Children’s / Teenage fiction Modern and contemporary fiction

Book SynopsisNina Peanut - super-star in the making, frozen pizza chef, creativegenius, owner of the world's stinkiest cat. The funniest new friendfor all kids, everywhere.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisWhen a group who have met on a creepy Deddit thread decide tomeet in real life, they only have one plan in mind: they are goingto summon the Midnight Man. And once you startthe Midnight Game, you must finish it - there's no other way out!Six strangers. One night. But how many survivors?

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Book SynopsisOne touch and your heart is lost, as the hunter becomes the hunted in a dark romantasy fromSunday Timesbestselling author, M. A. Kuzniar, for fans of Holly Black and Adalyn Grace. Elka has been banished to the forest by her wicked mother, who rules the city with an iron first. She is cursed to remain there forever unless she takes the hearts of seven men. Six have been slain and a wounded huntsman stumbles across her path, destined to be the seventh. But Kaz is hiding a secret of his own, arriving in the forest with another agenda and as the two get to know one another, passion begins to spark. The magic within the forest is stirring and dark forces threaten to overtake them. Elka must face the ultimate choice: relinquish her destiny or betray her heart? Step into the forest of hearts in this richly imagined take on the Snow White folklore, full of forbidden love, slow burn passion and the promise of true love's kiss.

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Book SynopsisFollow clues, solve puzzles, crack the code... find the missing millionaire. The celebrated museums of the Fairfleet Institute are known for curating the mysteries of humanity. But they don't solve mysteries. Luckily, twelve-year-old friends Alex Foster and Asha Singh of the A&A Detective Agency do. Or they will . . . once they get a real case to test their skills as sleuths. When Dr. Alistair Fairfleet, the institute's eccentric chairman, disappears on the first day of Alex and Asha's summer vacation, they receive a letter written by the missing millionaire himself inviting them to a game involving complicated clues and puzzles. It is just the sort of case they've been waiting to tackle. But nothing in the Fairfleet case has a simple solution. As the kids track down clues, they uncover art forgeries, archaeological crimes, and Fairfleet family secrets. All of this tests their partnership and forces them to confront the complicated legacies of the people and places they admire Trade Review“If you are a fan of The Westing Game, Chasing Vermeer, or The Parker Inheritance, you will love The A&A Detective Agency: The Fairfleet Affair! K.H. Saxton gives readers two whip-smart kid detectives, hands them a mystery worthy of their skills, and mixes in some challenging history that’s been hidden for years. It’s a delight to see Asha and Alex solve clues and help some clueless adults right a wrong. I can’t wait for the next book!” —Margaret Peterson Haddix, New York Times bestselling author of the Greystone Secrets series "I absolutely adored this book! The A&A Detective Agency: The Fairfleet Affair is a perfectly paced mystery full of humor and memorable characters. The backdrop of curating art and exhibits for museums, and the ethics involved, is fascinating. Alex and Asha are a smart and funny detective duo, and I enjoyed their friendship as much as I enjoyed figuring out the clues alongside them. I hope this is the first of many mysteries with the A&A Detective Agency!" —Jennifer Chambliss Bertman, New York Times-bestselling author of the Book Scavenger series and Sisterhood of Sleuths. ““[T]he intricate plot—jam-packed with brain teasers, convoluted twists, and red herrings—keeps readers in suspense while neatly paving the way for a sequel in Saxton’s series-starting debut.” —Publishers Weekly “A complex, cinematic, and eclectic page-turner.” - Kirkus “Saxton reveals a knack for constructing a mystery, planting baffling clues, and creating interesting characters of varied ages Tension rises and falls, but the pace of the narrative never falters, and readers will enjoy seeing the puzzle pieces fall into place during the satisfying conclusion. A smart, involving first novel.”—Booklist "Young readers will find The Fairfleet Affair a solid introduction to the genre and will, most likely, look forward to forthcoming Northbrook crimes the A&A duo can solve.” —New York Journal of Books "Full of clues and puzzle pieces to ponder, this complicated mystery will keep readers guessing all the way until the end."—School Library Journal / Teen Librarian Toolbox

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Book SynopsisK.L. Walther was born and raised in the rolling hills of Bucks County, Pennsylvania surrounded by family, dogs, and books. Her childhood was spent traveling the northeastern seaboard to play ice hockey. She attended a boarding school in New Jersey and went on to earn a B.A. in English from the University of Virginia. She is happiest on the beach with a book, cheering for the New York Rangers, or enjoying a rom-com while digging into a big bowl of popcorn and M&Ms. She is the author of Maybe Meant to Be, The Summer of Broken Rules, What Happens After Midnight. Visit her online at klwalther.com

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Book SynopsisA beautiful deluxe gift edition of the beloved classic of girlhood with foiled covers, marbled endpapers, sprayed edges, beautiful paper and finished with a silk ribbon. The four March girls live together, as different as sisters as can be. There is sensible, romantic Meg and sweet, sunshiny Beth. There is Jo who burns with the ambition to be a writer and there is Amy who wishes for a more beautiful nose. Simple, true, and keenly resonant with life, spirit and affection, Little Women is a beloved classic for the ages. This hardback is part of VINTAGE COLLECTOR'S CLASSICS, a series of luxurious books especially crafted for collectors and fans of beautiful special editions. Sumptuous design meets the highest quality production. Discover timeless classics beautifully bound for every bookshelf.

