Ones to Watch: New Children&#8217;s Fiction for Autumn 2021

Synopsis:

When Bela’s mother dies, she is summoned to deepest Siberia to stay with an uncle she’s never met. Exploring his strange scientific workshop, she uncovers a secret she was never meant to find – a doorway that opens to an icy land, frozen in time and full of legends come to life.

But this frozen land is in danger, and it’s up to Bela to find a way to save it. To succeed, she must join forces with the impossible: a long-lost sister she never knew she had, born 40,000 years before . . .

Our Reviewer Says:

The Ice Whisperers is set in beautiful, mysterious, icy Siberia. The book is perfect for children who love fantasy novels; Ren-ya’s land is filled with ancient creatures and references to myths from long ago. The theme of friendship and the intense bond that sisters have draws comparisons with Frozen too.

This would be a fantastic novel to share with a lower key stage two class and would fit perfectly with topics that deal with frozen landscapes as well as prehistory. There are themes of ecology to draw upon and it would be a great novel to use in order to commence a geographical study of this landscape that contrasts so starkly with our own.

Publisher: Puffin

Publication date: 28 October 2021

Reviewer: Claire Coates

2. When Fishes Flew – The Story of Elena’s War

Michael Morpurgo & George Butler

Synopsis:

This first new novel in two years from the nation’s favourite storyteller is a sweeping story of love and rescue – an unforgettable journey to the Greek island of Ithaca, and back in time to World War Two…

Australian-Greek girl Nandi travels to her ancestors’ home in Ithaca, and discovers – through a friendship with an extremely unusual flying fish – the extraordinary story of her great-aunt Elena; of how she fell in love, in the hardest of times, and how of how she became an unsung hero of World War Two. But Elena has gone missing, and Nandi has to find her. In her search, she will discover that Elena was an even greater hero than she thought – and still is…

Nandi’s story is a beautiful and inspiring tale of personal discovery, of love and place and belonging, threaded through with the quiet heroism of everyday people. Stunningly illustrated throughout by acclaimed artist George Butler, and full of magic, myth and mystery, it is a classic Morpurgo novel that will move and thrill every reader who loved Private Peaceful and War Horse, and combines all the hallmarks of this beloved Master Storyteller.

Our Reviewer Says:

With themes of love, travel, adventure, family and home and with links to Homer’s Odyssey, this book weaves together the story of two generations of adventurous women and makes you wonder just how much the machinations of the gods affect the course of history!

This story offers a brief history of Ithaca, from the Ancient gods and legendary tales through war and occupation, earthquakes, the Greek Military Junta, to the present-day refugee crisis. We also learn of the beauty of the Island’s landscape and about aspects of music and culture on the island which are woven into the story. For keen historians, it will give them the urge to pursue further knowledge about these periods in Greek history.

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication date: 30 September 2021

Reviewer: Esther Brown

3. Count

Melvin Burgess & Chris Mould

Synopsis:

Brandon is a boaster – he says he is brilliant at lots of things. Then he is challenged to count up to ten million. So Brandon starts: one, two, three . . . and before long he is up to one thousand. Everyone around him is bewildered and annoyed: his friend Waris, his teachers and Miss Hexx, the head. But Brandon can’t stop counting. And the higher he counts, the more everyone takes an interest, when Brandon reaches 30,000 he goes viral, by the time he gets to one million, he has a manager and a stadium full of fans counting with him. And then strange, impossible things start happening. The numbers are taking over everything . . .

Illustrated by the wonderful Chris Mould, Count is about a boy who boasts that he can count up to ten million. No one believes him – he doesn’t even believe it himself. But once he starts, he falls in love with the numbers and they fall in love with him …. and you just never can tell what numbers are going to do next.

A fun and contemporary story about rise and fall of celebrity, and ultimately staying true to yourself.

Our Reviewer Says:

Anyone who has ever wanted the world to recognise their tales or dreamed of going viral will resonate with Brandon’s story. Brandon believes that he is the best at everything and he loves to boast about it. But there is one thing that he really is good at – counting. When he boasts that he can count to ten million, he’s challenged to follow up on his claim and before he knows it, the world really is paying attention to what he can do.

