Hi there,
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First of all, a big thank you to all of you who sent in your suggestions for Christmas present books. I’m definitely going to be getting a few of these for myself!
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There’s quite a variety today: magic, adventure, humour and more serious issues. Let's take a look...
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Tree Magic and Tree Slayer by Harriet Springbett
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087MCBT53
Teenager Rainbow is amazed to discover that she can communicate with trees. But her gift sets her apart from others and creates an unbearable tension in her dysfunctional family. When tragedy strikes, Rainbow’s life in rural Dorset is torn in two, creating parallel worlds in the process. Over the next few years, the two versions of Rainbow follow very different lives. The source of their grief, however, is the same – a confession buried deep within their memories. Could France offer the healing they need or will the pain be too much to bear? Suitable for ages 14+, these magic realism stories have become quick favourites with the whole family.
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The Enchantment of Danny Dockett (age 8/12) and Danny Dockett and the Lightning tree (13+) Margaret Macklin
amazon.co.uk/.../dp/024493147X/ref=mp_s_a_1_2...
After stepping through the lightning tree, Danny and Freddy find themselves in medieval England - 1334. Danny saves the life of Jasper, the king's much loved hunting-dog.King Edward III rewards him with three silver groats and one wish.
A tale of magic, mystery and medieval monarchs. Humorous, educational and at times, touching.
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Cerebal Palsy – A Story by Ilana Estelle
Born the second of premature twins, an hour apart, from a young age Ilana knew she was different, but for all the wrong reasons. A child of the 60s, Ilana experienced first-hand the way that disability was, at the time, so often brushed under the carpet, not spoken about. Her constant physical and mental struggles made her feel isolated, alone, frustrated, and misunderstood.
This is Ilana's open and honest journey from an angry, confused child, knowing something was wrong, not knowing what was wrong, what her disability was, or that there was a diagnosis - to the 'real' her.
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Chaos Walking Trilogy Patrick Ness
https://www.amazon.co.uk/books/chaos walking
Prentisstown isn’t like other towns. Everyone can hear everyone else’s thoughts in a constant, overwhelming Noise. There is no privacy. Then Todd Hewitt unexpectedly stumbles on a spot of complete silence. And now he’s going to have to run…
This series is a real page turner with lots of action and drama.
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The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker
The Age of Miracles: Amazon.co.uk: Thompson Walker, Karen ...
One morning, Julia and her parents wake up in their suburban home in California to discover, along with the rest of the world, that the rotation of the earth is noticeably slowing. The enormity of this is almost beyond comprehension. But even if the world is coming to an end, normal life must go on. Eleven year old Julia watches the impact this has on the world, her community and her own family.
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Seed to Harvest by Octavia E Butler
Seed to Harvest: Amazon.co.uk: Butler, Octavia E ...
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In the late seventeenth century, two immortals meet in an African forest. Anyanwu is a healer, a three-hundred-year-old woman who uses her wisdom to help those around her. The other is Doro, a malevolent despot who has mastered the power of stealing the bodies of others when his wears out. Together they will change the world.
Over the next three centuries, Doro attempts to create a master race of people.
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Orange Boy by Patrice Lawrence
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Patrice-Lawrence/e/B003VMU84C
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Orange Boy is a dark, gritty drama for older teenagers and adults. Sixteen-year-old Marlon never wanted to follow his big brother, Andre, down the wrong path but he finds himself sucked into gangster London as a consequence of his older brother's bad-boy past. Themes of friendship, family, loyalty, trust run through the story as Marlon makes one bad decision after another.
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In Between - Jenny B Jones
In Between: Volume 1 (A Katie Parker Production): Amazon ...
Can we overcome our past? With her mom in prison, and her father AWOL, Katie is sent to live with a squeaky-clean family and launches a full-scale plan to get sent back to the girls’ home when she finds herself in over her head...and heart. When Katie and her new "wrong crowd" get into significant trouble at school, she finds her punishment is restoring an historic theatre with a crazy grandma who goes by the name of Mad Maxine. Katie uncovers family secrets that show her she's not the only one with a pain-filled past. Katie must decide if she'll continue her own family’s messed up legacy or embrace a new beginning in this place called In Between.
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A Wizard’s guide to defensive baking – T Kingfisher
A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking: Amazon.co.uk
Fourteen-year-old Mona isn't like the wizards charged with defending the city. She can't control lightning or speak to water. Her magic only works on bread. She has a comfortable life in her aunt's bakery making gingerbread men dance.
But Mona's life is turned upside down when she finds a dead body on the bakery floor. Someone is stalking the streets of Mona's city, preying on magic folk, and it appears that Mona is his next target.
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And don't forget, my YA books make excellent Christmas presents!
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Shrinking Violet is 99p all this month!
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Three teenagers battling with their own insecurities need a little paranormal help...
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The Clones Trilogy: Book 1 Mirror Image - A group of young Clones (Labs) struggle to find their place in the world and gain equality with their Non-Lab counterparts.
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Well, I hope you enjoyed taking a look at today's recommendations.
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A very Merry Christmas and Happy Reading to you all!
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Trish
