But one day she is unhappy with her humans. Unlike the year before, the Pollock children have chosen their chickens for the School Pet Parade.

Elvie is very put out, and determined to prove them wrong about their choice – or at least be part of all the action.

With determination and an adventurous spirit, she sets off….

Unfortunately her journey doesn’t quite go as planned, with a few hiccups along the way.

Elvie the Exceptional City Sheep is a sweet story for both city and country kids.

Elvie is a very relatable and funny character, cheeky, brave and stubborn, and winning the hearts of readers is inevitable. Based on true events, that may not have happened quite like this adventure.

Illustrations by Emma Lay are in soft tones, but perfectly portray the sharp mind of a beloved family pet, seeking the limelight she feels she deserves. 

Young readers will also find a fun activity in the back of the book.

Author – Colleen Brown

Illustrator – Emma Lay

Picture Book

Find your own copy here

(2026, Copy Press, RealNZ Books, Aotearoa New Zealand, NZ Author, NZ Illustrator, Animals, Humour, Funny, Sheep, School Pet Day, School, Series)

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12 year old Sparrow Xia is about to begin her 1st year at Zenith Academy where her older brother Ainsley is already a student.

Sparrow envies Ainsley for his powerful fire magic and the attention it brings him from family and friends. She aims to work hard at the academy and build her own fire magic. After all, when she becomes an adult, her magic will fade. This is normal in her world, so she wants to experience the same glory as her brother before that happens.

Her new school brings new friends, new challenges, and more danger than she’s ever known.

Plot summary of The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia (No Spoilers)

Sparrow travels by portal from her home to the bottom of the steps to Zenith Academy. Reaching the top is her first magical challenge, determining if she can actually enter the school for further magical training.

The ascent is tough, but rewarding in many ways and she’s relieved she can follow her dream of becoming a fire mage as accomplished as her older brother.

There are many classes to attend, friendships to build and magic to practise, and soon even more to occupy her mind. Fellow students are losing their magic and falling ill. Sparrow believes she has clues to why this is happening, but convincing anyone it almost impossible. Her brother’s contempt for her is even stronger when she tries to warn him.

Can she save more students? Is she next?

Review

Not quite as big as a Harry Potter novel, but of the same reading level, The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia is a novel based in a magical school. Well written, with strong world building and characterisation, and with building tension and a thrilling climax and conclusion, what really stood out for me was its presentation.

From the eye catching cover to the sneak peek of the cover to the next in the series, this magical middle grade novel is lusciously illustrated throughout. It might be a picture in the corner of a page or down the length of one. Sometimes an illustration stretches across both pages, and some even fill entire spreads with the text continuing on top.

The characters are introduced in the text and with a picture of them with their name on the page. As with school settings, there are usually many characters. These small portraits help readers picture each character as they become part of the story.

The conclusion leaves readers wondering what will happen next and how Sparrow Xia will develop her magic further.

Book Style

307 pages / 30 Chapters / Illustrated throughout with small to large pictures and even full page spreads behind text of the story.

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

9+

Where & When is it set?

In a country called the United Realms – mostly at a fictional fantasy school called the Zenith Academy for Magical Development

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

Third person / Past tense

Is there Violence?

Magic – Fire

What genre is The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia?

Illustrated Middle-Grade Action

Themes

Magic / School / Friendship / Family / Mystery / Sibling Rivalry

Is it part of a series?

Yes

If you liked this, you might like these

Author / Illustrator

Leia Ham

Publisher

Penguin Books

(2026, Penguin Books, Fantasy, Magic, Friendship, School, Family, Action, Fantasy, Mystery, Courage, Series, Fire, Elemental magic, Sibling Rivalry, Power, Greed)

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A 13 year old boy becomes the target of a classroom bully with a focussed barrage of intimidation and fear tactics, building quickly to exclusion and a terrible choice. Told in multiple points of view from the bullied boy, his friends, one of his teachers and the bully himself.

The constant bullying causes the boy to believe he has special powers to avoid his tormentors, not realising the truth – which is even worse than the bullying itself.

Plot summary of INVISIBLE (No Spoilers)

A boy wakes in a hospital, not sure at first why he is there. His parents take turns to be with him day and night, and friends and kids from his school visit him. He has been in pain, and is only sleeping 3-4 hrs at a time, but is healing. Something he’s disappointed about is the fact he can no longer turn invisible.

He’d mastered the skill, along with other superpowers like speed and an impenetrable shell over the past several weeks. These powers had helped him against a bully in his class everyone called MM. MM also had buddies who helped with the bullying in and out of school.

The boy had two very close friends, one of which he would’ve liked to get closer to, but she didn’t seem to want the same thing, and then didn’t seem to want to help him either.

When his parents tell him another type of doctor is coming, he finally reveals all that has happened, how he became a wasp, and then became INVISIBLE.

Review

Thanks to Source Books & Net Galley for the opportunity to read this novel (on a device).

With tears, my gut swirling and my head shaking at the injustice, I jumped online to find anything else by this Spanish Author I had never come across before. I couldn’t find any other books for children or young adults by Eloy Moreno in English anywhere.

The next day I promptly went out and bought a paperback version of INVISIBLE (Released in NZ/Aust 4/8/26) – and read it again. It hit just as hard the 2nd time.

For me, this book is a little bit Wonder (RJ Palacio), a smidgen of The Wrong Shoes (Tom Percival) and a pinch of A Monster Calls (Patrick Ness).

The style of the storytelling is so captivating, and the story gut punching and compelling at the same time, because it is so real.

INVISIBLE not only portrays a victim and a bully’s pain, but made me wonder about all the ‘monsters’ – those who looked away. They were adults, classmates and even friends, but one teacher’s clever ways to make them see this, is inspiring.

Hands down – THE BEST BOOK I’VE READ IN 2026. With over a million copies sold, in 60 editions, in 30 languages around the world, this will make a powerful read aloud in New Zealand and Australian schools too.

Find a copy here

Book Style

323 pages / Short chapters / 5 Parts / Multiple Points of view

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

10 – 16 (But really…. everybody should read this book)

Where & When is it set?

A modern school and hospital – Easily recognisable by readers whether they live in NZ, Australia, UK, US, or Europe.

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

The main character is mostly in 1st person/ Other key characters are in third person / Mostly in present tense

What genre is INVISIBLE?