Carnegie-medal winner Melvin Burgess is well-known for his novels for Young Adults, but here he perfectly hits the spot for younger children with Count. I was really charmed by this laugh-out-loud story of an oft-heard playground boast that – in this case – quickly snowballs to global proportions, perfectly capturing the essence of childhood ambition and stubbornness in one sweep. The story also explores the cost of fame and the power of self-belief.

At just over 170 pages, this is a short and entertaining read that is packed with humour and accompanied by Chris Mould’s fun illustrations. Count is likely to go down a treat in lower KS2 classrooms or with Upper KS2 readers who appreciate a quick and humorous read.

Publisher: Andersen Press

Publication date: 7 October 2021

Reviewer: Alison Leach

4. The Great Dream Robbery

Greg James, Chris Smith & Amy Nguyen

Synopsis:

A brand-new adventure beyond your wildest dreams, from the bestselling authors of KID NORMAL

Unlike most 12 year-olds, Maya Clayton is desperate to go to bed early. Falling asleep is the only chance she has to save her dad – the brilliant but slightly odd Professor Dexter. The Professor invented a device that allows you to visit other people’s dreams. But the devious Lilith Delamere has trapped him inside a nightmare and Maya and the mysterious Dream Bandits must find a way to rescue him before it’s too late!

Maya will face a dangerous journey and some difficult choices. But sometimes all you need is a dream . . . and a bit of courage.

Featuring a hospital heist, some banana-loving llamas and a talking cat called Bin Bag, this is one mind-bending adventure you won’t want to wake up from.

Our Reviewer Says:

After the success of the Kid Normal series, I was excited to receive the new novel from Greg James & Chris Smith. I have to say I certainly wasn’t disappointed, as I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to crazy end.

When we are introduced to Maya, her father (a scientist working for a company called Somnia) is in hospital following an accident at work. After having the weirdest dream, she is desperate to get back to sleep to dream about the boy who seems to have information on her father’s accident. It transpires that her dad has been left trapped within a dream by his evil employer. It is now up to Maya and her new friends to attempt to rescue him.

The Great Dream Robbery is full of rich language and descriptive paragraphs entwined within the humour. There is an endearing cast of characters, as well as the truly villainous character of Lilith Delamere. In an attempt to stop Lilith’s dastardly plan, there is an extremely bizarre battle involving a unicorn called Donald, a seal and an army of line dancing robots. This book could definitely be enjoyed in the classroom – probably as a class reader. Or as in my case, in the library for book club – as it has left me with a plethora of activity ideas.

Publisher: Puffin

Publication date: 16th September 2021

Reviewer: Angela Kent

5. Ghostcloud

Michael Mann

Synopsis:

Twelve-year-old Luke Smith-Sharma shovels coal under a half-bombed, blackened power station. With his best friend Ravi he keeps his head down, hoping to one day earn his freedom and return to his family, while avoiding the wrath of the evil Tabatha Margate. When he tries to help new girl Jess, Luke is punished and sent to clean the sewers of the haunted East Wing, a place from which few return.

Whilst serving his punishment, Luke realises he can see things others can’t in the Power Station: ghostly things . He befriends a ghost-girl called Alma, who can ride clouds through the night sky and bend their shape to her will.

But when Luke discovers the terrible truth of why Tabatha Margate is kidnapping children and forcing them to work in the power station, Alma agrees to help him and his friends escape. Will Alma convince the mysterious ghost council to help their cause? And can Luke find his voice, while trying to find a way home?

Our Reviewer Says:

This is a wonderfully told story that comprises excitement, action, suspense and a cruel and heartless villain who must be stopped. The characters are ones that are totally believable and I found myself willing the children to escape and really imagined myself on that journey too. The action is fast-paced and the description is hugely effective in getting the desperation of the situation and of the escape across. The dialogue between the characters is well written and appropriate. Sharp exchanges with characters lead to touching moments when Luke realises what has happened to his family.

The story is set in dystopian London so for those who know the area the landmarks will be familiar. The Olympic Park is abandoned, the Channel Tunnel is closed, East London is flooded and South London is a slum leading to a toxic wasteland.

This is a unique story but one which is so well written. The children in my class will love it!

Publisher: Hachette

Publication date: 7th October 2021

Reviewer: David McBride

6. The Chime Seekers

Ross Montgomery & David Dean

Synopsis:

When an evil faerie steals Yanni’s baby sister and swaps her for a Changeling, Yanni is swept into a dangerous race against time to get her back.

