If the holidays have just about finished off your supply of books then you’re in the right place. In these tales, characters tackle bullies, investigate murders and even witness the end of the world! And it’s all in the name of finding you the Next Big Thing to read. So, if you’re looking for something new to get your teeth into, look no further. Suggested by our site members’ reviews, here it is – the top five children’s and YA books you ought to read this month.
1. The Butterfly Club by Jacqueline Wilson
If a heartwarming read is what you’ve got in mind, Jacqueline Wilson’s 101st book may be just the one for you. The story follows triplets – Maddie, Phil and Tina – as they learn to work together and stand up for one another.
Our site members particularly enjoyed the way that the plot was so character-driven: “My favourite part of the book is when Tina and Selma, two opposite characters, are asked by their teacher Miss Lovejoy to make a butterfly garden together. This is a tense moment which changes everything between them for the better,” stated Mayissa.
Kat Winter also praised the personality development of the smallest triplet, Tina: “Through the story Tina becomes stronger, both physically and mentally.”
Overall, The Butterfly Club “is both funny and sad”, summarised Hannah29. “It’s a really good book … I would recommend this book to someone who likes adventures and butterflies”. So any intrepid lepidoptophiles out there, there’s no need to get in a flap…
2. We All Looked Up by Tommy Wallach (teen read)
Love and friendship take a sci-fi twist in our next members’ pick, which might make you re-think the next time someone says “Don’t look down”! We All Looked Up follows a group of teenagers who decide to live life to the full in the wake of an unstoppable asteroid attack, rumoured to have wiped out humanity.
“This book put life into perspective,” pondered ReaderWren. “The topics this book gives rise to spark a fire in my heart. And that’s why I liked it … However I feel there could have been more action, more drama.”
But ReaderWren reserved particular praise for the ending of the book: “I loved [the final] world building scene. The worlds and the asteroid are built by others. It’s actually a great idea.”
3. When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr
Now on to something for our history boffs – as May marked the 70th anniversary of VE Day and a whole host of children’s authors and readers recommended their favourite second world war books for us, we’re returning to an undisputed classic. In this semi-autobiographical story, partly based on Judith Kerr’s own escape from the Nazis, Anna’s family, who are Jewish, decide to flee to Switzerland when the Nazi party are voted into power. This book follows Anna’s childhood, growing up during the war.
“I loved this book because there was always something interesting going on; there were no slow-moving parts at all,” said SurreyGus2021.
“My favourite scene in the book is right at the beginning, when Anna’s friend is discussing Hitler with Anna. Anna’s friend explains what Hitler wants to do: “He wants everybody to vote for him in the elections and then he’s going to stop the Jews. Do you think he’s going to stop Rachel Lowenstein?” Anna replies: “Nobody can stop Rachel Lowenstein. She’s form captain.” I like this scene because it is funny and it also shows that many people didn’t take Hitler as a really serious threat before he was in power.”
4. The Earth is Singing by Vanessa Curtis (teen read)
Another book that featured frequently in our second world war blog and site members’ reviews is the story of 15-year-old Hanna, who is also Jewish and struggling to survive in Nazi Germany as her life is slowly turned upside down by the increasingly persecutory Nazi regime.
High Kick felt the portrayal of Hanna was particularly realistic: “The writer does an amazing job of making you feel like she’s a real person telling you all of this and experiencing all of this.”
Summing up the effect of the novel, High Kick commented:
“This book took me on a whirl of adventure, as Hanna faced all types of danger, heartbreaking sadness, betrayal, and fear during a fight for her life. It really explored the awful treatment Jews got during the second world war and captured my interest from the start.”
5. Scarlet and Ivy: The Lost Twin by Sophie Cleverly
But to end on a more uplifting note – and featuring more sibling doublings – if you’re searching high and low for a book with mystery, action and adventure all rolled into one then look no further than this! In this twisted tale, Ivy joins a boarding school where her twin Scarlet went missing and tries to uncover what happened to her sister.
“I loved this book as it is a true page-turning, nail-biting mystery. The author has very cleverly hidden clues in the story and lets you solve the mystery,” enthused Poppy68.
Fawn_of_Ethielda similarly eulogised about the skill of the plot:
“I absolutely loved this book, it’s one of the best storylines I’ve ever come across. I’m waiting eagerly for the next one … Anyone who doesn’t get too scared by stalkers and the mysterious disappearances of girls, along with teachers who throw children off rooftops, will really really enjoy it.”
So the school maybe boarding but we can assure you that none of these books will have you bored for a second! Happy reading!
