The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson
Sophie Anderson’s debut fantasy novel was the favourite amongst Chelsea Academy students last academic year! The book follows the story of 12-year-old Marinka and her grandmother who is a Yaga, meaning that she can guide the dead into the afterlife (according to Russian folklore). This is an incredibly sweet story, built around adventure and friendship and was nominated for the Carnegie Medal. Sophie Anderson’s second novel, The Girl Who Speaks Bear, has just been released so keep an eye on the New Arrivals stand in the LRC!
The House with Chicken Legs is recommended for students in KS3.
The Paper and Hearts Society by Lucy Powrie
A heart-warming and uplifting story that follows teenager Tabby Brown and her quest to ‘find her tribe’. Tabby would much rather stay at home and curl up with a good book than go to big parties, and wants to find people who are just like her. The book includes a road trip, a Jane Austen themed fancy dress party and a Harry Potter movie marathon! Also, the author of The Paper and Hearts Society is only nineteen! A perfect book for bookworms that encourages you to celebrate your passions, whatever they may be.
The Paper and Hearts Society is recommended for students in KS3 and KS4.
The Star Outside My Window by Onjali Q. Rauf
The Star Outside My Window is Onjali Q. Rauf’s second book and has been very much anticipated by the frequenters of the LRC. The story is told through the eyes of Aniyah, a ten-year-old girl who has recently been placed into foster care with her younger brother, Noah. Aniyah and Noah embark on a quest to find out what happened to their mother, and make valuable friendships along the way. A powerful book that celebrates the importance of hope and resilience.
The Star Outside My Window is recommended for students in KS3.
Alex in Wonderland by Simon James Green
A laugh-out-loud YA novel suitable for Year 9 and above. Super awkward Alex has just secured a job at Wonderland, the run-down amusement arcade on the seafront of his even more run-down town. The character of Alex is incredibly relatable as a teenager attempting to navigate the world of growing-up. An incredibly funny novel and one that gets more and more silly as the pages turn.
Alex in Wonderland is recommended for students in KS4 and KS5.
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Becoming is a fantastic and inspiring memoir from the former First Lady of the United States. The book spans her childhood, her time in the White House, her successful public health campaign and her role as a mother. Becoming is an excellent non-fiction read and one that will inspire people for years to come. Add this to your to-be-read pile now!
Becoming is recommended for students in KS5.
All of these titles are available to borrow from the LRC.