I felt very still and empty, the way the eye of a tornado must feel, moving dully along in the middle of the surrounding hullabaloo. Sylvia Plath's groundbreaking semi-autobiographical novel offers an intimate, honest and often wrenching glimpse into mental illness. Read more

A groundbreaking memoir about being a trans teen.Warning: This book contains adult themes for readers aged 16+"Candid writing, playful artwork, and a riotous and fearlessly real story of figuring out that you're trans – this book will bring hope and comfort to so many." – Alice Oseman, bestselling author and illustrator of HEARTSTOPPERLewis has a few things to say to his younger teen self.He knows she's confused about who to snog.He knows she's really a he and will ultimately realize this...But she's going to go through a whole lot of mess (some of it funny, some of it not funny at all) to get to that point. Lewis is trying to tell her this ... but she's refusing to listen.In Welcome to St Hell, author-illustrator Lewis Hancox takes readers on the hilarious, heartbreaking and healing path he took to make it past trauma, confusion, hurt and dubious fashion choices in order to become the man he was meant to be. For fans of Heartstopper, Fun Home and FlamerLewis Hancox is a trans influencer, filmmaker and illustratorA remarkable graphic memoir from an unmistakably bold new voice in comicsSuitable for ages 16+ Read more

Be inspired by the lives of trailblazers past and present in this fun and factual biography series! On a day trip to the local sports centre, Simone Biles discovered her natural talent for gymnastics. Despite a challenging start in life, Simone has gone on to become one of the world’s greatest athletes. Find out how Simone toughed it out in training, went on to win seven Olympic medals and took the bold step of putting her mental health before people’s expectations of her. TRAILBLAZERS biographies are packed with little-known trivia, fascinating facts and lively illustrations. Read more

Set in the days of the Empire, with the British ruling in Burma, Orwell's book describes corruption and imperial bigotry. Flory, a white timber merchant, befriends Dr Veraswami, a black enthusiast for the Empire, whose downfall can only be prevented by membership at an all-white club. Read more

Treachery, adventure and dreams of freedom triumph in this stunningly evocative historical adventure, inspired by a stunning real-life story and re-imagined for a teen audience.It's 1848 in the Deep South of America. Rosa is a slave but her owner is also her father and her fair skin means she can 'pass for white'. With the help of her husband Benjamin, she disguises herself as a young southern gentleman – and Benjamin's master. In this guise, the couple flee the South, explaining away their lack of literacy, avoiding those they have encountered before and holding their nerve over a thousand miles to freedom.Inspired by the amazing true story of Ellen Craft who escaped a life of slavery through a daring disguise and won freedom for herself and her husband.Particularly suitable for readers aged 13+ with a reading age of 8. Read more

Set during the Civil War, against a backdrop of grand estates, unimaginable riches, and deadly secrets, three teenagers in Mystic Falls, Virginia enter a torrid love triangle that will span eternity. Brothers Stefan and Damon Salvatore are inseparable until they meet Katherine, a stunning, mysterious woman who turns their world upside down. Siblings turned rivals, the Salvatores compete for Katherine′s affection, only to discover that her sumptuous silk dresses and glittering gems hide a terrible secret: Katherine is a vampire. And she is intent on turning them into vampires so they can live together-forever. Ages 14+ Read more

The love story of Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler - based on the story that inspired the bestselling musical Hamilton.1777. Albany, New York. As battle cries of the American Revolution echo in the distance, servants flutter about preparing for one of New York society’s biggest events: the Schuylers’ grand ball. Descended from two of the oldest and most distinguished bloodlines in New York, the Schuylers are proud to be one of their fledgling country’s founding families, and even prouder still of their three daughters - Angelica, with her razor-sharp wit; Peggy, with her dazzling looks, and Eliza, whose beauty and charm rival those of both her sisters, though she’d rather be aiding the colonists’ cause than dressing up for some silly ball. Still, Eliza can barely contain her excitement when she hears of the arrival of one Alexander Hamilton, a mysterious, rakish young colonel and General George Washington’s right-hand man. Though Alex has arrived as the bearer of bad news for the Schuylers, he can’t believe his luck - as an orphan, and a bastard one at that - to be in such esteemed company. And when Alex and Eliza meet that fateful night, so begins an epic love story that would forever change the course of American history. In the pages of Alex and Eliza, #1 New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz brings to life the romance of the young Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler. Read more

