Children’s / Teenage fiction: Family and home stories

Book SynopsisSam is nonbinary, and when Sam's home borough of Staten Island opensup a contest for a new statue, Sam finds the perfect subject:photographer Alice Austen, who lived with a female partner for decades. Soon, Sam's project isn't just about winning the contest. It's about discovering a rich history that Sam's a part of.

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Book Synopsis*Bookstagram Best Read Aloud 2023*A laugh-out-loud story with heart, based on true events about one boy’s trip to the loo and learning that everyone has accidents sometimes.  A father is just trying to take his kids for a refreshing swim in the pool, but every time they jump in...'DAD! I NEED TO POO!' By the time they get to the loo: 'I don't need to go anymore!' Sound familiar? Back and forth, back and forth they go. 'Just poop already!” yells the big sister.Until finally, the little brother… does. Oops!Based on true events in the real life of one unfortunate little brother...A laugh-out-loud story with heart, because when you gotta go, you gotta go!

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Book SynopsisFollowing on from Love Grows Everywhere, A Pinch of Love is Barry Timms and Tisha Lee's second book on the subject of love – this time celebrating the love that comes through baking, cooking and sharing food.In this beautiful story told in rhyming verse, a boy and his grandmother, are preparing for a big neighbourhood bake-off. See the loving (and sticky!) moments of their tender relationship, along with the many other warm bonds that exist within their community.Barry Timms’ gentle text skilfully links these loving moments with the love that is represented by the food, while Tisha Lee’s lush illustrations give real depth to this vibrant and diverse neighbourhood.This book is a warm and charming tale, perfect for Valentine’s Day and beyond.Trade Review“The second book from Timms and Lee celebrates love and how it can come from cooking, baking and sharing food. Pitched as a Valentine’s Day gift.” * The Bookseller *“a heart-warming story about how love and a pinch of kindness can make a difference.” -- The School Librarian * The School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisDiscover the joy and meaning of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights.Lior and his parents, aunties, uncles, grandparents and cousins are inviting you to celebrate with them! Join in as they make latkes, light the Menorah, recite the Hanukkah blessings, play the dreidel game and share presents.Along the way, you’ll learn how Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration marked by the daily lighting of a new candle on the Menorah. It brings the Jewish community together by commemorating the victory of the Maccabees over the Greeks.This bright and engaging picture book covers:  The Miracle of Hanukkah The delicious food eaten, such as latkes, noodle kugel, Shabbat and sufganiyot The fun to be had playing the dreidel game How the Menorah is lit every night using the Shamash The community celebrations at the Synagogue and more!

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Book SynopsisA compelling, heartbreaking and hopeful book for fans of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, Jennifer Niven and Holly Jackson.In the unremarkable town of Amberside, the unthinkable has happened: Terrorists have attacked a local festival. No one knows why, and no one knows who the attackers are, but that doesn't matter. What matters first is survival. And what matters after that is survival, too.In this brilliantly written account of hope, humour and humanity, five ordinary teenagers are caught up in a truly extraordinary situation. It's a heart-pounding and gripping account of the fight for survival as the attackers prowl the festival grounds, told from multiple perspectives.This is a book for anyone facing the barrage of bleak reports that fill our newsfeeds and for anyone who needs to see that behind the hate that makes the headlines, there is always love.Trade Review "Told in a bold style, This Can Never Not Be Real is utterly gripping from the first page to the last. It's a heart-in-mouth, heavy breathing, oh my gosh what's just happened, compulsive read that you will be racing to get to the end of. In a word, stunning." – George Lester, author of Boy Queen 'Five urgent voices, five lives dangling by a thread. A heart-in-the-mouth story about fighting for survival, the fragility of life, and finding love in the darkest places.' FInbar Hawkins