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Book SynopsisTHE NO 1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER AND NEWBERY MEDAL WINNER'This beautifully written, darkly funny coming-of-age story will enchant and entertain' Daily MailEvery year, the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as an offering to the witch who lives in the forest. They hope this sacrifice will keep her from terrorizing their town. But the witch in the Forest, Xan, is in fact a good witch who shares her home with a wise Swamp Monster and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon. Xan rescues the children and delivers them to welcoming families on the other side of the forest, nourishing the babies with starlight on the journey.One year, Xan accidentally feeds a baby moonlight instead of starlight, filling the ordinary child with extraordinary magic. Xan decides she must raise this girl, whom she calls Luna, as her own. As Luna's thirteenth birthday approaches, her magic begins to emerge - with dangerous consequences. Meanwhile, a young man from the Protectorate is determined to free his people by killing the witch. Deadly birds with uncertain intentions flock nearby. A volcano, quiet for centuries, rumbles just beneath the earth's surface. And the woman with the Tiger's heart is on the prowl . . . The Newbery Medal winner from the author of the highly acclaimed novel The Witch's Boy.Trade ReviewA fairytale with a difference, this is about finding your power and what is means to belong, captured in a richly textured prose in a beautifully realised fantasy world. * The Bookseller *Impossible to put down . . . The Girl Who Drank the Moon is as exciting and layered as classics like Peter Pan or The Wizard of Oz * The New York Times *A gorgeously written fantasy about a girl who becomes "enmagicked" after the witch who saves her from death feeds her moonlight. * People *[Barnhill's] next middle grade sensation...With compelling, beautiful prose, Kelly Barnhill spins the enchanting tale of a kindly witch who accidentally gives a normal baby magic powers, then decides to raise her as her own. * EW.com *Guaranteed to enchant, enthrall, and enmagick . . . Replete with traditional motifs, this nontraditional fairy tale boasts sinister and endearing characters, magical elements, strong storytelling, and unleashed forces. * Kirkus *Rich with multiple plotlines that culminate in a suspenseful climax, characters of inspiring integrity, a world with elements of both whimsy and treachery, and prose that melds into poetry. A sure bet for anyone who enjoys a truly fantastic story. * Booklist *An expertly woven and enchanting offering. * School Library Journal *Barnhill crafts another captivating fantasy, this time in the vein of Into the Woods . . . Barnhill delivers an escalating plot filled with foreshadowing, well-developed characters, and a fully realized setting, all highlighting her lyrical storytelling. * Publishers Weekly *Barnhill writes with gentle elegance, conveying a deeply emotional and heartrending tale with accessible, fluid prose. Characters are skillfully developed: the heroes are flawed, the villains are humanized, and they are forgiven for sins they may or may have not intended. The swamp monster and dragon provide plenty of moments of humor to leaven the pathos, while the setting is infused with fairy tale elements, both magical and menacing, and given a tragic history. Fans of Barnhill's The Witch's Boy and Iron Hearted Violet will find similar intersections of love, loss, and identity here. * Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books *The Girl Who Drank the Moon takes a probing look at social complexity and the high cost of secrets and lies, weaving multiple perspectives, past and present, into one cleverly unfolding fairy tale. Barnhill crafts wonderfully imperfect characters with poetic prose, warmth and wit. The resiliency of the heroes may be partly because of magic, but also because of critical thinking, empathy, deep love and the strength of family in all its unconventional manifestations. Thoughtful and utterly spellbinding. * Shelf Awareness for Readers *Heart-stopping and heart-rending . . . Good and evil square off in this highly original fantasy that satisfies in time-honored ways . . . Poetic turns of phrase, intriguing subplots and fast pacing yield a rich mix of suspense, surprise and social commentary, splendidly exploring 'memory, hope, love, and the weight of human emotion.'...Magic, witches, moonlight, starlight, a baby dragon and baby sacrifice swirl together in this spell-binding high fantasy. * San Francisco Chronicle *If your kids have already read Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and they can't get enough of Neil Gaiman, they're going to love Kelly Barnhill's new fantasy, The Girl Who Drank the Moon. * St Paul Pioneer Press *The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a story of love, curiosity and the magic of the everyday world . . . this is a novel about the journey, not the destination -- one filled with wisdom and heart. * Minneapolis Star Tribune *Magic, witch-lore, an evil Council of Elders, a Perfectly Tiny Dragon, twists and turns and an utterly fantastical world--this book keeps you hooked! -- Kim Childress * Girls' Life *An involving--and often wondrously strange--adventure. Though aimed at middle grade readers, this has plenty of marvels and tongue-in-cheek moments to keep older readers entertained as well. * Locus *Infused with unique forms of magic. Philosophy and plots intertwine, woven together with bejeweled language and themes of love, secrets, power, belonging and family. * Charlotte Observer *A fresh take on fantasy. * Iowa City Press-Citizen *This story of a girl who gains magical powers after a witch saves her life by 'feeding her moonlight' has drawn comparisons to The Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan. * New York Post *There's much to love about this fast-paced story. The characters are charming, good and evil battle it out in scenes that keep the pages turning as the story builds to its climax, and the real witches come out of the woodwork. There are plenty of surprises as the author wends her way to a conclusion, leaving not a single stone unturned. Children, and adults too, will be "enmagicked" by this addictive tale. * The Washington Missourian *A delightful read, especially for upper elementary and middle schoolers who love traditional fantasy. * Providence Journal *Refreshing, magical, oftentimes comical, and full of adventure and heart, The Girl Who Drank the Moon soars off the pages. Readers will be fascinated in a spell that will sing to them and wrap them up in a finely woven tapestry of fantasy and magic. Few storytellers have the gift of so deftly arranging a fantasy or building a world so magical that readers want to live there, but Kelly Barnhill is the best at her craft. If you loved The Witch's Boy, you will love The Girl Who Drank the Moon even more . . . An instant classic, a book that today's children will read someday to their children. Highly, highly recommended. I would recommend this book over all others this year. It is honestly the best book I've read in years. * El Paso Times *Kelly Barnhill is an artist, weaving a tightly-developed world from prose that reads like poetry. The Girl Who Drank the Moon is high fantasy at its finest and belongs on the same shelf with legendary tales like The Once and Future King, The Hobbit, Susan Cooper's The Dark Is Rising Sequence, and Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain. * Nerdy Book Club *The Girl Who Drank the Moon is pure magic . . . Barnhill weaves together poetic prose--along with a few actual poems--well-developed characters, a perfectly escalating plot, and a beautiful message to create the extraordinary tapestry of this nontraditional fairy tale that will engage readers of any age. * Barnes and Noble Kids Blog *This entrancing novel is full of beautiful detail with a very well-crafted plot line and exquisitely developed characters. Light and dark magic combine to weave a complex, twisting vine of a tale. * Skipping Stones *From pure hearted characters to beautifully detailed backdrops, everything about this story is truly mystical . . . The Girl Who Drank the Moon is an unforgettable story that is so beautifully written it must have taken magic to write it. * Young Mensan BookParade *It is the strong element of emotional entanglement between parents and children that sets this book apart from the bursting shelves of middle grade fantasy. Barnhill does an excellent job of reminding us that, while sorrow can be a dangerous and overwhelming force, love is an even greater magic. * Cleaver Magazine *Just lovely--a worthy precursor to authors like Gaiman and LeGuin. Barnhill has a knack for telling a complex story in deceptively simple, lyrical fairy tale language, and the way she teases the individual threads of this story together--the brave boy, the magical girl, the witch's forgotten history, the mad mother--is brilliant. The characters--minor and major--live and breathe; the world of the story feels sturdy enough to stand on its own . . . go ahead and add The Girl Who Drank the Moon to your reading list. * Home-school-life Magazine *This fantasy book about the unexpected power of magic, love and sorrow is told with beautiful prose and some humor . . . * Free Lance-Star *Get lost in the magic of a middle grade read with The Girl Who Drank the Moon. Beautifully written and poetic, this is a tale that defines magic and love in a whole new light . . . Kelly Barnhill has a magical way of bringing a story and moral to light, while delicately dealing with deep issues. Perfectly suited for young readers, this book is also entertaining for an older reading audience." * Independent Voice *A page turner for all ages. A rich cast of characters that includes a highly intelligent swamp monster, a tiny dragon, and a child imbued with powerful magic form the heart of this enchanting middle grade novel from Barnhill, who weaves an engrossing plot involving family, truth, and sacrifice. * Tullahoma News *The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a marvelous children's story about fear, secrets, and the power of love . . . a wonderful book that older children and teens should enjoy reading. * Portland Book review *Sure to delight readers of other fairy tale-style stories like Neil Gaiman's Stardust with its deliberate mixture of allusions, satire, and playfulness. * Midwest Book Review *This novel is as magical as the magic that threatens to burst from Luna. There is no way to escape its touch as you dream through the pages. It has everything a good story needs - a mystery that is not figured out by the reader until the very end; several unlikely heroes, as well as an unconventional family; so much love mixed with so much pain and sorrow; and magic so unbelievable, it becomes as believable as the age of its painter. Read this book. * Geeks Of Doom *A fantasy set around Luna, a girl whose magic begins to emerge on her thirteenth birthday, set in a rich fantasy world. * Asheville Citizen-Times *A misunderstood witch, a poetry-spouting swamp monster, a tiny dragon with a simply enormous heart, a girl fed from moonlight and a town filled with tragic sadness all come together in this brilliant new novel from the author of Witch's Boy. Fans of Maile Meloy, Alice Hoffman and Shannon Hale will devour this sad, funny, charming, clever stand-alone fantasy adventure. * Pinestraw Magazine *A spellbinding book that will keep you at the edge of your seat . . . Not only does the story show compassion and hope, it shows unconditional love . . . Look for this book to become a classic . . . * Young Voices of New York *A modern fable about a witch named Xan, who accidentally gives a baby moonlight instead of starlight, and the child, Luna, who grows up to be magical and dangerous. Factor in a Perfectly Tiny Dragon, a swamp monster, a not-so dormant volcano, and a mysterious woman with a tiger's heart and, well, you've got something truly magical. * NW Book Lovers *Barnhill's impeccable writing makes for effortless reading, while she spins her plot with perfect pacing. Packed within the story are some tremendously thought-provoking themes which elevate this quite beyond an ordinary fantasy and make it a superb choice for a middle-grade-and-older book club. * Orange Marmalade Books *· 'This beautifully written, darkly funny coming-of-age story will enchant and entertain. And there's a teeny, tiny dragon, too...' * Daily Mail *This is a beautifully written fairytale with delicate weirdness woven into it at every available opportunity, and a sophisticated exploration of propaganda and control. It feels both timeless and fresh, like the best poetry. One for young readers to drink up * Irish Times *A poignant, humorous fantasy with glints of Margaret Mahy, Neil Gaiman and Robin McKinley. This is a gorgeously stratified and satisfying novel, full of archetypal, bone-deep fairytale resonances * The Guardian *An endearing and magical tale * The Bookbag *Barnhill's lyrical, compulsive storytelling will engage and challenge KS2+ readers * Armadillo Magazine *This is a truly beautiful and magical fairy tale that deserves to become a classic in the future * Books for Keeps *[a] thoughtful and magical book about belonging, fear and family... The writing flows beautifully and Barnhill's keen observation of human nature fits naturally into the story, which moves along at a satisfying pace... Perfect for young fans of Neil Gaiman, Ursula Le Guin and Diana Wynne Jones * Booktrust *An engaging and thoughtful feminist fairytale for modern readers. Barnhill's writing is whimsical and eccentric, with a depth and poignancy often not often found in children's books. A fantastic read * Children's Books Ireland *

