The Host by Stephanie Meyer

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed. The main character Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans, is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too-vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind. Wanderer probes Melanie's thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer's mind with visions of the man Melanie loves - Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love. It is a must read, breathtaking and one my absolute favourite books.

By Rachel Thomas, 9D

Gone by Michael Grant

Sam is a 14-year-old surfer from California, he and his friend Quinn practically live in the waves. This all has to stop when they and the rest of the residents of Perdido get trapped in a large dome known as the FAYZ (Fallout-Ally-Youth-Zone) that blocks them off from the rest of civilisation and leaves them with no one who is over the age of 15.

Sam is forced to become their leader after his big act of heroism that gave him his nickname, School Bus Sam. He still doesn’t know that he has a twin brother, Caine, who goes to Coates Academy for troubled children. Sam is trying to stop riots but Caine has another idea. Meanwhile way underground the Gaiaphage  wants nothing more than to escape, but its plans are harsh involving many cruel deaths.

Over time strange mutations begin to occur and its up to them all to figure it out, but Astrid knows a little more than she’s willing to admit to.

My favourite book would have to be the 4^th as it brings so much more to the rest of the plot as the Gaiaphage has grown ever stronger. There are also rumours of a disease that starts off as a cough but you end up coughing up everything, from inside to out.

These books are very well written especially the dialogue. They come top at what they do in being informative on all the action that is going on. If I were the author I would write a 6^th book in which almost everything is resolved.

Rosie Rota, 8D

Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian

William Beech, an eight-year-old boy from London, is evacuated to the country in World War II leaving everything he knows to live with a grumpy old widower, Tom Oakley, who he soon learns to love.

 Mister Tom soon learns that all was not well back home in London when unpacking Willie’s brown paper bag that his mum packed for him back home in London. There are no spare clothes, only a bible and a belt to beat him with. What he also discovers is that Willie is all too used to being beaten - he is covered with bruises and bleeding sores- and he can’t keep any food down because he is so malnourished.

Willie soon becomes friends with Mister Tom’s friendly dog, Sammy, and some children from the local school. But his new life in Little Weirwold came to an unexpected halt when he received a letter from his mum asking him to go back home to London. When Willie first arrives, his mum struggles to recognise him and during his stay there, he - and his new-born baby sister Trudy - suffer at her hands, Mrs Beech. Mister Tom, realising that something is wrong, comes to Willie’s rescue.

    Through William’s journey we get an insight as to what life was like in Britain during World War II and what it was like to be an evacuee. The author uses clear descriptive language which brings characters to life and describes the suffering and struggles of everyday life at that time. The book is very compelling. I first recommended it to my mum who was in tears by the end of it. Being one of the family favourites, it has taken pride of place on our bookshelf. I would highly recommend Goodnight Mister Tom to anyone.

Jovana Pepic, Year 7

School of fear by Gitty Daneshvari

This book is about four children who all have a fear of something. One has the fear of death, another has the fear of insects, another has the fear of very confined spaces and the last is afraid of deep water. They all go to a summer school to help them get rid of their fear. They end up getting in to lots of strange situations. I like this book because it is very funny and I found it unstoppable to read. I also enjoyed it because it’s quite creepy and has a good twist. I would recommend it if you like mysterious books with an easy read.

Nancy Connealy, Year 7

The Twits by Roald Dahl

I find "The Twits" an all-time classic. I'm still twelve years old so I think it's for any age group. It is a happy, funny book. It's about this horrible couple called Mr and Mrs Twit, who always play pranks on each other. One day Mrs Twits puts her fake eye in Mr Twit's beer glass; another  prank is when Mr Twit puts a horrible slimy frog in Mrs Twit's bed. But then something horrible happens to both of them...


I liked this story because it's very funny - this is because Roald Dahl remembered what it was like to be a child and how you would play pranks on everyone. That's why I personally love "The Twits.


Marnie Mather, 7B

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

It's about a girl called Rebecca Bloomwood who can't stop shopping. Her friend tries to make her join a group but it helps her sell some stuff. This man tried to make her pay up her bills. In the end she ends up with a green scarf. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes shopping. It makes you know that not everything grows on trees so you can't get everything you want in life. Also if you want a book you can't put down, this is that book!