High Middle Grade / Young Adult Crossover

Themes

Bullying / School / Family / Isolation Trauma / Lack of consequences / Our own responsibilities

Is it part of a series?

No

If you liked this, you might like:

Letters from the Upside

The Wrong Shoes

A Monster Calls

Find more books about Bullies here

Meet the author of Invisible here

Author

Eloy Moreno

Publisher

2018 (Spanish), 2026 (English), Source Books USA, Bullying, Bullies, Betrayal, Guilt, Shame, Responsibility, Fear, Exclusion, School, Friendship, A Caring Teacher, Choices, Family, Growing up, Peer Pressure, Real Life, School, Secret)

The post INVISIBLE Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Vinny’s teenage sister is angry all of the time, and if she isn’t storming around the house or slamming doors, she’s talking loudly with her friends on her cellphone and then getting upset.

His dad is working longer and longer hours and lately doesn’t even come home.

Not sure how to help his family members, Vinny doesn’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&D on the weekends with. But even that’s changed lately after two girls join their tight group of three in a class project.

One night, while home alone, Vinny looks at his mum’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 – to be able to talk to somebody about his worries.

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.

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’t have his family or his friends to talk to, he is also left struggling on his own.

A thought provoking and credible read from a Costa Book Award shortlisted author.

Author – Helen Rutter

Illustrator – Julia Christians

Dyslexic Read / Reading Age 8 / Interest Age 9+

Find more reads for Reluctant Readers or Dyslexic Readers here

(2026, Barrington Stoke, Intermediate (NZ), Harper Collins, Dyslexic, Dyslexia, Reluctant Readers, Family, School, Friendships, Growing up, Real Life, Secret, D&D, Dungeons & Dragons, Friendship Dynamics, Problems, Questions, Someone to talk to, Solutions, Parental split)

The post Advice from a 12-year-old Nobody Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A 17 year old girl moves back to the place her father killed 6 women, including her own mother. Hiding her identity from all but her aunt and uncle, she aims to stay under the radar until graduation and turning 18. However, this small town refuses to forget the crimes of the serial killer who lived among them.

Plot summary of Thornbird (No Spoilers)

Ryan Shipley (real name Gabrielle Thorn) moves back to the small town of Sparling, Tennessee, where she lived until she was 7 years old. That’s the age her father killed her mother and was arrested for six murders.

She went to live with her grandmother, taking a new name and trying to forget what her father did. Now 10 years later, she is living with her aunt, uncle and twin cousins.

Starling has never forgotten what Gabriel Thorn did, even now as he sits on death row with his execution pending. Ryan begins high school among them, keeping her secret identity close, as everyone knows she’s the new girl in town. She wants to live a normal life with her new family, go to school and graduate.

To her surprise, she attracts the interest of the handsome cliche quarterback and also the bad boy in town, no matter how much she tries to avoid them.

When the families of the slain women put up a million dollars for any clues that lead to the bodies of the missing women, Sparling true crime buffs and podcasters begin to investigate the crime themselves – trawling through the sparse facts from the last 10 years.

Filled with guilt, Ryan wants to find them herself to ease the pain in this town, and prevent anyone else getting hurt.

Review

This YA Thriller grabbed me in the first few pages. Secrets, serial killers and returning to the scene of the crime? Bring it on!

I really felt for main character Ryan who was only 7 when her father was revealed as a serial killer. The horror of losing her mother at such a young age, mixed with her confusion at missing her father, even though she knew he was a monster, is emotive. I want her to be happy in her new family, but know along with her that if her cousins find out who she really is – the fallout will be horrendous.

The tale is perfectly timed, gripping me more tightly at each plot hook or secret revealed, and then even more surprises are to come.

With letters from her serial killer father, FBI agents pressuring her and her emotions constantly swirling just below the surface, Thornbird is a captivating read.

Book Style

431 Pages / 145 Chapters Each chapter has a descriptive heading, and podcasts and texts are sprinkled through the narrative.

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

14+

Where & When is it set?

A fictional town named Sparling in Tennessee, USA

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

1st person / Present tense

Is there Violence?

Details of crime

Is there any sex in the novel?

Yes

What genre is Thornbird?

Young Adult Thriller

Themes

Family / Crime / Secrets / Guilt / Romance / School / Real Life

Is it part of a series?

No

Author

E Kennedy

Publisher

Electric Monkey / Harper Collins

If you liked this, you’ll love this

Find more YA Thriller Reads here

(2026, Harper Collins, YA Thriller, Family, Crime, Real Life, Secret, Romance, School, Tennessee, Cousins, Identity, Serial Killer,

The post Thornbird Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A teenage girl is found dead in the woods behind a high school. The crime has happened during school hours after a fire alarm was set off. Blame instantly falls on the Abbott triplets who were implicated in a girl’s death the year before. Everyone knows it’s always the boyfriend. But is it?

Plot summary of Beware the Abbott Boys (No Spoilers)

After a girl is found in the woods behind their high school, the gossip is swift and merciless. The girl named Kennedy, was hugely popular in school and the easiest culprits to blame are the three Abbott boys, Bram, Henry and Adam.

A year before, Adam’s girlfriend died in a terrible car fire, leaving Adam scarred for life and unable to play football any longer. He also changed on the inside, losing his confidence and outgoing personality. Blame swirled around the brothers as they were working on the car only minutes before, and their town’s opinion was even further swayed when influential people got involved. The triplets spend the following months at home, doing their schooling alone.

Now, after no charges were laid and the triplets are only recently back at school, Kennedy’s murder threatens to wreck everything again. Surely, one of the Abbott boys did it. Certain clues, camera footage and rumours all point to them.

Their neighbour and close friend Hadyn sticks up for them once more, fiercely opposing any blame. She can’t imagine any of the brothers committing murder. Closest to Henry, they decide together that she will looks for clues, ask around at school, and try and figure out who was in the woods with Kennedy that day and why.

But the more she digs, the more complicated things get. She personally is confused with her own feelings about the brothers. She discovers rivalries between them over girls in the past. Was Kennedy a victim of this too?

Review

If you liked Good Girl’s Guide to Murder or The Reappearance of Rachel Price, you’ll love Beware the Abbott Boys. The Abbott Triplets are all very different, and they all have their parts in this mystery, told in third person. This gives the reader an insight into what happened the year before to earn these brothers the terrible reputation they have in their small town.

