From Bump to Grump: Books:

Stockist: Amazon

Our most beloved Chav is off on hols, and where better to go than Ibiza, full of pubs, clubs, boys and noise. Vicky Pollard style lingo but with, dare I say it, a bit more class, make Shiraz as hilarious and as honest as ever. With a feeling of love in the air, this book sees a girl growing up, grabbing some independence and enjoying herself as she's deserved it. Take out the tongue in cheek references, and there's a moral to be found.

101 Things You Wish You'd Invented …and Some You Wish No One Had

RRP £6.99

Publisher:'Bloomsbury'

Stockist: Amazon

We are already huge fans of previous titles in this series, so can not imagine this will disappoint – is that so?? Hoorah, we have another triumph, crammed full of the sort of information that passes through your mind constantly but no one else has dared put down on paper, never mind sell as a book. Yet this is no ordinary book – quirky tasks attached to each entry give you something to do with your life other than watch TV, and make use of the brain you were born with. Fascinating!

Jimmy Coates:Survival

Joe Craig

RRP £5.99

Stockist: Amazon

Any new Jimmy Coates book is fab news for us, so we are thrilled at yet another release. In Survival, Jimmy is faced with the task of stopping a war before it starts, whilst protecting his own family. If it is possible, this book is even better than the rest, as you now totally know Jimmy and almost become him through the words. Such is the testament of a book incredibly well written.

need to know? Bass Guitar

Paul Scott

RRP £10.99

Publisher: Collins

Stockist: Amazon

This book is incredibly good value for money, coming complete with CD that helps you practise what you learn. There is a massive amount of information within, from history of the bass guitar, lots of techniques, profiles on great bass players and much more. This is the first title in the ‘need to know?’ series we have reviewed, and we have to say we are hugely impressed. Before you pick up a bass guitar, pick up this book!

The last of the Warrior Kings

Sarah Mussi

RRP £5.99

Stockist: Amazon

Books are a great way of reaching out to all pockets of society and portraying different lifestyle and cultures to others. Such is the power of this thrilling read. This holds no punches in subject matter, with gangs and drive by shootings, but balances this out with a mystery going back to Nigeria in the last century. Combining both brings real life and the richness of literature into one cover.

Message in a Bottle

Valerie Zenatti

RRP £6.99

Publisher:'Bloomsbury'

Stockist: Amazon

Books that take the reader into the life of someone a similar age, yet living a very different life, strike a chord and make for an engrossing journey. Such is this book, which takes us into the Palestinian/Israeli conflict as we witness the bombing of a café with tragic consequences. Following this, 17 year old Tal Levine literally sends a message in a bottle in the hope it will reach somebody on the opposite side of the conflict. The book contains email abstracts which help scene set and engage even reluctant readers, and we found this a very interesting read.

The Night of the Burning

Linda Press Wulf

RRP £5.99

Publisher:'Bloomsbury'

Stockist: Amazon

Books based on true stories always have added poignancy, especially with the teen age group and their questioning minds. As the title suggests, the story concerns a village set alight against a backdrop of ant-semitism. The author has extra hindsight as it based on is own mother-in-law, and the first person narrative gives added tension and emotion. The book easily draws you in, and the historic relevance is a good way of relating what is fact. This book is a journey, and one that Is well worth completing.

Gossip Girl

Only in your dreams/Would I lie to you/Don’t you forget about me

Cecily Von Ziegesar

RRP £6.99 each

Publisher:'Bloomsbury'

Stockist: Amazon

Hoorah! Gossip Girl is coming to TV so time to read the books so you know what it's all about! The OTT storylines are there for pure enjoyment and fantasy and thoroughly enjoyable for it – think teen Footballers Wives stateside. We enjoyed these without being a teen, which shows they are written without condescension. The ‘Gossip Girl’ thread pulls each story through it’s traumas and is a clever method of grabbing the reader.

The Sleepwalker

Robert Muchamore

RRP £6.99

Stockist: Amazon

The Cherub series of books has been a huge success, so this ninth instalment is as welcome as ever. Never frightened to deal with frightening issues, here we have suspected terrorism in the air as a tough topic. The book treats its young characters with respect and an admirable intelligence that doesn’t always exist in teen fiction. Our reviewer has called previous titles his favourite reads ever.

The Gypsy Crown

Kate Forsyth

RRP £7.99

Publisher:'Scholastic'

Stockist: Amazon

We love books that go that extra mile, and with this having a replica coin in the cover, we are already hugely impressed. This is a chunky read, but with plenty to get your teeth into. Emilia and Luke are gypsies living in the times of Oliver Cromwell. The historical content has educational worth and doesn’t hold back. What ensues is an adventure that great children’s books are made of.