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Book SynopsisIt's 1987 and Ira and Zac are being uprooted once again, this time to Skilly House, a home for social care children. Their lives over the next few years are beautifully realised amongst the antipathy of the authorities, the drama of the poll tax riots and the moments of peace and hope Ira finds at Skilly and further afield.Trade Review'This remarkable debut novel reads as if written by an experienced children's author at the height of her powers. The story of looked-after siblings of 9 and 11, it is reminiscent of Jacqueline Wilson in its subject and Sharon Creech in its style and generosity of spirit. Instantly engaging, and sustaining emotional involvement throughout... this is an uplifting and convincing evocation of time and place, of two vivid young lives, and of the hope that kindness can offer. It is a gentle story, although sad things happen (expect tears), and it tells us clearly how the feelings of adults and children can be complicated.' Nicolette Jones, The Sunday Times

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Book SynopsisMeet Link and Hudbrothers causing chaos in the first of a new series for eight-to-12-year-olds from real-life brothers Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey

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Book SynopsisEmma and her family are taking a trip. And this trip includes going on a plane! Emma is excited about flying on the plane, but she is also nervous. Will Emma like flying? Emma is deaf and often uses sign language to communicate, and this early chapter book includes additional information on British sign language.

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Book SynopsisEmma loves animals, and she can't wait to foster a cat! But what will happen when she brings the cat home? Will Emma and the cat get along? Will Emma's fish and the cat get along? Emma is deaf and often uses sign language to communicate, and this early chapter book includes additional information on British sign language.

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Book SynopsisLola learns about the Tooth Fairy's friend, el Ratón, in another adventure celebrating her Guatemalan heritage!Lola is excited when Abuelita and Lola''s cousin Luis come to visit from Guatemala. The fun doubles when Lola and Luis discover that they both have a wobbly tooth! Lola is looking forward to a treat from the Tooth Fairy, but Luis is worried. How will el Ratón, the Guatemalan mouse who brings money for lost teeth, find him in Texas? Lola and Luis brainstorm solutions to this problem, but el Ratón may have a surprise in store for them both! Readers will delight in meeting Lola, her family and friends in this charming chapter book from the Hola Lola series, focused on family, heritage and cultural exploration.

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Book SynopsisAli and Amma head to the park for a nature walk. Ali is ready to discover all kinds of bugs! But instead, it seems the bugs have discovered Ali! Can Ali change his thinking and remember that he is a visitor in the insects' world?Ali the Great, by Yasmin author Saadia Faruqi, is a charming chapter book series about Ali Tahir and his multi-generational Pakistani-origin family. Ali's big ideas will resonate with young readers who believe that every problem has a creative solution - you just have to find it!

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Book SynopsisSpring has sprung on the farm! Poppy is excited to plant new flowers in her garden. While they work, Dad teaches her all about the pollinators that play a role in keeping the farm going. Poppy discovers the magical secret behind the blooming flowers and a good harvest. Can she take what she’s learned and find ways to keep pollinators visiting the garden?

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Book SynopsisBo is starting a band! He is super excited and knows exactly what kind of band he wants. But when Bo invites his friends to audition, no one quite lives up to his high expectations. Bo has a choice to make - a band with friends who all have their own ideas, or a band with one member: himself! Will Bo compromise or go solo?Musician, educator and actor Andrew Bambridge (Pixels) offers a charming chapter book series about a boy named Bo who, like Andrew, has achondroplasia and has always loved music.

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Book SynopsisInside Day was Morning.It was an enormous morning.There was everything in it.There was Pia.And a rabbit.And Pia's papa.Join a girl and her father on a richly layered journey through the wonders of a new dayMorning seems small to a waking girl and her rabbit. But it isn't long before colours and shapes and sounds come bursting into Pia's small, quiet world. There are butterflies and toys, clothes and golden sunshine . . . Then, as she sets out of the house with Papa, there are animals, plants, hills, clouds . . .Pia's sense are soon brimming, her imagination soaring . . . and her heart full of love and belonging.A lyrical celebration of wonders big and small, waiting to be discovered by curious minds and open hearts with joyful illustrations from the creator of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize-winning There's a Tiger in the Garden.Trade Review Praise for Louise Greig: "Greig is creating books that make me wish I still had a pre-schooler to lull to sleep with her stories, and to initiate into the world of poetry with her words"', The Herald, on The Night Box