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Book SynopsisElla is the new girl at school. She doesn't know anyone and she doesn't have any friends.And she has a terrible secret.Ella can't believe her luck when Lydia, the most popular girl in school, decides to be her new best friend - but what does Lydia really want? And what does it all have to do with Molly, the quiet, shy girl who won't talk to anyone?A gripping story of lies, friendship, and blackmail..."A perfectly-pitched, thoughtful story with a big heart." - Katherine Woodfine, author of The Clockwork SparrowAlso by Cath Howe:Not My FaultHow to be Me

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Book SynopsisDustin Thao is a Vietnamese-American writer based in Southern California. He graduated from Amherst College with a B.A. in Political Science, and is starting a PhD program at Northwestern University. He writes contemporary young adult fiction. You've Reached Sam is his YA debut.Trade ReviewIf you like your contemporaries with a tiny piece of magic, this emotional YA is perfect for you. * BuzzFeed *Have your tissues at the ready when you dive into Dustin Thao's emotional novel You've Reached Sam. * PopSugar *Thao skillfully marries a quiet, elegiac novel about grief with a provocative sf conceit. A poignant and moving read * Booklist *A touch of magic, first love and loss, this is the story of romance and heartache. * SheReads *You’ve Reached Sam is a hauntingly remarkable debut. Dustin Thao gently weaves grief, regret, second chances, and the honestly beautiful moments we carry from a first love. Every tear you will shed reading this book will be worth it. -- Julian Winters, award-winning author of Running With Lions

