Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Families and family members

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Book SynopsisA picture book about finding strength in unlikely places from the team behind the hugely popular New York Times bestseller Be Kind.When her gym class must face the school rock-climbing wall, Tanisha is discouraged. Her muscles are weak, and she knows she''ll never reach the top like Cayla.But maybe strength is about more than just muscles.With help from her family, Tanisha learns that by showing up, speaking up, and not giving up, she can be strong, too. And that people are the strongest when they work together and trust each other.Award-winning author Pat Zietlow Miller has reunited with illustrator Jen Hill for Be Strong, another unforgettable story sure to inspire kids and adults alike.

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

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Book SynopsisRex Ogle's story of startingYear 7 on the free lunch programme is timely, heart-breaking and true.Trade Review"What an amazing book. I don't think I have been that affected by a book since I read The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas..." -- Mary-Brigid Turner, Hodges Figgis Children's Department"A memoir of Ogle's own childhood, this is a searing look at the lived experience of poverty in America, written with grace, humour and honesty. In 6th grade, Rex's mum signs him up for the free meal programme, much to his embarrassment. But his intelligence and love of learning help him survive his chaotic home life. Highly recommended. Age 13+" -- 50 best books of 2019 for children from babies to teens - The Irish Independent"This book highlights the reality of being poor in the US." -- Natasha Harding - The Sun

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Book SynopsisAmerica''s favorite series returns with a new look and a Netflix tv show. Claudia''s sister, Janine, is too busy being smart to be nice to anyone--even their grandmother, Mimi. But Claudia doesn''t have to see Janine too much this summer, since the Baby-sitters Club is starting a new play group. It''s going to be so much fun!But then Mimi has a stroke, and the whole summer changes. Now Claudia is Mimi-sitting, and Janine is no help at all. How can the Kishi sisters get along when Janine is always so mean?

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Book SynopsisWith soft, sweet illustrations and rhyming text, this picturebook covers all the excitement of a wedding, from morning preparations to reception celebrations-the perfect present for any young flower girl.

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Book SynopsisA vibrant and heart-warming novel about the unforgettable joys of the Renaissance Faire, overcoming grief through cherished memories, and remaining true to yourself?even in cosplay.For as long as she could remember, Kaya Morgan has spent her summers with her dad at the greatest place on Earth: The Renaissance Faire. Full of performers cosplaying as thieving pirates, enchanting fairies, and courageous heroes, the Ren Faire has always been a place where anyone could be anything they wanted to be. And for as long as she could remember, Kaya and her dad have dreamed of her someday being named the first Black Queen of the Faire.Unfortunately for the last two summers, Kaya has been known as something else: the girl with the dead dad. But she?s not going to let anyone stop her from taking her place as the Queen?s apprentice (the first step on her journey towards Queen). But when the role is given to the pretty and blonde Jessie, the only spot left for Kaya is the Court Jester (who doesn?t even come with a crown).It''s bad enough that it?s another summer at the Ren Faire without her dad, and that her family thinks her love of medieval times is weird. But with everyone around Kaya determined to put her in a role she doesn?t want to be in, Kaya must decide whether to hold onto her old dreams no matter what, or realize that it?s okay for new dreams to become reality.

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Book SynopsisDaisy''s older brother is thrilled when he gets a baby brother. They are best buddies who do everything together. But then, his younger brother realizes she is a girl and wants to be called Daisy. Daisy''s brother must adjust to the change - including what it means for him and their sibling relationship. A moving, lyrical picture book based on a true story, My Sister, Daisy handles a sensitive subject with warmth and love.

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Book SynopsisHere is a little dog. And here is a big dog. The big dog is the mother. This is an Engage Literacy title in the Yellow colour band, and is perfect for both guided and independent reading. It connects with the fiction text pair, The Little Puppies.

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Book SynopsisLearn how to deal with tricksy, pesty little sidekicks (otherwise known as siblings). Starring the world''s grumpiest, sassiest, most loveable cat . . . Mr Pusskins! He''s got cattitude.Life for Pusskins is dreamy, until the day his owner Emily comes home with a Very Special Present . . . a kitten! Even though Little Whiskers is small and looks awfully angelic, she is not. She is a tiny package of peskiness. And the worst thing? It''s always Mr Pusskins who gets the blame! So how will Mr Pusskins deal with this naughty nuisance?Mr Pusskins is a New York Times Bestselling character. Mr Pusskins won the Booktrust Early Years Award, and Mr Pusskins Best in Show won the Roald Dahl Funny Prize.Hilarious - The GuardianIrresistible - Books for KeepsTrade ReviewLovely * The Children's Bookseller *A worthy successor to the previous prize-winning Mr Pusskins, it has the same vital, dramatic style * The Bookseller *Vivid and confident * The Bookbag *Every child who has been unjustly blamed for something another child has done will identify with Mr Pusskins, a long-haired furry ball of rage, indignation and hurt from his quivering tail to his expressive whiskers ... Irresistible * Books For Keeps *A fantastic, comical tale * Maternity & Infant *A telling tale of rivalry that comes to a happy and satisfactory conclusion * Junior *Hilarious * The Guardian *Funny and endearing story with stylish pictures * Bournemouth Daily Echo *A witty and charming read with endearing characters, conflicting emotions and a touching ending. Wonderful illustrations, too * Junior *

