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Amy McKay - Editorial Expert
Amy is a knowledgeable, innovative and enthusiastic school librarian, living and working in Cumbria. Amy is a past UK School Librarian of the Year.
With over 17 years’ experience in school libraries and over a decade as the Yoto Carnegies National Coordinator she has a vast knowledge of children’s literature. She is a familiar face at festivals and has judged numerous book awards, including the Blue Peter Book Awards and the Nibbies.
Amy loves nothing more than sharing her love of books and reading, connecting young people with the authors and books that will enrich their lives for years to come.
Latest Reviews By Amy McKay
Science fiction fans will devour this exciting story of a dangerous quest to save the galaxy. Mackenzie seamlessly balances the deep space setting with a message about the importance of friendship that will resonate with many young readers. This blending of genres makes this a book that will also be enjoyed by those who generally prefer earth-bound adventures.
Each of the characters is a joy (in their own way) to meet. Kol and Sully are excellent main characters, readers will enjoy the world-building that depicts the best friends’ wretched origins as rustheads, seekers of scrap metal and any other ... View Full Review
Following a summer of heat waves and eclipses, Agnes Monod-Gayraud takes us on an epic journey of discovery as we learn all about the incredible sun. And then she flips the narrative and we’re off to discover the wonders and secrets of the moon.
Young readers will enjoy the clever formatting of this book; in the first half they’ll learn all about the sun and then flip the book over and the moon becomes the focus. Alongside the interesting layout, this is an exceptionally beautifully illustrated non-fiction book, with incredible artwork that makes every page a ... View Full Review
Once again Tanya Landman brings her distinct writing skills to breathe new life into a classic text. Here she fondly brings to life the much-loved story of Scrooge, expertly remaining loyal to the original story whilst offering accessible and engaging writing. Key quotes and imagery remain, as the atmosphere and essence of the original text is artfully evoked.
This retelling will be hugely useful to teens studying A Christmas Carol, who may wish to build a deeper understanding of the narrative before directly tackling Dickens’ writing. Parents and carers of such scholars will surely also appreciate the opportunity to ... View Full Review
This is an informative and accessible guide to surviving and thriving with both autism and ADHD. I was impressed by how the author clearly explained autism and ADHD separately, and then explored how the traits might combine.
The author reaches a good balance between providing scientific information and being entertaining, to make a pleasant reading experience that is not overwhelming. The layout is well constructed, with lots of white space and fun illustrations, making this an easy book to dip into. Lots of examples and scenarios are given that will be relatable and recognisable to teen readers, including plenty of ... View Full Review
When Hilly and her mum ignore an old family warning never to set foot in Cornwall, previously homeschooled Hilly discovers family secrets and a strong, unexpected power deep within her. Readers will love acrobatic Hilly, as she tries to understand the strange dreams and otherworldly things happening around her. Whilst her new logic-loving friend, Lorcan, is the perfect yet unlikely ally as she unravels the dangerous secrets that surround her.
The jagged Cornish coastline is beautifully brought to life; I almost felt the sea breeze on my face! Vick expertly weaves fantasy through the contemporary, this is an ideal ... View Full Review
A celebration of imagination, play and nature, readers who enjoy the great outdoors will love exploring Wildtop Woods with Iggy, Cal and Mae. These 3 main characters love to play in the woods near their village homes, especially when the trees come to life and join in with their adventures! So, when the trees are threatened in the name of progress the children know they must act.
There is lots to admire in this seemingly gentle and simple story, Shepherd writes with a brilliance that will be enjoyed by readers of different ages and abilities. Whilst the message of respecting and ... View Full Review
Perfect for tweens and young teens looking for exciting female-lead action stories, Augusta Pine Does Not Exist has plenty of twists that will have readers racing to the end.
Main character Augusta is a complex character, officially dead, she has been recruited to work undercover for a secret, ethically-dubious government department. Flashbacks of her past deeds and missions are skilfully woven into the narrative, providing both context and further potential for action-filled thrills. Readers might not always agree with Augusta’s actions, but they’ll enjoy getting to know her and sympathising with her current situation. In comparison, ... View Full Review
Jacob’s Transition Goals is a proud and unflinching celebration of feeling comfortable and secure enough in yourself to successfully follow your dreams. Jacob’s love of football carries throughout the book, even when he experiences transphobic bullying from his own teammates.
This love of football will be familiar to many young (and not-so-young) readers, helping them to connect and empathise with Jacob. Ang Hui Qing’s colourful, full-page illustrations bring a lightness and sense of movement to the story, perfectly suiting the story and themes.
The transphobic bullying Jacob experiences is sensitively handled, with a ... View Full Review
Warm-hearted and original, Like a Brother skilfully considers the true meaning of family in this tale of an angry, chaotic and grieving teen boy. Owais is non-too-happy when his distant cousin comes to stay, especially when Abass insists on repeatedly picking fights and causing problems. Owais is a character teen readers will instantly warm and relate to – he is full of love for his family, a zest for life and inner anxiety for what his future might look like. Owais’ family life is particularly well evoked, they may not have much materially, but their love and guidance shines ... View Full Review
Bim Blake is a must read for all girls who want to survive and thrive in Year 7. Written in a diary style, the book is instantly relatable – covering issues such as first bras, unwelcome crushes and friendship dramas. Full of laughs and cringy mishaps the book will have readers laughing out loud whilst fully emphasising with Bim’s dilemmas.
Bim lives with her dad and her three, irritating older brothers, as her mum died 3 years ago. This family dynamic is well-handled, with the continuing grief and sadness Bim feels at her mum’s absence sensitively and realistically ... View Full Review
A creepy, powerful story that lingers long after the main page. With themes of isolation, resilience and growing fear this will appeal to readers who enjoy intense, moody books. Ben’s isolation and fear is well evoked, whilst his dad’s anger and indifference to his presence makes for a powerful, anxiety-inducing read. The sinister, looming gargoyle is sufficiently scary enough to cause a shiver down the spine, but Gray skilfully urges the reader to question who and what the real monster is. Published by Barrington Stoke, this is a widely accessibly ... View Full Review
Set in Malaysia, A Flood of Memories, brilliantly shows the real and lasting impact of climate change. As flood warnings grow A-Level student Leila returns to her family home in Kuching to help her mother protect the family home. As the flood waters rise tension mounts as Leila is forced to confront painful memories of a childhood ruled by an angry, alcoholic father. Mikail powerfully evokes the fear and hopelessness of facing an incoming natural disaster, whilst capturing the more personal damage wrought by an unpredictable and abusive parent. A slow-burn romance adds an additional layer to the story, and ... View Full Review
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