BGS Bookaneers 2022 Book Reviews by Mrs OC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y Reviews by BGS Book Club en-us 2022-03-29 11:32:29 UTC 2025-05-02 08:35:59 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f4da.png Goblins by Philip Reeve soconnor70 https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119160069 This book is about the Goblins of Clovenstone Keep and a certain Goblin, Skarper, who is more cunning than the rest and who begins to discover the magic beneath Clovenstone. I would recommend this book because it is an exciting read and it plays with fun ideas. I dropped it from 5 to 4 stars because it was hard to follow the plot towards the middle. I would recommend it for ages 8-14 years, it is a quick read and I would class it as comedy.

Review posted by James ]]> 2022-03-29 11:45:26 UTC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119160069 When The Sky Falls by Phil Earle soconnor70 https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119202061 Although this is a children's book set in Second World War London, I feel this moving book appeals to all ages and is destined to become a modern classic like Private Peaceful or the Machine Gunners. The character development is beautifully nuanced - all of the key characters become more and more three dimensional as the plot unfolds, and the subject matter covers friendship, betrayal, loss, and love. The book centres around Joseph who leaves his native Yorkshire to go and stay with the grumpy Mrs F in London during the Blitz, when his grandmother becomes unable to cope with him after his father goes off to war. My favourite character, Sid, is a feisty girl who helps to melt Joseph's anger, but who's more than capable of giving as good as she gets. The relationships between Joseph and the other characters - including a key player, Adonis the gorilla, develop and change as the novel progresses.

This is a story for all ages, based on true events and gives a real insight into what is was like to live in London during the Second World War.

Review posted by Mrs OC]]> 2022-03-29 12:14:06 UTC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119202061 Now Is The Time For Running by Michael Williams soconnor70 https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119208923 This book is about two boys called Deo and Innocent who live in a village in Zimbabwe. One day soldiers invade their town killing everyone but the brothers. The brothers then leave the town to find their father in South Africa. I would recommend this book because it shows problems that are happening in real life in South Africa. It is suitable for anyone aged 12+ 

Review posted by Ibrahim]]> 2022-03-29 12:18:24 UTC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119208923 The Crossing by Manjeet Mann soconnor70 https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119211452 This book was a little confusing at first because of the structure - it was written in verse and the perspective kept changing from one character to the other. However I soon got used to it and overall enjoyed the book very much. It tells the story of two teenagers who are going through difficult and challenging times, but they battle their way through. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy reading books that keep you guessing and on the edge. This was also a good eye opener about refugees and what they go through. Overall, I enjoyed the book, though I wouldn't pick it out normally.

Review posted by Ibrahim]]> 2022-03-29 12:19:58 UTC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119211452 Cane Warriors by Alex Wheatle soconnor70 https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119224205 Cane warriors is a really well written book which highlights the terrible things people had to go through as slaves who had their freedom taken away. The story/plot of the slaves trying to overpower their cruel master was engaging especially because it was based off actual things that happened in the 1700s and it is a great way of learning about a topic like this. I like the idea of a teenager’s perspective and what they might have thought also. Overall a brilliant book I recommend you read.

Review posted by Zuhayr]]> 2022-03-29 12:27:40 UTC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119224205 Punching The Air by Ibi Zoboi soconnor70 https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119233828 Punching the air is a nicely created book which tells the story of Amal who has been wrongly arrested. It dives into racial/prejudice problems in a very unique verse/poetry style which I do not really like but I still enjoyed some parts of the book. The topic and way it is brought to and the way we see the themes of this book talked about was quite amazing although some parts were confusing and at times quite emotional.

Review posted by Zuhayr]]> 2022-03-29 12:33:23 UTC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119233828 Everyone Dies Famous In A Small Town by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock soconnor70 https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119236047 Everyone dies famous in a small town is a great collection of short stories containing many perspectives of different people. At first it was incredibly difficult to understand but the author managed to weave together and create a very interesting book. It talks about many different topics which i found unique. However I do not like short stories a lot because of the little time to develop and understand the story although I still believe this book was well written and a nice read.

Review posted by Zuhayr]]> 2022-03-29 12:34:42 UTC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119236047 Tsunami Girl by Julian Sedgewick soconnor70 https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119241049

Review posted by ]]> 2022-03-29 12:37:29 UTC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119241049 The Crossing by Manjeet Mann soconnor70 https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119397124



Review posted by 
]]> 2022-03-29 13:50:51 UTC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119397124 Cane Warriors by Alex Wheatle soconnor70 https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119399244 A heartwarming, well-written and at times, brutally honest book that shows just how hard slaves lives were in the 18th century. It highlights what hardships they had to endure, the cruelty of their unrelenting masters and how hard they fought for well-earned freedom that should never have been taken away from them.

Review posted by Zinedine]]> 2022-03-29 13:51:50 UTC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119399244 When The Sky Falls by Phil Earle soconnor70 https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119401429

Review posted by ]]> 2022-03-29 13:52:53 UTC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119401429 Guard Your Heart by Sue Divin soconnor70 https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119424527 A stunningly well-written book that highlights the struggles and discrimination still faced by people today, even in this day and age of diversity and acceptance. It truly shows how deep hatred and prejudice can go, and how much it affects people who are simply suffering for the actions of their ancestors. A highly-recommended read for anyone of 13 years or older.



