Children & Teen Fiction Books

Book SynopsisAn important, tender and vital story about dealing with and overcoming worry from Sita Brahmachari (Artichoke Hearts), who handles complex emotions in a pitch-perfect way for young readers. Illustrated by the legendary Jane Ray. Amy May knows about webs of worries – so many people she meets are caught in them, from her own artist dad to newly arrived refugee Rima and her family. By being brave enough to open up her worry box, Amy May helps all those around her find a way forward. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+Trade Review"A tender story about loss, friendship, hope and resolution which gives an insight into two very different backgrounds and might provide reassurance for those in similar circumstances, as well as helping to develop empathy" – The Letterpress Project "'An important, tender and vital story about dealing with and overcoming worry … [Sita Brahmachari] handles complex emotions in a pitch-perfect way for young readers" – The Bookseller "Lovely little book. Good for exploring feelings" – Empathy Lab "Sita Brahmachari handles the girls' emotions with a great deal of sensitivity … It's gentle, reassuring and there's no sugary ending where everything goes back to just how it was" – The Bookbag "Beautifully soul-searching and handles complex emotions in an age-appropriate way, providing much space for thought and contemplation" – Minerva Reads, Blog "This sensitive story addressing both trauma (Rima) and anxiety (Amy) is particularly suitable for reluctant or struggling readers" – CBI

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Book SynopsisMcTavish has his eyes on the pies as he returns with the Peachey family for another hilarious middle-grade adventure from the multi-award-winning Meg Rosoff. The Peachey family enjoy fine meals each night now that everyone takes turns cooking. Everyone, that is, except grumbling Pa Peachey – until some unsatisfactory bread pushes him to try baking. Convinced that he has found his true calling, Pa sets his sights on winning the town Bake Off. Unfortunately, his great ideas far surpass his skills, and soon Pa's ambitions are crumbling under the weight of 3,784 pieces of gingerbread … McTavish smells disaster in the making, and it looks like he's going to have to save the day – again.Trade Review"One of my favourite fictional pooches … Such a fun, well-observed and heart-filled series" – Library Girl and Book Boy, Blog "The McTavish series for kids aged eight and over is a hit in our bookshop's dog-loving community … It's a great one to recommend for kids on the cusp of the nine to 12 reading group, and a fun, beautifully illustrated story" – The Bookseller, Scottish Focus "A witty, lighthearted story sure to delight any dog lover" – Big Issue

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Book SynopsisKindness is key in this funny new family drama from perennial bestseller and award-winning author Anne Fine. There are many reasons why Tansy dreads Aunt Emma coming to visit. She’s rude, she’s boring, and Tansy has to give up her room so Aunt Emma can sleep there. And every year Dad makes Tansy promise to be nice – even when Aunt Emma is awful. But this year, when Tansy is left alone with Aunt Emma, she decides she’s going to be the nicest she’s every been – so sickly sweet that it’ll drive Aunt Emma crazy! Let the games begin … Kindness is key in this funny new family drama from perennial bestseller and award-winning author Anne Fine.Trade Review"This book had me in stitches, I laughed so much … there is a real sense of family and lost memories in this book which want to be re-lived I found this very heart-warming … perfect for all young readers and will have them smiling inside and out" – Emma Suffield "Packs an awful lot of fun into a very short read" – Mrs Sydney's Famous World's Smallest Library "A rather fun and endearing story … accompanied by some frankly brilliant artwork by Gareth Conway … he's managed to make even the most ordinary moments look dynamic and full of fun" – Trans-scribe, Blog

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Book SynopsisSally Greaves should have gone straight home. If she had, she wouldn't be on the run with the mysterious Tyler and his young friend, Ben. She would be with her family. She would be safe. But Sally is anything but safe. She's being stalked by a terrifying gang. Why do they want to hurt her? Can she escape? Will she even survive the night?

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Book SynopsisA normal school day is the beginning of a desperate mission for Hildy and her friends, Luca and Ryan, when a mysterious package is left in Hildy's bag. The package contains a strange object, a map reference and a message with a single, pleading word: URGENT!