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Book Synopsis 'The pride primer.'—The New YorkerAn excellent tool for teaching respect, acceptance, and understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.This day in June…. Parade starts soon…. Rainbow arches…. Joyful marches! In a wildly whimsical, validating, and exuberant reflection of the LGBTQ+ community, This Day In June welcomes readers to experience a pride celebration and share in a day when we are all united. Also included is a Note to Parents and Other Caregivers with information on how to talk to children about sexual orientation and gender identity in age-appropriate ways as well as a Reading Guide chock-full of facts about LGBTQ+ history and culture. A Top Ten Title,American Library AssociationRainbow List Winner,Notable Books for a Global Society Awards Named one of the most important books of the last decade byThe Advocate''s '40 Under 40' list Top 11 Most Challenged Booksby American Library Association Winner,Stonewall Book Award—Mike Morgan and Larry Romans Children''s & Young Adult Literature Award Trade ReviewNamed one of the most important books of the last decade by The Advocate's "40 Under 40" listNamed one of the Top 11 Most Challenged Books of 2018 and Top 100 Most Banned and Challenged Books of the Past Decade in 2020 by American Library AssociationWinner of the 2015 Stonewall Book Award—Mike Morgan and Larry Romans Children's & Young Adult Literature Award A Top Ten Title, 2015 American Library Association Rainbow List Winner, 2015 Notable Books for a Global Society Awards"The pride primer." —The New Yorker "A beautifully illustrated, and beautifully explained, look at Pride through the eyes of a child. The book ends with the words, “This day in June, we’re all united!” an inspiring message that should be just as uplifting for adults as it is affirming for youth."—Philadelphia Gay News “This Day In June adds a bright spot for diversity on any bookshelf, and will help bring the true colors and beautiful experience of LGBT pride to life for school age children and their families.”—Ellen Kahn, Director of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Family Project. "Pitman, in her first book for children, salutes the LGBT parades that take place across the U.S. in June. Her couplets keep things marching steadily forward, but it’s Litten’s artwork that creates a sense of joyous excitement and showcases the diversity on display."—Publishers Weekly “This Day in June is the pride parade picture book queer parents have been waiting for since, oh, 1970. We’ve needed something that captured the joy and exuberance of the event, and something that helped kids picture the glorious range of gender expression and queer fabulousness that is so righteously on display at Pride (and by contrast so absent in most of our kids’ everyday lives). We’ve wanted a sweet, playful opportunity to talk in advance about what they’ll see, what it’ll be like. We’ve wanted to help them get as excited as we do, in anticipation, and have a way to share it with their friends.”—VillageQ.com “Intended for children ages four through eight--but absolutely a book every PFLAGer will want on their shelf--the book serves as an excellent tool for teaching respect, understanding, and affirmation of LGBTQ people.”—PFLAG Voice blog “This beautifully illustrated book is a great addition to a school or personal library to add diversity in a responsible manner without contributing to stereotypes about LGBT people.”—School Library Journal "When you reach the last of this book, you will immediately turn to the beginning pages to read it all over again."—Pride Agenda "The bouncy rhymes convey feelings and snapshots of parade scenes rather than a narrative storyline, but that doesn't lessen the book's impact. We're introduced to dykes on bikes, people in leather, drag queens and others of varying gender expressions, politicians, marching bands, and parents with their children. The diverse characters in Kristyna Litten's colorful illustrations jump and dance and swirl."—Bay Windows "The text of Gayle E. Pitman's flows like poetry from page to page and is partnered with the joyous illustrations by Kristyna Litten."—EDGE on the Net "Curious children who are learning about gender, identity, and self-expression will love learning about the diverse and unwavering LGBT community in a colorful book that celebrates pride. Parents who are eager to talk to their kids about the ways in which people are different, or about LGBT Pride month in general will find that This Day In June provides excellent context and serves as a conversation starter."—One Equal World “If you have never been to a pride parade, read this book to see what you are missing.” —No Time for Flash Cards

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Book SynopsisThe breathtaking second book from the author of Orangeboy, winner of the Waterstones Children''s Book Prize for Older Readers, the YA Book Prize, the CrimeFest award, and shortlisted for the Costa Book Award .Praise for Orangeboy:A truly brilliant book. Malorie BlackmanIncredible book. Thank you Patrice Lawrence for such a fresh and riveting piece of fiction. Ben Bailey Smith (Doc Brown)Seventeen-year-old Indigo has had a tough start in life, having grown up in the care system after her dad killed her mum. Bailey, also seventeen, lives with his parents in Hackney and spends all his time playing guitar or tending to his luscious ginger afro. When Indigo and Bailey meet at sixth form, serious sparks fly. But when Bailey becomes the target of a homeless man who seems to know more about Indigo than is normal, Bailey is forced to make a choice he should never have to make. A life-affirming stoTrade ReviewIf anything, Lawrence's second book surpasses her first with its deft characterisation. -- Imogen Russell Williams * The Guardian *...another brilliant story that will suck you in and leave you looking at the world through different eyes. Lawrence deserves all the awards that were heaped on Orangeboy, and her latest book is every bit as good. * Crime Review *Think Jacqueline Wilson with swearing and lots of contemporary cultural references... a red-hot mystery * The Times *Lawrence's teenage friendly depictions of emotions will keep readers engaged. It won't stay on the shelf for long. * The School Librarian *Fresh and important... Patrice Lawrence is a hot name in publishing. CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE WEEK -- Alex O'Connell * The Times *A tender and complex story of first love, family and belonging... Lawrence is a vibrant, accomplished storyteller... but what really sets her writing apart is her skill in getting to the raw heart of her characters. YA BOOK OF THE WEEK. -- Fiona Noble * The Observer *A passionate love story with mystery at its core. CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE WEEK. -- Nicolette Jones * Sunday Times *Oh, I loved this story. The plot hinges on the mystery surrounding Indigo's family and it's gradually revealed with genuine care and compassion by Lawrence... [She] is a storyteller, you know? I believed in her setting, I believed in her characters and I was absorbed by her plot. I don't know what more I could have asked for. -- Jill Murphy * The Bookbag *

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Book SynopsisSchooldays at St Clare''s are never dull for twins Pat and Isabel O''Sullivan in Enid Blyton''s much-loved boarding school series.In book seven, Eileen''s mother is the new Matron and Mam''zelle''s niece, Claudine, joins St Clare''s and causes havoc wherever she goes. The twins are enchanted by rebellious Claudine and her mad-cap plans, but will she last the term?Expect more mischief at St Clare''s!Between 1941 and 1946, Enid Blyton wrote six novels set at St Clare''s. This edition features the original text and is unillustrated.

