PageGirl

With Christmas fast approaching, this is the time many people are hunting high and low for that perfect present. If you're stuck for inspiration or just generally need some recommendations, then hopefully this post will give you a few ideas! 1.   Daunt Books  Children’s Canvas Bags, Daunt Books £8 each These cute canvas bags are a stylish  and convenient way to carry around your books. Although they have the word "children's" in the name, these bags are great for anyone , as they are simply a smaller version of the standard size bags. They are available in four colours: pink, yellow, dark green and sky blue for £8 each. The regular sized bags (identical but larger) are also great, and can be used as shopping bags, etc. as can the special edition bags with metallic gold writing . 2.  100 Penguin Covers Colouring Book, Waterstones £9.99 This book is exactly what it says: a colouring book of 100 covers from publishing house Penguin! Interpret them in your own way and c...

Author: Matthew Syed Illustrator: Toby Triumph Genre: Non-fiction Rating out of 10: 8 Publisher: Wren and Rook First Published: 2020   Summary From the  bestselling author of You Are Awesome, this book is about following a path that’s right for you and not letting the theory of being “normal” stop you. It covers subjects such as how powerful believing in yourself is and why everyone works at a different pace in different ways. The pages are covered by fun pictures and inspirational quotes from people who have been successful by being themselves. Text The book is written in a light, humorous way and uses many references to the author’s personal experiences. This makes it a very enjoyable read. Good things about the book There are plenty of funny parts which makes it a really entertaining read It draws on the author’s personal experiences There are fun illustrations and the overall layout is good It doesn’t drag or become boring- each chapter makes its point, maybe with some sto...

Plot Auggie is a completely ordinary boy, except for one thing... He was born with a severe facial difference, which makes his face look unlike anyone else's. All Auggie wants is to be a normal kid... But he knows normal kids don't make other children run away screaming whenever they see him. This is a heart-warming story about Auggie starting fifth grade, and being in a school for the first time. General Writing The book is written from the point of view of several different people, meaning you never tire of a character.. The book is constantly changing. As for the text itself, I think Palacio captures the characters really well, and the language used is how you might imagine a ten year old boy to speak. Age Range As the subject of the book is quite deep and complex, I'd say this book is aimed at older readers. In my opinion, this story would be most enjoyed by ages 10 and up. Good Things About the Book I like how the book isn't narrated by just one person... It keeps ...

During the lockdown, I've read a lot more books than I would usually. I decided to compile a list of my favourite ones that I've read so far, accompanied by small reviews. I hope to do full reviews of some of these books soon! 1. Ruby Redfort: Look Into my Eyes Author:  Lauren Child Genre:  Crime  Age Range:  9-15 Rating Out of 10:  8 Publisher:  HarperCollins First Published:  2011 Plot Ruby Redfort is probably one of the best books I've read in lockdown. The main character is Ruby, an extremely clever teenager,  who is obsessed with anything to do with code-cracking and logic puzzles. One day, the phone starts ringing persistently... But with no answer. Until she is left a riddle on her answering machine, and needs to figure out who's calling, and what they want with her. Good Things About the Book The characters have good personalities and are likeable (or not likeable) immediately The plot is always engrossing The language is descriptive The f...

Genre : Adventure Rating out of 10:  8.5 Publisher: Usbourne Publishing LTD First Published: 2017 Plot When Violet's father gets a new job, he, Violet and Violet's mother have to move to perfect, a small town in the middle of nowhere. People there have to wear glasses to stop them from going blind, and at school she gets in trouble for the tiniest, most trivial things. Violet quickly realises something is wrong... especially after her father disappears. After meeting Boy, though, Violet learns her father isn't the only one. The Watchers are hiding a secret... General Writing The book uses very descriptive language, making it interesting to read.  The  storyline itself is constantly moving, so I couldn't fault that. Overall, the writing is excellent. Characterisation The good characters in this story are instantly likeable and relatable, and Helena Duggan does a superb job of portraying the antagonists.  Front Cover They say never to judge a book by its co...

Genre: Comedy Rating out of 10:  8 Publisher: HarperCollins First Published: 2018 Plot From the bestselling author of The Parent Agency, Head Kid is about Ryan, the naughtiest kid at Bracket Wood School. After one prank at the Open Day goes too far, Ryan and his strict headmaster Mr. Carter magically swap bodies. They then have to work together in order to find a way to return to their normal selves, while preparing for the inspection coming up. Ryan has total control over the school... but he realises that he'll have to do something fast, before "Offhead" shut the school down forever. General Writing The book is usually very funny, although at times a bit childish. Other than that, I have no complaints about it. The characterisation is excellent, and it really comes through in the dialogue.   The Illustrations The illustrator of Head Kid is Steve Lenton, who also illustrates the front cover. The illustrations give you a good sense of what is going...