The Boy at the Back of the Class
by Onjali Q Raúf

Reviewed by Tom

What is the story about?
The story is about a refugee boy from Syria. He comes to England and has to start a new life. The story is about friendship, kindness and the sadness of being a refugee

Do you think this story is important for young people to read?
Yes, the characters are mainly children and they show important qualities. The main friendship group are very caring and good role models for young people.

Did you enjoy this story? What was good about it?
Yes i enjoyed it. The book is a very serious and sad subject but it didn't make me feel sad reading it. It had an important message which was that refugees are just like us, but they have lost everything. It was a positive book which made me want to help people.

Who would you recommend it to and why?
Everyone! Because it has important lessons in it about being a good friend and how to deal with bullies.

The Boy At the Back of the Class
by Onjali Q Raúf

Reviewed by Maya

What is the story about?
A refugee coming to britain who lost his parents and a couple of his classmates are trying to help but a bully and a mean teacher called Mr Irons

Do you think this story is important for young people to read?
Yes the characters are important to read about because it shows that not everyone is as lucky as you and some people have a really hard life.

Did you enjoy this story? What was good about it?
I loved this story it taught me so much and made me appreciate what I have got more than ever.

Who would you recommend it to and why?
I would recommend it to year 5 and over. I recommend it to this age group because it is about stuff that younger kids might not know about.

Heartstopper
by Alice Oseman

Reviewed by Oliver

What is the story about?
The Heartstopper series revolves around the 2 main characters, Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson. At the beginning of the series, while Charlie has a crush on Nick, they believe that Nick is straight, and that they wouldn't want to date Charlie. However, Nick eventually realises they they are Bisexual and they have feelings for Charlie. Nick and Charlie end up dating though, and most of the series from that point onwards is Charlie and Nick's school life, although sometimes other things.

Do you think this story is important for young people to read?
I believe this story is important for young people to read about as, personally, this is one of the only books/novels I know that feature LGBTQ+ main, and side, characters (which will also most likely be the case for many other young people growing up). Because of this, many young children will not be able to learn about LGBTQ+ people through reading, or any novels they can relate to if they are part of the community, anywhere near as easily as books who don't feature LGBTQ+ main characters.

Did you enjoy this story? What was good about it?
I enjoyed this story as it portrays both main characters and some other side characters, who are part of the LGBTQ+ community, in a positive light as well as showing what coming out can be like for some people, and some of the struggles that people in the community face. On the other hand, the novel shows the lighthearted relationship between the two main characters and shows that not all people in the community fit the stereotypes that are associated with it.

Who would you recommend it to and why?
year 7, year 8. I recommend the book to those who are in year 7 and upwards as the books, although more frequently in the later books, contain swearing and serious topics, which might not be understood fully by younger audiences.

Show Us Who You Are
by Elle McNicoll

Reviewed by Holly

What is the story about?
A young girl who is autistic and has lost her mam when she was little called Cora meets a young boy who has ADHD called Adrien, whose dad is the owner of a company called Pomegranate (they make grams of people). Adrien helps cora to come out of her shell but Pomegranate and cars racing round corners got in the way and sadly Adrien passes away. Later on Cora finds out they're trying to control people so she puts an end to Pomegranate.

Do you think this story is important for young people to read?
Yes, I think the story and the characters are important as it shows an understanding to how neurodivergent people feel when being targeted in school. Although bullying has an affect on everyone, bullying someone for being 'different' in a way they cant control isn't right especially for a teacher to be bullying a student like that.

Did you enjoy this story? What was good about it?
Yeah I really enjoyed this book. It gave me an understanding of how neurodivergent people feel.

Who would you recommend it to and why?
year 5, year 6. I recommend it to this age group because I think its important for them to understand how neurodivergent students feel sometimes.

The Cure For Dreaming
by Cat Winters

Reviewed by Nola

What is the story about?
A girl in the Victorian ages, who is trying to rebel and be like the suffragettes, but then her father hires a man to hypnotise her.

Do you think this story is important for young people to read?
Well it is important to know about the Suffragettes and how they helped women vote, and have more rights.

Did you enjoy this story? What was good about it?
I really liked the way it was written and the plot and storyline was great. I really enjoyed it and would definitely read it again.

Who would you recommend it to and why?
year 7, year 8 - it is compliccated so you need to be older to understand it.