The narrative gets more twisty the further you read, making me wonder which brother was telling the truth about the murder that has thrown them all under suspicion once more. Their neighbour Hadyn is a good friend to them all, and after knowing them for so long, has mixed and confusing feelings about them.

They aren’t the only ‘villains’ in the novel however, and a popular person looked up to in the town is particularly nasty. All the dramas of high school are stirred into the mix, with all the gossip and local news stations making everything a whole lot worse.

An entertaining Young Adult mystery.

Book Style

368 Pages

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

13+

Where & When is it set?

A fictional town called Silver Creek, Vermont, USA

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

1st person / Past tense – Now   +   3rd person / past tense – mostly 1 year ago

Multiple viewpoints

Is there Violence?

Girl found murdered

Is there any sex in the novel?

No

What genre is Beware the Abbott Boys?

Young Adult Mystery Thriller

Themes

Family / Friendship / Crime / School / Mystery

Is it part of a series?

No

Author

Chelsea Ichaso

Publisher

Penguin Random House

If you liked this, you’ll love these:

Tell Me What Really Happened

Four Good Liars

(2026, Source Books, Friendship, School, Crime, Betrayal, Courage, Family, Grief, Love, Murder, Mystery, Prejudice, Secret, Sibling Rivalry, Brothers, Triplets, Intermediate (NZ), Neighbours, Suspicion, School)

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10 year old Hari Kumar (75% Indian & 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.

Plot summary of Hari Kumar Ultimate Superstar (No Spoilers)

Hari Kumar wants to be famous like other kids at his school. But Hari wants to be even more famous – he wants to be a Bollywood movie star!

He tries his connections to Bollywood (his grandparents live in Mumbai), but it’s a no go. He’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 does have his super power.

Just like his mum, his superpower of Autism and ADHD really help him become super focussed. His Nani’s advice on manifesting something you want helps too.

If only his aunties weren’t so intense, and his nemesis at school wasn’t so mean? It doesn’t help when a new kid joins Hari’s enemy at getting in the way of his acting success.

Review

Anyone who loves Louie Stowell’s Loki series, or Ross Welford’s Prince Kal series, is sure to enjoy Hari Kumar and his antics.

This diary doodle format novel is clever, funny and very relatable to any readers 8+. Set in Hari’s home or school, readers will see themselves, or learn a little about his Hindi family, food and customs. I certainly did!

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.

Almost every page has an illustration, doodle or list, adding even more humour as Hari shares his quest to become an actor. Most don’t go to plan. Some do however, all inadvertently woven into a ‘story mountain’ format Hari is learning at school.

A funny, relatable character in an enjoyable journal read.

Book Style

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’t be reading his journal!)

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

8+

Where & When is it set?

In England outside London

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

Third Person / Past Tense

What genre is Hari Kumar Ultimate Superstar?

Middle Grade Humour / Diary

Themes

Real Life / Diary / Friendship / School / Humour / Series

Is it part of a series?

Yes – Hari Kumar Series

1. Hari Kumar – Ultimate Superstar (2026)
2. Hari Kumar – Going for Gold (Aug 2026)

Author

Rashmi Sirdeshpande

Illustrator

Mamta Singh

Publisher

Harper Collins

Find more diary format books here

Find more funny tween reads here

(2026, Series, Journal, Diary, School, Funny, Humour, Doodles, Journal, Film Competition, Bollywood Actor, ADHD, Autism, Music, Real Life)

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Of course, to be able to do this, she had to post her parents somewhere else, so she could do as she pleased. It is a wonderful life.

When her nasty, dull, teacher Ms Thistle announces all her Year 3 children must invite their parents along to the upcoming school concert, Frances realises she must come up with a plan. Will grandparents do? It’s either that or Ms Thistle’s alternative of the Bleak Island Home for Unwanted Children & Dogs!

Frances needs to find some grandparents for her plan to work. She is a lot smarter than her devious teacher, and her new grandparents are a little different to most. Can she outsmart Ms Thistle?

Katrina Nannestad is an accomplished, award winning writer for children and Frances Bloom reminds me much of another title by this author – The Girl Who Brought Mischief. Both funny and with strong female main characters, Frances Bloom is for a slightly younger audience.

Requiring new grandparents is tricky to avoid trouble, but convincing others that a large, clumsy, honey coloured bear, and a fishing garden gnome fit the bill is hilarious, clever and a tiny bit bonkers. This makes Frances Bloom all the more readable for 6+, and would make a great read aloud in a year 3 classroom.

Finding a picture every time you turn the page is a treat, showing the cheeky, friendly, confident nature of Frances herself, and the sourness of her nemesis teacher. Throw in a large greedy bear causing chaos wherever she goes, a calm, quiet garden gnome and a giant pumpkin, and this early middle grade novel is a delight.

Author – Katrina Nannestad

Illustrator – Marina Zlatanova

Publisher – Harper Collins

Age – 6+

(2025, Harper Collins, Family, School, Funny, Humour, Animals, Mean Teacher, No Parents, Cheeky, Gnome, Bear, Grandparents, Secret)

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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’s Frances Bloom to the rescue!

Plot summary of Frances Bloom (2) Dangerous Days (No Spoilers)

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.

All is going well until strange cats and a purple haired person begin lurking around the town. Who could it be? Grandma Maude doesn’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?

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?

Review

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’s brilliance makes it work.

It’s funny, a teensy bit scary this time, and lots of mysterious. There’s lots more zany characters to meet and tons more fun to be had. Wouldn’t you like a pirate or a musician for a teacher where you just play, sing and dance all day?

Book Style

132 Pages / 16 Chapters with titles

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

6+

Where is it set?

A fictional seaside town

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

1st person / present tense

What genre is ?

Junior Novel Humour

Themes

Humour/ Animals / School / Fantasy

Is it part of a series?

Yes – The Frances Bloom Series

1. Frances Bloom
2. Dangerous Days
3. ?

Author

Katrina Nannestad

Illustrator

Marina Zlatanova

Publisher

Harper Collins Publishers

Find the 1st Frances Bloom caper here

Find more Zany Tales here

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)

The post Frances Bloom (2) Dangerous Days Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A Year 9 student (NZ) named Jeremy moves with his family to his grandparents farm during the Covid 19 Lockdown in 2020.