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Book SynopsisA wonderfully atmospheric story about holistic mysticism, the unexplainable and the power of female friendship. From Carnegie-shortlisted author of On Midnight Beach.Suzy Button is grieving. Grieving for her dead mother, but also for the friends she''s left behind, the father who no longer laughs and the life that she once had. In desperation she finds herself in the garden in the middle of the night, under the light of a supermoon, wishing everything would change.And suddenly, it does.Into school walks Rhiannon, a fearless new girl who makes Suzy her instant best friend. And Rhiannon seems to make things . . . happen. If Suzy wants something, somehow Rhiannon can make it so: friends, beach parties, midnight photoshoots under a moonlit sky . . . Suzy''s life is finally moving forward again.But where did Rhiannon come from? She doesn''t seem to live in Sallycove. Why can''t Suzy go to her house? And why does she never have any stuff?

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Book SynopsisDebut magical middle grade adventure. For fans ofAmari and the Night Brothers, Percy Jackson andSkandar!

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Book SynopsisClimate catastrophe leaves the people of Earth fighting for oxygen in this gripping dystopian thriller from bestselling sci-fi author Alastair Chisholm.Sparrow lives in the world after the Reek. The atmosphere is toxically polluted, and Axel Brodie, the tech billionaire behind Zephyr Industries, is cashing in as the only supplier of clean air.Sparrow is struggling to help her family survive until her brilliant inventor friend, Miriam Fenn, comes up with a new form of technology that could break Zephyr's stranglehold on the air supply. But men like Brodie are hard to defeat, and he will do everything in his power to stop Miriam and Sparrow. Who will triumph in this battle to breathe?Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

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Book SynopsisOn the 20th anniversary of SOPHIE'S WORLD - the world's bestselling book of 1995 - a striking new edition with a fresh jacket look and a foreword by the author.'A simply wonderful, irresistible book' DAILY TELEGRAPHTrade ReviewA simply wonderful, irresistible book * DAILY TELEGRAPH *A unique popular classic * THE TIMES *A marvellously rich book. Its success boils down to something quite simple - Gaarder's gift for communicating ideas * GUARDIAN *Remarkable ... What Jostein Gaarder has managed to do is condense 3,000 years of thought into 400 pages; to simplify some extremely complicated arguments without trivialising them ... SOPHIE'S WORLD is an extraordinary achievement * SUNDAY TIMES *Challenging, informative and packed with easily grasped, and imitable, ways of thinking about difficult ideas * INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY *A whimsical and ingenious mystery novel that also happens to be a history of philosophy ... What is admirable in the novel is the utter unpretentiousness of the philosophical lessons ... which manages to deliver Western philosophy in accounts that are crystal clear * WASHINGTON POST *A terrifically entertaining and imaginative story wrapped round its tough, thought-provoking philosophical heart * DAILY MAIL *

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Book SynopsisA collection of four linked stories of family life set in modern west Africa.Trade ReviewThis is a wonderful collection of colourful, warm and lively stories to be read over and over. * Primary Times *A series of lively, captivating tales. * The Scotsman *In her first novel, storyteller Atinuke guides us through Anna's throughly modern multicultural life and family and Lauren Tobia's evocative illustrations spill around the text. * Juno *An interesting read in which we learn to appreciate the joys of African life. * Cork Evening Echo *Memorable and enchanting. * School Library Journal *A life-affirming way to encourage your child to celebrate simple joys * Junior *a story of sizzling happiness that starts small and grows irrepressibly…her township is beautifully drawn…a book to put – and keep – a smile on your face * The Observer *There are so many reasons to love the Anna Hibiscus books as wonderful stories with beautiful illustrations; but the inclusion of a mixed-race family and unfamiliar cultural setting make these important books to share with every child * Child-Led Chaos *Featured in The Independent IE’s piece ‘Teaching children about race and equality in words and rhyme’. * Independent IE *

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Book SynopsisMom, I went to the store. See inside the fridge. I watered the plants. I cleaned out Peter's cage. I tidied the sitting room. And the kitchen. And I did the washing up. I'm going to bed. Your live-in servant, Claire Life on the Refrigerator Door is told exclusively through notes exchanged by Claire and her mother, Elizabeth, during the course of a life-altering year. Their story builds to an emotional crescendo when Elizabeth is diagnosed with breast cancer. Stunningly sad but ultimately uplifting, this is a clever, moving, and original portrait of the relationship between a daughter and mother. It is about how we live our lives constantly rushing, and never making time for those we love. It is also an elegy to how much can be said in so few words, if only we made the time to say them.A new edition of this simultaneously heartbreaking and heart-warming novel by Alice Kuipers.Trade ReviewFunny and sad and beautiful and shocking all at once * Sugarscape *

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Book SynopsisNikki and her friends Brandon, Chloe, and Zoey are up for another adventure in the fourteenth book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Dork Diaries series.

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Book Synopsis''I know exactly what you mean.'' Six simple words, and suddenly Sam doesn''t feel so alone. A heart-warming series about friendship, compassion and finding your kindred spirits.This is the story of one of those days - a day so bad you can barely get out of bed, when it''s a struggle to leave the house, and when you do, you wish you hadn''t. But even the worst of days can surprise you. When one sad ghost, alone at a crowded party, spies another sad ghost across the room, they decide to leave together. What happens next changes everything. Because that night they start the The Sad Ghost Club - a secret society for the anxious and alone, a club for people who think they don''t belong. Stunningly illustrated, this is Volume 1 in the beloved graphic novel series perfect for fans of Heartstopper and for anyone who''s ever felt invisible.Join the community of half a million ghosties on Instagram, Trade ReviewCharming, heartwarming graphic novel...ultimately it's about the power of friendship to help us step outside our loneliness, and the joy found in making communities of like-minded souls. * Booktrust *A relatable graphic novel with lovely illustrations and a strong sense of friendship, this adorable number is the first of a series, intended to draw compassion for those who live with anxiety, and feel as though they don't belong * Cosmopolitan *

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Book SynopsisExciting News! Mr Fullerman announces that class 5F are going onan 'Activity Break'! Which should be fun. As long as I don't getstuck in a group with anyone who snores or worse still with . . . . . . Marcus Meldrew.

