A group of teens are to attend a surf life saving camp on an island, but get quickly swept up in a terrifying and perilous smuggler retrieval mission gone wrong.

New relationships are formed and old ones strengthened and unknown family history events discovered.

Plot summary of We Did It Anyway (No Spoilers)

Milly and her best friend Luna are travelling with Milly’s brother Jasper and his friends Otto and and Alex on a barge to Talmar Island. They are to attend a week long camp of team building, ocean swims and surf life saving with their club from their small town of Red Sands.

Luna is regretting it already, as it’s not her thing, but Milly convinced her to come. Alex is just pleased to finally be away from school and the trouble he caused before leaving. No one knows it was him, and he’s dreading any possible fallout.

Arriving on the island, they are asked if they can walk a new Eco trail before the rest of the group arrives – to test it for the new ranger. Luna’s not keen but everyone else is excited to sleep on the beach. Little do they know they will be running for their lives in merely hours.

Discovering a gold stash in the sand, Alex decides it could be useful to get him out of trouble back at school. But taking it causes more trouble than he could have imagined – putting all their lives in danger.

Review

This real-life contemporary novel continues the lives of teens Milly, Jasper and Otto from the author’s previous novel – We Saw What You Started from 2025.

With two points of view (Alex and Luna), we experience the increasing peril they find themselves in, making this a fast paced, captivating novel. Their predicament and with no adults to fall back on or trust, the friends must rely on each other, especially when things go wrong again and again along the way.

A new relationship builds slowly between two teens that have known each other for a long time, and family secrets reveal themselves in both the teen’s past and those of the villains.

A great read for those wanting exciting, tension filled, real life action.

Book Style

298 pages / 35 chapters / Two points of view

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

12+

Where & When is it set?

A fictional setting on the Australian Coast called Talmar Island / 2026

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

First person / Present tense

What genre is We Did It Anyway?

Young Adult Contemporary Real Life Thriller

Themes

Action / Family / Responsibility / Relationships / Crime / Thriller

Is it part of a series?

Yes – but it can definitely be read on its own

If you liked this, you might like:

We Saw What You Started

Saltwater Boy

Author

Carla Salmon

Publisher

Pan Macmillan Australia

(2026, Pan Macmillan, Australia, Surf Lifesaving, Crime, Smugglers, Gold, Relationships, Trust, Guilt, Family, Friendships, Tension, Courage, Camp, Island, Series, Trouble, Intermediate, Secret, Action)

The post We Did It Anyway Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

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.

Charlie and her mum move to the small NZ town of Coalburn. Her mum loves to study cemeteries and they have moved in right next door to Coalburn’s graveyard.

A new friend is made in local, Tam and Charlie joins the local rugby team. While exploring the graveyard, Charlie finds a headstone that might interest her mum and with Tam’s help they investigate its owner.

Charlie and Tam discover an intriguing mystery and a heart breaking connection between them.

Plot summary of Charlie, Tam and the Singing Canary (No Spoilers)

There is a new girl at Tam’s school named Charlie. Tam and Charlie hit it off right away, sharing their family dynamics and a love of words. Tam is intrigued in Charlie’s life of moving around with her mum, following her need and interest in researching headstones in cemeteries around the country.

They get to know each other’s family dynamics and history, but there are things Tam wants to know about her own family, but has always been to afraid to ask. When Charlie asks Tam to help investigate a headstone in the local graveyard, Tam is keen to help.

Their investigation leads to family members on both sides revealing truths long held close, and the mystery of the gravestone finally brought to light.

Review

This middle-grade novel was so easy to immerse myself in, that I read it in one sitting.

Set in a small NZ rural town in the South Island of New Zealand, it has a slice of everything that makes a great read – A new kid in town, a mystery, a ghost and family secrets. Stir in a little rugby, a love of words and intriguing friendship and family dynamics, and it is a real-life tale with a touch of supernatural.

An authentic, captivating kiwi read. Kids are going to love it.

Book Style

217 Pages / 51 Chapters

3 Parts – Coalburn / The Kissing Kauri / The Singing Canary

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

9+

Where & When is it set?