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Book SynopsisAn uplifting story celebrating families of all shapes and sizes, fromDr Ranj, bestselling author and the nation''s favourite doctor.Rohan is excited for the SUPERFAMILY SUMMER FESTIVAL where everyone will come together for a day of games, music, food and fun. But will Rohan and his daddy really be a superfamily with Mummy away?From music and singing, to adventurous treasure hunts and family-famous recipes - join Rohan at the festival as he discovers the superpowers of love that are always part of us . . . whether our family is near or far! From the team behind A Superhero Like You and A Superpower Like Mine comes an exciting new picture book about family, friendship and the power of community!

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Book Synopsis***Shortlisted for the YA Book Prize***WELCOME TO CRONGTON, WHERE YOUR LOYALTY AND WITS WILL BE TESTED ... Round these ends, it''s hard to hold on to your dreams.Life''s a constant hustle for Mo. Her mum''s boyfriend Lloyd is just another man who likes to beat down women; the South Crong streets are fraught with hazards and nasty G''s; and when it comes to matters of the heart . . . she''s still hung up on Sam.No wonder she''s vexed so much of the time. Thank god her sistrens, Elaine and Naomi, are on her side: if one of them falls then they all fall.But when badness goes down and a life is left hanging in the balance, Mo has to face her hot urge for revenge . . . and she might end up losing more than she wins.''full of humour and tenderness'' Patrice LawrenceTrade Review[This] will soon be on school reading lists and examination syllabuses everywhere, as it has "classic" singing from every page ... A joyous shout of youthful exuberance ... Wheatle's Twain-like command of patois never falters ... Enriching and life-affirming ... A total gem for any age. * Independent *I love this book. It's elegant, authentic and humane. It hums with the beat of real life and the language sings from the page. This is mature, powerful writing by an author with great talent and great heart. * David Almond, Guardian Children's Fiction Prize judge *Brilliant, tough, heartbreaking read. * Tanya Landman, author of Buffalo Soldier, Carnegie medal winner *Funny, profane, well-observed accounts of life on an urban estate. * Sunday Times *Alex Wheatle captures the rhythm and movement of language though simile, humour and redefinitions of meaning . . . Straight Outta Crongton is a book full of humour and tenderness. * Patrice Lawrence, the Guardian *

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Book SynopsisRabia is sad and scared about moving house. She''s worried about what it will be like and how she will cope. But her mum helps her by arranging a visit there before they move and by packing a bag of special things that she can keep with her rather than pack into boxes.The story shows what happens during a move, about the first night there and the excitement that comes when exploring a new home.This first experiences series uncovers the worries and fears associated with big life changes that young children might experience and provides reassurance by explaining how they might feel and shows ways that children can learn to cope with these feelings. The sensitively written story provides guidance not only for children, but also for adults who want to help their child through these unsettling times in their lives. Children can read the books on their own or can discuss the books with an adult. Notes for teachers and parents at the back of the books provid

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Book SynopsisCelebrate the eco-heroes around the world building a better tomorrow.Eco Stories for those who Dare to Care is the perfect introduction to environmentalism and the world-changing lives that have fought for our planet''s future. From Greta Thunberg to David Attenborough, Rachel Carson to Wangari Maathai, activists of all ages, from all corners of the planet, will inspire readers to think and take action on the most important issues of our era. Beautiful and characterful portraits help bring to life these important activists and their contributions to our world. Clear, concise text presents the stand-out biographical information from these inspirational figures, and acts as a perfect primer for conversations about activism and environmentalism. This is the perfect book for eco-warriors aged 9 and up.

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Book SynopsisThere are many different types of family, they can be big or small. Learn about the people who make a family and how they look after each other and have fun.With very low level text, these books are simple introductions to how children can look after themselves and their physical and mental health. Questions throughout encourage children to talk about their ideas and experiences and engage children with the topic.The All About Me series helps young children to learn more about themselves, their body and their health. Read the other titles in the series: Friends, Growing up, Keeping Well, My Body, My Senses.

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Book SynopsisFrom the award-winning author of THE BUBBLE BOY comes a heart-warming and unforgettable story? that follows one boy’s search for the perfect family, with surprising and unexpected results. Perfect for fans of Onjali Q. Rauf and Lisa Thompson. 'Friendship, laughter, suspense and more!' - Ross Welford, author of TIME TRAVELLING WITH A HAMSTER and THE 1000-YEAR-OLD BOY THINGS MY PERFECT PARENTS MUST HAVE: 1. A mega mansion like the ones footballers live in 2. A garage wall with a basketball hoop 3. No gerbils 4. Holidays to Disneyland All Sam wants is a family of his own, a home instead of a ‘house’ and parents he knows will still be there when he wakes up. Because Sam has been in and out of foster care his whole life and he can’t imagine ever feeling like he truly belongs. Then his best friend Leah suggests that rather than wait for a family to come to him, he should go out

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Book SynopsisAn adventure to treasure from two multi award-winning creators, discover a classic story of family, friendship and believing in your own magic.  When Summer and her foster family are having lunch one day, a hole appears in the middle of the living room. That hole leads to a dragon and the promise of three wishes, granted by a very unusual witch.   Summer wishes for popularity and plenty of money, and things are looking up . . . until she realizes that the hole in the floor is getting bigger and the witch is getting more sinister. As things begin to unravel, will Summer get her dearest most secret wish?   Nick Lake's classic story of dragons, witches and wish-fulfilment is beautifully illustrated by Emily Gravett.

