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In a case of mistaken identity, Neville Brisket is flushed down the toilet and into Under, a dank damp land populated by Trolls.

He has been mistaken for a Troll named Pong,  so he goes to live with Pong’s family, his parents Clod and Malaria, his sister Rubella and Rabies their pet Troll mole. Like it or not he has to live as a Troll until the next “Grab” night, when Trolls can go back up to earth. He becomes accustomed to sleeping under underpants,  eating left sock stew and ear wax brownies, survives an encounter with the fearsome elderly troll Gristle Pilchard, escapes from the Bog of the Slurches, and even attends a Trollabaloo (Troll Party).

Meanwhile,  in Neville’s home,  Pong the Troll is wreaking havoc……

This is absolutely brilliant and the really good news is that it is just the first book in a new series. It is packed full of troll speak, grime and grot which will appeal to all ages and will have you laughing out loud. Squibbly and rotsome as a troll might say!!

 

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Tom gates hates his grumpy sister Delia and his teacher Mrs. Worthington, but he does love to draw and this book is full of great cartoons that illustrate exactly what Tom is going through, including Granny Mavis giving him banana on his pizza! If you like Wimpy Kid you will love Tom Gates.

Kip helps his dad run the Paramount, an independent cinema which is struggling to compete with the multi screen cinemas on the edge of town. Then along comes a new projectionist, the intriguing and magical Mr Lazarus and everything changes for the better. He brings along a machine The Lazarus Enigma which can actually project people into films. 

When you are in the film everything is real, but you must leave before the credits roll otherwise you are trapped forever. One night Kip's little sister Rose accidentally projects herself into the film Night on Terror Island. Can Kip and his friend reach her before the man eating Neanderthals and sabre toothed tigers do and before the film ends?

A fun read for confident readers. 

Reviewer: Caroline, Carlisle Library

Conor's mum is seriously ill and receiving treatment for her cancer. Conor is struggling to cope, is bullied at school and troubled by a recurring nightmare. Then the monster starts to appear, not the monster from his nightmare, but another terrifying giant hewn from the old yew tree in the churchyard. It comes at 12.07 each night and tells Conor three stories. In return Conor must face up to his fears and tell the monster the truth....

This is an amazing story, beautifully produced, of a young teenager trying to come to terms with the fact that his mother is dying. Conor's grief and fear are palpable and the book will leave you emotionally exhausted. 

Definitely a "must read" 

It is written by Patrick Ness, based on an idea by author Siobhan Dowd who died from cancer in 2007 before she could write the novel. 

Reviewer: Caroline, Carlisle Library

Pia's home, Bad Munstereifel, is a traditional and stifling German town so the sudden disappearance  of Katherine is a shock for everyone.  Even more traumatic when the next child disappears. Pia turns to her old friend Herr Schiller for help and comfort but he is definitely the wrong person.  After discovering the grizzly secret in the old cellar Pia realises she too is in grave danger.

Reviewer: Kathryn Flagner, Whitehaven Library

Peter's life changes for ever when the Germans invade Poland. As a blond haired, blue eyed "Volksdeutscher" - someone of German blood - he is taken to Berlin and adopted by the wealthy Kaltenbach family.

At first Peter loves his new life. He enthusiastically joins the Hitler Youth and supports the German war effort but soon becomes disillusioned with Nazi ideals and propaganda. Together with his friend Anna, he becomes involved with helping Jews, but in Nazi Germany the Gestapo are always watching and no one can be trusted.  Soon, he and Anna are fleeing for their lives.

This is a brilliant portrayal of life under the Nazi regime told from an unusual viewpoint and ending in a nailbiting climax as Anna and Peter try to escape to Sweden.

Highly recommended for teenage readers.

Reviewer: Caroline Lunny, Carlisle Library

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