He learns some NZ history while he’s there, particularly the time of the Dawn Raids in the 1970’s, where police raided Pacifica family homes without cause, terrifying the residents. His grandmother was in one of those homes.

Jeremy is soon a special part of the NZ Government’s apology in 2021.

Plot summary of The Apology (No Spoilers)

Jeremy and his family move to his grandparent’s farm near Invercargill, when Aotearoa New Zealand goes into compulsory Covid 19 Lockdown.

He must learn to do school online, keep in touch with his friends on Zoom, and help his grandparents with jobs around the farm. They also have family fun with cooking, campfires and other activities to keep occupied.

During these activities, Jeremy learns about his grandmother (Granfia) during her childhood and teenage years. He learns about Bastion Point protests, the Springbok Tour and the Dawn Raids.

This is all helpful in a school project he is working on while the lockdown levels go up and down. He is especially interested in the Dawn Raids and the Polynesian Panthers who helped the families affected. The upcoming 50th Anniversary is also a focal point for Jeremy and he soon becomes a part of it himself.

Review

This sequel to the riveting and award winning novel Dawn Raid is a brilliant follow-on. Full of New Zealand day-to-day life during the Covid 19 Lockdowns, New Zealand history, and packed with humour – The Apology is a entirely relatable middle-grade novel for all Kiwi kids.

The diary format makes it so readable, for even reluctant readers, and it’s also very informative in an informal and compelling way. The author and her grandson are authors of this novel, bringing it even closer to the intended readership.

Another must for Aotearoa New Zealand bookshelves at home and school – right next to a copy of Dawn Raid.

Book Style

162 pages / Diary entries from Wed 11/3/2020 – Fri 29/11/2024 / An important recipe / A historical note with photographs from the apology event

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

9+

Where & When is it set?

Invercargill, New Zealand / March 2020 – November 2024

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

Third person / Past tense

What genre is The Apology?

Middle Grade Historical novel in diary format

Themes

History / Racism / Family / Humour / Growing Up

Is it part of a series?

Yes – It is the 2nd book in a duology

1. Dawn Raid (2018)
2. The Apology (2026)

Author

Pauline (Vaeluaga) Smith with Brooklyn Taylor

Publisher

Scholastic NZ

(2026, Scholastic NZ, Aotearoa New Zealand, Invercargill, Dawn Raids, Polynesian Panthers, Family, Grandparents, Government, Brandy Snaps, Historical Events, History, 1970’s, Covid 19, Lockdown, Humour, Growing up, Conflict, Courage, Friendship, Real Life, School, Series)

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14 year old Tess is unhappy about leaving the city she grew up in and moving to where her parents are from. It means navigating another new school, and leaving behind the special tree in their backyard where memories and more of her younger sister Chloe are.

A story of complicated family and friendship, Shakespeare and sorrow – and how they gradually lift a grieving teen to her feet, finding happiness again.

Plot summary of Degrees of Happy

Tess can’t believe it. Not only is she moving from the home she knows and loves, her parents have been planning it for ages without telling her. She’s a little happier about being closer to her older half sister, and older half brother in the new city, but she plans to keep to herself and under the radar at her new school.

It’s a relief to also be away from people who know about her younger sister. No one knows who she is, so Tess decides that she doesn’t have to be who she was before. She doesn’t have to be the perfect student either. She’s been used to private schools, and the public one she chooses is messy, chaotic and just what she needs to hide within.

But in spite of her prickly demeanor and slipping grades, those around her see through it – especially her half brother from her parent’s previous relationships. School teachers and classmates are also much more attuned than Tess gives them credit for.

Involuntarily joining a small group for an upcoming Shakespeare Festival Competition, another chink in her armour is made. Maybe she doesn’t have to be the old perfect Tess, or the new prickly one? Maybe there is something in between?

Review

Philippa Werry is one of New Zealand’s outstanding YA writers, and Degrees of Happy is a beautiful read. The scenes inside classrooms are so realistic I felt like I was there with them, and each time main character Tess’ sharp tongue caught someone, I winced. She hides her pain well, but hiding it affects her physically and prevents her from moving away from it.

Her complicated family life and chaotic school classrooms help her hide, but what’s so brilliantly done in this novel is the way the people around Tess begin to chip at her tough exterior, ignoring her indifference and aloofness. She makes the most of her parents being busy settling into new lives, but the teens and even some teachers around her are there to lift her up. It really is wonderfully written and true to life in so many ways.

The author spent around 10 years writing and rewriting this novel, and I’m so happy the characters didn’t let her give up on it.

(An earlier draft of this manuscript was shortlisted for the Storylines Tessa Duder Award in 2024)

Book Style

250 pages / 46 Chapters

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

13+

Where & When is it set?

New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand – Present (2026)

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

First person / Present tense

Is there Violence?

No

Is there any Sex?

No

What genre is Degrees of Happy?

Young Adult Contemporary Fiction

Themes

Grief / Family / Friendship / School

Is it part of a series?

No

Find more books by this author here

You also might like these:

Wandering Wild

Sisters of the Moon

Author

Phillipa Werry

Publisher

Cuba Press / Ahoy

(2026, Cuba Press, Ahoy, Aotearoa, New Zealand, Intermediate (NZ), NZ Author, Friendship, Blended Family, New Plymouth, Taranaki, Loss, Grief, Siblings, Half Sister, Half Brother, Shakespeare Festival, School, Drama, Acting)

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He has his routine with his mates before and after school and basketball at lunchtime. Liam enjoys the competition amongst his friends but it’s all getting a bit… boring.

One day his teacher introduces a new student to his class. Clint is tall with a gold chain around his neck and a face so chill, no teacher introductions could ever embarrass him.

Liam is intrigued, and is keen when given the job of showing Clint around. Not that Clint gives any indication that he cares. It’s not long before Liam feels that Clint’s friendship is what he’s been missing – he’s cool, and seems older than everyone else  somehow.

But Clint has another side that Liam soon gets caught up in. What’s even worse is now he has no-one to tell, as his other friends won’t speak to him.

Part of the Wombat Shorts book range – ‘Minimal Words, Maximum Impact‘, Bring it Back will appeal to reluctant readers, and sports fans, particularly boys.

Both key characters mirror real-life situations, making this a book readers may see themselves or their mates in.

This short but true-to-life novel gets straight to the story and portrays a challenge kids face every day. It’s about choices, making the right decisions for themselves, and despite trouble coming their way, ultimately has a redeeming ending.