Saffron Whatley, Year 7

Lily by Jacqueline Wilson

This is about a girl called Lily, her mum, her brother and her two sisters, Pixie and Bliss. Their mum has gone on holiday and called Lily's divorced step-dad to look after them for a week. However, she and all her brothers and sisters' don't like him so Lily tells him on the phone that their mum's there and he doesn't need to come. So now she's the children's "Lilymum". She has lots of sticky situations trying not to let anyone know about them being all alone... I think this book is very good because at the beginning she was wishing she had a big posh house and she liked to be by herself but at the end all she wanted was their flat and her family.

Molly Roach, Year 7

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Shiver is about a girl who watches a wolf for years. Then she meets a boy who she thinks is very similar to the wolf, then she finds out something shocking and incredible. "Shiver" is a love story and also a fantasy. I found it really interesting and it was a page turner. I liked it because it was really imaginative and fun to read. The author made it possible to believe what was happening was real. It would be liked by many different audiences because it has love, action, fantasy and humour. It is mostly aimed for teens. It was very interesting the way the author changed whose point of view each chapter was from. The book had lots of different types of characters which made it even more interesting. I enjoyed reading this book and enjoyed reading others in the series.

Sophie Calabro, Year 7

All-American Girl by Meg Cabot

This book should be a instant hit with kids in their early teens. Its about art-loving goth girl Samantha (AKA Sam), who lives in Washington DC . She has two sisters Lucy (the Cheerleader ) and Rebecca ( the Brainiac). The other characters are Jack (Lucy's Boyfriend ) and David (the president's son ). She goes from social outcast to mega celebrity in John Adams Preparatory School.She likes to draw celebrities at the back of her German book: this causes her a terrible level in German, so her parents enrolled her into straightforward Susan Boone's class. Samantha hates receiving critiscism so decides to bunk off her next art class. She goes into a record store, and comes out to find a guy about to assasinate the president. But quick-thinking Sam jumps on him and saves the president's life. Sam break an arm but gets appointed as the US TEEN AMBASADOR. This means she gets to spend a lot of time with David...

I think this is an epic and explosive book, which is gripping and funny too.I highly recommend it.

Riyana Mistry, 7N

You Against Me by Jenny Downham

The main characters are: Mikey, Ellie, 'Mum' (Mikey's mum), Karyn (Mikey's younger sister), Tom (Ellie's older brother),and Holly (Mikey's other younger sister).

This is a love story, which is very complicated yet very simple (sorry for the complication). Initially, Karyn, who is 18 years old, is supposedly raped by Tom. Mikey then goes to Tom's 'Welcome back' party  for being released from bail, even though he has not been invited. This is easy, because no one recognises him as Karyn's elder brother. Yet when he tries to get some information out of Ellie on how to hurt Tom, he realises that Ellie is very beautiful and innocent.

I truly recommend this book to everyone at SMS: it will be in the library...

Noura Chtioui, 7H

Then by Morris Gleitzman

This book is about two young children. They have to run away from home as Nazis are killing all the Jewish people in England. After they run from home and are lost in the woods a women finds them and looks after them. The women knows they are Jewish and decides to help them. So the two children have to change their identity so the Nazis won't find out they are Jewish.

I really enjoyed this book as it had to do history. The other reason I liked this book is that you could really tell what the children were feeling. I would rate this book 10/10.   
 
by Erina Llugiqi, Year 7

The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor

This book is a brilliant adaptation of "Alice In Wonderland" with an unexpected twist.  The main character is a girl called Alyss, who is destined to become the queen of Wonderland when suddenly the horrific murders occur of her dear Mother and Father (King and Queen of Wonderland). Poor Alyss has no choice but to flee Wonderland and enter our world. Years pass and Alyss must return to the battle against the murderer, who happens to be Alyss's aunty, a cruel nasty woman.  Will she win this awful battle?

I love this book because it contains the unexpected and is a creative adaptation and a great read. It has so many unique characters and this author really shows the difference between our world and Wonderland with brilliant descriptions of things that most of us would never really consider. There is a great juxtaposition between good and pure evil. This book is a great page turner and has many uses of great techniques. Frank Beddor is a brilliant writer and I would fully recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy and real gory adventures.

