Harrovians Recommend...

Scroll through these fantastic reviews to find some great reads, recommended to you by fellow pupils.

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2025-26

Review by Vanessa Ho: Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Genre: Magical Realism, Time Travel Fiction

Suitable for: Y8+

Have you ever dreamed of time-travelling? Well, for the characters in this heartwarming, light fantasy book (1 of 5), it isn't just a dream: it is a reality.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold is centred around a cafe located in Japan that allows you to time-travel. However, there are several rules one must follow to do this: for example, they cannot change anything regardless of what they do in the past or future they time-travel to, and they have to travel back to the present before the coffee gets cold (title drop!). Each chapter of this series is a unique short tale delineating the experience of one of the time travellers, ones that each share the same longing to venture away from the present, although for vastly different reasons.

Kawaguchi describes this cafe with so much craft, transporting me deeper into this fictional world with every turn of the page—the cafe felt so cosy, so familiar, so fleshed out, making me feel as if I myself were a frequent visitor to it.

Even though each chapter follows a different character, it felt very cohesive due to the setting and the few characters that appeared each time (e.g. the cafe owner).

I would recommend this series to those who have quite a busy schedule and don’t have much time to read. Even after a long break from this novel, you can simply pick it up from where things have left off, without any confusion, as each chapter is a completely different tale and the premise of how the time-travelling works is outlined each time. However, something that frustrated me was the repetitive nature of the writing, especially when describing the rules for time travelling and the setting, especially as someone whose reading style is often long hours of reading in one sitting.

Overall, if you are looking for a heartwarming and cosy read, I strongly recommend you try it out. As it was originally written in Japanese (but later translated by Geoffrey Trousselot), it also provides insight into Japanese culture. Picture reading this in the heart of Japan, sipping on rich coffee, and seeing everything written in these books come to life before your eyes– Before the Coffee Gets Cold transforms fiction into something of reality.

"A cosy read for anyone with a very busy schedule!"

2024-25

Review by Diamond Man: Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Genre: Fantasy

Suitable for: Y6+

This is a story about a young boy named Percy Jackson who starts off with a boring life at his school. He was expelled from six schools and did not have any friends except for a boy called Grover. One day, on a school field trip, strange things started happening. One of his teachers turned into a terrifying demon from Greek Mythology, and Percy realised his favourite teacher was a centaur. As the story continues, Percy realises that he is a demigod and even stranger things start happening to him. I highly recommend this book filled with action, flighting, and Greek mythology. Once you start reading it, I guarantee you will not want to put it down. So why not give it a try?

Review by Amber Xie (Parks): Grit by Angela Duckworth

Genre: Non-fiction, Self-help Book

Suitable for: Y6+

Grit by Angela Duckworth is a passionate book that provides an empowering analysis of what drives us into doing what we do.

In Duckworth's book, she attacks conventional notions that innate talents by birth are the secrets to success, bringing up her own perspective of how passion and resilience are indispensable to pursue long-term success. As if this was not enough, this book also offers credible advice on how to cultivate grit into our everyday lives by reinforcing sustained hard work and dedication into the formula: 'Talent x Effort = Skill, Skill x Effort = Achievement.'

Throughout this secret formula to success, Duckworth makes you as if there are always infinite chances to nurture your passion and take advantage of your failures. Overall, Grit is a book which teaches us how to sustain our passion, endurance, and the formation in which we develop our efforts.

As long as you are willing to be part of a community 'in which everyone thrives', missing the book "Grit" is like a thundercloud displaced above your day. For most, being In the position of a person endeavouring for both sociological and psychological demands, your life will eminently face a difference after you read "Grit", by Angela Duckworth!

Review by Kadence Hui and Iris Zhou (Nightingale): Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

Genre: Juvenile Fiction, Fantasy

Suitable for: Y3+

One of the most emotive and bestselling books in the world: Charlotte's Web is a timeless classic that beautifully to explores friendship, loyalty and the important of respect. The story is about Wilbur, a pig who discovers that he might be slaughtered for food. His life takes a turn when he becomes friends with Charlotte, a wise, compassionate and loyal spider who vows to save him.

