Reader reviews roundup

This story follows Dante, an A-level student, who suddenly becomes a full-time Dad when his ex-girlfriend arrives on his doorstep and leaves behind a baby.

"I think this book is brilliant. Malorie Blackman really shows off her skills by tackling many important issues in today's society, including single parenting, racism and homosexuality … I enjoyed this book so much that I read it all in one sitting. It is a gripping and engaging real­life issues book. I would recommend this book to teenagers, and I think it is aimed at both boys and girls. Boys Don't Cry is a truly amazing book."

It's fantasy galore now, with a fantastic review by Pot4tosittter of The Luck Uglies by Paul Durham. This book centres on the village of Drowning, a place where the monstrous Bog Noblins have returned. Rye's only chance to save the villagers is to contact the Luck Uglies for help!

"The Luck Uglies is the first book in an adventurous series filled with a fantastic range of characters and is a good read throughout the entire story … The Luck Uglies is an amazing book, filled with wonders and surprises that are worth staying up all night for."

Continuing the supernatural theme, Felixreads wrote a superb review of The Ministry of Ghosts by Alex Shearer. This novel features four employees of the Ministry of Ghost, who are told to capture a real life ghost or face being transferred to the Department of Sewage.

"I loved this book because I like ghost books. Also I like how it's funny that the two children only talk using the literal sense and don't understand any metaphors. There is always a surprise waiting for you right around the corner. And there is a huge one at the end to make you feel really SPOOKED."

With similar elements of mystery – could you tell it was Halloween last week?! – BookieCookie wrote a brilliant review of Listen to the Moon by Michael Morpurgo. Alfie and his father find a girl called Lucy on an uninhabited island who doesn't say anything apart from 'Lucy'. Spooky, no?

"The story is really gripping because some of the islanders think Lucy is a German spy, some think she is a mermaid and you are just desperate to find out where she has come from, why she loves the moon so much and what will happen to her … I think you have to be quite a confident reader to enjoy this book because you have to piece the story together so I would recommend it for readers over ten years old."

Let's finish up with something a bit more light-hearted, so moving on to a side-splittingly funny novel, Bookworm Reader wrote an outstanding review of Once Upon A Dork by Rachel Renee Russell. In this book, Nikki falls into a made-up fairy tale world as she muddles her way through middle school.

"I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I can't wait to read another Dork Diaries book! I would definitely recommend it, though it only took me two days to read! (I'm such a bookworm!) You should definitely read it, it's a really magnificent book, I hope I haven't given away too much!"

Finally, our roundup concludes with an astute review by spruzie of What's up with Jody Barton by Hayley Long. This coming-of-age book follows Jody as she experiences teenage friendships and love. Spruzie, however, felt the characterisation of the novel was rather shallow.

                                     Hayley Long, What's Up With Jody Barton?

 "Long is not alone because so many books feature the same type of character with one thing incredibly 'interesting' and 'alternative' about them. I didn't empathise with Jody, especially for the first part of the book. A love of maths does not make you a loner. Nor does liking different films to everyone else … I read this book much too late in life. I'm past the stage where I can look past the shallowness and really enjoy it, or get in touch with the characters. So, for us older teens, I would give a firm no as to rereading it or recommending it to others. For the slightly younger, it's possibly more accessible, with an attempt at a profound message about how gay people are treated. If you like tween romcoms, give it a go, but otherwise stay clear."

A massive thank you to our reviewers this week! You reviews continue to delight the children's books team. Be sure to email us if your review was featured above to claim your complimentary book.

Happy reading!

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