Milla Mckenzie, 7H

Flirting for England by Sue Limb

This book is a comedy although it is quite like reality! The main character is called Jess. Her parents are divorced and she lives with her mum; her dad lives far away. At school there is a French exchange student  project so she has Eduard and she expects him to be completely gorgeous so she gets Fred, a close friend, to Photoshop her picture to make her look gorgeous. Jess also has her BFF Flora doing the exchange program as well but Flora is absolutely gorgeous and she has all the boys falling for her and to top it off she is super rich and that makes Jess a bit jealous, but she loves her to bits! 

What I liked about the book is it is such a classic story and it has really crazy twists at points you wouldn't expect them - so I would say that Jess has plenty of surprises especially at the end. I highly recommend this book: it will create laughter, gasps and relief! 

Cody Sims Year 7

Candyfloss by Jacqueline Wilson

I enjoyed the book as it had a lot of emotion. However all the emotions are sad.For example her mother moves away, her dad loses his job, she breaks up with her best friend and the chip van sets on fire while she and her dad are inside - luckily they survive. I enjoyed this book and it was realistic. I would recommed this book for 11-15 year olds. I guarantee if you read this book you will feel like you're living her life just like I did.


Amina Jouhoune 7W

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Katniss Everdeen lives in District 12 of Panem with her mother and younger sister Prim (Primrose). Every year every girl and boy from each district (1 to 12) has to enter their names into the reaping ball, and one girl and one boy from each district has to be chosen to go into the hunger games to fight to the death. The only reason they have to do this is so that everyone is reminded just how powerful the Capitol is. I really like this book because it is not a typical sci-fi book. I also think that it is really well written and very good for boys and girls from about 10 to 14.

Zella Clay, 7N

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Diary of a Wimpy Kid is certainly one of the funniest books I have read. It is made up mostly of writing and pictures - therefore I don't recommend it to be used as an everyday reading book but if you are ever bored or are in need of a laugh I would recommend reading this book. Greg, the main character, is the  person telling the story, he tells you all about how he gets on in school at home. In every book there is a plot filled with jokes about Greg's life whether it's about his friends, his family or even his next door neighbours you will always find yourself laughing by the time you have finished the book.


Gabriella Byrne, 7H

Girls Under Pressure by Jacqueline Wilson

As soon as I started reading this book it reminded me of me and my friends, as we are a group of 3. The book starts of with the group of friends in a shopping centre and they see a crowd of people, they join the queue but one of them Ellie, doesn’t know that it’s for a modelling competition. When she finds out she runs away because she thinks she is fat and not attractive enough to be a model. It’s a good book because it deals with the problems that we all think about: we worry about how we look especially in the first few years of senior school. It talks about how Ellie in the end realises that she is just normal and is worrying too much about the way she looks. It’s also very funny. I like this author!

Cassia Crimin, 7H

Dustbin Baby by Jacqueline Wilson

Dustbin Baby is about a 14-year-old girl called April who was abandoned as a newborn baby in a dustbin on 1st April. The story is about how she tries to find out who she is and where she came from. I loved reading this book. It made me laugh a lot; at times it made me sad and I found it very hard to put it down I enjoyed it so much. I think it's one of the best books I ever read I would highly recommend this book to others.


Kitti Seton, Year 7

My Sister lives on the Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher

Nine-year-old Jamie lives with his older sister, Jasmine who was a twin of his other sister, Rose, now deceased. His father is undergoing depression of the loss of his daughter which causes his mother to leave. Jamie cannot feel emotion towards his sister Rose because he has no recognition of her. This story leads us through many emotions from Jamie’s view on the developments around him. I think that the plot of the story is good however the writing style underestimates how a nine or ten year old would think and I think it is more complex than the book portrays it to be.

The book will always leave you yearning for more though. With each new step in Jamie’s life comes new problems and consequences that he needs to face. Because of his father’s depression, his older sister looks after both herself and Jamie without their father’s guidance and they are usually left for themselves. The thing I love most about the book is that it is different. It’s not perfect, nothing is but in the end comes a mutual understanding which suits them just fine.