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Book SynopsisA hilarious comedy about vlogging gone wrong from the author of TV''s My Mad Fat Diary, perfect for fans of Holly Smale, Cathy Cassidy and Zoella.A hilarious story about two best friends, a cat and a vlog gone wrong from the author of TV''s My Mad Fat Diary, perfect for fans of Holly Smale, Cathy Cassidy and Zoella. Everyone relies on Millie Porter for good advice her friends, family, even her cat. So she decides to start a vlog with her best friend Lauren, where they will help people with the things that really matter: parents, cats, make-up and boys. Not even Erin Breeler, Queen of Instagram, can stop them. But is fab contouring and a cat who likes standing on Millie''s head enough to make her an online sensation?Trade ReviewWarm, funny, packed with feminist spirit and up-to-the-minute references, it is perfect for a young Zoella fan. * The Sun *[...] so irresistible, so readable and so relatable. * The i Newspaper *“Written in a wonderfully engaging first person narrative, Millie’s story will speak directly to its audience and is funny, truthful, reassuring and very, very cheering.” * Andrea Reece, LoveReading *a sensitive and funny story * Den of Geek *Earl’s hyperventilating romp is grounded, funny and useful for dealing with the hell of being young: trolling, Fomo, et al. * Observer *“Known best as the author of My Mad Fat Diary, Rae Earl has a real talent for writing a charming and funny story that handles life problems particularly well.” * BookTrust *“This hilarious book about what happens when Vlogging goes wrong will have you laughing out loud.” * The Week Junior *

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Book SynopsisFrom the beloved author of Babe come three more adventures from feisty farmer-to-be Sophie. Now whimsically re-imagined by the perceptive paintbrush of award-winning illustrator Hannah Shaw. In this book Sophie visits the farm, learns to ride a pony AND gets to visit Great Aunt Al in the Scottish Highlands! Sophie always makes a big impression, and these stories beautifully capture the dynamics of family life. Timeless adventures with a fresh, contemporary feel.

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Book SynopsisEveryone knows that Stink is bonkers about most scientific things. But there's one exception: dangle a spider in front of him and he goes berserk! Stink is so freaked out by spiders that he can't read about them. He can't look at them. He can't think about them. But when a hairy backyard emergency arises, Stink is forced to face his fear and eight beady eyes head-on.Trade ReviewNewcomers will be able to slide in with ease; there’s no extensive backstory here to wade through—just some quirky kids dealing with a common fear. The reading level is pitched to those just beginning to dip their toes in the chapter-book pool...More of the same, but here that’s a good thing. * Kirkus Reviews *The accessible text is perfect for young readers and uses frequently repeated words and phrases. Short chapters delineate the story and provide an opportunity for Reynolds to showcase his marvelous and goofy illustrations. Hand this to fans of the “Stink” series or any spider-loving early reader. * School Library Journal *

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Book SynopsisMaggie Stiefvater has been called 'a master storyteller' by USA Todayand 'wildly imaginative' by Entertainment Weekly. Now, withAll the Crooked Saints, she gives us the extraordinary story of anextraordinary family, a masterful tale of love, fear, darkness,and redemption.

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Book SynopsisThe fifth hilarious title in the award-winning, laugh-out-loud series, The World of Norm. Perfect for fans of Tom Gates and Diary of a Wimpy KidTrade ReviewFans of Jeff Kinney will not be disappointed. * Books for Keeps *Hilarious. * Parents in Touch *The Norm books are very entertaining. * Jamie Thomson (author of Dark Lord: The Teenage Years) - The Big Issue *The most unfairly treated boy in the whole world is back for his fifth hilarious adventure * Parents In Touch *Hilarious. * Parents in Touch *

