BOLD GIRLS

It’s love at flat white for Eli and James when they meet at the Brewbear cafe. A rogue source of magic has been detected at a nearby abandoned farmhouse and James is on a mission to locate its source. Eli has never known another witch. For centuries, Arcana has investigated paranormal entities parallel to the world of human beings and contained their magic to preserve order. But within Arcana’s celestial interiors and grand halls, the Majors are harbouring a perilous secret. Can Eli and his newfound coven free themselves from the hands of a generational curse?

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.

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.

The second novel in the Clem Fatale series opens with Clem and her friend Gilbert walking along on a summer’s day. Laden down with ice cream cones, talking about their favourite singing act who they are going to see in the London Palladium, when they are suddenly kidnapped off the street the action of this 1950s London adventure begins!

This collection of Irish stories is a delightful read that uses a simple yet engaging rhyming scheme to bring the richness of Irish folklore vividly to life. Featuring some of Ireland’s most famous figures, the collection both educates and entertains young readers who are curious about Irish legends.

Anya and the Light Above the Ocean is a fast moving and, at times, bewildering rollercoaster of a tale. Part fantasy, part science fiction, it’s a modern adventure that raises many issues around trust, truth and power.

In their most ambitious project yet, Rebel Girls delivers Girls Like Me, a vibrant, cross-continental journey that amplifies the voices of over 70 young girls from 46 different nations. The collection utilises first-person interviews to offer an authentic glimpse into the daily lives, cherished traditions, and unique hobbies of girls worldwide.

Mariam is on a pilgrimage in the city of Makkah, in Saudi Arabia, with her mother and father to celebrate Hajj. Hajj is a Muslim pilgrimage, one that every Muslim must make at least once in their life. Mariam is caught up in the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Here she learns that Hajj is a time for sharing and showing gratitude. She also learns about the ancient well containing the blessed water Zamzam. Mariam fills her drinking bottle with sacred water, and throughout her day, she meets many pilgrims with whom to share her Zamzam.

Goldilocs is a witty and empowering retelling, boldly reimagined for a new generation of young readers. McLeod flips the traditional Goldilocks story on its head, giving voice to a spirited girl determined to tell her own truth and challenge societal expectations. In Fairytale Land, Goldilocs discovers that girls are expected to be only three things – wicked witches, evil queens, or passive princesses awaiting rescue. She refuses to fit any of them.