Set on a farm, the novel captures the rural life and the bonds that can form in unexpected places. Charlotte's cleverness shines as she spins words into her web to convince the farmer that Wilbur is special. This not only highlights her intelligence but also her deep sense of loyalty to her friend.

White’s writing is engaging. The book encourages us to appreciate friendship and the sacrifices we make for those we care about. We learnt that the importance of the loyalty bond between friends. Charlotte's Web is a must-read for anyone who enjoys heartfelt storytelling.

Review by Avonlea Young (Parks): Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo

Genre: Historical Fiction

Suitable for: Y6+

Imagine being a young soldier reflecting on your life in World War One. This is the story of Private Peaceful, written by Michael Morpurgo—a tale that will make you think deeply about family and bravery.

This book is about a young soldier named Thomas “Tommo” Peaceful, who recalls his regrets and his life while sitting in the trenches during World War One. As he remembers his happy childhood living in the countryside with his family, we learn about his close bond with his older brother Charlie and his love for their friend Molly. The author’s writing makes you feel like you are experiencing Thomas’s journey with him. The story shifts between his childhood memories, full of playing and laughter, and the serious moments he faces as a soldier.

Once you start reading, you can never stop. This book is packed with surprises, suspense, and tension. It is perfect for children aged 9 to 12 who enjoy stories about friendship, family, and history.

Review by Elsa Mao (Fry): Esio Trot by Roald Dahl

Genre: Fantasy

Suitable for: Y6+

This was one of the most fun books I have read in a while. All of Roald Dahl's works are excellent, and this one is no exception. It's a love story inspired by Alfie the tortoise. Although it is a romantic tale, you can expect plenty of comedy and humor throughout.

I would recommend this book to students aged 10 and above. Roald Dahl is an amazing storyteller, and this book is very well written, just like all of his other works. Furthermore, the drawings and illustrations make the book even more engaging and enjoyable.

Review by Leanna Liu (Fry): Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

Genre: Fantasy

Suitable for: Y6+

The book I read is called Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This book is incredibly famous, and one reason is that there are cliffhangers at the end of many chapters, leaving readers wondering what will happen next. Additionally, the following chapters often contain unexpected events.

However, it can be a bit frightening if you listen to it as a bedtime story.

This book is by J.K. Rowling, who uses the initials "J.K." because at the time she wrote it, women weren't encouraged to be authors. She chose a name that sounded more masculine to appeal to publishers. While writing, she was extremely poor and had to write on tissue paper. Additionally, she revised the manuscript multiple times to attract the interest of book publishers.

Fun fact: the book cover of Harry Potter is actually different from the one used for the first book. I hope more people can enjoy this story!

Review by Nicole Tang (Fry): Spy x Family by Tatsuya Endo

Genre: Graphic Novels

Suitable for: Y8+

“Spy x Family” is a manga in which the mom (Yor) is an assassin, the dad (Loid) is the best spy of the West and their adopted child (Anya) is a telepath. In Volume 1, Loid adopted Anya and Loid married Yor. The thing is, Yor and Loid don’t know their secret identities! Anya knows but she doesn’t tell the family just in case they break up and leave her behind. I love this book because it crates so much tension between a spy and Assassin! It is super funny and usually very interesting. I would recommend this book to anyone who watches Anime or is interested in Japanese books!

Review by Tina Du (Nightingale): Twilight by Sephanie Meyer

Genre: Paranormal, romance

Suitable for: Y8+

When reading this book I almost forgot that I was reading on paper. It felt like I was transported to their world. This book is a romance and fantasy books about vampires. There are 4 books in this series and all of them has left me wordless of how good they are. Personally I love reading fantasy and romance novels and this is absolutely the best I’ve ever read. The author uses advanced vocabulary and reading this has really improved my English. I will recommend this book to you even if you don’t like the genre of it-always try new things. A must read for fantasy and romance lovers.

