'My mum is up there somewhere. She's waiting -- I can feel it. I just have to find her in time, that's all ... Because when I do, I'll know the truth about who stole her. ' Told through the innocent voice of a child, this is a story that celebrates the power of hope and resilience, from the author of The Boy at the Back of the Class. On her tenth birthday, Sophie makes a wish -- a wish for her mum. After school that same day, Sophie and her brother are rushed out of school and driven far, far away. So Sophie sets out to find out the truth -- about the wish and about what happened to her mother. And in doing so she ends up on an adventure she never could have foreseen...one that involves a very clever squirrel, a homeless man named Harry, the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, and the biggest star in Hollywood... A story that explores the subtle faces and endless impacts of domestic violence.

Pterry the pterodactyl has the sc-sc-scariest dreams--the kind that come true!
Last night, Pterry dreamed that dinosaurs will go extinct.
Pterry's parents tell him that there's no danger a pterodactyl can't fly away from. But Pterry doesn't know how to fly! Will Pterry learn in time to protect himself and his family? Or will the smell of his nervous farts be all he leaves behind?
Kon Tan's children's book debut kicks off a hilarious, heart-filled early graphic novel series that shows kids it's okay to be scared--and that fears can be overcome.

This mystery thriller by the Number One bestselling author of The Inheritance Games is a gripping story of high stakes, betrayal, and unpredictable twists. Perfect for fans of A Good Girls Guide to Murder.

Any problem can be fixed for a price . . .

When Tess Kendrick is sent to stay with her older sister in Washington D.C., she has no idea that Ivy is the capitol’s go-to “fixer,” a person who can make powerful people’s scandals disappear with a snap of her fingers. Tess never thought she and Ivy had much in common, but when she enrolls at the exclusive Hardwicke School, she soon finds herself thrust into the role of high school fixer, solving problems for the children of the D.C. elite.

But secrets pile up as each sister lives a double life, and their worlds come crashing together when a scandal from the halls of Hardwicke reaches Capitol Hill. As the stakes turn deadly, Tess must uncover who’s behind the power play before she becomes a target herself.

Don’t miss the sequel, Lessons in Power!

Dewald se ouers stuur hom na 'n nuwe skool na sy lewe omvergegooi is. Elke skool het nuwe uitdagings en elke skool het sy boelies, en dis nie maklik om 'n tiener te wees met 'n skielike hakkelprobleem nie. Dewald probeer weer sy balans vind, om sin te maak van hoekom sy beste vriendin hom nooit ingesluit het in haar grootste besluit nie. Dit terwyl een van die grootste boelies in die skool sy lewe hel maak. En hy besluit: genoeg is genoeg. 'n Hartroerende verhaal oor relevante tienerkwessies.

A stellar novel about space, starting over and the best friend you could ever imagine. Ralph sat up. His voice was croaky. ‘If a shooting star past right now, what would you wish for?’ ‘To find another friend like you.’ Leo and Ralph have been best friends ever since Ralph flew down from one of Jupiter's moons. But now that Leo's older, his mum and dad think it's time to say goodbye to Ralph. When the family moves to a small town in the country, they hope Leo might finally make a real friend. But someone like Ralph is hard to leave behind...

Grace, Isa, and Everett used to be an inseparable trio before their love lives became a tangled mess. For starters, Grace is secretly in love with Everett, who used to go out with Isa before breaking her heart in the infamous Freshman Year Fracture. And, oh yeah, no one knows that Isa has been hanging out with James, Grace’s brother―and if Grace finds out, it could ruin their friendship.

With graduation fast approaching, Grace decides an unsanctioned senior skip day in Philadelphia might be just what they need to fix things. All she has to do is convince Isa to help her kidnap Everett and outmaneuver James, who’s certain his sister is up to something.

In an epic day that includes racing up the famous Rocky steps, taste-testing Philly's finest cheesesteaks, and even crashing a wedding, their secrets are bound to collide. But can their hearts withstand the wreckage?

