The Jigsaw Puzzle King by Gina McMurchy-Barber

In this book we meet Warren and his twin brother Bennie who calls Warren Wart, his nickname in front of the new kids where they move to.

Maya is a bold girl and breaks free of the judgemental neighbourhood kids to befriend the new guys especially Bennie as she reveals her kind and caring nature throughout the book when we're introduced to her other friend Owen.

As Bennie's brilliant at puzzles and their new school is putting on a talent show, Maya encourages him to take part while Warren wants to stop his brother from being made more of a target to the bullies in the school and so he teams up with them to try and put a stop to his brothers performance...

All about learning to love and appreciate the family and friends you have it was a unique book and I loved the powerful girl Maya was in the book and how she stuck up for Bennie all the way through too.

Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

What Kind Of Girl by Alyssa Sheinmel

Mike is the school golden boy who abused his girlfriend and we see her, Maya, come to terms with telling the school and her mum as she goes over their relationship.

Meanwhile we see the perspectives of other in school after learning about Mike's actions, in the form of Maya his girlfriend, Junie her best friend, Tess Junie's ex girlfriend and Hiram a guy who they know who can get you pills as his dad works in medicine and has a link to Maya.

I liked the story and it's guaranteed to have a great impact and teach about the signs of domestic abuse and violence, but in story terms fiction wise I felt we should've seen more previous scenes between Mike and Maya leading up to the present of her coming forward about the abuse. However saying that, being so quick to tell at least it gives the message speak up sooner rather than later which is obviously the best solution for a great outcome but not fully realistic. There was rep for self harm, bulimia, drug use and LGBTQIA communities and of course the former need a trigger warning.

Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

Split by Muhammad Khan

Salma wants to be an actress more than anything more than her communities judgmental eyes and her hard working mother's wishes

Salma has a huge audition to possibly get to play Cinderella only after things go wrong a ripped dress and a non binary fairy godmother in the form of Billie later can she finally get her chance to be her full non split in two self and get closer to her dream?

I really enjoyed this book as Salma is feisty and doesn't give up on her dream despite fearing judgement. She was a fabulous character and the LGBTQIA rep was the best I've read in any book as well as the tone of language I really felt the terror Salma must have felt when the gangster lads were about. The aspect of a modern Cinderella and a Pakistani one was a modern twist and I wish we could really see the play happen, I just wish this was a full length novel it was so good!

Meet Me At Pebble Beach Part 1 Out Of The Blue by Bella Osborne

When Regan's artist friend Cleo leaves to go abroad on a work trip, Regan's life falls into tatters over a lottery ticket she thought she'd won big on thanks to a sour prank by her work colleague Alex.

Losing her home with partner Jarvis her job and life as she knew it, kind homeless man and his dog Kevin and Elvis and new stranger Charlie help her realise that though she may be down on her luck and without any millions she can still change her life into a better one...

I loved this first instalment of Bella's new book so much from down on her luck Regan, mysterious Kevin and his dog Elvis and Mantra the mindfulness group cracked me up as if you don't know Bring Me The Horizon sung a song called Mantra which kept going through my head while reading and isn't a classic to help with mindfulness really! The intrigue means I will certainly being reading the next part especially to see what will happen with handsome kind stranger Charlie and Regan.

The ending was a shocker prepare yourselves a wonderful drama rollercoaster ride of emotions book!

Many thanks to the publisher's for allowing me to review this book for them!

The Deepest Breath by Meg Grehan

Stevie likes Chloe a girl at school she has more feelings for than anyone or anything else before.

As she tries to bring it up with her mum as her dad isn't around, she winds up at the library where a kindly librarian helps her and tells her it'll all be ok.

I really enjoyed this novel being told in verse and focusing on a younger character coming to terms with their sexuality where as it's usually older teens or twenties when the subject of sexuality is raised. It showed how truly consuming and confusing it can be coming to terms with and wondering how your family and friends will react to you coming out.

Sparrow by Mary Cecilia Jackson

In this book we meet Sparrow who is friends with Delany and Lucas we follow her on her ballerina journey and as she discovers how her past changed her specifically her mother's involvement in her life and how it helps her accept she was abused.

As she doesn't see how Lucas feels about her as he copes with his father's death nor understand the warnings from her friends and family about Tristan her boyfriend, she's putting her stunning expected ballerina future in jeopardy, can she realise what she needs to do before it's too late?