Review by Nicole Tang (Fry): Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Suitable for: Y6+

Harry Potter is a book for all ages. It has become one of the most read books in the whole of history. My favourite part of Harry Potter and the chamber of secrets is definitely when Gilmore Lockhart was exposed on pretending to be a successful wizard. He is a fake and when he tried to use the Obliviate memory charm, it backfired and he lost his memory. Sadly, many people including Filch’s cat got petrified! It says that a beast has been living in the walls of Hogwarts. A voice only Harry Potter can hear, a gigantic Basilisk! Born from a chicken egg with a frog sitting on top of it which can live for hundreds of years… My favourite characters were Fred and George Weasley! They are very funny and such great troublemakers that makes the book extra fun.

Review by Chloe Jia (Nightingale): Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Suitable for: Y6+

This series is about different dragons that are fighting each other for a new queen to rule their country. There are rumours that five dragons born at the same time are going to save the world. I think that the dragonets are very brave, considering they are only dragonets and they don't even know their mums. This book is a must read for any dragon fan. There are chapter books and graphic novels.

Review by Chloe Jia and Tina Du (Nightingale): Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Suitable for: Y6+

This book is about a little boy finding out that he was a wizard and he was going to be a student in the wizard and witch school called Hogwarts. We really like this book because it brings us into a magical world with Harry and his friends. The settings are very affective with so many bright ideas. My favourite part is when Harry and Ron tried to protect Hermione from the troll. I think they were very brave and their actions were heroic. This is why they became best friends in the future.

2023-24

Review by Yawen Pan (Y6 Parks): The BFG by Roald Dahl

Genre: Fantasy

Suitable for: Y6+

The BFG by Roald Dahl is a fantasy adventure book that takes place in a fictional land where nine giants roam. The main character, Sophie, discovers a giant in her city and is then taken from her bed at something called the witching hour. The giant is later known as the BFG (the Big Friendly Giant) and tells her all about the nine other giants that eat humans. Sophie embarks on a mission to take out the other giants.

They journey to the dream country, a hidden place on top of a foggy mountain near a tree, where they catch dreams to blow into children's bedrooms during the witching hour. Later in the story, Sophie finds herself in England on Queen Elizabeth's balcony, ready for her to wake up from a dream they gave her to reveal the true faces of the giants. With Sophie's and Queen Elizabeth's help, they manage to trap the nine giants in a hole and stop the human-eating giants. The book has a wonderful ending, and once you read it, I bet you can't stop!

Review by Gabu Iwasaki (Y6 Darwin): The Battles that changed History

Genre: Non Fiction

Suitable for: Y6+

From a F-16 in Operation Desert Storm or from a Panzer tank in Normandy, Battles that Changed History is an interesting book that provides an in-depth exploration of some of the most significant battles throughout history. Highlighting key turning points, strategies, and outcomes, the book offers a valuable insight into how battles have shaped the course of human history, you can immerse yourself in the battlefields of Stalingrad or Iwo Jima, fighting for your country as a general, soldier or commander.

I loved the book which provided a deep understanding of the most important battles of our history. I believe that it is important to acknowledge these conflicts to understand our world.

Review by Tin Kin Lee ( Y6 Darwin): Varjak Paw by S.F . Said

Genre: Fantasy

Suitable for: Y6+

Varjak Paw by S. F. Said is like a deep dive in the city downtown! This wonderful book takes you to the middle of a thriving city, and it’s filled with action, suspense, and gangs of cats. The story starts with Varjak, a house cat, which he later meets Holly and Tam, who had been living in the streets for a long time, as they navigate the treacherous city alleys and encounter other cats - who might not be so friendly. The author makes you feel the pain and tension with the cats, experiencing the horrors of being a street cat. It’s a book that teaches us about fear, bravery, hope, and the nature of gangs in the city. Whether you’re interested in action in cats or just love a gripping story, ‘Varjak Paw’ is a must-read. You wouldn’t be able to put it down!

