Blog | Spread Book Joy

Oct 11, 20223 min read

The Other Ones by Fran Hart

A group of outcasts find friendship and love in this ghostly, queer romance for ages 15+. Sal and his sister Asha live in what is...

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How to be Cooler than Cool by Sean Taylor. Illustrated by Jean Jullien

Jacqueline Doherty

Oct 9, 20222 min read

How to be Cooler than Cool by Sean Taylor. Illustrated by Jean Jullien

A vivid, humorous picture book which teaches us the importance of being ourselves, rather than being “cool”. Ages 4+. Review originally...

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Jacqueline Doherty

Oct 9, 20223 min read

Once Upon a Fever by Angharad Walker

Set in an alternative London where strange illnesses are caused by overwhelming emotions, this tale of two very different sisters, both...

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Alex Neptune: Dragon Thief by David Owen

Jacqueline Doherty

Oct 9, 20222 min read

Alex Neptune: Dragon Thief by David Owen

Alex and his friends must rescue the mythical sea dragon in this adventure for ages 9+

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Review: A Storm of Sisters by Michelle Harrison

Jacqueline Doherty

Feb 11, 20222 min read

Review: A Storm of Sisters by Michelle Harrison

A ghostly winter adventure for the Widdershins sisters based on the Alfred Noyes' poem The Highwayman for ages 8+. "One day, almost forty...

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Jacqueline Doherty

Dec 27, 20212 min read

Review: I Get Loud by David Ouimet

The sequel to one of my favourite picture books is every bit as wonderful as 'I Go Quiet'. "I see you, you see me. You are small and...

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The Haunting of Aveline Jones by Phil Hickes

Jacqueline Doherty

Nov 23, 20212 min read

The Haunting of Aveline Jones by Phil Hickes

The Haunting of Aveline Jones by Phil Hickes. Spooky, atmospheric ghost story which is one of my favourite middle grade reads. Ages 9+.

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Review: Tilly and the Book Wanderers by Anna James

Jacqueline Doherty

Aug 27, 20212 min read

Review: Tilly and the Book Wanderers by Anna James

Review: Tilly and the Book Wanderers by Anna James. A delightful fantasy adventure for book lovers everywhere. Ages 8+.

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Review: Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

Jacqueline Doherty

Aug 18, 20213 min read

Review: Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

"It's easier, sometimes, to love when you know it's a love you can't have." A trans love story for Young Adults. Ages 16+. This is the...

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Can You Keep a Secret? by Melissa Castrillon

Jacqueline Doherty

Aug 16, 20211 min read

Can You Keep a Secret? by Melissa Castrillon

Can You Keep a Secret? by Melissa Castrillon. A gorgeous tale of bravery and kindness by my favourite illustrator. Ages 4+.

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Review: Julia and the Shark by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, illustrated by Tom de Freston.

Jacqueline Doherty

Jul 11, 20213 min read

Review: Julia and the Shark by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, illustrated by Tom de Freston.

An illustrated tale of family, friendship and the impact of mental illness for ages 9+. When I heard that Kiran Millwood Hargrave's next...

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Jacqueline Doherty

Jun 16, 20212 min read

The Island by Armin Greder

A powerful and affecting picture book about refugees, xenophobia and racism. Ages 10+. "And they built a great wall all around the...

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Jacqueline Doherty

May 17, 20211 min read

Review: How to be me by Cath Howe

Review: How to be me by Cath Howe. A funny, touching story of friendship and grief for ages 9+.

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Review: By Ash, Oak and Thorn by Melissa Harrison

Jacqueline Doherty

Apr 30, 20214 min read

Review: By Ash, Oak and Thorn by Melissa Harrison

Join three tiny guardians of the wild and learn all about the natural world in this heart-warming middle grade adventure. Ages 9+. "Every...

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Review: Wild by Annette Demetriou, Dawn White and Ryan Sonderegger

Jacqueline Doherty

Apr 30, 20212 min read

Review: Wild by Annette Demetriou, Dawn White and Ryan Sonderegger

Two young wolves teach us that we don't have to follow the pack in this charming and important picture book. 'Wild’ is a delightful story...

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Review: Finn's Garden Friends by Rachel Lawston and Via Lisirin

Jacqueline Doherty

Apr 17, 20213 min read

Review: Finn's Garden Friends by Rachel Lawston and Via Lisirin

A stunning picture book which teaches us to care for and enjoy nature wherever we are. Finn and mum have moved from the countryside to...

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Review: Maggie Blue and the Dark World by Anna Goodall

Jacqueline Doherty

Apr 2, 20214 min read

Review: Maggie Blue and the Dark World by Anna Goodall

A dark middle grade fantasy which will delight fans of Coraline and Alice in Wonderland. Ages 10+. Maggie Blue Brown is having a really...

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Review: A Tangle of Spells by Michelle Harrison

Jacqueline Doherty

Mar 15, 20212 min read

Review: A Tangle of Spells by Michelle Harrison

The latest Widdershins adventure may be the best yet, cementing this as one of the best middle grade fantasy series out at the moment....

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Review: The Girl and the Dinosaur by Hollie Hughes and Sarah Massini

Jacqueline Doherty

Feb 24, 20212 min read

Review: The Girl and the Dinosaur by Hollie Hughes and Sarah Massini

A beautifully whimsical picture book about the power of childhood imagination and the magic of dreams. "The wishing stars burn bright...

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Review: Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston

Jacqueline Doherty

Feb 22, 20214 min read

Review: Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston

Move over Percy Jackson and Harry Potter: Amari Peters is the hero we have been waiting for! She leads an imaginative, action-packed...

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