This graphic novel is a delicate, warm and thoughtful exploration of the author’s journey towards their transgender identity. Using the clever metaphor of home, Theo’s exploration of their feelings and development into their true self is done with care, kindness and beautiful honesty.
In this take on the cosy mystery genre for kids, world-renowned detective Hartigan Browne recruits the reader as a young investigator in the search for the missing diamond of Little Dumpleton. Readers examine clues, solve puzzles and crack codes to discover who is guilty of the diamond-napping.
If there is one book you read this year let it be this one! Ice Children centres around brave 11-year-old Bianca’s quest to solve the mystery of her town’s frozen children, which includes Finn, her 5-year-old brother. Bianca’s rescue effort catapults us into the winter wonderland of Winterton which is full of winter spirit animals, funfair rides, skating rinks and hot chocolate fountains.
Not many books begin with a police report, but it’s the perfect way to begin this adventurous story with many unexpected ups and downs. Cousins Middy and Nathan make up the dynamic duo known as the Wonder Brothers, the stars of this story. Part heist, part magic show, the narrative is mostly told from their perspectives via a police report as they use their magical skills to discover the truth behind the disappearance of the iconic Blackpool Tower after a magic trick seems to have gone wrong.
We live in worrying times; climate meltdown, war, humanitarian crises all vie for our jaded attention. Do we want stories of the catastrophic impact of big business and the greed of consumerism following our beleaguered youngsters even as they read to escape into fantasy fiction? In short, yes, with Pari Thomson at the helm.
This sapphic coming-of-age young adult novel explores a budding romantic relationship whilst also depicting Tilly’s struggle to communicate openly with her friends and family members about the things she wants, her fears and her grief. For sixteen-year-old Tilly, the thought of making mistakes is catastrophic. Brueggemann explores the weight of presupposed expectations in the way that Tilly’s catastrophising leads her to conceal things from her loved ones for fear of upsetting or disappointing them.
Abby’s dad is struggling to continue with his magic shows after the death of Abby’s mum; since her passing, magic doesn’t feel quite the same. But when Abby finds a mysterious old book, with the help of their friends and the community around them, Abby and her dad’s love of magic begins to grow again and they are determined to show the world the true power of magic and family.
The second book in Biddulph's clever, creative and delightfully funny Peanut Jones series, The Twelve Portals continues Peanut's adventures in the magical world of Chroma alongside her genius little sister and science-minded best friend Rockwell. When colour begins vanishing from the city that inspires all the world's creativity, Peanut and her pals are determined to find out why ¬¬- and to ensure Chroma's increasing monochromaticity doesn't cross over into their world.
Welcome to Urban Promise Prep high school, a place where hundreds of Black and Latino boys are given the tools to achieve their goals and strive for success. At least, that’s what they want you to believe. Sooner or later the truth is bound to come out. Whispers don’t tend to stay quiet for long, after all …
Chloe Green has survived almost four years in her ultra-conservative high school, focused on the one thing that’s kept her going: winning valedictorian. Her fiercest rival is Shara Wheeler – it-girl, prom queen, practically perfect. But a month before graduation, Shara kisses Chloe – and vanishes.