Author – Deborah Kelly

Age – 11+

Find More Short Reads here

(2026, Rhiza Press, Australia, Wombat Books, School, Basketball, Sport, Cool, Last year of primary, Reluctant Readers, Choices, Decisions, Secret, Friendship, Real Life, Crime)

The post Bring It Back Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

10 year old Michael explores the run-down garage at his new home and finds a strange man sitting amongst discarded carpet, boxes and bags of cement. He keeps the man a secret as he hardly believes what he saw.

His parents have worries enough with his new premature baby sister in and out of hospital. Michael must deal with his secret, the strange girl down the street, and worries about his very ill sister.

Plot summary of Skellig (No Spoilers)

Michael can hardly believe his eyes. There is a man inside the garage at his new home,  sitting amongst the rubbish that fills the space. This man wears an old black suit and is covered in dust and spider webs. His voice comes out croaky and dry.

After being told to stay out of the crumbling garage by his parents, Michael doesn’t want to tell them about the strange man and he’s not even sure what he saw. When he finally does share his secret, it is with the girl called Mina who lives down the street.

Mina is home schooled and seems so much wiser than his own friends, so in between them, they decide to help the stranger who tells them he is called Skellig.

Holding this secret close, Michael is also dealing with the worries that fill his home. Mum is in and out of hospital with her premature baby girl, while Dad spends many hours redecorating for when they return, and Michael hangs out with Mina.

Tension rises as Skellig builds his strength, but his baby sister gets sicker. Who or what is Skellig? Will his baby sister be okay?

Review

This is the 3rd time I’ve read Skellig over the past 20 years, and I love it more every time. Winner of the Carnegie Medal 1999, and the Whitbread Children’s Book of the Year Award, Skellig is also now deemed a classic.

I’m a strong believer in,

“Just because it’s an older book, doesn’t mean it’s not worth reading.”

Skellig can be read by anyone now (2026), and enjoy it just as much as when it was published in the late 1990’s.

David Almond has a unique way with his stories, and Skellig is a mix of reality and fantasy for a boy of 10 dealing with big issues. I love all of the characters of this novel, who seamlessly slot themselves in your heart as they face the challenges in front of them.

The themes of new life, hope and love are mirrored in the oncoming of Spring, Skellig‘s health improving and Michael’s baby sister receiving the help she needs.

A beautiful story.

Book Style

170 pages / 46 chapters (short)

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

11+

Where & When is it set?

Newcastle Upon Tyne England / Late 1990’s

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

First person / Past Tense

Is there Violence?

No

What genre is Skellig?

Middle Grade Fantasy-Mystery

Themes

Fantasy / Friendship / Family / Love

Is it part of a series?

Yes

1. My Name is Mina (2010) Prequel to Skellig
2. Skellig (1998)

Author

David Arnold

Publisher

Hodder Children’s Books

(1998, Hodder Children’s Books, Family, Love, Secret, Animals, Fantasy, Friendship, Growing up, School, Award Winners, England, Football, Angel, Stranger, Premature, Heart, New Baby in Family, Illness)

The post Skellig Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A boy in the last year of primary school, dealing with friendship, family and health challenges in his life.

Plot summary of The Final Year (No Spoilers)

Nate has two younger brothers aged 5 and 8. They live with their mum and don’t know their fathers. The brothers are all very different, but a tight knit group.

It’s the final year of primary school, and with his best mate Parker, they are looking forward to the future. They spend all their time together, but when Parker returns from a summer holiday, Nate and Parker begin to drift apart.

Nate is hurt but makes a new friend in Caleb. Nate is a talented poet, and Caleb an artist, and with their new teacher’s encouragement, their friendship and creativity flourishes.

Being the oldest, and with mum often hungover after Bingo nights, Nate looks out for his younger brother’s needs at home. But when one falls sick, life is even messier.

The Final Year of primary school is the hardest and most complicated of Nate’s life yet.

Review

What a beautiful story. This verse novel has won over a dozen awards, and was shortlisted for 7 more!

The Award image on the front cover drew me to this novel, as I hadn’t seen it before in NZ. I’m so glad I got to read it, because it truly is worth every accolade.

I felt for main character Nate and the struggles he faces in the final year before high school. There’s lots of love at home, but not much structure or support and he looks out for his younger sibling’s needs along with his own. Messy friendship dynamics challenge him further, but he takes it all in his stride.

His new teacher Mr Joshua is a powerful force and guiding light in the novel, helping Nate find himself and his people through his writing. Inspiring teachers always strike a chord with me because they truly have the power to change young lives. This story tells it like it is for this boy and his family, with the way he thinks, speaks and lives.

The Final Year will make a great gift for students in their final year of primary, wherever they live.

An inspirational read with an authentic delivery.

Main Characters

Nate – 10 years old, loves football, words and books. Is a talented poet, but he’s not aware of it until a new teacher sees him writing. Nate is responsible, thoughtful, and loving with his younger brothers, but does have darker feelings sometimes that threaten to appear as ‘The Beast’. He has had counselling to learn to control it.

Parker – Nate’s best mate. Parker is an only child and unlike Nate, his family can afford better food, clothing and family holidays. This isn’t a problem until one summer holidays in their final year.

Mr Joshua – New teacher who is also a musician with many years of trying to make it big behind him. This teacher is kind, insightful and supportive of Nate and his creativity. He is also there when Nate needs him when his family is truly struggling.

Writing Style

Verse novel told in 6 parts. The 1st part introduces the characters and sets the scene for the reader, to fully appreciate time and setting.

What age is it for?

Ages 9-11 – for those leaving Primary school and going to Intermediate (NZ) or High school.

Where & When is it set?

Manchester, England / Present

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

First person / Past tense

Is there Violence?

A few punches thrown in a school fight

What genre is The Final Year?

Middle Grade Verse Novel

Themes

School / Family / Change / Social challenges

Is it part of a series?