Four friends. One day off. A whole heap of trouble – this is the perfect love story for readers to escape with this summer and ticks all the boxes for fans of Carley Fortune, Lynn Painter and Emily Henry.

Multi-award-winning author Brian Conaghan's first book for 10+ readers is a future classic brimming with humour and heart

Even though I found him living in a house made of cardboard, Bruce is a massive legend. FACT. So this mine and Bruce's story. You don't have to believe it happened, but it did. All of it.

Nobody at school can see past Lenny's size to the person within. So when lessons get too tough, Lenny always goes to his bench to think. At least there no one can see him. Then one day, midway through lobbing his empty can of Irn-Bru into the canal he's stopped by Bruce. Bruce lives in a cardboard home hidden away by the banks, and he doesn't approve of kids messing up his front lawn .

But a bumpy start soon gives way to an unexpected friendship - and an epic road trip - that will change both of them for life ...

The Outsiders is an outstanding story of teenage rebellion, written when the author was only 17 years old. It is one of The Originals from Penguin - iconic, outspoken, first.

Youngsters in a small Oklahoma town have split into two gangs, divided by money, tastes and attitude. The Socs' idea of having a good time is beating up Greasers like Ponyboy Curtis.

Ponyboy knows what to expect and knows he can count on his brothers and friends - until the night someone takes things too far.

A book of affirmations that highlights each of South Africa’s eleven official languages: Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu. The affirmations are written by ten authors, adding to the piece in their home language. The book is a love letter to children (especially Black, Indigenous, and people of colour) in South Africa honouring their magic, worth, and power. It is the authors’ hope that BIPOC children discover the power of their voice through the recitation of these positive affirmations and know that they can change the world in an impactful way.

Winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2018

Winner of the Children's Book of the Year 2018 at the British Book Awards

#1 New York Times bestseller

Now a major motion picture, starring Amandla Stenberg

A Teen Vogue Best YA Book of the Year

"Stunning."―John Green

“A masterpiece.”―The Huffington Post

“An essential read for everyone.”―Teen Vogue

“Outstanding.” ―The Guardian

Sixteen-year-old Starr lives in two worlds: the poor neighbourhood where she was born and raised and her posh high school in the suburbs. The uneasy balance between them is shattered when Starr is the only witness to the fatal shooting of her unarmed best friend, Khalil, by a police officer. Now what Starr says could destroy her community. It could also get her killed.

Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, this is a powerful and gripping YA novel about one girl's struggle for justice.

A clairvoyant and a werewolf must work together to solve a mystery at the heart of their school. A perfect LGBT+ romantic fantasy for fans of Rainbow Rowell, Margaret Rogerson and Legends and Lattes! ​ Cam is planning to fly under the radar at his new school, which should be easy as a human among kids with super-cool paranormal powers. But after a very public psychic vision, he’s suddenly the centre of attention. With a mystery to solve to prevent a dark future, Cam teams up with handsome werewolf (and long-term crush), Mateo. As the two get closer and the mystery deepens, can they trust the sparks between them, or is Cam’s vision getting closer to coming true? Funny, subversive, romantic fantasy from New York Times bestselling author F. T. Lukens.

Far out to sea and deep below the whispering waves lives a merman called Nen. Nen spends his days exploring his underwater kingdom, but something is missing: his heart is empty. So, Nen ventures to the forbidden world above and it is here that he meets Ernest, a lonely fisherman. But can two people from different worlds be together and what will happen when a terrifying storm gathers? A lyrical, beautiful celebration of love, acceptance and faith, with a gentle message about how we treat our oceans, and each other.

From the break-out author of The Gravity of Us comes a heartfelt coming-of-age story about finding your chosen people. Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli

Marty arrives in London with nothing but his oboe and some savings from his summer job, but he's excited to start his new life--where he's no longer the closeted, shy kid who slips under the radar and is free to explore his sexuality without his parents' disapproval.

