Literature Review of the Year (and what we're excited about for 2024!)

Jamie by L.D. Lapinski cover illustration by Harry Woodgate (Orion Children’s Books, 30th March 2023)
 

March saw the publication of this hugely important novel. Jamie (they/them/theirs) is a non-binary young person completely happy in their skin. They feel accepted, loved and that they can be themselves. This isn’t about a character who is struggling with their identity, rather others struggling to reframe their thinking and – for some – change their prejudiced ways. The trouble begins in Year 6 when the topic of applying for Year 7 places arises: the only options for Jamie are St Joseph’s – a school for boys – or Queen Elizabeth girls’ school. Nowhere for a non-binary person to go! Jamie soon realises that it’s down to them to use this as a teachable moment, but can they cope with the frustration and rejection at knowing there doesn't appear to be a ‘fit’ for them for secondary school? Replete with cover illustrations by Harry Woodgate, this is an utterly joyous read.

Squishy McFluff’s Camping Adventure by Pip Jones and Ella Okstrad (Faber & Faber, April 6th 2023)

Sweetly told with a plucky protagonist at its heart, this wonderful book about friendship and acceptance for younger children was published in April. The author - creator of the wonderful character Izzy Gizmo - was inspired to write this series by her own daughter who had an imaginary friend. Squishy McFluff is an extremely precious pet, giving her owner, Ava, cuddles, company and kudos. Oh and Squishy is also very special considering he must be conjured up from one’s imagination. Ava and her dad are going camping so there’s lots to do… Trouble is, the very thing that was crucial to the family sleeping under canvas (i.e. their tent) has been left at home. Dad forgot to pop it in the boot and even though Ava and Squishy knew it had been left, she decided that – in her wisdom – sleeping in a self-built den would be much more fun! Ava sets about building their den but is interrupted by loud barking: it’s coming from a little dog called Farida who appears in the arms of a slightly bossy child called Idris. Can Ava compete to build the better den? Will Idris concede that Squishy is actually real? And what is making the branches break with its Thundering footsteps? Sweet and relatable, this is a story about having the courage to admit we might be wrong and the conviction to be ourselves.

People Power: Peaceful Protests that Changed the World by Rebecca June and Ximo Abadia (Prestel Publishing Ltd, May 2nd 2023)

In May, we were delighted to read a copy of this brilliant non-fiction book.  Arranged chronologically, from the 1907 Mud March, campaigning for suffrage for all in Victorian United Kingdom to more recent, global protests, such as Greta’s Fridays for Future campaign and Black Lives Matter, there is huge diversity in the people, the protests and the geography represented within this text. The common theme that binds all of these stories of real change-making is simple: people have to take action if change is to be made. The golden thread is that through all of these startling stories, from the days of bleak, grey life under the Berlin wall; through the brave women in Liberia who began the Mass Action for Peace movement in 2003; and the 28-day long protest in Tunisia for equity in standards of living in 2011, people came together united and peacefully stood their ground for their own and others’ futures. Stunning artwork with vibrant use of colour, effectively presented information and impactful spreads showing people power in action make this a book that every school should purchase at least one copy of!

Bright Stars of Black British History by J.T. Williams, illustrated by Angela Vives (Thames & Hudson, 28th September 2023)

In her stunning introduction, J.T. Williams - author of the highly acclaimed Lizzie and Belle Mysteries Williams says of the Stars: ‘When we look up at the night sky, some stars appear to shine more brightly than others. But look closely and you will catch a glimpse of other stars in between… There are always people, brave and bold, whose light may be hidden from us… move closer to a star and it will shine more brightly in your view.’ And - curiously enough - the page that this book fell open at upon our first-look was none other than the section on Dido Elizabeth Belle herself: one of the eponymous stars of Williams’ fiction series. Then there’s the compelling story of African Princess Omoba Aina of Egbado heritage and the intriguing connection between her and Queen Victoria. Other stars in this sparkling line-up include composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, poet and - later - playwright Una Marson and football champion and war hero, Walter Tull. Every biography for each of these Bright Stars is a celebration, 'as the light of their legacies shines brightly to inspire us and give us hope for the future.’ With its stunning illustrations by Angela Vives, this is an essential book for every primary school.

The Time Travellers: Adventure Calling by Sufiya Ahmed, illustrated by Alessia Trunfio (Little Tiger, 1st February 2024)

We’re so excited to be on the list to receive an advance copy of what promises to be intriguing, action-packed and historically accurate fiction. Three children are on a trip to the Houses of Parliament when events take (just a small) turn: they find themselves somehow transported back in time to the Victorian era and in the middle of a suffrage demonstration. Trouble is, what if their actions in the past they suddenly find themselves in alter the course of the future?

What Rosa Brought by Jacob Sager Weinstein, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler (Katherine Tegen Books, 14th March 2024)

Exploring identity, immigration and the power of a family’s love, Rosa’s story tells of having to leave Nazi-occupied Vienna and all she knows behind. But what will she take with her? What would others want her to take? Authentically voiced and sensitively illustrated, this new offering from Sager Weinstein will be an important picture book for young children.

Night Flight by Katie Cottle (Puffin, 28th March 2024)

Katie Cottle, author-illustrator of stunning picture books that often carry a strong ecological message, is about to bring this new offering into the world of children’s literature…just in time for spring, too. It tells the story of Ellie who, having moved from a rural home to a busy city, realises that her beloved birds – familiar and comforting features of her old life – are nowhere to be seen. But why? The answer comes when one night a giant starling arrives to ask for Ellie’s help.

Poetry Comics by Grant Snider (Chronicle Books, 28th March 2024)

Also publishing in March, this has been billed as the perfect way ‘in’ to poetry for less confident/reluctant readers, such as it comprises poetry that has been presented in graphic-novel style panels. We think that this is a really interesting concept and look forward to reading what looks to be an accessible and inclusive fresh approach to poetry.