12–14

Traversing continent’s and time, describing a dizzying description of every type of locomotion ancient, unique and futuristic, this is a delightful book for any curious young person in their early teens. With fascinating insights about the evolution of the train throughout the world, the narrative delves into the many quirky manifestations of the locomotive throughout the decades. All of the descriptions are accompanied by beautifully crafted and highly effective illustrations, creating a fantastic historical narrative.

If you don’t know your vloggers from your infographics but were too embarrassed to ask, then this book is the perfect tonic for you. The title is not misleading – this guide truly covers everything, from fake news to online safety. It is an essential resource for readers of all ages, and everyone will learn something from it. However, with its clear, accessible, and child friendly language, it is bound to become a necessity in every home and classroom.

Ellie Bean, Aka Jellybean, is walking to school. Despite having very good friends and being in the top set in almost all her subjects, she is feeling anxious – very anxious indeed. In fact, this anxiety has manifested itself in very physical symptoms, and she hasn’t been to school in over six months. What follows is an extended flashback of Ellie’s struggles with Emotionally Based School Avoidance (ESBA), told compassionately and thoughtfully by Eve Ainsworth in the accessible language that characterises Barrington Stoke’s publications.

Maya is a budding influencer and plans to use her French exchange trip to Paris as a treasure trove of content for her page. However, her trip does not get off to a great start when she finds out she is paired with grumpy Levi. They have nothing in common; he doesn’t even have social media! Well, they do have one similarity. They both have a physical disability: Levi is a wheelchair user, while Maya is an amputee and wears a prosthetic leg. This book allows for two very important conversations to unfold – the issue of social media addiction and the stereotypes surrounding disability.

Otto lives in a village beyond which lies only darkness. Rarely does anyone brave the treacherous trail that leads there. However, one day Otto is awakened by the rumble of vast beasts drawing wagons belonging to the Circus of Dreams. Boasting performances to delight and thrill, the circus’s crowning glory promises to unveil a Monster of Dreams. Intrigued, everyone rushes to see it.

It’s a challenge to tackle childhood distress and the dangers of a disenfranchised populace through humorous fantasy, Irish folklore, and wrestling references, but Dave Rudden manages to pull it off with sensitivity and panache.

Lucas DuBois, a teenage orphan living in the Chantilly region of Nazi-occupied France, is tired of being called Petit Éclair and mocked for being sensitive and cowardly. But bullying is a way of life in this society of suspicion and secrets, where people will do anything to survive.

The sudden death of twelve-year-old Lila’s estranged grandfather Clem means the family must relocate to Ohio to sort out his affairs. Spending the summer away from her school friends feels like the end of the world for Lila, until she realises it is exactly what she needed. Tired of being told she has a flair for the dramatics, Lila tries to reinvent herself as being cool, calm and collected like a block of ice as she says herself. However, the appearance of ghosts and spirits makes her plan to be less dramatic quite difficult with amusing results.