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North Ayrshire Libraries Junior Book Groups
Read the reviews under the book group reports!
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Firestarter – Beith book group November 2008 Firestarter tells the story of Keith and his sister
Annie’s relationship with a boy called Reese, who moves in next door. Reese
has a troubled past, and has a fixation with starting fires, which
ultimately puts Keith and Annie in danger. Next month, the group are reading ‘The Merrybegot’ by Julie Hearne.
‘Bad Blood’ by Rhiannon Lassiter This month the group read the horror ‘Bad Blood’ by Rhiannon Lassiter, about an unhappy family who go on holiday to a house with a sinister secret. One of the group only read a few pages as she found the book too creepy, and we agreed that horror is a genre you either like or don’t. The rest of the group found the book to be mysterious and intriguing, and loved the setting. They also liked the cover. Some of the group who had not attended the last meeting decided to borrow the book, as they were very interested in what the others had to say about it. One of the group wrote an introduction to her own horror novel, about someone who goes into peoples dreams and chases them: ‘I am running and running. I can’t stop, even if I want to. I wonder how close he is to me, but I don’t dare look back. It’ll be over soon, just keep running…
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Girl, Missing' by Sophie McKenzie
All the girls enjoyed 'Girl, Missing' by Sophie McKenzie, describing it as a page-turner that they couldn't put down. One of the boys that read the book didn't enjoy it, as there was too much drama for his liking. The group discussed how the characters changed throughout the book, and the changing relationship between the main characters Lauren and her friend Jam. We also discussed other high profile missing children cases, including Ben Needham , who was the inspiration behind the book. Everyone agreed that if they were in the position of Lauren, they would also have tried to trace their real parents. There was some disagreement over whether as a parent they would wish to know the outcome if their child had been abducted. Some of the group felt that they would need to know so they could have closure, and others felt that if they didn't know there would always be hope. This was the groups last meeting until after the holidays, when we will be going to the Edinburgh Book Festival. 'Jacob's Ladder' by Brian Keaney May 2008 This month, we were meant to read 'Jacob's Ladder' by Brian Keaney, but most of the group had been too busy to finish the book. Those that had read it had enjoyed the story, and there was a lengthy discussion on life after death and different views on this, including the Buddhist and other religious faiths practices. This led on to a discussion about ghosts, and the group related their favourite scary books, as well as a few scary stories of their own! Most of the group had the book re-issued as they were keen to finish it. This month, we are reading 'Girl, Missing' by Sophie McKenzie, which was one of the winners in the Richard and Judy children's book list, 12+ category.
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'Darkisle' by D A Nelson April 2008 The group read 'Darkisle' by D A Nelson this month. Some of the group felt it was a bit young for them, and others enjoyed the story. All of the group thought it was a very strange book, with eccentric characters. The talking Dodo was a particular favourite with one of the boys. No-one felt they could recognise the setting as Irvine, although most of the story is not set there. The group went on to discuss what they feel makes a good fantasy story. Most agreed that Harry Potter is the best fantasy they have read, although they felt that the later books became too long and boring. For next month, we are reading 'Jacob's Ladder ' by Brian Keaney. |
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'Winterbringers 'by Gill Arbuthnott March 2008 'Winterbringers' by Gill Arbuthnott once again split the group, with some really enjoying it and others not. Some people found the book boring and felt there was far too much description. Those that enjoyed it did feel that the story took some time to get going. The group discussed their favourite fantasy novels, and talked about what they thought makes a good fantasy. Everyone agreed that Harry Potter is the best fantasy novel that they had read. Next month, the group are reading another fantasy - 'Darkisle' by D A Nelson.
A joint book group meeting with Beith and Kilbirnie members was held at Beith library on Thursday 6th March as part of World Book Day. Keith talked the children through the process of getting a book published, from choosing which paper to use, proof reading and editing and the the breakdown of costs. Everyone was surprised at how little the author earns per book after other expenses are taken into account! Keith talked about his publishing company Strident, and the first book they published which was 'Darkisle' by D A Nelson. The group enjoyed his visit and will be reading 'Darkisle' in the next few months.
