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< Back Julie Cadman UnMasked A year that changed history, and the lives of the Blake family, by author Julie Cadman UnMasked tells the story of the Covid19 pandemic through the eyes of three generations of the Blake family; seventy-three-year-old grandmother Patti; her daughter, forty-eight-year-old Jenni; and granddaughter, sixteen-year-old, Kylie. The three women describe their personal experiences during the Covid19 pandemic, their individual struggles as the world went into lockdown, their relationships with other family members and how they changed during the pandemic, and how they found hope during this time of unprecedented change. Prior to the pandemic, Patti was the life and soul of the party, she loved to entertain and spend time with family and friends, but as life slowed down during the pandemic, she felt lonely and isolated from her loved ones. With increasing amounts of time spent alone, Patti reflected on her life, which brought to the surface unresolved grief. Jenni struggled with the demands of working from home and looking after three teenage children, the youngest with autism and severe medical needs. She also faced financial struggles as first her husband lost his job, and shortly after she was laid off from her job as a Chief Marketing Officer. Jenni was forced to reassess her life, and her relationship with her mother, which had been strained for many years. Teenager, Kylie, was sad and frustrated at missing out on school, social events, sports activities, and major milestones, such as her driving test, which was cancelled several times during the pandemic. She was inadvertently caught up in the conflict between her mother and grandmother. UnMasked is an honest and heartfelt novel by author Julie Cadman. This is a fictional novel, written in the first-person perspective, which alternates between the voices of the three women. The novel deals with some of the key challenges faced by ordinary people during the pandemic, including fear of catching the virus, vaccine hesitancy, loneliness, isolation and mental health issues, working from home, home-schooling, travel restrictions, and many more. It also describes some of the benefits of lockdown, such as lie-ins, cooking together, and family time. I particularly enjoyed reading about the different experiences and perspectives of three strong female characters, each in a different boat in the same storm . This is an engaging and insightful book, that will resonate with women and girls of all ages. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An honest and heartfelt novel, about a year in the life of three women during the Covid 19 pandemic. ​ Purchase here

< Back Hannah Sward STRIP: A MEMOIR Author Hannah Sward tells the story of her life and work in the sex industry. Hannah Sward was abandoned by her mother at the age of two, and brought up by her father, poet Robert Sward. Hannah lived on a houseboat near Victoria, Lasqueti Island, with no cars, stores, and few people. Hannah describes a simple life, living off the land and sea, with fun filled summers spent in Florida with her mother and her half-sister, Rilke. Hannah dreamed of becoming an actress or dancer, and made a pledge with her sister to move to California when they were older. When her father leaves for a trip to India, Hannah is left with his girlfriend, Alina, but spends much of her time alone. One day, while playing at a park alone, Hannah is abducted by a man in a brown car and sexually assaulted. The police are called, and Hannah is examined, but no-one mentions the incident again. Her father and Alina marry, and Alina has a baby boy named Alex. When Hannah and Alex are left alone with a young male babysitter, Hannah is repeatedly sexually abused in the family home. At the age of twenty-two, after studying in Montreal, working as an escort in Chicago, and living with an older man in Miami, Hannah moved to Los Angeles with her sister. But their dreams of becoming successful actresses did not work out as planned, as Rilke worked as a burlesque dancer, while Hannah found more work as an escort. As Hannah struggles to make ends meet, she turns to crystal meth to help cope with her reality. She finds a respectable office job and starts to see a therapist, but jeopardises both when she replaces her drug of choice with alcohol. As Hannah spirals further into addiction, she must confront her past to move forward with her life. Strip: A Memoir, is a deeply moving and personal memoir by Hannah Sward about her childhood growing up in the 1970’s, and her adult life working as a stripper and escort in Los Angeles. Sward’s writing is raw, honest, and at times difficult to read. She describes the pain of being abandoned by her mother, the enduring trauma of abuse, the reality of sex work, and the impact of drug addiction. But she does not dwell on any of these incidents, she does not criticise, and she does not blame. She describes her experience in her own words, with no judgment of others. Sward’s story is heart-breaking. Her journey is inspiring. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A deeply moving and personal memoir about one woman’s life working as a stripper and escort in Los Angeles. ​ Purchase here

