Brutes by Dizz Tate
Falls Landing, Florida. Under scorched bougainvillea, in the shadow of the local theme park, a gang of thirteen-year-old girls obsessively orbit around the local preacher’s daughter, Sammy. She is mesmerising, older – and now missing. And the girls know something they shouldn’t…
This fevered coming-of-age story reads like David Lynch was set loose on The Virgin Suicides: darkly beautiful, unapologetically feral, and genuinely surprising. Perfect for fans of Julia Armfield and Emma Cline, I haven’t stopped thinking about this strange little novel since I read it. (Liv)
Marnie Midnight by Laura Ellen Anderson
From the creator of Amelia Fang comes your new favourite group of bug friends, in their first year at Mini Beast Academy! Marnie Moth is obsessed with the moon and can’t wait to learn more about her favourite topic at school. However, Mr Atlas, the oldest, meanest teacher at school, can’t stand any talk of the moon and threatens expulsion to anyone who discusses the topic.
Marnie and her new friends know that something funny is going on, and they are determined to discover the truth!
This new story from Laura Ellen Anderson has absolutely charmed my imagination from mentions of the pipe that the ‘mythed’ incy wincy spider crawled up to the famous restaurant called ‘The Hungry Caterpillar’ owned by Eric, the clever wit of this story is wonderful, paired perfectly with Anderson’s trademark gorgeous illustrations! I can’t wait for Marnie and her friend’s next adventure at Mini Beast Academy. (Hannah)
All My Wild Mothers by Victoria Bennett
What a healing and moving book, so beautifully written. Following the heartbreak of miscarriage, Victoria is seven months pregnant on the day she learns that her sister has suddenly died in a canoeing accident. Shocked and spilling over with grief, this trauma changes her life. Years later, when her son is a young boy, she is navigating the roles of being his mother, fulltime carer, friend and teacher. Her small family moves to a new home in Cumbria where there is a small outdoor garden. Previously industrial land, her perseverance and plant knowledge inspire her to plant an apothecary garden: a place to nurture, grieve and heal. Her life, love for her son and passion for the natural world sing with hope.
The book is interspersed plant profiles for the species she plants. The wildflower prints, common names, plant properties and folklore are fascinating and have certainly inspired me to better notice what’s growing in wild edgelands. (Katrina)