By Angela Sun, Year 8

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Set during the Second World War, we follow the three-year journey of Lina, who is taken from her home, stripped of everything she has come to know and deprived of basic human needs such as food and sanitary environments. During these years, she learns to look out for her younger brother and mother as they are put through harsh conditions where she is on the brink of survival.

The style that Sepetys has written it in shows you not only about how Lina lives her life in the present, but also how her life used to be through her memories. I feel this book is very emotional and passes on the real life traumas of the Holocaust. It is based on real-life stories passed down from generations. I personally admire Lina as she not only acts for the benefit for her family and friends, but for her spirit and heart to persevere through very hard times and learns to mature in a short amount of time.

Angela Sun, Year 8

Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee

I think Cider With Rosie is a lovely book because it is so simple, yet so captivating. Lee tells his own story through this book; and it gives a perfect taster of life in a remote Cotswold village. This setting is a dream world, separate from the rest of society. Till the ripe age of twelve, the world beyond Laurie’s valley was a mystery to him, a realm of the unknown. The village was the world, to a young boy like Laurie, and he did not need to venture any further.

Laurie Lee’s story starts at the age of three, with his first day in the village. We follow him as he grows up, and there is an insight in to every aspect of village life, from the village school (where Laurie gets his potato stolen, and learns to steal it back) to The Parochial Church Tea and Annual Entertainment (during which Laurie and his friends stuff themselves with ham, cakes and buns, and then come back early next morning to polish of the scraps). It ends with the tragic collapse of enclosed village world, and the disintegration of his cosy family life.

Cider With Rosie is a book for those who read for enjoyment. It is not a gripping adventure, but a simple laid-back relaxation aid. Simplicity is not a drawback, because the book draws you in, creates a yearning for a life so unadorned by worry, a life so wonderfully simple. "The June grass, amongst which I stood, was taller than I was, and I wept…I was lost and I didn't know where to move… I put back my head and howled, and the sun hit me smartly on the face, like a bully." These three sentences (from the first page of the book) sum up the use of language, the incredible character that is etched in to every page of the book. This is a novel overflowing with warmth, comfort, and humour. There is no better way to relax than to slip in to a dream world of fun and laughter. Cider With Rosie is the perfect method, and I hope you enjoy it.

Agnes Chandler, Year 8

The Witches by Roald Dahl

This amazing book is about a little boy and his grandmother living in Norway where danger surrounds them. Witches are lurking by to kidnap wretched children, to squish them and gobble them up! On their way to England they stay in a hotel for a few days but keep on a look out for witches. How do they know who is who? Witches are always women in disguise however in real life they have no toes, they have large noses and they are bald! Unfortunately all the witches have a boss and that is the Grand High Witch! Bad luck strikes as the boy is trapped in an assembly hall where there is a meeting with world wide witches. The Boy can not escape and is sniifed out by the significant witch; The Grand High! ZAP! He is transformed in a mouse. Will his grandmother (an expert on these horrifying creatures) find him and rescue him from the spell? Read this book to find the answer to this question! This is a thrilling book which takes you in a whole new world with dangers and adventures. You can't stop reading it! I would recommend this book to people who enjoy a bit of laughter, adventure and spooky stories.

Alisa Mekollari 7H

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

There was an announcement in Miris's town: there was going to be a Princess Academy built for young girls. Miri and her friends were really excited. They were taught how to sit up, eat, drinkand walk like a princess, everything was going smoothly until they realized everything was a competition... This book was really amazing as every girl dreams of being a princess. I would truly recommend this book! I think it would be suitable for girls 10+.

By Marnie Mather 7B

Sapphire Battersea by Jacqueline Wilson

This book is about a girl who lives in a orphanage. She finds out her mother Ida works there but one of Sapphire' s friend see them together and tells Miss Pig Face Peters, then sends her mother away. Weeks go on and she has been accepted for a maid service in the country to a writer called Mr Buchanan. She thought this would be an adventure but as she starts to work her sharp attitude starts to come out, she gets fired from the service and forced to get out so she is out by herself. Will she finally find her mother?

I really recommend this book it is an amazing story about family, friendship, first love and loss. But it will put a smile on your face and make you laugh. I like this because it has a funny sense of humour about some of the characters, because their character in themselves are based on true people in life. My favourite character is Sapphire (Hetty Feather), because she has a good and jolly character and kind of reflects on me a little:  a moody and chatty child.