Review by Davyn Kwok (Y8 Darwin): The Sun and the Star by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro

Genre: Action packed Fantasy

Suitable for: Y6+

The Sun and the Star by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro is an action-filled novel! This book is set in the world of Percy Jackson, where two of the most popular characters, Nico di Angelo, and Will Solace, who are currently dating, agree to go on a quest together to free Bob, one of the Titans who turned from evil to good. Riordan and Oshiro explore Nico’s trauma and events that happened in his past. They make readers feel that they are experiencing some of Nico’s memories and listening to him tell his stories directly as shown by the flashbacks Nico experiences. Riordan and Oshiro also use lots of imagery and switch between the points of view of Nico and Will. The Sun and the Star teaches us the value of having empathy for everyone and the importance of embracing emotions, even ones like fear and anger. It also teaches us about accepting members of the LGBTQ society into our community. If you are interested in action-packed novels or romantic action ones, this book would be enjoyable to everyone!

Review by Vanessa Ho (Y10 Anderson): Crying in M Hart by Michelle Zauner

Genre: biography, autobiography

Suitable for: Y8+

How does someone show love? For Michelle Zauner’s mother, it was through food. She would remember if you liked extra noodles, less spice, or no tomatoes. But when her mother dies from terminal cancer, she is forced to deal with incredible grief and unexpected loss. She turns to food to mourn that loss and appreciate her mother. This thought-provoking and heart-wrenching memoir explores the author’s identity, her relationship with her mother and how food helped her deal with loss.

I hate to admit I didn’t have high hopes for this book. Time and time again, I have been told not to judge a book by its cover, but did I listen? No. Should I have? Absolutely. I got the impression that this book would be quite cliché and surface level and almost didn’t pick it up solely because of the cover. How wrong I was to doubt it. At the start, we follow the author on her journey to H Mart. One page in and the reader is already bombarded with the most beautifully crafted- albeit poignant- recounting of H Mart and the memories it brings back. “When I go to H Mart, I’m not just on the hunt for cuttlefish and three bunches of scallions for a buck: I’m searching for memories”. I like that. A lot. There is also a strong narrative voice; it made the book all the more intimate, especially knowing it was written first-hand. Moreover, much like any great book, food plays a big theme in this memoir. The author’s descriptions of jjigae, tteokbokki, and other Korean delicacies were mouth-watering and vivid; it was almost as if I could taste the food off the page.

Crying in H Mart? More like crying everywhere: my copy of the book definitely had some blotches that looked suspiciously like tear stains left from the emotional roller coaster I went on. Thus, if you are looking for a book that is tender and candid and might make you bawl your eyes out for weeks on end, I can’t recommend this book enough. Even as someone more inclined to pick up a novel instead of a non-fiction book, I suggest you give this book a try. I can confidently assure you the author has not only met my expectations but surpassed them!

Review by Taylor Wong (Y9 Anderson): Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Wonder by R.J Palacio is a touching story that lures readers of all ages. Introducing the eyes of a young boy named Auggie, born with a facial deformity, this book explores the theme of empathy, friendship and self-acceptance. The author's storytelling is very engaging, making it suitable for both young and adult readers. The characters are very relatable and sometimes emotions are invoked rage from laughter to tears. This novel’s message and modal is of kindness and understanding, not judging others before getting to know them. It reminds us to look beyond people’s appearances and embrace the diversity of human experiences. This book “Wonder” is an incredibly inspiring book that teaches us a lot, leaving a lasting impact. Encouraging us to choose empathy and kindness in a world that needs it most.

Janus Guo Library Book Reviews.pdf

Thank you to Janus Guo (Y7 Banks) for submitting some fantastic reviews about the following books:

Moby Dick
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Wonder
Wish in the Dark
Guinness World Book of Records 2022
Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief
Shark Caller
The Graveyard Book
Born a Crime
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Ground Zero
Big Nate
The Last Cuentista
Lord of the flies

Read his reviews in the document to find your next great read!

2022-23

Spy x Family, by Tatsuya Endo

Book review by Nathan Osbual, Y8

The Spy x family Manga is phenomenal, it sets you in this mood of curosity and excitement. You will want to know more and more and more until your done with the full series. It has a great storyline that sets you in a good mood while reading, and especially ✨ANYA✨ such a wonderful character that is ignorant in a really funny way.

