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Format: Chapter book

Chapter book

A thrilling spy adventure set in New York during the American revolution. From the rising star of children’s historical fiction, Iszi Lawrence, this is the perfect high-action adventure for fans of Horrible Histories, Emma Carroll and Hamilton.

It’s 1780 and the struggle for American independence is raging. In New York, twelve-year-old Aiden Blaise is sure that the British will win soon. How can a few rebel colonies hold out against the might of the British crown? And anyway he’s more concerned with somehow managing to rise above his lot in life and make his fortune.

But New York is a powder keg of soldiers and spies, and soon Aiden will be drawn into the fight for freedom in a way he could never have predicted…

Packed with historical detail and tales of the Culper Spy Ring, Benedict Arnold, James Rivington and George Washington, this page-turning thriller about the American War of Independence will have young readers gripped.

Chapter book

Cosy crime meets magical mystery in the new story from the bestselling author of The Last Chance Hotel, Nicki Thornton!

MAGIC MUST NEVER BE MISUSED . . .

When a nosy stranger arrives in her riverside town, school reporter Veena Vale becomes suspicious.

But only talking back cat Nightshade will listen to her.

To find out the truth of what’s going on, the two of them must unravel an ancient curse, tell uncomfortable lies and bake an awful lots of flapjacks . . .

A magical murder mystery story perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and Harry Potter

By the author of The Last Chance Hotel, chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month and nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Award

Follows on from The Howling Hag Mystery and The Poisoned Pie Mystery; a series starring fan-favourite Nightshade the cat as the star of her very own mystery!

Chapter book

The perfect crime – it’s a work of art, in Frank Cottrell Boyce’s ingenious story, Framed.

Dylan is the only boy living in the tiny Welsh town of Manod. His parents run the Snowdonia Oasis Auto Marvel garage – and when he’s not trying to persuade his sisters to play football, Dylan is in charge of the petrol log. And that means he gets to keep track of everyone coming in and out of Manod – what car they drive, what they’re called, even their favourite flavour of crisps. But when a mysterious convoy of lorries trundles up the misty mountainside towards an old, disused mine, even Dylan is confounded. Who are these people – and what have they got to hide?

A story inspired by a press cutting describing how, during World War II, the treasured contents of London’s National Gallery were stored in Welsh slate mines. Once a month, a morale-boosting masterpiece would be unveiled in the village and then returned to London for viewing. This is a funny and touching exploration of how art – its beauty and its value – touches the life of one little boy and his big family in a very small town.

This edition of Framed includes bonus material and discussion questions from Frank Cottrell Boyce, and illustrations by Steven Lenton.

Chapter book

The first in a brand-new series about dancing, friendship and following your dreams from best-loved author Jean Ure, whose books are described by Jacqueline Wilson as “funny, funky, feisty – and fantastic reads!”

When new girl Caitlyn arrives at Coombe House School Maddy is sure she must be a fellow ballet dancer; she certainly has all the grace and poise of a ballerina. So when Caitlyn denies it, Maddy isn’t convinced. But it isn’t until she comes across Caitlyn practising ballet in the gym that she realises there must be more to her story… Just what can it be? Maddy is determined to find out!

Chapter book

A warm and wise tale about the unique challenges of pre-teen life from a master of the genre. Lucy has lived her entire life in her sister’s shadow – Lola is always the centre of attention and constantly in need of new clothes for a party or kit for her dancing, meaning Lucy often goes without. But when a talent show comes to town, an unlikely ally helps Lucy step into the spotlight for once. Will Lucy discover her own star quality? Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+

Chapter book

A magical new young fiction series from best-selling author and illustrator, Laura Ellen Anderson!

Meet Marnie Midnight – a little moth with BIG dreams!

Marnie Midnight is SO excited to be starting at Minibeast Academy. She adores everything about the moon and she can’t wait to learn about its magic. But Marnie soon discovers that nobody believes in moon magic anymore!

Marnie is determined to get to the bottom of this moon mystery. The little moth and her minibeast friends explore far and wide in their search for the truth. But will they survive a run-in with a rebellious rat or an out-of-this-world trip with the terrifying Early Bird . . . ? One thing is for sure, Marnie is a little bug having a BIG Adventure!

Chapter book

The year is 2507. The oceans have risen.

A new dawn of piracy has begun.

Jacoby Blunt and Jasmine Peacock are students at the elite Pirate Academy.

This is no ordinary school!

Lessons range from Knots Class and Sailing to Combat Workshop… The teachers are all pirate legends… The pressure is always on…. Friendship is everything.

When a new kid, the mysterious Neo Splice, arrives, everything changes FAST. Suddenly the dangers are no longer simply out on the oceans but right here, amongst them. In the face of real peril, the students of Barracuda class must put everything they have learned to the test against a ruthless and seemingly unstoppable new enemy.

Welcome to Pirate Academy – once you step through the door you won’t ever want to leave!

Cover and interior art by Teo Skaffa

Chapter book

From beloved children’s author-illustrator Alex T. Smith, the bestselling creator of the Claude series, How Winston Delivered Christmas, How Winston Came Home for Christmas and The Grumpus, comes a rip-roaring fast-paced illustrated adventure through space, perfect for newly confident readers!

Astrid Atomic, a 6 year old human person, goes to bed every night like every other 6 year old human person. But unlike many other 6 year olds she doesn’t stay there. The minute the lights are off and the coast is clear the Space Cadet siren goes off, her uniform goes on, and 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – WHOOSH! – she blasts off on board the spaceship Stardust!

Along with her best pals Beryl, Professor Quackers and Zoink, Astrid is given her mission from The Chief – to clean up the Milky Way! But when a nearby alien is in trouble and with giant snaliens around, things aren’t likely to go to plan!

Don’t miss Astrid and the gang’s next adventure in book two: Astrid and the Space Cadets: Race from Planet Peril!

Chapter book

Return to a Once Upon a Time where anything is possible . . . Rumaysa: Ever After is the enchanting sequel to Radiya Hafiza’s Rumaysa: A Fairytale – a gorgeously empowering and funny story that spins the classic fairytale to show that anyone can be a hero.

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who’s the fiercest one of all?

Ever since she escaped her tower, Rumaysa has been searching the land, far and wide, determined to find her long lost parents. But after she receives a mysterious invitation from Saira White, Queen of Bishnara, she is soon pulled into a dark, magical adventure, that threatens her own happily ever after . . .

This eagerly anticipated sequel enchantingly intertwines traditional stories of Princesses, Princes, Witches and Beasts with a fresh and empowering perspective, beautifully illustrated by Rhaida El Touny.

Chapter book

Aziza’s Secret Fairy Door and the Birthday Present Disaster is the third title in a fun and inclusive, young magical adventure series for readers of 6-8 from Lola Morayo. Inspired by fairies and magical creatures from world mythology it is gorgeously illustrated in black and white throughout by Cory Reid.

Aziza notices that the Secret Fairy Door in her bedroom is covered in a cute ribbon tied in a very messy bow. It’s a sure sign that she’s about to go on a new adventure.

Aziza opens the door and finds herself in the Palace just in time for Princess Peri’s birthday party. Tiko is organizing the party and wants everything to be just right for his friend. There are party games, delicious food and lots of friends ready to celebrate. It’s very exciting! But Peri needs Aziza’s help when some special presents go missing. . .

Packed with mischief, friendship and magic, Aziza is perfect for fans of Isadora Moon.

Look out for other titles in the series: Aziza’s Secret Fairy Door and the Mermaid’s Treasure, coming soon.

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