Like A Charm – Elle McNicoll
If you have read either of Elle’s previous two books, you will know that she wraps emotional stories in adventure and mystery. Like A Charm has these elements, but with added magic!
Ramya has learnt she can see through the glamour of Edinburgh, meaning she can see all the mythical and magical creatures living in the city. When the Sirens start their plan to take over, she is one of the only people who can stand in their way. With the help of her cousin, Marley, can she overcome not only the sirens but the fractured family relationships that could hold her back?
Told with heart, this is a wonderful read which children will love. Not only that but as with all of Elle’s books, there is a neurodiverse main character giving much-needed representation to the classroom bookshelf.
Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Being Good – Louie Stowell
This is perfect for fans of funny, diary-style writing, but with an edge of mythology, Loki will have you laughing out loud as you read!
Loki is being punished, sent to Earth in the guise of a child with two guardians and the ever-annoying Thor. He must write a diary (which writes back!) to keep track of his time on Earth and how he is reflecting on his behaviour. The problem is, he isn’t very good at being…good. Or being human. This creates hijinks and hilarity throughout the story which children will love. It’s already been chosen by several children in my class who can’t wait for a sequel.
The Bird Singers – Eve Worsocki Morris
A beautifully told story of sisters who have to find the truth of their mother’s past. A debut book that will have you immersed in a world of myths and magic.
Layah and Izzy have grown up surrounded by the ancient myths of their father’s homeland, Poland. Their grandmother wrote a book on them, and the girls have always loved listening to them. When sinister happenings start to occur, they start to realise there was more truth to the stories than they ever believed possible.
This is a book you won’t be able to put down. There is intrigue throughout the story as Izzy and Layah discover clues. The folklore and Polish culture included in The Bird Singers is another form of representation that is so needed in the classroom. It’s definitely a February release to get onto your shelf!
The Boy Whose Wishes Came True – Helen Rutter
Helen Rutter once again manages to subtly include emotionally charged stories within the pages of a humorous book.
Archie Crumb wishes his life was different. His Mum never gets out of bed and his Dad acts like he doesn’t want him anymore. When his favourite football star appears one evening and offers him seven wishes, Archie doesn’t waste time seeing if they’ll come true. Along with his best friend Mouse, Archie discovers that sometimes what you wish for isn’t always what you want.
With themes of friendship, family and children coping with parents struggling with their mental health, this is an important book that makes difficult themes accessible.
Look out for…
The Last Firefox – Lee Newbery
Released in March, this is an exciting book that will take you on a whole new type of adventure! When Charlie becomes the guardian of the only Firefox in the world, he needs to find the bravery he didn’t know he had and make a difference to more worlds than just his own…