In December, I visited a books by weight sale, and I couldn’t resist picking up seven books that were in near-mint condition! I couldn’t finish one, but I read the other six, some of which I quite enjoyed, and others that I loved. Here they are, listed in an unusual way for me – from the one I enjoyed least to the one I enjoyed most.
Fan Fiction, Feminist, Ages 10+
I enjoy reading spin-offs of classics. Off the top of my head, the ones that come to mind are Wide Sargasso Sea, Wishing for Tomorrow and Lilliput, though I’m sure there are many more that I’ve read and loved.
Hook’s Daughter was the first Peter Pan spin-off I’ve read! After I finished reading it, I learned that it is the first of a series of revenge stories by Heidi Schulz, but it works well as a standalone story too. Captain Hook doesn’t leave his daughter (or his female offspring as he chooses to call her) any inheritance except a call for revenge. And Jocelyn, who idolises her father even though he wants nothing to do with her, runs away from finishing school to avenge him by killing the evil crocodile that was Captain Hook’s nemesis.
Despite the parts I found a little too silly, I enjoyed reading Hook’s Daughter. From the nameless, grumpy narrator who tells us the tale, to feisty Jocelyn who must not ever show weakness, I enjoyed discovering the characters, the relationships they form and the absurd ways in which they grow.
Middle Grade Fiction, Bullying, Ages 11+
I read Being Billy by Phil Earle nearly seven years ago, and even though I don’t remember the story well, it made such a powerful impression on me that the author’s name and the book title stayed with me. I saw another book by the same writer and practically snatched it!
The Bubble Wrap Boy is a lovely read, tackling issues of family, guilt, bullying, and being misfits. Charlie Han is tiny, but this is a small problem. The big problem is the way his mother mollycoddles him, and his father never, ever takes his part. When Charlie discovers a love for skateboarding, he thinks he has the perfect avenue to explore something he is really good at—until his mother shows up.
Secrets form the heart of The Bubble Wrap Boy, and I love stories about secrets. They keep you turning the pages, reading on and on. Even though I was left slightly underwhelmed by Charlie’s mother’s secret, I was convinced. I let myself get sucked into the story and I let my stomach clench with happy tears as I reached the last pages of the book, and with Charlie, my heart soared.
Middle Grade Fiction, War Fiction, Ages 10+
Can you even go wrong with Michael Morpurgo? Without even pausing to think, here are the ones that come to mind – Kensuke’s Kingdom, Private Peaceful, War Horse, An Eagle in the Snow, The Butterfly Lion, Toro! Toro!, The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips … If I just pause a little, I’m sure I’ll think of several more!
An Elephant in the Garden is a charming book. Like so many other books by Michael Morpurgo, it takes the form of a story within a story. In a nursing home, Lizzie begins to tell young Karl the story of her childhood, fleeing Dresden in 1945. The story is Lizzie’s, from the second world war, and Karl who triggers the telling of the story, is just a listener. But he’s a great listener because he’s the first one to believe that there really was an elephant in Lizzie’s garden. Lizzie’s story is that of her family fleeing a burning city and finding refuge, and her family comprises Lizzie, her mother, her brother Karli, and an elephant.
Stories about war are always powerful because war dehumanises us. Even pacifists like Lizzie’s Mutti become haters. And yet, it is during the war that we see the greatest acts of courage and selflessness too. An Elephant in the Garden is a story of grit, loyalty, love and, most surprising of all, laughter.
Historical Fiction, Middle-Grade Fiction, Ages 10+
Michael Morpurgo’s stories often begin slowly, and Twist of Gold is no different. This story is set in the potato famine in Ireland. Sean and Annie have a chance to escape–but only if they leave their dying mother behind. So, that’s what they do. Parting is difficult, but they know they must be brave and resourceful. Above all, they must keep a torc – the very soul of the family – safe even as they travel away from Ireland and to their father in faraway America. Whom can they trust? Can two children even make such a perilous journey?
Twist of Gold is a heartwarming read, like nearly everything else by Morpurgo. It’s the story of love and life, and a journey that tests every ounce of their strength.
Long ago, I read another book set during the same time period – Esty’s Gold – another book that stayed with me. Fiction, particularly historical fiction, as powerful as this reminds me that stories help us to remember history, human struggle, and above all, timeless ideas of family and friendship.
Historical Fiction, Early Middle-Grade Fiction, Ages 9+
I’m sure I’ve read this before, but I remembered only bits and pieces of it, and I loved it! When Bess meets the ghost of Sir Walter Raleigh, all she knows about him is that he laid his cloak over a puddle for the queen so that her feet would not get wet. But there’s so much more to Sir Walter’s story! He was beheaded as a traitor after having been imprisoned at the Tower of London. His family lost everything, and, in this story, the ghost wants to make old wrongs right again.
As we read page after page, we wonder what exactly Sir Walter is going to do. What is his plan? Why does he steal the family horse Sally and disappear for a few days? Is he thoughtless or wise? The story keeps us guessing, as we read a story laced with humour and adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
Chapter Book, Graphic Novel, Ages 7+
What an utterly delightful book! I’ve come across many reviews of the Ottoline books, but I haven’t paid much attention to them because I didn’t know if I would ever end up picking up one. This was such a treat!
Ottoline meets Cecily in the park and poor Mr Munroe feels as if he is going to be replaced by Ottoline’s new friend. It certainly seems that way, as hoity-toity Cecily slowly takes over Ottoline’s life. But at Alice B. Smith School for the Differently Gifted, everything is about to change because Ottoline, with Mr Munroe’s help, will discover just what her different gift is.
The storytelling is charming, and the illustrations, brilliant! The design is so detailed that Ottoline is the kind of book that you need to reread to appreciate fully, and I think I’m going to do just that.
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