The Phoenix Comic is Five Years Old Today - HAPPY BIRTHDAY! (David Fickling)

The weekly British children’s comic, The Phoenix, is celebrating its fifth birthday on Saturday 7th January 2017


Having launched in 2012, The Phoenix was rated ‘the second best comic in the world’ by Time Magazine. And in 2015 it became the first independent comic in the country to reach Issue 200 since 1969. Now in 2017, The Phoenix is celebrating its fifth birthday.


For five years The Phoenix has been enjoyed by thousands of families across the nation and received celebrity endorsements from some of Britain’s best-loved personalities and children’s writers, including Philip Pullman, Michael Morpurgo, Lauren Laverne, Chris Addison and Jacqueline Wilson. 


The Phoenix has been bringing award-winning stories to children every Friday for five years. To celebrate, The Phoenix have published a fifth birthday issue with a special cover signed by all the contributors who have been involved in making The Phoenix what is it today, including author Philip Pullman and young comic superstars Jordan Vigay and Jonny Toons, who have both had their work published in The Phoenix.


More and more research shows that comics are great for getting children reading and increasing their literacy levels. The Phoenix comic and The Phoenix Presents book series, in association with David Fickling Books, are leading the charge to get comics into the classroom and to get children reading at home.

The Phoenix Comic Achievements

General

• The Phoenix is the first independent comic in the country to reach 200 issues since 1969.

2013

• The Phoenix was quoted by Time magazine to be the “2^nd best comic in the world”.

2014

• David Fickling Books, the sister company to The Phoenix, started publishing bind-ups of comic content from The Phoenix to create the award-winning Phoenix Presents series.

• Von Doogan and the Curse of the Golden Monkey by Lorenzo Etherington was picked for the Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge.

• Bunny vs Monkey: Book 1 by Jamie Smart was picked for the Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge.

2015

• Pirates of Pangaea by Neill Cameron was picked for the Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge.

• Corpse Talk: Book 1 by Adam Murphy was the first ever comic to make the Blue Peter Best Non-Fiction Award shortlist.

• Gary’s Garden by Gary Northfield was nominated for the British Young People’s Comic Award.

• Star Cat by James Turner won the British Young People’s Comic Award.

2016

• Mega Robo Bros by Neill Cameron was nominated for the British Young People’s Comic Award.

• Tamsin and the Deep by Neill Cameron and Kate brown were nominated for the British Young People Comic award.

• Lost Tales by Adam Murphy won the British Young People’s Comic Award.

• Evil Emperor Penguin by Laura Ellen Anderson was picked for the Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge.

2017 

• In 2017, Lost Tales by Adam Murphy has already become the first ever comic to make the Blue Peter Best Story Award shortlist.

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Children's Middle Grade Book Picks (9-12yrs) January 2017 - UK Published Post One

Lisa Thompson - The Goldfish Boy - Published by Scholastic; (5 Jan. 2017) 

Twelve-year-old Matthew is trapped in his bedroom by crippling OCD, spending most of his time staring out of his window as the inhabitants of Chestnut Close go about their business. Until the day he is the last person to see his next door neighbour's toddler, Teddy, before he goes missing. Matthew must turn detective and unravel the mystery of Teddy's disappearance - with the help of a brilliant cast of supporting characters. Page-turning, heartbreaking, but ultimately life-affirming, this story is perfect for fans of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time and Wonder. It is a book that will make you laugh and cry.

Cathryn Constable - The White Tower - Published by Chicken House; 1 edition (5 Jan. 2017) Check Out Book Review Here

When Livy's accepted at Temple College, a school for the very brightest, no one is more surprised than her, though she has always felt different. Recently, Livy's been drawn to the roof, where, among its towering stone angels, she has the strangest desire to fly. But her behaviour is noticed by others, for whom the ability to defy gravity is a possible reality ... one that they'll stop at nothing to use for their own ends.

Amy Wilson - A Girl Called Owl - Published by Macmillan Children's Books; (26 Jan. 2017)

It's bad enough having a mum dippy enough to name you Owl, but when you've got a dad you've never met, a best friend who needs you more than ever, and a new boy at school giving you weird looks, there's not a lot of room for much else. 

