#GSAReads is your chance to read and review new books and let the Authors & Publishers know what you think of them. When opportunities are available, you'll find them here!
#GSAReads is your chance to read and review new books and let the Authors & Publishers know what you think of them. When opportunities are available, you'll find them here!
We would like to say a huge thank you to the Reading Agency and the following publishers for our Read and Review opportunities this academic year: Farshore, Harper Collins, @teambkmrk , Penguin UK books and Little Island books
D&D Dungeon Club: Roll Call by Molly Knox Ostertag & Xanthe Bauma
Middle school is a dungeon ... At least, that's how Jess sees it.
Luckily, she and her best friend Olivia know how to escape into the sprawling worlds of their own imaginations. The two friends have always loved making up stories, first with little kid games of make-believe, and more recently with the fantasy roleplaying game, Dungeons & Dragons. When they play, Olivia runs the game as Dungeon Master and Jess is the solo party member, playing a take-no-prisoners, lone-wolf fighter of her own design named Sir Corius.
But when Olivia wants to add new players to their group, Jess finds herself struggling to share their game - and her best friend. Will their epic campaign withstand all this change, or has their adventure - and their friendship - finally come to an end?
Failosophy for teens by Elizabeth Day
Failosophy For Teens is an inspiring and empowering guide to those moments when life doesn’t go to plan. Using personal experience and stories shared by guests on her award-winning podcast, How to Fail, Elizabeth’s book is full of creative and inspiring advice on how to:
- talk openly about failure
- turn failure into success
- build resilience for when life sends you curveballs
- reframe negative thoughts about yourself
. . . and much more!
The Eternal Return of Clara Hart by Louise Finch
Wake up. Friday. Clara Hart hits my car. Go to class. Anthony rates the girls. House party. Anthony goes upstairs with Clara. Drink. Clara dies. Wake up. Friday again. Clara Hart hits my car.
Why can't I break this loop?
A flicker in the fabric of time gives Spence a second chance. And a third. How many times will he watch the same girl die?
I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys
Cristian has lived his entire life in the grip of a repressive dictatorship. The country is governed by fear. When the secret police blackmail him, Cristian has an impossible choice. Save the life of his sick grandfather by informing on his family, or risk his life - and all of theirs - by resisting?
At 17, Cristian dreams of being free but doesn't know where to turn. In this climate of constant suspicion, can he trust his best friend, his girlfriend or even his family?
Closely based on the real events of the Romanian Revolution of 1989, this is a powerful, heart-breaking thriller from the author of Salt to the Sea, winner of the Carnegie Medal.
Our group enjoyed the historical truth behind the story - many said that this made the characters more emotive and added an extra dimension to the story line - you became really invested in the character of Cristian especially. This was a time in history that some knew little about and they embraced the opportunity to learn more although this made it a tough, but very worthwhile, read.
Three words to describe this book: history, thriller, secrets. GSAReads rating: 5 stars
Vox Machina: Kith and Kin by Marieke Nijkamp
Vex and Vax have always been outsiders. A harsh childhood in the elite elven city of Syngorn quickly taught them not to rely on others. Now, freed from the expectations of their exacting father and the scornful eyes of Syngorn's elves, the cunning hunter and the conning thief have made their own way in the world of Exandria.
The twins have traveled far and experienced great hardship. But with the help of Vex's quick wit and Vax's quicker dagger, they've always kept ahead of trouble. Now, unknown perils await them in the bustling city of Westruun, where the twins become entangled in a web spun by the thieves' guild known to many as the Clasp. Trapped by a hasty deal, Vex and Vax (along with Vex's faithful bear companion, Trinket) set out into the wilds to fulfill their debt to the infamous crime syndicate.
As the situation grows more complicated than they ever could have imagined, for the first time Vex and Vax find themselves on opposite sides of a conflict that threatens the home they have carried with each other for years.