Genre: Action, Comedy, Spy and shonen manga

Recommended for Year 7 and up

The Language Lover's Puzzle book, by Alex Bellos

Book review by Scarlett Sylvester , Y8

Why is this a good book: It really depends if you like learning about language history or how a language is structured, but it is really engaging, as well as it helps you learn some of the language.

Genre:Non Fiction

Recommended for Year 7 and up

Queen of the Sea by Dylan Meconis

Book review by Katie Onyschenko, Y8

Why this is a good book: The plot is simple, yet really developed which adds to the theme of the book, and has an amazing plot twist and cliffhanger!

Genre: Graphic Novel

Recommended for Year 7 and up

The Experience Economy by B. Joseph Pine II & James H. Gilmore

Book review by Marti Wong Y8

This book is Non-Fiction, and although it was written in 1999, it covers many things that still apply to everyday life. A must read for avid Non-Fiction Readers.

Harry Potter and the Philosophers' stone by J.K. Rowling

Book review by Victor Fung Y8

Why this is a good book: The Philosopher's Stone is a great book because it builds up tension well with the reveal that Harry is a wizard with a treacherous past, which is slowly creeping up on him.

Genre: Fantasy

Age group: All ages

Daughter of the deep - Rick Riordan

Book review by Ein Lee, Y8

Why is this a good book: This book portrays his commitment to diversity, and his love for the ocean. It reflects a deep awareness and compassion for the needs of young readers.

Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction

Year group- Year 7 and up

To all the Boys I Loved Before - Jenny Han

Book review by Elaine Mo, Y9

I really like the characters, especially the main character Lara Jean, because she is very open and expressive about her feelings, and it makes me more immersed in the book. The book is about Lara Jean's accidentally sending love letters to all the boys she's every liked, and her dealing with the consequences. Right now, I'm up to the part where Lara Jean has to solve the conflict between her two love interests. I also really like the family dynamic between the three Song sisters, because it feels really genuine and realistic too.

Genre: Romance, Realistic Fiction

Year group- Year 9 and up

The Biography of Rachmanianoff - Segei Rachmaninoff

Book review by Derek Li, Y9

A biography is something about the person such as his life story and something interesting that has happened in the person's life. Something particularly interesting about Rachmaninoff is that he is a virtuoso pianist with the biggest hand in the world(about 12 inches long). He composed a lot of masterpieces such as The Little Red Riding Hood, which sounds easy but it is considered to be one of the hardest pieces in the world, or Prelude in G minor, which is usually played in funerals, it is exceedingly hard as the chords are far apart, and Rachmaninoff also composed it at the age of 18. I am interested in this Biography because I am now learning LTCL piano, which is diploma grade 2, and despite the fact that he is my favourite composer, I will be playing 3 pieces by Rachmaninoff, therefore knowing about what's behind the story will be extremely helpful for my music studies.

Genre: Biography

Year group- Year 9 and up

Ruby Redfort : Pick your poision - Lauren Child

Book review by Erin Tse, Y9

It is a series about a thirteen year old girl who is very academically gifted and loves puzzles and mind games, which gains the attention of a highly secret anti-crime agency called Spectrum. Soon she joins them in solving mysteries and uncovering plans of Spectrum's most wanted criminal as their code breaker, but she encounters many problems with her best friend Clancy and her sidekick Hitch who works for Ruby's family under the cover of a 'house manager' or 'butler'. What I enjoy about this book is the confusing but interesting puzzles and riddles that Ruby solves in every book in the series and what they lead to.

Genre: Mystery

Year group- Year 9 and up

Steve Jobs -Walter Isaacson

Book review by Andy Wu, Y9

This biography follows Steve through his entire life, from his birth and adoption to his death from cancer. As the authorized biography, this book touched on several of Steve's worse mistakes and regrets in his life, along with his greatest achievements. It talks about Steve trying to abandon his first daughter, Steve bullying his workers and a whole host of other problems. This is fascinating for me as it revealed to me the man that is behind the legendary entrepreneur and innovator.

