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	<title>Children&#039;s Book Reviews - Middle Grade 8-12 years - whatbooknext.com</title>
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	<title>Children&#039;s Book Reviews - Middle Grade 8-12 years - whatbooknext.com</title>
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		<title>Out of the Box Book Review</title>
		<link>https://whatbooknext.com/out-of-the-box-book-review/</link>
					<comments>https://whatbooknext.com/out-of-the-box-book-review/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Adele Broadbent]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 07:22:12 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Middle Grade 8-12 years]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teen 12+]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Action]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adventure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Courage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Zealand]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatbooknext.com/?p=33455</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>We&#8217;ve had books on NZ Sports Stars, NZ Adventurers, NZ Health Heroes and now with Out of the Box, we have a collection of amazing New Zealander&#8217;s stories who are deaf or disabled. &#160; Beginning with an introduction from the author who is disabled herself, she shares what meeting other disabled teens was like when she was [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/out-of-the-box-book-review/">Out of the Box Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>We&#8217;ve had books on NZ Sports Stars, NZ Adventurers,<img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-33459" src="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:auto/h:auto/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Out-of-the-Box.jpg" alt="Out of the Box Book Review Cover" width="400" height="497" srcset="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:400/h:497/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Out-of-the-Box.jpg 400w, https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:241/h:300/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Out-of-the-Box.jpg 241w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> NZ Health Heroes and now with <em>Out of the Box</em>, we have a collection of amazing New Zealander&#8217;s stories who are deaf or disabled.</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Beginning with an introduction from the author who is disabled herself, she shares what meeting other disabled teens was like when she was younger, and how inspirational her research was for this book.</p>
<p><em>Out of the Box</em> shares the stories of 25 Kiwis. They are Activists who have stood up for disabled people&#8217;s rights, Adventurers who have achieved sporting excellence, or set challenges thought near impossible, and Artists who have shared their souls in dance, writing, illustration and the stage.</p>
<p>These three categories are mixed throughout this hardback book of nearly 160 pages, with a coloured illustration of each Kiwi beginning their story. The stories are succinctly written with about 3 pages + illustration for each, allowing readers to open the book anywhere to read a disabled Kiwi&#8217;s story.</p>
<p>There is a clear Contents page in the beginning of the book to aid readers in finding a particular person.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Some of these amazing New Zealanders are:</strong></h2>
<p><strong>Don McKenzie</strong> who had to prove to a bus company that his guide dog knew how to behave on a bus. Before this, no dogs were allowed on buses which restricted disabled people&#8217;s transport options. He went on to be the first blind person to become president of the Royal NZ Foundation for the blind.</p>
<p>After receiving her grandmother&#8217;s advice to&#8230; &#8220;Just go for it&#8221; <strong>Libby Hunsdale</strong> did just that. She won an international award for acting, modelled, trained as a barista, and became an ambassador for a project to help disabled people into work and advocate for other peoples with Down Syndrome.</p>
<p><strong>Eve Rimmer</strong> won 4 medals at the 1968 Paralympic Games. She was the only woman on the New Zealand team and the only medal winner. She was made a paraplegic in a car accident at 15, but after seeing a paraplegic sports event, she knew what she wanted to do. Eve held the record for 36 years, of being Aotearoa New Zealand&#8217;s most successful Paralympian.</p>
<p>When an unexploded bomb fell on <strong>Paul Curry</strong> and broke his back, he didn&#8217;t let that stop him having great adventures. He and his mates designed, built and hand pedalled across Cook Strait, Lake Taupo, Lake Wakatipu and other international stretches of water.</p>
<p><strong>Adam Hall</strong> has spina bifida, but speeds of 100kms+ per hour is normal when he&#8217;s competing in ski slalom events. At 22, he competed in the Winter Paralympic Games in 2010 to win gold. He has inspired other Paralympians and gone on to win more medals.</p>
<p><strong>Chanelle Moriah</strong> wasn&#8217;t diagnosed with autism until she was an adult. All her troubles at school were finally understood. Being neurodivergent has helped her write two successful books in record time and Chanelle credits her ADHD for her focus. Her books, I Am Autistic and This is ADHD have also led her to become an advisor for Austism NZ. &#8220;I am Autistic, not broken!&#8221; says Chanelle.</p>
<p>There is more to learn about these special Kiwis, and 19 others, in <em>Out of the Box</em>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>The flag on the cover signifies these New Zealanders:</h3>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;<em>&#8230;putting a flag in the ground claiming their own space. They&#8217;ve said, &#8216; I&#8217;m doing life my way&#8217; and &#8216;this is what I need, in order to be who I am.&#8217;</em></p></blockquote>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The book also includes a <strong>Timeline of Deaf and Disability History in Aotearoa New Zealand</strong>, which in itself is a fascinating journey of how Disabled people&#8217;s rights have changed from the 1840&#8217;s right up to today. This includes language used, laws made or scrapped, ideas and beliefs challenged, and communications improved.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Out of the Box<em> is a must for bookshelves in schools and homes. It highlights 25 inspiring New Zealanders and shows readers another part of Aotearoa New Zealand&#8217;s history that isn&#8217;t well known or accessible to young readers.</em></p>
<p><em>This particular journey through our history shows the changes made in our society, and the courage shown in hard-won battles by disabled New Zealanders for their rights to be who they are, receive the support they need, and the respect they deserve.</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Author &#8211; Trish Harris</p>
<p>Illustrators &#8211; Benjamin Ackerman &amp; Peter Woodfield</p>
<p>NZ Non-Fiction</p>
<p>Age &#8211; 12+</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>(2026, Otago University Press, Aotearoa New Zealand, Disabled, Disability, Rights, NZ History, Inspiring, Sportspeople, Artists, Activists, Dancers, Comedians, Filmakers, Laws, Neurodivergent, ADHD, Autism, Adventurers)</p>
<span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/out-of-the-box-book-review/">Out of the Box Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>100 Cupboards</title>
		<link>https://whatbooknext.com/100-cupboards-book-review/</link>
					<comments>https://whatbooknext.com/100-cupboards-book-review/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Adele Broadbent]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 04:40:12 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Middle Grade 8-12 years]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatbooknext.com/?p=33419</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>What is 100 Cupboards about? A boy goes to live with relatives in rural Kansas after his parents go missing. He&#8217;s given a room in the attic in their home, and no-one is sure how long he&#8217;ll be staying. When he hears a thump in the wall one night, he investigates and finds some compass-like [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/100-cupboards-book-review/">100 Cupboards</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>What is <em>100 Cupboards</em> about?<img decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-33421" src="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:auto/h:auto/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/100-Cupboards.jpg" alt="100 Cupboards Book Review Cover" width="360" height="541" srcset="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:360/h:541/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/100-Cupboards.jpg 360w, https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:200/h:300/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/100-Cupboards.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px" /></h2>
<p>A boy goes to live with relatives in rural Kansas after his parents go missing. He&#8217;s given a room in the attic in their home, and no-one is sure how long he&#8217;ll be staying. When he hears a thump in the wall one night, he investigates and finds some compass-like objects in the wall, along with many small different sized doors.</p>
<p>With one of his cousins, they begin to learn what these strange little doors are all about. They also learn about the mystery of the locked room in the house which has been locked for two years, since since their grandfather passed away.</p>
<p>The strangest thing of all is learning about his own past, he knew nothing about.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Plot summary of <em>100 Cupboards </em>(No Spoilers)</h2>
<p>After a long bus ride, 12 year old Henry York meets his aunt, uncle and three cousins, Penelope, Henrietta and Anastasia. They stare at the new arrival in their home and their cat is even less friendly.</p>
<p>His attic room is sparse and he finally falls asleep that night, only to be woken by a thump from inside his wall. He gets up to see a stranger come out of the bathroom and then escape into a room he&#8217;s been told is locked and no-one in the family has been able to open it.</p>
<p>He keeps this to himself, and gets to know his relatives. He finds his uncle a little odd, but friendly enough, and he begins to settle in a little. The next night, the thump in his wall is joined by a crack. Henry peels away the wall plaster to discover strange compass-like wheels in the wall, and the more he peels away, he finds many small doors.</p>
<p>His cousin is excited about his discovery and they keep it to themselves, but soon the strange doors are revealed to be doors to other times, places and people &#8211; and not all of them are good.</p>
<p>Henry&#8217;s aunt and uncle have something they need to tell him, and it&#8217;s the last thing he imagined.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Review</h2>
<p>I&#8217;d never heard of this series before I saw this new graphic novel version. The first book in the series (100 Cupboards) was published in Dec 2007. I immediately began to source the four books in the original series (including a prequel) because this graphic novel was not only intriguing but completely captivating!</p>
<p>The story is quite eerie with its sparse attic setting, strangers appearing in the night in the main character&#8217;s (Henry York) new home, and things grabbing him when he ventures his hand inside one of the small doors he finds in his bedroom wall.</p>
<p>Henry&#8217;s uncle struck me as odd from the beginning of the story, but his aunt and cousins seem normal, so I didn&#8217;t give it much thought. But learning the truth made me want to know more about him and his past.</p>
<p>The illustrations are often dark, so a well lit reading spot would be helpful. The next book in the series can&#8217;t come quick enough.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Book Style</h2>
<p>Graphic Novel / Begins with an elderly man writing in a journal about something he has hidden away for safety reasons. That something suddenly shows up and the story jumps to 12 years later, and Henry York&#8217;s story.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>FAQ’s</h2>
<h3>What age is it for?</h3>
<p>9+</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Where &amp; When is it set?</h3>
<p>Rural Kansas in a small town called Henry in USA / No cell phones or screens present</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?</h3>
<p>Objective POV / Omniscient</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Is there Violence?</h3>
<p>Yes</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What genre is <em>100 Cupboards</em>?</h3>
<p>Middle Grade Fantasy / Graphic Novel</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Themes</h3>
<p>Family / Fantasy / Supernatural / Mystery / Series</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Is it part of a series?</h3>
<p>Yes</p>
<p>Prequel &#8211; The Door Before (2017)</p>
<ol>
<li>100 Cupboards (2007)</li>
<li>Dandelion Fire (2009)</li>
<li>The Chesnut King (2010)</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Author</h3>
<p>N D Wilson</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Illustrator</h3>
<p>Forrest Dickison</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Publisher</h3>
<p>Harper Collins</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>(2026, Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Mystery, Family, Small doors, Evil entities, Witch, Strange creatures, Portals, Other Worlds, Courage, Cousins, Creepy, Eerie, Good vs Evil, Grandfather, Secrets)</p>
<span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/100-cupboards-book-review/">100 Cupboards</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
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		<title>Hunt for the Night Hawks Book Review</title>
		<link>https://whatbooknext.com/hunt-for-the-night-hawks-book-review/</link>
					<comments>https://whatbooknext.com/hunt-for-the-night-hawks-book-review/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Adele Broadbent]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 04:36:13 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Middle Grade 8-12 years]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Action]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Betrayal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crime]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Friendship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mystery]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatbooknext.com/?p=33487</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>What is Hunt for the Night Hawks about? A 12 year old boy interrupts two men digging in his Nan&#8217;s field in the middle of the night. They are digging for Roman artifacts which they will sell on the black market. Jake joins forces with two kids from Nan&#8217;s little town to track down these men [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/hunt-for-the-night-hawks-book-review/">Hunt for the Night Hawks Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>What is <em>Hunt for the Night Hawks </em>about?<img decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-33490" src="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:auto/h:auto/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Hunt-for-the-Night-Hawks.jpg" alt="Hunt for the Night Hawks Book Review Cover" width="360" height="568" srcset="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:360/h:568/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Hunt-for-the-Night-Hawks.jpg 360w, https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:190/h:300/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Hunt-for-the-Night-Hawks.jpg 190w" sizes="(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px" /></h2>
