The Weirdstone of Brisingamen (Collins Voyager)
Best Selling > Books > G
by: Alan Garner

August 05, 2002
I first came across this book in my english lessons as a first year at secondary school back in 1970. I was so enthralled by the book that I dragged my mum to the bookshop and got her to buy me a copy, which I then read in one marathon stint within a day, not stopping for food or sleep - it really was that good. Nearly 40 years on I still go back to it at least once a year and enjoy it as much now as I did then.

Set in a gentler, rural Cheshire (it was written in 1960) the setting now ... Read More:

Used Price: £0.50

Once
Best Selling > Books > G
by: Morris Gleitzman

February 23, 2006
although i felt it went a bit beyond the boundaries as it covers almost every aspect of suffering imaginable during world war 2. One small book should not contain such an immense amount of heartbreak, there is only so much we can take in one sitting. This book is meant to break your heart - and it manages it - over and over and over again. I do recommend it, it is a great little book, but be prepared to cry - a lot.

Used Price: £3.50

The Owl Service
Best Selling > Books > G
by: Alan Garner

August 05, 2002
This is without doubt one of the best novels for children ever written - yet I hesitate to call it a children's story - so much depth & complexity it contains. It knocks JK Rowling, CS Lewis to the floor.

I first read it when I was 11 & it frightened me so much I couldn't finish it. Re-reading it as an adult, I don't know if I could have fully have understood it as a child.

Its blend of everyday reality in a modern dysfunctional family, myth and madness give it a Shakespearean power; yet ... Read More:

Used Price: £1.00

No Matter What
Best Selling > Books > G
by: Debi Gliori

February 17, 2003
Whenever its time for a bedtime story I always pick this book out (I think the kids might be getting a bit sick of it!) The wording is beautiful and I really love the ending, such a nice simple message for children about unconditional love. Pictures are great too.

Used Price: £0.27

Always and Forever
Best Selling > Books > G
by: Alan Durant

September 02, 2004
This is an excellent book. I came across it in my school when it was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Award a few years ago. The story of how the animals cope with the death of Fox is gently told and would be good for all children to read, but especially those who have lost a loved one. The illustrations are beautiful and the story's ending is uplifting, although I must confess that I cannot read it or tell anyone about it without crying (a little embarrassing infront of your pupils, but there you go). Highly recommended, but if you ... Read More:

Used Price: £4.44

The Moon of Gomrath (Collins Voyager)
Best Selling > Books > G
by: Alan Garner

September 02, 2002
Excellent, extremely well written, for young and old a like, what else can I say.

Used Price: £0.78

Coram Boy
Best Selling > Books > G
by: Jamila Gavin

May 06, 2004
Coram Boy is set in 18th century England and contrasts lives of the fortunate and unfortunate children of the times. Well written beginning given a horrific picture of child trafficking and murder. Unfortunately it all becomes a bit predictable - abandoned child is reunited with his parents, bad people get their just desserts etc. Not sure which age group this book was aimed at. Concepts such as pregnancy outside marriage, selling of young children into slavery and infanticide suggest it is aimed at 12 - 13 year olds. However the actual writing is ... Read More:

Used Price: £0.28

Two Weeks with the Queen
Best Selling > Books > G
by: Morris Gleitzman

March 04, 1999
This book is quite simply one of the best stories I've ever read - whether that's written for children or for adults. Morris Gleitzman is an outstanding storyteller - he is expert at balancing serious issues with the need to make the story enjoyable and up-beat. The story is very sad - the hero's brother is dying and he's determined to find a cure. I had harboured hopes of reading this to my class, but as I couldn't even read it in my head without blubbing hopelessly there's no chance of reading it aloud to anyone! What I love about this story is that even ... Read More:

Used Price: £0.01

Grandpa Chatterji
Best Selling > Books > G
by: Jamila Gavin, Peter Bailey

February 06, 2006
"Grandpa Chatterji" by Jamila Gavin tells the story of two children named Neetu and Sanjay, and what happens when their incredible Grandpa comes to stay.

Neetu and Sanjay are young Asian children living in Britain. One day their mother tells them that their Grandpa is coming to stay. For some people that might not be especially unusual, but for Neetu and Sanjay it is very exciting because their Grandpa comes from India and they have never seen him before in their lives!

At first, they are worried that he might be strict and unfriendly, ... Read More:

Used Price: £3.70

Elidor (Collins modern classics)
Best Selling > Books > G
by: Alan Garner

August 05, 2002
As a reader of children's fantasy, this book is a revelation. It follows so few of the conventions that its novelty makes it a page turner. The gritty slums of contemporary Manchester provide most of the background, and the deserted fantasy land provides the rest, both imbued with real ambience. The earlier Garner books, though great to read, feel pale and clichéd by comparison. The book enthrals and keeps you guessing from literally the first page to the very last sentence, which left me hungry for more.

Used Price: £0.89