Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

'Mockingbird'

Caitlin has been an only child since the death of her brother Devon. Somehow, no one else seems to understand her. No one else seems to be able to answer her questions. With her dad always crying, her mum   not to be seen and Devon gone, the world in a confusing place. When she reads about closure in the dictionary she is convinced that it will make things better... But are things always black and white?

Mockingbird is insightful novel that gives you an amazing understanding of Asperger's syndrome, it's impacts and how you can overcome it. It also finds time to give you a look into the terrible, life ruining effects of death and how it tears everyone involved a part. Overall, this book made experiences many have not been through seem real. Although it brought a tear to your eye, the amount of hope Caitlin held was incredible. The story was true to life and you could really feel her emotions. An amazing book!

The Theodore Boone Series by John Grimsaw

'Theodore Boone'

John Grimsaw is a best-selling crime author. Normally his novels are not quite to my my taste, but Theodore Boone is a completely different. It follows the life of Theodore, a budding lawyer who lives in the heart of Strattenburg. His family own the law firm Boone & Boone, and although Theodore is only thirteen, he already spends more time in Strattenburg court then anywhere else. Soon he's facing murder, abduction and a whole load of complicated crimes in between...

'Theodore Boone: The Abduction'

The Theodore Boone series is an amazing set of books. It's a fabulous mix of law, thriller and teenage fiction.  It's a refreshing change from Nancy Drew or The Famous Five. I can't wait for the next book!

Angel by L.A Weatherly

'Angel'

Angel is probably my second favourite book of all time! (After Amy&Roger's Epic Detour - review to come). The story isn't as gothic as the front cover at all. It is a love story (always a good choice) and before you think it, no it is not like Harry Potter. It is a magical journey of two lives that meet and the journey of their friendship and more. It is a trilogy and I cannot wait to get in to the second and third books! 

I really loved reading about the situation Alex was in, by having all his licenses and credit cards on different surnames and the danger and difficulties he faces, a little mix of action! Normally I wouldn't choose an action book, but I think I liked the twist of it, I will definitely try some more now! 

I also really enjoyed travelling through the states with Alex and Willow with the hunt of the Church of Angels behind us. 

In this book, there is a "Church" of Angels, but it isn't anything like a normal church. It is more focusing on the worship and craziness of the people with "Angel burn", showing how bad the Angel burn actually is, by it becoming equivalent of a religion, which in some people's cases is the most important thing in their lives!

I was devastated when the end of the book came, if a book is around 700 pages, you kind of expect the story to be finished (in some cases...) but not this one! I jumped up and down and wanted to run to the shops to by 'Angel Fire'! This book made me do something I haven't done for quite a while: miss a load of homework and not mind (much!), stay up way later than appropriate and turning to the book, even if I only had a couple of seconds to read! And of course, very reluctant to stop! 

I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone,  that's how amazing it is!

Teen Books - The Other Side of Truth by Beverley Naidoo

'The Other Side of Truth'

Two gun shots. Two gun shots that changed everything for Sade and Femi, that changed everything for their families, that changed their entire lives... One day Sade was preparing for school in Nigeria; the next her mother was dead, she was travelling to England under a false identity and in more danger then she ever imagined. But when she finds herself abandoned and lost in the centre of London, will she ever find truth?

This was a powerful book with a message to give. After reading this book I understood a lot more about the emotions of refugees and political sufferers. I understood more about what challenges people face, even when they manage to flee. After reading this, you realise the truth must be told, whatever the cost.

Teen Books - Martyn Pig by Kevin Brooks

'Martyn Pig'

When you accidentally kill your own father it means nothing but trouble, heart break, guilt and confusion. But when a whole lot of money is involved, everything becomes ten times worse...

Martyn never meant to kill his dad, it just happened. But unsurprisingly after being left as an orphan, calling the police was the last thing on his mind. It seems all he has is Alex, the girl next door. Alex, the girl who helps dispose of the body and accidentally tips Dean off about Martyn's inheritance. Martyn thinks she'll be right by him. But with her crazy ambitions and wild ways, will greed get the better of her?

Martyn Pig was one of the best books I read this month. It takes an experience not many people understand, and turns it into a book that touch's most peoples hearts. This book is true to life and shows complex emotions in a way everyone can learn from. Incredible.

Butterfly Summer by Anne-Marie Conway

'Butterfly Summer'

Recently I was given a proof copy of Anne-Marie's 'Butterfly Summer'. Here's my thoughts...

Things have always just been Becky and her mum, she's never known any other way. But when her mum's job draws them back to Oakbridge and its beautiful butterfly garden, secrets are uncovered. Something is very wrong and the only clues Becky has is an old photo. Is it possible for your past to haunt you?

I loved this book! The topics were relatable to today's teenagers and true to life. I can't wait to find out what happens between Becky and her dad.... I hope there's a sequel. This book kept me reading all night, five stars from me!