A fictional town called Coalburn – a small town on the West Coast of New Zealand

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

Omniscient / Present tense

Is there Violence?

No

What genre is Charlie, Tam and the Singing Canary?

Middle Grade Mystery

Themes

Mystery / Friendship / Family / Secret / Ghost

Is it part of a series?

No

Read a sample here

If you liked this, you might like:

Children of the Rush

The Ghosts on the Hill

Enemy Camp

Author

Bill Nagelkerke

Publisher

Copy Press New Zealand

(2026, Copy Press, Aotearoa New Zealand, West Coast, South Island, Otago, Ghost, Cemetery, Graveyards, Headstone Art, New girl at school, Family, Secrets, Friendship, Grandmother, Tramping, Rugby, Old fashioned Words, Old fashioned Phrases)

The post Charlie, Tam and the Singing Canary Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Three kids aged between 9 and 12 are on the run and in hiding trying to figure out who and what they are. A year before, they woke up in a clearing in the dark and soon discovered they can change into animals. Even when not in animal form, they have amazing abilities far beyond those of a normal human child.

Searching for their past, including their own names, they discover others like them. Together, they hunt down the truth.

Plot summary of Beast Mode (1) (No Spoilers)

Caine, Blue and Ember have been in hiding for a year on the streets of London. To survive, they have mastered tricks to steal items from others, working as a team. Little do unsuspecting targets know that these three kids are not just kids. They are animal shapeshifters.

Caine can turn into a large cat, Blue, a black husky, and Ember, a fox. Caine is their leader, adept at planning ways to survive and keep them together and safe. Blue is cocky, with a flair for looking good when he can, and the muscle of the team, and Ember is a very skilled tech hacker. None want to hurt anyone, but they are able to protect themselves – all while trying to learn about their pasts.

One night they run into a creature that has been dubbed The Night Terror by the authorities. This huge black animal seems to coral them towards a particular address. This is where they meet a girl named Salia. She too is looking for answers about her life and is soon on the run with the three.

Constantly fleeing from The Night Terror and the police is fraught with danger, but slowly they piece together clues to find out who and what they are. When they realise that there are others after them, even more dangerous than the police or the creature that stalks the streets at night, they have to be even more careful.

Finding a relative helps them to fill in even more blanks in their stories, but danger is never far away. They must determine who is friend and who is foe, before they can really fight back. More than one betrayal bites them hard, but there is no time to process it as they are attacked again and again.

Has staying alive together all been for nothing?

Review

The action in Beast Mode is non-stop. There is also humour, tons of hand to hand (or paw) combat, loyalties stretched and proven, secret after secret revealed and of course, the awesome shapeshifting into a clever cat, a wily fox and a burly husky, all bigger, stronger and faster than they should be.

The history and lore behind these young shapeshifters is intriguing. Do we really know who or what walks among us? This history is to be further explored in the next novel in this series (released April 2027), and I’m looking forward to learning more from these character’s pasts.

If you like action, animals and (almost) super powers, you’re going to love Beast Mode.

Book Style

305 Pages / 36 Chapters

2 Points of View to allow two stories to develop, cross over and separate again throughout novel

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

10+

Where & When is it set?

London, England / Present

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

2 Points of View alternating through novel

Third person / past tense

Is there Violence?

Yes

What genre is Beast Mode (1)?

Middle Grade Fantasy

Themes

Blended family / Fantasy / Science / Mystery / Series / Action / Animals

Is it part of a series?

Yes

1. The Animal Awakens
2. ?   April 2027
3. ?

Author

J J Arcanjo

Publisher

Hachette / Starboard

(2026, Hachette, Starboard, Secrets, Blended Family, Fantasy, Series, Action, Animals, Crime, Hacker, Shapeshifting, On the run, Ancient race, Science, Betrayal, Identity, Courage, War, Trust)

The post Beast Mode (1) The Animal Awakens Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

This gets Billie’s interest and deciding she’d like some excitement and her ball back, she launches the Secret Mystery Club. Their first case will be The Mystery of the Spooky House.

Now out in graphic novels, the classic and popular Billie B Brown series will delight even more young readers!