I loved Sparrow being a broken Many bird who had to break and grow into a stronger beautiful girl rising above all the abuse and pain in her life. A challenging awakening novel about the dangers of hiding abuse.

Many thanks to the publisher's for allowing me to review this book for them!

We Are The Beaker Girls by Jacqueline Wilson

In this second book of the new Tracy Beaker series focusing on her life out of care and with her own daughter Jess, we see how the seaside and antiques trade has really worked out for them after the disaster with footballer Sean.

However, Jess is worried about her mum getting back with Sean and her old friend Tyrone shows up and a surprise happens to do with him and Jess!

Meanwhile, Jess meets a strange boy or so she believes after he steals her ice cream but as Jess see's him around everywhere and gets to know him, a big secret is shared and the pair become quick friends as Jess tries to help out...

As well as all that, classic Tracy characters make a surprise appearance not just Cam and Justine but *spoiler* Peter and Adele in surprising ways!

It was a fabulous read and expertly crafted by Jacqueline I really loved how the characters have been successful despite their starts in life and how they get together again in shock surprise ways and the hint of possible romance between two of them as well I can't wait to see where that heads. Jacqueline has also made nods to modern society changes such as being gay which I don't recall being mentioned in previous books and Jess was a cheeky little character at times true to like her mum was too, a great read highly recommended!

Letting Go by Cat Clarke

In this book Astrid goes on a hike with her ex girlfriend Ellie and her new boyfriend Steve.

As they say goodbye to Ellies mum, they realise their unfinished romantic history needs closure, but when trouble strikes and Steve gets injured suddenly their solemn day becomes one filled with panic and worry.

This book delved into multiple issues in one go, death and loss, sexuality, relationships, friendship and facing a tough situation too. I highly reckon this for quick thrilling read.

The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta

Michael is a gay guy and he's known he was since he was a child and wanted to be friends with girls and play with Barbies.

However as he grows up, he faces bullying, first crushes, finding his best friend Daisy and how she too comes to terms with her sexuality and also heading off to university and discovering drag blossoming into his true self.

A bold fabulous story about becoming the real you despite the bumps along the road this was a powerful novel told in verse and a moving unique story.

Donut Dreams Book 1 Hole In The Middle by Coco Simon

Lindsay works the counter selling donuts in her family's restaurant alongside her cousin Kelsey.

She dreams of getting through middle school with enough money saved to leave the town where everyone knows her as the girl whose mum died and start fresh elsewhere.

When her friend Casey comes back from camp and the girls are having to pick dresses for an upcoming dance, Lindsay learns that things may be about to change once again and isn't best pleased.

All about living in the moment and learning to live on despite the past, this was a great start to a new series based around a family. The concept is a fresh idea from Coco and the donuts are a delectable idea to bring into her new series and will have us all hooked on wanting to read more.

Witch In Winter by Kaye Umansky

In this winter story about Elsie and her witch friend Magenta, we see how Magenta's home the tower is left alone after she disappears off seemingly overnight randomly.

As Elsie takes over care of the tower after being summoned to, she and her friends Sylphine and Joe soon realise that trouble is about as Jack Frost is looking to take over the tower for himself, can the friends stop him?

I did feel it was bridging the gap until the next book as it wasn't as drama filled as the last books but it was a great winter themed read especially with Jack frost being in it too causing a lot of mayhem. It was nice to read another take about the friends and to see how they stick together through the tough times.

Break Your Glass Slipppers by Amanda Lovelace

This is an amazing thought provoking collection of poetry once again these poems are so relevant in today's society bringing Cinderella's story into modern day poetry talking of love and heartbreak between family, friends and with ourselves as we can hate not love so much about our bodies most of the time as it's easier.

A fabulous new collection of poetry making the classic tale of Cinderella a modern time relevant story through the poems.

Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

Royal Rebel Book 2 Designer by Carina Axelsson

In this sequel we see how Lily is still posing on YouTube as Tiara Girl but when a photo on Instagram looks too alike her alias online, her and best friend Leonie sets about making the two look more dissimilar than they have been so far.

As Lily finally gets a design opportunity from her family, it could lead to a dream design job but as she has to learn how to dance and do royal duties alone through her princess lessons will her secret identity stay hidden as someone leaves her another note saying they know her secret...

I enjoyed the second of Lily's stories and seek how she keeps her identities apart despite the struggle and that women in her country hold more power than men in that they become queen and no kings rule. I like the girl power aspect running through this series as in modern times how things are changing so much.

