alittlebutalot's reviews
69 reviews

Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

challenging hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

This is a wonderful story about trans identity, questioning who we are and accepting the love we deserve. Felix is going through a lot: figuring out his gender identity, desperately seeking someone to love when, at school, someone hangs pictures of him pre-transition and dead names him. There were bits in this that made me so angry, but I’m so glad that Felix has people around him who look out for him. I thought the scenes with his dad were particularly poignant. I definitely thought the texter was someone else! Definitely cried at the end. 

The Infinity Files by S.M. Wilson

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

If you’re after a badass young woman, a story set in space and a fascinating library of incredible artefacts, this is the story for you. This has got space battles aplenty, some brilliant friends and some true planet hopping going on. I loved the idea of jumping between planets to collect items for the Library and the idea of ‘Friends’ for the Guardians. Really liked that this had brilliant messages all about trusting your instincts, doing what’s right and believing in your friends (even when what they’re asking you seems absolutely ludicrous). Very curious about book 2! 

A Vanishing of Griffins by S.A. Patrick

adventurous hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced

4.0

My my, this was epic. Friendship, magic, songs, betrayal, clever plans and a battle. It was great to be back in this world: it’s so rich and wonderfully written. Patch is a wonderful protagonist and his wonderful group of friends, teachers and enemies make for brilliant reading. This shocked me, made me tear up and brought me joy! Properly good this! I loved that this started with a recap of book 1 too - more books need to do this!! This is a brilliant book for confident readers in Y5+ (absolutely no reason it couldn’t be a book for KS3!). 

All American Boys by Jason Reynolds, Brendan Kiely

challenging emotional informative inspiring sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is all kinds of important. This made me cry, told me a story which is all too familiar to some. The dual perspective was brilliantly done and there’s a certain sense of urgency in this. We need to do something about social injustice and we need to do it soon. There’s characters in this who just bring such light and hope in a really terrible situation. Clarissa is one of those. 

This isn’t an easy read; it needs to be digested and mulled over. It’s a read that devoured me and made me cry, made me angry and made me hopeful for better. People aren’t all good, but people aren’t all bad. There’s a moment in this with a teacher that hit me hard. There’s a moment with Rashad’s dad that sent me over the edge. This book is powerful and its timely. It’s a story that shouldn’t be lived by many, but it is. 

InvestiGators: Take the Plunge by John Patrick Green

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A

4.0

FINISHED: this continues where the first book left off: laugh out loud funny, clever and brilliantly illustrated. This time, Mango and Brash are facing a disaster: a robot combining everything in sight! What happens when they aren’t allowed to be the A Team anymore? Can they help even when they’re off the case? I loved all of the pubs throughout! Just brilliant - my kids can’t wait! 

Making Friends: Back to the Drawing Board by Kristen Gudsnuk

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This is madness, mayhem, clones, genie dogs and friends falling out all rolled into one. This is a wild ride that never really stops. Brilliant artwork and a crazy turn of events. Dealing with friends, crushes, magical powers and secrets. This doesn’t have ‘chapters’ and that keeps the pace up! I wasn’t sure what was going on at some points, but enjoyed it.

Swing it, Sunny by Jennifer L. Holm

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

My class are really enjoying this series! Just gobbled through this - really liked the discussions about Sunny’s relationship with her older brother. This is a good, sit down and just lose yourself in the story kind of graphic novel. Short chapters and great artwork!

Three Keys by Kelly Yang

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This is moving, uplifting and shocking. Mia is an incredible main character: she stands up for everything that we as humans deserve. She is surrounded by the most brilliant people. The injustices highlighted in this book are eye-opening. There’s things discussed here that I’ve never even thought about. People are people and we all deserve to be treated as equals. I just think this is a series that everyone needs to read. It’ll open your eyes, show you that it is goodness and kindness matter. 

NewsPrints by Ru Xu

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is great! Blue, who’s hiding who she really is, becomes an apprentice for Jack (who himself is hiding who he is). This was interesting, with a wartime twist, and had some great messages about stereotypes! A girl living as a boy because girls don’t do things like be newsboys! Loved the messages about standing up for yourself! Most intrigued for part 2! Loved the artwork throughout too! 

Sparks! by Ian Boothby

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5

This is GREAT FUN. Let’s be real, cats > dogs! Superhero cats who save many days... baby down a well, a tornado chasing a school bus and so much more! Not only are these cats superheroes but they have interesting back stories too! This was loads of fun and made me chuckle a fair few times! I think my kids will love this! Artwork by Nina Matsumoto is just amazing too.