Genre: Biography

Year group- Year 9 and up

Jackaby - William Ritter

Book review by Vanessa Chai, Y9

Its is a supernatural mystery fiction book, which is full of suspense. It always surprises me when so many different characters are suspected as the murderer and at this point I still don't have a sure answer. I find Marlowe's character the most interesting, because at the start of the book he is portrayed as a coldhearted and ignorant figure, always trying to stop Jackaby (the detective) from investigating when he knows he can do a good job. However, towards the middle he can actually be seen showing emotions such as fear when he heard the banshee's wails and inferiority towards his superior Swift. The occasional humour in the story also keeps me interested and intrigued to find out more when lengthy but necessary details are explained. The author uses a range of vocabulary to describe different atmospheres and highlight the differences. Overall, I enjoy the way the author's voice is from first person (Abigail Rook), since it is very representative of youth and the curiosity that she possesses, such as questioning "Why don't you have a notebook..terribly handy for a detective I would think".

Genre: Mystery

Year group- Year 9 and up

Northern Lights - Phillip Pullman

Book review by Brendan Tam, Y9

It has the technique of bringing the reader into the story itself, and expressing everything clearly. I believe there are 3 main characters, Lyra and Pan (Pantalaimon) who each have different personalities. During the start where they 3 have to sneak into the masters retiring room where they are prohibited to be in. Lyra is a carefree and intrusive person as shown when she “flicked the biggest glass”. Pan is a cautious and frightful person as he is constantly afraid to get into trouble as shown when she is telling Lyra to “behave herself”.

Genre: Fantasy

Year group- Year 9 and up

The war that saved my life - Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Book review by Derek Tan, Y9

It is considered A New York Times bestseller. This book is the first book in this series, the second being "The War I finally won". In the first novel Ada was getting treated poorly by her mother because she has a clubfoot. She has a brother, Jamie, who is 6. During the novel, Ada was getting abused and locked up inside the house, her mom didn't like her at all, because she thought she was a curse. They lived in London, England during 1944. The year the Second World War was started. Since they lived in London, they were heavily targeted, leading up to Mom's death after a few months. The two siblings luckily made it out earlier in the year. They were sent to a woman called Susan. At first, their relationship wasn't in the best state, but after a few months of spending time together, Ada finally accepted the fact that Susan will be her new mother.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Year group- Year 7 and up

Lionboy - Zizou Corder

Book review by Eric Li, Y9

I enjoyed the unusual setting for the main character--Charlie Ashanti. This book is about a boy who speaks cat - the language of all Felidae(wild cat animals). His talent helps him to find his kidnapped parents who have discovered a cure for asthma. Charlie barely escapes from being kidnapped, he runs for his life. With his ability to talk to cats, Charlie joins a circus and becomes the assistant to a frightening lion trainer named Maccomo. Charlie knows that, in addition to searching for his parents, he must also help six wild and dangerous lions escape from the circus and go back to their home in Africa.

Genre: Fantasy

Year group- Year 9 and up

The Hobbit - J.R.R. Tolkien

Book review by Billy Li, Y9

It is a story about a hobbit named Bilbo with 13 dwarves and 1 wizard called Gandalf going on for an adventure to win a share of the treasure kept and guarded by a dragon called Smaug. At the beginning of the story, Gandalf the wizard went to Bilbo's house asking if Bilbo would like to have an adventure with him(Because Gandalf knows that Bilbo have adventuresome ancestors). Despite that Gandalf didn't reveal his identity to Bilbo, Bilbo recognised him anyway. Later on, the dwarves and Gandalf came and visited Bilbo, asking Bilbo if he can go with them. At last, they convinced Bilbo and left his house. On the next morning, Gandalf came and knocked Bilbo's door to remind him it is time for their journey to start...