<p>A 12 year old boy interrupts two men digging in his Nan&#8217;s field in the middle of the night. They are digging for Roman artifacts which they will sell on the black market.</p>
<p>Jake joins forces with two kids from Nan&#8217;s little town to track down these men and their gang (Night Hawks), as a deal made to a ghost who is connected to the artifacts.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Plot summary of <em>Hunt for the Night Hawks</em> (No Spoilers)</h2>
<p>Jake is staying with his Nan in a small country town in his summer holidays. It is a break from the city and the recent loss of his dad. One night, he interrupts two men digging in the middle of his nan&#8217;s field, in the middle of the night. He is attacked, threatened, and left reeling by the encounter, but something else is even more startling. He begins to see a strangely dressed teenage boy, that no-one else can see.</p>
<p>He soon makes friends with a chatterbox local, and a girl who loves to follow nature. Jake shares his exciting tale which results in archaeologists taking over the field as there are indeed items of national significance. Again Jake sees the teenage boy. He learns that this boy is a ghost and his family are connected to the stolen artifacts.</p>
<p>Jake makes a deal with this ghost named Marcus Lucius Gallus, to get the stolen items back. This results in more dangerous events for Jake and his friends and also a betrayal that is hard to take.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Review</h2>
<p>With short chapters and a larger font, this is a great read for emerging middle grade readers. These short chapters draw the reader through the book as the tension increases about the mystery of who is responsible for the Night Hawk gang, and all while a ghost is needing answers.</p>
<p>There is also a story thread of loss as both the main character and the ghost are grieving loved ones. This is effortlessly woven through the story, as Jake comes to terms with his grief, and finds his love for life again.</p>
<p><em>Hunt for the Nighthawks</em> is perfect for those who love a mystery, action, and the added bonus of a wandering ancient ghost.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Book Style</h2>
<p>177 Pages / 30 Chapters, numbered in Roman numerals</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>FAQ’s</h2>
<h3>What age is it for?</h3>
<p>8+</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Where &amp; When is it set?</h3>
<p>Rural England near Cambridge, South Central England / The present</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?</h3>
<p>Third person / Present tense</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Is there Violence?</h3>
<p>Yes</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What genre is<em> Hunt for the Night Hawks</em>?</h3>
<p>Middle Grade Mystery / Action</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Themes</h3>
<p>Mystery / Friendship / History / British Archaeology / Crime</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Is it part of a series?</h3>
<p>No</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>If you liked this, you might like:</h3>
<p><a href="https://whatbooknext.com/max-beast-sharknado-warning-book-review/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Max Beast</a></p>
<p><a href="https://whatbooknext.com/the-strange-disappearance-of-imogen-good-book-review/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Author</h3>
<p>Felice Arena</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Publisher</h3>
<p>Penguin Books Australia</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>(2026, Penguin Books Australia, England, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, Metal Detectors, Crime, Digging, Roman Artifacts, Skeletons, Mystery, Action, Small town, Gang, Betrayal, Grief, Ghost, History)</p>
<span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/hunt-for-the-night-hawks-book-review/">Hunt for the Night Hawks Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
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		<title>New You For Ever Book Review</title>
		<link>https://whatbooknext.com/new-you-for-ever-book-review/</link>
					<comments>https://whatbooknext.com/new-you-for-ever-book-review/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Adele Broadbent]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 04:29:46 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Middle Grade 8-12 years]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Action]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Betrayal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dystopian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Future]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Secret]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatbooknext.com/?p=33433</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>What is New You For Ever about? The year is 2070 and the New You Foundation has become successful giving humans the option of becoming a replica of themselves (A Pleeka), in a body that doesn&#8217;t eat, drink, sleep, injure itself or fall ill, allowing endless productivity and work hours, and no ageing. Another huge [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/new-you-for-ever-book-review/">New You For Ever Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>What is <em>New You For Ever</em> about?<img decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-33436" src="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:auto/h:auto/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/New-You-For-Ever.jpg" alt="New You For Ever Book Review Cover" width="360" height="549" srcset="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:360/h:549/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/New-You-For-Ever.jpg 360w, https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:197/h:300/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/New-You-For-Ever.jpg 197w" sizes="(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px" /></h2>
<p>The year is 2070 and the New You Foundation has become successful giving humans the option of becoming a replica of themselves (A Pleeka), in a body that doesn&#8217;t eat, drink, sleep, injure itself or fall ill, allowing endless productivity and work hours, and no ageing.</p>
<p>Another huge plus that helps sell this to the public is that there is much less draw on Earth&#8217;s resources if you choose to become a Pleeka.</p>
<p>But the New You Foundation isn&#8217;t telling the whole story.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Plot summary of <em>New You For Ever </em>(No Spoilers)</h2>
<p>Anders Jones and his dad have a popular good news program that is shown on several news shows across the UK. Called <em>And Finally&#8230;</em> it is a popular feature at the end of news that is usually bad. Leaving school at 14, (as most do in 2070) Anders began helping his dad Daniel with ideas and filming these good news slots.</p>
<p>They have seen how popular the Pleekas have become and are soon learning more about them as they work with the New You Foundation in showing all the positives of having your memories, and all brain activity copied into a body that can never age or die.</p>
<p>Anders becomes concerned about how often they are doing this, as his hero Tera Helstrom has been quite vocal about the negatives of the Pleekas for the individual and the planet.</p>
<p>When Anders sees some famous people who have become Pleekas malfunction, and then Tera begin to talk positively about the Pleekas, he becomes suspicious.</p>
<p>As Anders and his father become more involved with filming at the New You Foundation, they experience more and more behind the scenes problems with Pleekas. Not to mention the foundation are marketing becoming a Pleeka to younger and younger people.</p>
<p>Something isn&#8217;t right at the New You Foundation, and when Anders meets his hero Tera, the full truth is revealed.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Review</h2>
<p>Wow! What a concept. This novel has a clever premise which begins with:</p>
<blockquote><p><em>This story takes place in the year 2070. But it could happen sooner than you think.</em></p></blockquote>
<p>Deemed Dystopian-Cli-Fi fiction, the above statement rings true as you read it. With technology racing ahead every moment, could the reality of new synthetic bodies be possible? The exciting part of this novel is the truth and lies of the foundation making and marketing them, but the topic of the novel is a thought-provoking one.</p>
<p>Longer than many Dyslexic novels from Barrington Stoke at 123 pages, this is also full of intrigue, action and parallels to our own lives &#8211; making it even more engaging.</p>
<p>Gripping!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Book Style</h2>
<p>Produced particularly for Dyslexic Readers / Begins with main character talking directly to the reader about what happened to him, finishing the chapter with:</p>
<blockquote><p><em>Read on. I&#8217;ll fill you in. </em></p></blockquote>
<p>136 Pages</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>FAQ’s</h2>
<h3>What age is it for?</h3>
<p>Reading Age 8+ / Interest Age 11+</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Where &amp; When is it set?</h3>
<p>Set in a large city in the UK / The year is 2070</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?</h3>
<p>First person / Present tense</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Is there Violence?</h3>
<p>Yes</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What genre is <em>New You For Ever</em>?</h3>
<p>Middle Grade Dystopian-Cli-Fi / Thriller</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Themes</h3>
<p>Dystopian / Future / Climate Fiction / Action / Truth</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Is it part of a series?</h3>
<p>No</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em><strong>Find a link for a Reading Sample of </strong></em><strong>New You For Ever </strong><em><strong><a href="https://harpercollins.com.au/products/9780008801014" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>Find more books set in the Future <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/tag/future/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>Find more Dyslexic / Reluctant Reads <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/?s=dyslexic&amp;tcb_sf_post_type%5B%5D=post&amp;tcb_sf_post_type%5B%5D=page" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></strong></em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Author</h3>
<p>Steve Cole</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Illustrator</h3>
<p>Chris King</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Publisher</h3>
<p>Barrington Stoke/ Harper Collins</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>(2026, Harper Collins, Barrington Stoke, Dyslexic Read, Dyslexia, Reluctant Read, Future, 2070, Dystopian, Action, Truth and Lies, Big Corporation, UK, Cover-up, New bodies, News stories, Secret)</p>
<span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/new-you-for-ever-book-review/">New You For Ever Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
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		<title>Advice from a 12-year-old Nobody Book Review</title>
		<link>https://whatbooknext.com/advice-from-a-12-year-old-nobody-book-review/</link>
					<comments>https://whatbooknext.com/advice-from-a-12-year-old-nobody-book-review/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Adele Broadbent]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 02:49:08 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Middle Grade 8-12 years]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Friendship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Growing up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[School]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Secret]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatbooknext.com/?p=33428</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Vinny&#8217;s house is a bit of a warzone at the moment. It really shouldn&#8217;t be because his mum is a life coach and answers questions for a living. She spends her days building her brand and helping out strangers with their problems. But it seems to Vinny that she can&#8217;t see all the problems under [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/advice-from-a-12-year-old-nobody-book-review/">Advice from a 12-year-old Nobody Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Vinny&#8217;s house is a bit of a warzone at the moment. It really shouldn&#8217;t be because his mum is a life coach and answers questions for a living.<img decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-33431" src="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:auto/h:auto/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Advice-from-a-12-Year-Old-Nobody.jpg" alt="Advice from a 12 Year Old Nobody Book Review Cover" width="360" height="548" srcset="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:360/h:548/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Advice-from-a-12-Year-Old-Nobody.jpg 360w, https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:197/h:300/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Advice-from-a-12-Year-Old-Nobody.jpg 197w" sizes="(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px" /> She spends her days building her brand and helping out strangers with their problems. But it seems to Vinny that she can&#8217;t see all the problems under her own roof.</p>
<p>Vinny&#8217;s teenage sister is angry all of the time, and if she isn&#8217;t storming around the house or slamming doors, she&#8217;s talking loudly with her friends on her cellphone and then getting upset.</p>
<p>His dad is working longer and longer hours and lately doesn&#8217;t even come home.</p>
<p>Not sure how to help his family members, Vinny doesn&#8217;t want to make things even worse with his own problems. He has two very good friends who he hangs out with at school and plays D&amp;D on the weekends with. But even that&#8217;s changed lately after two girls join their tight group of three in a class project.</p>
<p>One night, while home alone, Vinny looks at his mum&#8217;s old blog and sees unanswered questions. Some seem far too complicated, but some seem perfectly simple to Vinny. The solution he gives to many is the solution he wants for himself &#8211; to be able to talk to somebody about his worries.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>This story has been published with dyslexic readers in mind, with special fonts, paper and presentation, but as with all Barrington Stoke novels, the topic is universal for all readers.</em></p>