From the outside, Marty's life looks like a perfect fantasy: in the span of a few weeks, he's made new friends, he's getting closer with his first ever boyfriend, and he's even traveling around Europe. But Marty knows he can't keep up the facade. He hasn't spoken to his parents since he arrived, he's tearing through his meager savings, his homesickness and anxiety are getting worse and worse, and he hasn't even come close to landing the job of his dreams. Will Marty be able to find a place that feels like home?

I can’t process this frantic, feverish kiss, but it shoots straight through me, a streak of heat and want and, oh my God—it’s good.

When Max Holden climbs through her window one night, Jillian Eldridge knows she shouldn't let him kiss her. Her parents. His girlfriend. And the fact that Max hasn’t been the same since his dad’s stroke. But she can’t resist, and when they're caught in the act by her dad, Jill swears it'll never happen again. Because kissing Max Holden is a terrible idea, but a bad thing never tasted so good.

With a new baby sibling on the way, her parents fighting all the time, and her dream of culinary school suddenly up in the air, Jillian starts spending more and more time with Max. And even though her father disapproves and Max still has a girlfriend, not kissing Max is easier said than done.

Will Jill follow her heart, and allow their friendship to blossom into something more, or will she listen to her head and stop kissing Max Holden once and for all?

It’s the summer before college and Blake Brenner and her girlfriend, Ella, have one goal: join the mysterious and exclusive Serena Society. The sorority promises status and lifelong connections to a network of powerful, trailblazing women of color. Ella’s acceptance is a sure thing―she’s the daughter of a Serena alum. Blake, however, has a lot more to prove.

As a former loner from a working-class background, Blake lacks Ella’s pedigree and confidence. Luckily, she finds courage at the bottom of a liquor bottle. When she drinks, she’s bold, funny, and unstoppable―and the Serenas love it. But as pledging intensifies, so does Blake’s drinking, until it’s seeping into every corner of her life. Ella assures Blake that she’s fine; partying hard is what it takes to make the cut . . .

But success has never felt so much like drowning. With her future hanging in the balance and her past dragging her down, Blake must decide how far she’s willing to go to achieve her glittering dreams of success―and how much of herself she’s willing to lose in the process.

A powerful exploration of the lengths we go to feel seen, and the devastating consequences of an unquenchable thirst.

Claire Cashmore, MBE and Paralympic gold medallist, was born without a left forearm – but she never let being different stand in the way of her big dreams. Splash is based on Claire’s real-life experience: this gold-medal-winning swimmer really was scared of water … until one day, everything changed!

These are Claire’s big sisters.
They call her Bear and ruffle her hair.
And whatever Claire’s sisters can do,
Claire can do too …

But there is one thing Claire won't do …The water in the swimming pool makes her feel squirmy inside. Follow her sisters? No thank you! Not today?

Can Claire conquer her fears? Can she set foot in the water – and what will happen if she does?

Splash features a brilliantly bold heroine, who happens to be differently abled, and brims with fun, positivity and Claire Cashmore’s inspirational growth mindset message.

Mamello and her parents paint a pretty picture of household harmony for their community but their household is far from perfect. Mamello’s parents mistreat her.and don’t allow her to go to school. All Mamello desires is to go to school and one day study towards becoming a human rights lawyer. Mamello is a South African Cinderella story of a young woman’s courage and perseverance to achieve her dream.

Uncle Kelly is a drag performer who lives with his nephew Eli. Eli is about to start school and he has a birthmark on his face that he is afraid he will be bullied about. Uncle Kelly helps Eli find his confidence and encourages him to love himself as he is.

Eli finds a creative way of owning his insecurity and with his new confidence makes friends and inspires other children to accept their peers, and to even express their own creativity.

A book that encourages love and acceptance and embraces otherness, What’s Wrong With Glitter is a rhyming book that is filled with bright illustrations.

Waterstones Children's Book Prize-winning author

New York Times #1 bestselling author

The award-winning author of The Hate U Give returns with a powerful story about hip hop, freedom of speech – and fighting for your dreams, even as the odds are stacked against you.

