The Hungry Ghost by H.S. Norup

I picked this because it looked interesting, and I saw a review by another blogger who talked about its contents. I have not lived in Singapore (though I have visited), but I did spend five years in Hong Kong. I watched my niece attend school for two of those years. All of this background information…

The Incredible Talking Machine by Jenni Spangler

Illustrator: Chris Mould  I picked up a gothic/historical children's book by this author before. Although I had not enjoyed it completely, it intrigued me. This was enough for me to try out this one when I saw it.I read a few scattered books aimed at a younger audience during any given year, and I try…

How I Saved the World in a Week by Polly Ho-Yen

Books for children with the end of the world theme can go in many ways. This chooses a reasonably unique path to tread. I found the first half of the book more to my taste. It was emotional and heart-rending, and it was hard not to feel for the lead protagonist.Billy has a difficult upbringing.…

The Sisters of Straygarden Place by Hayley Chewins

When I started this story, I did not think I would enjoy it much. I thought that it was written for a younger audience, and I might not appreciate it as such. By the time I finished it, I realised that I liked it because it was aimed at a younger audience and had a…

What Stars Are Made of by Sarah Allen

I managed to stick to my binge posting till I missed just one day. I am hoping to get back in the groove, but understandably it starts with one post at a time. This is a good book to attempt another streak. It is still available to request on NetGalley as of the writing of…

The Edge of Anything by Nora Shalaway Carpenter

It is hard to come across a book like this. At least, it has been for me. The biggest highlight of its 'difference' is that the children act their age, and there are no romantic entanglements in this. It is purely a book about friendship, and despite its meagre beginnings, the power it can hold…

Adventures of a Dwergish Girl by Daniel Pinkwater

I have read and reviewed a short collection by this author previously, so when I saw this book I decided to give it a shot. This is the story of a girl who did not feel at home in her secret community. They have been lost to the fables for the city around them. The…

Safe Harbour by Christina Kilbourne

Due to my infrequent association with middle-grade fiction, I have very minimal expectations once I realise I am reading one. I do not read the blurb of a book once I have queued it into my reading for thrills. This is one book which tackles quite desperate situations, prejudices, all the while not talking down…