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Book SynopsisThe sixth hilarious title in the award-winning, laugh-out-loud series, The World of Norm. Perfect for fans of Tom Gates and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.Norm knew it was going to be one of those days when he woke up and found himself in 18th century France...If only he hadn''t fallen asleep in History! And if only he''d done his punishment exercise! And if only he could go biking instead of playing stupid football! Except Norm can''t go biking. Why not? BECAUSE HIS BIKE''S BEEN STOLEN, THAT''S WHY! Nightmare? It''s worse than that... IT''S AN ABSO-FLIPPING-LUTE DISASTER! With brilliantly funny illustrations throughout from Donough O''Malley. Praise for Jonathan Meres: ''Hilarious stuff from one of my comic heroes!'' - Harry Hill ''Jonathan Meres is flipping funny!'' - Eddie IzzardTrade ReviewA great fictional creation. * The Daily Telegraph *Fans of Jeff Kinney will not be disappointed. * Books for Keeps *An award-winning, laugh-out-loud series * The Guardian *

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Book SynopsisThe eighth hilarious title in the award-winning, laugh-out-loud series, The World of Norm. Perfect for fans of Tom Gates and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.Norm knew it was going to be one of those days when he went to the toilet, just for something to do...But things can only get better, right? WRONG! If only Brian and Dave hadn''t found Dad''s million year old aftershave. If only Mikey wasn''t feeling lower than a snake''s backside. If only Chelsea would hurry up and move!It''s all ifs and buts though. Or should that be whiffs and butts? Either way it''s just so flipping unfair! With brilliantly funny illustrations throughout from Donough O''Malley. Praise for Jonathan Meres: ''Hilarious stuff from one of my comic heroes!'' - Harry Hill ''Jonathan Meres is flipping funny!'' - Eddie IzzardTrade ReviewA barrel of laughs. * Dunoon Observer and Argyllshire Standard *Fans of Jeff Kinney will not be disappointed. * Books for Keeps *

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Book SynopsisA celebration of Grandparents and the special role they play in family life.This delightful board book captures the joy of spending a fun-filled day with Granny. With a gentle, rhyming story and lovely illustrations, this is the perfect present for every family. Whether for new Grandparents, on Mother''s Day or at any time of the year. From the creators of I Love My Daddy, a Sunday Times Top 10 Bestseller, and I Love My Mummy, winner of the Book Trust Early Years Award. And the author of picture book classic, Giraffes Can''t Dance.Trade ReviewA warm and humorous celebration of grandparents. * Bookseller *A warm and humorous story * ReadingZone *All her books invite much lingering and looking and capture a close harmony of love, fun and learning * Carousel *

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Book SynopsisWag your tail if you believe in fairies! Peggy, the world''s sweetest pug, is looking for a fairy to grant a very special wish.Peggy the pug is devastated when she finds out that her local park might shut down. Now where will she go for walks with Chloe, her best friend? Chloe plans a summer fair and a bake sale to save the park, but Peggy has a better idea. She just needs to find a fairy to grant her friend''s wish! Her half-baked plan results in hilarious mishaps in this curly-wurly fairy tail with a super-sweet ending.You don''t always need wings and a wand to work some magic . . .

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Book SynopsisThis joyful picture book highlights the best lesson a father can teach his son: how to show love and kindness. For fathers and sons everywhere, Like Father, Like Son is a warm and inviting picture book from a New York Times bestselling and award-winning team that celebrates what makes dads special.   From author Lesléa Newman, known for her groundbreaking children’s book Heather Has Two Mommies, and New York Times bestselling illustrator AG Ford comes a sweet ode to all the amazing things that daddies can do—from knitting to cooking, from bike rides to camping trips, from telling stories to bandaging scraped knees. Share special moments with dad on Father's Day or any day with this tender picture book.My daddy teaches me each day,To be strong in a gentle way.  And every single day I’m gladThat I’m his son and he&

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Book SynopsisTrade Review***STARRED REVIEW*** “The narrative’s powerful ending brings this story to a satisfying, hopeful conclusion. Debut illustrator Littlebird (a member of Oregon’s Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde) captures the closeness of the family and the strength and determination of the protagonist in bright colors set against woodgrain-like backgrounds.” * The Horn Book Magazine ****STARRED REVIEW*** “A thoughtful and enlightening addition to the picture book shelves and a worthy choice for units on Indigenous cultures.” * Booklist ****STARRED REVIEW*** "This is an emotionally searing story infused with important historical and cultural information on the significance of hair to Indigenous cultures." * School Library Journal ****STARRED REVIEW*** "A deeply moving and inspiring celebration of long hair and its significance in Indigenous cultures." * Kirkus *