Physics

Dan Green and Simon Basher

RRP £6.99

Stockist: Amazon

Where younger kids have ‘Horrible Histories’ and the like, teens have been submitted to laborious text books in their efforts to learn. But now, this handy sized books tells you all the basics of what you need to know for Key Stage 3 and 4 Physics. There’s no boring, long sentences, just snappy facts, contemporary illustration making it easy to absorb. This is mega brilliant stuff.

The Periodic Table

Adrian Dingle and Simon Basher

RRP £6.99

Stockist: Amazon

This perfectly proportioned book will slip neatly into any school bag or jacket pocket, always there when the facts of Key Stage 3 and 4 are lost amidst a whirl of hormones. Written in a quirky style which makes it fun and easy to absorb, and with fab character illustrations, you will know your Hydrogen from your Plutonium without ever realising you were learning.

Kiki Strike:Inside the Shadow City

Kirsten Miller

RRP £6.99

Publisher:'Bloomsbury'

Stockist: Amazon

Teen fiction by US writers has an edge that always delivers and we can’t get enough. If we say this reminds us of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Heroes, we mean that in the way that the characters meet under the streets of Manhattan, where Girl Power seems to reign. This is an interesting blend of characters and fascinating stuff. We love the cover too!

The Bearkeeper

Josh Lacey

RRP £5.99

Publisher:'Scholastic'

Stockist: Amazon

Bearkeeper takes us into the early 17th century, where Pip decides to go to London to discover why his Dad died. The clever thing with this book is the blend of fact and fiction, with the Globe Theatre and William Shakespeare mixing effortlessly with fictional characters. The book is strong on detail, gruesome or otherwise,making this at times a challenging but always totally fulfilling read.

The Book of a Thousand Days

Shannon Hale

RRP £10.99

Publisher:'Bloomsbury'

Stockist: Amazon

This book is based on a fairytale “Maid Maleen” by Grimm. The Rapunzel type story is told in detail and we found it hard to disengage and put the book down. The words can be almost poetic at time, and it is this that portrays the fairytale element so well. This is a different and welcome read than many other teen fiction titles, and will appeal to those who love well written fiction.

If A Tree Falls At Lunch Break

Gennifer Choldenko

RRP £5.99

Publisher:'Bloomsbury'

Stockist: Amazon

Start reading this book, and then try to put it down – it’s not easy! The book is very well written and the first person perspective works perfectly. Life isn’t easy at the moment for Kirsten with problems other teens may relate to and although set in the US, it is comforting to know that growing up is similar the world over.

Notes From A Liar And Her Dog

Gennifer Choldenko

RRP £5.99

Publisher:'Bloomsbury'

Stockist: Amazon

This reissue comes with the same lushly styled cover as ‘If A Tree Falls At Lunch Break, and is worth re buying for that alone. The book is injected with superb observavtion of childhood along with subtle and clever humour and is nothing short of a joy. Growing up is a tough gig, and Gennifer Choldenko empathises with a keen eye and even keener pen.

The Way I See it

Nicole Dryburgh

RRP £6.99

Publisher:'Hodder & Stoughton Childrens'

Stockist: Amazon

Be prepared to go through numerous emotions whilst reading this book, but be assured that the main theme is determination, hope and strength. Nicole is diagnosed with cancer at eleven, and the book takes us through her journey. Nicole has been on TV and she may be familiar to you, so this is a true story. Be prepared for ups and downs, but above all you will witness a girl full of the same fun as anyone else of her age, despite now having to overcome health problems resulting from her trauma. Nicole is such a delight, that that is what you will be left with at the end – a feeling that the seemingly impossible can be achieved with the right attitude.

Kit’s Wilderness

David Almond

RRP £5.99

Stockist: Amazon

This book oozes quality, from the front cover in – no wonder David Almond is an award winning author. Being written in the first person gives it a chill which suits the story well. Incredibly well written, the story revolves around Kit who has moved to Stoneygate to live with his ill grandfather. However, his new life is to bring far more than he could have ever imagined. This book is an absolute triumph – a masterpiece in our opinion!

Diary of a Chav:Too Cool for School

Grace Dent

RRP £5.99

Stockist: Amazon

We loved the last instalment, so will we enjoy the latest offering as much? Too right! Shiraz is now at beauty school in London, the ideal recipe for Chav-tastic fun and mayhem. It’s refreshing to find a light, witty teen read and this is a clever but ultra funny romp about every day life.