< Back Sabrina Simon Violet A collection of romantic poems and prose, from author Sabrina Simon Violet is a collection of fifty poems and prose by author Sabrina Simon. Written over a seven-year period, from 2015 to 2022, the collection captures the authors journey from her early teenage years through to young adulthood. This is a deeply personal and profound collection of poems from a talented young woman, with a gift for poetry. The early poems capture the authors longing and yearning for love, and her desire for mental and physical intimacy. She describes beautifully her feelings of loss and rejection when love is unrequited, her elation and euphoria when she experiences her first love, and the pain of her first heartbreak. The later poems deal with more mature themes, her fears of starting a new relationship, and her growing sense of self and identity. This book is a deeply intimate collection of poetry and prose about the authors first experiences of love and life as a young teenager, through to early adulthood. This is a beautiful memoir, written during the authors formative years, which captures both the joy and pain of love and relationships. Sabrina Simons describes how poetry became a type of therapy, and how she used it to make sense of new, romantic feelings. Inspired by music and her own life experiences, her poetry is lyrical, powerful, and passionate. Her stories are vivid, emotional and relatable. The book took me back to my own youth, and my own experiences of love and loss. Overall, a beautiful and moving collection of poetry, and a joy to read. Ideal for teens, young adults and anyone who loves romantic poetry. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A deeply personal and profound collection of poetry from a talented young author. ​ Purchase here

< Back Victoria E Pannell and Thorir Sigfusson The Big Dream Will Brandon’s dream of winning a remote-controlled car race come true? Twelve-year-old Brandon is looking forward to a fun filled summer break with his friends in Riverside. It is the final week of term, but before school ends, Brandon has to complete an English essay about his plans for the summer. As Brandon ponders his essay, the bell rings and school closes for the summer. Brandon retreats to his rooftop pigeon coop with his friends, Josh and Skip. Brandon has twenty pigeons in his coop, and is visited frequently by a friendly crow, he named Ralph. When the boys hear of a new remote-controlled car race being held in the town, they cannot wait to enter. The race is being organised by video game developer, Game2Teck, and the winner will feature in a new video game. But the car kit and race fees are expensive and could cost up to $2,000. Brandon summons Josh and Skip to an emergency meeting, to discuss ways to raise the money. Each boy gets a summer job, and they plan various other fund-raising events, including a car wash and a bake sale. When they notice crow Ralph collecting shiny objects from the floor, they spot a novel opportunity to make even more money for their racing scheme. But, when money and valuable trinkets start disappearing across the town, Brandon and his feathered friend find themselves in a spot of bother. Will the boys make enough money to enter the race? Will Brandon’s goal of winning the race come true? Or is it all just a pipe dream? The Big Dream by Victoria E. Pannell and Thorir Sigfusson is a fun book for middle grade readers about a young boy named Brandon and his school friends. The boys desperately try to raise money over the summer break to enter a remote-controlled car race. They will stop at nothing to achieve their dream even if it means bending the rules, just a little bit. This is an entertaining story and young readers will laugh out loud at the boys fund-raising adventures and the (mis)adventures of Ralph the crow, who is drafted in to help. The book beautifully captures the essence of summer, childhood friendships and the innocence of youth. A delightful read, with a surprising, unexpected twist at the end. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A delightful, fun-filled summer adventure of pigeon hunting and remote- controlled car racing, featuring a very special crow. Purchase here

< Back Dr Tamara Lazic Strugar The Sunscreaming Summer Siblings Mia and Luka learn how to stay safe in the sun. The Sunscreaming Summer is a graphic novel for middle grade readers, and the first book in the Skinventurez series, by Dr. Tamara Lazic Strugar. The book follows the adventures of siblings Mia and Luka, and their friends Jude and Anya, as they take a trip to the countryside during the summer break. Luka is terrified of ghosts and even scared to watch the movie Ghostbusters. When Jude and Luka attack Mia and Anya with rabbit poop, the girls decide to take revenge. They hatch a plan to convince the boys that their dad is a real ghost. The boys test the theory. His skin is pale. His hands are ice cold to the touch. They are convinced he is a ghost. One day as the children play outside, Mia tries to get Luka to wear sunscreen. He ignores her advice because it is cloudy and gets badly sunburnt. His skin is pink, sore, and very itchy. His dad suggests they visit Dr Lazic, a skin doctor in the city. Dr Lazic gives advice on how to stay safe in the sun. She explains how to apply sunscreen correctly, how much to apply, and the importance of protecting the skin by covering up, staying in the shade, and wearing a hat and sunglasses. She also warns of the dangers of sun exposure and provides tips for treating sunburn. When they leave the doctor’s office, they soon learn the truth about Mia and Luka’s dad. Why is his skin so pale? And is he really a ghost? The Sunscreaming Summer is a fun graphic novel, with an important message about sun safety. Written by Dr. Tamara Lazic Strugar, a dermatologist who was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. Struga uses her experience as a skin doctor to raise awareness and educate young people about the dangers of sun exposure. Combining a fun summer holiday and a silly ghost story, the book deals with a serious topic in a way that young children will easily understand. With lots of hints and tips for staying safe in the sun, and additional resources, including a quiz and several puzzles, the book makes the topic fun and accessible for readers of all ages. The illustrations by Lea Embeli are sublime. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun and educational graphic book for young readers about sun safety. Purchase here

