Category: Children’s Non-Fiction (9 – 12)

Why Do People Fight Wars by Ali Brownlie and Alex Woolf

I Read, Therefore I BlogLeave a comment

The Blurb On The Back:

Why do people fight wars?

– Why do people go to war?

– Is it ever right to kill another person?

– Can we solve problems without fighting about them?

This book looks at wars past and present and the reasons behind why people fight.  Find out how wars start, and what happens to soldiers and to ordinary people who are caught up in them.  Discover more about the history of peacekeeping organisations and the ways in which conflicts may be resolved without violence.   

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

You can order WHY DO PEOPLE FIGHT WARS? by Ali Brownlie and Alex Woolf from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

The Review (Cut For Spoilers):

Read More »

The Truth Detective: How To Make Sense Of A World That Doesn’t Add Up by Tim Harford

I Read, Therefore I BlogLeave a comment

The Blurb On The Back:

Wanted: Truth Detectives!

– Did you know that a TOY SPACESHIP can teach you about why prices keep rising?

– Or that a pooping cow can show you how to INVEST YOUR POCKET MONEY?

– And that even the greatest minds have been fooled by FAKE NEWS and dancing fairies?

In a world of bamboozling headlines and dodgy data, it can be hard to work out what’s really going on.

So pick up your magnifying glass and join Tim Harford, economist and presenter of BBC Radio 4’s More or Less, on an investigative adventure packed with tips and tricks to help you hunt down the truth about the world around you – using the power of numbers and your own brilliant brain!

THE TRUTH DETECTIVE was released in the United Kingdom on 16th March 2023.  Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

You can order THE TRUTH DETECTIVE by Tim Harford from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

The Review (Cut For Spoilers):

Read More »

Cash Is Queen by Davinia Tomlinson

I Read, Therefore I BlogLeave a comment

The Blurb On The Back:

Cash Is Queen is the definitive guide to money for girl, breaking down the basics of how young women can learn to understand and manage their money – an essential skill that will last them forever.

With clear explanations and empowering text by experienced financial expert Davinia Tomlinson, this book is vital reading for young girls everywhere as they enter adulthood and set out to make their mark in the world.

CASH IS QUEEN was released in the United Kingdom on 5th January 2023.  Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

You can order CASH IS QUEEN by Davinia Tomlinson from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

The Review (Cut For Spoilers):

Read More »

Legacies: Black British Pioneers by Lania Narjee

I Read, Therefore I BlogLeave a comment

The Blurb On The Back:

Discover amazing people who made their mark on the world!

From scientists to sports stars, artists to activists, read all about Black British people who set records, broke new ground, and lifted others up.  Find out what it means to create a legacy with these inspiring stories of incredible people and their hugely informative achievements.

LEGACIES – BLACK BRITISH PIONEERS was released in the United Kingdom on 4th August 2022.  Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

You can order LEGACIES – BLACK BRITISH PIONEERS by Lania Narjee from Amazon UK, or Waterstone’s.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

The Review (Cut For Spoilers):

Read More »

Dealing With Divorce by Tim Collins

I Read, Therefore I BlogLeave a comment

The Blurb On The Back:

You might want to read this book because your parents are splitting up.  Or maybe you know someone whose parents are separating and you want to help them.

This book contains practical, straightforward information and advice to help you to understand why families break-up and what you can do to get through this stressful time.

THE KIDS’ GUIDE: DEALING WITH DIVORCE was released in the United Kingdom on 22nd September 2022.  Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

You can order THE KIDS’ GUIDE: DEALING WITH DIVORCE by Tim Collins from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

The Review (Cut For Spoilers):

Read More »

Anti-Racism by Arike Oke

I Read, Therefore I BlogLeave a comment

The Blurb On The Back:

Maybe you are being bullied and you think it could be racial bullying.  Perhaps you know someone who is being treated badly because of racism and you want to help them.

Being anti-racist means being active against racism.  This books gives some tips about how to be anti-racist in a positive and safe way.

THE KIDS’ GUIDE: ANTI-RACISM was released in the United Kingdom on 22nd September 2022.  Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

You can order THE KIDS’ GUIDE: ANTI-RACISM by Arike Oke from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

The Review (Cut For Spoilers):

Read More »

This Book Is Not Rubbish by Isabel Thomas

I Read, Therefore I BlogLeave a comment

The Blurb On The Back:

Our planet is in peril and it needs your help!

But the good news is that there are loads of easy ways that you can get involved and make a difference!

