Friday 16 October 2020

Barrington Stoke October Releases


Magical maps for saving worlds, hilarious Shakespeare retellings and adventures in the Amazon Rainforest - Barrington Stoke's October releases have it all!

The Griffin Gate by Vashti Hardy

Grace dreams of being a warden like her mother and brother and saving people using the Griffin Map. Fed up of being told she's too young for the responsibility, when the perfect opportunity presents itself, Grace takes matters into her own hands and sets off into the unknown. But will she be the one in need of rescuing? 

Full of fantasy, fun and family, The Griffin Gate is going to be very popular in school libraries. Grace was an instantly likeable and relatable character, who is desperate to have the same grown up responsibilities as her older brother. Aided by a clockwork companion and a teleporting map, there's nothing Grace can't do when she puts her mind to it. There's plenty of mystery and tension in this story too, so its guaranteed to keep readers on the edge of their seats, desperate to find out what happens next. 


Rock Bottom A Midsummer Nightmare

Nick is in love with Jessie, but she doesn't even know he exists. In a final attempt to win her heart before she moves to drama school, Nick plans to take the lead in the school production A Midsummer Night's Dream. His plan crumbles when he's cast as the comedic relief, Bottom, instead. But Robyn, the school prankster, has a plan to see him take centre stage... 

Full of comic chaos and Shakespearean fun, this story is a brilliant way to introduce audiences to the plot of A Midsummer Night's Dream and provide lots of laughs along the way. Nick and Robyn's plan goes from bad to worse, before reaching its explosive conclusion. 

The plot of A Midsummer Night's Dream is explained really well, in a clear and simple to follow way (despite how complicated it is!) and Bottom's play makes a special appearance. 


World Burn Down

Carlos's mum works for an organisation which protects the Amazon rainforest from illegal activity. Her job is dangerous, not just for herself, but also for Carlos. Kidnapped by a gang who want to keep his mum out of the way, Carlos finds himself lost in a forest filled with fire and criminals. The beauty of the rainforest is eclipsed by wildfire and destruction, and there is danger at every turn. Can Carlos survive as the world burns down around him? 

World Burn Down is full of danger and excitement, with an important environmental message. This story is incredibly gripping and will leave readers with a lot to think about. The author's note at the end contains some practical suggestions on how to save the rainforest, and the planet. This story will appeal to readers looking for a fast paced adventure, but also to fans of Greta Thunberg who want to learn how to protect the environment. 


The Queen of King Street

When the queen's brother gambles away the crown, the royal family are forced out of Buckingham palace and into a small house of King Street. With no room for horses, a lack of servants and no more private school, the royals struggle to adjust. Why do the people of King Street get so angry when the royals tell them what to do? And will the queen ever adapt to eating pot noodle for dinner? 

This story is very funny. It's a light-hearted look at how we should treat people, the value of community and friendship, and adapting to change. There are lots of laugh out loud moments, although it is at its end that this story really made me smile. 



Thank you so much Barrington Stoke for sending me this brilliant bunch of books to review!

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