<p><em>A home full of busy people who have become disjointed from each other due to work stress, influencer expectations, time restraints and teen dramas left to boil over, is a possible scenario for many families. Vinny is neurodivergent and when he doesn&#8217;t have his family or his friends to talk to, he is also left struggling on his own.</em></p>
<p><em>A thought provoking and credible read from a Costa Book Award shortlisted author.</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Author &#8211; Helen Rutter</p>
<p>Illustrator &#8211; Julia Christians</p>
<p>Dyslexic Read / Reading Age 8 / Interest Age 9+</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Find more reads for Reluctant Readers or Dyslexic Readers <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/?s=dyslexic&amp;tcb_sf_post_type%5B%5D=post&amp;tcb_sf_post_type%5B%5D=page" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>(2026, Barrington Stoke, Harper Collins, Dyslexic, Dyslexia, Reluctant Readers, Family, School, Friendships, Growing up, Real Life, Secret, D&amp;D, Dungeons &amp; Dragons, Friendship Dynamics, Problems, Questions, Someone to talk to, Solutions, Parental split)</p>
<span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/advice-from-a-12-year-old-nobody-book-review/">Advice from a 12-year-old Nobody Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
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		<title>Sadie Jones and the Ball Book Review</title>
		<link>https://whatbooknext.com/sadie-jones-and-the-ball-book-review/</link>
					<comments>https://whatbooknext.com/sadie-jones-and-the-ball-book-review/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Adele Broadbent]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 07:15:58 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Middle Grade 8-12 years]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Friendship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Historical]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humour]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatbooknext.com/?p=33407</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Sadie Jones would love to go to a ball, but can&#8217;t imagine it ever happening. When a special event is planned in the Palace where she is a kitchen maid, all the staff are full of chatter and gossip. But this ball is a little different from the usual. The Queen is tired of her [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/sadie-jones-and-the-ball-book-review/">Sadie Jones and the Ball Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Sadie Jones would love to go to a ball, but can&#8217;t imagine it ever happening. When a special event is planned in the Palace where she is a<img decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-33410" src="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:auto/h:auto/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Sadie-Jones-and-the-Ball.jpg" alt="Sadie Jones and the Ball Book Review Cover" width="360" height="549" srcset="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:360/h:549/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Sadie-Jones-and-the-Ball.jpg 360w, https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:197/h:300/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Sadie-Jones-and-the-Ball.jpg 197w" sizes="(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px" /> kitchen maid, all the staff are full of chatter and gossip.</p>
<p>But this ball is a little different from the usual. The Queen is tired of her son Prince Charming brushing off every lady that has come to meet him. His time is up &#8211; and this ball is the last chance for him to choose a bride himself. The Queen is quite ready to choose one for him!</p>
<p>The Palace staff join in to make a very different Royal ball indeed!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>We all know  the story of </em>Cinderella,<em> her pumpkin that turns into a coach, white mice into horses and rags that transform into a beautiful dress.</em></p>
<p><em>But do you know the real reason why she ran off into the night as the clock struck midnight?</em></p>
<p>Sadie Jones and the Ball<em> is a story for 7 year olds who love Prince and Princesses, castles, fun and a wee twist on a fairytale.</em></p>
<p><em>Dyslexic or reluctant readers especially, can enjoy this illustrated chapter book with a dyslexic friendly font, wide spacing, and dyslexic tinted paper.</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Author &#8211; Sally Nicholls</p>
<p>Illustrator &#8211; Ashley King</p>
<p>Dyslexic Read &#8211; Age 7+</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>(2026, Barrington Stoke, Harper Collins, Humour, Funny, Friendship, Fairytale Twist, Prince, Princess, Royal Ball, Cinderella)</p>
<span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/sadie-jones-and-the-ball-book-review/">Sadie Jones and the Ball Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
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		<title>Six Weeks Book Review</title>
		<link>https://whatbooknext.com/six-weeks-book-review/</link>
					<comments>https://whatbooknext.com/six-weeks-book-review/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Adele Broadbent]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:40:08 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Middle Grade 8-12 years]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blended Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Friendship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grief]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Growing up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Life]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatbooknext.com/?p=33362</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>What is Six Weeks about? 12 year old Alfie Piper is grieving the loss of his mum. He now lives with his dad and his wife Sophie and new baby sister Alice. He is trying to come to terms with the sudden loss of his mum, and the uncomfortable relationship he had with his stepdad. &#160; [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/six-weeks-book-review/">Six Weeks Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>What is <em>Six Weeks</em> about?<img decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-33363" src="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:auto/h:auto/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Six-Weeks.jpg" alt="Six Weeks Book Review Cover" width="360" height="555" srcset="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:360/h:555/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Six-Weeks.jpg 360w, https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:195/h:300/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Six-Weeks.jpg 195w" sizes="(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px" /></h2>
<p>12 year old Alfie Piper is grieving the loss of his mum. He now lives with his dad and his wife Sophie and new baby sister Alice. He is trying to come to terms with the sudden loss of his mum, and the uncomfortable relationship he had with his stepdad.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Plot summary of <em>Six Weeks </em>(No Spoilers)</h2>
<p>Alfie Piper introduces himself to the reader. He has something to tell us. He&#8217;s struggling to voice it, and warns us it&#8217;s bad. His mum died.</p>
<p>He tells us how quick it all seemed to happen, about the funeral and his aunt and grandmother&#8217;s pain. Alfie finally talks of <strong>him &#8211; </strong>his mum&#8217;s partner.</p>
<p>Even though Alfie has known <strong>him</strong> since he was three, they never connected properly, only sharing his mum. But now she&#8217;s gone and she asked Alfie to do something before she died.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s a year before Alfie sees <strong>him</strong> again. The Summer holidays have arrived, and even though Alfie&#8217;s school friends have drifted away, he has a good life with his Dad, Sophie and Alice.</p>
<p>Six weeks of school holidays stretch before him. Six weeks of riding his bike wherever it takes him, and maybe even thinking about his mum&#8217;s last request of him.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Review</h2>
<p>I thought my heart would break while reading <em>The Final Year</em>, but <em>Six Weeks</em> is even more powerful. Matt Goodfellow knows his characters &#8211; their hearts and their very souls. And this is how he breaks ours.</p>
<p>The beginning is masterfully done as a 12 year old boy introduces himself. He&#8217;s tentative, unsure and apologising for his revelation. Having his words in white text upon black pages is a masterful punch in the gut &#8211; where I gasped aloud. I hadn&#8217;t read the back blurb, just knowing I&#8217;d love another Matt Goodfellow novel regardless.</p>
<p>Alfie takes the reader on his painful passage from grief, loss, and confusion at his extended family&#8217;s behaviour, to more understanding of those around him and how it has affected his own life and relationships.</p>
<p>A slow healing, that he never thought possible; is aided by love, patience and time from close family, and honesty from others.</p>
<p>Wow. Simply beautiful storytelling of grief, complicated family relationships, and their fallout. But healing is possible, as loved ones share their truth.</p>
<p>Tissues definitely required.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Book Style</h2>
<p>293 Pages /Verse Novel</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>FAQ’s</h2>
<h3>What age is it for?</h3>
<p>10+</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Where &amp; When is it set?</h3>
<p>Summer Holidays, England. The present</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?</h3>
<p>1st person / present tense</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Is there Violence?</h3>
<p>No</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What genre is ?</h3>
<p>Middle Grade Real Life / Contemporary Fiction</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Themes</h3>
<p>Family/ Grief / Loss / Growing Up / Real Life</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Is it part of a series?</h3>
<p>No</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Find more books by Matt Goodfellow <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/?s=matt+goodfellow&amp;tcb_sf_post_type%5B%5D=post&amp;tcb_sf_post_type%5B%5D=page" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Author</h3>
<p>Matt Goodfellow</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Illustrator</h3>
<p>Joe Todd-Stanton</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Publisher</h3>
<p>Hachette Children&#8217;s Books</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>(2026, Hachette, Starboard, Wow, Grief, Loss, Family, Connections, Bike Riding, Walking, Sharing, Change, Growing Up, England, Manchester, Blended Family, New Baby Sister, Summer Holidays, Real Life, Heartbreaking, Tissues required, Love, Music)</p>
<span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/six-weeks-book-review/">Six Weeks Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
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		<title>Max Beast &#8211; Sharknado Warning Book Review</title>
		<link>https://whatbooknext.com/max-beast-sharknado-warning-book-review/</link>
					<comments>https://whatbooknext.com/max-beast-sharknado-warning-book-review/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Adele Broadbent]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:39:30 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Middle Grade 8-12 years]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Action]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adventure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Courage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crime]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Secret]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Series]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatbooknext.com/?p=33389</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>What is Max Beast &#8211; Sharknado Warning about? Max is on a trip with his parents to experience the world. On a chance scuba diving adventure together, Max meets a shark in the water. Instead of being eaten, the shark changes into a boy, and Max turns into a shark! Max must find his parents, and [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/max-beast-sharknado-warning-book-review/">Max Beast &#8211; Sharknado Warning Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>What is <em>Max Beast &#8211; Sharknado Warning </em>about?<img decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-33393" src="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:auto/h:auto/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Max-Beast-1.jpg" alt="Max Beast Sharknado Warning Book Review Cover" width="360" height="523" srcset="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:360/h:523/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Max-Beast-1.jpg 360w, https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:207/h:300/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Max-Beast-1.jpg 207w" sizes="(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px" /></h2>
<p>Max is on a trip with his parents to experience the world. On a chance scuba diving adventure together, Max meets a shark in the water. Instead of being eaten, the shark changes into a boy, and Max turns into a shark!</p>
<p>Max must find his parents, and defend a ship wreck &#8211; as a shark, before he can learn how to turn back into a boy.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Plot summary of <em>Max Beast &#8211; Sharknado Warning</em> (No Spoilers)</h2>
<p>Max is aboard a boat, waiting for his parents to enjoy their scuba dive together. Somehow he knew that getting in the water that day would be a bad idea. He soon finds himself facing a great white shark &#8211; IN the water!</p>
<p>But the shark is acting strangely, and Max notices a weird symbol on its belly. Before his eyes the shark turns into a boy he&#8217;d seen earlier that day &#8211; then Max himself begins to morph into a great white shark.</p>
<p>But he isn&#8217;t the biggest of fiercest predator in the water, and must flee for his life. He soon discovers a shipwreck and thieves inside. This too becomes very dangerous, and again he must flee.</p>
<p>What&#8217;s happened to him, and will he ever return to his own body?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Review</h2>
<p>The first book in an exciting new, tension filled, action adventure series, <em>Max Beast &#8211; Sharknado Warning</em> is a gripping read.</p>
<p>Fast paced, with a likeable hero, large clear fonts, and thrilling illustrations, the underwater danger is real for more than just Max. Giant squid, spearguns and a shark are in the turmoil, along with greedy villains and a killer whale keen for a snack!</p>
<p>Max must make life or death decisions for his family, all while his mind whirls on his transformation. The shapeshifting mystery continues into the next book.</p>
