April Book Club
This Article was written by our Head Girl, Lina Kurten (Year 13) and Rayna Venkadesh (Year 7)
Start this term the right way: with one of these books!
Whether you are a book worm- or prefer to watch the motion pictures; you can never go wrong with a good book! Share us your favourite novels that you feel should make it to the list next!
Young Adult Recommendation: (16+)
The Hazel Wood
By Melissa Albert
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Seventeen year old Alice has bad luck; but when her grandmother, who is known for writing dark fairy tales dies, she discovers how bad her luck can really get. Alice’s mother gets taken away with only one message left behind: “Stay Away From the Hazel Wood”.
This dark fantasy is very captivating and keeps you at the edge of your seat. It is written in a lyrical way especially towards the end which gives it that more classic fairy tale feeling. My personal favourite parts were the actual tales of the hinterland, written by the grandmother. These were at times quite creepy, but well intertwined within the story. As the plot continues it becomes more complex and starts to blur the lines between reality and fiction...
Middle Grade recommendation:
A Monster Calls
By Patrick Ness
Genre: Low Fantasy Fiction/ Magical Realism
This book introduces us to the character Conor, who is 13 years old. He encounters an ancient tree monster who helps him cope with his mother's terminal illness and his experience of being bullied in school.
This is hands down one of the best books I've ever read. I read this in one day since I simply couldn't put it down. I cried and it has stuck with me ever since reading it. No matter how old you are, I think you will get something out of this book. It tells a beautiful story with a hard hitting message and it is truly truly worth reading. If you would like to pick it up it is available in the senior school library!
Skulduggery Pleasant series
By Derek Landy
Altogether, there are a two series, with a total of 14 books and 6 short stories/novellas. This dangerous, captivating, intriguing adventure takes place when 12 year old Stephanie Edgley’s uncle dies and she inherits his expensive mansion. While she’s at the mansion, a mysterious man breaks in and attempts to kill her. Luckily she’s saved by our one and only, debonair, savvy; humorous, arrogant and elementally magical 400 year old detective by the name of Skulduggery Pleasant who just happens to be a walking, talking skeleton with a tragic past. Suddenly Stephanie is pulled out of her boring, miserable life and is pushed into the world of danger, action, murder and magic. Together, Stephanie and Skulduggery team up to solve Gordon’s murder and to prevent the devious Nefarious Serpine from obtaining the Sceptre of Ancients, a mystical weapon that can be used to defeat and overcome the world and even slay the strongest of Gods... The Faceless ones. Overall, I have only read the first book and am dying to get my hands on the second! It captures the reader on the very first page. For anyone who loves dramatic, murder-mystery, actions films and stories, this book is for you! This book is available in the school library- so you have no excuse!
Our Castle By The Sea
By Lucy Strange
'Our Castle By The Sea' is a story full of twists and turns following an unforgivable betrayal and a tragic loss. The author, Lucy Strange, is actually a teacher at Kent College Canterbury in the UK!
The adventure and pain of a 12 year old girl named Petra who has lived at the lighthouse with her pa, her sister, Magda (Mags for short) and her German born mother known as 'Mutti' throughout the book. But as World War 2 breaks out, Petra’s life is turned upside down. Our protagonist is shown to be quiet and timid whilst her sister is normally the bold and rambunctious one. But as the story goes on, Petra does things outside of her comfort zone; overcoming her fears. Yet facing a daunting truth about her parents and discovering her sister’s mysterious disappearances.
When I read this book myself, I felt the fear inside Petra at the thrilling parts and cried at the emotional scenes and it felt as if I was there, watching this captivating tale unfold.
I would recommend this book to the young and old, or someone who just enjoys the mood that books set the moment your eyes lay on the book.
There it is! Join the KCDSpeaks book club by reading these books, sending your take on them & then sharing some new reads that we can add to the list next month! Just email us your views & recommendations on: newspaper@kentcollege.ae - you can also email me directly at: linku21@kentcollege.ae Or DM us on instagram (@kcdspeaks)
P.S. Make sure to check out the KCD Library- borrow some books & donate some!
Until next time!
Love,
Lina and Rayna