February 2008 This month the group read 'the White Rider' by Chris Priestly. This is the second book in the historical Tom Marlowe series. There was a split between the boys and the girls, with the boys enjoying the story and the girls not enjoying it. The book has no main female characters, and everyone felt that it was very much geared towards boys. Some of the group found the language quite difficult to understand, which put them off the story. One of the boys loved the action, and eerie setting, whilst the girls did not like the historical setting. Everyone felt the cover was very poor, and would not have picked the book up if they had been browsing in the library. For next month, the group are reading 'Winterbringers' by Jill Arbuthnott, a fantasy based in Fife. There will also be an extra meeting on World Book Day with author Keith Charters.
This month, the group read 'Stargirl' by Jerry Spinelli, which received a mixed reception. The book deals with the issue of identity and some of the group found that they could relate to this. It was more popular with the girls than the boys, most of whom were put off by the bright pink cover. Some of the girls would like to read the sequel 'Love, Stargirl'. The book generated a good discussion around the issues of being different, such as bullying and peer group pressure. The group are having a break from reading over Christmas, and the next meeting will be a film night in the new year. Tarot Reader's Daughter by Helen Dunwoodie Everyone agreed that the book was really slow, and the boys felt it was definitely aimed at female readers. They felt there was too much romance, and not enough of a storyline. The big secret that the story is based around was very disappointing and although the book is based in Edinburgh, the group did not think there was enough landmarks mentioned.
The next book the group will read is the Highwayman's Footsteps by Nicola Morgan. They are reviewing this book as part of the BRAW awards.
All the members enjoyed Shadowmancer, although they felt it was a bit slow at the beginning. No-one picked up on the strong religious imagery which features in the story, but they enjoyed it as a good fantasy. Ian liked the fact that there were a lot of characters in the book, and at the end of the meeting he borrowed another book by G P Taylor. We found the setting a bit confusing and the ending too sudden, although this could be because there is a sequel. Favourite characters were
Jacob Crane, who everyone agreed had a conflict of conscience and greed, and
Pyratheon the baddie, who had an answer for everything.
Rosa is surprised to
discover tarot cards hidden in the wardrobe of her down-to-earth mum.
Inextricably drawn to the cards, Rosa is rather shocked to find that she has
a talent for using them, but even more shocked by her mother's fierce
reaction to this. Unable now to resist the temptation to discover more, Rosa
delves into her mother's background and finds it weirdly tangled with that
of the mother of her new friend, Andy. As the two of them investigate what
happened when their mothers were young, they tentatively develop their own
feelings for each other too.
FRAMED
by FRANK COTTREL BOYCE Framed was enjoyed by all the member of Beith book group. They especially liked the humour and the main character Dylan’s obsession with cars. Other characters that the group found interesting were Mr Davis, Lester and Tom. They also like the description of the village of Manod where the book is set, and found it quite easy to picture the Snowdonia Oasis Auto Marvel garage where Dylan lives at the bottom of the mountain. The group looked at some of the pictures that feature in the book, and were surprised at how different they were from the images they had imagined. The picture of "a Grotesque Old Woman" had everyone laughing. All the pictures from the book can be viewed on the National Gallery website at www.nationalgallery.org.uk For more information:
Guardian Unlimited Books | By genre | Review: Framed by Frank Cottrell Boyce For next months meeting, the group
are reading The Shadow Garden by Andrew Matthews. 'Like cold fingers
reaching from the grave, a chilling atmosphere of mystery and suspense seeps
through this haunting ghost story. Matty's sixth sense tells her that Tagram
House harbours a dark secret. Her fears lead Matty to the eerie Shadow
Garden where she discovers what's buried there. Now she must untangle the
mystery before disaster engulfs everyone.'
