Category: Age 10-12

Book reviews for children aged 10-12

Posted in Age 8-10, Age 10-12, Age 12-14

Return to the Secret Lake

Posted on by bookmonster

Reviewed by Bookmonstress Méabh
Author: Karen Inglis
Book 2 of 2 in The Secret Lake series

Hi Bookmonsters!
As promised in my sneak preview a couple of weeks ago, here is my FULL review of the new Karen Inglis book, Return to the Secret Lake – the much-anticipated sequel to The Secret Lake. Just released today, this book sees siblings Stella and Tom reunited with their friends in the past. This time, however, they must embark on a more serious mission – Emma is gravely ill and needs urgent help. In a race against time, this quick-thinking, resourceful group of friends find themselves facing more than they had bargained for, and Stella and Tom must make some tough decisions that could – if they’re not very careful – change the course of history. This edge-of-seat adventure is full of unexpected twists and turns and combines some great time-travel conundrums with fascinating historical facts. Particularly striking in this tale was how caring and empathetic the characters are, with each one looking out for the others in their own individual ways. Really heart-warming. NO SPOILERS!!

Posted in Age 8-10, Age 10-12, Age 12-14

October, October

Posted on by bookmonster

Reviewed by Bookmonstress Méabh
Author: Katya Balen

Hi Bookmonsters!
I have another book review for you today – it’s on October, October by Katya Balen. This is such a beautiful book – not only is the story itself wonderful, but so is the cover art. And the fact that it features my favourite animal, the owl, makes it extra special!
This book tells the tale of 11-year-old October, who had been living a very wild, natural life with her father in the woods, but has to move in with her mother in London after her father has an accident and is hospitalised. For October, the move from her peaceful world in the forest to noisy city life is very alarming and she finds it hard to settle. Luckily, she has her owl friend, Stig, and her new friend and mudlarking buddy, Yusuf, to keep her company through the difficult transition. This book is all about family, friendship, freedom and nature. You will find it hard to tear yourself away! NO SPOILERS!!

Posted in Age 8-10, Age 10-12, Age 12-14, Shorts

#Shorts: Return to the Secret Lake

Posted on by bookmonster

Reviewed by Bookmonstress Méabh
Author: Karen Inglis
Book 2 of 2 in The Secret Lake series

Hi Bookmonsters!
We have an exciting new #Shorts video for you – Bookmonstress Méabh is giving you a sneak preview of the new Karen Inglis book, Return to the Secret Lake – the much-anticipated sequel to The Secret Lake. This page-turner combines some great time-travel conundrums with fascinating historical facts and true friendship. Due for release in early March 2022. The full ‘regular’ review of the book will follow here after the book’s release. NO SPOILERS!!

NEWSFLASH!
Bookmonstress Méabh’s full review of Return to the Secret Lake is now also available: http://www.bookmonster.ie/return-to-the-secret-lake/

Posted in Age 10-12, Age 12-14, Age 13+

When the Sky Falls

Posted on by bookmonster

Reviewed by Bookmonster Cian
Author: Phil Earle

Yo Bookmonsters, wassup?!
In this book review video, I am reviewing a new TOP favourite of mine. It’s called When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle. Inspired by a true story, this heart-warming tale totally blew me away. I was hooked right from the first page – well actually, right from the fantastic book cover and the blurb. It’s 1941, WW2 is raging and London is in the thick of the Blitz. Joseph is a 12-year-old boy who is angry at the world around him and quite alone. No longer able to deal with him, his gran sends him to London to stay with a friend of hers. Mrs F is a stern, no-nonsense lady and she puts Joseph to work in her city zoo. He is charged with the task of watching over Adonis, an enormous silverback, for fear the gorilla’s cage would be damaged by a blast. The book was heart-stopping, heart-breaking, heart-warming – I absolutely loved it and I’m sure you will too! And it’s not just suitable for children either – it is for all ages. NO SPOILERS!!

Posted in Age 10-12, Age 12-14, Age 13+

The Mask of Aribella

Posted on by bookmonster

Reviewed by Bookmonstress Méabh
Author: Anna Hoghton

Hi there Bookmonsters!
Today’s book review is on Anna Hoghton’s debut novel, The Mask of Aribella. This is a magical, rich tale of mystery, intrigue, adventure and friendship, and it has catapulted itself straight into my Top Ten! Set in Venice, young Aribella discovers she possesses secret powers just one day before her 13th birthday. These powers not only get her into trouble with the law, they also get her discovered by the Cannovacci, a secret society of magical warriors sworn to protect Venice from the evil spectres. And they need Aribella’s help! Aribella must learn to navigate not just the canals and dangerous waters of Venice, but also her new life as a Cannovacci. NO SPOILERS!!