Favourite son and heir to the powerful Norwegian king Harald Fairhair, Eirik was destined for greatness from the moment he was born.But his journey to becoming the second king of Norway was not an easy one. His first taste of battle comes at eleven when his father gives him three longships. Eirik spends the next nine years as a Viking, raiding in the east, west and north.Spurred on by his cunning wife Gunnhild, Eirik grows ever more ambitious and stops at nothing to achieve his goal of ruling all of Norway. His methods are brutal and bloody, and he gains a reputation as one of the most fearsome warriors in all of Scandinavia - earning him the nickname Bloodaxe.As Eirik’s power grows, so too does his list of enemies. Among them are vindictive berserks, wealthy jarls, and a dozen of his half-brothers conspiring to seize the throne. His conquests even lead him to Northumbria, where he clashes with the mighty King Athelstan of England.Through it all, Eirik remains fiercely determined to succeed, and his iron will and unshakable courage make him a force to be reckoned with.Åsli and Bakkejord deftly weave together history, action, and drama to create a fascinating portrait of Eirik Bloodaxe. Their vivid descriptions of Viking life and battle scenes are sure to transport readers back in time to this fascinating era. At its heart, this is a story about a man who was both a hero and a villain; a man driven by ambitions and desires, who left a lasting impact on Norway and England alike.Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or just looking for a thrilling read, Bloodaxe is not to be missed. Read more

Perfect for anyone fascinated by the Royal Wedding, Netflix's The Crown, or Wolf Hall, this is a pitch-perfect reimagining of the romance and tragedy of Henry VIII and his six wives, told from multiple points of view by some of your favorite authors.If you were one of King Henry VIII's six wives, who would you be? Would you be Anne Boleyn, who literally lost her head? Would you be the subject of rumor and scandal like Catherine Howard? Or would you get away and survive like Anna of Cleves?Meet them and Henry's other queens--each bound for divorce or death--in this epic and thrilling novel that reads like fantasy but really happened. Watch spellbound as each of these women attempts to survive their unpredictable king as he grows more and more obsessed with producing a male heir. And discover how the power-hungry court fanned the flames of Henry's passions . . . and his most horrible impulses.Whether you're a huge fan of all things Tudor or new to this jaw-dropping saga, you won't be able to get the unique voices of Henry and his wives--all brought to life by seven award-winning and bestselling authors--out of your head. This is an intimate look at the royals during one of the most treacherous times in history. Who will you root for and who will you love to hate?ONE OF THE NYPL TOP TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR "Ambitious and exciting." --Bustle"A clever, feminist reimagining of one of English history's most fascinating moments." --Refinery29"These stories of love, lust, power and intrigue never fail to fascinate." --Shelf Awareness, Starred ReviewWho's Who:M. T. Anderson - Henry VIIICandace Fleming - Katharine of Aragon, wife #1Stephanie Hemphill - Anne Boleyn, wife #2Lisa Ann Sandell - Jane Seymour, wife #3Jennifer Donnelly - Anna of Cleves, wife #4Linda Sue Park - Catherine Howard, wife #5Deborah Hopkinson - Kateryn Parr, wife #6 Read more