< Back Hazem Nassar The Diversity Cube and the Cloud Wizard An evil wizard causes disharmony amongst the squares on a Rubik’s Cube. All of the squares on a Rubik’s Cube were different colors, had different names and spoke different languages. For years, the squares lived in peace and harmony with one another. Amongst the squares, six best friends (the ‘Bestest Six’) decided to host an annual festival to celebrate their diversity. They invited the other squares on the cube to join them, and the festival was a success, as each square learned more about their neighbours. But after the festival, one orange square ‘Orong’ made unkind comments about the other squares. An evil wizard named Druff overheard the conversation and decided to spread his hatred, to separate the squares. At the next festival, the squares refused to move, and the wizard cast a spell to freeze the cube. As the Bestest Six try to restore harmony to the cube, a battle ensues with the evil wizard. Can the six best friends defeat the evil wizard? And will harmony ever be restored to the diversity cube? The Diversity Cube And The Cloud Wizard by author and illustrator Hazem Nassar, is a unique and imaginative picture book for older children about diversity and inclusion. Nassar uses the squares and colours of a simple Rubik’s Cube to show the importance of unity and acceptance of others. The message is delivered in a simple way, that children will easily understand. It’s hard to imagine how an inanimate object will resonate with readers, but through the bright and vivid illustrations, Nassar brings the squares’ characters and story to life. The book will serve as a useful tool to discuss unity and diversity with children. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A unique and imaginative picture book for older children about diversity and inclusion. Purchase here

< Back Barbara Mishkin TIPs Magical Journey A heartwarming and educational train journey through different customs and cultures. Thaddeus Isaac Pendleton (Little Tip) is eight and a half years old. He loves to ride the train and explore the city on his own, when he is not at school. He loves to travel and meet new people, especially those from different countries and cultures. One Day, Little Tip meets an American man named Sam, who is on his way to work in the city. Sam is kind and talks to Little Tip. When he leaves the train, he wishes him a wonderful day. He meets a couple from Greece named Demetrius and Athena, who tell him about their restaurant and Greek cuisine. He meets another couple, Mei and Chang from China, who moved to the United States to study and were seeking citizenship. He meets ‘The Boys’, brothers crossing the city to go on a fishing trip, and his friend Billy who helps provide food to homeless people. During the rest of the journey, he meets a variety of people, including Gabriel and Maria from Portugal, Mr Moy from Columbia, Daniel and Esther from Israel, a Docent named Elsie, African Americans Michael and Raven, Italians Luca and Mia, ice hockey fans Lizzie and Johnny, a blind sculptor and activist named Mr Stephen, shop-owner Nancy, father and son Juan and Pedro, and Sofia and Miguel from Spain. In each interaction, Little Tip makes a new friend and learns about their life, food, culture, customs, and language. When each passenger leaves the train, they leave Little Tip with their thought of the day. Little Tip shares his learnings, spreading kindness amongst other passengers. TIP's Magical Journey by author Barbara Mishkin is an inspirational and thought-provoking book that takes readers on a captivating journey through different cultures. Written from the perspective of Little Tip, a little boy full of curiosity and adventure. Little Tip loves to travel and meet new people, and he has a natural gift for communicating with others. Through a single train journey, readers are transported to various corners of the world, learning about different cultures and customs. This book is a wonderful blend of storytelling and cultural exploration, which will spark curiosity and promote cultural awareness in young readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartwarming and educational book, which promotes diversity, kindness, and friendship. Purchase here