Genre: Classics, Fantasy

Year group- Year 9 and up

Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury

Book review by Chris W, Y9

Fahrenheit 451 is a dystopian novel about a dynamic character Guy Montag, who became a book-reading rebel from a fireman. In the future, the society want everyone to be happy therefore, with the idea of "ignorance is bliss", they burn books and eliminates complexity, questions, and people cannot think. The protagonist Montag is a fireman, who burns books, but later on he was inspired by some book-reading "criminals" and decided to help them against the government. I recommend this book because it allows people to really think about the future society and how to define happiness, and reflecting on how they destroy the life-long hard-works of authors with fire in few minutes.

Genre: Dystopian

Year group- Year 9 and up

The body in the Library - Agatha Christie

Book review by Gabriella, Y9

The body in the library is a book by Agatha Christie. If anyone is interested in the genre of murder mystery, then this book is definitely for you!

The story is about a woman who is found dead in a rich couples home, they don't know who it is, how she got there, how she got into the house. There are multiple people that are involved in trying to solve this mystery as the book is written in my perspective and side story of different people and their input in the case. The book takes a lot of turns, as everyone who is accused of committing the crime and everyone that you as a reader think could be the murder is never the case as their e\is so much plot twist within the story.

It is a very thrilling book based on the facts given and as the book progress the clues will eventually add up.

I would recommend this book to anyone in senior school as it is a detective and murder mystery and it keeps the reader guessing as to who the kill might be similar to the board game murder mystery.

Genre: Mystery

Year group- Year 9 and up

Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy

Book review by Scarlett, Y9

Anna Karenina is widely regarded as one of the greatest pieces of literature ever written. It centers around a character called Anna Karenina who's unhappy in her marriage and has an affair with 'Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky' which creates a scandal in their social scandals in Saint Petersburg. The couple decides move to Italy in hope to find happiness then later move back to Russia where their relationship starts to erupt. This is a historical literary realistic novel aimed at adults or older teens as the book contains profanity, violence and more mature features that wouldn't be great for younger children. However, I recommend this as it definitely changed the way i thought about things and kept me interested the entire time.

Genre: Classics

Year group- Year 10 and up

A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens

Book review by Jolin, Y9

A Christmas Carol was set in the Victorian Era where children were sent to workhouses at a very young age. Nonetheless, they still remain positive and lovely but some people who own the workhouses might see things differently like Ebeneezer Scrooge, an old miser whose only joy in life is money. He was so consumed by greed he looked down on everyone, even his bestfriend Marley who had died but throughout the story you will start noticing he begins to slowly change into a much more jolly and cheerful man. I personally really enjoyed reading this book because it was very heartfelt in a way and reminded me what Christmas Spirit felt like it also had really good morals that there is always joy in everything. I would recommend this book to fairytale lovers of people of all ages.

Genre: Classics

Year group- Year 9 and up

Stellarlune- Shannon Messenger

Book review by Vannie Lau, Y9

Stellarlune is the ninth book in the series, Keeper of the Lost Cities. This series and Harry Potter share similar ideas; both contain an undiscovered world that contains different species of creatures. This book is about Sophie, who was raised in the human world. She is different than other humans and is able to read people's minds. One day, she discovered that she was an elf and met a boy who was also able to read minds. The boy brought her back to where she belonged, and soon others noticed she withheld stronger powers than others. This novel also demonstrated the injustice in their world and the flaws in their governmental system. Sophie has a unique perspective compared to many others because she was raised in a world separate from that of the elves. Sophie is determined to change the injustices that exist in their world.

This is a book that belongs to the genre of fantasy. I would recommend this series to readers who are interested in magical and fantasy books. Furthermore, if you liked Harry Potter, you might like this book.

Though you should probably start on the first book.

Genre: Fantasy

Year group- Year 9 and up

Sorry, Right Number - Stephen King

Book review by Emma, Y9

Sorry, Right Number is a teleplay short story written by Stephen King. This story is about a misunderstanding of an important message that ends badly. The genres are science fiction and drama. Even though it is very short, this book made me laugh throughout but also feel bad for some characters. It will only take you around 20 minutes to read the book, or even less! So why not give it a try?

