My book review of 'The Skylarks' War' by Hilary McKay
The Skylarks' War
Recommended age: 8+
Year 6 at Woodbridge Primary School read this book together in spring 2020.
Review date: October 2020
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You'll feel you're doing pirouettes with all the plot twists in this thriller set in the obsessive and toxic world of a Russian ballet company. Is anyone as they seem?
Publication date: 1st April 2021
Three couples look to 'have it all'. Careers, lovely homes, happy lives and babies on the way. But their lives are disrupted by a new friendship. A compelling domestic thriller.
Publication date: 15th April 2021
Mary stands outside Ealing Broadway station each day with a sign saying 'Jim Come Home'. Why is this action necessary? Where is Jim? A real pageturner as you long to solve the mystery. A clever, charming and poignant story.
Publication date: 29th April 2021
An all expenses paid trip to celebrate a friend's birthday in a safari lodge in South Africa. A dream holiday turns into a nightmare.
Publication date: 29th April 2021
Recommended for children
A nostalgic, yet contemporary, magical adventure introducing the Hidden Folk who give us a different perspective on the natural world. Wonderful!
Publication date: 6th May 2021
Recommended for children
The stunning companion novel to 'The Skylarks' War'. Wonderful characters and a gripping and moving story of courage, resilience and friendship.
Publication date: 27th May 2021
Recommended for children
A beautiful, touching and life-affirming story of the people on Spinalonga, the former Greek leper colony, with a wonderful narrator and glorious illustrations throughout.
Publication date: 3rd June 2021
An eight-year-old girl kills a toddler, her actions seemingly an outlet for the lack of care and attention she receives from her mother. An astonishingly sensitive and compelling novel.
Publication date: 24th June 2021
Completely consuming story of a post-apocalyptic world, and the time before. Set in London and beside a beached whale in New Zealand. Stunning!
Publication date: 24th June 2021
Recommended non-fiction
A warm, engaging and entertaining personal story of working in police helicopters over Suffolk. Fascinating!
Publication date: 19th July 2021