Rick Riordan - Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief

11+ (9+ if confident reader) 

Greek Mythology

Action, Humour

Relatable 

I bumped into Percy Jackson and The Lightening Thief in a Year 8 class, about five years ago, and was hooked immediately.  Finally, my daughter was ready to read this at bedtime with me, and we spent most of last autumn and winter learning about Greek mythology while following Percy around Olympus (New York) and the Underworld (LA).  

Percy is a relatable 12 year old kid, who seems to be a magnet for trouble.  He is also the first book-based hero I've read who has dyslexia and ADHD.  Riordan's action-packed book has a healthy dose of humour throughout, so the serious events were navigated wonderfully, enabling this to be read at bedtime. Usually with our hefty Usborne Book of Greek Myths book nearby to find out more about the characters Percy meets. Great for KS2 prediction in literacy, as well as developing reading for pleasure; MiniDgtl does tend to sleep surrounded by books. 

We're now onto the second book in the series, which should see us through to spring. 

5/5   

Tamsin Winter - Girl (In Real Life)

Age 11+

About the Book:

What's it like to grow up online and have every tantrum, every spot - even your first period - broadcast to hundreds of thousands of followers?  A funny and heartfelt novel for fans of Geek Girl, from the award-winning Tamsin Winter. 

Most parents try to limit their kids' online exposure.  But not Eva's.  Her parents run a hugely successful YouTube channel, and Eva is the star of the show.  But Eva is getting sick of being made to pose in stupid mum-and-daughter matching outfits for sponsored posts.  The freebies aren't worth the teasing at school.  And when an intensely humiliating "period party" goes viral, Eva is outraged.  She's going to find a way to stop the channel, even if she has to sabotage it herself. 

My review: 

My daughter and I loved reading the contemporary Girl (In Real Life) from one of our favourite authors @tamsinwinterauthor
12 year old Eva has been the subject of her parents' YouTube channel, All About Eva, since before she was born, and she's had enough.

5/5 from us, for the opportunity to discuss the biological and emotional changes that occur between Year 7- Year 9, the relevance of social media in school, and just a brilliant book full of drama, great characters and cringeworthy moments with heart.

Disclaimer: we received a free paperback copy of this book from the publisher, @usborne_books in exchange for a review. All honest opinions are from me and my daughter.

Buy Girl (In Real Life) from my Usborne shop, Awesome Bookshop, £7.99