Cathy’s Book

Stewart/Weisman/Brigg

RRP £6.99

Publisher:'Bloomsbury'

Stockist: Amazon

This book is written in true teen diary style, with appropriate cover to set the scene. The book you read belongs to a girl named Cathy who has gone missing, and the story intertwines throughout. It even has a website to interact with in order to solve the mystery of where she is. This book is hugely clever, and challenges in a different way. This has been a huge success in the US, and we can’t see it won’t be here too.

The Last Vampire – Evil Thirst/Creatures of Forever

Christopher Pike

RRP £5.99

Stockist: Amazon

Do vampires and older kids mix? Too right when written with the audience in the mind. This book is very well written and will provide a good read for either gender. Can a Mother destroy her daughter if it’s for the better good? The books thrilling aspects definitely reel you in and you soon find yourself engrossed. The pace is quite fast due to the tension that follows through the pages from start to finish. There are two books in one here, making it doubly great in every way.

Sweet

Julie Birchall

RRP £9.99

Stockist: Amazon

If you’ve seen ‘Sugar Rush’ on Channel 4, you’ll have a good idea what this sequel is about. This is teen fiction without barriers, and treats the reader with knowledge about the world. Full of attitude, up to date references and with a cheeky wickedness, follow Maria Sweet as she continues to never settle for anything other than the best, however unrealistic that seems at times. Mega fiction for teens and beyond!

The Harsh Cry of the Heron

Lian Hearn

RRP £6.99

Stockist: Amazon

If you like your books thick and oodles of pages long, this one is an epic 631 pages of smaller print. This novel follows on from the ‘Tales of the Otori’ trilogy. The attention to detail is miniscule, and there is lot of it, but it all adds to the effect the author is trying to create. The author’s love of Japan means the scene setting and characters are believable and you feel their emotion wholly. Mystical, mediaeval and beautiful, this is a lot of book for the money.

Life on the Refrigerator Door

Alice Kuipers

RRP £7.99

Stockist: Amazon

We love books that are different from the norm, yet deliver as much if not more. This book is written in note style, the notes being between a hard working mother and her teenage daughter as they pass each other by, both in the physical and emotional sense. This is a tear jerking read with an instant hit – it can easily be read within an hour but that doesn’t lessen the poignant message made. To give away more, would spoil the enjoyment, but we really liked this and would suggest it would also be great for the more reluctant reader.

'Jimmy Coates:Sabotage'

Joe Craig

RRP £5.99

Stockist: Amazon

Here is yet another blinder in the Jimmy Coates series. This book could signal the end for Jimmy, with NJ7 deciding they don’t want him around anymore. However, with NJ7 thinking he’s dead, this gives Jimmy the perfect opportunity to go out his important business undetected. Joe Craig’s writing has a quality that will suck in even the most reluctant of teen readers, and that’s no mean feat. This is teen literature at its best and despite the boy type scenario, girls will enjoy the adventures too.

The Manga Bible – Raw

RRP £8.99

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Stockist: Amazon

Manga has a huge cult following so combining it with the bible, brings the stories bang up to date. Its cartoon format explains in a clear, contemporary manner that will appeal to youngsters, making it a great taster for the real thing. There are even pointers on where to find the whole story in the bible, giving the exact location. This gives encouragement for beginners to take it a step further.

The Invisible Girl

Laura Ruby

RRP £5.99

Stockist: Amazon

We already love Laura Ruby. She is a skilled author who loves her writing – she isn’t frightened to be different and divert her direction. This book looks different immediately from seeing the cover. It is still contemporary and amusing, but is far more surreal and the author’s extraordinary imagination literally bounces off each and every page in a wonderfully indulgent way. Set in Manhattan, people here fly and if you can’t, you are a ‘leadfoot’. Oh this is truly wonderful and luckily this is the first in a series. Hoorah!

Diary of a Chav:Trainers and Tiaras

Grace Dent

RRP £5.99

Stockist: Amazon

The diary format is a popular format which can appeal to the serious and light readers alike. This witty offering is all the better by talking about things that actually interest teens but we like above all else, is its sense of optimism and the positive image it conveys of today’s younger society. Ambition and spirit prevails above all. You will love Shiraz Bailey Wood, and the humour Grace Dent has injected into her and leave the book with a satisfying smile and renewed pride.

