Book Recommendations & reviews

I enjoy ‘The Secret Garden’ for its mystery and hazard-a-guess nature. It is a literary classic to read and I thoroughly enjoy the old English language of the book as well as getting to know the key character, Mary, her background and why she behaves the way she does.

I recommend this book for those who love to read English Classics and immerse themselves in what it was like in the transition from the Victorian to the Edwardian era.

Lucy B, 7SSN

Skellig is one of my all time favorite books since I was first recommended it by a teacher in year 6. It covers quite grim topics, such as illness and pain, with our main character Michael having to bear the sight of his little sister being on the brink of death, with a fatal heart disease since the beginning of the book. Later we are introduced to Skellig, an unusual human-angel mix creature found in Michael’s garage, seeming frail, weak and covered in grime. Together with his friend Mina, they bring this figure called Skellig back to glory. This story is a really emotional tale about healing and hope, and I would definitely recommend!

I would characterise David Almond’s style as quite dark and out of this world, often using elements such as the supernatural in his work, and I fell in love with this style of writing when I first read it. If you’ve read Skellig, I would recommend some of his other works, such as My name is Mina (the prequel to Skellig), or Kit’s wilderness.

Emilia B, 8ESU

This book follows the early life of Coriolanus Snow, the early days of Panem and the origin of the famous Hunger Games. The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes belongs to a dystopian fiction genre, as well as science fiction and action/adventure.

If you are someone who loves the Hunger Games series and wants to expand their knowledge by going and exploring the past of the book series, this book is perfect for you. I really like Suzanne Collins’ style of writing in general, because Suzanne knows when to get us emotional and in some cases maybe even cry; she knows how to set an atmosphere during dark and menacing situations that give us goosebumps; Suzanne creates ideal action through her descriptions that create tension and force us to hold our breath tight.

Mina Radovic 9PIR

I really enjoyed this book about the life of Anne Boleyn’s less famous sister, Mary and the struggles she faced being part of the Royal Court.

Read this if you enjoy period dramas.

Hanna N, 8PFO

I’d recommend this book if you’re interested in a classic all-American true crime story! Focused around true crime obsessed Paige, this book has a killer of a plot twist.

My favourite moment in this book was when the main character discovered what was in the bathroom vents…!

You will love this book if you enjoy classic serial killer/American high school crime movies.

Sasha C, 8PFO

It is an LGBTQ+ based book about high school life and romance. It is “A chaotically queer retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma”. When I read this book it makes me laugh inside at some of the funny things characters say. This book is a lot easier to read for some people because it is a comic.

My favourite moment is when Evan (the main character) and his planning committee put together a Rainbow Prom, which is a prom for the LGBTQ+ community.

Read this book if you enjoyed Heartstopper.

Francesca M, 8PFO

Powerless is a very engaging story with a fast moving plot and perfect for someone who is looking for a new book to read.

It is actually told from two perspectives, which is a really interesting technique, and one that would be great to see more often because you get a variety of the plot as you experience the flip between scenes that are happening at the same time and watch the story line unfold in different ways. Powerless is therefore written in first person, however the author is very careful to ensure it is not repetitive but very engaging with numerous plot twists.

With relatable protagonists and a variety of different characters, this book is suitable for everyone, and is easily recommendable especially for anyone who has enjoyed books like the ‘Hunger games series’ as they have similarities in plot. This book is the beginning of a series with the sequels: Powerful (a novella told from the perspective of another character), Reckless and Fearless.

Overall, I would recommend this novel due to the enticing plot and unpredictable endings along with the unique narrative style.

Josephine H, 10SSR

This book is a classic written by Ray Bradbury in 1953, and It’s an amazing dystopian fiction. It’s eerie and unsettling, and follows a really interesting story about Guy Montag, a fireman (but not in the way you think) who burns books for a living, in a world where reading is illegal, as they are said to harbor undesirable ideas that could possibly end up challenging ways of life and the government. It’s scarily similar to what’s happening today, and it really makes you think about what’s going on. Ironically, this book was banned in some countries, which just proves its point. It’s a really great book if you want something thought-provoking, challenging and that goes into deeper subjects. Whilst showing the importance of reading and knowledge, it also exposes flaws in today’s society and raises points that are still relevant today despite the book’s age, and shows a darker side to “blissful ignorance”.

All in all, it’s a great book for people who want to try something new (unless this genre is your favourite like mine) and is a really interesting and complex book to try! I hope you found this recommendation useful and that you try out Fahrenheit 451!!

Emilia B, 8ESU

Translated from French this story is based on real life events which occurred in November 2021 when an inflatable dinghy carrying migrants across the English Channel capsized killing 27 people.

Eva B, 13ELE

This book follows a fierce young assassin who is given a chance to win her freedom by competing in a deadly and ruthless contest. Fantasy/Romance novel exploring themes of loyalty, strength and identity.

Mina R, 9PIR

This page turner is the first book in a mysterious fantasy series. It follows the life of a 17 year old, Luce, as she battles the trials her new reform school hurls at her! Read on if you loved Twilight.

Bobbie W, 7SSN

This powerful extended essay takes readers on a journey through the history of feminine writers, as we witness first hand the barriers structural inequality placed in the path of the female sex.

Z Maloney, 13TRO

Millie takes a job as a live-in housekeeper for a wealthy couple, Nina and Andrew. It’s a fantastic job – until it’s not and things go downhill quickly in this fast-paced thriller.

Honor D, 11STH

Heartless is a prequel to Alice in Wonderland. It follows the story of the Queen of Hearts and how she came to be so harsh. I love this book because it connects so well with the story of Alice.

Yuka H, 10POR

The time has come to put human emotion back at the heart of the design process. Drawing on thirty years of making bold, beautiful buildings, neuroscience and cognitive psychology, Heatherwick brings together vivid stories and hundreds of beautiful images into a visual masterpiece. Humanise will inspire us to do nothing less than remake our world and by changing the world around us, we can improve our health, restore our happiness, and save our planet.

Design & Technology recommendation

Imagine a world where…

• Your phone is too big for your hand
• Your doctor prescribes a drug that is wrong for your body
• In a car accident you are 47% more likely to be injured.

If any of that sounds familiar, chances are you’re a woman.
Discover the shocking gender bias that affects our everyday lives in this groundbreaking gift of a book.

Design & Technology recommendation

Endlessly fascinating and recounted with passion and eloquence, The Golden Thread weaves a wondrous history of fabric and its interconnections with the grander canvas of the past. From the burial linens of Tutankhamun to the textiles that forged the Industrial Revolution, St Clair’s singular book is a kaleidoscopic, colourful treat.

Design & Technology recommendation