<p>This series is sure to be gobbled up by young readers.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Book Style</h2>
<p>106 Pages / Ten Chapters &#8211; With a sneak peek of the next adventure <em>Max Beast &#8211; Tiger Terror</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>FAQ’s</h2>
<h3>What age is it for?</h3>
<p>8+</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Where &amp; When is it set?</h3>
<p>Open ocean under boats used for Scuba Diving / Present</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?</h3>
<p>Third Person / Past Tense</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Is there Violence?</h3>
<p>Yes &#8211; Underwater between animals, people and then between the two</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What genre is <em>Max Beast &#8211; Sharknado Warning</em>?</h3>
<p>Middle Grade Fantasy Action</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Themes</h3>
<p>Action / Courage / Fantasy / Adventure / Series</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Is it part of a series?</h3>
<p>Yes</p>
<ol>
<li>Sharknado Warning (2026)</li>
<li>Tiger Terror (2026)</li>
<li>Raptor Alert (2027)</li>
<li>?</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Author</h3>
<p>Maddy Mara</p>
<h3></h3>
<h3>Publisher</h3>
<p>Scholastic</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>If you liked <em>Max Beast</em>, you might like these series:</h3>
<p><a href="https://whatbooknext.com/kung-foo-roo-book-review/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kung Fu Roo</a></p>
<p><a href="https://whatbooknext.com/?s=pipi+and+pou&amp;tcb_sf_post_type%5B%5D=post&amp;tcb_sf_post_type%5B%5D=page" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pipi &amp; Pou</a></p>
<p><a href="https://whatbooknext.com/mission-microraptor-book-review/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mission Microraptor</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>(2026, Scholastic, Series, Courage, Action, Adventure, Animals, Crime, Secret, Underwater, Scuba Diving, Shark, Shapeshifter, Thieves, Danger, Tension)</p>
<span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/max-beast-sharknado-warning-book-review/">Max Beast &#8211; Sharknado Warning Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
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		<title>The Girl and the Ghost</title>
		<link>https://whatbooknext.com/the-girl-and-the-ghost-book-review/</link>
					<comments>https://whatbooknext.com/the-girl-and-the-ghost-book-review/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Adele Broadbent]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:34:20 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Middle Grade 8-12 years]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adventure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crime]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Friendship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ghost]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Growing up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mystery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Romance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Secret]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Series]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatbooknext.com/?p=28508</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Josephine Eloise Thomas (Jet) and her family have moved to France to renovate an old chateau and look for any information they can find about Jet&#8217;s mum. Jet doesn&#8217;t remember her, but her dad and step-mum are keen to help her discover more in the small French town her mum grew up in. It&#8217;s all [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/the-girl-and-the-ghost-book-review/">The Girl and the Ghost</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Josephine Eloise Thomas (Jet) and her family have moved to France to renovate an old chateau and look for any information they can find about Jet&#8217;s mum.<img decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-28509 alignright" src="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:auto/h:auto/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Girl-and-the-Ghost.jpg" alt="The Girl and the Ghost Book Review Cover" width="360" height="552" srcset="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:360/h:552/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Girl-and-the-Ghost.jpg 360w, https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:196/h:300/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Girl-and-the-Ghost.jpg 196w" sizes="(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px" /> Jet doesn&#8217;t remember her, but her dad and step-mum are keen to help her discover more in the small French town her mum grew up in.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s all an exciting adventure, and during the few weeks left before she begins her new school, Jet is kept busy helping her family, getting to know the area around them, and jotting down ideas for her stories. All the while she is emailing and messaging her best friend from forever, who now lives in Singapore. She loves sharing all her excitement about her new home, but keeps one secret to herself.</p>
<p>Jet has discovered, talked to, argued with and worried about&#8230; a ghost. To make things even more complicated, she has also met the most gorgeous boy she&#8217;s ever seen, which makes the ghost jealous!</p>
<p>She&#8217;s dying to share it all, but who would believe her? Things go from intriguing to infuriating to positively dangerous, when she ventures next door to an abandoned chateau. First it is with her ghost friend, and then with the gorgeous French boy. But it is once too often, and suddenly both their lives are in danger!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Such a captivating story! A run down chateau. A ghost hidden deep in a wardrobe. A gorgeous boy from the local bakery, and something not quite right happening right next door. </em>The Girl and the Ghost<em> has just the right amount of everything to kick off a brand new series for readers of 9+</em></p>
<p><em>There is a mystery, a secret to keep, emails back &amp; forth from a close friend and possible disasters within their new home. A first crush gives just the right amount of stomach swirls, and then terrible danger all but swallows up the main characters.</em></p>
<p><em>I&#8217;m definitely keen to grab the next in the series.</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Author &#8211; Jacqueline Harvey</p>
<p>Age &#8211; 10+</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Read an Extract <a href="https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-girl-and-the-ghost-9781761349409/extracts/3203-the-girl-and-the-ghost" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Find Teacher&#8217;s Notes <a href="https://cdn2.penguin.com.au/content/resources/gg-teachers-resources-final.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>Find the next book in the series <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/the-girl-and-the-ghost-2-family-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>(2025, Penguin Books Australia, Adventure, Animals, Crime, Family, Friendship, Ghost, Growing up, Mystery, Secret, Series, France, Chateau, Rebuild, Renovations, Refurbishment, Dog, Marie Antionette, Royal, Art, First Crush, Young Romance)</p>
<span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/the-girl-and-the-ghost-book-review/">The Girl and the Ghost</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
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		<title>The Girl and the Ghost (2) Family Secrets</title>
		<link>https://whatbooknext.com/the-girl-and-the-ghost-2-family-secrets/</link>
					<comments>https://whatbooknext.com/the-girl-and-the-ghost-2-family-secrets/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Adele Broadbent]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:33:44 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Middle Grade 8-12 years]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crime]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Friendship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ghost]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mystery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Romance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Series]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatbooknext.com/?p=30072</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Josephine and Gabriel are the talk of their little town and all of France. Defeating art thieves and enabling the return of priceless artworks thought to be lost forever has them in the spotlight and the villains in jail. Appearing on TV and being the toast of the art world, they are also surprised to [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/the-girl-and-the-ghost-2-family-secrets/">The Girl and the Ghost (2) Family Secrets</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Josephine and Gabriel are the talk of their little town and all of France. Defeating art thieves and enabling the return of priceless artworks<img decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-30074" src="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:auto/h:auto/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Girl-and-the-Ghost-2.jpg" alt="The Girl and the Ghost (2) Family Secrets Book Review Cover" width="360" height="553" srcset="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:360/h:553/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Girl-and-the-Ghost-2.jpg 360w, https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:195/h:300/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Girl-and-the-Ghost-2.jpg 195w" sizes="(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px" /> thought to be lost forever has them in the spotlight and the villains in jail. Appearing on TV and being the toast of the art world, they are also surprised to receive a reward that will change their lives forever.</p>
<p>Life quickly returns to normal with Josephine looking forward to her best friend coming to stay, her crush deepening with local boy Gabriel, and her friendship with Louis the ghost of French royalty stronger every day.</p>
<p>Louis is a little jealous of Gabriel. Josephine loves spending time with them both, but Gabriel is finding Josephine&#8217;s behaviour more strange every day, and she considers telling him about the ghost that follows them everywhere. Will he think she&#8217;s mad?</p>
<p>The reward money has helped speed up the renovations of their chateau, just in time for Josephine&#8217;s bestie, Hattie to arrive, and they are all soon enjoying the countryside of the town. A discovery of possible huge national significance has them excited, along with more clues about Josephine&#8217;s mother surfacing.</p>
<p>All the while, Josephine feels as if she is being followed. The police assure her family that the art thieves are in jail, but news of the leader&#8217;s escape has Josephine jumpy. Is she being paranoid?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Another great episode in this thrilling series. It is perfect for tween readers looking for a little romance mixed in with a ghost, a mystery and the beautiful country of France.</em></p>
<p><em>Historical fact is effortlessly threaded through the story and more about it is in the back of the book. Josephine&#8217;s worries about being followed builds the tension deliciously, as the key villain in the first book escapes from custody.</em></p>
<p><em>Clues to her mother&#8217;s life in the area begin to emerge with equally heartbreaking and wonderful results.</em></p>
<p><em>Definitely looking forward to reading more of </em>The Girl and the Ghost <em>series.</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Author &#8211; Jacqueline Harvey</p>
<p>Illustrator &#8211; A Yi</p>
<p>Age &#8211; 10+</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Find the first in the series <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/the-girl-and-the-ghost-book-review/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Publisher – Penguin Books Aust</p>
<p>Set – France (present)</p>
<p>Viewpoint – 3rd person</p>
<p>Violence &#8211; No</p>
<p>Real Life – Yes</p>
<p>Fantasy – Yes &#8211; Ghost</p>
<p>Blend – Real Life fiction / Ghost / Historical Fact/ Mystery</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>(2025, Family, Humour, Ghost, Crime, Friendship, Romance, Ghost, Mystery, Crush, France, French Chateau, Refurbishing, Building, Prize, Paranoia, Belief in ghosts, Series)</p>
<span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/the-girl-and-the-ghost-2-family-secrets/">The Girl and the Ghost (2) Family Secrets</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
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		<title>The Girl and the Ghost (3) Grand Opening Book Review</title>
		<link>https://whatbooknext.com/the-girl-and-the-ghost-grand-opening-book-review/</link>
					<comments>https://whatbooknext.com/the-girl-and-the-ghost-grand-opening-book-review/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Adele Broadbent]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:32:46 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Middle Grade 8-12 years]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Friendship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ghost]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mystery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Romance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Series]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatbooknext.com/?p=33340</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>What is The Girl and the Ghost (3) Grand Opening about? Josephine (Jet for short) is helping her family refurbish a French Chateau. The Grand Opening is approaching, and things begin to go wrong. Her locket that holds her ghost friend Louis the seventeenth of French Royalty has been noticed by a jeweller, which causes [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/the-girl-and-the-ghost-grand-opening-book-review/">The Girl and the Ghost (3) Grand Opening Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2><img decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-33344" src="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:auto/h:auto/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/The-Girl-and-the-Ghost-3-e1782193309557.jpg" alt="The Girl and the Ghost Grand Opening Book Review Cover" width="360" height="554" />What is <em>The Girl and the Ghost (3) Grand Opening</em> about?</h2>
<p>Josephine (Jet for short) is helping her family refurbish a French Chateau. The Grand Opening is approaching, and things begin to go wrong. Her locket that holds her ghost friend Louis the seventeenth of French Royalty has been noticed by a jeweller, which causes even more problems. What&#8217;s even worse is that her French boy-crush Gabriel is spending a lot of time with a pretty new girl at school.</p>
<p>Has Gabriel forgotten her? Will the chateau fail before it begins? Could it have anything to do with the escaped villain Anastasia?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Plot summary of <em>The Girl and the Ghost (3) Grand Opening </em>(No Spoilers)</h2>