So when Owl starts seeing strange frost patterns on her skin, she's tempted to just burrow down under the duvet and forget all about it. Could her strange new powers be linked to her mysterious father?And what will happen when she enters the magical world of winter for the first time?

A glittering story of frost and friendship, with writing full of magic and heart, A Girl Called Owl is a stunning debut about family, responsibility and the beauty of the natural world.

Jason Rohan - The Stone of Kuromori (The Kuromori Series) - Published by Egmont (12 Jan. 2017) 

Ever since Kenny learned that he’d been chosen as bearer of a magical sword, he and best friend Kiyomi have been protecting the human world from ancient Japanese monsters. But Kiyomi’s human soul has been taken from her and only the restoration of the three sacred treasures – the sword, the mirror and the jewel – can save her from transforming into a monster herself.

Yet as they complete their mission, they discover that all their actions have been manipulated and an undead army is about to be unleashed upon humankind. The forces of life, with Kenny as their champion, gather their allies for a final showdown.

Maria Turtschaninoff - Maresi (Red Abbey Chronicles 1) - Book Review - Paperback Pushkin Children's Books (5 Jan. 2017)

Maresi came to the Red Abbey when she was thirteen, in the Hunger Winter. Before then, she had only heard rumours of its existence in secret folk tales. In a world where girls aren't allowed to learn or do as they please, an island inhabited solely by women sounded like a fantasy. But now Maresi is here, and she knows it is real. She is safe.

Then one day Jai tangled fair hair, clothes stiff with dirt, scars on her back arrives on a ship. She has fled to the island to escape terrible danger and unimaginable cruelty. And the men who hurt her will stop at nothing to find her.Now the women and girls of the Red Abbey must use all their powers and ancient knowledge to combat the forces that wish to destroy them. And Maresi, haunted by her own nightmares, must confront her very deepest, darkest fears.

This is a very magical and inspiring story that will take you on an amazing ride. It pursues a feminine path, purely because all the characters happen to be female.The author has skilfully written this brilliant story without alienating male readers, in my opinion. It's not overpowering instead it delivers a magical awe of wonder. It's a story about women being powerful, strong, intelligent and treated as equals, and even more importantly, highlighting that they matter and are valued as human beings. It's a good lesson in life and one the author has put across very well.

This is a great contemporary fairy tale which is set in a different world to our own. However, you will be able to relate to it as being a time gone by or a time/place of solitude. This is reminiscent of the author's visit to Mount Athos (an all-male monastic community) which prohibits women from visiting. This was the seed of the story - it takes a similar path, but only in reverse.  

Some of the scenes that play out are very dark and harrowing, which may leave some readers feeling uncomfortable, especially for younger readers under the age of 13. The content makes for a thought-provoking ride of enlightenment in the face of a dangerous world. The story is told with courage, bravery and unity; the fantastic characters will capture your heart.

This is a thrilling and mesmerising story of friendship, with a slight religious undertone, that is layered with a fantastic punch of magical fantasy. The amazing backdrop will suck you into an atmospheric world of escapism. You will not be able to put this book down until the very last page has been turned. 

This is a great vivid time capsule of what's to come in the next book - drawing on deep issues and highlighting them to new readers....

The next instalment in The Red Abbey Chronicles, Naondel, will be published in April 2017…

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Favourite Book Reads (Full End of Year Review 2016)

Favourite Children's Reads 2016!

• M. G. Leonard - Beetle Boy (The Battle of the Beetles) - Chicken House
• Cat Mantra - Actual Reality - Book Guild Publishing Ltd
• Stewart Foster - Bubble Boy - Simon & Schuster Children's
• Christopher Edge - The Many Worlds of Albie Bright - Nosy Crow 
•  Philip Caveney - The Calling - Fledgling Press
• Michelle Harrison - The Other Alice - Simon & Schuster Children's
• Jennifer Bell - The Crooked Sixpence - Corgi Childrens
• Robin Jarvis - The Power of Dark (The Witching Legacy) - Egmont
• Cameron McAllister - The Demon Undertaker - Corgi Childrens 
• Eugene Lambert - The Sign of One (Sign of One 1) - Electric Monkey
• Ali Benjamin - The Thing about Jellyfish - Macmillan Children's Books
• Dave Rudden - Knights of the Borrowed Dark - Puffin                                     

Favourite Children's Book Series 2016!