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7 September 'The
Sign of the Black Dagger'
by Joan Lingard Welcomed 3 new members and returning members. Not everyone had read the same books. Three members had read ‘The sign of the Black Dagger’ and 4 had read ‘The Invisible Friend’ from the last session. Discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of both books and reviewed the story of each for the other members of the group who had not read them. Looked at background information on the Sign of the Black Dagger as it is set in present day Edinburgh and the Edinburgh of 1796, in particular at photographs of some of the places mentioned in the book. The group selected possible titles to read for the next meeting from the list and we read reviews of them on the internet to narrow down the selection. Completed quiz on books using the internet and library catalogue. For more information click here Date of the next meeting Thursday 12 October Check out more books by the same author on North Ayrshire's Library Catalogue Book for next meeting; Lobster Boy by Rodman Philbrick Review from Amazon: 12-year-old Samuel 'Skiff' Beaman is a boy with incredible determination in the face of adversity. Since the death of his mother, his father has sunk into an alcoholic depression, and now Skiff's pride and joy, their boat the Mary Rose has sunk too. If only he can raise and fix Rose, Skiff is sure he'll be able to get the family business, and his dad, back on track. But to fix the boat he need $5000. With his father penniless and hopeless, Skiff is determined to raise the money himself-by going out on the open ocean all alone, on a dangerous mission to harpoon a prize giant tuna. If you would like to join the group, please contact Mhairi Cook at the Education Resource Service, Tel: 01294 219214 |
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15 June
"The
Invisible Friend" by
Louise Arnold A story about the complexities of the unusual friendship between Tom Golden and a ghost called Grey Arthur. Tom is being bullied at school and his only friend is his invisible friend, the ghost Grey Arthur. Neither of them fit in and Arthur goes to school with Tom each day and helps defend him from the bullies. The friendship comes at a price, when people from both worlds begin seeking out Tom. When Tom gets into a dangerous situation with a shady doctor, it's up to Arthur and his friends to rescue not only Tom, but also the delicate balance between ghosts and humans. All enjoyed this book and agreed that it was a very thought provoking story on bullying which prompted discussion within the group on the different ways people can be bullied and the impact it can have upon the victims.
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18 May "Saint of Dragons" by Jason Hightman "An ambitious fantasy adventure that is always pacy, never dull, and consistently interesting. Imagine waking up one day to find that you are descended from an ancient line of dragon hunters? That’s exactly what happens to Simon St. George in The Saint of Dragons and how he goes about adjusting to his new existence is the stuff of great entertainment." Both boys in the group enjoyed this novel and would be keen to read the sequel. Both commented on the similarities with Harry Potter, such as living at the boarding school, not knowing their parents, and suddenly being whisked off on magical adventures in the middle of the night. Iain and Lewis both liked the dragons and the way that they can live among humans and not be noticed while living fantastic lives with endless luxury. A touch of magic completed the list of requirements for a good book that both boys would easily recommend to others. "Beauty" by Robin McKinleyA magical retelling of the legend of Beauty and the Beast. Both girls really enjoyed this book. It was well written with great characters and great description in a slightly old fashioned style which adds to its charm. Ciara and Kirsty both commented on the similarities with the Disney film and were surprised by the fact that the book was written 20 years ago. Would definitely recommend this to other girls of the same age. Check out more books by the same author on North Ayrshire's Library Catalogue If you would like to join the group, please contact Mhairi Cook at the Education Resource Service, Tel: 01294 219214
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20 April 2006 Boys read a title each, 'Private Peaceful' by Michael Morpurgo and Joseph Delaney’s 'Spooks Apprentice'. The girls read 'Stargirl' by Jerry Spinelli. |
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Private Peaceful – Lewis didn’t really enjoy this book as it was written in quite a dull style with a lot of description. There wasn’t enough action in the book to keep his attention. He does like war books and enjoyed that aspect of the story but would have liked more! |
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Stargirl – Both Kirsty and Ciara enjoyed this. They felt that even though it has a pink cover the story would appeal to boys as well as girls. But the boys both thought that the cover was very off putting with this book even though they admitted that the story did sound ok, they wouldn’t read it because of the colour. |
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Check out
more books by the same author on North Ayrshire's Library Catalogue If you would like to
join the group, please contact Mhairi Cook at the Education Resource Service,
Book group Reviews |
| Delaney, Joseph | Spooks Apprentice | ||
| Type of story: Adventure, Fantasy, Ghost | Main Characters: Thomas Ward And The Spook | ||
| What happens in the story | A Boy Called Thomas Ward needs a job so his dad asked a man called the Spook. The Next morning The Spook comes and picks him up, they now start the adventure. | ||
| What was your favourite part of the story: | When they go to the Coast of the Dead. | ||
| Was the ending what you expected? Why? | There is a second book. | ||
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Loved Book |
Saltcoats Library |
Reviewed by: Liam, St Anthony's PS |
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since 1st May 2008
Copyright © North
Ayrshire Council. All rights reserved.
Revised:
December 24, 2008.
June
2008
WORLD
BOOK DAY 6th March 2008
'The
White Rider' by Chris Priestly
SHADOWMANCER BY G P TAYLOR