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Book SynopsisDonating your heart is the most precious gift of all. LONGLISTED for the 2018 CILIP CARNEGIE MEDALAdam is a teenage boy who lives with his mum and younger sister. Adam feels the weight of the world upon his shoulders. Then his grandfather dies and in doing so he donates a very precious gift - his heart.Trade ReviewThoughtfully conceived and beautifully executed OUT OF HEART found a place in my heart that will stay there forever. * Anna Perera, author of Guantanamo Boy *This extraordinary, almost magical, book is ostensibly the story of an organ donation but is really about the trauma, violence and messiness of an ordinary life. It's about communication and miscommunication, about being alone and loneliness; about giving, taking and sharing. In a world dominated by social media depicting perfect, and perfectly happy, lives, Out of Heart shows how it is life's imperfections that allow us to grow into who we are meant to be. * Booktrust *A gritty story full of heart (yes, pun kind of intended.) * Red Magazine *Master's use of Blake's The Little Boy Lost and The Little Boy Found, which serve as a prologue and epilogue respectively, was the proverbial icing on this delicious novel. At least one of us in the office was gently weeping only a few pages in. And Master's soaring phrases of prose juxtaposed with edgy use of the vernacular make for an exquisite pairing of styles. Just beautiful. An evocative novel for young adults but would also work well as a class-reader with year 6's in the summer term. * The Literacy Tree *a novel of exquisite artistry and contemporary storytelling * Nudge Magazine *Out of Heart is something entirely unique, heartwrenching and wonderful. * Alta Speaks *To put it simply, this book is unlike any I have ever read before. The writing is unusual, the characters are different, the setting is one not often used and the whole concept is one I would love to see more of. I love the mixture of writing - it was extremely clever in structure. This book really stands apart in many ways, and above all, it intrigued me. This book holds a lot of meaning. It talks about things many YA novels don't - abuse, depression, illness, mental health and race. I love the way this book explored nationality and I felt some of it directly related to situations in some communities here in the UK. I felt Adam's story really demonstrated the need for equality, and I wish we had more of that. It really struck a chord with me, and reminded me the real importance for stories like this to be told. * The Books Are Everywhere *Out of Heart is a wonderful exploration of friendship and family, love, loss and trust. Like all the best of YA, it confronts troubling subjects in a way that is uplifting but not sentimental * Book Muse *As soon as I got this book, I knew it was going to be something special, and I was not wrong at all. What a beautifully written story. All in all, I loved this coming of age story. The writing was beautiful. In fact, I'd say it was beautifully simple, almost poetic. I'd recommend this story to anyone looking for a quick but compelling read with a few surprises in store. * Alba in Bookland *Inventive use of form lifts this above the standard novel. t is also a moving exploration of the hurt that is passed on through families, of the inarticulacy of conventional masculinity and how that hampers emotional closeness, and about the controlling, demanding aspect of community. It's also an insight into contemporary Pakistani-British family life; something that's rarely written about in children's or YA literature. * Megaphone *There is a great deal to admire in this novel, not least its ambition, and some memorable writing. * Books For Keeps *Everything about this book was beautiful and down-to-earth, at times relatable, and the quotes and facts lining every chapter add to the ambience. Reading this book wasn't just a pass-time, it was an Experience (with a capitalised 'E' for emphasis). You don't just pick this book up to read when you're bored or to help you to get to sleep; you clear your schedules for it, have a good sit down with a cup of tea or coffee (or whatever else floats your boat) with a handful of biscuits. The writing is too exquisite, too magnificent for the mundane. The story has been carved with a knife so precise and measured that when it finishes it's 260 paged brevity, you're not entirely sure how you'd managed to come across something so profound.Additionally, the cover is simply delightful to look at, the incandescent gold against the ominous black. Often times, one is advised not to judge a book by its cover but honestly, the cover perfectly depicts the amount of beauty held within. The book is not Out of Heart at all but full of it, bursting at the seams, spilling over the brim. * Young Muslim Writers Awards *A narrative that pines, yearns, pulls and aches before, finally, flooding you with warmth and immeasurable hope. * Letterbox Library *this cleverly constructed and thought provoking coming of age story is rich in metaphor and offers the reader much to reflect upon * The Guardian *Lyrical and moving, this is an intimate picture of a small family coming to terms with their past and learning to fight for their future * The Scotsman *It would be a great book for class study, exploring as it does so many issues: grief, guilt, community/family expectations, domestic abuse, gangs, loneliness and communication to name but a few. The short chapters would also make it ideal for reluctant readers. * Reading Zone *this unusual, visceral and touching urban story is all heart * INIS Reading Guide *It's well paced, compelling and strong on depicting relationships of all kinds * School Library Association *Another memorable debut novel . . . Beautifully told this debut is set in 1940's India at the time of the Partition, with themes of tolerance that still resonate today * The Bookseller on A BEAUTIFUL LIE *

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis"After her parents? divorce, Mabel feels topsy-turvy living between two homes and struggles to understand her anxiety and frustration, until a weekend caring for the class pet makes her realize that having more than one home may not be so bad after all. Illustrations."

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Book SynopsisHow to be Luminous is a heart-wrenching story about the aftermath of tragedy and the power of self-belief and love. Harriet Reuter Hapgood's beautiful writing radiates with colour.When seventeen-year-old Minnie Sloe's mother disappears, so does her ability to see colour. How can young artist Minnie create when all she sees is black-and-white? Will her mysterious ailment – and grief – stop her from following in her mother's footsteps and becoming a famous artist?Middle child Minnie and her two sisters have always been able to get through anything together – growing up without fathers, living the eccentric artist lifestyle, and riding out their mother's mental highs and lows. But losing their mother irrevocably breaks them, and Minnie wonders if she could lose everything: her family, her future, her first love . . . and maybe even her mind.