Yes – The sequel The First Year, covers Nate’s 1st year of High School

Find a full review here

If you liked this, you might like…

The Wrong Shoes

The Invisible

The Bridge Home

Author

Matt Goodfellow

Illustrator

Joe Todd-Stanton

Publisher

Otter-Barry Books

(2023, Otter-Barry Books, Intermediate (NZ), Verse Novel, School, David Almond, Skellig, Poems, Poetry, Social challenges, Poverty, Friendship Dynamics, Change, Siblings, Brothers, Multi Award Winning. Series, Duology)

The post The Final Year Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Following the first book in this duology (The Final Year), this verse novel is about a boy in the first year of high school, dealing with new friendships, teachers and classes. Other new challenges include serious bullying, school expectations and his absent father entering his life for the first time.

Plot summary of The First Year (No Spoilers)

Nate is excited to be going to the local high school, even if he and his mates feel weird in their school blazers and new routines. He knows he’ll miss Mr Joshua from primary school but is keen to take the next steps into his new schooling life.

He meets new teachers and students including a girl who seems remote but is the opposite with those close to her. She soon becomes part of his friendship group who surround him when he needs them for both challenging school and home-life problems.

Review

The sequel to the multi award winning The Final Year, this verse novel packs just as much punch as it portrays a normal kid in his first year of high school in Manchester England.

After dealing with so much in The Final Year, this novel is even more personal as Nate deals with a face from his past school, a new face who brings him strength and understanding, and a face he has dreamed about but has never been sure they would ever be part of his life.

He’s also dealing with different teachers who are stretched for time, understanding and patience, unlike his primary school teacher. Constantly under pressure, the high school teachers prefer to stick to the school rules instead of trying to understand challenging behaviour, and Nate’s writing is acknowledged but not nurtured as much as before.

Although the health issues of his little brother seem sorted, he begins to drift away from his siblings with all that high school places upon him. He takes more time for himself as he wrangles with the feelings about his father entering his life, and the higher expectations of school.

I was lucky enough to listen to The First Year, read by the author himself, with the accent, dialect and slang of the place and time – right now.

Writing Style

Verse novel in 6 parts. Readers see the end of Year 6 and the start of Year 7 and further.

There are illustrations throughout by Illustrator Joe Todd-Stanton sharing the story with readers.

Each page/poem begins with a title, and the novel is written in the vernacular or slang of the Manchester setting. Only when Nate recites one of his actual poems does his language change.

What age is it for?

Ages 10-12  for those beginning Intermediate (NZ) or High School.

Where & When is it set?

Manchester, England / Present

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

First person / Past tense

Is there Violence?

Yes

What genre is The First Year?

Middle Grade Verse Novel

Themes

School / Family / Change / Social challenges / Friendship

Is it part of a series?

Yes – The first book in the duology – The Final Year, covers the year before at Nate’s last year of Primary School

If you liked this, you might like…

The Wrong Shoes

The Invisible

The Bridge Home

Author

Matt Goodfellow

Illustrator

Joe Todd-Stanton

Publisher

Otter-Barry Books

(2023, Otter-Barry Books, Verse Novel, School, Poems, Writing, Poetry, Social challenges, Poverty, Friendship Dynamics, Change, Siblings, Brothers, Multi Award Winning, Series, Duology, High School, Bullying, Violence, Absent Father, Growing Up)

The post The First Year Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A ten year old girl named Cassie is navigating changing friendship dynamics, a very busy home with five siblings, and feelings of being different from her peers.

Plot summary of Dream On (no spoilers)

Cassie’s home is a very busy one, so when her mum asks her to empty the mailbox she resists at first. After all, she’s done her chores and the mailbox is her sibling’s job.

Amongst the mail she finds a sweepstake offering grand prizes of holidays, jetskis, furniture and cars. She can’t believe her luck! Especially after receiving a gold prize sticker.

Sharing this good fortune with her best friend Vali, Cassie is feeling wonderful. Maybe she can choose prizes for her mum? Surely that will make mum notice her a bit more at home?

When her favourite teacher Mrs Farmer changes the seating plan in their class, Cassie isn’t sitting next to Vali anymore. She struggles with this change, and sees Vali making a new friend named Stesha. The more time Vali spends with Stesha – at school then even after school, the more it hurts Cassie’s feelings.

But she’s always been told she is over sensitive. Is she the problem?

My thoughts

Friendship dynamics are often hard, and I remember my own struggles in primary school. I wish I had books like Dream On to help me understand what was happening, and what to do about it.

Cassie has a very busy home where she wants to be noticed, but is given responsibility for her younger siblings instead. She yearns for simpler times when she was younger, and had a little more attention. This on top of fraying and changing friendships is a tough time for her, and a very real and authentic story for girls aged 9 and up – who may find themselves in the same situations.

It’s by no means an easy journey, and Shannon Hale tells it like it really is in school, with Marcela Cespedes capturing Cassie’s conflicting emotions on the page brilliantly.

A must read for Primary & Intermediate school girls.

Main Characters

Cassie – Aged 10 and one of six siblings in a very busy home on a tight budget, but full of love. A sensitive girl, she can still see the wonder in  things around her, even as she is teased by her classmates and older sister. She also feels the hurt when her best friend changes and another student excludes her from things.

Vali – Also aged 10, Vali is Cassie’s best friend and they have always understood each other and enjoyed each other’s company. When getting to know another girl named Stesha after a seating change in class, she is led away from her friendship with Cassie, and also struggles with what is okay, what is deemed babyish, and how to keep from becoming the excluded one.

Steshi – Although the same age, Steshi acts much older, deeming many games babyish, and is not scared of telling anyone what she thinks. But maybe she has a reason for her hurtful behaviour?

Writing Style

Full colour graphic novel, with point of view character Cassie’s thoughts in orange speech bubbles, and normal speech with other characters in white bubbles. Flashbacks in Cassie’s life are shown in pastel toned sections.

FAQs

What age is it for?

For readers 9+

Where & When is it set?

USA 1980’s

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

1st person / Present tense

Is there Violence?

No

What genre is Dream on?

Middle-grade Graphic Novel

Themes

Family / Historical / Growing Up / Friendship Dynamics

Is it part of a series?

No

If you liked this, you might like…

Cross my Heart and Never Lie here

The Emmie & Friends series here

Author

Shannon Hale

Illustrator

Marcela Cespedes

Publisher

Roaring Book Press

(2026, Roaring Brook Press, Graphic Novel, School, Bully, Growing Up, Family, Friendship Dynamics, Historical, 1980’s, Feelings)

The post Dream On Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A 13 yr old girl has a strange ability to go back in time on New Year’s Eve. Most of it is not planned, accidental and completely surprising.

