The Last Bear is a middle-grade emotional story for ages 8-11, exploring the need for love, grief within the family, and responsibility towards the environment.   Plot summary After her mother dies, April is left in the care of her father, a researcher deeply absorbed in his work. When he accepts a position on Bear Island near the Arctic, April…

In this Wishtree book review, Katherine Applegate’s middle-grade novel explores the experiences of an urban community through the lens of an oak tree. Plot summary The oak tree at the centre of Wishtree serves as a long-standing pillar of its community, holding the wishes of both children and adults. Over the years, Red quietly observes the lives of the human…

Robin, with its well-designed cover in light, dark, and cobalt blue, evokes a mood of wintry nostalgia and quiet tenderness through a handwritten font. Plot summary of Robin Eddie leaves home to stay with Uncle John in the countryside. His sister Scarlet is due for another heart operation. Eddie discovers the beauty of nature by visiting the forest next to…

An atmospheric and dialogue-driven crime story that builds suspense from the very first page. Grace arrives at Auntie Mollie’s hotel to join her Mum and brother and celebrate Christmas.  Mum goes to visit Granny in a care home and organises some practicalities for her, but then she suddenly goes missing. Not only are the kids alone, anxious, and worried about…

The 11-year-old orphan Rosa experiences magic and brings the streets of Venice to life. Rosa’s parents died in an accident, and an odd couple takes her care – her aunt and uncle. Threatened harshly by locking her in the bedroom at night, Rosa turns inward, finding comfort only in her fairytales – and the mysterious black cat Balthazar. Terrifying, Rosa…

With the beginning of the new year, new term at school, and new seating plans many children and adults hopefully will relate to the words Aada remembered: “Don’t try and be something You really are not. Your one true self Is the best thing you’ve got.” In “The Truth Pixie Goes to School” Aada is having a tough year, but…