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Book SynopsisLottie Moon had little to occupy her mind beyond school lessons, dresses and pranks (oh, and skipping church whenever she could). However, one day things change for Lottie. Find out how the naughty little rich girl gives her life to mission work in China. Today she is one of the best remembered missionaries in America with millions of dollars having been raised by her memorial Christmas offering.

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Book SynopsisLast year, Molly Barlow did something terrible. Then, her mother wrote a book about it. And so everyone in their tiny hometown found out that Molly cheated on her childhood sweetheart, the love of her life, her best friend with his brother. After spending senior year at a boarding school in the middle of nowhere, Molly now has ninety-nine days to endure back in her hometown before she can escape to college. Ninety-nine days of being the most hated person in town. Ninety-nine days to heal the hurt she's caused. Ninety-nine days to figure out what she wants, and who she loves ...99 Days will captivate fans of John Green and 100 Days of Summer

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Book Synopsis'Julia Golding’s Jane Austen Investigates offers a gripping detective story with an abundance of Easter eggs for Austen fans... This is a delightful riff on the wit and irony of Austen’s works; of her wonderful juvenilia, especially.' David Taylor, Associate Professor, Faculty of English, University of Oxford Jane Austen turns detective in this spooky historical adventure by award-winning author Julia Golding! It’s 1789 and a young Jane Austen turns detective as she seeks to solve the mysterious happenings at Southmoor Abbey. When a carriage accident forces a change of plans, 13-year-old Jane is sent to be a companion to Lady Cromwell for a week as the household prepares to celebrate the eldest son’s coming-of-age party. While there, Jane vows to solve the mystery of the ghostly monk in the Abbey grounds – for she does not believe in such stories! But this is not the only strange occurrence for the adventurous young Jane to investigate. There are shivery night-time investigations, an Indian girl with secret talents, a library fire, two prize horses in danger, and friends to save from false accusations. With notebook in hand and her faithful dog Grandison by her side, will Jane overcome the continuous obstacles and find out the truth?

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Book SynopsisA gentle story based on the popular nursery rhyme about three little kittens who lost their mittens. With simple text in large type, to encourage the reading confidence of young readers, each story is packed with bright, colourful illustrations to bring the story to life. Perfect for sharing together at story time, or for youngsters to embark on their own, independent, reading adventures.

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Book SynopsisThe Billy Goats want to eat delicious-looking grass in another field but first they must cross the bridge where a grumpy troll lives! With simple text in large type, to encourage the reading confidence of young readers, each story is packed with bright, colourful illustrations to bring the story to life. Perfect for sharing together at story time, or for youngsters to embark on their own, independent, reading adventures.

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Book SynopsisLaura loves adventure and has a big dream. But is her plan to cycle 7,000 kilometres across South America without any money relying on the kindness and goodwill of the people she meets just too much? The last stage of her remarkable journey is in Argentina, where she encounters unexpected challenges which test her courage and determination to the limit. Can she develop the positive approach she needs to complete her adventure?

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Book SynopsisMoral and cautionary tales of an eagle who repays a good deed, and of a mouse who learns that the grass is not always greener on the other side. Specially written and packed with colourful illustrations to engage the reader, this book has been specifically designed with large text in a simple font, to build reading confidence and ability.

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Book SynopsisIn the fifth magical adventure in the new series from the creators of the Fairytale Hairdresser, Tibben, the Potions Master’s apprentice, and his friend Wizz must journey to the Parched Desert to get to the bottom of the mystery fierce hot winds, which are blowing sand all over the Kingdom of Arthwen.Perfect for first readers whether reading alone or reading aloud. This is the fifth book in the enchanting six-book Magic Potions Shop series. Book 1: The Young Apprentice; book 2: The River Horse; book 3: The Blizzard Bear; book 4: The Lightning Pup; book 5: The Firebird; book 6: The Emerald Dragon