Lily must navigate each time until she can return to her own, whilst not giving away she is from the future.

Plot summary of Lily Tripp: Diary of an Accidental Time Traveller (No Spoilers)

Lily Tripp lived a normal life until the age of 9, when suddenly she is thrown back in time. The 1st time she does this she finds herself in 1842. Then the time of the Romans in the year 122, and forward again again she finally wakes up in her own time at the age of 12.

No one has noticed her absence, and when back in time, her family members and friends are also there, but completely unaware of anything strange. Lily is pleased that her secret crush pops up in each time, but so does her long-time nemesis from school.

Lily grows up whilst time-jumping, realising who is friend, who is foe, and also a lot about herself.

My thoughts

I love anything with time-travel, and this middle-grade novel has a fresh twist on it. Lily Tripp is funny, loyal and a perfectly normal girl besides her accidental time travel.

She is dealing with all the normal things in life at age 13. Her secret crush, best friend, peer friendships and a school bully-nemesis are parts of many young teen lives, and the fact that these challenges travel with her back and forth through time, make this novel even more engaging.

This is a fun novel, styled as a diary as Lily copes with the peculiar life she is living. Her many lists on what she wants to achieve or has learnt along the way are funny, poignant and also help readers get to know her even better.

Readers learn about the different times as Lily experiences them, and at the back of the book there is more information about the strange quirks and behaviours of these times in real life.

Loved the end!

Main Characters

Lily Tripp – Carries a diary everywhere, including back in time where it changes to suit the times. She is loyal, funny, keen on a boy (since forever) and is constantly working on plans to tell him how she feels. All this while navigating time jumps of hundreds of years.

Poppy – Lily’s best friend, with a determination to be herself, no matter what others think. This changes during the novel, bringing tension and misunderstandings between the friends.

Georgia – Lily’s nemesis who is free with her opinions which are usually negative – particularly with Lily. She is the mean-girl in every time jump.

Ollie – Lily’s crush who is oblivious to it.

Writing Style

Diary format with dates and times with each entry, letting readers know where and when Lily is. These are clear for the reader. Lily is talking directly to the reader with all her thoughts, feelings, both happy and sad, as she becomes a young teen.

FAQs

What age is it for?

For readers 10+

Where & When is it set?

UK 2025 / 1621 / 1976 / ?

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

1st person / Present tense / Told direct to the reader

Is there Violence?

No

What genre is Lily Tripp: Diary of an Accidental Time Traveller?

Middle-grade Humour

Themes

Time Travel / First Love / Historical / Growing Up / Friendship

Is it part of a series?

No

If you liked this, you might like…

More Time travel novels 

Author

Amelia Tait

Publisher

Hachette / Hodder Children’s Books

(2026, Hachette UK, Time Travel, School, Bully, Nemesis, Crush, 1621, 1976, 2025, Diary Format, Growing Up, Family, Friendship, Historical)

The post Lily Tripp: Diary of an Accidental Time Traveller – Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

High achiever Amy Middleton is the head of the School Ball Committee and after much before-ball preparation on the actual event, dress, makeup and hair, she is expecting a night she will never forget. This comes true for her and her classmates, for completely the wrong reasons.

Plot summary of My Wonderful Disgrace (No Spoilers)

Amy is ready! She has worked very hard with her Senior Ball Committee and the night is approaching fast. There is only one flaw in her plans. She doesn’t have a date.

Much to her sheer delight, this is soon rectified. Amy and her friends dress, apply makeup, prepare their hair updos and drink champagne while waiting for the event opening.

Soon after arriving on a dream-like high, Amy’s perfect plans begin to crumble, then plummet into impending doom. Others are also caught up in the destruction of her dream, ball experience.

A forbidden tryst, a silent protest action, a bomb exploding on social media and the death of an innocent but borrowed goat, turn Amy’s night to remember into a horror story of epic proportions.

My thoughts

This YA novel began predictably with a girl wanting her Senior School Ball to be a life-changing experience and a doorway to adulthood. Amy achieves the life-changing experience and memories that are seared into her brain forever, but anything beautiful about it is very short-lived.

My Wonderful Disgrace is all of that and more. It made me laugh out loud, gasp in horror, and cringe in anticipation of the shocking, funny (shouldn’t laugh) things that were about to happen.

Intrigue is achieved early as Amy’s diary of excitement is soon followed by her school principal’s reports and police interviews. Suddenly I was thinking…. “Hang on a minute. What happened at the ball!?”

This is a quick read, but mostly because I couldn’t stop reading as things went from bad to worse, to gob smacking to funny.

Loved it.

Main Characters

Amy – Head of the School Ball Committee. Has spent a lot of money on a designer dress, spent hours and hours on preparation and planning, and dreaming of a night of bliss, attention, and romance. After her beautiful bubble is popped beyond repair, she tries to sort out the nightmare of the evening. I couldn’t help but like her as she goes in damage control and finally concedes defeat for the dream.

Leo – Completely unaware of Amy’s feelings for him. He’s happy to go along with her and her friends to the Ball, but is distracted constantly with his phone. He too is a likeable guy as he tries to fix his part in the disaster of the evening. He is trying to keep others out of trouble but must concede he isn’t at fault.

Gabby – Amy’s best friend, who inadvertently does the most embarrassing damage. Not once but twice. She also means well, which makes the mistakes she makes even more cringe worthy.

Many other characters add to the comedy of errors.

Writing Style

Told in many formats from different points of view.

There are:

• Amy’s Journal entries
• The School Principal Community Newsletters
• Police Interview Transcripts
• Mobile Texts between students
• Emails
• Police Statements
• Letters
• Incident Reports
• and Group Chats

These are clearly set out in different styles and fonts – suited to the source.

They all connect brilliantly to give readers a complete picture of the mayhem. There are also two maps included in the novel to help readers view where the action happens.

FAQs

What age is it for?

Age – 14-18 years

Where & When is it set?

Mainly in a fictional city event venue (The Pacific Crest Hotel) and surrounding area / The present

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

Mostly 1st person / Present Tense

Is there Violence?

Minor (except for the unfortunate, accidental fate of a goat)

What genre is My Wonderful Disgrace?

Young Adult Humour

Is there any sex in the novel?

Actual? No

Themes

Humour / School / Social Media / Friendship / Expectations

Is it part of a series?