This 1st episode as a graphic novel is in full colour and the captivating format of illustrations will keep kids reading, not to mention the intriguing story.

But it’s not just about a mystery. Billie and her group of friends not only learn about the spooky house in their neighbourhood, but how to be a good friend too.

Author – Sally Rippen

Illustrator – Aki Fukuoka

Graphic Novel

Age – 6+

(2026, Hardie Grant, Witch, Spooky, Creepy, Secrets, Club, Friendship, Mystery, Graphic Novel, Courage, Series, Adventure, Real Life)

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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’t eat, drink, sleep, injure itself or fall ill, allowing endless productivity and work hours, and no ageing.

Another huge plus that helps sell this to the public is that there is much less draw on Earth’s resources if you choose to become a Pleeka.

But the New You Foundation isn’t telling the whole story.

Plot summary of New You For Ever (No Spoilers)

Anders Jones and his dad have a popular good news program that is shown on several news shows across the UK. Called And Finally… 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.

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.

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.

When Anders sees some famous people who have become Pleekas malfunction, and then Tera begin to talk positively about the Pleekas, he becomes suspicious.

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.

Something isn’t right at the New You Foundation, and when Anders meets his hero Tera, the full truth is revealed.

Review

Wow! What a concept. This novel has a clever premise which begins with:

This story takes place in the year 2070. But it could happen sooner than you think.

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.

Longer than many Dyslexic novels from Barrington Stoke at 123 pages, this is also full of intrigue, action and parallels to our own lives – making it even more engaging.

Gripping!

Book Style

Produced particularly for Dyslexic Readers / Begins with main character talking directly to the reader about what happened to him, finishing the chapter with:

Read on. I’ll fill you in. 

136 Pages

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

Reading Age 8+ / Interest Age 11+

Where & When is it set?

Set in a large city in the UK / The year is 2070

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

First person / Present tense

Is there Violence?

Yes

What genre is New You For Ever?

Middle Grade Dystopian-Cli-Fi / Thriller

Themes

Dystopian / Future / Climate Fiction / Action / Truth

Is it part of a series?

No

Find a link for a Reading Sample of New You For Ever here

Find more books set in the Future here

Find more Dyslexic / Reluctant Reads here

Author

Steve Cole

Illustrator

Chris King

Publisher

Barrington Stoke/ Harper Collins

(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)

The post New You For Ever 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.

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 defend a ship wreck – as a shark, before he can learn how to turn back into a boy.

Plot summary of Max Beast – Sharknado Warning (No Spoilers)

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 – IN the water!

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’d seen earlier that day – then Max himself begins to morph into a great white shark.

But he isn’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.

What’s happened to him, and will he ever return to his own body?

Review

The first book in an exciting new, tension filled, action adventure series, Max Beast – Sharknado Warning is a gripping read.

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!

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.

This series is sure to be gobbled up by young readers.

Book Style

106 Pages / Ten Chapters – With a sneak peek of the next adventure Max Beast – Tiger Terror

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

8+

Where & When is it set?

Open ocean under boats used for Scuba Diving / Present

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

Third Person / Past Tense

Is there Violence?

Yes – Underwater between animals, people and then between the two

What genre is Max Beast – Sharknado Warning?

Middle Grade Fantasy Action

Themes

Action / Courage / Fantasy / Adventure / Series

Is it part of a series?

Yes

1. Sharknado Warning (2026)
2. Tiger Terror (2026)
3. Raptor Alert (2027)
4. ?

Author

Maddy Mara

Publisher

Scholastic

If you liked Max Beast, you might like these series:

Kung Fu Roo

Pipi & Pou

Mission Microraptor

(2026, Scholastic, Series, Courage, Action, Adventure, Animals, Crime, Secret, Underwater, Scuba Diving, Shark, Shapeshifter, Thieves, Danger, Tension)

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It’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.

Jet has discovered, talked to, argued with and worried about… a ghost. To make things even more complicated, she has also met the most gorgeous boy she’s ever seen, which makes the ghost jealous!

She’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!

