So for the past couple of weeks my Friday Reads posts have been dedicated to looking at the Waterstones Children's Book Prize shortlist. Finally we are onto the teen category, normally aimed at children 12/13+. But don't let that fool you a lot of these would be great adult reads too!

Smart

If you are a fan of Mark Haddon's "Curious Incident..." book then this is one for you. A homeless man is found dead and no one, not even the police want to find out who did it or what happened. Was it an accident or something far more serious. That's why Keiran decides to find out what happened, after all secrets can't stay secret forever. This is a lovely tale about a boy growing up and finding his place in the world. It looks at topics such as bullying and compassion.



Dead Ends

The story of Dane and Billy. One is a notorious bully and the other has Downs Syndrome. What starts as a forced connection turns into a great story of boys trying to understand their own family dynamics whilst forging an unexpected friendship. It was a great insight into the mentality of a bully and a victim. Except you don't really know who's who. I really enjoyed this book, Erin has a distinct style of writing that means I can devour books pretty fast!



The Strange And Beautiful Sorrows Of Ava Lavender

Magic runs through Ava's family, so when she is born with soft feather wings her family want to keep her safe. Except Ava is just like any normal girl and wants to venture out and see the world. But how will the other people see her? This book is a great blend of magic, mythology and escapism with some beautifully written text. It doesn't seem like your typical YA book but one that definitely should be read.




The Apple Tart Of Hope

This is one that I have already reviewed (see Here) but to give it another synopsis. Oscar is gone, presumed dead, but his brother and best friend think otherwise. It's a tale of two friends trying to find out what's happened, understand mental health and grieving. There is a real evil character running through it, but you always remember that an apple pie can make things better, even just for a moment.




Half Bad

A council of white witches has Nathan under lock and key, they are scared of him as his father is the darkest black witch there is. Nathan must escape before his 17th birthday otherwise he will die, there is a gift he must receive before then. A wonderful spin on the idea of witches that is really refreshing to read. I've already read Half Wild (the sequel) and that is fantastic!





Only Ever Yours

Set in a dystopian world where beauty is all that matters, you meet Freida and Isabel, two girls forged together through their impending fate. Will they end up as wives for the elite males, or living life as a concubine. A dark, intense story that will stay with you forever. Looking at female objectification, social media and the challenges of living up to the media expectations. Think The Handmaids Tale meets Mean Girls. You don't want to miss reading this.

If you missed last week's post I spoke about the Picture Books category of the WCBP. Today I will be reviewing the books in the 5-12 category. One that actually had some wonderful titles!

Girl With A White Dog

I was apprehensive coming to this book. It sounded a lot like a Morpurgo book and let's face it he's a wonderful author. But I was so blown away by it. The story of two girls, their grandmothers and the second world war, it reflects on history, growing up and relationships. A real thought provoking book that I'm pretty sure most kids should read at least once.





Boy In The Tower

I adored this book. It felt like a mixture of Attack The Block and a family drama. Ade lives in a tower block with his mum, who doesn't like to leave the home. But when the block starts crumbling he has to make the choice, leave with the others or stay with his mum. It's an amazing insight for kids to read about adults with mental health issues but also has enough sci-fi and fun to not make it too serious.



Cowgirl

Cowgirl was definitely one of my favourites. One where you should definitely not judge a book by it's cover. It's based in a small town, one with a housing estate and farms. When Gemma and Kate join forces to help herd Kate's cows somewhere safe it's a magical tale of communities coming together. One that's definitely for girls that like Jacqueline Wilson but are a bit fed up with her formula of story telling.




Murder Most Unladylike

The first in a brilliant series. Meet Daisy and Hazel, two young girls living in a boarding school. You might think I'm writing about Enid Blyton but infact at Deepdean school there has been a murder and it's up to our two budding detectives to solve the case. Think Nancy Drew but with some tea and cake when it's all over! I adored this book and absorbed the second one as soon as it was released!




Violet and the Pearl of the Orient

Another detective tale! Violet is a budding Sherlock Holmes and when her famous friend is burgled it's up to her to solve the case. Jam packed full of wonderful and quirky characters you are constantly guessing the whole way through whom the sinister thief could be. A fun and light hearted book full of wonderful illustrations. Perfect introduction to the world of crime and detectives.




A Boy Called Hope

Dan Hope is a dreamer. His biggest dream however? That his dad will come home and love him. He sits and watches him daily on TV but hasn't seen him properly for over 4 years. Which is why he decides to take matters into his own hands and try and make his dad notice him. Cue lots of mishaps and problems, but ultimately this heartwarming tale is one of family lost and found and most of all hope. I loved this book, so much so that I've read it countless times and recommended it to so many people.

Working in a bookshop means I get to dive into some amazing titles, discover new authors and try something new. You are never too old to read kid's books. There is something magical about opening the pages to a world you are yet to discover and kid's books are amazing at creating something visually stunning.

Over the next few weeks I'm going to review all the books that have been shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. I'll be talking about the beautiful illustrated books, magical kid's books and stunning teen fiction that's been hand picked for this great prize.

First up is illustrated books, a section I love as they capture Max's imagination in so few pages.

Atlas Of Adventure 
Not your conventional picture book, this gigantic hardback is a book of luxury. An story that travels across the globe picking out real life adventure and wonder that you can explore from the comfort of your own home. Ever thought of seeing the Northern Lights? This amazingly descriptive book makes you feel like you are actually there! A coffee table book for everyone from 4 to 94.





Where Bear?

The tale of a bear and his friend growing up together. Unfortunately though, bear's do grow rather big so he should probably find somewhere else to stay. Only thing is that where should a bear go? With illustrations that remind me of Jon Klassen and Oliver Jeffers, this book is one that is going to become an all time classic.






The Sea Tiger

The Sea Tiger is a wonderful tale about friendship in the sea. The illustrations make you feel like you are flicking through movie stils or a graphic novel. Each page has new wonders that show you the true meaning of enjoying life and friendships. There is something so wonderful in this tale that means any age can read it and fall in love.



The Queen's Hat

This is a hilarious tale, and artistically beautiful. One that follows the unfortunate misfortune of the Queen's hat blowing away. Of course all the Queen's guards are on hand to run and try and catch the hat but it flys past all the London landmarks at such speed that we wonder if she will ever get it back! This is a great British book!




The Dawn Chorus

This is a wonderful story about Peep, a bird that is desperate to join in with the dawn chorus and their magical music. Unfortunately he can't find his place with the group, but it's got a great moral behind it about finding yourself and being true to you. The illustrations are timeless and one that will become a classic in no time.





Blown Away

This is definitely a favourite in our home, a cheeky tale of a story of a little penguin that just wants to fly his kite. Unfortunately things go a bit wrong and they fly away, meeting some others along the way. The illustrations are gorgeous and bright with some wonderful characters, including a Polar Bear named Clive!