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Amy McKay - Editorial Expert
Amy is a knowledgeable, innovative and enthusiastic school librarian, living and working in Cumbria. Amy is a past UK School Librarian of the Year.
With over 17 years’ experience in school libraries and over a decade as the Yoto Carnegies National Coordinator she has a vast knowledge of children’s literature. She is a familiar face at festivals and has judged numerous book awards, including the Blue Peter Book Awards and the Nibbies.
Amy loves nothing more than sharing her love of books and reading, connecting young people with the authors and books that will enrich their lives for years to come.
Latest Reviews By Amy McKay
Plagued by nightmares, Tara is full of fear and questions about her identity. Adopted at age 2 and now 16, she traces her heritage to Nigeria, a place that whispers and calls to her. Persuading her parents to travel from England to the land of her biological father, she begins a year’s exchange at a prestigious boarding school. As her nightmarish visions intensify, she will learn the true value of friendship and belonging.
Sister Spirit is a skilfully written, genre defying novel. Rich with Nigerian mythology this supernatural thriller is also a story of boarding school drama, friendship, romance, ancestry, ... View Full Review
Taking key science concepts and making them accessible, interesting and entertaining, the Explodapedia series has become a must-read for non-fiction readers. Full of entertaining illustrations and written in a witty style, it is current, informative and incredibly readable.
In this instalment Dr Martynoga turns his focus to rewilding. Rewilding is the act of allowing and giving nature and ecosystems the space they need to solve the planet’s biodiversity crisis. Written with a positivity and hope for the possibilities that rewilding offers, this is a call to arms and should be read by every environmental decision maker in the ... View Full Review
Philadelphia teen, Kamaria, just wants to concentrate on her and her track team friends winning the upcoming state relay championship. Kamaria is confident, loves her friends fiercely and is enjoying her first tastes of independence, but she hates change. And with lots of change on the horizon, Kamaria’s life is about to get difficult. She’s fallen out with her best friend, Odie, and she’s not sure why. When it’s announced that an aunt she barely is knows is coming to stay and will be sharing HER bedroom, things go from bad to ... View Full Review
The Big Bad Wolf has been unfairly misrepresented, and he is here to set the record straight. Using logic and scientific fact in this clever, highly-illustrated book he will clear his name and prove he is not (quite) as bad as the stories say.
Wolfy (as he’s known to his friends) leads us through six entertainingly scathing retellings of popular fairy tales, followed by his scientific breakdown of why they are riddled with plot holes and falsehoods.
This is such a fabulously inventive concept; the world of fairy tales provides the perfect starting point for comedy and a ... View Full Review
The Moleski family are all sporting champions – strong, muscly and with an eye always on the prize. Except for Abtin, the youngest member of the family, he is an artist, a reader, a dreamer. He doesn’t even have a mole on his face like everybody else! In short, Abtin is a big disappointment to the rest of his family. But rather than let the weight of expectation bring him down, Abtin finds his own unique method of bringing a smile to his family’s’ faces.
This is a fabulously funny book about embracing individuality and ... View Full Review
Anton and his friends rule the school, they go where they like and say what they like. They consider everybody else beneath them, including the teachers. But when Anton keeps getting into trouble, his mum is less impressed by his fierce reputation and more concerned for his future. Hoping he’ll see the error of his ways and make new friends, she removes his internet privileges and signs him up to volunteer for a wholesome community. If he doesn’t join in, he doesn’t get back online.
Surrounded by guitar-led sing-a-longs, secret handshakes and unbridled enthusiasm, ... View Full Review
Surrounded by fells and farms Tarn lives in the Lake District village of Grasmere; World War Two rages far away, but its impact is felt throughout her small community. Tarn and her friends spend their days studying the skies above the fells searching for early signs of the much-feared Nazi invasion. Whilst silently Tarn mourns for her adored older brother, killed at Dunkirk. Meanwhile, a strange, reclusive young man haunts the hills high above them, too traumatised to reveal himself but deeply connected to the village and its residents.
The third in Palmer’s much loved World War Two ... View Full Review
London teenager Clem enjoys her 15th birthday surrounded by friends, family, and glorious sunshine – a perfect day. The world is changing though, and soon everyone and everything she knows, and loves, will be in danger.
Set in a not-so-distant future, England is ruled by a racist far-right authoritarian government, as civil unrest grows Clem must flee London with her younger sister, Billie. Safety lies in newly independent Scotland, but to get there the sisters must face unknown danger, suspicious bigots, and a terrifying small boat.
This was a gut-wrenching read; the concept was so believable and the writing so ... View Full Review
A power collection of 50 poems from 10 debut poets, put together by the 2022-24 Children’s Laureate, Joseph Coelho. Working in collaboration with spoken word champions, Apples & Snakes, Coelho has selected 10 exciting and fresh poets from diverse and under- represented backgrounds, to create a unique and original anthology.
The range of topics covered, and poetry styles utilised is impressive. From video-games to racist bullying, giant snowmen to ableism, Spin! takes us on a journey through many different perspectives and experiences whilst maintaining a sense of unity.
The sometimes simple, always evocative poems shine with authenticity and attention to details. ... View Full Review
Moving up to secondary school brings with it a lot of different emotions and worries, thankfully experienced teacher and poet, Christian Foley, has created a perfect guide to help make the transition as smooth as possible.
Foley’s knowledge and empathy for young people is apparent from the opening, bringing an authenticity and understanding that will connect with his audience. He entertainingly addresses the questions, curiosities, and concerns Year 6 students might have in an open and honest manner. Starting with how to navigate the last weeks of primary school, to school uniforms and other practicalities, such as getting lost ... View Full Review
Kelda is a fiercely protective big sister, she loves and defends her little sister, Isla, passionately and unquestioningly. But times and their community are changing, and protecting Isla may not be possible for much longer. For the sisters are silvermen, a secret species of near-humans who live on Britain’s waterways, breathe through their skin underwater and keep strictly to themselves. When it is revealed that Isla cannot breathe water, she is decried as an abomination to silvermen lore and blamed for a sickness poisoning the rivers.
With incredible world building and intricate plotting this is an exceptional fantasy ... View Full Review
Two dads and their three children set out on a joyful adventure to meet the Rainbowsaurus. As they search they meet an array of colourful and wonderfully noisy creatures.
Bold illustrations and a fabulous rhyme make this a joy to read aloud and share. The use of repetition and colourful animal characters encourage young readers to join in with the story, spotting the animals and mimicking their sounds. Animals in an array of non-traditional colours, make this a fun and bold story, whilst gently underlining the inclusive message of celebrating difference.
Read to the tune of ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little ... View Full Review