Review posted by Zinedine
]]> 2022-03-29 14:03:47 UTC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119424527 October October by Katya Balen soconnor70 https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119442656 A truly magnificent book about a girl called October who lives in the woods with her father, her mother having left them when October was only four to live her life in the city. The day October turns 11 is when everything changes. Adapting to life in the city, reconciling with her mother and dealing with her father landing in hospital are just some of the challenges October must face. A brilliant book that I would recommend to anyone 10 or above.

Review posted by Zinadine]]> 2022-03-29 14:11:40 UTC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119442656 The Haunting by Alex Bell soconnor70 https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119457328 If you are really into horror then this is the book for you. At times, I caught myself not breathing because of the suspense. I would highly recommend this book yet if you are someone who gets scared easily then perhaps not. Emma had a horrible accident which left her permanently in a wheelchair. While visiting Cornwall she stays at the 'haunted' Waterwitch. Yet this time, one ghost isn't too pleased and is out for revenge.

Review posted by Zaina]]> 2022-03-29 14:17:43 UTC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119457328 Boy In A White Room by Karl Olsberg soconnor70 https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119470856 The book starts off with a boy called Manuel waking up in a white room but he has no memory of what happened. He also does not know what is real and what is not so he goes and explores trying to understand what new world he is in. It is a thrilling story as the reader also does not really know what is happening to create more suspense and mystery throughout. There are lots of times when the reader is just as confused as the character. I enjoyed reading this book especially when he explores the mysterious digital world. However at times the book was a bit rushed and the ending let it down. I would give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Review posted by Zuhayr]]> 2022-03-29 14:23:44 UTC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2119470856 When The Sky Falls by Phil Earle soconnor70 https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2132673246 When The Sky Falls is a moving and engaging book with incredible character development and plot to make you think you are actually there. It tells the story of Joseph who has to go live with Mrs F after his grandma sends him when his father goes to fight in the war. Mrs F owns a zoo, the only animal remaining the great silverback gorilla, Adonis, who is important later on for Joseph. I enjoyed how the book progressed and how almost all the main characters ended up completely changing how they acted to each other. There was someone who had to run when the bombing siren sounded to end the life of something they loved, an animal. so that it would not go on a rampage.

Review posted by Zuhayr]]> 2022-04-06 13:53:12 UTC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2132673246 When The Sky Falls by Phil Earle soconnor70 https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2132674689 When the Sky Falls:
It reminded me of a film I watched about a zoo in Belfast during the war.
Lovely characterisation - real depth and emotion in the
characters Earle has drawn - I was really interested in Joseph's dyslexia.
Another great local author from Hebden Bridge - we are blessed. Just super.

Review posted by James]]> 2022-04-06 13:53:54 UTC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2132674689 Tsunami Girl by Julian Sedgewick soconnor70 https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2132675148

Review posted by ]]> 2022-04-06 13:54:10 UTC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2132675148 Everyone Dies Famous In A Small Town by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock soconnor70 https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2132675368

Review posted by ]]> 2022-04-06 13:54:15 UTC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2132675368 The Crossing by Manjeet Mann soconnor70 https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2132675656 The Crossing is a strangely written book which tells the story of two people; Sammy who has had to flee Eritrea and try to get to England in an extreme journey which highlighted some of the awful things refugees go through even today just so that they can be safe. It also talks about Nathalie who is trying to raise money for Sammy. They have both lost a parent and I like how the words in bold connect their stories. Instead of a normal styled book, the passages were in short sections which made me at first not like the book but eventually kept you reading and make you feel like you are there. It tackles problems in the world in an interesting way. I enjoyed the short read and it is overall a well written book.

Review posted by Zuhayr]]> 2022-04-06 13:54:24 UTC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2132675656 Punching The Air by Ibi Zoboi soconnor70 https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2132676322 this book was a confusing read at first but was overall a great read that tells the story of a boy who was convicted of a crime he did not commit but was arrested due to prejudice and racism. I would recommend this book to anyone 13+ as it informs you of the struggles of people of colour in America, and is also a moving book that makes you sympathies with the main character.

Review posted by Daniyal]]> 2022-04-06 13:54:44 UTC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2132676322 Everyone Dies Famous In A Small Town by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock soconnor70 https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2132676840

Review posted by ]]> 2022-04-06 13:55:01 UTC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2132676840 October October by Katya Balen soconnor70 https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2132677580



Review posted by
]]> 2022-04-06 13:55:24 UTC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2132677580 Punching The Air by Ibi Zoboi soconnor70 https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2189403471 A moving, gripping yet at times comedic book that proves to be worryingly accurate when dealing with the issues of racial prejudice and injustice. Despite the unusual and unique format of writing, the book brilliantly strings together a compelling story and paints a quite literal picture if how the characters are feeling. An incredible read that I recommend anyone over 13 should read.

Review posted by Zinedine]]> 2022-05-18 12:31:15 UTC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2189403471 October October by Katya Balen soconnor70 https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2189408092 I really enjoyed October, October because it is a heartwarming story. I like how October is very adventurous and strong-hearted. I also liked the style of the book as it drew towards smaller details in the book and the plot of the book was very easy to follow. However, I didn't like how self centered October was. Overall, I liked October's character development over the book even though it had a slow start. The cover art is also very attractive and my favorite out of the shortlist. I would rate the book 8/10.



Review posted by Ibrahim
]]> 2022-05-18 12:33:52 UTC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2189408092 Everyone Dies Famous In A Small Town by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock soconnor70 https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2189408533

Review posted by ]]> 2022-05-18 12:34:11 UTC https://padlet.com/soconnor70/tk238zxazfnlsk5y/wish/2189408533