• Peter Jay Black - Urban Outlaws - Bloomsbury Children's
• Huw Powell - Space Jackers - Bloomsbury Children's
• Ellen Caldecott - Marsh Road Mysteries - Bloomsbury Children's  

Favourite Adult Book Reads 2016!

• H. P Wood - Magruder's Curiosity Cabinet - Sourcebooks Landmark
• Peter Newman - The Vagrant - Harper Voyage 
• Brandon Sanderson - Calamity (Reckoners) - Gollancz  

Favourite Children's Publisher 2016!

• Chicken House
• Bloomsbury
• Simon & Shuster

Favourite Book Cover 2016!

• Roderick Gordon - Summerhouse Land - Book Cover by Stanley Donwood

Favourite Comic 2016!

• The Phoenix Comic - David Fickling

Favourite Picture Book 2016!

• David Litchfield - The Bear and the Piano -  Frances Lincoln Children's Books

Favourite Event 2016!

• Comic Art Festival Kendal

Favourite Interview Post 2016!

• Joe Craig 

Favourite Guest Post!

• Philip Caveney

Favourite Pro-active Authors!

• SF Said
• Andy Briggs
• Abi Elphinstone

Favourite Blog 2016!

• MG Strikes Back - http://middlegradestrikesback.blogspot.co.uk

Favourite Illustrator 2016!

• Chris Mould
• Chris Riddell

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the publishers, authors/illustrators, readers and everyone who has supported Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books throughout 2016. Without you, there is no blog. I hope you all having a cracking 2017. Keep reading and believing the imagination is a wonder of the world.

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Favourite Book Reads 2016 - End of Year Review (Part One)

Here we are at the end of another year. In retrospect, it has been a good year in 2016 for books. There was a fantastic start to the reading year with some of my favourite reads being published early on. I was hoping to read many more books in 2016 than I actually managed. I will try and do better in 2017! This year's "Mr Ripley's Book Cover Wars" award was won by Roderick Gordon with the Summerhouse Land book cover which was fantastically illustrated by Stanley Donwood. I would also like to mention in this post Chicken House Ltd as my favourite children's publisher of 2016. They have such a fantastically passionate and talented team; every book is a fantastic read, so well done all of you. 

Below are the first five of my favourite books - another post is to follow. 

Jennifer Bell - The Crooked Sixpence (THE UNCOMMONERS) - Corgi Children's 

This book cover will catch your eye across a crowded bookshop, so much so, that you will find yourself slowly gravitating towards it for a closer inspection. The brilliant cover image has been illustrated by Karl James Mountford and has been very playfully and artfully produced. It has an amazing use and choice of colours as well as enchanting images that invite the reader in to explore more. As you start to turn the pages, you will enter the world like no other, where nothing is quite as it seems... More Book Review Here

Christopher Edge - The Many Worlds of Albie Bright - Published by Nosy Crow

Traditionally, January is a very strong month for book releases. I've read so many great books already, especially in the middle-grade genre. I've loved every reading minute so far and this book has been no exception. It is another fantastic outing by Christopher Edge; this is his fifth published novel (I believe) and one that resonated with me very much. The book cover is very inviting. Produced by Matt Saunders, it will grab your attention and make you want to read it. More Book Review Here

Stewart Foster - The Bubble Boy - Published by Simon & Schuster Children's 

If you're going to blow bubbles today, then it would be best for you to do it before you read this book. Behind the bold sky blue cover, there is a fantastic story waiting for every reader to discover. So blow some superhero bubbles for Joe and get ready to ride a fantastically inspirational story that you will want to visit again and again. This book will make you think who the real superheroes are, and it's not the ones who wear capes, have superpowers or fight bad guys in Marvel or DC comics. No, it's people like Joe, who have to fight an everyday battle but they do so with a smile on their face, and hope in their hearts. More Book Review Here

Philip Caveney - The Calling - Published by Fledgling Press 

The Calling is a magical story that you are all going to love. Yes, you really are dear readers. The story to me is a nostalgic look at one of the best cities in the UK. Can you guess where that might be? From the veery first pages that you turn, you are soon asking questions about the mysterious character. You can not help follow the character with wide eyes and a buzzing mind as he leaves Waverley train station into the chaotic streets of Edinburgh. The Fringe is in full swing and performers are strutting their stuff on the streets. A rocked-up Scottish folk tune leaks from the pages as Philip sets up the backdrop and atmosphere like a seasoned pro. More Book Review Here

