The FCBG Childrens Book Award- Anisha: Accidental Detective by Serena Patel

When I first reviewed the debut Anisha novel, I knew that Serena Patel had created something special, and with the publication of each book, both Littlefae and I have been swept away in these young reader mysteries that explore so much more than the social or interpersonal problem presented, and yet capture the very real …

The Balloon Thief – Aneesa Marufu featuring guest post by Aneesa Marufu

In a fantasy world that draws on South Asian heritage, customs, folklore and dress, The Balloon Thief by Aneesa Marufu offers a window into the dichotomy of privilege and oppressed, how those labels are more complicated than we perceive and the motivations to both keep the status quo and to turn to violent rebellion being …

The Boy in The Post- Holly Rivers featuring Guest Post from Holly Rivers

I am so excited to be hosting todays blog tour stop celebrating the wonderful writing of Holly Rivers and The Boy in The Post her second book after her debut the gorgeously spooky Demelza and the Spirit Detectors has been long awaited, and I have to tell you, it has certainly been worth the wait. …

Libby and the Parisian Puzzle- Jo Clarke Featuring Jo’s Top 5 Boarding School Stories!

I have been so excited for this book ever since Jo let slip details of her ideas and aspirations for a young reader mystery, eventually dropping updates on her drafting, writing and editing progress. Then, to watch Jo first be signed to an agent and subsequently with the awesome Firefly Press I was, and continued …

Furthermoor – Darren Simpson featuring chapter excerpt.

I’ve been a huge fan of Darren’s writing since his debut Scavengers reframed the landscape of Middle Grade writing for me. His writing is like a rich tapestry that transports us into deeply imagined worlds but also challenging and introspective, unflinchingly so, on the emotional landscape of children, particularly boys as they navigate the changing world …