Reader reviews roundup

Are your relatives difficult to get on with? This week site member dalmenyp67 wrote a fantastic review (on this very topic!) of Awful Auntie by David Walliams. In this story Stella's awful aunt Alberta plots to inherent Sally's home when her parents die in a suspicious car crash.

"My favourite character is Wagner, Alberta's owl, because he starts off helping Alberta but then he goes on to Stella's side to help defeat Alberta. I don't think he even liked Alberta in the first place! I recommend this book to people aged 8+ but if you are younger than that and you are a strong reader then give it a go. I hope you will consider reading this book."

We also had an audio reviewing treat this week – with a spectacular audio review of Chris Riddell's Goth Girl by Monkton Prep! Ada Goth (inspired by Ada Lovelace) is the only child of Lord Goth and begins to uncover a dastardly plot involving Maltravers, the mysterious indoor gamekeeper.

"Amazing, very enjoyable to read and very well written. He has so much imagination," commented Monkton Prep. "I also liked the silly names … Goth Girl is an amazing book – to sum it up it was totally amazing!"

Returning to the theme of curious relatives, Velociraptor wrote a magnificent review of Here Be Monsters! by Alan Snow. In this book Arthur was abandoned by a toddler and found by an old man named Grandfather (who happens to live underground!). However the story turns sour when Arthur gets caught up in an illegal cheese hunt.

"I took two days to read this book, and really couldn't wait for opportunities to read. The story is quite complicated but as you read, it begins to make more sense and the pieces fall into place. I would recommend it to anyone who likes adventure stories because the characters are entertaining and the evil people are described in very menacing ways."

Similarly on the theme of isolation, jboo1698 wrote an outstanding review of Lies We Tell Ourselves by Robin Talley. In this read, Sarah Dunbar is chosen to attend Jefferson High, a previously all-white high school in the town of Davisburg.

"I remember noting away on this book somewhere and I remember saying that this book toys into your emotions. It's like it gave you a paper cut, but then reached in and started playing with your mind … I'm aware of the struggles and fights in the Civil Rights Movement, but this book did make me step back and wonder how we ever let ourselves be those people. Possibly one of the most thought-provoking books I've ever read."

Continuing the issue of isolation, Cleopatra wrote a terrific review of Opal Plumstead by Jacqueline Wilson. In this book, when Opal's father is sentenced to two years' hard labour for embezzlement, Opal's family refuse to speak to her and she goes to work in the Fairy Glen Sweet Factory.

"While she is there she is unfortunate enough to be working with a whole gang of older girls who taunt and tease her … This book is perfect for any devoted Jacqueline Wilson fan, and plucky, talented Opal is a character sure to be loved by many."

Finally, on the topic on inner conflict, Ink Blot wrote a superb review of The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B by Teresa Toten. Adam suffers with OCD and (after meeting the love of his life Robyn Plummer) he decides to become a hero…

"I would recommend this book to teenagers who are fans of John Green and Rainbow Rowell because the writing style is very similar but with its own quirky twist. I am hoping for a sequel as this book made me laugh, cry, think, and kept me coming back for more. I would give this a 9/10 and would recommend you look out for this author as there are sure to be many good books to come."

A huge thank you to our reviewers for all their brilliant reviews! If your review has been picked for our roundup, email the Book Elves and we will send you a bookish prize in the post.

Happy reading!

Want to tell the world about a book you've read? Join the site and send us your review!