<p>The Grand Opening of the chateau Jet&#8217;s family have been refurbishing is fast approaching. It has been sped up with money Jet received after helping foil a neighbour and sophisticated art thief named Anastasia. Many treasured pieces of art were saved, but the villain herself escaped capture.</p>
<p>New neighbours moved in after Anastasia went on the run, but Jet finds them a little strange too. When they bring her a kitten as a gift, she is surprised and enchanted by the small bundle of stripes she soon calls Tiger.</p>
<p>With her step mum&#8217;s 40th also approaching, Jet visits a jeweller with her dad to help choose a ring. When the jeweller sees her locket he is intrigued. Jet is upset about leaving it with the jeweller for an appraisal, but of course cannot tell her father that her ghost friend Louis XVII lives in it!</p>
<p>When news of the locket hits the papers, Jet worries for its safety. The jeweller believes it could have been purchased many years before by French royalty in the very same store. All she wants is to have it back safely around her neck, but things keep getting in the way.</p>
<p>The same is happening at the chateau. The birthday celebrations don&#8217;t quite go to plan and the preparation for the Grand Opening is troubled by a continuous barrage of problems. Credit cards go missing. A load of rocks are delivered on the driveway and the wrong size beds are delivered. More and more problems arise, until Jet believes it can&#8217;t be a coincidence.</p>
<p>All the while, Jet is worried that her wonderful summer with gorgeous Gabriel is never to be repeated, as another girl takes up all of his time.</p>
<p>Who is responsible for the problems at the chateau? Will they open, only to receive terrible reviews? Will Gabriel ever kiss her again?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Review</h2>
<p>More mystery is served at Jet&#8217;s new chateau home. Add a stripy new kitten, a beautiful classmate, and disaster after disaster as the grand opening approaches and tension is rife. When both her parents are physically injured and arson is added too, Jet is really beginning to worry.</p>
<p>The constant knowledge that Anastasia is still out there, and with her final threat still fresh in Jet&#8217;s memory, no one knows what is going to happen next. Red herrings swim everywhere, leaving me wondering who is causing the problems? The new housekeeper, the gardener or the tradies working on the property?</p>
<p>Another great episode of this series with just the right mix of romance, growing up, mystery and the through line of malice from the threat of Anastasia still out there&#8230;.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Book Style</h2>
<p>368 Pages /  38 Chapters / Epilogue</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>FAQ’s</h2>
<h3>What age is it for?</h3>
<p>11+</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Where &amp; When is it set?</h3>
<p>In a chateau in South western France / Present</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?</h3>
<p>Third Person / Past Tense</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Is there Violence?</h3>
<p>No</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What genre is <em>The Girl and the Ghost (3) Grand Opening</em>?</h3>
<p>Middle Grade Mystery</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Themes</h3>
<p>Real Life / Ghosts / Romance / Friendship / Mystery / History</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Is it part of a series?</h3>
<p>Yes &#8211; The Girl and the Ghost Series</p>
<ol>
<li>The Girl and the Ghost</li>
<li>Family Secrets</li>
<li>Grand Opening</li>
<li>?</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Author</h3>
<p>Jacqueline Harvey</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Illustrator</h3>
<p>A Yi</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Publisher</h3>
<p>Penguin Books Australia</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Find the previous books in the series <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/?s=the+girl+and+the+ghost&amp;tcb_sf_post_type%5B%5D=post&amp;tcb_sf_post_type%5B%5D=page" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>(2026, Penguin Books Australia, Series, France, Family, Humour, Ghost, Crime, Friendship, Romance, Ghost, Mystery, Crush, France, French Chateau, Refurbishing, Building, Prize, Jealousy, Belief in ghosts, Grand opening, Hotel, Locket, Secrets)</p>
<span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/the-girl-and-the-ghost-grand-opening-book-review/">The Girl and the Ghost (3) Grand Opening Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>The Rebound Book Review</title>
		<link>https://whatbooknext.com/the-rebound-book-review/</link>
					<comments>https://whatbooknext.com/the-rebound-book-review/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Adele Broadbent]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:32:23 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Middle Grade 8-12 years]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bullies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Friendship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grief]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Life]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatbooknext.com/?p=33382</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>What is The Rebound about? A 14 year old boy aiming to play for the NBL one day, loses his father in an accident. His dad was everything to him. Not only his coach, but all things basketball. The tryouts he&#8217;d been training so hard with his dad for, come and go as he grieves. [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/the-rebound-book-review/">The Rebound Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>What is <em>The Rebound</em> about?<img decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-33385" src="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:auto/h:auto/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/The-Rebound-e1782806160727.jpg" alt="The Rebound Book Review Cover" width="360" height="557" /></h2>
<p>A 14 year old boy aiming to play for the NBL one day, loses his father in an accident. His dad was everything to him. Not only his coach, but <em>all</em> things basketball.</p>
<p>The tryouts he&#8217;d been training so hard with his dad for, come and go as he grieves. Instead of playing for the top school team he saw as the first step to his dream, he ends up in a training squad &#8211; deemed the worst in the school.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Plot summary of <em>The Rebound</em> (No Spoilers)</h2>
<p>Harry and his dad love watching basketball together, training together and sharing everything about the sport. Their goal is to get Harry ready for his high school tryouts for the top team &#8211; the 1st step to his dream of playing for the NBA.</p>
<p>Being called to the school office one day is the first inkling that something is wrong, and Harry learns that his dad has died in a car accident.</p>
<p>Reeling from loss, the funeral and his world pulled out from under him, Harry pushes everything aside &#8211; even the tryouts. He&#8217;s not ready to face everyone. When he finally is, it&#8217;s too late.</p>
<p>His best mate Jamal has made the top team without him, and is soon caught up in a relentless training schedule with others from school. Harry feels the gap between him and Jamal growing wider, and himself feeling angrier.</p>
<p>He takes this anger with him into a new team &#8211; the bottom training team in the school, with a coach he doesn&#8217;t believe knows what he&#8217;s doing. He decides he&#8217;s in the team for one reason &#8211; to keep fit for next year&#8217;s tryouts. But with a councillor, a new friend who knows what he&#8217;s going through, his mum, aunt and even the new coach, Harry finds a different path.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Review</h2>
<p>If you didn&#8217;t like Basketball before, I challenge you to not enjoy it &#8211; at least as long as you are reading this book!</p>
<p><em>The Rebound</em> is so full of heart, from the first page to the last, in so many ways. The relationship between the main character Harry and his father with basketball begins the story, with dreams to soar for. When it seems that all is lost, <em>my</em> heart went out for Harry in his confusion and grief.</p>
<p>His plans (made with his dad), are suddenly awry and his behaviour is so authentic, albeit terrible. But he finds his way through and winning has a whole new aspect to it. The heart he finds within his team builds slowly but surely and will fill your own as they conquer one obstacle after another.</p>
<p>The basketball component is high, and although also about loss, this is ultimately a feel-good story.</p>
<p>A great read for <em>any</em> sports fan.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Book Style</h2>
<p>274 Pages / Thirty Seven Chapters with dates from Sat 29/3/25 to Thurs 25/12/25</p>
<p>Three sections &#8211; Off Season / In Season / Off Season</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>FAQ’s</h2>
<h3>What age is it for?</h3>
<p>10+</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Where &amp; When is it set?</h3>
<p>A fictional Australian town / 2025</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?</h3>
<p>First Person / Present Tense</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Is there Violence?</h3>
<p>No</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What genre is <em>The Rebound</em>?</h3>
<p>Middle Grade Contemporary Fiction</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Themes</h3>
<p>Family / Loss / Sport / Basketball / Friendship / Teamwork / Real Life</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Is it part of a series?</h3>
<p>No</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Author</h3>
<p>Fiona Harris</p>
<h3></h3>
<h3>Publisher</h3>
<p>Allen &amp; Unwin</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>If you liked <em>The Rebound</em>, you might like this:</h3>
<p><a href="https://whatbooknext.com/the-crossover-book-review/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Crossover</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>(2026, Allen &amp; Unwin, Australia, Real Life, Friendship, School, Family, Grief, Love, Sport, Basketball, Coaching, Bullies, NBA, Life Goal, High School Basketball)</p>
<span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/the-rebound-book-review/">The Rebound Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
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		<title>Monsieur Mustard &#8211; The Disappearance of Fabio Fangtooth Book Review</title>
		<link>https://whatbooknext.com/monsieur-mustard-the-disappearance-of-fabio-fangtooth-book-review/</link>
					<comments>https://whatbooknext.com/monsieur-mustard-the-disappearance-of-fabio-fangtooth-book-review/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Adele Broadbent]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:30:50 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Middle Grade 8-12 years]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Readers 5-7 years]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Action]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Courage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crime]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mystery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Series]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatbooknext.com/?p=33297</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Monsieur Mustard has moved from Paris to live in the buttery coloured city of Bath in England. He is not quite the smallest detective alive, but he is definitely the most famous, dapper and clever detective. Bath is very lucky to have him on hand to call when a resident goes missing! A renowned restaurant [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/monsieur-mustard-the-disappearance-of-fabio-fangtooth-book-review/">Monsieur Mustard &#8211; The Disappearance of Fabio Fangtooth Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Monsieur Mustard has moved from Paris to live in the buttery coloured city of Bath in England. He is not quite the smallest detective alive,<img decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-33299" src="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:auto/h:auto/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Monsieur-Mustard-1.jpeg" alt="Monsieur Mustard 1 Book Review Cover" width="349" height="534" srcset="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:349/h:534/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Monsieur-Mustard-1.jpeg 349w, https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:196/h:300/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Monsieur-Mustard-1.jpeg 196w" sizes="(max-width: 349px) 100vw, 349px" /> but he is definitely the most famous, dapper and clever detective. Bath is very lucky to have him on hand to call when a resident goes missing!</p>
<p>A renowned restaurant owner named Fabio Fangtooth has vanished from his restaurant. The police are soon on hand, but they don&#8217;t know where to start. Never fear, Monsieur Mustard is here!</p>
<p>He soon gets to work, following the clues, with the help of a creature who is not quite sure what kind of rodent he is, but knows he wants to be Monsieur Mustard&#8217;s assistant. Monsieur puts up with him, even though he always works alone. It&#8217;s not long before the famous detective is flying across Bath with the police, only to discover another Bath resident missing! What is going on in his new city?</p>
<p>Alas, the dastardly deeds aren&#8217;t over, when yet another goes missing. Can Monsieur Mustard crack he case, or are his detective days done?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>This mouse mystery is funny, clever and richly illustrated throughout this junior chapter novel. There are illustrations on every page and sections of graphic novel which move the story on quickly.</em></p>
<p><em>The story is hilarious, with pigeon police, plenty of mishaps, and villains to track down. Toilet humour is rife with a detective&#8217;s assistant with a nervous disposition and a resulting bottom burp problem. It is both terrible and helpful in equal measure as a tiny fabulously dressed mouse works on a mystery.</em></p>
<p><em>This is a new series for emerging readers, and is sure to become a firm funny favourite.</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Author / Illustrator &#8211; Charley Rabbit</p>
<p>Age &#8211; 7+</p>
<p>Publisher &#8211; Andersen Press</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Learn a little about the Author / Illustrator <a href="https://www.andersenpress.co.uk/contributors/charley-rabbit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>See Inside <a href="https://www.readingzone.com/media/t1ppatv1/monsieurmustard_fabiofangtooth_extract.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>If you liked this, you might like <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/?s=murray+and+Bun&amp;tcb_sf_post_type%5B%5D=post&amp;tcb_sf_post_type%5B%5D=page" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this</a></strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>(2026, Action, Animals, Courage, Humour, Crime, Funny, Bath England, Mystery, Clue, Magic Show, Mouse, Cat, Rodents, French Detective, Famous, Pigeon Police, Investigation, Missing Animals, Snake, Crocodile, Baboon, Sleuth, Series)</p>