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Book SynopsisHenry''s mum and dad think his new friend Gary is BAD NEWS. But Dad''s got worse problems at work. If he doesn''t win the charity go-kart race, he might lose his job!There''s trouble ahead, that''s for sure. But nobody reckons on a mystery boy racer who turns up at the track. He''s got a surprise in store for everyone...Other titles in the series: YOUNG ROBIN''S HOOD; A FOOTBALLER CALLED FLIP; THE MAGIC SNEEZE; ALIENS STOLE MY DOG; WHIZZ THE FLEABAG.Trade ReviewThese funny, inventive, high quality stories touch on subjects dear to boys' hearts....Wonderful stuff, with plenty to please both sexes. * TES Primary, Dec 00 *Full of adventure and humour, these are not just for boys, but for all young readers who love aliens, heroes, football and go-karting * The London Parents Guide, Dec 2000 *

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Book SynopsisA laugh-out-loud story about unexpected superpowers, magical sweets, friendship and a cat named Lemon - perfect for fans of My Brother is a Superhero and The Parent Agency. Aidan (aka Fire Boy) has finally started to master his fiery super-power (obtained after accidentally eating a sweet filled with the juice of a magical Incan tree) and is thrilling the crowds at the circus. But with a newspaper prowling around investigating how Fire Boy really flies, his beloved circus about to leave him behind in London, and a pet cat that can now turn in to a tiger (thanks to eating one of those magical sweets herself), Aidan still has quite a bit to be dealing with... Then the news leaks that a supervillain is on the loose, so Aidan, his friends Sadie and Hussein, and the circus all flee to New York City. But will they be able to protect the priceless remaining sweets, stop Lemon from terrorising the local bird population and stay al

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Book SynopsisA gentle picture book that examines the issue of respect in a reassuring way - perfect for young children who struggle with respecting possessions, or other people''s space or opinions. The story offers a way in to talk about what respect is and why it is important, reinforcing good behaviour. At the end of the story, there are notes for parents and teachers with suggestions of ways to help children deal with the big emotions they experience. Arin really struggles with showing respect for his own possessions or those of others. He doesn''t see why he should respect other people''s space or opinions either. But when everyone gets upset with him, Arin feels upset, too. Grandpa helps to explain how being respectful shows care for others, and how treating others how he wishes to be treated himself will make him, and others, feel happier.This book is part of a series, Our Emotions and Behaviour, which is perfect for sharing with children as a gentle means of identifyTrade ReviewExcellent for sharing and encouraging discussion... we can all learn from the approach taken in this series. * Parents in Touch *Excellent for sharing and encouraging discussion... we can all learn from the approach taken in this series. * Parents in Touch *

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Book SynopsisThis story is part of Reading Champion, a series carefully linked to book bands to encourage independent reading skills, developed with Dr Sue Bodman and Glen Franklin of UCL Institute of Education (IOE)

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Book SynopsisThis story is part of Reading Champion, a series carefully linked to book bands to encourage independent reading skills, developed with Dr Sue Bodman and Glen Franklin of UCL Institute of Education (IOE)Mum and Dad want to go camping, but everything keeps going wrong, and Nish isn''t keen on it ... will they go camping after all?Reading Champion offers independent reading books for children to practise and reinforce their developing reading skills.Fantastic, original stories are accompanied by engaging artwork and a reading activity. Each book has been carefully graded so that it can be matched to a child''s reading ability, encouraging reading for pleasure.Perfect for 5-6 year olds or those reading book band blue 4.