Small Change for Stuart by Lissa Evans

'Small Change for Stuart'

Life has never been that great for Stuart. Not only is he short for his age, but with a name like S. Horten, the nickname shorten is inevitable. But when his mum's job takes the family to his fathers home town, Beeton, he discovers a secret that had been hidden in the family for years...

When six three-penny bits fall out of his father's trick box, Stuart is drawn into a world of codes, machines, pictures clues and anagrams. But can he discover the combination of the safe before Uncle Tony's house is gone forever... And will he ever find Tony Horten's mysterious workshop?

Although I enjoyed this novel, it was very much for younger readers, I would only recommend this book to eleven and under.

Between Shades of Grey by Ruta Sepetys

'Between Shades of Gray'

Imagine one night you were lying in bed, and a knock on the door changed everything...

Lina is a fifteen year old artist, she's been old a great future of drawing lies before her. But when she, her mother and her younger brother are separated from her father and sent to a Siberian prison camp, tortured, threatened, half starved, thrown into holes, forced to sleep in cattle cars and worked to the bone you wold think her future is lost. But through art, love, hope, honour, a not so terrible prison guard and a boy she hardly knows, but doesn't want to lose; Lina wonders, could there be a ray of sunshine between shades of grey?

Unforgettable, heart-wrenching and hopeful, this book had it all. I have read this book at least four times and I never tire of it. I perfectly understand why this book was short-listed for the Carnegie medal and would recommend this book to any teen because in my opinion, this is a story everyone should know.

First published at: http://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/shadowingsite/review.php?id=103&groupid=3255&titleid=8

My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher

'My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece'

Imagine that an event you can barely remember destroyed your family. Imagine that one terrorist attack changed everything for you. Imagine that your sister lives on the mantelpiece.

That's exactly what's happened to ten year old Jamie. His dad's an alcoholic, his mum's left, his sister Jasmine has pink hair and Rose is dead. Jamie is left trying to work out the questions that he can't ask.

When Jamie's dad moves the family to Ambelside he promises them all a fresh start. A place here they can  move on, where there's no Muslims. But things don't quite go as planed. Jamie meets Sunya, a Muslim girl, she's the only person that truly understands him. But there's one problem. His dad blames Muslims for the terrorist attack which killed Rose. And if he found out he'd be furious...

I loved this book, it tackled so many themes and issues. Although many of the subjects were upsetting, this book was full of hope and determination. I would recommend this book to any teen, anywhere.

First published at: http://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/shadowingsite/review.php?id=102&groupid=3255&titleid=7

My Name is Mina by David Almond

'My Name is Mina''

Home schooled Mina has always been different, she just doesn't seem to fit in. She always seems to attract trouble... One night, in the the moon, she starts a journal. A book of her thoughts, fears, dreams, family and friends. Through this unusual and daring diary, we begin to understand what has made Mina just so strange...

I really enjoyed this book as the fonts, pictures and layouts captured your imagination and interest. It also helps you understand that even if someone is different, that's nothing to be afraid of. That even someone seen to be weird or strange, can turn out to be a great friend

I would recommend this book to any teenager, for friendship, for family, for differences, and for great literature. It is the perfect prequel to Skellig.

First published at: http://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/shadowingsite/review.php?id=226&groupid=3255&titleid=1

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

'The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian 

Arnold Spirit Junior has never had much luck in life. He was born with too much cerebral spine fluid in his skull (or as he puts it 'water on my brain') that has left him with brain damage, one near-sighted eye, one far-sighted eye, huge hands and feet, being super skinny and having forty two teeth. Junior has already been beaten up by the other kids (and adults) of his reservation and things get worse when he gets expelled from school after throwing a book at his maths teacher.

Following the advice of Mr P he goes to school at Reardan (a school for rich white kids). Not only has he betrayed the tribe (and lost his best mate, Rowdy, in process), he has to put up with being even more of an outsider then he was before. However, at least now he is surrounded by people who have hope in life. Junior surprises himself when he impresses the most popular boy in school, gets a girlfriend, gets in the basketball team and makes friends.

Through the words Junior says and cartoons he draws, this books teaches you to never give up, always have hope and dream big. I really enjoyed this book as it taught me to never give up hope. I would not recommend this book to anyone under the age of twelve as the language and storyline can be upsetting.

First published at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2011/sep/22/part-time-indian-sherman-review?INTCMP=SRCH

Massive by Julia Bell

'Massive'

Carmen's mum is obsessed with the idea that thin equals beauty, success and a way to get what you want. So it's not surprising that weight has always been a big issue in Carmen's life. But things get too much when Carmen is whisked off to Birmingham and forced to leave her father, her home and her friends. Her old life is starting to disappear.

With her mum's diets getting out of hand and her family secrets are being revealed, Carmen wonders whether if she was thin, really thin, would all this be happening?

This book made me think about making the right choices and about how much people think about their appearance. It was written from Carmen's point of view. I would not recommend this book to anyone under the age of ten.