No

If you liked this, you might like…

The Worst Perfect Moment

Slowcoach

Catherine, Called Birdy

For more Real Life Reads, find them..

here

Authors

Angourie Rice & Kate Rice

Publisher

Walker Books Australia

(2026, Walker Books Australia, School, Senior Ball, Dreams, Social Media, Disasters, Plans go Awry, Humour, Funny, Crushes, Friendship, Goat, Mishaps, Inappropriate Relationship, Real Life, Secret)

The post Book Review – My Wonderful Disgrace appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Iris is an animal lover and is excited when she receives an invitation to attend a magical school that trains animal lovers like her to be carers of magical animals.

Plot summary

After saving a baby bird after it had been knocked out of a tree, Iris is pleased to have helped, even if her friends went on a bike ride without her.

Not long after, she hears the doorbell of her home and goes to check who might be at the door. It’s not a person, but a small dog with a postman’s hat, an envelope, and a wink. It’s an invitation to enrol in a magical school, that teaches children how to look after magical animals.

She knows she’ll miss her mum and dad, but attending a magical school is too exciting to turn down. She settles in, meeting other students and staff. Her only worry is whether she’ll make a bestie at her new school. Her roommate Luna is quiet and seems shy, and Iris wonders if they’ll ever be friends. It’s only when something goes wrong that they finally connect.

Soon after they are working on solving a mystery that has been upsetting to many.

Characters

Iris Marvels – loves animals, and will put them first before people. Is worried that the other students are achieving things she isn’t yet, which is a knock to her confidence.

Luna – is from a magical family, and knew about the magical school already. She doesn’t join in with the groups at first, keeping to herself. It’s only when she goes to help Iris, that they finally talk to each other properly, despite being room mates.

Writing Style

Told in 13 chapters with bold Chapter headings and illustrations on almost every page.

FAQs

What age is it for?

6+

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

3rd person / past tense

What genre is the Iris & Luna series?

Chapter Books to Middle Grade

Themes

Animals / Magic / Friendship

Is it part of a series?

Yes

If you liked this, you might like these?

Millie and Stella

Luna Grace

Author

Aurora Quirón

Illustrator

Isabel Escalante & Chezalbi

Publisher

Harper Collins

(2026, Harper Collins, Magic, Animals, Friendship, School, Animal Care, Unicorns, Magical Creatures, Series, Room mates)

The post Book Review – Iris & Luna (1) A School Full of Magic appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A young teen named Dell is upset that her mother has returned to their small town after years of being away. With no thought for her four daughters and loving husband, she left five years before when her youngest daughter was only a toddler. She has been chasing UFO sightings and crop circles around the world.

Dell decides the only way to protect her family is to prove the new local crop circles in their small town that her mother has returned to see, are fake.

Plot summary of Running in Circles (no spoilers)

One Sunday, Dell and her best friend Teddy are walking home from a local creek after looking for a special type of frog.  On the way past a corn crop, they see it moving and decide to take a look.

Not only do they see a large area of corn mowed down in a perfect circle, they find Dell’s mother. Dell hasn’t seen her Mum since she left years before – to chase UFOs.

The only reason Mum has returned is that crop circles have been discovered in local cornfields of their small town called Tully. Dell decides not to tell her dad and 3 sisters that Mum is back in town, hoping she’ll leave as fast as she appeared. This decision backfires terribly, even though Dell just wanted to keep everyone from more heartache and disappointment.

With faithful Teddy at her side, with their entire town turning UFO crazy, and news stations flocking to Tully, Dell decides to prove the crop circles are fake. She knows that the sooner she does it, the sooner her mother will leave again, and things can get back to normal.

Review

Running In Circles is a story of family, love and how messy they can be. There are 3 generations in the mix, as grandparents come to the rescue as four sisters and their dad are tipped out of their chaotic comfort zone, as their awol mother and wife unexpectedly comes back into their lives.

Main character Dell is a character churning with complicated feelings trying to protect everyone around her. All as her best friend Teddy tries to protect her. Dell’s love of everything ‘weather’ is shared in the chapter headings.

Dell’s passion for the environment and humankind’s havoc on it, is woven effortlessly through the book. These are all reminders about what is happening around us, along with the ability to get people to believe something without scientific evidence.

Whether an event is a hoax or not is quickly swept aside by the sensationalism of it. People of the town are quick to believe media and town gossip, instead of making decisions themselves. Something for young readers to think about?

A wonderful read.

Characters

Dell – (Adelaide) Aged 12 and 2nd oldest of four siblings (sisters). She wants to be a storm chaser or a climate scientist when she grows up. Fascinated in weather science, she has built her own weather station in her front yard (in an optimal position for correct readings, of course).

Dell looks out for her younger sisters, no matter how annoying their constant squabbling is. She is increasingly worried about her 15 year old sister Summer, who she shares a bedroom with, and about the fallout her mother’s return will inevitably bring.

Teddy – Dell’s best friend. Dell sticks up for him against a verbal bully at school, as Teddy is a kind, thoughtful boy who loves frogs as much as she loves weather.

Mum – Left her family to chase UFO’s and everything connected to them. She seems oblivious to the hurt she causes coming and going, and this time is no different as she treats her youngest daughters with donuts and car rides, and confuses her eldest with possible escape.

Writing Style

Dell tells the story as it happens. She talks about her day with her sisters, her friend Teddy and going to school. Readers learn about family quirks and dynamics and day to day life in their household. She is honest about her feelings about her mother’s leaving and then return and the turmoil it causes in her family – all in the authentic voice of a 12 year old girl.

FAQs

What age is it for?

9 -12 years

Where & When is it set?

Tully – a small town in Australia

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

First person / Present Tense

Is there any Violence?

Not physical. There is a class bully who is verbally teasing a classmate.

What genre is Running in Circles?

Middle-Grade / Contemporary / Real Life

Themes

Family, Friendship, Love, Science, Alien Crop Circles, Hoax?

Is it part of a series?

No

Author

Shivaun Plozza

Publisher

University of Queensland Press

(2026, UQP, University of Queensland Press, Australia, Small Town, Aliens, UFO’s, Crop Circles, Family, Love, Complicated emotions, Siblings, Sisters, Grandparents, School, Bully, Hoax, Conspiracy, Selfishness, Environment, Science, Secret)

The post Book Review – Running In Circles appeared first on whatbooknext.com.