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Book SynopsisIn the summer we all fell in loveBy the winter we had fallen apartFor Quinn and her sister, Fern, and brother, Reed, summer means working as counselors at their family's summer camp: months of bonfires, bunks, and friendships made and broken. But last summer was different. Last summer they all fell in love with the same boy – Dylan, their best friend since forever, suddenly seen through new eyes. Six months later and everything has changed. The summer camp is empty and covered in snow, and Quinn, Fern and Reed aren't speaking to each other anymore. Something happened that summer that tore them apart, and their memories won't let them forgive.Wild Blue Wonder is the gorgeous, achingly beautiful novel from Carlie Sorosiak, author of If Birds Fly Back.Trade ReviewLovely and heartbreaking -- Jennifer E. Smith, author of The Statistical Probability of Love at First SightFilled with science, summer camps and secrets, this is an uplifting and touching look at grief, guilt and giving yourself permission to love again. -- Lauren James, author of The Next Together and The Loneliest Girl in the Universe

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Book SynopsisThe Broken Bridge is an insightful and heartfelt story of a teenager's search for her own identity in the face of heartbreaking family secrets by Philip Pullman, author of the award-winning Northern Lights.Sixteen-year-old Ginny's life is secure. Her mother is dead, but she's inherited her outstanding artistic talent, and she loves her life with her father in a seaside village in Wales. But the day a social worker arrives and old files are re-opened, Ginny's world cracks apart. Everything her father has told her about her family is a lie. And Ginny must uncover the hidden secrets of the past on a journey that will ultimately lead her to the mother she's never known . . .

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Book SynopsisWhat doesn't kill you makes you ... stronger? A poignant and gripping story about the power of fear, the resilience of love and the magic of food - from bestselling Waterstones Children's Book Prize and Specsavers Children's Book of the Year shortlisted author Sarah Moore Fitzgerald."Gripping, with an incredible twist that you simply won't see coming" - Louise O'Neill"A Strange Kind of Brave is all kinds of wonderful. I was right there on every page, laughing, crying and unable to put it down - the twist is glorious! Be warned! If you start this book in bed, you're in for a sleepless night" - Kit de Waal"This tale of friendship, betrayal, love, loss, revenge and obsession, written by a master storyteller, is quite literally unputdownable" - Donal Ryan, Booker Prize shortlisted author"I thought I had my top ten favourite novels decided, but now I think it will need some reworking, because A Strange Kind of Brave definitely deserves a place" - Sadb, aged 16Jake McCormack is the villain of Clanfedden. He's just killed a boy - deliberately run him over with his truck, on the bridge, in front of everyone. And he knows he'll get away with it.Luca, 14, is the new boy in town. He's looking for a fresh start after a terrible thing that happened at his old school. Clanfedden is a small forgotten town, but Luca and his mum are going to give it a go. They're opening an exciting restaurant, and Allie Redmond is coming to work there. Allie is honest and kind and Luca knows they're going to be friends.Allie has lived in Clanfedden all her life and these should be happy days - Luca is the best thing to have happened in years. But she's haunted by shadows of her own, and more than anyone she knows the danger of Jake McCormack. She needs to warn Luca. She needs to prevent disaster. At least she needs to try...Trade ReviewA Strange Kind of Brave is all kinds of wonderful. I was right there on every page, laughing, crying and unable to put it down - the twist is glorious! Be warned! If you start this book in bed, you're in for a sleepless night. * Kit de Waal, award-winning author of MY NAME IS LEON *Like Chocolat meets To Kill a Mockingbird, this young adult novel is about vulnerability, fear, and the redemptive power of love. It has all of Moore Fitzgerald's trademark heart while finding new depths of twisty darkness. * Irish Examiner *The novel delicately explores bullying and the difficulties of standing up to those who trade in malice and menace. A storyline that is both touching and gripping makes this a rewarding read. * Irish Times *This gripping teen novel commands absolute absorption and completion in a single sitting. There's love, loss, jealousy, bullying, and so much more here, with perfectly-drawn insights into parent-teen relationships and the pain of letting go of those we love. * Evening Echo *A gripping story full of dark secrets and a major twist, about the power of fear, love and food. Her best yet. * Irish Sunday Independent *

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Book SynopsisThe Son of Tarzan is the fourth adventure in the saga of the jungle lord and the only volume to focus on his son, Jack. Raised in ignorance of his father’s untamed nature, Jack will learn the truth of his heritage, the exhilaration of its primal power and the mortal danger of its primitive conflicts and ruthless foes. Edgar Rice Burroughs turns his attention to Tarzan’s son, first seen as an infant in The Beasts of Tarzan. Fearing unjustified accusations of murder, Jack flees deep into the African jungle, to the very place his father, Tarzan, came of age. Like his mighty sire, Jack adapts to his new life in the wild, finding friends in the great apes and winning the name Korak, the killer. In rescuing Meriem, an abducted and maltreated young girl, Jack acquires a friend and companion in his life of exile. Their relationship is that of siblings but, as time passes and circumstances tear them apart, stronger emotions are revealed. The author’s mastery of devious plotting, replete with cruel twists of fate that maximize the protagonist’s danger and fear for their loved one, keeps the novel moving at a brisk pace and qualify it as one of the most rousing entries in the Tarzan saga. Originally published in book form in 1917, The Son of Tarzan is part of a rich legacy that includes a series of 24 books and adaptations in film, radio, television, comics and more. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Son of Tarzan is both modern and readable.

