how will she survive her imminent death? This is an empowering story showing that the mind can be mightier than the sword. Brimming with magic and myth this will sweep you away into an ancient desert kingdom with a bold and beautiful heroine. Epic.
ISBN: 9781447284116 HB Pan Macmillan £12.99

5.HOPE IN A BALLET SHOE BY MICHAELA DE PRINCE

An extraordinary true story of an orphan from Sierra Leon who on seeing a picture of a ballerina is determined to become one against all the odds. Adopted by an American couple Michaela had to deal with a new culture and racism whilst dancing but despite all the setbacks she broke the mould to fulfil her dream. This book is a triumph over extreme adversity. A must read whether your a ballet fan or not!
ISBN:9780571314478 PB Faber & Faber £7.99
FULL REVIEW HERE

6.THIS SONG WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE BY LEILA SCALES

A lot of teen readers will relate to Elise's feelings of being the outsider when she goes to a new school. How can she become popular whilst staying true to herself? Only when Elise discovers a secret warehouse party where she can DJ does she start to feel accepted as well as finding her own niche. Can she juggle her double life? Some great life lessons wrapped up in a coming of age story.
FULL REVIEW CLICK HERE
ISBN 9781447252832 PB Pan Macmillan £6.99

7.TRIAL BY FIRE BY JOSEPHINE ANGELINI

Angelini's first series Starcrossed was great but this really cranks it up a notch. Lily suffers life endangering allergies, has a schizophrenic mother and absent father. Calamitous events send her into an alternative world where Lily grows from a peace loving sensitive girl into a strong powerful witch. So many twists and turns in this book it had me hooked from the beginning. The second, Firewalker, is just out so you can binge read!
ISBN 9781509809875 PB Pan Macmillan £7.99

8.FROZEN BY MELISSA DE LA CRUZ AND MICHAEL JOHNSTON

A hybrid book mixing dystopian with fantasy. Think Mad Max meets X Men meets The Wild West! Nat is in Las Vegas hiding her special skills that are hunted and used by the brutal authority. The only way to survive is to find a mythical land called Blue with the help of mercenaries who harbour their own secrets. A unique mix of genres that sets it apart and is suitable for boys and girls.
ISBN 9781408334669 PB Hachette Children's Group £6.99
CLICK HERE FOR FULL REVIEW

9.THE SELECTION BY KIERA CASS

A dystopian story that will appeal to your inner Cinderella. Prince Maxim picks feisty heroine America but her first love is the unsuitable Astor. America is obnoxious and manipulative but later you warm to her feisty, honourable nature. It is this hot, cold appeal that will keep you reading. If you like reality TV, princes and fairytales with a little nip rather than bite this is the book for you. Hunger Games meets Pageant Queen! 
ISBN: 9780007466696 PB HarperCollins £7.99
4/5 Stars

10.SHE IS NOT INVISIBLE BY MARCUS SEDGEWICK

Marcus Sedgwick has set up a fascinating premise that will have you gripped from the start. Laureth is sixteen and blind so when she sets off to find her missing father with her young brother and his stuffed toy raven Stan you want her to succeed despite the odds. It makes us look at the world from different angles and appreciate the mindset of a girl who no longer wants to be invisible just to fit in. Thought provoking.
FOR FULL REVIEW CLICK HERE
ISBN: 9781780621340 Hachette Children's Group PB £7.99
4/5 Stars