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Book SynopsisBoom! Is a roller-coaster read with spaceships, spies and mortal danger!Jim and his best friend Charlie weren't looking for adventure, when they decided to bug the staffroom . . . But then they overhear their teachers speaking in a secret language and it's too late to turn back. And now they have to explain to the police, the headmistress and their parents where they've been for a whole week - without mentioning the aliens.Trade ReviewAn explosive adventure * The Bookseller *A wildly energetic and anarchic adventure involving kidnaps and scooter rides, with the children trying to outwit the evil or incompetent adults (not terribly difficult). Great fun for young readers * Daily Mail *One to read aloud * The Sunday Times *Funny, pacey adventure that blends a fairly kitchen sink set of family dynamics with some utterly zany fantasy. There is a big whiff of Roald Dahl anarchy about it . . . A crackling little story * thebookbag.co.uk *A funny, exciting read * Carousel *

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Book SynopsisThe third exhilarating instalment in the Arena 13 series by Joseph Delaney, author of THE SPOOK’S APPRENTICEAfter everything Leif has been through in Arena 13, it’s finally time for him to fulfil his destiny and accompany his father’s people beyond the barrier that imprisons all mankind. Meanwhile, Kwin, the girl he loves, is making waves in the arena as the first woman ever to grace its fighting floor. In their own ways, each of them is fighting to bring down the superhuman monsters that threaten the last people on earth. They might have picked fights they can’t win. But freedom could be something worth dying for. Books in the series1: ARENA 132: ARENA 13: THE PREY3: ARENA 13: THE WARRIOR

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Two bored gorillas decide to play a game of dares. Eating dares. Who will end up the big-bellied winner, and who the sore-bellied loser? This dry, funny picture book debut is pitch perfect for children who love outsmarting their friends.

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Book SynopsisThe word shalom' means three different things: hello', goodbye' and peace'. In this sweet, simple tale, Sheep experiments with this triple meaning as she goes about her day on the farm. The sun is rising, and we follow Sheep as she stops to say shalom' ('hello') to each of her friends: Shalom, Cat', Shalom, Cow,' Shalom, Horse', Shalom, Duck'. Shalom, Sheep', they all reply! When the day comes to a close, Sheep realises she can use this same word to say goodbye to all of her friends, as well: Shalom, Cat', Shalom, Cow,' Shalom, Horse', Shalom, Duck'. Shalom, Sheep', they reply once more! As she tucks herself into bed that night, Sheep remembers that shalom' has one more meaning: peace'. And with that, surrounded by the moon and the stars, she falls into a peaceful night's sleep. Sheep Says Shalom is a heartwarming story for young readers, introducing them to Hebrew, teaching them about the joys of learning a language and giving them insights into the Jewish faith and culture. Children will be captivated by this foldout board book with colourful illustrations of animals and nature.

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Book SynopsisBen Jacobs has made a list of everything that could possibly go wrong at his bar mitzvah, but even he didn't foresee that the shul might disappear just days before the celebration. The trouble is, no one believes him, apart from Grandpa. The rest of his family just carry on as normal except now they are behaving rather oddly. And there's a strange light in the woods behind the house, and some huge glowing egg-shaped objects appear at night. Is it just Ben's over-active imagination, as Mum and Dad say, or is something more sinister taking place? Ben turns to Grandpa for help, and together the two of them hatch a plan to save the world - and Ben's bar mitzvah. This zany and fun story of family, adventure and imagination is also about gaining confidence and growing up. Ben learns courage and builds belief in himself as a member of his family and the wider community.

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Book SynopsisI didn't mean to kill my best friend. It was an accident. You have to believe me. But now, ever since I buried his body in the woods, he keeps ringing me. Using our own secret ringtone. He won't leave me alone...

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Book SynopsisZoe's life can't get any worse. Bad enough that she suffers from seizures, but it's everyone's pity she hates. It's really embarrassing, and it's affecting her relationships. She's never felt more alone. Now she's to have a Seizure Alert Dog. So she'll stand out even more than she already does. And she's terrified of dogs.