Robin Jarvis - The Power of Dark (The Witching Legacy) - Published by Egmont

Robin Jarvis is back with a mighty bang and a fantastic new series. The first book "The Power of Dark" will be published at the end of June 2016 by Egmont. There are also a further three more books to come in the series which will be published in six-monthly intervals, which I'm really looking forward to reading. The first book is set in the town of Whitby, North Yorkshire. This is a place that Robin knows very well from his previous visits as part of "The Whitby Witches" series. It is a perfect setting and backdrop full of myths and legends and is one of the finest gothic settings in England. More Book Review Here

Mr Ripley's Book Cover Wars Final Winner 2016/17 - Roderick Gordon - Summerhouse Land - Book Cover by Stanley Donwood #bookcoverwars

Mr Ripley's book cover wars final 2016/17 has now come to a final end. After four cracking heats, we now have another fantastic winner.......

As usual, I would like to thank all the people who have supported the book cover wars. I hope that you too have had as much fun as I have. 

Altogether 1,150 votes were cast over five weeks. Thank you all once again.

Without further ado,  I'd like to award the title of 'Mr Ripley's Book Cover Wars - Book Cover of the year 2016/17' to . . . . . . .   

Roderick Gordon - Summerhouse Land - Book Cover by Stanley Donwood - Published by Mathew & Son Limited -  (20 Jun. 2016) 

This book cover will be placed in the Ripley's Hall of Fame where it will accompany the following past winners:

2009/10 - Jon Mayhew 'Mortlock' 

2010/11 - Darren Shan 'Birth of a Killer' illustrated by David Wyatt

2011/12 - Curtis Jobling ''Werewolf: Shadow of the Hawk' illustrated by Andrew Farley

2012/13 - Thomas Taylor - 'Haunters' illustrated by Steve Wells 

2013/14 - Niel Bushnell - 'Timesmith' - illustrated by James Fraser 

2014/15  - M. G. Harris/Gerry Anderson's - 'Gemini Force One' Black Horizon by Blacksheep. 
2015/16 -  M. G. Leonard - 'Beetle Boy' - illustrated by Julia Sarda 

MR RIPLEY'S BOOK COVER WARS FINAL 2016/17 - EMILY BARR BOOK COMPETITION

Here we go again....
Over the last four weeks, different authors and illustrators and publishers have battled for their book covers to be voted into the grand final. As a result, we now have five worthy winners who have the chance to be crowned with the title 'Mr Ripley's Enchanted book cover of the year'. So without any further waiting, let the final battle of Book Cover Wars commence . . . . 

A very big thanks to you the authors and illustrators who have got behind their book covers. 

As a voter, not only will you get the chance to choose your final favourite book cover, but you will also be in with the chance to win, A PROOF copy of Emily Barr - The One Memory of Flora Banks. 

If you are interested then all you need to do is:

• Vote for your favourite book cover using the poll at the bottom of the page. 
• Leave a comment through this post or poll 
• Spread the word on social media Twitter/Facebook #BOOKCOVERWARS 
• Sit back, watch the voting develop and wait to hear whether you've won (once the poll has closed). 
• This poll will end midnight 27th December 2016 

So here are the five book covers to vote for:

Book One: Lucy Strange - The Secret of Nightingale Wood - Book Cover by - Helen Crawford-White - Published by Chicken House Ltd, Oct. 2016. 

Book Two: Alexander Gordon Smith - Book Cover by Andrew Arnold - The Devils's Engine: Hellfighters Bk2 - Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (November 1, 2016)

Book Three: Rob Lloyd Jones - Book Cover by Petur Antonsson - Jake Atlas and the Tomb of the Emerald Snake - Published by Walker Books (5. Jan 2017) 

Book Four:  Cameron McAllister - Book Cover artwork by Jeff Nentrup - The Demon Undertaker - Published by Corgi Children's (1 Sept. 2016) 

Book Five: Roderick Gordon - Summerhouse Land - Book Cover by Stanley Donwood - Published by Mathew & Son Limited -  (20 Jun. 2016) 




Happy Voting All!