From ditching straws and banning glitter to appointing yourself chief of recycling or hosting a plastic-free birthday party, helping to save the planet is not as difficult as you think.

So take control of your future!  Become an eco-warrior not an eco-worrier and help to save the world from rubbish!

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

You can order THIS BOOK IS NOT RUBBISH by Isabel Thomas from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

The Review (Cut For Spoilers):

Read More »

Pandemic Planet – How Diseases Impact Our World by Anna Claybourne

I Read, Therefore I BlogLeave a comment

The Blurb On The Back:

Pandemic Planet

Beginning in late 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic spread rapidly around the world, causing the deaths of millions of people and leading to closed schools, empty streets and shuttered businesses.

But viruses and pandemics have been part of human history for thousands of years, from the Black Death to SARS.  PANDEMIC PLANET looks at what pandemics are, how they spread and how we deal with them.  It explores how we arm ourselves against dangerous diseases, from developing groundbreaking new vaccines to simple, individual measures such as washing your hands and wearing a face mask.  It also looks at how and what we learn from pandemics, as well as some of their surprisingly positive outcomes.

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

You can order PANDEMIC PLANET by Anna Claybourne from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

The Review (Cut For Spoilers):

Read More »

Why Did Ancient Greeks Ride Elephants Into Battle? by Tim Cooke

I Read, Therefore I BlogLeave a comment

The Blurb On The Back:

Why did ancient Greeks ride elephants into battle?

Discover history for yourself with this fun, quirky series that tackles the questions other books are afraid to ask!

– Why did the ancient Greeks exercise naked?

– How did an owl inspire a city-state?

– And just what was Pythagoras’ theory of … beans?

A QUESTION OF HISTORY: THE ANCIENT GREEKS answers all these questions and much more.

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

You can order WHY DID ANCIENT GREEKS RIDE ELEPHANTS INTO BATTLE? by Tim Cook from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

The Review (Cut For Spoilers):

Read More »

Did Vikings Have Horns On Their Helmets? by Tim Cooke

I Read, Therefore I BlogLeave a comment

The Blurb On The Back:

Did Vikings have horns on their helmets?

Discover history for yourself with this fun, quirky series that tackles the questions other books are afraid to ask!

– Were the Vikings the VAINEST people in Europe?

– Did the Vikings really start fires with wee?

– And what on earth was toga honk?

A QUESTION OF HISTORY: VIKINGS answers all these questions and much more.

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

You can order DID VIKINGS HAVE HORNS ON THEIR HELMETS? by Tim Cook from Amazon UK, or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

The Review (Cut For Spoilers):

Read More »

Sustainable Planet: How Respecting The Earth Is Protecting Our Future by Anna Claybourne

I Read, Therefore I BlogLeave a comment

The Blurb On The Back:

Sustainable Planet

Planet Earth is facing BIG challenges.  As the population steadily grows, we’re creating more and more waste, using up natural resources, polluting our seas and skies and even changing our climate.  To save our precious home, we all need to learn to live more sustainably.

SUSTAINABLE PLANET looks at what sustainability is, why it is so important and how we can all help to create a better, more sustainable world for the future.  It explores some effective and achievable ways of improving sustainability, both with global actions, such as investing in renewable energy and protecting biodiversity, and individual ones, such as avoiding fast fashion, eating less meat and even planting trees.

SUSTAINABLE PLANET was released in the United Kingdom on 14th April 2022.  Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

You can order SUSTAINABLE PLANET by Anna Claybourne from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

The Review (Cut For Spoilers):

Read More »

If I Ran The Country by Rich Knight

I Read, Therefore I BlogLeave a comment

The Blurb On The Back:

You’ve just made your first great decision as LEADER OF YOUR VERY OWN COUNTRY – you’ve picked up this brilliant* book.

GOOD MOVE, BOSS!

You see, being top dog isn’t easy.  There are lots of important decisions to make.

What kind of government will you set up and how will it work?

How can you be as fair as possible (if you care about that kind of thing**)?

What are you going to do about all those tricky issues like climate change and inequality?

You’re going to need to figure out HOW POLITICS WORKS, WHAT YOU STAND FOR and WHY LEADERSHIP MATTERS.

Don’t panic.  This funny and fact-packed book will guide you every step of the way.

You’ll be ruling LIKE A PRO in no time!

* Though we say so ourselves.