Can You Hear Me? By Jake Jones

As a paramedic we see how Jake and his fellow paramedics have had to deal and cope in certain situations such as car crashes, births, drug abusers, time wasters, hoarders, asthmatics, copd sufferers, deaths, car accidents, babies, suicide attempts and psychotic episodes too the book is full of drama filled real life experiences and tough situations Jake has been forced into facing.

I have always been intrigued into life as a paramedic as we hear all too often of them getting abused on the front line of care which to me is horrifying. I wanted to be a paramedic or midwife growing up and personally having been helped by paramedics previously have had my eyes opened with this book how horribly they can be treated and the awful situations they can have to be in. Jake has written a fantastic raw book about life as a busy paramedic in this demanding role and hope more people will pick this up to see what life can be like as a paramedic too.

Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

The Accidental Rock Star by Tom McLaughlin

After Ollie's sister leaks his and friend Hector's disastrous first attempt at a music track after their cat ruins it on to YouTube as revenge for showing her up at school none of the family are prepared as overnight they become sensations despite only having the one song and get record label interest from groovy record owning granny Doris.

Can they handle the pressure of the limelight on them as a family?

This was a funny book I can only imagine our pets getting famous for making music! It was a great concept and will have kids hooked and probably trying to get their pets to become musical geniuses too maybe?!

Heartstopper Volume 3 by Alice Oseman

In this next part of Nick and Charlie's story we see them embark on a trip to Paris with their classmates where they try to keep their relationship under wraps while their friends also get into relationships and their teachers get close too, there's also matters of bullies and eating disorders which crop up too, this trip isn't short on drama at all.

I love this series full of the usual teen drama mental health, lgbtqia themes and characters it's such a cute modern romance and I root for these guys I can't wait for more more more!

Wrong Way Summer by Heidi Lang

Claire is twelve and her brother Patrick is eight, too young to understand that their mother left them with their dad after Claire discovered divorce papers after she'd gone.

Their dad 'sells' their house and buys a van for them to live in as they road trip around the people he knows from his past.

As Claire misses home, her friend Ronnie and her brother Mike who Claire crushes on, she wants to know, where is the summer heading, will they be finding their mum?

Her dad is a vivid storyteller and tells a continuous story as the book goes on too the kids and it was an adventure for sure as their dad takes them round his old friends and family members rebuilding relationships trying to move on and make things better for his kids. It was a great book to show how desperate times doesn't mean everything isn't salvageable and that moving on can be rough but positive for the future.

Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

Morgan Charmley: Teen Witch by Katy Birchall

Morgan isn't a normal thirteen year old, she can cast spells as taught how to by her mum and Dora her mum's best friend who's like a sister to her and home schooled Morgan until now when she can finally go off to school.

But being able to cast spells with the click of her fingers soon causes chaos for Morgan as she catches the attention of Owen, bully Felix who thinks she's a freak and Iris whom she's put in a group with to dance for the talent show.

Feeling like a social outcast a few spells should help to change things instead, her head teacher can't stop dancing, Felix is chased by hoards of bats and Morgan accidentally also causes dragons to appear too!

Just what will she do next and can she stay friends with Owen when they discover what each other is?

Never one to read teen fantasy fiction I actually really enjoyed this book as I have all of Katy's previous books and found myself fully invested in the drama of witch life and general teen life issues. I enjoyed the witches vs warlocks aspect too and the secrets in the book that need to be kept mean the next book will surely have tons more drama with that cliff hanger of an ending!

The 24 Hour Café by Libby Page

Hannah and Mona a singer and dancer, work at the 24 hour cafe in London where the cafe attracts a colourful variety of personalities everyday.

I really enjoyed the Lido however I do feel this book wasn't as good personally as I didn't like Hannah or Mona's characters sadly as much as The Lido's main characters where I could picture it clearly in my mind and I did find the start slow. However Hannah's story kept me wanting to read on as the plot develops more so than Mona's story did.

However if you love people watching when out and about this is the book for you as the café attracts a variety of people with different stories, very true to everyday life at any café and for relatability that way the fun of the storyline kept me intrigued to read on especially Dan the student and John the big issue seller's stories were interesting to me to see their hardship.

There was a variety of issues raised with characters from university, death, love, cheating, work and of course we read the history of how Hannah met Mona and how their friendship becomes strained with new opportunities ahead.

To me I enjoyed the book showing all walks of life people can be in and situations they can be forced to face and for that reason I did enjoy the book as it went on.

Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them and be part of the blog tour!

https://libbypage.co.uk/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3110863.Libby_Page

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Libby-Page/e/B004150H44

https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-24-hour-cafe/libby-page/9781409175247

The Misadventures Of Max Crumbly: Middle School Mayhem by Rachel Renee Russell

We pick up the story of this book, the second in the new Max series where he had just interrupted the burglars, by landing on their pizza orders!

As Max tries to find his dad's precious comic book worth a lot of money whilst trying to escape unscathed from the burglars as they try to steal the school computers still.

Working on the phone with limited time to talk and fulfill their plan, Erin assists Max by using the school camera's to keep an eye on the action going down. Only when Erin get caught online by her parents she leaves Max alone to save himself from the crooks, but can he do so alone?

Another cliffhanger ending to another brilliant instalment in Max's life so far and I can't wait for more. The drawings are great as usual, the plot kept me guessing and the shocks kept coming!

The Misadventures Of Max Crumbly: Locker Hero by Rachel Renee Russell

Max is a new student starting middle school after years of home schooling and is afraid of Doug, or Thug as he nicknames him as Doug is a bully and treats Max terribly. Max gets embarrassed in front of his crush Erin by falling over thanks to Doug as he recalls to us in his book as he's trapped in his locker and Erin rescues him as she walks by only he later ends up trapped once again by Doug just in time for the weekend!

My favourite scene from the book was the dancing janitor while poor Max was trapped inside his locker! Max then proceeds to break out of his locker and stumbles on a burglary taking place in the school!

From pizza obsessed burglars, stealing girls clothes and bum dialling his crush during the burglarly, Max is a force to be reconed with.

Dork Diaries character Brandon appears in the book as he is Max's only friend and they volunteer together at the pet shelter.

Alike Nikki in Dork Diaries, Brandon has a victory dance for good news like Nikki's Snoopy happy dance.

I loved the ironic twist to the book title being Locker Hero as at first hes a zero trapped in his locker then a superhero saving the school hopefully from burglary.

I can't wait for the next book as it ends on a nail biting cliffhanger!

Killer Vending Machine's Wrecked My Lunch! Dreary Inkling School Book 2 by Matt Brown

In this book we meet Drishya who is obsessed with Robocalypse and wants to enter it herself. The only trouble is she needs a team to be part of to be able to enter. So when the popular girls take and interest in her she feels she may stand a chance, but when an initiation test introduces her to two boys who have an evident interest in coding and robots, Commodore and Elton she finally feels like she fits and can design a great robot to enter.

However at their school when the new vending machines dispensing the highly wanted SkumSnax makes the kids go on an addicted rampage to by more only they can help out a stop to the drama as they've not been infected with the desire for them...yet!

I loved this book so much the innuendos in the names playing on famous band names and her mum being in a job traditionally for a man and her dad being the one to rely on for school runs etc was a refreshing and realistic eye opener to modern day parenting life. It was a fun book both boys and girls can enjoy, just watch out for those vending machines in day to day life!

The Secret Cookie Club Book 1 by Martha Freeman

In this book, four girls meet at summer camp but don't get along at first, however in the style of Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants, Grace, Emma, Olivia and Lucy, decide to keep in touch with each other by sending a letter and cookies to each other in turn.

The girls face issues surrounding death, money, siblings and school in this first book starting a great new series I enjoyed the friendship that developed between the girls despite each girls situation and lifestyle at home they all kept up staying in touch and I really can't wait for more!

Owl's Outstanding Doughnuts by Robin Yardi

In this book we meet Mattie who lives with her aunt Molly after her mother passed away. In the night she keeps seeing a truck come and dump waste material on their shop site and an odd owl called Alfred who also keeps appearing and noticing the waste dumped too it seems and also is partial to a doughnut!

As she tells her friends Beatrice and Sasha she tries to get them to believe her and see it themselves too.

Can the girls work together to help save the doughnut business before they get shut down?

These girls are cunning and brave standing up for the shop they love and believe in I loved how the owl Alfred became a friend to them and the concept was unique and unlike a book I've read before. I also felt happy that Alfred was supposed to like the doughnuts too it added a cute twist in the tale, what real owl would love doughnuts?!

Lucky Dogs by Cody Clark

Juliet and Ruby are best dog friends so when Wiley arrives new in Dogwood he hopes to make friends with the residents in Dogwood but will they all accept him?

A great little book to show children how to be compassionate and accepting of others as well as showing some great artwork of the dog characters too which will bring the story to life for the readers.

Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!