Bri wants to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. As the daughter of an underground hip hop legend who died right before he hit big, Bri’s got massive shoes to fill. But when her first song goes viral for all the wrong reasons, Bri finds herself at the centre of controversy and portrayed by the media as more menace than MC. And with an eviction notice staring her family down, Bri no longer just wants to make it – she has to. Even if it means becoming the very thing the public has made her out to be.

A bag of chips. That's all sixteen-year-old Rashad is looking for. What he finds instead is a fist-happy cop, Paul, who mistakes Rashad for a shoplifter, mistakes Rashad's pleadings that he's stolen nothing for belligerence, mistakes Rashad's every flinch at every punch the cop throws as further resistance and refusal to STAY STILL as ordered. But how can you stay still when someone is pounding your face into the pavement?

There were witnesses: Quinn - a varsity basketball player and Rashad's classmate who has been raised by Paul since his own father died in Afghanistan - and a video camera. Soon the beating is all over the news and Paul is getting threatened with accusations of prejudice and racial brutality. Quinn refuses to believe that the man who has basically been his saviour could possibly be guilty. But then Rashad is absent. And absent again. And again. And the basketball team - half of whom are Rashad's best friends - start to take sides. As does the school. And the town. Simmering tensions threaten to explode as Rashad and Quinn are forced to face decisions and consequences they had never considered before.

WOULD YOU ACCEPT THE DARE?

In Marley's town, senior student pranks are a rite of passage. They start out simple: Marley and her friends - Atlas, Lucia and Jesse - egg houses, fill the headteacher's office with glitter-filled balloons and set chickens loose in the halls.

But when Jesse accepts a dare to drive Danger Alley, a ten-mile stretch of winding road that's notorious for car crashes, with no headlights, things take a turn for the worse. With her friends never backing down, Marley is caught between keeping the peace and keeping herself safe.

Just how far will they all go to finish a dare? And, more importantly, will any of them make it back the same?

In this stunning sequel to the critically acclaimed Alyssa and the Spell Garden, Alyssa is transported to Jamaica and must rediscover the magic of her ancestors. The air felt dense with magic, even more than in the spell garden back home. And not in a good way . . . When Alyssa accidentally transports herself, her cousins and Leon to the Jamaican spell garden, Golden Falls, they have to work out a way back home before the end of the summer holidays and the all-important Bloom Trials. But the magical plants are inexplicably hostile and they will need to win the garden over. Can they connect to the ancient magic of the forest? And when the very essence of the garden is threatened will their magic be enough to protect it?

New York Times bestseller Karina Yan Glaser brings everyone’s favorite Harlem family back in this poignant fourth novel in the “delightful and heartwarming” (New York Times Book Review) Vanderbeekers series.

When autumn arrives on 141st Street, the Vanderbeekers are busy helping Mr. Beiderman get ready for the New York City Marathon and making sure the mysterious person sleeping in the community garden gets enough to eat.

But when they discover the true identity of the person making a home in the community garden’s shed, their world turns upside down as they learn what it means to care for someone in an impossible situation.

In this fourth book in the Vanderbeekers series, return to 141st Street with Isa, Jessie, Oliver, Hyacinth, and Laney as they attempt to make their neighborhood a better place, one heartfelt plan at a time.

This book tackles the serious matter of child molestation and serves to inform and empower children. It highlights the warning signs of sexual abuse and teaches children how to react in such a situation. Kyla loves stories about fierce princess Arabia who can even fight dragons. But her older sister, Abby, don’t believe in fairy tales anymore. Abby says there is a dragon in their own home – one that fears nothing and no one. But who could it be?

My love for you is all around, in sunshine, stream and tree. From rosy dawn to inky dusk, my love is in all you see. Discover all the colours love can take in this stunning board book celebrating the special bond between caregiver and child, Fox and Cub. Strands of colour appear as if by magic - poppy-field red, autumn-leaves orange, sunshine yellow, foliage green, river blue, stormy indigo and light rays of violet - to showcase a big, beautiful rainbow in the sky at the end of the book.

Readers will 'love' the charming display of sliding ribbons, as each page turn brings with it a new flash of colour and emotion!