For faeries delight in tricks and rescuing her won’t be easy. With the help of his cousin, Amy, and the reluctant Changeling, Yanni must travel to goblin palaces and battle-swept oceans, discovering ancient treasures and secrets along the way.

Yanni will need every drop of courage and even a few tricks of his own, if he’s to outwit the faerie and save his sister…

Ross Montgomery brings the magical world of British folklore to life in this contemporary fantasy novel. Bursting with Ross’s trademark charm, humour and heart, and with echoes of David Bowie’s Labyrinth , The Chime Seekers is perfect reading for fans of Emma Carroll, Piers Torday and David Solomons.

Our Reviewer Says:

Through his beautiful writing, Montgomery has created a fantasy world that would rival Oz, Wonderland or Narnia. The unusual characters are honest and, at times, very funny. The undercurrent of love conquering evil is prevalent throughout, which gives it the feel of 21st Century fairy-tale, although this book is not for the faint-hearted! This book will chill you to the bone, and you won’t be able to put it down. It truly is a page-turner.

Publisher: Walker

Publication date: 4th November 2021

Reviewer: Emma Hughes

7. The Book of Stolen Dreams

David Farr

Synopsis:

An exhilarating, awe-inspiring debut from a master storyteller writing for children for the first time, perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell, Eva Ibbotson and His Dark Materials.

When Rachel and Robert are passed a stolen book by their librarian father, they have to go on the run and protect it at all costs. With their father captured and everyone hunting for the Book, they must uncover its secrets and track down the final, missing page. But the cruel and calculating Charles Malstain is on their trail. When the children discover the astonishing, magical truth about the Book, they resolve to do everything in their power to stop it falling into his hands. For if it does, he could rule forever.

Step inside the pages of an immortal adventure and discover a truly unforgettable journey of wonder, courage and magic…

Our Reviewer Says:

Screenwriter David Farr (well known for Spooks and The Night Manager) makes a triumphant entry into the world of the middle-grade novel with The Book of Stolen Dreams. Readers will enjoy being swept away amid the intrigue and wonder of the Book as the magical object at the centre of the story, the page-turning action of the children’s adventure and the impending sense of peril that is never far away.

The story is in part inspired by Farr’s family history, based on his Great Aunt and Uncle’s escape from Nazi Germany – but reimagined in a fantasy dictatorship. This is a story that values bravery, the magic of books and the influence of individuals who follow the right course even when the world around them feels oppressive. The Book of Stolen Dreams offers a tense and thrilling adventure, but one in which Farr allows the youngest characters to win the day – providing a hope-filled reminder that good can triumph over tyranny in a million small, everyday ways.

Publisher: Usborne

Publication date: 30th September 2021

Reviewer: Alison Leach

8. The Lion Above the Door

Onjali Q. Rauf

Synopsis:

From Onjali Q. Rauf, the award-winning and best-selling author of The Boy at the Back of the Class , comes an incredible story about missing histories and the concept of a universal family, told with humour and heart. Leo and his best friend Sangeetha are the odd ones out in their school. But as Leo’s dad is always telling him, it’s because they’re special. Only thing is, if they’re so special, how come they never see anyone who looks like them in their school history books? Then, on a class trip to a nearby cathedral, Leo’s attention is drawn to a large marble slab high above the doors of the hall. Right there, bang in the middle of a list of war heroes, Leo finds himself staring at something incredible: his own name. Desperate to know who this other Leo was, the two friends embark on a search. And together, they begin to uncover missing stories from the past, ones which they are determined to put back into their rightful place in the pages of history. Touching on themes of historical racism, The Lion Above the Door shines a light on the stories our history books have yet to contain and the power of friendships that can last through generations.

Our Reviewer Says:

Onjali Q Rauf’s loyal fanbase will be pleased to hear of a new novel. True to form, The Lion Above the Door explores important social issues while capturing voices from the younger generation in a most relatable manner.

The story broaches the topic of cultural blindspots in history education, posing questions about the missing and ignored figures from the history topics taught in schools. Young Leo is intrigued to find a WW2 memorial in which he recognises his own name; being of Singaporean heritage he has become used to rarely seeing people like himself reflected in the history books. As Leo and his classmates research their relatives’ roles in the war, important stories come to surface and it’s up to the children to make sure these histories get the spotlight they deserve.