< Back Amanda M Cetas Thrown to the Wind A harrowing journey of strength, survival, and self-discovery. Based on true events, this historical fiction novel follows one boy's journey from France and across the ocean to North America in the seventeenth century. In France, 1660, during a period of rising tensions between the Catholics and Protestants (Huguenots), nine-year old Etienne Gayneau, a Huguenot, is separated from his cousin and only friend Nicolas. But, when a ship arrives in La Rochelle transporting King Louis XIV's elite musketeers, Etienne agrees to meet Nicolas at the harbor to witness the event. Etienne dreams of becoming a musketeer himself one day, and senses he is about to witness something momentous. But he doesn’t realise that the arrival of the ship will turn his life upside down. Etienne must choose whether to flee France with his family, to avoid his father’s arrest for being a heretic, or to run away and hide out in a safe haven with his cousin, a Catholic. If Etienne leaves France, he will never see Nicolas again or fulfil his dream of becoming a musketeer, but if he stays with his cousin, he will never see his family again. Etienne decides to flee, and leaves with his family, leaving everything but their faith behind. The family face a perilous journey, first to Amsterdam, Holland, and then across the Atlantic Ocean to New Amsterdam. The journey is fraught with many dangers, as they encounter criminals and pirates, and face many other challenges, including illness and injury. Etienne is quite literally thrown to the wind, but eventually gains confidence as a cabin boy. Thrown to the Wind is a well-researched, historical fiction novel for middle grade readers, by author Amanda M Cetas. The story follows a family who flee religious persecution in seventeenth century France, and seek refuge and freedom in the unchartered territories of North America. Told through the eyes of an innocent nine-year old boy, this is a harrowing journey of strength, survival, and self-discovery. Beautifully written, with meticulous attention to detail, the author brings this fascinating period of human history to life. The authors ability to balance historical accuracy with a compelling narrative, makes this novel an entertaining and enlightening read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, and particularly those interested in seventeenth century migration from Europe to America Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautiful coming of age story about a young boy who flees religious persecution, leaving everything behind but his faith. Purchase here

< Back Stephanie Scott Tools to Cool Finding Ways to Cope Nini the bird helps readers find different ways to keep cool. Tools to Cool Finding Ways to Cope, by author Stephanie Scott, is an illustrated seek and find book for young readers, with tools to help them cope in stressful situations. On each page, a different situation, scenario, or emotion is presented, (ie, feeling stressed or worried at school, making new friends, or feeling angry or mad) and then provides a number of coping mechanisms, such as finding a quiet space to calm down and relax, deep breathing, or dancing. On each page, the reader is asked a number of questions, to help them find a solution that might work for them, and a ‘Can you find?’ bubble, which encourages readers to look for the item in the illustration. This also encourages positive action, by encouraging the reader to explore further in real life. There are over 20 coping tools and strategies hidden in the book. Tools to Cool Finding Ways to Cope is a unique and interactive seek and find book, where readers are encouraged to find coping tools and strategies that are hidden in the illustrations. This is a cleverly crafted book for young readers, which addresses the topic of coping with stress, with a fun and engaging activity. The book follows an endearing character, Nini the bird, as she navigates her way through different scenarios. The book is designed to be used independently by children, and will encourage readers to take control and develop their own coping mechanisms. It will also make an excellent resource for parents, carers, and teachers to discuss stress and coping mechanisms with young children. It will encourage open conversations about emotions, and teaches valuable life skills in an accessible and enjoyable way. Overall, a charming and educational illustrated book that not only entertains children, but also empowers them to handle stress in a positive and proactive manner. Star rating: 5 stars Summary: A unique and interactive seek and find book for young readers, which addresses the topic of coping with stress, with a fun and engaging activity. Purchase here

< Back Danielle Marietta and Marissa Kearney Truth Tales: The Air Fair-He Gabe’s adventure with the tooth fair-he. One day, during school, Gabe loses a tooth when he bites into an apple. He looks after the tooth carefully until he returns home, hoping he might receive a payment from the tooth fairy. He wonders, Do tooth fairies really exist? And how do fairies get their magic? Gabe has an idea. That evening, he asks his dad to help him catch a tooth fairy so he can ask her himself. He places the tooth under his pillow and uses an old glass saltshaker as a trap, to catch the fairy and block her magic. In the middle of the night, Gabe is woken by the bell he attached to the saltshaker. Much to his surprise, he finds a warm glowing light shining inside the trap and a tiny tooth fairy. But this is no ordinary tooth fairy. This isn’t even a she-fairy. This is an air fair-he, or tooth fair-he. A male tooth fairy, with a fresh haircut and cool winged-sneakers. Tony, the air fair-he, agrees to tell Gabe all his fairy secrets, on the condition that he releases him from the trap. Tony shrinks Gabe to miniature proportions and travels with him in his backpack to a toothy kingdom. After receiving his own pair of winged-sneakers, Gabe is shown around the Root Canal and learns all about the air fair-he’s, the jewel-hers, and the mouthguards. B ut just as he learns how human teeth are turned into precious gemstones, the mouthguards notice an intruder in the kingdom. Can Gabe escape before the mouthguards capture him? Truth Tales: The Air Fair-He is a fun and imaginative tale for newly independent readers by Danielle Marietta and Marissa Kearney . The book is a modern twist on the traditional tooth-fairy story, with a lesson or two on dental hygiene. It follows the journey of a young boy named Gabe on a quest to trap the elusive tooth fairy. But the tooth fairy isn’t quite as he imagined, and he goes on a magical adventure to the land of the air fair-he’s, the jewel-hers, and the mouthguards. The book beautifully captures the innocence and wonder of childhood, making it a charming read for children and the young at heart. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A traditional tooth-fairy story, with a contemporary twist. Purchase here