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Book SynopsisA gripping, prizewinning novel about a girl surviving in a devastated world.Imagine that a few years from now England is covered by water, and Norwich is an island. Zoe, left behind in the confusion when her parents escaped, survives there as best she can. Alone and desperate among marauding gangs, she manages to dig a derelict boat out of the mud and gets away to Eels Island. But Eels Island, whose raggle-taggle inhabitants are dominated by the strange boy Dooby, is full of danger too.The belief that she will one day find her parents spurs Zoe on to a dramatic escape in a story of courage and determination that is handled with warmth and humanity.This book was the winner of the Branford Boase Award 2001 and marked the start of author Marcus Sedgwick's multi-award-winning career.Trade ReviewEntirely deserving of the Branford Boase Award, Floodland is a stunning debut novel that precluded more literary brilliance to follow. * Marty Mulrooney, ALTERNATIVE MAGAZINE ONLINE *

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Book SynopsisBook 2 in The Summer I Turned Pretty series - now a major new TV show on Amazon Prime!One girl. Two boys. An impossible decision to make . . .When something is perfect, you hope it lasts forever. But Isabel''s lazy, long hot summers at her family friends'' beach house are over.Conrad is the only boy she''s ever loved. But he''s left for college, taking her heart with him. Jeremiah, his gorgeous younger brother, is still Isabel''s best friend - but maybe friendship isn''t enough for him anymore . . .Isabel just wants everything to stay the same, because change means moving on. But if she stops looking back, could she find a future she never knew she wanted?Trade ReviewThis book has what every girl wants in a summer * Sarah Dessen *

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review* “Unforgettable and uplifting. . . . Deals with the hardships of middle school in a funny, yet realistic and thoughtful manner. Ally has a great voice, she is an unforgettable, plucky protagonist that the reader roots for from page one. This novel is a must-have.”—School Library Connection, starred review* “Filled with a delightful range of quirky characters and told with heart, the story also explores themes of family, friendship, and courage in its many forms. . . . It has something to offer for a wide-ranging audience. . . . Offering hope to those who struggle academically and demonstrating that a disability does not equal stupidity, this is as unique as its heroine.”—Booklist, starred review * “Mullaly Hunt again paints a nuanced portrayal of a sensitive, smart girl struggling with circumstances beyond her control. . . . Ally’s raw pain and depression are vividly rendered, while the diverse supporting cast feels fully developed. . . . Mr. Daniels is an inspirational educator whose warmth radiates off the page. Best of all, Mullaly Hunt eschews the unrealistic feel-good ending for one with hard work and small changes. Ally’s journey is heartwarming but refreshingly devoid of schmaltz.”—School Library Journal, starred review “[Hunt’s] depiction of Ally’s learning struggles is relatable, and Ally’s growth and relationships feel organic and real.”—Publishers Weekly “Poignant. . . . Emphasis on ‘thinking outside the box’ . . . Ally’s new friendships are satisfying, as are the recognition of her dyslexia and her renewed determination to read. Fans of R.J. Palacio’s Wonder will appreciate this feel-good story of friendship and unconventional smarts.”—Kirkus Reviews “Reminiscent of Polacco’s wonderful Thank You, Mr. Falker. . . . Ally’s feeling of loneliness and desire to fit in will resonate with young teen readers, as many share those feelings without the difficulty of dyslexia. . . . A tribute to teachers who go the extra mile to reach every student. . . . A touching story with an important message.”—Voice of Youth Advocates “Entertaining dialogue . . . Ally’s descriptions of her ‘mind movies’ are creative and witty. . . . The treatment of a group of sixth-graders with various quirks who face down their bullies extends the book’s interest beyond the immediate focus on dyslexia.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “Readers will . . . cheer for this likable girl.”—The Horn Book

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Book SynopsisMildred D.Taylor''s much-loved classic, for readers aged 12+, Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry follows a feisty African-American girl - Cassie Logan - as she grows up in Mississippi during the Great Depression and learns the shocking realities of racism. Perfect for fans of The Help, Malorie Blackman and To Kill a Mockingbird .''Look out there, Cassie girl, all that belongs to you.''Cassie finds it difficult to understand why the farm means so much to her father. But, as she witnesses the hatred and destruction all around her, she begins to learn the importance of standing up for your rights.The powerful and moving story of growing up during the American Depression.Mildred D. Taylor was born is Jackson, Mississippi and is the author of several young adult novels which tackle issues of race, including: the iconic Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry, Let the Circle Be Unbroken and The Land.

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Book SynopsisBe warned to commiserate 25 years of misfortune and gloom, Lemony Snicket's publishers have taken the untold risk of creating brand new collectors' editions of A Series of Unfortunate Events, illustrated by the obscenely talented Emily Gravett. The temptation to buy a copy is severe indeedDear reader,You still have time to choose another international best-selling series to read. But if you insist on discovering the unpleasant adventures of the Baudelaire orphans, then proceed with cautionViolet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire are intelligent children. They are charming, and resourceful, and have pleasant facial features. Unfortunately, they are exceptionally unlucky.In The Bad Beginning, the siblings encounter a greedy and repulsive villain, itchy clothing, a disastrous fire, a plot to steal their fortune and cold porridge for breakfast.In the tradition of great storytellers, from Dickens to Dahl, comes an exquisitely dark comedy that is irreverent, hilarious and deftly crafted.Despite their wretched contents, A Series of Unfortunate Events' has sold 60 million copies worldwide and been made into a Hollywood film starring Jim Carrey and massively popular Netflix series starring Neil Patrick Harris.Are you unlucky enough to own all 13 adventures?The Bad BeginningThe Reptile RoomThe Wide WindowThe Miserable MillThe Austere AcademyThe Ersatz ElevatorThe Vile VillageThe Hostile HospitalThe Carnivorous CarnivalThe Slippery SlopeThe Grim GrottoThe Penultimate PerilThe End