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. The Girl and the Ghost has just the right amount of everything to kick off a brand new series for readers of 9+

There is a mystery, a secret to keep, emails back & 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.

I’m definitely keen to grab the next in the series.

Author – Jacqueline Harvey

Age – 10+

Read an Extract here 

Find Teacher’s Notes here

Find the next book in the series here

(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)

The post The Girl and the Ghost 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)

The post Beware the Abbott Boys Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

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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She works in her family Apothecary business with her parents, older brother Edward and sister Katherine. While her parents are away on business, they get a young boarder in. He is a student and his name is Isaac Newton. He’s quiet, studious and keeps mostly to himself.

Ann must go to extra lengths to make her medicines work for her townspeople. It involves Nature, moonlight and a special symbol. Her family knows about her gift and so do the townsfolk who seek her out when someone is poorly.

When news comes to town that a Witchfinder has been summoned due to strange events in the town, Ann’s family is on alert. Her own grandmother was imprisoned in the local jail on suspicion of witchcraft, but died before she was actually accused by a magistrate. Only this allowed the family to move on in life and in business.

But these past claims lead the Witchfinder straight to their door. Ann is especially worried as she’s not sure whether she disposed of everything that might leave clues to her gift. It’s a close call.

For added safety, Ann begins to work in Isaac’s room. No one would suspect a young male student of Witchcraft. Together they make something incredible – something that can save an entire village, but threaten Ann’s family’s future and her life.

Set in 1655 in Grantham, England, this fictional blend of a young scientist Isaac Newton, and a young apothecary is an intriguing read. It gives a dyslexic or reluctant reader a glimpse into the time, swirled with the mania of Witchfinders, The Plague and the famous Scientist.

A handful of detailed illustrations are included in the novel, along with dire consequences for a gifted girl deemed a witch by superstition and religion.

The conclusion is a surprising and entertaining one, taking readers from the 17th Century to the present. 

Author – Lindsay Galvin

Illustrator – Kristina Kister

Age – 10+

Dyslexic Title

Find more books for Dyslexic or Reluctant Readers here

(2025, Barrington Stoke, Harper Collins, Historical, 1655, Grantham, England, Apothecary, Family Business, Witchfinder, Accused, Tinctures, Auras, Dyslexic Read, Dyslexia, Reluctant Reader, Plague, Illness, Sickness, Cures, Isaac Newton, Secret)

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Hus has been in her mother’s family for generations in a world full of magic. It didn’t used to be so, but after a great quake, magic flowed everywhere and for the lucky ones, into people. This magic is strongly governed however, by the rich and powerful or downright devious.

Two devious people include Eglantine’s evil uncle Lichen and his cohort the Whistlewitch, known to be one of the strongest sorcerers there is. Lichen wants the house for himself, believing it his birthright, and he has the Whistlewitch to help him do it.

An illegal spell suddenly has Eglantine alone in Hus with only her friend and butler Arthur to help protect them both. Lichen has given Eglantine an ultimatum. As the legal owner of Hus (as her parent’s firstborn & only child), Eglantine is responsible for Hus’ care. But to care for Hus properly she needs to have a magical bond with the house. The terrible problem is that Eglantine has no magic, and Hus is becoming sicker by the day with no bond after Eglantine’s mum died.

In order to keep Hus in her care, keep living there, and also get her kidnapped father back, Eglantine has to find a solution. The only solution is to find her own magic, but a test at nine years old told her that she has none.

There is one possible way to do this. Enrol in ‘Miss Heggoty’s Correspondence Course for Aspiring Witches‘ which is not only illegal but dangerous.

Another young girl, who just happens to be the future monarch of England, is Princess Victoria. She too has a magic problem. Royals are banned from having any magical powers, and hers have just arrived completely out of the blue, causing no end of problems. She wants rid of the magic so she too enrols in Miss Heggoty’s course.

The girls meet when both their lives have been upended by magic or the lack of it, and powerful men are hovering to cause further chaos and loss. They must be brave and stand up for themselves, other women and girls, and the future of Witchspark in their country.

