Rion recommends "Impossible Creatures"

 

Ever wondered what it would be like if all the mythical creatures you’ve heard of were real? Impossible Creatures brings this thought experiment to life through following Christopher Forrester’s discovery that his family has a historic responsibility to tend to the entrance to the Archipelago, a set of islands between the UK and US in which magic thrives and creatures such as dragons and unicorns live as equals to humans. 

 

This is such a special, vividly imagined book, and I finished it craving more of the universe Katherine Rundell created. The characters are incredibly lovable and the relationships between them are special to behold. Rundell pulled from a variety of worldwide mythologies to create a diverse world of fantastic creatures, and I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of the “bestiary” at the back of the book with descriptions of the main beings the reader will come across. A fun, moving, and imaginative adventure, this book is sure to delight middle grade readers! 

 

Age: Middle grade (9+)

Uma recommends "The Little Liar"

The Little Liar by Mitch Albom tells the story of Nico Krispis, a young boy in Nazi-occupied Greece who is tricked into helping send his fellow Jews to Auschwitz. Nico, who has never lied before, is deeply affected by his actions and becomes a compulsive liar. The novel follows Nico's journey and his search for redemption, along with his brother Sebastian and their friend Fanni, who survive the camps and try to find Nico years later.  The book explores themes of lies, survival, guilt, and forgiveness, with the voice of Truth guiding the story.

It's a powerful, emotional tale about how lies can shape lives and the possibility of healing, even after betrayal.

Adult