Kitti Seton, Year 7

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

This is a fantastic book. I highly recommend it to anyone who is craving a exciting read, because trust me this one is full of excitement. In the ruins of a country once called North America the Panem rises. It consists of a shiny, modern capitol with 12 outlying districts… However it is not as peaceful as it seems, to remind the 12 districts about the Capitol's power the Capitol holds an annual Hunger Games, in which one boy and one girl from the ages 12 to 18 fight to the death on live TV. Katniss Everdeen, whose father died in a mining accident when she was eleven, lives in district 12 with her mother and only sister, Primrose Everdeen. But her life falls apart on the day of the reaping where she volunteers to take her sister's place at the Hunger Games. She promises to try her hardest to win, but secretly treats it as a death sentence. Will her and her fellow tribute Peeta Mellark survive everything the capitol throws at them… Or will this be thir last moments alive in district 12? And remember there is only one rule…. Kill Or Be Killed…

by Scarlett Howarth 7B

The Boy in the Girls' Bathroom by Louis Sachar

The book centres around Bradley Chalkers, a troubled fifth grade boy who has serious behaviour problems as he often lies and bullies classmates, as well as performing poorly in his studies as he does not do his homework. As a result, he gets held back a year, making him the oldest pupil in the fifth grade. Concerned about his behaviour, a school counselor, Carla Davis, is contacted to interact with him as a way to mend Bradley's mental being. But, being the most-hated kid in school, it's pretty hard to start believing in yourself again...but is there a someone who will support him, someone who will be a friend, no matter who you are?

It's a really moving book which many people will enjoy and I recommend it to everyone who will spend their time to just sit down and read a sweet, heart-warming book!


by Luma Abbas, Year 7

Silverfin by Charlie Higson

This book is a scary, dramatic story full of suspense. We see James Bond as a young boy, going through many adventures during his time at Eton, his school. This first book talks about his run-in with George Hellebore and his father, who owns a huge, gloomy house in the middle of Scotland. At first, James thinks nothing of it, and only when he hears that a boy called Alfie has gone missing in the area, does he get interested. He discovers that Randolph Hellebore is actually planning a cruel, clever attack that will change the future of medicines, but for the better or the worse? James goes through, pain, sacrifice and bravery to find out. The plan involves the legendary sea killer, eels, whom of which kill quite a few souls in this book.

I would really recommend this book to all ages, it is fantastic!

Maisie Woodford 7B

The Girl In The Attic by Valerie Mendes

This book is really interesting and the story is very moving. 13-year-old Nathan is a normal teenage boy who lives in a London townhouse opposite his best friend Tom. He comes home one day to witness his dad rushing out the house with all his things. Nathan is confused and soon learns from his mum that dad has left them for good and has a new family.

Nathan is furious and his rage grows as his mum hauls him to Cornwall for Christmas, part of her 'fresh start'. During the journey Nathan is told that they are moving there for good. All he wants is to go back to London, be with Tom and Dad. He longs for home more and more until he finds the girl. A girl in the attic! Suddenly his longing decreases as a new desire is formed -the girl. Who is she and why was she crying? Tom soon discovers her past and learns the devastating truth of the girl in the attic!

A really gripping read and a fascinating story full of new adventures and discoveries. It's not as expected and a nice surprise.

Martha Mackenzie 7N

Esio Trot by Roald Dahl

This book is about a man (Mr Hoppy) who has a balcony on top of the flat of a woman he loves (Mrs Silver) but all Mrs silver loves is her pet tortoise (Alfie). One day Mr Hoppy is looking through his plants on the balcony and hears Mrs Silver say "Oh Alfie, I wish you could grow bigger".
Mr Hoppy called down "Mrs Silver. I know how to make your tortoise bigger!"
He turned around and thought "This is my chance!"