Wow! I loved Witchspark and the knowledge that this book is the first in a series. The worldbuilding is rich and fresh, woven through the story effortlessly. Both key characters are strong willed and kind girls, both under pressure by outside patriarchal forces. The author is keen to show this in her novel as something that rules many lives, but is essential to stand up to.

Another important theme is the fact that people who are deemed disabled or less in some way (Eglantine has a limb difference), are definitely not. In fact, they are more determined and strong as they discover their own ways to succeed against those who believe they can’t.

I really liked both Eglantine and Princess Victoria as they deal with the huge problems they face individually, and then together as a team. The sentient house named Hus is a delight as it looks after its inhabitants in many imaginative ways. eg. a chair will move to catch you when needed or the door knocker will bite any unwelcome visitors. Hus is a character in itself and readers will love its antics.

Just like Dominic Valente’s previous magical series, Starfell – Witchspark is going to be a series to gobble up as soon as the next book hits the shelves!

Brilliant!

Author – Dominique Valente

Age – 8+

(2025, Magic, Friendship, Sentient House, Patriarchy, Patriarchal, Control, Rules, Powerful, Revenge, Greed, Royalty, Family, Love, Ghost, Witches, Wizards, Spells, Witch School, Historical, 1833, Secret, Fantasy, Series)

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A 12 year old boy named Eddie is concerned about a missing boy from his school. When he goes looking for him, it seems to kick off a series of events around him, and then frightening physical changes to his body. He feels increasingly strange inside and out and isn’t sure who to tell.

Surrounded by AI tech, it’s a secret that is hard to keep to himself. His parents have minimised the technology in their family home, but it’s 2045, and it is used in every aspect of human life. Finding a balance is an ongoing problem. Keeping his secret but continuing his search, Eddie tries to fight his body’s alarming changes. Soon the local authorities get more involved, which sparks a dangerous mission.

Plot summary of The Wild Unknown (No Spoilers)

Eddie isn’t looking forward to going back to school. His brother Jude is not only a good student but seems to excel at everything he does, which leaves Eddie feeling like he is always trying to catch up. When a boy named Theo from his school is reported missing, Eddie can’t let it go. He wants to help find Theo. Eddie and his best friend Kit begin to investigate near a river where Theo was seen last.

It is 2045, and Eddie’s parents try to limit the ever-increasing technology in their home. They are also very safety conscious with their sons. Eddie knows he’s not allowed near the river, so when he and Kit find something strange, they’re not sure who to tell. When the item goes missing, Eddie is more confused and worried about Theo. Soon after their river clue-finding expedition, Eddie begins to feel strange. Was something in the water?

When his body begins changing physically, he’s terrified someone will find out. It is far from normal and he can’t find answers. He’s relieved when he learns he’s not the only one. With his big brother and his friends, they dig deeper into the mystery of the missing boy, and Eddie’s changing body, whilst avoiding robot dogs, spy drones and strange deliveries.

Review

The Wild Unknown is something different and being set less than 20 years in our future, the featured technology is quite believable.

This novel for 10+ explores the ever increasing role of AI in our daily lives. Although much of it is helpful, The Wild Unknown highlights that it is a balance we must constantly keep track of and also always remember (no matter how much AI bots seem to be almost human) AI is a machine.

I enjoyed this look into our perfectly possibly future of AI, Science, family and friendships and the possible fallout caused by technology’s power.

Book Style

328 pages / 42 Chapters with Chapter headings in a futuristic font

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

10+

Where & When is it set?

Australia / 2045 – 2046

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

Third person / Past tense

Is there Violence?

Minor bullying at school, and threat of violence from robots

What genre is The Wild Unknown?

Middle Grade Dystopian

Themes

Future / Technology / AI / Artificial Intelligence / Mystery

Is it part of a series?

No

Author

Emily Gale

Publisher

Text Publishing Australia

(2026, Text Publishing Aust, Intermediate (NZ), Australia, Future, Dystopian, Friendship, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Missing Boy, Investigate, Clues, Politics, Computers, Robots, Technology, Bots, Science, Secret)

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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)

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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)

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A podcaster is asked by her brother to investigate a mystery note and find its sender. The note has been sent to a friend of his, who he is trying to help. She has lost her twin and home to a devastating arson.