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Mark Powers (Author), Tim Wesson (Illustrator) - Spy Toys - Book Review

The world's leading toy manufacturer makes playthings for the rich and famous, and every toy they create contains a tiny computerised brain and a unique personality. These toys are seriously awesome! But every so often there's a faulty toy ... 

Dan is a Snugaliffic Cuddlestar bear - he should be perfect for hugging. But because of a faulty chip, Dan is so strong he could crush a car! Thrown on to the rejects pile, he meets Arabella, a Loadsasmiles Sunshine Doll, who has a very short temper and is absolutely NOT good with children. Soon Dan, Arabella and Flax (a custom-made police robot rabbit gone AWOL) are recruited by the mysterious Auntie Roz, and together they make up THE SPY TOYS. 

Their first mission: to protect the prime minister's son from being kidnapped ...!

Another sparkling book to hit the shops this coming January (2017), is Mark Power's illustrated adventure "Spy Toys". It's a sparkling and glitzy affair; Tim Wesson's illustrated genius has produced the great book cover as well as the fantastically dreamt up illustrations inside. This is the first crazy story, as part of this new series, that keeps on hugging; it's a cross between "Toy Story" and a malfunctioning Rambo toy. This is another crazy caper make no mistake, but it is just how we like it! 

In this book, we enter the world of toy making in a bizarre and twisted world of Snaztacular Ultrafun, the world's biggest toy manufacturer. However, this is not just any toy manufacturer as every toy contains a tiny computerised brain that gives toys a realistic personality, so what could go possibly go wrong? Dan, a Snugliffic Cuddlestar bear, that's what could possibly go wrong as he has a faulty chip and is thrown on the reject pile. Once there, he is invited, along with a Loadsasmiles Sunshine doll and a robot rabbit named Flax, to join the ‘Spy Toys’. 

Their first mission is an action packed ride with fantasy spills around every turned page. The story will bring sunshine and joy to every reader (although perhaps not from Arabella the sunshine doll) with laughter and humour for the middle-grade audience and beyond. Once a dreamer and now a writer, this author has produced one of my favourite books to be published next year. The characters are loaded with an idiotic and quirky charm that will leave you smiling all day. 

I loved the scene in the book with the McBiff Triplets as it is outrageous, cinematic and fantastic to read. This is a great book which is easy to read - even with an almighty 200 or so pages. It will hold everybody's attention in a vice-like fantasy bubble, even the reluctant readers will not be able to put it down. You will run through this plot with the same excitement and adventure of an overactive toy rampage, but with a unique twist that just keeps on giving like Santa on Christmas day.  

Does your child like playing with apps as well as reading? If so, then check out the new free Spy Toys game app and help Dan to avoid the toy factory rejects pile in this free fun app game: bit.ly/SpyToysApp

Make sure you check the website: Spy Toys for other fun stuff as well. 

Play time is over get reading.... 

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Barry Hutchison (Author) Katie Abey (Illustrator) - Worst Ever School Trip (Beaky Malone Bk2)

It’s been 92 hours since Beaky last told a lie. So far he’s survived two full days of school with only three light beatings, two telling-offs and one wedgie ... but the annual school trip is going to take Beaky’s survival skills to a whole other level – especially as a mix up in the school office means that Beaky and his class are on a trip to Learning Land, an educational theme park aimed at eight-year-olds. And home to cheery-but-creepy Clumso the Clued-up Clown whose job is to dish out fascinating facts to one and all. 

But there is worse to come when Beaky’s partnered with Wayne, a.k.a the school bully, who has a morbid fear of clowns. With Beaky unable to tell a lie and Wayne intent on beating him up, things aren’t looking good. And that’s before they find themselves on the run from a manic clown who’ll seemingly stop at nothing to track them down…

Lock all of your doors and run for cover as "Beaky Malone" is back in January 2017. When this book landed on my doormat, I had a sudden uncontrollable itch to hide it. I'm not sure why, but where could I hide this book? (Natural thought coming through) AND it suddenly came to me . . . . . the moon, that's a far enough away place, right?  

It is all well and good having a great idea at 7am in your underpants, but the first thing is, where do you get a rocket from? I can hear you all scream that NASA has one, but the second thought was, why was I feeling like this? WHY?

