Children's Books > L Children's Books > B > Libba Bray

Advantages: Wonderful plot
Disadvantages: Leaves you wanting more!

'Rebel Angels' is the second book in a trilogy by Libba Bray, continuing the story begun in 'A Great and Terrible Beauty'. The book tells the tale of sixteen-year-old Gemma Doyle, an ordinary-seeming girl, with an extraordinary power. The story begins in Victorian London, and you're immediately pulled into the hustle and bustle of the 1800's. The mystery starts to unfold when Gemma steps from the train and sees a mysterious figure shrouded in a ...
...taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and adventures, as we discover the power of The Order and the secretive Rakshana. For Gemma has a special power, a power that enables her to travel into 'The Realms', a place of magic and immense beauty, that also has a darker, more sinister side. Gemma, along with her friends Felicity and Ann, must find a way of binding the magic of The Realms, whilst trying to keep the evil Circe from taking the magic ... Read review

Advantages: great book really captivating
Disadvantages: none

Justin Somper has made this book brilliant and inspiring. Anthony Horowitz described it as "Totally Original". This book is amazingly based around an old sea shanty about Vampirates. It is quoted below: "I'll tell you a tale of Vampirates, A tale as old as true. Yea, I'll sing you a song of an ancient ship, And it's mighty fearsome crew. Yea, I'll sing you a song of an ancient ship, That sails the oceans blue... That haunts the oceans blue. ...
...wings in flight. They say the captain, he wears a veil So as to curtail your fright At his death-pale skin And his lifeless eyes And his teeth as sharp as night. Oh, they say the captain, he wears a veil And his eyes never see the light. "You'd better be good, child - good as gold, As good as good can be. Else I'll turn you in to the Vampirates And wave you out to sea. Yes, you'd better be good, child - good as gold, Because - look! ... Read review

Advantages: see review
Disadvantages: see review

...on the pavement outside of Laura's window. Laura rushes outside with her torch to take a closer look at the star. Laura is in awe of the stars beauty, but then notices that a point of the star has broken off. Laura gently carries the star back into her house and manages to stick the broken point of the star back on. Laura then takes the star into her bed and tells it her secrets. When she wakes up in the morning the star has disappeared. Laura ...
...lots of fun detail, like Laura's dragon mug and plate of cookies. Teddy peeps out from under the duvet. This is a lovely, touching story of friendship and putting the needs of others before your own needs. It can be read on many different levels. A very young child will love the illustrations and simple story. For an older child the story can help with a discussion about the needs of others and important friendships. My son and I discussed how important ... Read review

Advantages: fun book for children
Disadvantages: none

Class Three all at Sea is written by Julia Jarman and illustrated by Lynne Chapman, tells of an exciting day when Class Three goes off on a trip out to sea. It starts off as the class is waiting on the quay and we see the children's excited faces watching donkeys dancing and seagulls skimming stones. However, there is something in the background that they don't see - a skull and cross bones! They board the boat, happily donning life jackets, blissfully ...
...the ship and behave very badly towards the children, their teacher and the crew. A little boy called Lenny is made to walk the plank by the mean pirates and it's a jolly good thing he does because he eventually saves the day. He alerts some rather large octopuses who rescue the children by going on board and tying all the pirates in knots with their tentacles! The children then head towards the pirates' secret island where, much to their excitement, ... Read review

Advantages: Everything is brilliant!
Disadvantages: You can't put the book down

This book is written by Charlie Higson who also writes screenplays and adult thriller novels, as well as a performer and co-creator of the fast show. Using the idea of Ian Flemings Books about a spy called "Bond. James Bond" he has created a fantastic book about James bond when he was younger and not a spy. Before the name became a legend. Before the boy became the man. Meet Bond. James Bond. The book has 372 pages full of excitement and thrills ...
...in the Scottish Highlands, James Bond is back at Eton, where he has joined the risk-taking Danger Society. Summer vacation is on the horizon and James is looking forward to the school trip to the beautiful Italian island of Sardinia, and the opportunity to spend some time with his reclusive cousin Victor. But all is not as it appears. James soon discovers that the seemingly peaceful island harbors some strange secrets. Before long, Victor's house ... Read review