If a new school year, new classes and new teachers have got you itching to bury your nose in some new books, look no further. Our fantastic team of children’s book reviewers have selected the five best tales for back-to-school blues. And so, as suggested by our site members’ reviews, here are the top five children’s books you should be reading this week.
1. The Humans by Matt Haig (teen read)
If you’re on the lookout for something otherworldy and utterly mind-boggling, this is the perfect read for you. In this story an alien narrator is sent to Earth to destroy intelligent information humans are not yet equipped to handle. The alien takes over the body of mathematician Professor Andrew Martin, and must adapt to human life in order to complete his mission.
“What I found particularly interesting was the third person outlook on humanity; how we can be capable of both intense cruelty and stunning beauty all at the same time,” commented site member Words Are Life.
Our reviewer also praised Haig’s writing style. “The prose is simple yet stunningly effective, and is easy to read but hard to understand, which was one of my favourite things about the book.”
Words Are Life even felt the book had a lasting affect on their view of humanity.
The Humans is the first book that changed the way I see people completely – how our lives are a catastrophe and a miracle all at once … and if that’s not enough to convince you to read The Humans, then I don’t know what is.
2. Am I Normal Yet? by Holly Bourne (teen read)
Similarly on the topic of what it means to be human, this book looks at whether there is ever such a thing as “normal”. The story follows teenage Evie, who suffers from OCD and anxiety, as she suffers a relapse after her best friend grows distant.
Read-O-Holic found the portrayal of Evie’s conditions very realistic.
Holly Bourne is really sensitive towards her character’s mental health, yet at the same time, Evie comes across as having a real hatred of her condition. This book gave me a real insight into OCD. The fact is that most of us just don’t understand it.
Our reviewer also enjoyed the central theme of friendship in the book: “One thing I also loved about this book was that it didn’t seem to revolve completely around cliched romance. In fact, the friendships were really inspiring and one of the key themes was feminism.”
3. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night–Time by Mark Haddon (teen read)
Another book which questions the concept of normality is Mark Haddon’s modern classic, which follows 15-year-old Christopher Boone, who suffers from Asperger’s syndrome and tries to solve the mystery of a murdered dog he finds at night.
Site member Ashapoorv praised the characterisation of Christopher. “Haddon’s study of the condition is easily but superbly realised, and yet the book speaks of much more than just a disability.”
As a true YA cross-over title, Ashapoorv also felt the book was suitable for both children and adults. “It helps a child understand the tough part of relationships and love, while it teaches adults that every child is special and one of a kind.”
4. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
If you’re looking for a protagonist who is even more extraordinary, however, this action-packed read might be just the book for you. In this series, mysterious Mr Benedict recruits talented children to help infiltrate an evil institute run by his twin brother. “The characters are strange and unusual which only makes the story more interesting,” commented site member Extra Epic.
Extra Epic particularly liked the pace of the novel, observing that “the plots are mysterious, unpredictable and gripping – full of action and problem solving. You can’t help but have a go at the riddles yourself.”
Summing up the effect of the novel, Extra Epic complimented Stewart’s prose. “The writing is quite mature in style and tone. They are so well written that you can’t take your eyes off the page!”
5. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
From modern classics to good old fashioned favourites, if you fancy stepping into a new world full of adventure, then this may be the perfect book for you. In this story, Mary Lennox moves from India to Misthwait Mannor to live with her uncle; at first she dislikes the place, but soon she discovers a whole new world to explore.
“I was given this beautiful classic as a present. I was totally astounded by the authors beautiful poetic language throughout the novel,” swooned reviewer SilverFish.
Despite being slow-paced, SilverFish found the plotline very gripping. “All in all, this a great vintage classic, which although at the beginning is very slow moving and long, is a really unputdownable gem of a book!”
So between aliens, misfits and extraordinary characters, we hope you’ve found the perfect reading companion! Happy reading!