<span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/monsieur-mustard-the-disappearance-of-fabio-fangtooth-book-review/">Monsieur Mustard &#8211; The Disappearance of Fabio Fangtooth Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
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		<title>Hari Kumar (1) Ultimate Superstar Book Review</title>
		<link>https://whatbooknext.com/hari-kumar-ultimate-superstar-book-review/</link>
					<comments>https://whatbooknext.com/hari-kumar-ultimate-superstar-book-review/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Adele Broadbent]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:30:14 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Middle Grade 8-12 years]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Friendship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[School]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Series]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatbooknext.com/?p=33347</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>What is Hari Kumar Ultimate Superstar about? 10 year old Hari Kumar (75% Indian &#38; 25% French) wants desperately to be a Bollywood Actor. Ultimate Superstar is a funny doodle-full diary novel, taking readers on his journey to get closer to his dream. &#160; Plot summary of Hari Kumar Ultimate Superstar (No Spoilers) Hari Kumar wants [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/hari-kumar-ultimate-superstar-book-review/">Hari Kumar (1) Ultimate Superstar Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>What is <em>Hari Kumar Ultimate Superstar</em> about?<img decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-33350" src="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:auto/h:auto/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Hari-Kumar-1.jpg" alt="Hari Kumar (1) Book Review Cover" width="360" height="553" srcset="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:360/h:553/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Hari-Kumar-1.jpg 360w, https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:195/h:300/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Hari-Kumar-1.jpg 195w" sizes="(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px" /></h2>
<p>10 year old Hari Kumar (75% Indian &amp; 25% French) wants desperately to be a Bollywood Actor. <em>Ultimate Superstar</em> is a funny doodle-full diary novel, taking readers on his journey to get closer to his dream.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Plot summary of <em> Hari Kumar Ultimate Superstar </em>(No Spoilers)</h2>
<p>Hari Kumar wants to be famous like other kids at his school. But Hari wants to be even more famous &#8211; he wants to be a Bollywood movie star!</p>
<p>He tries his connections to Bollywood (his grandparents live in Mumbai), but it&#8217;s a no go. He&#8217;s tried (42 times) asking his parents if he can switch to acting school. They said NO! (42 times). His mates Lily and Raheem are keen to help him and Hari <em>does</em> have his super power.</p>
<p>Just like his mum, his superpower of Autism and ADHD really help him become super focussed. His Nani&#8217;s advice on manifesting something you want helps too.</p>
<p>If only his aunties weren&#8217;t so intense, and his nemesis at school wasn&#8217;t so mean? It doesn&#8217;t help when a new kid joins Hari&#8217;s enemy at getting in the way of his acting success.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Review</h2>
<p>Anyone who loves Louie Stowell&#8217;s<em> <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/loki-a-bad-gods-guide-to-being-good-book-review/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Loki</a></em> series, or Ross Welford&#8217;s <em><a href="https://whatbooknext.com/?s=prince+kal+alien&amp;tcb_sf_post_type%5B%5D=post&amp;tcb_sf_post_type%5B%5D=page" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prince Kal</a></em> series, is sure to enjoy <em>Hari Kumar</em> and his antics.</p>
<p>This diary doodle format novel is clever, funny and very relatable to any readers 8+. Set in Hari&#8217;s home or school, readers will see themselves, or learn a little about his Hindi family, food and customs. I certainly did!</p>
<p>His autism and ADHD are key factors in the book, and more understanding of classmates like Hari is possible after meeting him in this first book in the series.</p>
<p>Almost every page has an illustration, doodle or list, adding even more humour as Hari shares his quest to become an actor. Most don&#8217;t go to plan. Some do however, all inadvertently woven into a &#8216;story mountain&#8217; format Hari is learning at school.</p>
<p>A funny, relatable character in an enjoyable journal read.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Book Style</h2>
<p>230 Pages /  This novel is written in a Journal style of approx 6 weeks, skipping a few days in between. The book begins with introductions of Hari, his friends and family and why he writing a journal. It is packed with funny drawings, notes, and speech bubbles. There are also small boxes of text explaining things (especially for his parents who shouldn&#8217;t be reading his journal!)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>FAQ’s</h2>
<h3>What age is it for?</h3>
<p>8+</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Where &amp; When is it set?</h3>
<p>In England outside London</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?</h3>
<p>Third Person / Past Tense</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What genre is <em>Hari Kumar Ultimate Superstar</em>?</h3>
<p>Middle Grade Humour / Diary</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Themes</h3>
<p>Real Life / Diary / Friendship / School / Humour / Series</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Is it part of a series?</h3>
<p>Yes &#8211; Hari Kumar Series</p>
<ol>
<li>Hari Kumar &#8211; Ultimate Superstar (2026)</li>
<li>Hari Kumar &#8211; Going for Gold (Aug 2026)</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Author</h3>
<p>Rashmi Sirdeshpande</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Illustrator</h3>
<p>Mamta Singh</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Publisher</h3>
<p>Harper Collins</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Find more diary format books <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/?s=diary+format&amp;tcb_sf_post_type%5B%5D=post&amp;tcb_sf_post_type%5B%5D=page" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></h3>
<h3>Find more funny tween reads <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/?s=funny+middle+grade&amp;tcb_sf_post_type%5B%5D=post&amp;tcb_sf_post_type%5B%5D=page" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>(2026, Series, Journal, Diary, School, Funny, Humour, Doodles, Journal, Film Competition, Bollywood Actor, ADHD, Autism, Music, Real Life)</p>
<span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/hari-kumar-ultimate-superstar-book-review/">Hari Kumar (1) Ultimate Superstar Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
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		<title>Frances Bloom (2) Dangerous Days Book Review</title>
		<link>https://whatbooknext.com/frances-bloom-2-dangerous-days-book-review/</link>
					<comments>https://whatbooknext.com/frances-bloom-2-dangerous-days-book-review/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Adele Broadbent]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:24:07 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Middle Grade 8-12 years]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Readers 5-7 years]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blended Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[School]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Series]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatbooknext.com/?p=33366</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>What is Frances Bloom (2) Dangerous Days about? Frances Bloom must find a new Year 3 teacher for her class! Ms Thistle has been sent to Harsh Island and the Home for Unwanted Teachers and Cats. The School Principal Paulo is frightened of children, and the Year 2 are positively feral! It&#8217;s Frances Bloom to [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/frances-bloom-2-dangerous-days-book-review/">Frances Bloom (2) Dangerous Days Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>What is <em>Frances Bloom (2) Dangerous Days</em> about?<img decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-33367" src="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:auto/h:auto/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Frances-Bloom-2.jpg" alt="Frances Bloom (2) Book Review Cover" width="360" height="557" srcset="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:360/h:557/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Frances-Bloom-2.jpg 360w, https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:194/h:300/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Frances-Bloom-2.jpg 194w" sizes="(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px" /></h2>
<p>Frances Bloom must find a new Year 3 teacher for her class! Ms Thistle has been sent to Harsh Island and the Home for Unwanted Teachers and Cats. The School Principal Paulo is frightened of children, and the Year 2 are positively feral!</p>
<p>It&#8217;s Frances Bloom to the rescue!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Plot summary of <em>Frances Bloom (2) Dangerous Days </em>(No Spoilers)</h2>
<p>With Ms Thistle gone, and her new carers in place, Frances Bloom thought everything would be fine. But her class needs a new teacher. Frances finds Roger Rowboat who spends their mornings on class beach adventures and piratey antics, and Mario Mecurio who teaches them music and songs all afternoon.</p>
<p>All is going well until strange cats and a purple haired person begin lurking around the town. Who could it be? Grandma Maude doesn&#8217;t seem bothered and Grandpa Harold just goes with the flow as always. But suddenly they are gone in the night! Have they been kidnapped?</p>
<p>Who could have taken them? Suddenly Frances is up against her arch rival, and they are both being threatened to be sent away to the Home for Unwanted Teachers and Cats, or the Bleak Island Home for Unwanted Children and Dogs. Who will it be?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Review</h2>
<p>Diving back into another Frances Bloom lark is a treat! Her completely bonkers life with a honey bear for a grandmother and a garden gnome for a grandfather sounds too ridiculous to be true, but Katrina Nannestad&#8217;s brilliance makes it work.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s funny, a teensy bit scary this time, and lots of mysterious. There&#8217;s lots more zany characters to meet and tons more fun to be had. Wouldn&#8217;t you like a pirate or a musician for a teacher where you just play, sing and dance all day?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Book Style</h2>
<p>132 Pages / 16 Chapters with titles</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>FAQ’s</h2>
<h3>What age is it for?</h3>
<p>6+</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Where is it set?</h3>
<p>A fictional seaside town</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?</h3>
<p>1st person / present tense</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What genre is ?</h3>
<p>Junior Novel Humour</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Themes</h3>
<p>Humour/ Animals / School / Fantasy</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Is it part of a series?</h3>
<p>Yes &#8211; The Frances Bloom Series</p>
<ol>
<li>Frances Bloom</li>
<li>Dangerous Days</li>
<li>?</li>
</ol>
<h3></h3>
<h3>Author</h3>
<p>Katrina Nannestad</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Illustrator</h3>
<p>Marina Zlatanova</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Publisher</h3>
<p>Harper Collins Publishers</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Find the 1st Frances Bloom caper <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/frances-bloom-book-review/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>Find more Zany Tales <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/?s=zany&amp;tcb_sf_post_type%5B%5D=post&amp;tcb_sf_post_type%5B%5D=page" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>2026, Harper Collins, Family, School, Funny, Humour, Chaos, Bonkers, Animals, New Teachers, Pirate, Musician, No Parents, Cheeky, Gnome, Bear, Grandparents, Secret, Series, Fantasy, Blended Family)</p>
<span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/frances-bloom-2-dangerous-days-book-review/">Frances Bloom (2) Dangerous Days Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
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		<title>R.I.P Nanny Tobbins Book Review</title>
		<link>https://whatbooknext.com/r-i-p-nanny-tobbins-book-review/</link>
					<comments>https://whatbooknext.com/r-i-p-nanny-tobbins-book-review/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Adele Broadbent]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:23:39 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Middle Grade 8-12 years]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Friendship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ghost]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Historical]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Series]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatbooknext.com/?p=33103</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>What is R.I.P Nanny Tobbins about? Nine year old Albertine&#8217;s Nanny has died. Albertine knows she will miss her, not knowing that Nanny Tobbins has no plans on leaving her. Much to Albertine&#8217;s confusion, her beloved Nanny appears every midnight, insisting on continuing her lessons. Along with a new stepmother who has no idea how to [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/r-i-p-nanny-tobbins-book-review/">R.I.P Nanny Tobbins Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>What is <em>R.I.P Nanny Tobbins</em> about?<img decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-33104" src="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:auto/h:auto/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RIP-Nanny-Tobbins.jpg" alt="RIP Nanny Tobbins Book Review Cover" width="360" height="557" srcset="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:360/h:557/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RIP-Nanny-Tobbins.jpg 360w, https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:194/h:300/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RIP-Nanny-Tobbins.jpg 194w" sizes="(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px" /></h2>
<p>Nine year old Albertine&#8217;s Nanny has died. Albertine knows she will miss her, not knowing that Nanny Tobbins has no plans on leaving her. Much to Albertine&#8217;s confusion, her beloved Nanny appears every midnight, insisting on continuing her lessons.</p>