** We, your people, are kind of hoping you do.

You can order IF I RAN THE COUNTRY by Rich Knight from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

The Review (Cut For Spoilers):

Read More »

You Will Be Okay by Julie Stokes and Laurène Boglio

I Read, Therefore I BlogLeave a comment

The Blurb On The Back:

”Someone in your life has died, and they are not coming back.”  What a HUGE thing to say.

Grief can feel like a boat ride on a stormy ocean, but what if you had a lighthouse to guide you safely to shore?  You Will Be Okay will help you navigate through the hard emotions you feel when someone you know has died, with practical activities, stories from others who have been through it and tips on how to talk about your grief.  There is no right or wrong way to grieve, you just need to find your way.

You will be okay.

YOU WILL BE OKAY was released in the United Kingdom on 19th August 2021.  Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

You can order YOU WILL BE OKAY by Julie Stokes and Laurène Boglio from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

The Review (Cut For Spoilers):

Read More »

The Place For Me: Stories About The Windrush Generation by Black Cultural Archives

I Read, Therefore I BlogLeave a comment

The Blurb On The Back:

”Home ain’t jus’ where you live.  Home is your heart an’ yer history.”

The Place For Me – twelve moving tales of sacrifice and bravery, inspired by first-hand accounts of the Windrush generation.  Each inspiring and authentic story helps to bring the real experience of Black British people into focus.

You can order THE PLACE FOR ME by the Black Cultural Archives from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

The Review (Cut For Spoilers):

Read More »

Nature Needs You! by Liz Gogerly and Sr. Sanchez

I Read, Therefore I BlogLeave a comment

The Blurb On The Back:

Four friends are outside having fun when they discover an injured fox.  After taking it to an animal rescue centre, they decide to find out more about the amazing animals, plants and places that make up our natural world.

Through talking to teachers and local conservationists, the children learn about ecosystems and biodiversity, climate change and pollution.  Seeing how all of nature is connected encourages them to discover different ways to help protect it.  Full of fascinating facts and fun activities, this book reveals why nature really does need you! 

You can order NATURE NEEDS YOU! by Liz Gogerly and Sr Sanchez from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

The Review (Cut For Spoilers):

Read More »

Diary Of A Brilliant Kid: Top Secret Guide To Awesomness by Andy Cope, Gavin Oattes and Will Hussey

I Read, Therefore I BlogLeave a comment

The Blurb On The Back:

This is a diary with a difference.  More of a do-ary.  Scribble in it, dribble on it, nibble it when you’re peckish.  Read, enjoy, learn, laugh but most of all DO.  Because your future’s so bright you’re gonna need shades!

This book is an instruction manual for life.  It tells you how to be epic so grab a hot choc, make your bum comfy and read on.  It’s even got pictures!

It’s time to shine …

From the multi-layered cupcake consisting of Andy Cope (Doctor of Happiness), Gavin Oattes (stand-up comedian), Will Hussey (an actual real teacher) and Amy Bradley (best illustrator evs) – this is your recipe book for having your cake and scoffing it.  Diary Of A Brilliant Kid works up your appetite to enjoy and savour every last dollop of whatever life serves you.  As well as putting-the-cherry-on top, it inspires you to:

– Think big, sparkly brightly and by your absolute best

– Be a mover, shaker and relationship maker 

– Be a flamingo in a flock of pigeons

– Feel the fear and do it anyway

– Embrace the magnificent seven works that will change your life (yes, really!)

#Fact: The average person lives for 4000 weeks.  Life’s short.  It’s a gift.  Let’s not send it back unwrapped.

You can buy DIARY OF A BRILLIANT KID: TOP SECRET GUIDE TO AWESOMENESS by Andy Cope, Gavin Oattes and Will Hussey from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

The Review (Cut For Spoilers):

Read More »

Silence Is Not An Option: You Can Impact The World For Change by Stuart Lawrence

I Read, Therefore I BlogLeave a comment

The Blurb On The Back:

Silence is never an option – stand up, speak out, be the difference.

In his non-fiction debut, Stuart Lawrence talks about what he had learned from life – the tools that have helped him live positively and kept him moving forwards when times have been tough.

From role models to self-control, failure to imagination, Stuart uses his own experience to help young people – to help all people – harness the good in themselves and in the world around them, using that fire of positivity to create change in their lives. 

You can buy SILENCE IS NOT AN OPTION: YOU CAN IMPACT THE WORLD FOR CHANGE by Stuart Lawrence from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

The Review (Cut For Spoilers):

Read More »

Bone Talk by Candy Gourlay

I Read, Therefore I BlogLeave a comment

The Blurb On The Back:

See, the Tree of Bones calls.  Can you see?