First published at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2011/sep/22/massive-julia-bell-review?INTCMP=SRCH

Matched by Ally Conide

'Matched'

In Cassia's world society controls everything: who people love, where people work and when they die. All her life Cassia obeyed the rules because she though society was there for a reason.

On her seventeenth birthday Cassia meets her perfect partner – except he's not. When Cassia she sees her friend Ky's face on her micro card she just knows something isn't right.

As she finds herself falling in love, keeping secrets and questioning the society that she has trusted for so many years, her world starts to unravel.

This book is set in the future and written from Cassia's point of view. It taught me about love, family and how little things can mean a lot to you. I really enjoyed this book as I'd never read anything like it before. It was very unusual. I would recommend this book to anyone over the age of ten.

First published at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2011/sep/23/matched-ally-condie-review?INTCMP=SRCH

The Declaration by Gemma Malley

'The Declaration''

Imagine a world were you could live forever, where you could never die. All thanks to the Longevity pill, it replaces cells in people's bodies. It cures people of all illness. No one dies so no one is born.

If you want to take the Longevity pill, you sign the deceleration, saying you can never have children. Some people are irresponsible, they break the rules, and they're selfish. They take the longevity pill and they have children. They're children are found, taken away to a surplus hall.

Surplus Anna's parents were irresponsible. They broke the rule about not having children. Now Anna lives at Grange Hall, a place where she must
learn how to repay society for the selfish act of her parents. She must learn to be a Valuable Asset.

Then one day, her whole world and what she believes turns around… Peter arrives at Grange hall; he's the oldest surplus to be found, he's spent so much time hidden away. Peter says he knows Anna's parents, that they told him to tell her they love her. And most importantly, he's here to take her back home…

This book taught me no matter how bad that past was, you can always have a better future! I'd thoroughly recommend this book to anyone.

First published at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2011/sep/30/the-declaration-demma-malley-review?INTCMP=SRCH

Bang, Bang You're Dead by Narinder Dhami

'Bang, Bang, You're Dead!'

Mia’s twin brother, Jamie, has always protected her. Until now. Mia and Jamie seem to be growing apart.  It’s all to do with their mum’s illness; it causes her to have mood swings. There are pills that could help her but their mum stopped taking them after grandpa died. With their mum refusing to see a doctor and Mia terrified of social services splitting her and her twin up and of anyone at school finding out it seems Mia and Jamie are stuck. Mia knows none of this is her mum’s fault, however Jamie has less sympathy. He’s fed up of trying to make things right. Recently he’s been threatening to do something drastic. Something to show their mum how this is affecting them, and he won’t tell Mia what it is……………

When rumours start about a man in school with a gun and Jamie’s no where to be seen Mia knows something bad is going to happen. Then she remembers the gun she and her twin found when they were little. Mia knows she has to stop this. The only problem is the man’s not Jamie, and it seems that Jamie died the day he was born. Soon Mia discovers she is Jamie and all the things she thought Jamie had done, had been her……..

I really enjoyed this book as it was different and unusual. Also, it showed me what life could be like for other people. However, I found it a bit confusing when Jamie turns out not to be real.  It is written in Mia’s point of view and I would recommend it to anyone over the age of ten as it can be quite upsetting.

First published at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2011/oct/03/bang-bang-you-re-dead-narinder-dhami?INTCMP=SRCH

A Little Piece of Ground by Elizabeth Laird

'A Little Piece of Ground'

Karim Aboudi has a list of the things he wants to do in his life. One of them is to destroy the Israeli tanks that block the street. Karim can no longer play football or see his friends. All he can do is wait until the curfew ends. With his older brother doing anything to annoying him and Karim not be being able to go outside he's is ready to go crazy.

When the curfew ends, Karim is delighted! He and his new friend Hopper find a piece of wasteland to play football on. But the tanks and the guns come back and Karim is trapped in the wasteland…

This book taught me that even in the worst situations, you can survive.

I would recommend this book to any teenager, girl or boy.

First published at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2011/oct/10/a-little-piece-of-ground-elizabeth-laird-review?INTCMP=SRCH

Girl Missing by Sophie McKenzie

'Girl Missing'

Imagine you'd always been told you had been adopted when you were three, that your real mother didn't want you. And when you asked more about your past, no one answered your questions. Until one day, on a missing children's website, you see a little girl who you think may be you. What would you do?

That's exactly the dilemma Lauren is faced with. With the help of her friend Jam she goes to find out to find her biological parents, to discover who she really is and whether the people she had known as her parents all these years were involved. Only to discover that her kidnappers will do anything to keep her silent...

I really enjoyed this book; you feel really involved in the story and can't wait to see what happens next. It taught me that sometimes your family are not always the people who gave birth to you and that things are not always as clear as they seem… I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading and is over ten years old.

First Published at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2011/dec/12/girl-missing-sophie-mckenzie-review?INTCMP=SRCH