I would recommend this book to children from 6 to 10. I liked this book mostly because it was quite strange in a good way. Eliza Cahill 7W

The Swish Of The Curtain by Pamela Brown

When Lynette, Sandra, Madeline and Jeremy discover that a family have moved in at the Corner House, they are overjoyed to find three children to play with. They are called Vicky (Victoria) and her twin Percy, but more commonly known as Bulldog and Nigel. They all become the best of friends and share their love for the performing arts. When they accidentally find a abandoned chapel in their home town, they decide to renovate it and start their own theatre company, called 'the Blue Door Theatre Company'. They start performing shows which everyone loves and they all start thinking that they are serious about their theatrical ambitions yet will their parents stand in the way?

This book is perfect to anyone who has a interest in acting, singing, dancing and music. A enchanting book about a life on the stage and must for any child who wants to become an actor.

This is the first book in a series: 1. The Swish Of The Curtain 2. Maddy Alone 3. Golden Pavement 4.Blue Door Venture 5. Maddy again.

Angharad Davies 7B

I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

Leaving Home is hard. Especially if you have no choice. Especially if you're only five or six years old. Especially if everyone you ever loved is dead. Especially if you are being chased by the people who destroyed your planet. And if the fate of that planet rests on your shoulders. Especially then.

Only 19 people escaped the Magadorian invasion of Planet Lorien. 9 Garde, who will one day develop supernatural powers, each of them with a Cepan to protect and teach them, and a pilot. A charm was cast to protect them. They could only be killed in the order of their numbers. Number one was caught in Malasia. Number two in England. Number three in Kenya. Number four is next. He has a choice. Does he run? Or does he fight? Because now he has finally found something to fight for. A great read, highly recommended.

Cecilia Bonisch 7B

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

The story is told from the perspective of a young woman whose name we never discover, working as a paid companion to Mrs Van Hopper, a rich American woman. While in Monte Carlo the narrator meets Max de Winter, a widower whose wife Rebecca was recently drowned. Max's sudden proposal means escaping from Mrs Van Hopper and living with him in his grand house in Cornwall, Manderly. But as she settles in she feels more and more intimidated by the presence of Rebecca. She seems to rule the house. Everyone feels her presence, and the narrator begins to believe it is Rebecca that Max sees whenever he looks at her.

Everything is unclear and dismal until, when a boat is discovered at the bottom of the sea containing a body, Max reveals a shocking secret that will turn her world upside-down... Then follows a race to find the truth about Rebecca's death and a fight to destroy her spirit for ever.
This is an absolutely amazing book and I was completely glued to it all the way through. It haunts you long after you've read the last sentence. I really recommend it.

Minna Althaus 7B

Malory Towers First Year by Enid Blyton

This book was a great read. It was exciting, quirky and very dramatic! The story line is about a young ambitious girl called Darrell who goes to a boarding school for the very first time. She meets lots of nice friends along the way and also some rather horrible ones as well. There are lots of tricks and turns and when you think it can’t get any worse for poor Darrell it most defiantly can! This book is a perfect read for anyone especially if you're feeling low and need cheering up it's definitely the book for you. There’s lots of comedy action and some boastfulness from some of the other characters. I would recommend this book to anyone because I can’t wait to read the next one!

by Caitlin Maskell, 7N

Are you there, God? It's me, Margaret by Judy Blume

Margaret at the age of 12 is a normal New Yorker growing up. Then her parents make the decision to go to New Jersey leaving her beloved Jewish grandma behind. When she gets to her new house there is a girl waiting there with a big smile on her face waiting to greet Margaret. She was soon to be her best friend. The next couple of days they waited to start school, that's when she met her new crush. The story develops by them going to school and making a tight group of 4 friends. The first thing they have to do in the group is write a crush book of boys' names that they fancy. The all choose the same boy and become obsessed with him trying to dance with him at the square dance and be picked to go into the closet with him for a kiss at a party. It was only Margaret who achieved both of these. But will there be anything more between them in the end of the book?

They are also obsessed with growing up into women. They all have to wear bras to their meetings and tell if they have grown in size. They also tell if they start to get their period. This is very important to Margaret as she does not want to be the last. She feels an urge to grow up quickly by buying bras with her mum and buying sanitary towels with her friend.

This is a great book. I read quickly as I could never put it down and I am now reading it again because I thought it was so good.