Genre: Science Fiction

Year group- Year 9 and up

Shadow - Michael Morpurgo

Book review by Timmy, Y9

Shadow is a story about a young boy called Aman. It's opening is set in England but early on switches to a setting in a war-infested Afghanistan as Aman tells his story of courage and determination. I mainly recommend this book to fans of adventure however, this book is also good if you are just looking for something nice to read as this book really brings in your attention with its stories of Aman and his mother's adventure with their dog Shadow. This book is also partially based on a true story about a sniffer dog in Afghanistan that went missing and was presumed dead but was found 14 months after.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Year group- Year 9 and up

Brother's Keeper - Julie Lee

Book review by Kelly, Y9

I recommend the book Brother’s Keeper, by Julie Lee. This book is very touching, as it talks about struggles with war, family and gender equality. A 12 year old girl named Sora was born in North Korea, where gender inequality thrived. Suddenly war broke out and her family decided to flee to South Korea. But, she and her brother were separated from their family. On her trial she grew and understood the difficulties of life. She also experienced humanity’s evils and virtues. I highly recommend this book because it is very educational. Also it talks about how Sora grew up through protecting her brother.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Year group- Year 9 and up

The Magic - Rhonda Byrne

Book review by Kelly, Y9

I recommend this book 'The magic', by Rhonda Byrne. This book tells you how to change your life. If you finished this book, you can achieve what you want and get everything you want. In The Magic, Rhonda Byrne reveals life-changing knowledge about the power of gratitude. When you finished this 28 days journey, she teaches you how to apply this life-changing knowledge in your everyday life, completely transforming every aspect of your life into joy. So that is why you will achieve what you want and get everything you want, then your life will be full of happiness.

Genre: Non Fiction

Year group- Year 10 and up

The Gates of Rome - Conn Iggulden

Book review by Alicia, Y9

I recommend this book to people who enjoy history and suspense. This book is about the life of world famous Julius Ceasar, and his rise to power. There are a lot of bloody scenes in the book, though. One of the things I liked the best about the book was how the ending was executed.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Year group- Year 10 and up

Lord of the Flies - William Golding

Book review by Alicia, Y9

Lord of the Files is a very complex novel that shows young children living on an island after their plane has crashed. William Golding wrote it to show how ‘the defects of society trace back to the defects of human nature.’

You’ve probably heard about this book before as it is incredibly famous, there are now many movies and plays that use the same plot based off of the book.

One of the themes of the novel is denial, providing a window on the children’s mental wellbeing and how deal with adversity.

The theme of denial is introduced at the very start of the book, when the children crash on the island. The main character of the book, Ralph, washes up with Piggy, and not knowing where to go they begin to search the island, exploring it and finding the rest of the children while doing so.

I would generally recommend this book to teens and young adults as some scenes are a bit too unnerving for children.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Year group- Year 10 and up

The Fault in our stars - John Green

Book review by Danica, Y9

This movie and book were both so well written and acted out. I felt pain, heart ache, sadness and the tragicness as well as the love, happiness, excitement and epicness from both the book and movie, it made me smile, tear up, laugh and then cry! I couldn’t help but love the actors that were chosen for this movie as they definitely brought these characters and the pain and emotions that Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters feel to life.

We get to see 2 people that both have a life altering and threatening disease known as cancer in a few different forms but both with the same outcome; could result in their death. However that did not stop Gus from liking Hazel Grace and driving her home although he was not a good driver and wanting to get to know her and her story not just her cancer story. So after them both reading a book of the others choosing they go through some things before embarking on a journey to Amsterdam to meet the author of one of the books, it was the book Hazel Grace gave Gus that he ended up liking and disliking for the ending. They meet the author and find love in Amsterdam before returning back home and “to the real world” .

This movie is one to watch when you need to smile as Augustus Waters makes that happen as the comedy but the love that Hazel and Gus have is enough to make you smile. However it also will make you tear up maybe even cry as it is so moving and sad. But “without pain we couldn’t know joy” and although one might consider that a metaphor we also get told by Hazel Grace that “Pain demands to be felt.”

I therefore recommend this to people who love romance, as this book will definitely be a book to reread.

Genre: Romance

Year group- Year 9 and up

2021-22

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