<p>Along with a new stepmother who has no idea how to behave around children, Albertine isn&#8217;t sure what to do. Her father doesn&#8217;t believe her about a visiting ghost, believing all the trouble caused at night is Albertine&#8217;s way of misbehaving with all the changes in her life.</p>
<p>Albertine must figure out a way to convince Nanny Tobbins she is dead, before she gets into more serious trouble with her Pappa.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Plot summary of <em>R.I.P Nanny Tobbins</em> (No Spoilers)</h2>
<p>When Albertine&#8217;s nanny has a fatal riding accident, Albertine is sad to have lost her. Nanny Tobbins was her constant companion, always guiding her on day to day manners, expectations, and teaching her about the world around her.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s not the only change, and despite her father telling her that his new wife is &#8220;&#8230;<em>sweet like cake</em>,&#8221; she is nothing like Albertine imagined. Her new stepmother takes up all the free time her father used to have for her, and when rarely together, hardly says a word to her step daughter.</p>
<p>Luckily, Albertine still has friends within the household. The cook (Cookie) and the chambermaid (Susan) are kind, and the paperboy is a special friend of a similar age.</p>
<p>Albertine suddenly feels quite alone, when her dead nanny begins to visit every night at midnight. She insists on Albertine getting up to do her lessons &#8211; whether it be in her room, or playing the piano which wakes up the whole household.</p>
<p>Albertine tries to explain to her Papa that Nanny Tobbins is back and she was just following her instructions, but although he is loving and understanding at all that has changed in his home of late &#8211; he refuses to believe in a ghost.</p>
<p>When a new governess is hired to try and curb Albertine&#8217;s strange behaviour, Nanny Tobbins continues to visit every night. It begins to take a toll on the house, but on Albertine especially. How is she going to prove to her father she is not being naughty, and all the trouble is coming from her dead Nanny?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Review</h2>
<p>Set in Victoria London, I enjoyed this middle-grade novel. Albertine is an innocent, much-loved daughter and member of a wealthy household. She is well-liked among the staff, and she and her dog Quiver are delightful. The blurb for this book says it&#8217;s very funny &#8211; which is not how I found it at all.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s endearing, with a problem to solve, a young girl missing the close relationship she had with her father, and kind people around her trying to help.</p>
<p>The stepmother surprised me, and the main character&#8217;s solution did also. Readers 8+ will enjoy this. I&#8217;m definitely going to seek out the sequel.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Writing Style</h2>
<p>38 Chapters beginning with a short chapter introducing main characters Albertine, her father and Nanny Tobbins. This scene at bedtime portrays the love and respect between the three, and the multi-lingual (English/German) component of the home.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>FAQS</h2>
<h3>What age is it for?</h3>
<p>Age – 8+</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Where &amp; When is it set?</h3>
<p>London, England &#8211; 1851</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?</h3>
<p>Third person (Albertine&#8217;s POV) / Past tense</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What genre is <em>R.I.P Nanny Tobbins</em>?</h3>
<p>Historical Middle-Grade Fiction</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Themes</h3>
<p>Friendship / Historical/ Ghost / Family</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Is it part of a series?</h3>
<p>Yes</p>
<ol>
<li>R.I.P Nanny Tobbins</li>
<li>Nanny Tobbins and the Midnight Plan</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>If you liked this, you might like…</h3>
<p><a href="https://whatbooknext.com/evies-ghost-book-review/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Evie&#8217;s Ghost</a></p>
<p><a href="https://whatbooknext.com/ferris-book-review/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ferris</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Author</h3>
<p>Lucie Stevens</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Publisher</h3>
<p>Harper Collins</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>(2026, Historical, Friendship, Ghost, Animals, Family, Love, 1800&#8217;s, 1851, London, England, Series, Victorian, Stepmother, Governess, Dog, Maids, Footman)</p>
<span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/r-i-p-nanny-tobbins-book-review/">R.I.P Nanny Tobbins Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
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		<title>Nanny Tobbins and the Midnight Plan Book Review</title>
		<link>https://whatbooknext.com/nanny-tobbins-and-the-midnight-plan-book-review/</link>
					<comments>https://whatbooknext.com/nanny-tobbins-and-the-midnight-plan-book-review/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Adele Broadbent]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:22:04 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Middle Grade 8-12 years]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Friendship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ghost]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Historical]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mystery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Series]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatbooknext.com/?p=33285</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>What is Nanny Tobbins and the Midnight Plan about? Albertine&#8217;s special friend Blot is accused of stealing a rare and precious jewel from the Great Exhibition. He is thrown in the Tower of London. No matter how much Albertine&#8217;s father tries to help Blot with his own lawyer, Blot&#8217;s fate seems sealed. Albertine refuses to [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/nanny-tobbins-and-the-midnight-plan-book-review/">Nanny Tobbins and the Midnight Plan Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>What is <i>Nanny Tobbins and the Midnight Plan </i>about?<img decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-33289" src="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:auto/h:auto/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Nanny-Tobbins-and-the-Midnight-Plan.jpg" alt="Nanny Tobbins and the Midnight Plan Book Review Cover" width="360" height="557" srcset="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:360/h:557/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Nanny-Tobbins-and-the-Midnight-Plan.jpg 360w, https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:194/h:300/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Nanny-Tobbins-and-the-Midnight-Plan.jpg 194w" sizes="(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px" /></h2>
<p>Albertine&#8217;s special friend Blot is accused of stealing a rare and precious jewel from the Great Exhibition. He is thrown in the Tower of London. No matter how much Albertine&#8217;s father tries to help Blot with his own lawyer, Blot&#8217;s fate seems sealed. Albertine refuses to give up and calls on Nanny Tobbins&#8217; ghost to help save her friend.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Plot summary of   <em>Nanny Tobbins and the Midnight Plan</em>  (No Spoilers)</h2>
<p>The Great Exhibition has been a brilliant success, and Albertine&#8217;s father and his friend the Prince are elated. Albertine&#8217;s home is much more settled with the exhibition being packed up, and her father not quite so busy. The only thing troubling nearly ten year old Albertine is her stepmother&#8217;s health. She has been &#8216;indisposed&#8217; for some time, spending most of her time in bed.</p>
<p>Soon there is a much bigger worry. While the items at the new museum are packed up, something goes missing. To Albertine&#8217;s shock, a rare and precious diamond belonging to the queen has been found in her best friend Blot&#8217;s bag. It couldn&#8217;t possibly be true!</p>
<p>Albertine&#8217;s family have always been kind to Blot and they jump to his defence. But it&#8217;s a terrible offence and the Judge needs to make an example of him. Blot has been jailed in the Tower of London, and Albertine&#8217;s visits are full of worry for her friend&#8217;s welfare. Soon there is a deadline for Blot to admit to the theft and reveal who helped him, but he denies committing such a crime.</p>
<p>Albertine decides she can&#8217;t wait any longer for lawyers or judges to make the right decisions. She knows Nanny Tobbins will be just the person(ghost) to help save Blot. Making up plans along the way, Albertine gets closer and closer to the true villain. Suddenly she&#8217;s far too close, and in just as much danger as Blot!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Review</h2>
<p>This is the sequel to <em>R.I.P Nanny Tobbins</em>, and has much more mystery, danger and excitement than the first episode. Solving a crime on her own is quite frightening, but Albertine is quite certain her friend is innocent. Walking London streets at night, summoning ghosts, breaking into premises with Nanny Tobbins&#8217; help, and facing the villain herself make this a riveting read.</p>
<p>It can be read on its own, but will be so much more satisfying if read after the first book in the series. Based loosely on the royals of the time, there is also much mischief and fun along the way. Albertine is a sweet little girl, much loved and a little underestimated, by all those around her. A lovely surprise at the end helps smooth away all the worries she&#8217;s been full of throughout the book.</p>
<p>(An afterword explains Colonial Theft &#8211; Items stolen by the British Empire, including the diamond the book is based around. The villain may be easy to dislike, but his reasoning sparks questions in both character and reader.)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Book Style</h2>
<p>320 Pages</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>FAQ’s</h2>
<h3>What age is it for?</h3>
<p>Age &#8211; 8+</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Where &amp; When is it set?</h3>
<p>Victorian London UK / 1851</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?</h3>
<p>First person / Past tense</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What genre is <em>Nanny Tobbins and the Midnight Plan</em>?</h3>
<p>Historical Middle Grade</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Themes</h3>
<p>Historical / Fantasy / Ghosts / Mystery / Friendship / Series</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Is it part of a series?</h3>
<p>Yes &#8211; Nanny Tobbins</p>
<ol>
<li>R.I.P Nanny Tobbins</li>
<li>Nanny Tobbins and the Midnight Plan</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Author</h3>
<p>Lucie Stevens</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Publisher</h3>
<p>Harper Collins</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Find the first book in the series <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/r-i-p-nanny-tobbins-book-review/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>If you liked this, you&#8217;ll love</h3>
<p>The <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/?s=a+girl+called+corpse&amp;tcb_sf_post_type%5B%5D=post&amp;tcb_sf_post_type%5B%5D=page" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Elston Fright</a> series</p>
<p><a href="https://whatbooknext.com/the-strange-disappearance-of-imogen-good-book-review/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>(2026, Sequel, Harper Collins, Charming, Sweet Character, Historical, Victorian London, Fantasy, Ghost, Mystery, Friendship, Series, Diamond, Crime, Theft, Colonial Theft, 1800&#8217;s, 1851, Animals, Dog)</p>
<span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/nanny-tobbins-and-the-midnight-plan-book-review/">Nanny Tobbins and the Midnight Plan Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
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		<title>Lightfall (1) The Girl &#038; the Galdurian</title>
		<link>https://whatbooknext.com/lightfall-1-the-girl-the-galdurian/</link>
					<comments>https://whatbooknext.com/lightfall-1-the-girl-the-galdurian/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Adele Broadbent]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2026 03:50:09 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Middle Grade 8-12 years]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Action]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adventure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Courage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fantasy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Series]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatbooknext.com/?p=16602</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Beatrice (Bea) lives with her grandfather in the land of Irpa. She helps her grandad make his potions that he sells in their shop called the Salty Pig&#8217;s Tonics and Tinctures. Her grandad is well known for his medicines and is known far and wide as the Pig Wizard. These days Gramps is a little [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/lightfall-1-the-girl-the-galdurian/">Lightfall (1) The Girl &#038; the Galdurian</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Beatrice (Bea) lives with her grandfather in the land of Irpa. She helps her grandad make his potions<img decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-16603" src="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:auto/h:auto/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Lightfall-e1621480981383.jpg" alt="Lightfall (1) Book Review cover" width="300" height="425" /> that he sells in their shop called the <em>Salty Pig&#8217;s Tonics and Tinctures</em>. Her grandad is well known for his medicines and is known far and wide as the Pig Wizard.</p>
<p>These days Gramps is a little forgetful, actually a lot so, tying string to his fingers as reminders and keeping a wall full of reminder notes.</p>
<p>Bea sets off one morning to gather supplies for Grandad from the nearby forest. She loves being surrounded by nature. Things don&#8217;t quite go to plan however, and she slips from a tree&#8230;&#8230;.  straight into the arms of a stranger.</p>
<p>This stranger called Cad claims to be a Galdurian, but everyone knows they are long gone from Irpa. He is keen to find the famous Pig Wizard to help him track down more of his race, and is pleasantly surprised to learn who Bea is. They set off back to <em>Salty Pig&#8217;s Tonics and Tinctures.</em></p>
<p>Gramps is nowhere to be seen, leaving only a note to say he&#8217;s forgotten to check The Seal of the Restless Sleeper. Bea has never heard of it, and is worried about her grandfather&#8217;s state of mind. She, Cad and her cat Nimm set off to look for The Pig Wizard.</p>
<p>Rain, mud, small creatures, a triple-eyed witch, giant crabs and Cad&#8217;s endless happy-go-lucky she&#8217;ll-be-right attitude lead them into a quest to find a statue of a king, a stone bridge and a cursed temple.</p>
<p>Bea&#8217;s not so sure about this and they face even worse problems than before. She must fight her fears and keep going if they are ever going to find Gramps.</p>
