Book Corner
Five Books That Belong on Your Shelf
Our top five book recommendations in this issue come from Write Blend, a brilliant independent bookshop in Liverpool. Write Blend is full of bursting with quality fiction and non-fiction titles. The latest bestsellers jostle for attention with classics, and their children's section has one of the finest selections of books for readers of all ages.
Everything Changes
Clare Helen Welsh, illustrated by Asa Gilland, is A sensitively told story that addresses the tricky subject of divorce with care and understanding.
Laughing and playing together as a family on the beach, it seems the happy, warm days of summer will never end. Then, everything changes. Mummy and Daddy say they can't live together anymore, and sad, worried feelings emerge - It's not fair! Was it all my fault? But, as time passes and the seasons change, it becomes clearer that hard times won't always be so hard…
Á lyrical book about a child's difficult emotions when their parents break up, with an optimistic message of hope and resilience. Gorgeous illustrations and an expressive colour palette perfectly capture the nuances of emotion the child and parents felt during a separation. Everything Changes offers a way to help children understand their feelings during significant changes in their family unit. READING AGE: 3-6 years
→ Call Me Lion
Camilla Chester
Ten-year-old Leo dreams of performing in the West End. His love of dancing is getting him through the Luton heatwave, but his selective mutism puts his spot in the end-of-summer dance show on the line. Leo finds it easy to bond with her when chatty Richa moves in next door. She talks enough for both of them... at least to begin with. But when he learns her secret, it's clear that Richa needs Leo's support as much as he needs hers. With Richa's help, will Leo be able to follow his dreams? Or will Leo's inability to talk cost him their friendship? It is a heart-warming story of courage and determination in adversity. READING AGE: 7-11 years
Fight Back
AM Dassu
Aaliyah is an ordinary thirteen-year-old living in the Midlands - she's into her books, shoes, K-pop and she is a Muslim. She has always felt at home where she lives... until a terrorist attack in her area changes everything.
As racial tensions increase and she starts getting bullied, Aaliyah decides to begin wearing a hijab - to challenge how people in her community see her. But when her school bans the hijab, and she is intimidated and attacked for her choices, she feels isolated.
Soon, Aaliyah realises that other young people from different backgrounds struggle with their identity and feel alone, scared and judged. Should she try to blend in-, or can she find allies to help her fight back?
Channelling all of her bravery, Aaliyah decides to speak out. Together, can Aaliyah and her friends halt the tide of hatred rippling through their community?
READING AGE: 11-14+
The Adventures of Debbie's Dad
Deborah Bell, illustrated by Lisa Williams
Like many children, Debbie is scared of the dark and likes to keep the big light on. Her dad comforts her by telling a story... but this is a story like no other! Would you like to go on an adventure with Debbie and her dad for one night? READING AGE: 3-6
The Killing of Tracy Titmass
Estelle Maher
Jo Kearns has breast cancer. While juggling her job, her boyfriend and the cancer, she discovers that her home has been invaded by Tracey, her tumour in insidious human form. Jo's diary tells the story of her battle to evict the malignant Tracey from her house and the disease from her body. Based on Estelle Maher's cancer journey, this book is at times hilarious, at times poignant, but always unflinchingly honest and inspiring.
READING AGE: Adult