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Book SynopsisWelcome baby to the family in a book that's indestructible! Feel the excitement-baby's coming home! Feel the warmth-hold baby close! Feel the joy-see baby grow! Indestructibles is the trusted series for easing little ones into story time. Beloved by babies and their parents, Indestructibles are built for the way babies "read" (i.e., with their hands and mouths) and are: * Rip Proof-made of ultra-durable tight-woven material* Waterproof-can be chewed on, drooled on, and washed! * Emergent Literacy Tool-bright pictures and few or no words encourage dialogic reading * Portable-lightweight books can go anywhere, perfect for the diaper bag and for travel * Safe for Baby-meets ASTM safety standards

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Book Synopsis"A warm hug of a book ... a true gem" BuzzfeedThis witty, honest and enlightening guide to the whirrings of your brain is the perfect read for any young person who's ever felt overwhelmed, at a loss or in a downward spiral. From the author of My Mad Fat Diary, Rae Earl, it's full of friendly advice, coping strategies and laugh-out-loud moments to get you through the difficult days. Most of all, this is a book from someone who gets it - someone who won't try and fob you off with confusing jargon or irritating slogans, but instead will help you through it with a smile and a cup of tea on hand.Rae says: As a teenager, I was very adept at hiding my OCD, my anxiety, my depression and my eating disorders. That's why I've written this book - because I hate to think of any teen going through what I did, and feeling like they can't talk about it, or need to hide it. So let's break down some taboos and start a conversation. I want to help you come out the other side feeling happier and healthier, with a deeper understanding of what's going on in your head and how to navigate through life without feeling overwhelmed or isolated. Where my lack of medical background becomes an issue, Dr Radha swoops in to the rescue. As a GP, mental-health expert and co-host of BBC Radio 1's The Surgery, I've worked with her to make sure all the information and advice is spot-on. She's clever, she's kind and she GETS it. I wish my teenage brain had had access to Dr Radha.This is a book for fans of Gemma Cairney and Open, Ruby Wax and Frazzled, Matt Haig and Reasons to Stay Alive, Bryony Gordon and Mad Girl. And most importantly, it's a book to make you feel like you're not alone. You're really, really not.Trade ReviewA warm hug of a book ... a true gem -- Chelsea Pippin * Buzzfeed *Table of Contents 1: Looking After Your Head is a Lifelong Thing 2: Why Anxiety is Such a Problem 3: How to Punch Stress in the Face 4: 'It's a Laburnham Tree! Get it Away From Me!' Phobias 5: Fat. Fat. Fat or too Thin! Eating Disorders 6: 'If I just say the word God 12 times my mum won’t die' OCD 7: ‘They won’t shut up’ Schizophrenia and Psychosis 8: 'But it Makes Me Feel Better' Self Harm 9: 'I Don't Feel Anything' Depression 10: How to Wear Your Diagnosis 11: Keeping Your Head Healthy 12: Self Esteem and How To Get It 13: I Am A Social Media Monster 14: Sex and Relationships 15: Friendships 16: Drink and Drugs 17: Parents 18: Random Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me But They Didn't 19: People Who Want to Help

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Book SynopsisCat is the glue holding her family together. When her little brother Chicken has a meltdown, she knows just how to calm him, whether it’s scratching his back or reading his favourite book. They've always had a special bond. But with their mum working extra hard after their dad's death, Cat is struggling to keep everything afloat. When Cat and Chicken unexpectedly end up spending the summer with the grandparents they’ve never met, Cat suddenly has the space to be a kid again. Gradually, she discovers that days on Gingerbread Island are full of fishing, fireflies and new friendships – as well as a lifetime of family secrets. Could this summer be Cat's chance to bring her fractured family together again?Trade ReviewThis absorbing, heartfelt novel seamlessly blends the challenges of life with a neurodivergent child into a story of one tween’s burgeoning self-awareness as she figures out how to reclaim her childhood * New York Times *An engaging, honest book - I love Cat, and you will, too! -- Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, Newbery Honor-winning author of THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFEI could almost smell the ocean air as I read Gillian McDunn's Caterpillar Summer. What a beautiful story of family, forgiveness, life on an island, and growing up -- Kate Messner, acclaimed author of THE SEVENTH WISH and BREAKOUT[A] well-written book about the struggles of a fractured family -- School Library ConnectionThis absorbing, unsentimental account of recognition and reconciliation looks at family, friendship and independence from a whole series of angles, an engaging lightness of touch belying its deep themes and thoughtfulness. * CBI Reading Guide 2019-20 *

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Book SynopsisThe world’s view of marriage can often be very different to what the Bible says. But who is right, and who should we listen to? From a very young age, children are confronted with and can be confused by these conflicts. This hardback, illustrated title helps to explain the beauties of God’s plan for marriage to children of any age, introducing them to a different, counter–cultural way of viewing these aspects of life and faith. Trade ReviewBeautifully illustrated, this book shares God’s truth about marriage in a winsome way while dealing with tough issues. -- Susan Alexander Yates (Author of 'And Then I Had Kids' and 'Risky Faith')This little book will be a great help to any parent who cares about truly nurturing and shaping their child’s heart. Doing so in the things that really matter and in a day when it matters more and more. -- John and Joan Kirkpatrick (Pastor of Portrush Presbyterian Church, Portrush, Northern Ireland)Jani Ortlund carefully discusses marriage, divorce and same sex marriage in a way that young readers will understand. What a welcome work this will be for parents seeking to train their children that God’s way is indeed always best. -- Mary K. Mohler (Director, Seminary Wives Institute, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky)This book introduces children to the beauty of God’s picture of the gospel in marriage and family in a way that children can understand and love. -- Russell D. Moore (President, The Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission)