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Book SynopsisMajor motion picture now filming! From Paramount Players and Temple Hill Entertainment, and starring Sanaa Lathan (in her directorial debut), Jamila C. Gray, Method Man, Mike Epps and Da'Vine Joy Randolph.No. 1 New York Times bestsellerWaterstones Children''s Book Prize-winning authorThe highly anticipated second novel from one of the literary voices of a generation.Sixteen-year-old Bri wants to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. As the daughter of an underground hip hop legend who died right before he hit big, Bri's got massive shoes to fill. But when her first song goes viral for all the wrong reasons, Bri finds herself at the centre of controversy and portrayed by the media as more menace than MC. And with an eviction notice staring her family down, Bri no longer just wants to make it she has to. Even if it means becoming the very thing the public has made her out to be.Insightful, unflincTrade Review“Thomas, a former rapper herself, packs so much into these 448 pages, but they fly along with the agility of one of Bri’s freestyles.” * The Times, Children’s Book of the Week *“There is no second-book syndrome here. Unflinching, honest and brimming with humanity, Thomas writes with confidence and conviction about kids seldom seen in literature… Bri’s frustrated, angry lyrics are pure magic.” * The Observer *“The phrase “voice of a generation” is surely one of the most overused in popular culture. Angie Thomas, however, is one of the rare authors for whom it rings true… Her second, On the Come Up, proves that success was no fluke.” * i newspaper *“Best for: Making you laugh, cry and cheer out loud. . . an acute dissection of the way black girls are objectified and stereotyped by today’s society.” * i newspaper *“When THUG came out, Thomas was branded “the voice of a generation”; On the Come Up proves that those accolades were not premature. Clever, thoughtful and thoroughly addictive, it deserves to be one of the biggest hits of the year.” * i newspaper *

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Book SynopsisTemora and the Wordsnatcher is a book of magic and adventure, self-discovery and the true power of words. It is peopled by children who are discovering their true selves and the way they fit in the world.Temora Murphy is eleven years old. She lives in an immaculate house, with a mother who wishes to control and mold her. The only other children she sees are the "shiny" girls her mother selects for her as friends. Girls who tease her for her size and shyness. Girls who call her "Puddingface.". Temora wants more. Temora loves reading, books about adventure and magic. She finds these books in a black pearl box at the bottom of the garden, beneath the Bloodwood tree. She does not know how they come to be there or who sends them, and every time she thinks too hard about it, some strange impulse in her mind compels her to stop.The books help her to escape. But only so much. Then, at a party for her twelfth birthday, Temora Murphy makes another wish. And with that wish, her life alters forever.Temora and the Wordsnatcher is a literary children''s story, a portal fantasy work, featuring characters from multiple backgrounds and a protagonist who does not conform to societal standards of beauty, and who wishes to push against the constructs of what it means to be "feminine". Temora and the Wordsnatcher is a book of magic and adventure, self-discovery and the true power of words. It is peopled by children who are discovering their true selves and the way they fit in the world.Temora Murphy is eleven years old. She lives in an immaculate house, with a mother who wishes to control and mold her. The only other children she sees are the "shiny" girls her mother selects for her as friends. Girls who tease her for her size and shyness. Girls who call her "Puddingface.". Temora wants more. Temora loves reading, books about adventure and magic. She finds these books in a black pearl box at the bottom of the garden, beneath the Bloodwood tree. She does not know how they come to be there or who sends them, and every time she thinks too hard about it, some strange impulse in her mind compels her to stop.The books help her to escape. But only so much. Then, at a party for her twelfth birthday, Temora Murphy makes another wish. And with that wish, her life alters forever.Temora and the Wordsnatcher is a literary children''s story, a portal fantasy work, featuring characters from multiple backgrounds and a protagonist who does not conform to societal standards of beauty, and who wishes to push against the constructs of what it means to be "feminine".

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Book SynopsisWINNER COSTA CHILDREN''S BOOK AWARDTHE TIMES AND SUNDAY TIMES CHILDREN''S BOOK OF THE YEARThe second sensational middle-grade standalone that follows an epic voyage from England to France in the aftermath of WW1, from the bestselling author of The Children of Castle Rock.In the aftermath of World War One, everyone is trying to rebuild their lives. If Ben is to avoid being sent back to the orphanage, he needs to find his brother Sam, wounded in action and is now missing. Lotti's horrible aunt and uncle want to send her away to boarding-school (when she has just so successfully managed to get expelled from her last one!). And Clara, their young teacher, is waiting for news of her missing fiancé . . .Just as they think they've found their feet in the new order, disaster strikes, and Lotti and Ben must get away. And so they hatch a plan to cross the Channel on Ben's narrowboat and fin

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Book SynopsisAnother charming, vibrant, super-cute offering in the adored Adventuremice series from dream collaborators Phillip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre

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Book SynopsisA gloriously glitzy story full of friendship, adventure and stunning full-colour artwork, from adored, award-winning author/illustrator duo Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre.

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Book SynopsisThe Frost Fair is coming! But when a surprise snowfall puts the mice's plans at risk, it's up to Pedro and the team to save the Fair and bring joy to the town! Guaranteed to warm hearts everywhere.Trade ReviewBy a celebrated team . . . Illustrated [by Sarah McIntyre] with precise, charming and expressive pictures worth poring over, it takes us into the detailed dwellings of a delightful mouse community . . . Philip Reeve is an expert storyteller * Sunday Times Children's Book of the Week (Adventuremice: Otter Chaos) *A delightful bite-size adventure vibrantly illustrated * BookTrust Books We Love (Adventuremice: Otter Chaos) *Reeve and McIntyre's wit, charm and silliness ooze throughout the story. The illustrations are bright, bold and totally typical of McIntyre's inimitable style * Just Imagine (Adventuremice: Otter Chaos) *McIntyre's illustrations are typically irresistible. Brilliant characterisation is achieved in the simplest way - with bold line and colour delivering pictures that sparkle and fizz on almost every page * Books for Keeps (Adventuremice: Otter Chaos) *A new Reeve and McIntyre collaboration is always a treat * The Bookseller, One to Watch (Adventuremice: Otter Chaos) *The first of a perfect full colour adventure series for younger readers * LoveReading4Kids (Adventuremice: Otter Chaos) *An absolute joy * ReadingZone (Adventuremice: Otter Chaos) *[Pedro's] longing to have an adventure, and the obstacles to achieving that, are what strike a chord with so many KS1 children. Readers love to cheer him on . . . This is a colour-illustrated chapter book to inspire (day-)dreams and great ambition. It is a short book . . . with a big heart . . . The final pages - a map of The Mouse Islands, 'How to Draw Pedro' and 'About the Authors' - are a great addition to this latest book from the talented Reeve-McIntyre duo, which reflect their humour and their generosity * Books for Topics (Adventuremice: Otter Chaos) *Reeve and McIntyre are a classic team * The Times *As the story dashes along so, too, do the illustrations, which are a delight on every page * Guardian, praise for Reeve & McIntyre *A fun-packed delight * Telegraph, praise for Reeve & McIntyre *A delightfully told, beautiful tale * Chris Riddell, praise for Reeve & McIntyre *