Haakon, the youngest son of aging Harald Fairhair of Norway, embarks on an extraordinary journey as he's sent to foster under King Aethelstan in the vibrant Anglo-Saxon court.In this foreign land, Haakon flourishes, dazzling lords and peers alike with his exceptional skills in statesmanship, military strategy, and politics. But as whispers from Norway reach him, carrying tidings of King Harald Fairhair's demise, Haakon is faced with a momentous challenge—to return home and challenge his infamous brother, Eirik Bloodaxe, for the Norwegian throne.This pivotal choice thrusts Haakon into an unyielding Northern climate, far from the comforts of King Aethelstan's court. Here, he not only battles external adversaries but also grapples with an internal conflict of faith, as his Christian beliefs clash with ancient Norse traditions.As the first Christian king in a realm of heathen warriors, Haakon's life becomes a relentless struggle, fraught with conflict and combat."Haakon the Good" is the latest installment in the thrilling 'Vikings of Norway' series, offering an enthralling blend of fast-paced action, epic battles, and vividly real characters within the brutal Viking world. Join Haakon on his epic odyssey and discover how a diplomatic and affable warrior fares in the savage Viking landscape. Don't miss out—secure your copy now! Read more

April 2020: the country is deep in the first lockdown as a result of coronavirus. Young people are left rootless, without school or friends and isolated at home. In this enforced alienation a creative writing competition, ‘Generation Lockdown Writes’, was launched for young people from the ages of seven to 17. The only rule was that submissions to the competition had to provide an insight into what life was like for them in lockdown – to open up windows of homes and experiences across the UK. Some of Britain’s finest authors for young people stepped in to judge the ten individual categories, and the entries flooded in. ‘Generation Lockdown Writes’ is the stunning final collection of the winning entries, chosen from over six thousand entries. The beautiful and varied pieces provide a unique insight into what life was really like for young people during this historical moment across Britain. We enter many different worlds, and are given a remarkable insight into the range of emotions that young people felt. From moments of fear to joy, this is a collection of writing that will linger in the memory for a long time. Profits from the sale of this book will be donated to BookTrust Read more

THIS IS THE INCREDIBLE STORY OF AN EX-CON TURNED WORLD-SAVING SUPER HERO.In Look Out for the Little Guy!, Scott Lang shares with the world a bracingly honest account of his struggles and triumphs, from serving time to being a divorced dad to becoming Ant-Man and joining the Avengers.These are stories of epic battles won and lost, as this everyman turned Super Hero finally tells all-from the official account of what really happened between the Avengers and Thanos to how shrinking down to ant size really feels to the challenges of balancing the roles of hero and dad.Across his many adventures big and small, Scott has gathered the wisdom of countless amazing experiences into this, the first memoir from a real-life Avenger. Once you learn the unforgettable details of his epic journey, you won't need to be reminded . . . to look out for the little guy. Read more

Would she ever find a real-life husband? Would she even find a partner to dance with at tonight's ball? She just didn't know. Anna Austen has always been told she must marry rich. Her future depends upon it. While her dear cousin Fanny has a little more choice, she too is under pressure to find a suitor. But how can either girl know what she wants? Is finding love even an option? The only person who seems to have answers is their Aunt Jane. She has never married. In fact, she's perfectly happy, so surely being single can't be such a bad thing? The time will come for each of the Austen girls to become the heroines of their own stories. Will they follow in Jane's footsteps? In this witty, sparkling novel of choices, popular historian LUCY WORSLEY brings alive the delightful life of Jane Austen as you've never seen it before.'Enter the world of Jane Austen, with a cast of characters as you've never seen them before. This delightful coming-of-age story... features strong female characters and a plot that tackles the struggles women faced during the period' - Historic Royal Palace Inside Story Magazine Read more

