Moon over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

Abilene Tucker is not impressed. Her father has sent her to Manifest, the town that he grew up in. However, this old, hardworking, run down town does not match the glittering, modern city her father told her of. But even in peaceful villages like this, accidents do happen. Abilene soon finds herself in debt to the village diviner, and the history of Manifest slowly rolls itself out like a long lost map. Could her father be involved? And why does mysterious Miss Sadie never reveal the whole of the towns secrets?

I would recommend this book for 9+, with a rating of 5/5, due to the complications of the tale in certain  places. 

Bottersnikes and Gumbles by S.A. Wakefield

Deep in a dusty plain the Bottersnikes lurked, lazy, bad-tempered creatures who liked nothing better than snoozing all day. However, there was another animal that lived in this hot habitat. The Gumbles are just the kind of creature you want to play with all day, the exact opposites of the Bottersnikes. Therefore, they clash, and the Gumbles are sought after to be slaves to the Bottersnikes.  Can Tinkingumble have enough tinking ideas to slide them out of the mean clutches of the Bottersnikes? And can Willigumble, who is always late for everything, get Tinkingumble's thinks unstuck?

I would recommend this book for ages 6+, because everything is funny and exciting, even when the Bottersnikes sit on each others heads!  4/5

The Wolves Chronicles by Joan Aiken

Book 1 - The Wolves of Willoughby Chase

Miss Slighcarp, a cousin to Sir Green, has come to look after Bonnie while her parents are abroad trying to improve the health of her mother. Silvia, Bonnie's dearest cousin has also come to stay. However, when Miss Slighcarp is seen mysteriously miles away from the house, can Bonnie, Silvia and their good friend Simon pull each other out of trouble?

I would give this book 5/5. It is only suitable for ages eight and upwards, because of slightly scary parts, including the hardship and capture of the girls.


Book 2 - Black Hearts in Battersea

When Simon sets off to learn more about his greatest love, art, things don't quite go as expected. He lodges with Dido and her family, but how can anything be normal when neither of them guess the evil plans of her parents, Simon discovers his best friend is related to him in royalty, and then ends up rescuing the King in a balloon?

I would give this book 5/5 for eight and upwards, because of the mystery of hidden identity is quite exciting.

Book 3 - Night Birds on Nantucket

Dido Twite finally wakes up from a year long sleep, calling for Simon. She makes a new friend, sees a pink whale and goes to live with her friend's supposed Aunt. However, Miss Slighcarp is building an even stronger plan than before, so can Dido and her new friend stop the firing of a long gun that could blast the island of Nantucket to pieces?

I would give this book 5/5 for eight and upwards because of the excitement of finding out new things, and trying to make sense of new people.