I sat down with a cup of tea, just to calm my nerves, but also to marvel at the brilliant book cover produced by Katie Abey.  When all of a sudden, I let rip a RIPLEY mighty fart that shook all of the houses in the street (I don't mind telling you). By fart power alone, the pages turned and I started reading THE BOOK which was a VERY big BIG mistake indeed, as I'm now mentally scarred and it's all Barry Hutchison's fault for bringing Beaky Malone into the reading world. 

Kids - you are going to love this book. Adults - you going to shake uncontrollably as your sense of humour is tested to the limit. Teachers - you are going to scream, run and then hide (this is a natural instinct when you come up against a character like Beaky Malone). Be also aware when you read this book, that you are going to see clowns everywhere; they are going to haunt your nightmares, so be prepared. Clumso the Clued-up Clown will leave you feeling very disturbed indeed. 

This story follows directly from the first book (World's Greatest Liar) in the series. In that book, Beaky is the star of the show. He is a fantastically written character, who is an outrageous liar. As a result, he was shoved into a "truth-telling machine" at Madame Shirley's Marvelous Emporium of Peculiarities. When he emerged, Beaky couldn't tell even the slightest little fib. In fact, he then feels compelled to utter every truth and honest thought that enters his head. This concept carries on throughout the book to great effect and will leave you running for random madness, factual or not. 

The narrative is clever, witty and infectiously funny for all ages. At times it's edgy, and Beaky Malone's real life observations are right on the mark, giving this book a big thump of reality amongst the slap stick caper inside the pages. Katie adds to this with her brilliant illustrations making this book a recommended read for everyone.  Explosively funny, upbeat, uplifting and delightfully imaginative - what more can a reader ask for? Another book, perhaps?! NO!!!

This is a great way to start the new year.... published by Stripes Publishing on the 12th January 2017. 

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: The Great Shelby Holmes: Girl Detective by Elizabeth Eulberg & Illustrated by Matt Robertson - Book Review

Shelby Holmes is not your average sixth grader. She’s nine years old, barely four feet tall, and the best detective her Harlem neighborhood has ever seen–always using logic and a bit of pluck (which yes, some might call “bossiness”) to solve the toughest crimes.

When eleven-year-old John Watson moves downstairs, Shelby finds something that’s eluded her up till now: a friend. The easy-going John isn’t sure of what to make of Shelby, but he soon finds himself her most-trusted (read: only) partner in a dog-napping case that’ll take both of their talents to crack.

2016 has seen a large number of mystery/detective books being published for children around the world. This is a new series to look out for which is set to be published in the UK in Jan 2017 by Bloomsbury, it can already be purchased in the US. It is a BRILLIANT book which will add a very welcome voice, to this every growing genre. This is the first title in the series and features some amazing illustrations produced by the wonderful Matt (green fingered) Robertson. 

The book cover is brilliant; it captures the story inside very well through the bright, colourful and really appealing graphics. The story is an easy read which will suit many readers including those with a short attention span. The plot is captivating and you will find yourself unable to put the book down. The narrative is short and snappy and the main character, Shelby Holmes, is an absolute joy to read. She is a brilliant character - distinctive and very socially awkward - just like the real Sherlock Holmes. The relationship that plays out between her and John Watson is heartwarmingly portrayed, whilst their developing friendship might make you chuckle in unexpected places. You will encounter some silly Holmes-type jokes scattered about like clues on a dangling lead that may make you laugh or cry. At the very least, your sense of humour will be sorely tested. 

The book brought back some nostalgic memories of my time in New York City earlier this year. The author knows this city very well as she moved from Wisconsin to New York City in pursuit of a writing career. The first few chapters instantly transported me back to my time on holiday; it left a yearning fantasy to go back and walk the streets of Manhattan with the characters and play super sleuth myself. 

This is a dog kidnapping caper that will lead your super sensitive nose through a very enjoyable fantasy adventure. All the characters you associate with a good Sherlock adventure can be found: Holmes, Watson, Lestrade and, of course, Mrs. Hudson. All are caught up in action like you've never seen them before. In contemporary Harlem (NYC), a mystery needs solving around every corner. Fortunately, nine-year-old super sleuth, Shelby Holmes, is on tap to deal with and solve these. This is a great and engaging read that will keep you on your toes. 