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Book SynopsisWhen Eric wakes up in hospital he can't even remember his own name. They tell him he was hit by a car. He's been in a coma. But that's not the worst of it. Everyone seems to hate him. They say he did something terrible - really terrible. He can't believe he'd be so evil. But how can he defend himself, when his memory is a total blank?

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Book SynopsisRafe Khatchadorian is getting the Hollywood treatment in a film version of Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life starring Griffin Gluck, Lauren Graham, Rob Riggle and Thomas Barbusca.Georgia Khatchadorian plans to excel at Hills Village Middle School in all the places her troublemaking brother failed. She's even bet him that she'll quickly become one of the most popular girls in school. But Rafe left a big mark at HVMS, and no one will give Georgia a chance! Even worse, Rafe has sneakily signed up her band to play at the school dance, and she's terrified to embarrass herself in front of the snooty 'Princesses' who run the school and the boy who's caught her eye.Will she be able to overcome her fears and win her bet with Rafe? Find out THE TRUTH about Rafe Khatchadorian's sister in the first Middle School story from the point of view of the hilarious Georgia - a girl who's ready to speak her mind!

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Book SynopsisJamie Grimm has finally accomplished his dream of proving himself the Planet's Funniest Kid Comic, and the sky's the limit from there. Enter a couple of TV executives with a huge plan for Jamie: a new show about Jamie and his oddball friends! But when Jamie struggles to learn the acting ropes, will it be an early curtain call for the biggest show of the decade?

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Book SynopsisIt's not easy being Rafe Khatchadorian's sister. He's got quite a reputation around school, and Georgia's got it hard enough as is! With a super secret crush on her classmate Sam Marks, a Rube Goldberg machine challenge to dominate, and constant confrontations with vicious Missy Trillin and her evil Princess Patrol to look forward to, Georgia can't help but throw all her energy into the one thing that makes her happy: her kick-butt, all-girl rock band, We Stink!When Georgia's favourite rock band, Lulu and the Handbags, advertise a major music competition where the winner gets to jam with Lulu herself, Georgia will pull all the stops to make sure We Stink wins - even if it means asking her annoying older brother, Rafe, for help! Will his crazy ideas work, or land her in serious trouble?

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Book SynopsisIn Boston, a young woman finds herself pregnant – even though she is still a virgin.In Ireland, another young woman discovers she is in the same impossible condition.And in cities all around the world, medical authorities are overwhelmed by epidemics, droughts, famines, floods and worse. It all feels like a sign that something awful is coming.Anne Fitzgerald, a former nun turned private investigator, is hired by the Archdiocese of Boston to investigate the immaculate conceptions. Even as she comes to care about and trust the young women, she realises that both are in great danger. Terrifying forces of light and darkness are gathering.Stepping into uncharted territory where the unknown is just the beginning, Anne must discover the truth – to save the young women, to save herself and to protect the future of all mankind.The worldwide bestseller, updated for young adults

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Book Synopsis____________________________________The brand-new official Minecraft novel is an epic battle for survival! When humans enter the End, a pair of endermen must decide which side they’re really on.For as long as they can remember, the twin endermen Fin and Mo have lived in the mysterious land of the End. On the outskirts of the great enderman city of Telos, they explore ancient ruins under the watchful gaze of the mighty ender dragon. They have everything they need in the end ship they call home, and know everything there is to know about their world—or so they think until the strangers from another dimension arrive.The invaders are called humans, and they’ve come to steal artifacts and slay the ender dragon. Fin and Mo are ready to protect their home from the trespassers, but when they come face-to-face with the humans, they discover that they aren’t as prepared for battle as they’d thought. Caught off guard, the twins are trapped in the middle of a war between the endermen and the humans, with the future of their home at stake.