< Back Aaron Derr Baseball Buddies Building a Team Can new team captain Luis motivate a team of baseball players? Eleven-year-old Luis has recently moved from Texas to Ohio and misses his old friends. He joins the McIntyre Manatees, a community baseball team of boys and girls from the local neighborhood. It is the first day of practice, and he meets his coach, Joe, and his new teammates. Joe explains that now the players are a little older, it is time for them to take more of a leadership role in the team. He asks each player to describe their reason for playing baseball, and Luis explains he plays baseball to have fun. Joe selects Luis as the new team captain, because although baseball is about working hard and trying to win, it’s mainly about having fun. But Luis is not happy. He has never been a captain before and does not think he would make a good leader. The Manatees have three weeks to get ready for their first game and Coach Joe helps Luis prepare the team. Luis thinks the team are working too hard, and not enjoying the practice. They start to incorporate more fun into the practice, but soon the players are having too much fun! Luis calls a players-only meeting to try and improve their game, but some of the team are not happy with the new arrangement and only one player turns up to the meeting. Can Luis bring the team together? And how can he motivate the team to work hard, whilst still having fun? Baseball Buddies: Building a Team is a baseball-themed chapter book for middle grade readers by Aaron Derr. The book follows Luis’s journey as he joins a new baseball team in a new town and is immediately given the responsibility of team captain. Luis is a reluctant captain, but with help from his coach, he develops confidence and leadership qualities. The book shows that anything is possible with a little guidance and a positive mindset. It demonstrates the importance of friendship, teamwork, commitment, and fun, both on and off the field. This is a fun and entertaining book that will help young readers develop confidence and self-esteem. It might also inspire young readers to take up leadership roles, in sport or elsewhere. Perfect for budding baseball players, and anyone interested in sport and other team adventures. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, entertaining and inspiring baseball themed chapter book, with a positive message about the importance of friendship, teamwork, commitment, and fun. Purchase here

< Back Kathe Hudson and Melanie Moyer The Magic Peach Tree, A Yoga Storytelling Adventure A magical story about kindness and compassion, with a unique, yoga-inspired twist. The Magic Peach Tree, part of the Yoga Storytelling Adventure series by authors Kathe Hudson and Melanie Moyer is a creative, fun, and interactive illustrated picture book, that combines a traditional Chinese folktale with yoga movement. Young children can read the story, and then retell the story with yoga poses. The book will help children not only to express themselves creatively, but also to engage in physical practice that is beneficial to health and wellbeing. The story, adapted from a Chinese wisdom tale, follows an elderly man who ambles into a village looking for food. He is hungry, but a stall holder refuses to give him a small peach. A young girl shows the elderly man kindness and buys him a peach. After he eats the peach, the man plants the seed in the ground and a peach tree grows, feeding the entire village. The story demonstrates the importance of compassion and will encourage young readers to show kindness towards their neighbours. T he Yoga Storytelling Adventure series is a unique and innovative concept, sure to appeal to young readers who enjoy traditional folk tales and creative activities. The book Includes a Chinese word guide, to help readers develop an appreciation of a different language. Each yoga pose and breathing technique is described, with a visual image to accompany each pose, to guide young readers on their own creative yoga journey. The illustrations by Cher Jiang are stunning and complement the traditional folk tale perfectly. There is also a bonus grilled peach recipe at the end of the book, for those who are inspired by the food in the story! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A creative, fun, and interactive illustrated picture book, that combines a traditional Chinese folktale with yoga movement. Purchase here