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Polly Ho-Yen Books

when the storm comes

When The Storm Comes

Chapter book

Polly Yo-Hen has written an empathetic adventure of four students who come together in an explosive adventure. At first, Amaryllis (Mali) struggles to find his place and his people at school, but along comes the new boy, Shiyoon, who helps him to realise how special friendship can be. Though this is short-lived when Shiyoon has to leave the school, Amaryllis is left alone again. Put together in a book club by Ms Devine, who seems to have on purpose chosen these pupils, they are put into a disastrous situation where they have to overcome their differences and own personal challenges to work together to get themselves and others to safety.

This story really does remind you about the importance of not judging people on first impressions and that there is good in everyone. There is a subtle mention of same-sex marriage, and it touches upon the subject of climate change. The concluding sentence stresses how the characters could now be unafraid, unapologetic and undaunted to stand up for change. How we all wish we could be a little braver and heed these words. A gripping story that values trust, friendship, resilience and strength.

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the last dragon

The Last Dragon

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Chapter book

This story is an unusual mix of fantasy and real-life problems which touches on some serious health issues.

Yara’s younger sister, George, has a condition that has kept her in hospital for months, but she doesn’t seem to be getting any better. Yara and her parents have moved into a small flat to be as close as possible to the hospital and Yara is often at home alone due to her parents’ working hours and frequent visits to George. She feels so lonely but rejects contact from her old school friends as she is focused on her sister’s health. In the search of company after school one day, Yara heads across the park to the shopping centre but is intercepted by Tildy – the last dragon on Earth. After a searching appraisal by the dragon, Yara is left an egg, and from then on she is hounded by the menacing Dragon Detection Squad who are desperate to obtain the only dragon egg in existence. Yara is on the point of giving it up when her new friend Bertie informs her of the legendary magical healing power of dragon eggs; it is then a race against time to get it to George in hospital and the Dragon Detection Squad doesn’t give up!

When the last dragon is found dead, the future of the egg becomes even more important, and as its guardian, Yara has to make some difficult choices.

There are themes of friendship, bullying, family bonds and serious illness. The characters are well-developed and Bertie is non-binary (them/they). I really enjoyed the story and the journey for all the characters, although the somewhat unexpected ending did seem a little sudden – the book is relatively short at 193 pages.

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the day no one woke up

The Day No One Woke Up

Chapter book

An out-of-this-world middle-grade adventure about finding friendship in the most unlikely of places. From the bestselling and Waterstones Children’s Book Prize shortlisted author of BOY IN THE TOWER. Perfect for fans of Stranger Things and authors, such as Ross Welford and Lisa Thompson.

Something strange is happening in Ana’s city . . . she’s the only one awake. Confused and curious, Ana sets off to explore, bumping into the one other person who’s been able to rouse themselves – her ex–best friend, Tio. On a mission to discover what’s happening, Ana and Tio journey through the city looking for clues, their friendship mending with every step. When a mysterious creature suddenly materialises in front of them, Ana realises they’ve found the answer they’ve been looking for. But one question still remains: Why them?

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the girl who became a fish

The Girl Who Became a Fish

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Chapter book

Ita is afraid of lots of things. She’s afraid of talking to her classmates at her new school. She’s afraid of walking through her new town. But most of all she is afraid of water.

When one day she realises the river in her new town turns her into a fish, she is forced to face up to her fears. In doing so, can she bring her family together again?

With themes of change, and deftly tackling the topic of fear for younger readers, this is another heart-warming and beautifully-written early reader by Polly Ho-Yen, filled with charming artwork by Sojung Kim-McCarthy.

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the boy who grew a tree

The Boy Who Grew a Tree

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Chapter book

Nature-loving Timi is unsettled by the arrival of a new sibling and turns to tending a tree growing in his local library. But there is something magical about the tree and it is growing FAST… and the library is going to close. Can Timi save the library and his tree, and maybe bring his community closer together along the way? A charming early reader for ages 5-8, filled with black-and-white illustrations.

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Boy in the Tower

Chapter book
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A deeply thought-provoking and thrilling story, dealing with the themes of mental health issues, isolation and a young boy being a carer for his mother.

When the tower block where the family live is under attack by mysterious plants, Ade’s mother’s anxieties mean that the family is not able to flee. Ade watches the plants attack the tower blocks that surround them, and the threat is growing closer and closer. He realises that his best friend’s tower block is at risk, and he is torn between helping his mother and his best friend. 

Gripping and emotional, this is a greatly exciting and edgy read that will hit the spot for Year 6.

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Your Review

Stone Girl Bone Girl

review

Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:

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Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?

Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?

Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?

yes

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Curriculum links (if relevant)

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