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Book SynopsisTHE COMPLETE AND UNABRIDGED TEXT'Most generally there is something about everything that you can be glad about, if you keep hunting long enough to find it'When her father dies, Pollyanna is sent to live with her stern Aunt Polly. She is poor, orphaned and alone but Pollyanna just feels lucky to have an aunt at all. The truth is that her dear father, before he died, taught her a trick for life – the 'Glad Game' – the aim of which is to find the good in every bad situation. Before long, Pollyanna’s sunny outlook has brightened up the whole town. But when a horrible accident occurs can the Game save Pollyanna?Includes exclusive material: In The Backstory you can test your knowledge of the book and find out if you’re as optimistic as Pollyanna! Vintage Children’s Classics is a twenty-first century classics list aimed at 8-12 year olds and the adults in their lives. Discover timeless favourites from The Jungle Book and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to modern classics such as The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.Trade ReviewThe classic tale of a glad-hearted little orphan girl whose positive take on the most adverse circumstance is a lesson for us all * Sunday Times *Eleanor H Porter's legendary Pollyanna, a gaily plucky girl who would look on the bright side of life -- Christina Hardyment * Independent *This is a book I return to time and time again. I have bought it for many friends and family and recommended to it many more * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisWhen Caitlin discovers a dog on the banks of Wales'' most sneaky river, she enters a world of spying, double-talk and mystery. Can Caitlin, who isn''t very old, save the world, help the dog and rescue parrots, pigeons and people from an indescribably dangerous threat? As Christmas approaches and the decorations go up in her mum and dad''s café, will Caitlin be able to keep her own secrets?

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Book SynopsisBrought to you by Penguin.From multi-million bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson and inspired by E. Nesbit's timeless classic, The Primrose Railway Children is a gorgeous, heartwarming story of family secrets and new adventures.Sit back and enjoy the journey!Phoebe Robinson loves making up stories - just like her wonderful, imaginative Dad.When he mysteriously disappears, Phoebe, Perry, Becks and their mum must leave everything behind and move to a small cottage in the middle of nowhere.Struggling to feel at home and missing her Dad terribly, Phoebe's only distraction is her guinea pig Daisy. Until the family discover the thrilling steam trains at the railway station and suddenly, every day is filled with adventure.But Phoebe still can't help wondering, what is Mum hiding and more worryingly is Dad okay?'An unbelievable talent' - David Walliams© Jacqueline Wilson 2021 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

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Book SynopsisA spellbinding adventure from the bestselling, award-winning author of The Last Wild trilogy.'A dazzling adventure by an award-winning storyteller' i Newspaper'Utterly brilliant ... a nail-biting adventure of twists and turns' Book TrustJewel Hastings doesn't know who she is. But she is about to discover that she is one of the most remarkable people to have ever walked the earth...On the run from school bullies, Jewel tumbles through the door of a mysterious old bookshop and falls headlong into Folio, the world of the imagination. There, she must begin a quest to rescue her missing aunt, helped only by her rude pet hamster Fizz and a malfunctioning copper robot. From the shimmering lights of the Idea Jungle, to the desolate expanse of the Frozen Sea, their mission will bring them face-to-face with a danger both more magnificent and more deadly than they ever imagined. And what Jewel discovers will change her life, for ever...'Masterly storytelling - both entertaining and profound' THE TIMES on THE LOST MAGICIANTrade ReviewTorday pays tribute to reading, libraries and imagination in one of the most clever and ambitious children's books you'll read this year * The Bookseller, on The Lost Magician *Thrilling, epic, wise. Truly a book for our times. (With extra rainbow unicorns!) -- Natasha Farrant, author of The Children of Castle RockGripping, original and memorable -- Francesca Simon, on The Last Wild trilogyPiers Torday is the new master of books for children who like magic and modernity with their lust for adventure. * The Times, on There May Be a Castle *Piers Torday continues to demonstrate that he is one of the best writers for children working today * The Guardian, on There May Be a Castle *Heartbreaking, surprising, uplifting ... proves that stories matter. They really do * The Bookbag, on There May Be a Castle *Full marks ... for a story not afraid to take on some of the fundamentals of life while still managing to preserve the lightest of touches * Books For Keeps, on There May Be a Castle *An excellent, punchy adventure tale with vivid characters and an impassioned eco message * The Financial Times on The Last Wild trilogy *Wildly inventive, moving and gripping ... full of suspense without ever sacrificing warmth * The Guardian on The Last Wild trilogy *A whimsical yet thoughtful tale that brings to mind the smarts and silliness of Roald Dahl and Norton Juster * New York Post, on The Last Wild trilogy *Torday's story is alternately sombre, thrilling, and silly, filled with eccentric human and animal characters with distinctive voices * Publishers Weekly on The Last Wild trilogy *Written in vivid and urgent style ... As thrilling as James and the Giant Peach ... The Last Wild may be as critical to the new generation as Tarka the Otter * The Times on The Last Wild trilogy *A gripping, memorable adventure which celebrates the power and scope of our imagination * The School Run, on There May Be a Castle *A magical new adventure from the winner of the Guardian Children's Fiction prize. * WRD About Books *The narrative is skillfully strung together and the ending deeply surprising, challenging the norms of what might be expected in a children's novel, which is all to the good. -- Philip Womack, on There May Be a Castle * Literary Review *A dazzling adventure by an award-winning storyteller * i Newspaper - The Best Books for Christmas 2019 *

