This issue's cover illustration by David Wyatt is from C J Busby's Cauldron Spells (978 1 8487 7085 0, £5.99 pbk). Thanks to Templar Publishing for their help with this March cover.

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Lovereading4kids has been created by book loving experts to help you select the best books for your children. It is the ultimate children's online independent bookstore where every eatured title is read and reviewed by one of our editorial experts. You can also visit Lovereading4kids to view free Opening Extracts of thousands and thousands of childrens books, both contemporary and classic.

Sally Gardner on The Double Shadow

Sally Gardner on The Double Shadow

Sally Gardner in conversation about her new book The Double Shadow.

Books for Keeps is the UK’s leading, independent children’s book magazine. It was launched in 1980 and ever since has been reviewing hundreds of new children’s books each year and publishing articles on every aspect of writing for children. There are over 12,500 reviews on our new website and more than 2,000 articles including interviews with the top children’s authors and illustrators.

“The best scholars, reviewers, authors and critics write for Books for Keeps,” says editor Rosemary Stones, “We hold a mirror up to the children’s book world and reflects back its output, issues and preoccupations with intelligence, scholarship and wit.”

Book of the week


Slated (10-14 Middle/Secondary)

Teri Terry

(Orchard)
448pp, 978-1408319468, RRP £6.99, Paperback


16-year-old Kyla has been ‘slated’ – given a clean slate, a fresh start to redeem a past which has been wiped from her memory.


Latest Reviews

Penguin’s Hidden Talent (5-8 Infant/Junior)

Alex Latimer
(Picture Corgi)

32pp, 978-0552562676, RRP £5.99, Paperback


As the annual talent contest draws near, Fox, Bear, Penguin and Rabbit are all busy practising their acts.


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Digging in the Dark (8-10 Junior/Middle)

Hilda Offen
(Catnip Publishing Ltd)

112pp, 978-1846471391, RRP £4.99, Paperback


This funny story is ideal for newly independent readers. Offen presents recognisable school life, from friendships and bullies to school outings.


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Drive By (10-14 Middle/Secondary)

Jim Carrington
(Bloomsbury Publishing PLC)

416pp, 978-1408822784, RRP £6.99, Paperback


Readers who enjoy wrestling with the complexities of moral responsibility will respond enthusiastically to this novel and to the intriguing dilemma at its centre.


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Books for Keeps Feature

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News
Latest News

Maurice Sendak June 1928 – May 2012

SendakMaurice Sendak, who has died at the age of 83 was one of the most important illustrators of the twentieth century. Joanna Carey assesses his career for Books for Keeps


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2012 Branford Boase Shortlist

Branford Boase logoSeven authors are on the shortlist for the 2012 Branford Boase Award, announced today, Monday 30 April.

The Branford Boase Award is given annually to the author of an outstanding debut novel for children. Uniquely, it also honours the editor of the winning title and highlights the importance of the editor in nurturing new talent.


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2012 CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medal Shortlists

A Monster CallsThe shortlists have been announced for the 2012 CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals, the oldest and most prestigious of all the UK’s children’s book awards.

There are eight books on each shortlist, two more than has been usual: a sign perhaps of the difficulty the judges had in making their final choice.


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Siobhan Dowd Trust launches competition to help encourage a love of reading

TEACHERS AND LIBRARIANS: HELP NEEDED Tell The Siobhan Dowd Trust how you spread the joy of reading and win £1000 worth of books for your school!


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