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Book SynopsisDeep in the forest, magic is waiting . . . Sparkling with frost and magic, Shadows of Winterspell will sweep you up in a world of friendship and magic, to uncover family secrets and find out who you really are.Stella has been living behind the magic of the forest for most of her life. Lonely, she enrolls at the local school, and as she begins to make friends, she discovers that she is even more different than she thought. But as autumn turns to magical winter, Stella realizes that uncovering her own family secret is the only way to release the forest from the grip of a dark and old magic.A wintery magical adventure from the critically-acclaimed Amy Wilson, author of A Girl Called Owl.Trade ReviewBeautifully written and totally bewitching -- Sophie Anderson, award-winning author of The House With Chicken LegsAmy Wilson is cornering the market in dark, mystical adventures that stretch the imagination. -- Sally Morris * Daily Mail *There's magic in the pages of this wonderful adventure -- Christopher Edge, author of The Many Worlds of Albie Bright[Amy's] language is rich and expressive . . . brimming with magic and mystery. I loved it. -- getkidsintobooks.com blogThis is the perfect read for the longer, darker evenings as the seasons change and it looks sure to fly off the shelves in our library this autumn * ReadingZone *Secrets, magic, an edge of danger, and a young heroine on a life journey make for a beguiling read.Spellbinding * Saga Magazine *

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Book SynopsisCaddy Ever After is the fourth book in Hilary McKay's laugh-out-loud, award-winning Casson Family series.It's Valentine's Day and everything's changing.Indigo's in love and wants to do something special to win over Sarah, Saffy has a strange new boyfriend who teaches her all about the stars and Caddy has fallen in love and is getting married . . . but not to Michael.With a wedding to plan, promises to uphold and hearts to protect, everything's a little crazier than usual in the Casson household.Follow the family's adventures in the rest of the beloved series: Saffy's Angel, Indigo's Star, Permanent Rose, Forever Rose and Caddy's World.Trade ReviewWarm witty and wise * Sunday Telegraph *Hilary McKay's wittily observed portrayals of family life are full of warmth, vitality and irrepressible good humour. -- Kate Agnew * The Guardian *... laced with warmth, humor and adventures * Kirkus *A charming story ... McKay writes with such art * The Independent *Warm and witty * FT Magazine *Eccentric, likable and entirely credible, their domestic exchanges reflect Hilary McKay's exceptional ear for dialogue * The Times *More entrancing stories about the quirky Casson family from a well-regarded novelist * Carousel *... touching and hiarious. Beautifully crafted descriptive language makes this offering a real gem * School Library Journal *... as wild and endearing as ever ... Another charmer for Casson fans * Booklist *Just the sort of crazy family you ache to be a part of * The Good Book Guide *

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Book SynopsisForever Rose is the fifth book in Hilary McKay's hilarious and award-winning Casson Family series.It's tough being the youngest.Rose comes home to a dark, quiet, empty house every day – her sisters and brother are always so busy. Indigo has his guitar lessons and paper round, Saffy is off with Sarah, and who knows where Caddy is since she disappeared with Michael's postcards.School isn't any better. Exams are looming, and vindictive Mr Spencer has cancelled Christmas!When will Rose get the happy ever after she has read about in books?Follow the family's adventures in the rest of the beloved series: Saffy's Angel, Indigo's Star, Permanent Rose, Caddy Ever After and Caddy's World.Trade ReviewMakes everything you wish for come true * Sunday Times *Stylishly written, acutely observed, light-headed and often very funny. At times, it's also incredibly touching and insightful, particularly when dealing with the complexities of family life ... quality writing for children * School Librarian *... hugely entertaining story effortlessly recreates a tightly knit world, imbued with a strong sense of belonging - a slice of childhood so multi-layered, touching and real that there's something for every child reader to identify with and savour. Here's a book that truly proves the joys to be had from reading * Books for Keeps *Warm, witty and wise, with unfeasibly broad appeal and proven anti-depressive properties, i would give this book to 9-year olds, teenagers and their parents * Sunday Telegraph *McKay has a genius for domestic comed * The Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisIndigo's Star is the second title in Hilary McKay's hilarious and award-winning Casson Family series.Indigo's going back to school after a long bout of illness. He's not looking forward to it, the bullies are lying in wait. But he's determined to stand on his own two feet – so when Saffy and Sarah break up a fight in the boys' bathroom, he's furious. Until he meets Tom.Tom is from New York, loves music, makes Indigo laugh and is unfazed by the bullies. But Tom has troubles of his own – can the boys help each other out?Follow the family's adventures in the rest of the beloved series: Saffy's Angel, Permanent Rose, Caddy Ever After, Forever Rose and Caddy's World.Trade ReviewWarm, touching and hilarious. * Guardian *As funny and compelling as her Whitbread-winning Saffy’s Angel . . . The unpatronising, open, thought-provoking ending leaves us eager for more. Definitely a book to curl up with and enjoy in one single sitting’ -- Lesley Agnew * The Bookseller *Another winning title from the inimitable Hilary McKay * Publishing News *A welcome new instalment in the lives of the unforgettable Casson family * Independent Magazine *Humorous and poignant * Booklist *There’s an infectious energy about the Casson family * She Magazine *