This is a sincere and timely story that gently turns over themes of prejudice, cultural underrepresentation, racism and the courage to put right societal injustice – while at once holding out the mantle to young readers to invite them to be the catalyst for change.

Publisher: Hachette

Publication date: 14th October 2021

Reviewer: Alison Leach

9. The Christmas Carrolls

Mel Taylor-Bessent & Selom Sunu

Synopsis: Funny festive middle grade about the world’s most Christmassy family from the founder of Authorfy, perfect for 8+ readers and fans of Matt Haig, Ben Miller, Sibeal Pounder’s Tinsel , and the Nativity! films

Wish it could be Christmas every day? Well, for nine-year-old Holly Carroll and her family, it is! Living her merriest life in a house with year-round fairy lights and Christmas trees, a carol-singing toilet and a diva donkey who thinks he’s a reindeer, home-schooled Holly tries to spread cheer wherever she goes.

But when she goes to a new school with a singing Santa backpack and first day Christmas cards (during a heatwave in September!), she realises not everyone shares her enthusiasm for spreading cheer. In fact, when the neighbours try to remove the Carrolls from the street and Holly discovers a group of children that may not get a Christmas at all, her snowglobe world begins to crack. Is the world’s most Christmassy girl about to lose her Christmas spirit? The Christmas Carrolls is a heartwarming, hilarious and inclusive tale about the power of spreading cheer, the magic of friendship and what really matters at this most wonderful time of the year.

Our Reviewer Says:

Authorfy creator Mel Taylor-Bessent offers her own masterclass in writing for children in the form of her debut chapter book, The Christmas Carrolls. Sprinkled with seasonal goodwill and a good dose of ho-ho-ho, this is a perfectly heart-warming and humorous read for the festive season.

Holly Carroll and her family are crazy about Christmas, but with a little help from a special new friend, Holly discovers that the festive season is not always as cheer-filled for everyone as she once thought. When the world begins to lose its sparkle, Holly finds a way to channel her inner Christmas spirit to embrace her community and make a real difference to those in need.

I thoroughly enjoyed this feel-good read with its loveable cast of characters, festive puns aplenty and themes of kindness, inclusion and sparing a thought for others in the community. I hope that Santa’s elves have stocked up on this title – as something tells us that The Christmas Carrolls is the book that everyone’s going to be hoping to find under the tree this year.

Publisher: Farshore

Publication date: 14th Oct 2021

Reviewer: Alison Leach

10. Fledgling

Lucy Hope

Written by debut author Lucy Hope, Fledgling is an unforgettable and enchanting mystery set in a snowy forest. With hints of Brother’s Grimm, the story soars with twists and turns, from the second a storm blows in – and something very special blows into Cassie Engel’s window. A dark, gothic adventure set deep in a Bavarian forest, with angels and owls and magic and a boy who isn’t all that he seems to be…

A cherub is blown into Cassie Engel’s bedroom during a thunderstorm, triggering a series of terrifying events. Cassie must discover if its arrival was an accident or part of something more sinister.

With a self-obsessed opera singer for a mother, a strange taxidermist father, and a best friend who isn’t quite what he seems, Cassie is forced to unearth the secrets of her family’s past. As the dark forces gather around them, can Cassie protect all that she holds dear?

Our Reviewer Says:

Fledgling is a real treat for those who love a gothic story full of thrills and atmospheric settings. Taking place at the turn of the century in 1900, everything about Cassie’s life is remote; from the rock-edge house in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps to her aloof and emotionally distant parents and a gravely ill grandmother. When a strange cherub-like creature appears after a storm, a series of strange events are set into motion and a shocking family secret is brought to light.

With owls and angels, menacing storm birds, an eerie forest setting and a family mystery to uncover, there’s plenty of tension around each corner in Lucy Hope’s debut narrative. Taxidermy animals and strange inventions furnish the inside of Cassie’s home, while outside in the forest there are storms and strange birds and all the noises of the forest. There’s a sense of darkness gathering throughout the story and a brilliantly gothic cast of characters and setting. The story feels surreal in places, while never losing the thread of hope pulled long by Cassie and the cherub and finished with a warming message about love and family.

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Publication date: 4th Nov 2021