Author:Susie Day
When Pea Llewellyn's dizzy but dazzling single mum becomes Marina Cove, author of the bestselling Mermaid Girls books, everything changes. It's time to leave their tiny flat in Tenby for a proper house in London, and a whole new life.
Pea likes the red front door, and the attic bedroom all to herself. She even likes her hideous new school uniform, in a masochistic Malory Towers sort of way. But there's an empty chair beside her in every lesson, and no one seems to want to fill it. In the absence of volunteers, Pea is going to have to acquire herself a best friend . . .
If you love Jacqueline Wilson and Cathy Cassidy, you'll love this gigglesome tale. A story about making friends, quirky families and new schools.
—— Go GirlThe first in the Pea series is a modern classic in the making, with stunning characters, really engaging prose, and a lovely plot. Massively recommended!
—— The BookbagPraise for Cathy's books: Touching, tender and unforgettable.
—— The GuardianThe most hotly anticipated children's book of the year is here - Diary of a Wimpy Kid
—— The Big IssueA cracking thriller which had me seriously worried our hero might not survive the story . . . A fantastic read for 13- to 16-year-olds, I've also got some staff who would enjoy this for a bit of 'R and R'
—— Rachel Ayres Nelson , The School LibrarianThe story is mad and fantastical and I loved it . . . It has literally everything I love in a good book - mystery, action, adventure, genuinely engaging characters and without knowing it, I've learned stuff . . . teachers will have a field day getting kids to read this. We'll have a new generation of mad scientists on our hands. Wait, maybe I shouldn't say that?
—— Liz , myfavouritebooks blogA gripping and wholly enjoyable debut . . . I’m greatly anticipating the sequel
—— Daily RecordIt's worth noting that ITCH is clearly the result of a man driven by a passion for his story, rather than a desire to be published. It's a genuinely thrilling and original adventure, with added sciency geek-chic . . . a great read and certainly worthy of its ISBN
—— Helen Mulley , Teach PrimaryMayo balances the high-stakes plot and serious reality of radiation posioning with an underlying absurdity, particularly the over-the-top nastiness of Flowerdew and his compatriots. It's n action-packed adventure with some chuckle-worthy moments, appealing protagonists, and a premise derived from plausible scientific theory. Readers will never look at common household objects in the same way again.
—— Publishers Weekly , Publishers WeeklyA young boy who has a fiery curiousity and a love for the periodic table. A mad scientist bent on personal gain, no matter what the consequences to the planet. A new susbstance that pops up from deep beneath the Earth's crust, just in time to save the world—or destroy it. All these elements (pardon the pun) are what make Simon Mayo's debut novel, Itch a compelling, action-packed read.
The characters in the book are relatable and memorable. Itch and Jack, although smart and fun, are often bullied by classmates who don't understand their dinisterest in soccer (or in Itch's case, surfing). Anyone who is fascinated with science, particularly biocehmistry, will love the way the elements are intertwined in the plot. The book also has a strong environmental message, making the reader think about the consequences even the smallest decisions they make impact the planet.
Chock-full of science, a strong young hero, and a plot that's a roller coaster of danger, Itch is a definite must-read for geeks everywhere.
Truly brilliant and unforgettable
—— Fiction FascinationThis book is like nothing else I have ever read . . . An excellent YA read
—— The Overflowing LibraryA real page turner
—— BlissChambers delivers yet another intellectually satisfying novel with equal parts philosophy and repartee
—— The Horn BookA feelgood and story that quietly challenges a whole range of touchy subjects and social taboo
—— Sugarscape