<p>Little do they know, something evil is rising, and the entire land of Irpa is under threat.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>This is Book 1 in a new graphic novel series. From the cover to the last page, each page is luscious with full colour illustrations of the character&#8217;s quest across the North Rim of the fantasy world of Irpa.</em></p>
<p>The Girl &amp; the Galdurian<em> made me gasp, cringe and laugh out loud. The contrast between goofy but fearless Cad, and over-thinking worrier Bea is entertaining and endearing as they become closer in their travels. Nimm (the cat) is funny too, in a way that only cats can be.</em></p>
<p><em>Listed on the following Children&#8217;s Literature picks:</em></p>
<p><em>Kirkus Best Books of 2020, Fall 2020 Indie Next List, Junior Library Guild Selection, 2021 Texas Library Association’s Little Maverick Graphic Novels Reading List Selection</em></p>
<p><em>Absolutely loved it!</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Author / Illustrator -Tim Probert</p>
<p>Age &#8211; 8+</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Catch a glimpse of Tim Probert&#8217;s amazing illustration style <a href="https://www.google.co.nz/books/edition/Lightfall_The_Girl_the_Galdurian/pY_CDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&amp;gbpv=1&amp;printsec=frontcover" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #99cc00;"><span style="color: #800080;">Want to draw your own comics?</span></span></strong></p>
<p><strong>Look <a href="https://timprobert.com/lightfall-cover" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> to see the process of producing this amazing cover art.</strong></p>
<p>(Scroll down page when in)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>See the next in this exciting series (Click on the Cover)</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://whatbooknext.com/lightfall-2-shadow-of-the-bird-book-review/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-20814 size-full" src="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:auto/h:auto/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Lightfall-2-Shadow-of-the-Bird.jpg" alt="Lightfall 2 Shadow of the Bird Book Review Cover" width="320" height="448" srcset="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:320/h:448/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Lightfall-2-Shadow-of-the-Bird.jpg 320w, https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:214/h:300/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Lightfall-2-Shadow-of-the-Bird.jpg 214w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" /></a></p>
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<p>(2021, HarperAlley, Graphic Novel, Quest, Fantasy, Monsters, Animals, Cat, Grandparent, Evil forces, Light against Dark, Humour, Funny, Courage, Action, Adventure, Series)</p>
<span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/lightfall-1-the-girl-the-galdurian/">Lightfall (1) The Girl &#038; the Galdurian</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
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			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Lightfall (2) Shadow of the Bird</title>
		<link>https://whatbooknext.com/lightfall-2-shadow-of-the-bird-book-review/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Adele Broadbent]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2026 03:49:09 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Middle Grade 8-12 years]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Action]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adventure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Courage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fantasy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Friendship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mystery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Series]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatbooknext.com/?p=20812</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Bea and Cad are still looking for her Grandfather, the Pig Wizard. After their dangerous adventure together they have discovered a village of Arsai &#8211; small wise creatures that use the power of storms for good. They can talk to their planet Irpa directly and it has said that light will soon be gone, just [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/lightfall-2-shadow-of-the-bird-book-review/">Lightfall (2) Shadow of the Bird</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Bea and Cad are still looking for her Grandfather, the Pig Wizard. After their dangerous adventure together they have discovered a village of<img decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-20814 size-full" src="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:auto/h:auto/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Lightfall-2-Shadow-of-the-Bird.jpg" alt="Lightfall 2 Shadow of the Bird Book Review Cover" width="320" height="448" srcset="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:320/h:448/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Lightfall-2-Shadow-of-the-Bird.jpg 320w, https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:214/h:300/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Lightfall-2-Shadow-of-the-Bird.jpg 214w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" /> Arsai &#8211; small wise creatures that use the power of storms for good. They can talk to their planet Irpa directly and it has said that light will soon be gone, just as it has been stolen from the land of Lealand by Kest.</p>
<p>Cad is determined to fight Kest just as Galdurian&#8217;s of old had done. His eternal optimism and courage encourages Bea to continue on their quest.</p>
<p>The Arsai also have a message &#8211; from Gramps! Bea can&#8217;t believe he has gone back into danger, blaming himself for the escape of Kest (The Restless Sleeper) who is stealing the light from Irpa. In his message he pleads with Bea and her brave Galdurian friend to find the way to the spirit Lorgon. They must find an underground river and follow fireflies, but this place cannot be found, until you are lost.</p>
<p>Bea must make a choice, go against Gramps&#8217; wishes and follow him, or set off to be lost in order to find the spirit they need to ask for help.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, another city in Irpa is evacuating after learning of the fall of Lealand. Its leaders are filling the city&#8217;s ships in order to flee the giant bird of flame that is Kest &#8211; who is claiming all pieces of the sun that light Irpa.</p>
<p>The more they learn and the more light is lost, Bea&#8217;s sense of unease grows. Surely there is more to this. Why is Kest stealing the light and letting her shadow eaters take over a new world of darkness.</p>
<p>Cad finally gets his chance for glory, but is it for real? Was Bea&#8217;s gut feeling right after all? Just as they believe all is won, it is lost.</p>
<p>Who is Kest really?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>The 2nd part of this graphic novel fantasy adventure is even more spectacular than the first!</em></p>
<p><em>Bea, her cat and her Galdurian friend Cad, encounter creatures both small and gigantic, face one danger after another, save a dragon, and fight for the light of Irpa. Bea worries constantly for her forgetful but courageous Gramps, and is in turmoil after glimpsing something strange in their enemy, Kest.</em></p>
<p><em>Just as the reader believes all is lost, Galdurian heroism shines through, but is it enough?</em></p>
<p>Shadow of the Bird<em> introduces more characters to this exciting story but leaves the reader wondering if Bea and Cad have lost everything after all.</em></p>
<p><em>Many strange creatures, vast landscapes and intriguing settings bringing this story alive on the page, providing fast paced frames and double page spread backdrops for the endearing heroes of the story. Bring on the next episode!</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Author / Illustrator &#8211; Tim Probert</p>
<p>Age &#8211; 8+</p>
<p>Graphic Novel</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Read a Review on the first graphic novel in this exciting series (Click on the Cover)</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://whatbooknext.com/lightfall-1-the-girl-the-galdurian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-16603" src="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:auto/h:auto/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Lightfall-e1621480981383.jpg" alt="Lightfall (1) Book Review cover" width="280" height="397" /></a></p>
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<p>(2022, HarperAlley, Graphic Novel, Quest, Fantasy, Monsters, Animals, Cat, Grandparent, Gramps, Evil forces, Light against Dark, Humour, Funny, Courage, Action, Adventure, Series, Optimism, Heroes, Heroic, Shadow Monsters)</p>
<span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/lightfall-2-shadow-of-the-bird-book-review/">Lightfall (2) Shadow of the Bird</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
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		<title>Lightfall (3) The Dark Times</title>
		<link>https://whatbooknext.com/lightfall-3-the-dark-times-book-review/</link>
					<comments>https://whatbooknext.com/lightfall-3-the-dark-times-book-review/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Adele Broadbent]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2026 03:47:38 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Middle Grade 8-12 years]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Action]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adventure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Courage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fantasy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Friendship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Magic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Series]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatbooknext.com/?p=26074</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Bea, her grandfather the Pig Wizard, and her Galdurian friend Cadwallader are in a group of refugees fleeing the battle of Rinn, and the arrival of endless darkness. Bea knows she should tell the leader Karru that they want to break from the group in a search for the Citadel of Knowledge, but she keeps [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/lightfall-3-the-dark-times-book-review/">Lightfall (3) The Dark Times</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Bea, her grandfather the Pig Wizard, and her Galdurian friend Cadwallader are in a group of refugees fleeing the battle of Rinn, and the<img decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-26079 alignright" src="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:auto/h:auto/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Lightfall-3-The-Dark-Times.jpg" alt="Lightfall (3) The Dark Times Book Review Cover" width="380" height="538" srcset="https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:380/h:538/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Lightfall-3-The-Dark-Times.jpg 380w, https://mltzuaxgcjch.i.optimole.com/cb:gIoV.7b3/w:212/h:300/q:90/g:sm/f:best/https://whatbooknext.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Lightfall-3-The-Dark-Times.jpg 212w" sizes="(max-width: 380px) 100vw, 380px" /> arrival of endless darkness. Bea knows she should tell the leader Karru that they want to break from the group in a search for the Citadel of Knowledge, but she keeps putting it off.</p>
<p>Bea&#8217;s wise Grandfather told them this is the place to find out about the sun and how to get it back for their land of Irpa. At least he told them before he forgot again. His mind is wandering more and more, but when they finally do find the Citadel, Pig Wizard&#8217;s mind is exactly where it needs to be. Unfortunately he solves a mystery for Cadwallader which steals even more of his positivity away. Bea has been worried about her friend. His upbeat personality has taken a beating lately and Pig Wizard&#8217;s wisdom has both helped him and hurt Cad in equal measure.</p>
<p>There is no time to mope, as a threat that has followed them on their journey has arrived. A creeping mire consumes everything in its path, and suddenly Pig Wizard&#8217;s life is at stake. Working together and with their amazing flying friend Soot&#8217;s courage, they flee yet another threat to finally find a surprise sanctuary. They also find more truth about Irpa&#8217;s past.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s not until they bravely follow the strange behaviour of more foes that they finally discover the secrets of Irpa&#8217;s creation and what they need to do.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Wow. When I saw </em>Lightfall 3 &#8211; The Dark Times<em> hit the shelves, I was excited to dive back in with brave Bea and carefree Cad. All seems lost as a creeping mud follows closer and closer, shadow creatures pop up out of nowhere and a creature thought long since extinct shows up. I knew things were bad when Cadwallader began losing his mojo.</em></p>
<p><em>It&#8217;s wonderful how Bea is the strong one this time, supporting her Galdurian friend, whilst looking after her increasingly forgetful grandfather, and keeping them all on their mission to bring back light to Irpa.</em></p>
<p><em>The illustration style is exciting, colourful and like watching a movie in the way the scenes are portrayed from different angles. A favourite illustration for me early on, is a full page of Bea trying to clear her head, her mind swirling with dozens of thoughts.</em></p>
<p><em>The action scenes throughout this episode roar from the page, and we meet Cad&#8217;s extended family in one illustration as he tells Bea about them. The story of Irpa&#8217;s beginnings and further history is for me however, the most gripping part of the book. Both stunning in illustration and glorious storytelling, it was a window for the characters to see the past, the future and their part in it, and explains so much of what we have experienced in the land of Irpa.</em></p>
<p><em>Still &#8211; my absolute favourite Graphic Novel series.</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Author / Illustrator &#8211; Tim Probert</p>
<p>Age &#8211; 8+</p>
<p>Graphic Novel</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Read more reviews from this series and other Tim Probert books <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/?s=lightfall&amp;tcb_sf_post_type%5B%5D=post&amp;tcb_sf_post_type%5B%5D=page" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here </a></strong></p>
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<p>(2024, Harper Alley, Harper Collins, Graphic Novel, Full Colour, Series, Animals, Cat, Creatures, Action, Adventure, Courage, Fantasy, Friendship, Humour, Magic, Journey, Travelling, Darkness, Losing hope, Finding Positivity again, Trust, Another Dimension, Funny Cat, Hope, Refuge)</p>
<span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><span class="tve-leads-two-step-trigger tl-2step-trigger-0"></span><p>The post <a href="https://whatbooknext.com/lightfall-3-the-dark-times-book-review/">Lightfall (3) The Dark Times</a> appeared first on <a href="https://whatbooknext.com">whatbooknext.com</a>.</p>
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