Plot summary of I Know What You’re Hiding (No Spoilers)

Zoe and her friend Niamh are crime podcasters. They don’t have a large following (less than 100), but they are passionate about what they do. Zoe is an excellent investigator, using quick thinking, intensive research and a desire to uncover the truth in her work. Niamh is a skilled cyber sleuth, using technology to aid their investigations.

When Zoe is asked by her older brother to investigate something for him, she’s intrigued. It involves a friend of his who has lost a twin and gained terrible scars in a house fire. She also has a secret.

When she receives a note that looks like it’s been written in blood, she’s scared. Someone claims to know her secret and it’s the last thing she wants known to the world. They have demanded $10,ooo to keep quiet. Can Zoe figure out who is sending the notes?

What follows is an investigation that begins with a note that could be blood, or could be tomato sauce? Zoe relishes a challenge and with Niamh’s help just a call away, they get to work.

Review

Jack Heath novels are always so readable. By which I mean – so easy to immerse yourself in from very early in the story. I Know What You’re Hiding has an intriguing prologue (which unfortunately for me, gave too much away), but not enough for me to put the book down.

A key thing for me in this YA Mystery Thriller was main character Zoe. An old saying goes, she has the hide of an elephant. This is Zoe through and through. She can just about talk her way out of anything, find ways to extract information from possible suspects or witnesses with cunning wee plans, and keep her cool while doing it. Even with this kind of personality, I still felt her relief or thumping heart after each stunt.

There is action, mystery, and fear for the characters as truths are revealed and villains appear in full colour.

I know What You’re Hiding is a clever, thrilling ride.

Writing Style

Begins with a prologue sharing an event that is the catalyst for a mystery to unravel.

The rest of the novel continues three years after the event with chapter headings showing an ever decreasing time limit to solve the blackmail attempt in.

FAQS

What age is it for?

Age – 12+

Where & When is it set?

University Mid Term Break – Present Day / Mostly in a fictional University town – Australia

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

Third Person / Present tense

Is there Violence?

Yes

Is there any Sex?

No

What genre is I Know What You’re Hiding?

Real Life / Contemporary Mystery Young Adult Fiction

Themes

Mystery / Secrets / Family / Blackmail

Is it part of a series?

No

If you liked this, you might like…

Nothing Bad Happens Here

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series

Author

Jack Heath

Publisher

Scholastic Australia

(2026, Scholastic Aust, Intermediate (NZ), Action, Crime, Murder, Family, Humour, Mystery, Secret, Twins, Arson, Fire, Scars, Investigation, Podcasters, Cyber sleuth, Blackmail, Siblings, University)

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It’s not like her Grandma are Pop aren’t nice to be with. Grandma loves her books, and it shows with the piles everywhere in their villa. Pop loves his daily newspapers. But seven old people and a middle-aged dog aren’t the best company for such a long time.

A couple of other residents do have grandchildren too, but they aren’t exactly the type to hang out with. Cousins Zane and Yasmin visit their grandmother Mrs Bassal every week. They are very popular at school because of their successful social media presence but way too cool for Claudia. The other young visitor is Orphi McAdoo whose grandfather used to live in the village. He is the very opposite of cool, and Claudia would like to avoid him as much as possible.

This soon becomes impossible because a malfunction to the gate of the retirement home locks them all in – together!

Claudia does her best to keep herself occupied, and thinks maybe, just maybe – she could make friends out of cool Zane and Yasmin. Especially since the handyman won’t be back to fix the gate until after the long weekend ahead of them.

It’s not long before they discover something to keep them all occupied. Strange notes begin being found around the premises. Who wrote them and what could they possibly mean?

While they wrangle the very few clues and the seven elderly residents, Claudia and co track down answers to a ever deepening mystery.

With illustrations peppered through the text, intermittent fun fonts popping up as main character Claudia has an idea, and a growing mystery to solve, this middle grade novel is a fun read.

Being stuck inside a small retirement village where everyone knows everyone (very well), but who don’t all get on (very well), there are upsets, reveals, grumbles and gripes, along with baking, quizzes, cooks and books galore.

