Category: books for boys

The Seeing by Diana Hendry

The second world war is over in the quiet town of Norton. When wild, dangerous, break-all-the-rules Natalie arrives, thirteen-year-old Lizzie is drawn irresistibly to the new girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Desperate for Natalie’s friendship and respect, Lizzie soon discovers a side of the town – and of herself – that she had never imagined.
As the girls grow closer, Natalie and her strange, eerie brother, Philip, reveal a shocking secret. For Philip has a second sight, and all around them he sees evil – ‘left-over Nazis’ lying in wait until the time is right for revenge. Natalie and Philip believe it’s up to them to root these people out of Norton.
Lizzie is swept up in what starts as a thrilling game – but the consequences of Philip’s ‘gift’ quickly spiral into disaster.

It was OK. Beginning was very slow & about the middle something happened which made me think that it mught actually become exciting but I was wrong. This book was boring and (did not) grip me at all. Suitable for ages 9 or 10 up to 13, I think.  L (S2) **1/2 

It was a dark out of the ordinary book in a good way. I (S1) ****

I thought the start was a bit creepy but it got more interesting later in the book. I (S1) ***

It is a good book but I don’t really like it because that isn’t the kind of book that I like. J (S1) ***

Exciting. Keep wanting to read on. J (S2) ****

Good book but very slow. J (S3) ***

Soldier’s Game by James Killgore

Ross is fed up with being on the losing side, as Bruntsfield Primary football team suffer another humiliating defeat. But after football practice each week he goes to visit his grandmother, and this week she has a special present for him. Pat digs out a pair of old football boots and strip which belonged to her father, who once played for Heart of Midlothian Football Club. Ross is amazed that his great-grandfather, Jack, had played for the famous Hearts. As he finds out more about Jack, an incredible story unfolds — a tale of Edinburgh’s young heroes and a battalion of footballers and fans who fought in the First World War at the Battle of the Somme. Based on the true story of the 16th Royal Scots, otherwise known as the ‘Heart of Midlothian Battalion’, this moving book brings a fascinating moment of Scottish history to life.

Okay. It was a bit different. S (S2) ***

Great book but may confuse younger readers. A (S1) ****

It was a very good book and interesting. I really liked it. S (S2)

It was a great book. I enjoyed it. A (S1) ****

 

The 13th Horseman by Barry Hutchison

13-year-old Drake is quite surprised to find the Horsemen of the Apocalypse hanging out in his garden shed. He’s even more surprised when they ask him to join them. At first he is reluctant to join them and help usher in the Armageddon but it soon becomes clear that to save his life Drake will have to become death.

Amazing story, great ending. M (S1) *****

It was a very good book. I liked it. M (S1) ****

The World of Norm: May Contain Nuts by Jonathan Meres

Norm knew it was going to be one of those days when he woke up and found himself about to pee in his dad’s wardrobe. Why on Earth did his family have to move, anyway? In their old house he’d never tried to pee in anything other than the toilet. And when Norm is in bed, he’s kept awake by his dad snoring like a rhinoceros!

I really enjoyed this book and found it quite funny.  It was easy to follow. I would recommend this book to a friend.  M (S2) *****

It was a very good book, quite like Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I would recommend it. P (S2) *****

It was a very good book, very like a diary but sometimes a bit boring. P (S2) ***

I really enjoyed this book and found it quite funny. It was easy to follow. I would recommend this book to a friend. M (S2) *****

This book is so funny I really would recommend this to a friend. Hilarious. M (S1) *****

Diary of a wimpy kid: The last straw

Greg’s dad, Frank, is on a mission – a mission to make this wimpy kid, well, less wimpy. All manner of ‘manly’ physical activities are planned, but Greg just about manages to find a way out of them. That is until military academy is mentioned and Greg realizes that he’s going to have to come up with a very special excuse.

This book is not as good as Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules but it is still a really good book to read. MG (S2) *****

Diary of a wimpy kid: Rodrick rules by Jeff Kinney

It’s a brand-new year and a brand-new journal and Greg is keen to put the humiliating (and secret!) events of last summer firmly behind him. But someone knows everything – someone whose job it is to most definitely not keep anything embarrassing of Greg’s private – his big brother, Rodrick.

It was funny and I think everyone should read it. MG (S2) *****

The Illmoor Chronicles: The Yowler Foul-up by David Lee Stone

A terrible sect has arisen is Dullitch: they’re dark, they’re deadly and they’re even more hell bent on the destruction of the city than the citizens themselves. All that stands between total chaos and the return of the dark gods are Duke Modeset (who doesn’t like the place anyway), Jereth Obegarde (a vampire on his Mother’s side) and Jimmy Quickstint (who is about to do the WRONG favour for the WRONG man). This is a thrilling story of darkness and destiny, where the brave step forward…and fall over.

Its the best book I’ve ever read and would love to read it again. PW (S1) *****

Invisible Fiends: The Beast by Barry Hutchison

Kyle is having trouble with the neighbours. They’ve turned into black-eyed, flesh-eating zombies. Now would be a good time to leave town but out there, on the snow covered streets, something far worse is lurking. There is a beast in the shadows and the only way for Kyle to fight it is to use his powers. But every time Kyle uses them, he weakens the barrier between this world, and the terrifying, world of the Darkest Corners. If the barrier breaks there will be more killers on the streets.

Very good but I wouldn’t read it without reading the other ones first. OC (S1) *****

Shadow Wave (CHERUB) by Robert Muchamore

After a tsunami causes massive devastation to a tropical island, its governor sends in the bulldozers to knock down villages, replacing them with luxury hotels. Guarding the corrupt governor’s family isn’t James Adams’ idea of the perfect mission, especially as it’s going to be his last as a CHERUB agent.

An amazing book by Robert Muchamore that I couldn’t take my eyes off. READ IT!!  KG (S1) *****

Stars! (Soccer Squad) by Bali Rai

Rushton Reds are going to be famous. A TV documentary is being made about the team and Chris, Dal, Abs and Jason can’t wait to show off their skills in front of the cameras. But is it more important looking to look like a star, or to play well as part of the team? Will fame go to their heads?

It was very funny, nice and people would love to read it. M.M. (S1)