Good Reads: Toot Hill School

Our Good Reads were chosen by young people at Toot Hill School, Nottingham. Thanks to these young critics and thanks and congratulations to Library Manager Claire Marris. Claire is on the Honour List for the SLA School Librarian of the Year 2020/21.

The Sun is also a Star

Nicola Yoon, Corgi Children’s Books, 978-0552574242, £7.99 pbk

This book is perfect for people who love coincidence and fate. As a quick summary of the book (without too many spoilers) it is about a girl called Natasha, who is about to be deported to Jamaica that day and a boy called Daniel, who is sick of living up to his parents’ expectations.

They meet on a New York street; they instantly forget about their lives and fall in love, the only difficulty is that Natasha may be leaving that evening!

I would give this book a five out five heart rating because I loved it so much. It is a classic cliché romance. Hannah, year 10

Throne of Glass

Sarah J. Maas, Bloomsbury, 978-1408832332, £8.99 pbk

Throne of Glass is a fantasy story about the renowned assassin Celeana Sardothien who is given the chance to regain her freedom from a slave camp but to do so she must work to overcome her past.

This book is the first in a series of eight. I would recommend reading all the books in the series because then you learn more about the characters and story. However, the books are 300+ pages long so probably more for the avid reader.

I love the way the author has written the book and as the books go on through the series more of the characters are introduced. Throughout the plot there are lots of twists and turns that make it the perfect amount of thrill and excitement but not too complicated. Overall, I think that they are a great read for young adults and teenagers who enjoy plenty of action with a touch of romance. Neve, year 9

Hunger Games: Mockingjay

Suzanne Collins, Scholastic, 978-1407132105, £7.99pbk

This is the book that I had to force myself to take breaks from as the intensity and story completely captured me.

There’s a new vulnerability exposed for every character in this book, while we’re directed through a very real account of what life in a war like this would entail. After the spark in Catching Fire, there comes the full-blown fire which we see many people are unprepared for or were unaware of the horrors they would have to face.

With lots of unexpected moments it brings a magnificent ending to the trilogy. Grace, year 11

Jemima Small Versus the Universe

Tamsin Winter, Usborne, 978-1474927284, £7.99 pbk

Jemima Small Versus the Universe is a truly inspirational book about a girl who is bullied for her size which makes her feel conscious about her appearance.

This book encourages you to follow your dreams and not let other people tell you who you are or what you can do. I really like this book because it is relatable and the positive message is great for motivation.

Overall, it is a great read for people of all ages from year 6 upwards but also for people that love adventure and motivational stories. Hannah, year 10