Роман замечательного советского писателя – прозаика, фантаста, сказочника – Александра Шарова «Смерть и воскрешение А.М. Бутова» ранее не публиковался.Лирический роман-притча, он подводит итог и жизни героя, и жизни его поколения, и жизни страны. Начинаясь с конца – со смерти героя – он уводит нас во времена сталинских «чисток», а затем, через Великую Отечественную войну – к середине 80-х годов. Творчество, любовь, предательство, армейская дружба, семья – все это было в жизни Александра Бутова. Сон, явь и фантастика свернулись в книге
в тугой клубок. Только любовь и творчество, уверен писатель, способны подарить человеку бессмертие, то, которое у него уже никакая сила не посмеет отнять. Осуществиться можно и после смерти, говорит Александр Шаров, и выход новой книги – тому подтверждение. Роман был закончен за несколько дней до внезапной кончины автора, во многом став итогом его писательской биографии. Read more

Crazy Rich Asians meets Gossip Girl by way of Jenny Han in this knock-out debut about a Korean American teen who is thrust into the competitive, technicolor world of K-pop, from Jessica Jung, K-pop legend and former lead singer of one of the most influential K-pop girl groups of all time, Girls Generation.From internationally renowned K-pop legend Jessica Jung comes a fresh YA novel that peels back the curtain on the intense world of K-pop from the perspective of a Korean American girl, like Jessica, who is scouted off the street and thrust into an unknown world of competition, strict training and wild fame. What would you give for a chance to live your dreams? For seventeen-year-old Korean American Rachel Kim, the answer is almost everything. Six years ago, she was recruited by DB Entertainment - one of Seoul’s largest K-pop labels, known for churning out some of the world’s most popular stars. The rules are simple: Train 24/7. Be perfect. Don’t date. Easy right?Not so much. As the dark scandals of an industry bent on controlling and commodifying beautiful girls begin to bubble up, Rachel wonders if she’s strong enough to be a winner, or if she’ll end up crushed . . . Especially when she begins to develop feelings for K-pop star and DB golden boy Jason Lee. It’s not just that he’s charming, sexy and ridiculously talented. He’s also the first person who really understands how badly she wants her star to rise.Get ready as Jessica Jung, K-pop legend and former lead singer of Korea’s most famous girl group, Girls Generation, takes us inside the luxe, hyper-colour world of K-pop, where the stakes are high, but for one girl, the cost of success - and love - might be even higher. It’s time for the world to see: this is what it takes to SHINE. Read more

In this latest installment of her acclaimed Young Royals series, Carolyn Meyer reveals the dizzying rise and horrific downfall of the last queen of France.From the moment she was betrothed to the dauphin of France at age fourteen, perfection was demanded of Marie-Antoinette. Desperate for affection and subjected to constant scrutiny, this spirited young woman can&;t help but want to let loose with elaborate parties, scandalous fashions, and even a forbidden love affair. Meanwhile, the peasants of France are suffering from increasing poverty and becoming outraged. They want to make the queen pay for her reckless extravagance&;with her life.Includes historical notes, an author&;s note, and bibliography Read more

From the authors of the best selling series ‘Viking Ventures’ comes the epic story of Harald Fairhair.The boy who inherited a war and built a kingdom.When King Halvdan the Black dies in 860, he is succeeded by his ten-year-old son, Harald. Immediately, rival kings and jarls unite to take advantage of the weakened state of the new king’s realm, and Harald’s army of 300 men is outnumbered three to one. The boy-king must step out from his father’s shadow and earn the respect of his men.After years of battle, Harald falls in love with Gyda, the daughter of King Eirik of Horthaland. The maiden rejects him and declares she will not give herself to any man unless he is the king of all of Norway. Harald accepts her challenge and vows that he will not cut or comb his hair until he has conquered and united Norway under his rule.At the great naval battle at Hafrsfjord, Harald faces an alliance of rival kings - rallied by Gyda’s father.Fairhair is the story of the boy who set out to be the first king of Norway.In Fairhair you will meet characters known from the Viking Ventures trilogy ('Viking*, 'Outlaw' & 'Free'), such as Ulv, Bjarn, Ragnvald, Julia and Geir Galne. In addition, a whole new cast of both real historical people and fictional characters will make their marks on this thrilling story.Fairhair is fast-paced Viking fiction in the spirit of the Viking Blood and Blade saga by Peter Gibbons, The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell, The Norsemen Saga by James L. Nelson, and Odin's Game by Tim Hodkinson. Read more