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Book SynopsisA sharp, witty and heartfelt tale of the ups and downs of teenage life from multi-award-winning Alex Wheatle. Life on the Crongton estate can be rough for Briggy. Dad's lost his job, Mum's working so hard to make ends meet, and big brother Kingsley just wants out. With all of the shouting and arguing it's difficult not to get lost in the mix. So when his best mate Terror and coolest chick in the year Caldonia, cook up a plan to make a quick buck, Briggy hopes this time it might be his chance to shine. Robbing the Post Office … what could go wrong? A brilliantly real and funny novella of life on one of London's toughest (fictional) estates.Trade Review“A welcome return to one of London’s toughest estates in a wise, witty urban novella” – The Bookseller “A novella as appallingly riveting as a car crash in slow motion … Wheatle’s characteristic invented slang is the perfect medium for this hilarious yet hard-hitting story” – Guardian “Wheatle revisits his popular Crongton estate universe with Kerb-Stain Boys … a gripping and quick read for both reluctant and sophisticated readers” – The Irish Times “This book is a blast of fresh air and will appeal to all types of teenagers, from the booky to absolute reluctants … as always with Alex Wheatle’s writing, there’s a core morality and exploring the real feelings of teenagers honestly” – BookTrust “This wickedly sharp teen-noir novella ticks all the right boxes for an inspiring read for teens who feel trampled in the wake of this unforgiving world … a compelling, voice-driven narrative packed with action and humour from start to finish” – Common Space

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Book SynopsisFrom debut author Nina Varela comes the first book in a richly imagined epic fantasy duology about an impossible love between two girls?one human, one Made?whose romance could be the beginning of a revolution.Perfect for fans of Marie Rutkoski?s The Winner?s Curse as well as Game of Thrones and Westworld.After the War of Kinds ravaged the kingdom of Rabu, the Automae, designed to be the playthings of royals, usurped their owners? estates and bent the human race to their will.Now Ayla, a human servant rising in the ranks at the House of the Sovereign, dreams of avenging her family?s death?by killing the sovereign?s daughter, Lady Crier. Crier was Made to be beautiful, flawless, and to carry on her father?s legacy. But that was before her betrothal to the enigmatic Scyre Kinok, before she discovered her father isn?t the benevolent king she once admired, and most importantly, before she met Ayla.Now, with growing human unrest across the land, pressures from a foreign queen, and an evil new leader on the rise, Crier and Ayla find there may be only one path to love: war.Trade Review“Crier’s War is a beautiful poem of a book. Fans of both fantasy and sci-fi: this book is for you.” — Tara Sim, Author of the Timekeeper Trilogy “Dizzying political machinations intertwine with a burgeoning romance. The plot zooms ahead with nail-biting tension. A fresh, suspenseful take on the robot apocalypse.” — Kirkus Reviews “Rife with mystery, romantic tension, and political intrigue, Varela’s debut novel is perfect for readers craving queer fantasy with dense world building.” — Booklist “A lush #OwnVoices fantasy debut with science fiction elements and LGBTQIA+ representation, perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass.” — School Library Journal “Masterful storytelling, woven with gorgeous poetic prose. You can’t help but be lured into this vividly imagined world. As heart-wrenching as it is unforgettable.” — Erin Summerill, author of the Clash of Kingdoms trilogy "Captivating political machinations among intricately linked characters create a suspenseful read with particular appeal to fans of queer romance." — Publishers Weekly “This interesting mesh of sci-fi and fantasy situates androids within court intrigue, enhanced with a steamy, well-paced lesbian romance that will make readers impatient to nab the next novel.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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Book SynopsisKaren McManus' ONE OF US IS LYING meets Agatha Christie's AND THEN THERE WERE NONE in this atmospheric, thrilling, trust-no-one rollercoaster of a read.

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Book SynopsisA gripping and powerful story of two boys from rival backgrounds, for fans of The Hate U Give and The Upper World.Glasgow is a divided city. Catholics and Protestants; Celtic and Rangers. Stumble down the wrong street at night, and you might not find your way home again.Joe and Graham should never have become friends, but football brings them together. They don''t want to get involved in the conflict and rivalry. They just want to talk, play, live and breathe the beautiful game.But the Orange Walks are beginning - the annual marches that bring the city''s tensions to the surface. And Joe and Graham have to decide where their loyalties lie.A powerful, gripping story about friendship, prejudice and tolerance from multi-award-winning author Theresa Breslin.''An outstanding writer . . . Superb'' IndependentTrade ReviewA cracking good read * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisThe Dark Lord will rise again with his servant's aid, greater and more terrible than ever before' Sybill Trelawney Harry Potter is lucky to reach the age of thirteen, since he has survived the murderous attacks of the feared Dark Lord on more than one occasion. But his hopes for a quiet school term concentrating on Quidditch are dashed when a maniacal mass-murderer escapes from Azkaban, pursued by the soul-sucking Dementors who guard the prison. It's assumed that Hogwarts is the safest place for Harry to be. But is it a coincidence that he can feel eyes watching him in the dark, and should he be taking Professor Trelawney's ghoulish predictions seriously?These adult editions have been stylishly redesigned to showcase Andrew Davidson's beautiful woodcut cover artwork.Trade ReviewAnd you thought wizardry was for children. Harry Potter will make you think again. He casts his spells on grown-ups too * James Naughtie *Funny, imaginative, magical … In the 2020s, thirty-something book-lovers will know each other by smug references to Diagon Alley and Quidditch * The Times *The Harry Potter stories will join that small group of children’s books which are read and reread into adulthood * Times Literary Supplement *One of the greatest literary adventures of modern times * Sunday Telegraph *Spellbinding, enchanting, bewitching stuff * Mirror *