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Middle Grade Book Picks (8yrs-12yrs) US & UK Published

Ross Welford - What Not to Do If You Turn Invisible - Published by HarperCollins Children's Books - UK (29 Dec. 2016)

From the author of the unforgettable bestseller TIME TRAVELLING WITH A HAMSTER comes another surprising, beautiful and funny novel about a child who, by disappearing, will write herself into your heart forever…

Turning invisible at will: it’s one way of curing your acne. But far more drastic than 13 year-old Ethel Leatherhead intended when she tried a combination of untested medicines and a sunbed.

It’s fun at first, being invisible. And aided by her friend Boydy, she manages to keep her extraordinary ability secret. Or does she…?

When one day the invisibility fails to wear off, Ethel is thrown into a nightmare of lies and deception as she struggles to keep herself safe, to find the remedy that will make her seen again – and solve the mystery of her own birth…

Eva Howard - League of Archers (League or Archers) - Published by Aladdin  - US (6 Dec. 2016)

A girl on the run after being accused of killing Robin Hood learns what it really means to be a hero in this exciting adventure story. 
That s the girl who killed Robin Hood! Those words send Ellie Dray racing for the forest and the chance to clear her name. 
Twelve-year-old novice nun Elinor Dray has always idolized Robin Hood. She and her friends try to be like him by sneaking out to hunt on the lands belonging to the village Baron, stealing from him to feed their poor neighbors. They call themselves the League of Archers. 
While returning from a hunting trip late one night, Ellie meets a man in the forest a hunter like herself. But suddenly the man is shot with a poisoned arrow. She manages to help him back to the abbey, but it s too late and he dies. Only in his final moments, does Ellie realize that the hunter is Robin Hood, and that the abbess of the nunnery is Maid Marian. 
With her secret revealed, the Baron immediately arrests Marian. But he needs a scapegoat for the murder of Robin Hood, and who better than a young novice nun? Ellie is proclaimed a hero the person who killed the famous outlaw Robin Hood but the villagers don t agree. A mob forms, vowing to hunt Ellie down and exact their own vengeance. 
Will Ellie and her League of Archers be able to find the real killer, free Maid Marian, and keep Robin Hoods legacy alive?

Wade Albert White - The Adventurer's Guide to Successful Escapes - Published by Little, Brown Young Readers - US (29 Dec. 2016) 

Step into a world made up of magickal floating tiers, where fantasy and science fiction meet in dark alleys, dragons aren't nearly as innocent as they look (which is to say, not innocent at all), and nothing is quite what it seems.

Anne has spent all of her nearly thirteen years at Saint Lupin's Institute for Perpetually Wicked and Hideously Unattractive Children, dreaming of wild voyages and looking forward to the day she and her best friend Penelope will board a ship to a better life. But when that day comes, Anne is denied her ticket due to a bureaucratic technicality (and one very determined, possibly evil Matron), and her escape plan sets an epic adventure into motion.

With a mysterious dragon medallion now fused to her right hand, Anne makes her way to a quest academy and discovers that she has been charged with a Rightful Heir Quest. She, Penelope, and new questing partner Hiro have only days to uncover the truth of Anne's quest, and to conquer it. To succeed, they'll have to travel to strange new tiers, solve myriad riddles, and triumph over time, foes, and bureaucracy-or face the horrible consequences.

Packed with action, wit, and endless heart, debut author Wade Albert White brings us the first volume in an irresistible and original new fantasy series (that doesn't take itself too seriously).

Suzanne LaFleur -Beautiful Blue World - Published by Random House Books for Young Readers (12 Dec. 2016)

Beautiful Blue World is a thrilling and moving story of children who become the key to winning a war. 
Sofarende is at war. For twelve-year-old Mathilde, it means food shortages, feuding neighbors, and bombings. Even so, as long as she and her best friend, Megs, are together, they ll be all right. 
But the army is recruiting children, and paying families well for their service. If Megs takes the test, Mathilde knows she will pass. Megs hopes the army is the way to save her family. Mathilde fears it might separate them forever. 
This touching and suspenseful novel is a brilliant reimagining of war, where even kindness can be a weapon, and children have the power to see what adults cannot."