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Parrot Street Book Club Blog - Books & Literature
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Dee Benson & David Arlo on fantasy thrillers for teens | Parrot Street Book Club
Damien Ike and the Fallen House of Draven is a magical sci-fi thriller for early teen readers that had us gripped from page one. Here the authors tell us about what inspired the book and which other fantasy thrillers for teens they recommend you turn to next.
Radhika Sanghani on contemporary fantasy novels for teens | Parrot Street Book Club
Here to Slay by Radhika Sanghani is an action-packed queer fantasy drama with a brilliant, diverse and hugely relatable cast of characters, plus romance, humour, magic and action all in equal measure. Here Radhika tells us about being inspired by the real goddess Kali and which other contemporary fantasy novels for teens she recommends you read next.
Matt Stephens on books with diverse disability representation | Parrot Street Book Club
Raz Beri is an inspiring contemporary drama that had us rooting for the lead character from page one. Author Matt Stephens tells us about what inspired the story and which other books with diverse disability representation he recommends you read next.
Anne Fine on books for newly independent readers | Parrot Street Book Club
Anne Fine is the author of over 70 books for children, a former Children's Laureate and winner of multiple awards, including the prestigious Carnegie Medal (twice!). Here Anne tells us what inspired her latest story and which other early chapter books she recommends for young readers.
Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick on books about friendship | Parrot Street Book Club
Sisters of the Moon by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick is a wonderful blend of relatable contemporary drama and mystical intrigue that we think early teens will love. Here the author tells us about being inspired by her sixteen-year-old self and which other books about friendship for young people she recommends you read next.
Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin on historical books for teens | Parrot Street Book Club
The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin is a thrilling historical mystery for readers aged 12+. Here Ruta and Steve tell us about being history nerds, all the research they did for the book, and which other historical books for early teens they recommend you read next.
Jacqueline Davies on ghost stories for kids | Parrot Street Book Club
The International House of Dereliction is a gently spooky, wonderfully quirky ghost story with a difference. Author Jacqueline Davies tells us all about what inspired the story and which spooky stories for kids she recommends you read next.
Susannah Lloyd on funny books for kids | Parrot Street Book Club
Badgers Are Go! by Susannah Lloyd is a quirky, fun-filled adventure packed with heart and humour, perfect for reading out loud as a family. Here Susannah tells us about being inspired by Hollywood film stars and her favourite funny book recommendations for newly independent readers.
9 of the best new children's books of 2024 | Parrot Street Book Club
There’s something special about reading and falling in love with a new children’s book. 2024 has been a bumper publishing year and it was tricky top pick just 9 books to share with you - whether you're a parent, relative, teacher or children’s book enthusiast we think you’ll find plenty to love in this list!
7 books for kids who love David Walliams | Parrot Street Book Club
The big-name celebrity authors so often provide a gateway to a love of reading. But there’s a lot more to the world of funny books for kids than you might expect. Here’s our pick of 7 of the best new books for kids who love David Walliams.
7 great gifts for kids who love reading & books | Parrot Street Book Club
Are you on the hunt for the perfect gift for a little bookworm in your life? From imaginative book-inspired goodies to unique ways to encourage their reading habit, this list is packed with gift ideas that will celebrate kids' love of stories and books.
The best new Christmas books for kids in 2024 | Parrot Street Book Club
As the festive season approaches, there's nothing quite like the magic of a good Christmas book to spark joy and wonder in young readers. Here is our pick of six of the best new Christmas books for kids published in 2024 that are sure to become instant favourites!
Ayaan Mohamud on contemporary family dramas for teens | Parrot Street Book Club
The Thread That Connects Us had us on the edge of our seats. Young readers will find much to relate to in lead characters, stepsisters Safiya and Halima. Author Ayaan Mohamud tells us what inspired the story and which other contemporary family dramas for early teens she recommends you read next.
Kieran Larwood on fantasy books for younger readers | Parrot Street Book Club
Dungeon Runners: Hero Trial is the first in a brand new illustrated fantasy series that is perfect for newly independent readers. Here author Kieran Larwood tells us about what inspired him to create the series and his favourite fantasy books for younger readers.
Sinead O'Hart on books for kids inspired by mythology | Parrot Street Book Club
Sword of the Sun by Sinead O'Hart is a magical and atmospheric novel with a contemporary setting and relatable characters, all inspired by ancient Irish mythology. Here Sinead tells us about being inspired by her childhood love of Irish mythology and her favourite children's books based around myth and folklore.
Great gifts for tweens and early teens | Parrot Street Book Club
Finding the perfect Christmas gift for the discerning teen or tween in your life is one of the biggest challenges of the festive season! But don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here’s our pick of the best gifts from our go-to brands for 12 to 14-year-olds.
12 last minute gift ideas for age 3 and up | Parrot Street Book Club
2020 definitely isn’t making it easy for those that like to shop at the last minute, so we’ve come up with a few really thoughtful ideas, for both adults and children, which can be sorted out quickly and easily from home. You just need access to a computer and printer!
