If you’re like me, you’ll be hoping this Christmas is filled with book-shaped presents. But if you haven’t yet picked your winter wishlist, look no further – our site members have plenty of new reads to fill your Christmas stockings. So, whether you are looking for otherworldly adventures, a feel-good read or a glimpse into new worlds, our reviewers have picked out the perfect books to get stuck into this festive season!
1. Auggie and Me by RJ Palacio
Our first readers’ pick – a sequel to RJ Palacio’s award-winning book Wonder – follows August, a boy with a craniofacial difference (meaning his features are misplaced) during his first time starting a new school.
“I read the book quickly, and loved every single second of it,” enthused site member Kat Winter.
The three stories included in this collection are from different points of view; Julian’s (the guy who bullied August), Christopher’s (his childhood best friend) and Charlotte’s (one of his schoolmates). It is really quite interesting the way everyone sees things his or her way. Is Julian a bully? Is Christopher right to hide Auggie from his new friends? Is Charlotte ‘nice’ enough to August?
Overall, for Kat, this book shone a light on what it means to be different: “In all, I think this is a brilliant book, and worth having no matter what your age, gender or anything. It deserves all the praise it can get”.
2. Remix by Non Pratt (teen read)
If you’re looking for another book which tackles the complications of friendship, then you might want to check out this feel-good teen read. After Kaz is dumped by her boyfriend, Ruby decides to take her to a music festival in a bid to cheer her up and meet someone new.
Site member GeorgiaOwl2 enjoyed Pratt’s “satisfying and refreshing” writing style, and praised the split narrative between Ruby and Kaz: “I absolutely loved the short, snappy chapters in different perspectives with the two character’s voices being very distinct.”
The light, fun plot was also a bonus.
The setting has a very summer tone, making it the ideal book to take on holiday, or simply just read it out in your garden on a summer’s day. An absolute 5/5 for Remix from me, with empathic characters, a vibrant setting, and a plot that engaged me with ease.
3. Dangerous Lies by Becca Fitzpatrick (teen read)
If you’re hankering for a meatier teen read, then look no further. This book – where teen Stella Gordon witnesses a murder and starts a new life under witness protection – is rife with crime, mystery and danger.
“This is such an exciting book; I was thoroughly gripped throughout the whole thing. It’s both a story of teenage love and a crime thriller, full of suspense and mystery,” commented Awkward Unicorn, who felt a particular affinity with protagonist Stella.
Our site member also felt the plot was rich with detail:
There isn’t a weak angle to any of the storylines. It opens so many questions that you can’t help but keep reading to unravel it all … There weren’t that many twists and turns to this novel but the ones that were included were really well spun out and crafted.
4. Seed by Lisa Heathfield (teen read)
Another recommended read on the theme of new beginnings follows Pearl, who has grown up inside a nature culture and lacks knowledge about the outside world.
Site member Noggin felt the book gave an interesting insight into different lifestyles: “I got to learn about how other people live. I was fascinated by the descriptions of every day life for Pearl and her family because it was so new and unusual.”
Heathfield also crafted an interesting journey for Pearl: “My favourite part of the book was the end, when you can see how much Pearl has changed and how much knowledge she has gained. Not to give anything away, but the ending is thoroughly shocking!”
5. King’s Shadow by Philip Womack (teen read)
From underground cults, to dark, otherworldly lands – our next novel is a fantasy which follows Simon and Flora who embark on a journey to rescue their siblings from an evil, life-sucking king.
HaveanInkAboutIt reading group member Hailey J found she thoroughly enjoyed the book, despite not usually reading fantasy.
So if you go nutty for fantasy adventure this is definitely the book for you … I am not normally one of those people so I was quite surprised when I couldn’t put the book down!
Hailey J recommended the novel for all readers over ten: “I would give it to students in Year 6 above mainly due to the length, subject matter and some of the vocabulary (unless you’re Matilda and have some kind of super reading ability at the age of 6!)”