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Book SynopsisThis story is part of Reading Champion, a series carefully linked to book bands to encourage independent reading skills, developed with Dr Sue Bodman and Glen Franklin of UCL Institute of Education (IOE)There''s a monster in Milly''s house, and Milly is sure it''s in Mum''s bedroom! She goes to investigate ...Reading Champion offers independent reading books for children to practise and reinforce their developing reading skills.Fantastic, original stories are accompanied by engaging artwork and a reading activity. Each book has been carefully graded so that it can be matched to a child''s reading ability, encouraging reading for pleasure.Perfect for 5-6 year olds or those reading book band blue 4.

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Book SynopsisJoin Harry Stevenson – small guinea pig and unlikely hero – on two BIG new adventures.   When Harry is accidentally swapped with Billy's cousin's 'show' guinea pig, he finds himself on the set of 'Super Pets', a TV talent show. How will Harry fare in the spotlight, and will he be able to complete a daredevil assault course before he's found out?  In the second adventure, Harry's off to Paris! The Smith family has won a competition to spend a weekend in Paris and they're taking Harry Stevenson with them, but after Harry sets off the airport security alarm and their car breaks down, it seems as though they'll never get there? And when they do, what will happen to a small guinea pig lost in the big city?PRAISE FOR THE ADVENTURES OF HARRY STEVENSON series: 'A sweet, funny book that really made me want to eat dandelions' – Holly We

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Book SynopsisA swoon-worthy story of first love, making mistakes and finding out who you are, from the author of Night Owls.  Budding photographer Josie Saint-Martin has spent half her life with her single mother, moving from city to city. When they return to her historical New England hometown to run the family bookstore, Josie knows it's not forever, so there's no reason to change her modus operandi—keeping to herself, dreaming of the day she can leave. But after a disastrous summer party, a poorly executed act of revenge lands her in big-time trouble. As in, jail...alongside the last person with whom she’d want to share a mugshot: the son of the boat mechanic across the street, Lucky Karras. Outsider, rebel…and her former childhood best friend. Josie and Lucky become the talk of their coastal small town. But during a summer of secrets, everything changes, and the easy friendship they once shared grows into somethin

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Book SynopsisA funny and reassuring story about friendship, tempers, and making amends - and the perfect parental toolkit to help deal with tantrums. Meet Oscar, a boy who loses everything — his football boots, his scooter, even his clothes. Now meet Hugo, an elephant who never forgets anything! So when they find each other in the park they become inseparable. But one day, Oscar loses something very important — his temper — which means he might just lose his best friend as well. From the brilliant Jan Fearnley, creator of the bestselling Mr Wolf's Pancakes.  

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Book Synopsis'A delight for its warmth and humour, but principally because the writing is alive and stunning.’ The Sunday Times Children's Book of the Week.  For readers aged 9+ comes a sparkling new series about family, friends and finding the joy in life! From award-winning author Jenny Valentine, this is the perfect series for fans of Jacqueline Wilson, Cath Howe and Lara Williamson! Meet ten-year-old Joy Applebloom, a girl with a knack for finding the silver lining in even the darkest of rainclouds.Trade ReviewOver-flowing with good humour * Books For Keeps *Written with all Valentine’s usual skill and empathy we are drawn into the world of Joy and her difficult transition to life without the globe-trotting. The characters are clearly drawn, with an authentic family dynamic. The perfect length for readers enjoying a longer read as their next step. * LoveReading4Kids *I love Jenny’s writing; it’s funny, smart and deft, with lots within it to delight the reader. -- Nicola Skinner, author of BloomOne of the most bright and joyous books I've ever read! It's impossible not to fall in love with Joy and her story – it's just the silver lining we all need right now. -- Benjamin Dean, author of Me, My Dad and the End of the RainbowThis book [. . .] is a delight for its warmth and humour, but principally because the writing is alive and stunning. * The Sunday Times, Children's Book of the Week *

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Book SynopsisWhen you're tired of being good, sometimes you gotta be a little bad ... Jesse, Vicks and Mel couldn't be more different. But for all their differences, the girls discover they've got one thing in common - they're desperate to escape. Desperate to get the heck out of Niceville and discover their true 'badass' selves!Trade ReviewA collaboration between three popular YA authors . . . Likeable, with some good characters and a nice sense of place -- Helen Carr * Inis Reading Guide *

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