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.

Naomi

This is Naomi, making an entrance!

I hope to give this blog a new edge, from a different point of view!

I do not read nearly as much as Fiona, however I'll review on other teen pleasures.

Short first post- more to come!

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