More than a hundred years ago, a boy called Samkad thinks he knows everything about the world.  He knows the mountains he lives in.  He knows his people.  He knows his blood enemy, the Mangili.  And he wants to become a man, to be given his own shield, spear and axe to fight with.  His best friend, Luke, wants all the same things – except she is a girl, and no girl has ever become a warrior

But everything changes when a new boy arrives in the village.  He calls himself Samkad’s brother, yet he knows nothing of the ways of the mountain.  And he brings news of a people called ‘Americans’, who are bringing war and destruction right to his home …

You can buy BONE TALK by Candy Gourlay from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

The Review (Cut For Spoilers):

Read More »

Step Into Your Power by Jamia Wilson and Andrea Pippins

I Read, Therefore I BlogLeave a comment

The Blurb On The Back:

Slay your fear!  Get out of your comfort zone and express yourself.

Find the lesson!  Bounce back from the dumps, failures and other bummers.

Lift as you climb.  Support your squad.

Speak truth: know your rights and take action

Don’t fit in? Pave new ground

Learn how to step into your power with the help of friendly big-sister figure Jamie Wilson.

How do you achieve your dreams?  And what are your rights?  Find out in this friendly guide, with mentoring moments by Jamia Wilson and Andrea Pippins.  This book gives young girls the tools to unlock their power, be themselves, and maybe just change the world.  

You can order Step Into Your Power by Jamia Wilson and Andrea Pippins from Amazon USA,  Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

The Review (Cut For Spoilers):

Read More »

What Is Race? Who Are Racists? Why Does Skin Colour Matter? And Other Big Questions by Claire Heuchan & Nikesh Shukla

I Read, Therefore I BlogLeave a comment

The Blurb On The Back:

Why is it important to talk about race?

How does it feel to experience racism?

Why does skin colour matter?

Talking about race is often discouraged, but in this book we’re aiming to bring everyone into the conversation.  We explore the history of race and society and discuss how racist attitudes come into being.  We look at belonging and identity, the damaging effects of stereotyping and the benefits of positive representation.  We talk about why its important to identify and challenge racist behaviour, wherever it exists.

Together with contributions from a range of writers of colour, including Inua Ellams, Derek Owusu, Nadine Aisha Jassat, Asim Chaudhry, Wei Ming Kam, Chitra Ramaswamy and Becky Olaniyi, we talk about our experiences relating to race and racism and discuss why skin colour matters.

You can order WHAT IS RACE? WHO ARE RACISTS? WHY DOES SKIN COLOUR MATTER? AND OTHER BIG QUESTIONS by Claire Heuchan & Nikesh Shukla from Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

The Review (Cut For Spoilers):

Read More »

Trans Global: Transgender Then, Now And Around The World by Honor Head

I Read, Therefore I BlogLeave a comment

The Blurb On The Back:

TRANS GLOBAL explores the fascinating long history of transgender around the world. This book uncovers the cultures and people of the past and present who have embraced, challenged or quietly subverted society’s expectations about gender. Find out:

– which cultures accepted a non-binary lifestyle for centuries before ‘transgender’ became a label;

– who fights for the acceptance of the trans community;

– what it is like for young trans people just starting out on their journey. 

You can order TRANS GLOBAL: TRANSGENDER THEN, NOW AND AROUND THE WORLD by Honor Head from Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

The Review (Cut For Spoilers):

Read More »

Loos Save Lives: How Sanitation And Clean Water Help Prevent Poverty, Disease And Death by Seren Boyd

I Read, Therefore I BlogLeave a comment

The Blurb On The Back:

The humble loo is a lifesaver.  Over two billion people in the world don’t have access to a proper toilet or clean water to drink or to wash their hands – and that stinks!  Access to sanitation and clean water literally saves lives.  Loos also help schools.  When children have access to a safe, clean loo at school, they are more likely to stay in education, get better jobs and escape poverty.

Toilet Twinning is a charity that empowers people in low-income countries to build proper toilets and help make their communities healthier, safer and more prosperous.  This book visits some of the places Toilet Twinning have worked in, across Africa, Asia and Central America, and reveals the stories of the people they have helped.  It’s packed with stats, facts and lots of information all about water and waste.  

You can order LOOS SAVE LIVES: HOW SANITATION AND CLEAN WATER HELP PREVENT POVERTY, DISEASE AND DEATH by Seren Boyd from Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

The Review (Cut For Spoilers):

Read More »