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Book SynopsisA beautiful, candid picture book for children to understand what happens when a loved one begins suffering from dementia, and how best to care for them.A 2022 Mildred L. Batchelder Honor Book A Finalist for the 2022 Kirkus Prize in Young Readers’ LiteratureA USBBY Outstanding International Book of 2022A Bank Street College of Education Best Book of 2022A 2021 Penn Graduate School of Education Best Book for Young ReadersGerontological Society of America Book Award for Best Children’s Literature on Aging of 2022, Honorable MentionStump loves being with his grandparents. His days with them are filled with flowers, jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, and so much love! But one day, Stump's grandfather starts to be forgetful, losing his words, which the illustrations how as falling away from him. Stump tries his best to keep his grandfather’s lost words safe, by collecting them in a special box. But Grandpa seems to forget more and more every day, and before long, Stump and Grandma realize that they must find new ways to connect with Grandpa, to maintain their bond of love and show him that he's not alone.This poignant, tender picture book depicts the warmth of the relationship between grandchild and grandparents, as well as the struggle of coping with a loved one's dementia with honesty and sensitivity. Following the story, there is an afterword to the adult reader about dementia and recollection, written by the head of the Danish Center for Reminiscence, which provides some practical tips, such as those depicted in the story (familiar smells, sharing items from the past), for establishing a meaningful way of being together when caring for a relative with dementia.Trade ReviewA 2022 Mildred L. Batchelder Honor BookA Finalist for the 2022 Kirkus Prize in Young Readers’ LiteratureA USBBY Outstanding International Book of 2022A Bank Street College of Education Best Book of 2022A 2021 Penn Graduate School of Education Best Book for Young ReadersA 2022 Gerontological Society of America Book Award for Best Children’s Literature on Aging, Honorable Mention“A gentle, sensitively crafted story of intergenerational relationships, the text is an honest, affirming portrayal of love, dementia, depression, frustration, and hope. Lush illustrations support the poetic, poignant, and powerful text’s messages.” —American Library Association“Love endures, even as memories are lost, in this inspiring, compassionate, and necessary story.” —Dr. Marie A. Lejeune, 2022 Batchelder Chair“A child observes as Grandpa loses first words, then abilities and memories. Birkjær’s matter-of-fact text, translated from Danish, and Kjærgaard’s graceful, impressionistic illustrations are both sophisticated and child-friendly. Gentle yet forthright, this stirring, evocative picture book makes a topic that even adults find difficult accessible for a young audience.” —Kirkus editors, in the announcement for the finalists for the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers★ “A special relationship between grandfather and the grandchild he calls Stump changes as Grandpa slides into dementia. The story gently and positively documents a very common Alzheimer's progression—from loss of words to loss of competence in many areas. Told in present tense, it moves from a time when Stump’s grandfather knew the Latin names of all the plants he cared for to a time when he could no longer do jigsaw puzzles or set the table and had lost interest in nearly everything. It’s the child who first notices changes… The lengthy, relatively simple text, smoothly translated from the Danish by Køngerskov, rests atop cream-colored pages opposite full-bleed illustrations. Gouache pastels depict the cozy interior of the grandparents’ house, the lush flowers of the sunroom, and the cold gray of the snowy night of searching. Colorful at the beginning, the palette shrinks to grays as Grandpa’s depression and dementia set in; color returns with the positive ending. Child-centered, accurate, and engagingly told.” —Kirkus, STARRED REVIEW“This Danish import tells a tenderly crafted (and seamlessly translated) story about dementia as if affects an intergenerational relationship… Kjærgaard depicts Grandpa’s sunroom as filled with oversized, eye-catching flowers, infused with primarily rose, salmon, and cornflower tones. (The world-building she does here is impressive; it’s a home we want to step into and characters we come to care about.) As Grandpa forgets his words, he forgets his flowers too — and they begin to droop. Here, Kjærgaard also uses color effectively, a cool blue taking over several spreads as Grandpa’s memory worsens.” —Julie Danielson, Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast"The first-person account is clear and unadorned. This down-to-earth narration, combined with the dreamy quality of Kjaergaard’s paintings, successfully conveys the poignancy of Grandpa’s progressing dementia and Stump’s deep love for him. The artist uses soft edges, layers of watercolor, and a gentle pastel palette, which flattens to shades of gray and blue as winter arrives and Grandpa’s memory fails. The final spread, in which he happily holds his rabbit, revives some of the bright colors and flowers from the opening pages, as Stump’s gift restores, for at least a moment, some of Grandpa’s former self. A detailed, thoughtful afterword about dementia and memory loss adds a useful layer to this emotional story." —The Horn Book“Translated from Danish and told from the perspective of a grandson named Stump, the narrative begins as a warm family story about cozy visits working crossword and jigsaw puzzles together. The cover illustration featuring giant flower blooms highlight[s] the importance of the flowers to the family, and immediately demonstrates the loving relationship of the grandfather and grandchild. When Grandpa starts to forget small things, … the illustrations depict the child collecting actual words, such as rose, coffee, tulip, and rabbit, into a box. Stump recognizes that something is happening to Grandpa before either grandparent acknowledges a problem, and he tries to remind Grandpa of their connection. A crisis forces Grandma to confront the situation, and she becomes able to respond with love and compassion. Heartbreakingly beautiful and sad, this evocative mix of realism and fantasy uses images and words to speak to the consciousness of a child. An explanatory note provides helpful insight for families about using objects and long-term memories to connect to a loved one with dementia.“ —Booklist“In a moving portrayal of late-life dementia, a young girl describes her grandfather’s growing disorientation and the effect on his wife in Coffee, Rabbit, Snowdrop, Lost, a tender picture book for children ages 5-9 written by Betina Birkjaer. In Anna Margrethe Kjaergaard’s soft watercolors, we see beautiful scenes from a close intergenerational relationship. The girl loves to watch her grandfather tending his plants (he knows all their botanical names in Latin), and at breakfast she does the crossword with both grandparents. One day, when the crossword clue is ‘a four-letter word for a fragrant flower with thorns,’ the grandfather can’t find the word ‘rose.’ … ‘Autumn arrives,’ the girl tells us, ‘and as the trees lose more and more of their leaves, Grandpa loses more and more of his words.’ There is an unusually truthful quality to this beautiful book, which doesn’t shy from showing the painful realities of memory loss but which also points the way to a new, consolatory kind of family love. Translated from the Danish by Sinéad Quirke Køngerskov, Coffee, Rabbit, Snowdrop, Lost recently won a Mildred L. Batchelder Honor as an outstanding children’s book originally published in a foreign language and country.” —Wall Street Journal

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