'Star Crossed'

Rachael Wing

RRP £5.99

Publisher:'Scholastic'

Stockist: Amazon

‘Romeo and Juliet’ comes to teen fiction, with a story of modern romance that will leave you warm and tingly all over. The two leading parts in the school production are to be played by two people who loathe each other and whose families detest each other also. But as in Shakespeare’s original, true love eventually sees no barrier, but this is no tragedy. Well written with an added maturity that’s very appealing.

'Fat Chance'

Catherine Robinson

RRP £4.99

Publisher:'Scholastic'

Stockist: Amazon

This is the follow up to ‘Tin Grin’ and in this outing, Mattie is experiencing that most important of teenage emotions – the crush. In a group of girls, each will always see matters of the heart in a slightly different way and this book portrays this to perfection. The family life from the first book is still important, with Mattie eventually finding herself enjoying her step-brother Rupert’s company. Perceptive stuff.

'Tin Grin'

Catherine Robinson

RRP £4.99

Publisher:'Scholastic'

Stockist: Amazon

Families come in all shapes and sizes. This book deals with some grim facts of why marriages break down and what happens next, but it is all wrapped in a wonderfully humorous text that teens will find addictive and true to life. There are an impressive amount of pages for the price with no superfluous padding. Being a teenager can be a problematic time so an enjoyable read can be a much needed boost.

'Wicked Lovely'

Melissa Marr

RRP £12.99

Stockist: Amazon

This debut novel has so much attitude crammed in, you may never see faeries in the same light again. The story oozes realism and you will crave to be Aislinn, who knows her own mind with an enviable certainty and lives an urban American life where there are no definitive rules. It is a read that pushes boundaries and is not afraid to be honest. Keenan is a faerie with both attraction and fear and he wants Aislinn. All the things that make a great teen novel are there, including angst and romance, but in a refreshingly edgy way that may well entice a new audience to teen fiction. ‘Wicked’!

'Hybrids'

David Thorpe

RRP £5.99

Stockist: Amazon

When our teenage reviewer took this into a school as part of a lesson showing what you read at home, the book drew an appreciative crowd and was the star of the show. Not a bad reaction for a first novel! David Thorpe has cleverly tapped into the teenage psyche with awesome precision. The main characters are totally reliant on the gadgets that teens now take for granted and this book takes that obsession to a different, almost believable level. Oh, this is clever stuff and you will just love it! Bring it on!

'Good Girls'

Laura Ruby

RRP £6.99

Stockist: Amazon

This is a teenage novel that tests the boundaries – exactly what is needed at this age. You have all the knowledge yet are not granted with the intelligence to use it. The book is as near in age to chick-lit as you can get, but written with an engaging honesty that the reader will appreciate. Powerfully and intelligently written, Audrey is going through experiences and emotions that are easily relatable to, making it an absolute page turner. You will live a myriad of emotions and on the last page, wish it wasn’t over – that’s the testament of an extraordinary book.

'Bone: The Great Cow Race '

Jeff Smith

RRP £7.99

Stockist: Amazon

Sheer genius between the covers – welcome to cartoon heaven and prepare to laugh…lots!! This is ultra clever stuff which you can’t fail to enjoy! The colourful illustration brings the book to life to such an extent you will think you are watching a film and the content will have you shaking due to hysterical laughter. To expand too much on the content would spoil the impact but the title is a clue. Just superb – you’d be crazy not to buy it!

'Think Pink'

Lisa Clark

RRP £7.99

Stockist: Amazon

This book is nothing short of a miracle – something that talks the language of young teen girls! Crammed with information on everything you want to know but will never ask your Mum, it fills a much needed gap. There are spaces to write down your own thoughts, advice on boys, friends, self esteem and lots more. It is written in a fun and funky manner that you will love. If you want a secret friend who you can always rely on, this may well be it. Be smart and ‘Think Pink’!

'Un Lun Dun'

China Mieville

RRP £9.99

Stockist: Amazon

This is fantasy writing at the ultimate level. Written for children but equally as appealing to adults, the story is set in UnLondon and centres around two girls named Zanna and Deeba. You will be left in awe at China Mieville’s imaginative capacity and gob smacked at his skill for capturing the reader’s attention. A masterpiece of its generation.

'Lady Friday'

Garth Nix

RRP £5.99

Stockist: Amazon

In the fifth book in the “Keys to the Kingdom” series, Arthur Penhaligon is again embroiled in an adventure to find the next key. That is Arthur’s challenge, but the challenge for the reader is to put the book down once they’ve started reading. The writing has a captivating yet not overwhelming quality which makes it sheer joy to read. With more titles to come, the future looks bright for Garth Nix.

'Jimmy Coates:Revenge'

Joe Craig

RRP £5.99