Throw in some strange notes and this closed off community have nothing but time and an opportunity to sort things out, find a brother, win a dance competition, discover a real home, reveal a secret or two and band together for their future.

Through Claudia, readers get to know each resident with their quirks and hilarious, annoying, kind and grumpy personalities.

(Look out for the next in the series – The Clueless Guide to Catching a Thief)

If you liked this you might like:

The Girl and the Ghost series

Violet and the Velvets Series

Author – Samera Kamaleddine

Illustrator – Hykie Breeze

Age – 9+

(2026, Angus Robertson, Harper Collins, Elderly, Retirement Home, Friendship, Family, Humour, Mystery, Secret, Series, Villas, Locked Gate, Social Media, Written notes, Investigating, Clues)

The post The Clueless Guide to Solving a Mystery Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A street kid caught up in a pick-pocket and thieving gang discovers he has the gift of magic after surviving a terrible event. He is torn between his old life on the streets and a new life as the apprentice of a highly respected Dream Maker.

A comet is hurtling towards Eortha as it does every 75 years, and his entire city of Starsgard is celebrating its arrival. It’s believed to be a changebringer and omen of good times ahead.

But Crow’s new master knows something about the comet that others don’t. It’s the opposite of anything good.

Plot summary of Crow – Thief of Magic (No Spoilers)

Crow lives on the streets of Starsgard of Eortha – bonded by fear and control by the Reaver gang. The only good thing in his life, is time spent with his close friends Sal and Jonas. They share their food they scrounge or buy with their meagre spoils of pick pocketing allowed by the gang or anything else they can earn. They also share their dreams to escape the gang and finally be free of them.

While working on a plan for their future, a job goes terribly wrong and lives are lost. Crow’s life is suddenly changed forever as he finds himself under the care and then tutelage of the city’s Dream Maker.

Viktor Avery is wealthy and famous in Starsgard, but he isn’t all he seems. Crow must decide whether to believe a strange ghost’s warning about Viktor, or Viktor’s kindness and care of him.

Crow discovers his special knack to stay alive on the rough dark streets of the city is more magic than street smarts. Can he harness it in time to save himself, his friends and the entire city?

Review

Beginning with a detailed map, Crow’s world was easy to immerse myself in. He’s a kind and thoughtful character, living on the streets where food is scarce and kindness even more so.

His bond and loyalty to his friends is heart warming in such a harsh life, and his unexpected apprenticeship to harness the full power of his latent magic, an intriguing story line.

Crow’s magic is connected to Dreams, and to his horror, Nightmares too, which bring important contrasts to this novel and Crow himself. Rich world building kept me reading right up to an exciting climax and satisfying conclusion.

Perfectly paced with action, tough choices to be made, and deciding who to trust as a young street-kid, this middle-grade novel is an engaging read. I cared about Crow very early in the narrative and was keen to see him come into his own on the streets of a fictional medieval-styled, fantasy city.

(Thanks to Harper Collins NZ for my ARC)

Writing Style

Chapters are numbered and named, and also include a countdown of days until All Souls’ Eve – (Readers learn along the way why this is important to the inhabitants of Starsgard)

What age is it for?

Age – 10+

Where & When is it set?

A fictional city called Starsgard in the Northern Isles of Eortha / Medieval Times

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

Third Person (Both Crow and Viktor) / Paste Tense

Is there Violence?

Yes.

What genre is Crow – Thief of Magic?

Middle-grade Fantasy

Themes

Friendship / Loyalty / Fantasy / Poverty

Is it part of a series?

Yes. This is the first book in a three book series.

If you liked this, you might like…

Arkspire series

Hidden Treasure

Deep Dark

Author

Fiona Dixon

Publisher

Harper Collins UK

(2026, Harper Collins UK, Fantasy, Series, Gang, Medieval City, Poverty, Friendship, Dreams, Magic, Nightmares, Dream Maker, Secrets, Revenge, Lies, Eternal, Comet, Good Luck, Power, Action, Betrayal, Bullies, Courage, Animals, Cat)

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