Flora Price 7B

Fire and Roses by Fiona Dunbar

This book is about a girl called Kitty Slade who has phantorama which means she can see ghosts. Kitty’s family are visiting and staying with their friends family. Kitty senses something bad in the atmosphere and thinks that there is a ghost in the house. She thinks the family’s bad luck is caused by the ghost so she goes on a quest to find something special to give the ghost so that it goes.

In this story Kitty is sent on wild goose chases and long journeys set by an evil ghost. I think that this book was very interesting and it was a page turner. It’s a great book and I would recommend it for anyone.

Sophie Calabro

Tales of Ancient Egypt by Robert Lancelyn Green

This is a brilliant, exciting read, telling the tale of all the magical myths that happen in Ancient Egypt. It goes on a mind bending rollercoaster passing through everything from mystifying gods and daring tomb raiders to stunning princesses and impossible riddles! It's a great read, I couldn't put it down and I would recommend it as an amazing read!!!

Katherine Devlin 7W

Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery

It’s a brilliant story about an orphan girl named Anne Shirley who gets sent away by the orphanage to live with a couple in Prince Edward Island, Canada. However, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, the couple, are very surprised when Anne arrived because they were expecting a boy to help them on the farm. Anne finds it very hard to fit in and goes through lots of ups and downs with neighbors, friends, school and life! You’ll laugh and you’ll cry as you read on. Feel Anne’s pain and her joy. Anne finally settles in and loves it on the island however will all things change with the horribly tragic ending?

Lottie Skala

Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz

Stormbreaker is the first of the Alex Rider series. It’s about a teenager who is 14, called Alex Rider. He lives with his uncle, known as Ian Rider. He lives with Ian because his parents died from a plane crash. Ian is never really at home. He tells Alex that he works in the bank but there’s something weird, every time he comes home, he has bad injuries. Now, you don’t come home with an injured arm, do you?

While Uncle Ian is away, Alex is looked after by the housekeeper, called Jack Starbright. Then his guardian dies in suspicious circumstances. Alex’s uncle was actually a spy working for MI6.

Within days, he’s gone from schoolboy to superspy!

Now Alex takes his uncle’s place, following his his footsteps but beware, every step forward, he is walking into danger! Alex sets off with his first mission. Soon, Alex finds himself in mortal danger! His first mission may well be his last!

I thought this book was action-packed and exciting. I enjoyed this book a lot and I hope if you read this book, you would also feel the excitement!

Hoi Ying Ou

Class A by Robert Muchamore

Class A by Robert Muchamore is about an organisation called cherub that trains children to help bust criminals. When cherub kids go undercover, no one suspects that they are trained professionals, working to infiltrate criminal organisations that have eluded MI5 and the police for years.

The main character is James Adams which the story is written in the point of view of. On this series, James Adams is on his biggest mission yet working to nail Europe's most powerful cocaine dealers. The reasons for cherub's existence is simple: adults never suspect that children are spying on them.

I loved this book because it was full of action, thrill and adventure and the way the author described everything made you wanted to read on and created a lot of suspense in the air. I especially liked the part when Nicole (a fellow cherub member working on the mission) had an overdose of cocaine and fainted, I liked it because it was a very tense and gripping part of the story which I didn't want to stop reading.

Overall, this is a really good book for anyone who likes action, thrill and teen comedy.This is one of many series but the best I've read so far out of them. This is a MUST read.

Aisha Amari

Scott Pilgrim: Precious Little Life by Brian Lee O'Malley

This book was really interesting and it is the first book in the series that was used to make up the film Scott Pilgrim vs. the World! I loved the movie so when I found the book I wanted to instantly read it, and I simply didn’t want to stop. Its in a cartoon layout so not a challenging read but a nice simple one, filled with funny jokes and drawings. It's about a boy called Scott who keeps seeing a girl in her dreams then becomes madly obsessed with her and stalks her. When she finally agrees to go on a date with him he after the perfect night she finds out he has a catch… - to carry on seeing her he’ll have to destroy all of her 7 deadly exes! Scott decides to take on this challenge but does he know how much he is asking for… ?

A wickedly funny plotline and great simple illustrations. If you liked the film you’ll love the book. Filled with jokes and madness this book is an easy but good read that you can love and enjoy.
Grace McIlwain, 7H