Neil Taylor on thrillers for early teens | Parrot Street Book Club
In Anticipation, a twisty AI-inspired thriller, Neil Taylor explores a dark and mysterious world that lies behind the social media platforms we use everyday. Here Neil tells us about the message he hopes young people will take away from the book and his top thriller recommendations for early teens.
Adeola Sokunbi on illustrated chapter books for kids | Parrot Street Book Club
Charming, creative, witty and packed with empathy, Destiny Ink is an illustrated chapter book that is perfect for newly independent readers. Here author/illustrator Adeola Sokunbi tells us about creating Destiny and which illustrated chapter books she recommends you read next.
Claire Povey on environmental books for kids | Parrot Street Book Club
A gripping mystery, drama and adventure combine in The Wanderdays: Journey to Fantome Island, an underwater story that celebrates bravery and friendship. Author Claire Povey tells us what inspired the book and which other chapter books with environmental themes she recommends you read next.
5 sports-themed books for kids aged 5 to 14 | Parrot Street Book Club
Have you been watching the Olympic Games in Paris this summer? We’ve been glued to our screens and loving discovering new details about the amazing array of sports on show. With excitement about sporting achievement at fever pitch, it’s a great time to add some sports-themed chapter books to kids’ reading lists. Rel
Kate De Goldi on family drama novels for teens | Parrot Street Book Club
The 10pm Question is a warm, funny, heartfelt novel with a hugely relatable lead protagonist, a cast of quirky characters and a multi-layered plot perfect for early teen readers. Author Kate De Goldi tells us tell us about what inspired the story and her recommended novels about family dramas for young people.
Bryony Pearce on funny books for kids | Parrot Street Book Club
The Gods of Olympus are alive and well in the present day and their descendants are on an epic, fast-paced adventure in Hannah Messenger and the Gods of Hockwold! Author Bryony Pearce tells us about being inspired by the Greek gods and which funny books for kids she recommends for inspiring reluctant readers.
Swapna Reddy on Reggie Rabbit and illustrated chapter books | Parrot Street Book Club
Reggie Rabbit and his sidekick Pipsquark had us laughing out loud with their crime-busting capers. Here author Swapna Reddy tells us more about creating her new series for newly independent readers and which other illustrated chapter books for younger readers she recommends you read next.
Ele Fountain on Storm Child and writing environmental books for kids – Parrot Street Book Club
We are huge fans of Ele Fountain. Her books combine epic storytelling, incredible landscapes and thrilling adventure with characters young readers can really relate to and important messages about the world we live in. Storm Child is no exception. Here Ele tells all about being inspired by our incredible oceans.
Dev Kothari on books for kids set in India | Parrot Street Book Club
Set in contemporary India, Bringing Back Kay-Kay tells the story of one girl's epic journey to find her missing brother. Author Dev Kothari tells us about what (and who) inspired the book and which other novels for young people set in India she recommends you read next.
Nevin Holness on fantasy books for teenagers | Parrot Street Book Club
King of Dead Things is an intriguing, highly original novel with a vivid urban setting, a quirky cast of characters and a storyline that combines dark fantasy with a vibrant celebration of the Black diaspora. Author Nevin Holness tells us about what inspired the book and her favourite fantasy novels for teenagers.
Catherine Bruton on middle grade books with rural settings | Parrot Street Book Club
Bird Boy by Catherine Bruton is a hugely moving, heart-warming story with a stunning rural setting and a cast of wonderful, empathetic characters that had us gripped from the very first page. Here Catherine tells us about nature therapy, the magic of osprey and her favourite middle grade books with rural settings.
Marie Pavlenki & Marie Voyelle on animal books for kids | Parrot Street Book Club
Hotel for Cats is a cat-tastic illustrated early chapter book that is perfect for newly independent readers aged 5+. Co-creators and long-time friends Marie Pavlenko and Marie Voyelle tells us all about collaborating on the book.
Mark Illis on real world fiction for teens | Parrot Street Book Club
Running Away for Beginners is a funny, heartfelt adventure packed with both empathy and humour. Author Mark Illis tells us about being inspired by his own personal experience of cancer and which other books with real world settings he recommends you read next.
Clare Furniss on dystopian fiction for teens | Parrot Street Book Club
The Things We Leave Behind is a gripping dystopian drama that had us completely hooked. Author Clare Furniss tells us about being inspired by the upheaval of the COVID pandemic and which other dystopian fiction books for teens she recommends you read next.
9 books from the Reading for Empathy Collection 2024 you won't want to – Parrot Street Book Club
Empathy Day 2024 is happening on 6th June and it's an event we eagerly anticipate each year. Organised by Empathy Lab, this initiative is dedicated to fostering empathy through the power of literature. Empathy Lab believes that reading books which delve into diverse perspectives and experiences can significantly help