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Book SynopsisGive me Harry Potter, and I shall leave the school untouched. Give me Harry Potter, and you will be rewarded' Lord VoldemortHarry Potter is preparing to leave the Dursleys and Privet Drive for the last time. But the future that awaits him is full of danger, not only for him, but for anyone close to him and Harry has already lost so much. Only by destroying Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes can Harry free himself and overcome the Dark Lord's forces of evil.In this dramatic conclusion to the Harry Potter series, Harry must leave his most loyal friends behind, and in a final perilous journey find the strength and the will to face his terrifying destiny: a deadly confrontation that is his alone to fight.These adult editions have been stylishly redesigned to showcase Andrew Davidson's beautiful woodcut cover artwork.Trade ReviewAnd you thought wizardry was for children. Harry Potter will make you think again. He casts his spells on grown-ups too * James Naughtie *Rowling has woven together clues, hints and characters from previous books into a prodigiously rewarding, suspenseful conclusion * Guardian *A nail-biting rollercoaster. A finale that ticks every box * Heat *An incredibly gifted novelist … The fact that Harry attracted adults as well as children has never surprised me. J.K. Rowling has set the standard: it’s a high one * Stephen King *Funny, imaginative, magical … In the 2020s, thirty-something book-lovers will know each other by smug references to Diagon Alley and Quidditch * The Times *One of the greatest literary adventures of modern times * Sunday Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisShy and anxious schoolboy Toby accidentally becomes king of a pixie kingdom at the bottom of his garden! These chaos-creating magical critters cause havoc for Toby at home and at school with their ridiculously silly powers (despite them only trying to help!), much to Toby's embarrassment and frustration. But when his extrovert friend Mo discovers Toby's secret double life, Toby realises that maybe being king of the pixies isn't so bad after all... Relentlessly hilarious and full of zany slapstick, this new series will be loved by readers of Bunny vs Monkey, Dog Man, Star Cat, and Evil Emperor Penguin.

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Book SynopsisA graphic novel adapted and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier, the #1 New York Times bestselling, multiple Eisner Award-winning author of Smile!When The Baby-sitters Club gets into a huge fight, Mary Anne is left to her own devices. She has to eat alone in the school cafeteria, figure out how to make new friends, and deal with her overprotective father. But the worst happens when she finds herself in a baby-sitting emergency and can''t turn to her friends for help. Will Mary Anne solve her problems and save The Baby-sitters Club from falling apart?

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Book SynopsisUnravelled is a new, full-length novel in the New York Times bestselling Keeper of the Lost Cities series, following fan-favourite Keefe on his adventures in the human world during the events of Stellarlune. Perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson and Skandar. While his friends faced their own challenges in Stellarlune, Keefe was in the human world. Where did he go, who did he see…and what shocking secrets were revealed to him? This can’t-miss installment of the series is told entirely from Keefe’s point of view and contains crucial clues about truths buried deep in the elvin world.  Other books in the Keeper of the Lost Cities series:Keeper of the Lost Cities Exile Everblaze Neverseen Lodestar Nightfall Flashback Legacy Unlocked Stellarlune

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Book SynopsisFrom the winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, the Best Book forYounger Readers - Red House Children's Book Award, the WaterstonesChildren's Book Prize 5 - 12 year-olds and the Blue Peter BestStory Book Award 2013, comes the ninth amazing instalment of thisbrilliant series!

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Book SynopsisNikki and her friends Brandon, Chloe, and Zoey are up for another adventure in the TWELFTH book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Dork Diaries series!

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Book SynopsisLove, Victor is now a major TV series on Dinsey+, set in the world of the hit film Love, Simon The beloved, award-winning novel is now a major motion picture starring 13 Reasons Why''s Katherine Langford and Everything, Everything''s Nick Robinson. ----------Straight people should have to come out too. And the more awkward it is, the better. Simon Spier is sixteen and trying to work out who he is - and what he''s looking for. But when one of his emails to the very distracting Blue falls into the wrong hands, things get all kinds of complicated.Because, for Simon, falling for Blue is a big deal ...It''s a holy freaking huge awesome deal.----------Praise for Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda: ''Worthy of Fault in Our Stars-level obsession.'' Entertainment Weekly''I love you, SIMON. I LOVE YOU! And I love thisTrade ReviewThe love child of John Green and Rainbow Rowell * Teen Vogue *I love you, Simon. I love you! And I love this fresh, funny, live-out-loud book. -- Jennifer Niven, New York Times bestselling author of ALL THE BRIGHT PLACESTouching and passionate . . . Completely loveable, with bags of empathy * Observer *A remarkable gift of a novel. -- Andrew Smith, author of GRASSHOPPER JUNGLEHilarious and heartbreaking . . . Readers will fall madly in love with Simon * Publishers Weekly (starred review) *Books like SIMON do change people's lives -- Waterstones Darlington BooksellerA wonderfully charismatic story about coming-of-age and coming out * Bookseller *Funny, moving and emotionally wise * Kirkus Reviews (starred) *I think I just felt my heart explode in my chest -- Goodreads (5 stars)One of the most electric, authentic characters I've ever read. . . I LOVE this book. LOVE it. Five freaking stars. -- Goodreads (5 Stars)A radically tender debut . . Steal this from your teen * O (Oprah’s Magazine) *When books this powerful come along we must pay attention. * The Gay UK *I devoured it in one sitting and absolutely adored it * Sugarscape *Unforgettable . . . I almost cried because all the feelings it made me feel * HowlingforBooks *The world needs this book, YOU need this book * PopGoesTheReader *

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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