Will has four brothers and it's chaos in his house! If he's not being teased by his big brother Marty, he has to deal with the terrible, three-headed bundle of cuteness that is his three younger brothers. Even worse, his mother has the brilliant idea of packing Will and Marty off to the library during the holidays. She just doesn't understand! Not only is the library no fun, it's also the habitat of the legendary librarian Spud Murphy. If you put a foot wrong, it's rumoured she will use her dreaded gas-powered spud gun and you don't want that - just ask Ugly Frank how he got his nickname! Eventually Will and Marty discover a love of books and that Mrs Murphy isn't so bad after all! Read more

End of the Golden Summers is a story about the impact of the 1st WorldWar on an English village, told through a fictionalised memoir. It is the Great War story of Roehampton,then ostensibly a country village on the edge of the London Borough of Wandsworth.The narrative is related via the journals, documents and letters belonging to Sister Kathleen (Kitty) Tully, a retired nun.Kitty is prompted to record her story after an encounter with a group of children from Sacred Heart Catholic Primary - the school she attended as a child.She writes about local events and the lives of local inhabitants, rich and poor.Key storylines involve the experiences of her brother, John, her cousin Tomas, and his greatfriend Reggie. Interspersed amongst the pages of Kitty’s journal are letters written by afriend, Isabella Gascoigne, an ex-pupil of the boarding school, based at the Sacred Heart Convent on Roehampton Lane.Together their stories tell how the war changed their lives and Roehampton.Kitty traces the events of her childhood, remembering what it was like in Roehampton and Putney in the years just beforethe war. She tells us about her family, friends and local figures and their experiences between1910 and 1919. When war breaks out her world, and the world of the people aroundher, is turned upside down. Through her story she tells us about the impact of the establishmentof the amputee convalescent hospital at Roehampton House (now Queen Mary's Hospital); the impacts of shell shock; and the coming of the Spanish flu epidemic.Kitty recounts the experiences of local men on the Western Front and keeps a “roll of honour” of those who died.She feels her story is a memorial to the dead of Roehampton. End of the Golden Summers is a fictionalised memoir that tells a story of local history created around the lives of real people and real events. Read more

Do you know a young Swiftie who loves Taylor Swift and all the fun that comes with being part of her magical world? This activity book is packed with exciting challenges, games, and puzzles inspired by Taylor’s incredible journey, her music, and her iconic eras!From finishing her most famous lyrics to decoding songs through emojis, this book offers hours of interactive fun for fans who want to connect with Taylor in new and creative ways. Whether solving a word grid or testing your Taylor trivia, young readers will love diving into this ultimate Swiftie adventure.A Perfect Gift for Taylor Swift Fans of All Ages!Filled with fun activities, clever challenges, and artistic inspiration, this book is a must-have for anyone who loves Taylor’s music and creativity. Young Swifties will explore her lyrics, uncover fun facts, and discover a world of inspiration through every game.Inside this book, you’ll find:Quizzes – Test your knowledge of Taylor’s life, music, and iconic moments.Word Grids – Solve Taylor-inspired themes to challenge your mind.Emoji Quizzes – Decode her famous songs using fun symbols.Spot the Lie – Uncover truths and surprises about Taylor’s career.Lyric Uncovered – Connect with Taylor’s poetic side through unique activities.Finish the Lyric – Celebrate your favorite Taylor hits in this fun challenge.Creative Artwork Prompts – Draw inspiration from Taylor’s style, songs, and album eras.Whether you’re a casual listener or a dedicated fan, this book is full of laughter, creativity, and Swiftie fun that celebrates Taylor’s unique magic. Perfect for quiet afternoons, Swiftie parties, or just because—get ready to immerse yourself in all things Taylor! Read more