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Book SynopsisAria Abbott has never had a home. Drifting through the foster system for most of her life, she finally finds herself in a situation so unbearable that she has no choice but to run away. Sleeping on the streets pushes Aria beyond any suffering she has felt before; the only thing worse than seeing no escape is the knowledge that no one in the world cares enough to try and find her. Enter Taylor, a homeless young man with a charismatic smile and a dream of fame, fortune, and the sunshine of LA. Swept up in his energy, Aria and Taylor board a greyhound bus and never look back. In this bright new world, Aria will discover a whole community of people living in the shadows, in the margins of society. As Taylor follows his dreams, Aria follows her heart. But she will discover that it isn’t always clear who you can trust, that strangers can be kind, or treacherous, or sometimes as familiar as your own reflection, if you’re willing to look hard enough.

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Book SynopsisDeshis Create series - Let's explore the lives of celebrated artists of Bangladeshi heritage shaping the creative world. When young Rana moves to London from a small village in Bangladesh, she has to get used to a new life. With no other way to communicate than with her colouring pencils, Rana takes to drawing to express herself. She finds her voice through her art - and a whole new world. This is the story of how Rana Begum became an artist, captivating the world with her fascinating play of colour, light and form.

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Book SynopsisJoin Bapsy, a small bread loaf whose curiosity leads her to question how she came to be. With the help of Mamaloaf's enchanting story of how she grew from small grain to wonderful bread, Bapsy learns the importance of transitioning and the challenges that can come with it. This beautiful story, accompanied by vivid illustrations, prompts parents and caregivers to begin a conversation with children about the way major changes can help a child adapt and thrive in any situation.

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Book SynopsisIllustrated with stunning cut paper art, these seven poetic vignettes capture true stories of courage, hope, and resilience from around the world.In Imagine A Garden, award-winning children's author Rina Singh shares seven real-life stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things for their communities amidst war, poverty, and violence.With vivid, textured images from celebrated Iranian illustrator Hoda Hadadi, this powerful picture book is: A celebration of everyday heroes and how they make their communities a better place A teaching tool for facilitating difficult but hopeful conversations about conflict in our world, and the people who are making a difference in their own way For kids ages 6 to 10, Imagine A Garden reimagines our complex world through the lens of love and compassion.Trade Review"This topical book offers much for the young social studies learner and will be useful for springboarding age-appropriate conversations about peace and conflict."—Summer Edward, Horn Book“A powerful book … The paper cut illustrations are gorgeous, detailed and embody the message of hope.”—Toronto Star“A beautiful and uplifting anthology.”—The Sunday Times“Offers a series of poetic vignettes that chronicle small but impactful efforts by people to make life a little bit better… the emotional effect of the lyrical, imagistic text is profound, distinctly laying out the heart of the various problems in a way that makes the subjects' efforts even more admirable."—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books review“These portrayals of seven admirable agents of hope and small-scale change are nothing if not inspiring. Celebrating human endeavors like these might prompt more sweeping change.”—Kirkus Reviews

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