Recommended Reads
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The Journey of Kyle in the House of Azza
In the heart of Darfur, amidst the tumult of Elfasher, lies the House of Azza, a beacon of resilience and wisdom passed down through generations. This gripping narrative unfolds the story of Kyle, a survivor of the Baghdad bombing, whose journey of self-discovery leads him to the doorstep of Madam Azza’s legendary home. As Kyle navigates the complexities of love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness, the House of Azza stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who call it home.
Through the intertwining lives of its inhabitants, The Journey of Kyle in the House of Azza explores themes of love, power, and redemption, set against the backdrop of a community struggling to find peace amidst chaos. Madam Azza, with her iron will and compassionate heart, guides Kyle and others to confront their pasts and embrace their futures with courage and grace. As Kyle’s story intertwines with the house’s legacy, readers are taken on a transformative journey that challenges the very notions of home and identity. More than just a tale of survival, it is a celebration of the human capacity to heal, to connect, and to find beauty in the midst of adversity. This captivating book invites you to explore the depths of human resilience and the power of a place to change lives forever.
£7.99 -
Clement the Famous, Flamboyant Chameleon
A small and cheeky chameleon loves to express himself through marvellous and fantastical patterns. This quickly lands him in trouble. How will he manage to escape?
Will he be able to find his way back home?
A glorious adventure story full of wonder and fun!
£11.99 -
Big Brother, Little Brother
“If you get a little brother, you won’t want another.”
But is it really that bad?
This humorous rhyming story for young children explores what it’s like to become a big brother when a little brother arrives on the scene. As the younger sibling grows and changes, the story delves into the ups and downs, encouraging kids to talk about their own experiences with a new sibling and the mixed emotions that can come with it. Ultimately, it shows that despite the challenges, a new and positive relationship can blossom.
£9.99 -
The Birthday Present
Join Tameem and his brother Khalifa on an unforgettable adventure through the bustling city, as they embark on a journey like no other.
On Tameem’s fifth birthday, a beautiful present transports them into a world where they encounter challenges, learn valuable lessons about resilience and discover the true meaning of brotherhood.
This captivating picture book weaves a heartfelt tale that gently introduces young readers to the complexities of war.
£9.99 -
Words of Wonder
Delve into the evocative verses of Words of Wonder, a poetry collection by Kayla Pollard that explores the breadth of human experience. Through a poignant blend of personal reflection and universal themes, Pollard’s work navigates the delicate threads of love, loss, and resilience. Each poem serves as a mirror to the soul, capturing moments of vulnerability and strength in equal measure. From the heartache of saying goodbye to the unspoken bonds of friendship, this collection is a tribute to the beauty and pain that shape our lives.
£5.99 -
Lovers and Friends
Nelly thinks that Oliver is egotistical and selfish, albeit irritatingly attractive. Oliver associates Nelly with words like ‘sensible’ and ‘academic’, and can’t understand why his flighty, wonderful sister, India, is suddenly so attached to her. On their first meeting, Nelly and Oliver would never have assumed that they would be anything more than casual acquaintances. Little do they know that they have both just met the person that will one day know them better than anyone else in the world.
The next ten years follow Nelly and Oliver as they navigate love, friendship, and everything in between. Constantly pushed together and pulled apart again by their respective relationships with India, Nelly and Oliver’s connection makes sense to them and only to them. Until it no longer does. But when a tragic event throws both of their worlds into turmoil, Nelly and Oliver are forced to face up to what they really mean to each other, and what they are willing to risk for that.
£12.99 -
Memoir of a Nobody
In 1980, sixteen-year-old Molly and her mother move to a new town, triggering her mum’s already fragile mental health to spiral out of control. Strangers in a strange place, the townspeople do their best to help, but the challenges run deep.
Molly’s parents had separated when she was five, leaving her older brother, David, as their mum’s primary carer. Both siblings endured bullying at school, while weekends were spent working alongside their mother – often unpaid. The routine involved travelling to distant towns, working through the day, followed by wining and dining in the evening, and then sleeping in the car. Early the next morning, the cycle would repeat, with David and Molly bearing the brunt of their mother’s erratic moods.
David, rebellious and worn down, eventually left home, leaving nine-year-old Molly to become her mother’s sole carer. Now, she must face the daunting task of managing her mother’s instability alone. How will Molly cope with the weight of her new responsibilities? Will she and her mum receive the help they so desperately need? And what role will her absent father play in their lives?
This deeply personal and poignant true story recounts Molly’s highly unusual and challenging early life, offering a raw and moving glimpse into resilience and survival.
£7.99 -
Jeremy the Jet Ski - An Awfully Big Adventure
Jeremy is a wannabe freestyle champion, a wannabe top racer, a wannabe everything in the jet ski world he dreams of, but he struggles because he’s still very young.
He lives in Merry Harbour which leads out into the Blue Lagoon. This is where he plays and practices with all of his friends.
£7.99 -
Narrative Reflections – Book 2
Narrative Reflections Book 2 is Rosemary’s second published poetry book and represents her vivacity as she continues her life’s journey.
This book’s theme relates to life in general, the natural environment, family, emotions, and a modest amount of humour – just for fun!
£12.99 -
Beauty in an Imperfect World
This book seeks to explore the intricacies that make up human relationships. From love to friendship, from power and greed to poverty, the poems aim to open our hearts and minds to the tender mercies and thoughts within each of us that can lead to rich and rewarding connections, if only we can find the courage and take the time to reflect on ourselves and our societies at large.
£6.99 -
The Lonesome Clown
Set against the vast, open landscapes of Wyoming, USA – known as big sky country – this book immerses you in the true spirit of the Midwestern United States. Experience the thrill of rodeo competitions, the rugged charm of cowboys, and the daring exploits of con artists.
Journey through the history of early settlers who braved the frontier to build their homes, and explore the intricate tales of love and marriage. Confront the relentless forces of nature, including deadly tornadoes that ravage the land.
At the heart of the story is the life of a rodeo clown, bringing attention to the bravery and dedication of these remarkable men and women. Though the characters are fictional, their stories resonate with authenticity, capturing the essence of real-life experiences.
£11.99 -
The Highwayman and Don Quixote
When my grandmother insisted that the Hetheringtons were descended from a long line of highwaymen who operated in the north of England, I was never quite sure if it was true or merely a product of her vivid imagination. Intrigued by this family legend, I embarked on a journey of discovery, scouring the Internet for any traces of our alleged criminal ancestors.
To my surprise, I stumbled upon the records of William Surtees Hetherington, an ex-miner from Newcastle who served in the Royal Navy before turning to a life of crime. His story took a tragic turn when he was executed for highway robbery in 1821. Could this be the forebear my grandmother spoke of? As I delved deeper into the archives, I uncovered a wealth of historical material that brought William’s tale to life.
A local publisher and campaigner against the death penalty for robbery had written a pamphlet containing first-hand accounts of William Hetherington’s trial and execution. Contemporaneous articles from local newspapers and magazines further enriched the narrative, providing a vivid backdrop for my novel and the basis for the judicial process that sealed William’s fate.
From this point on, I allowed my imagination to take flight. I portrayed William as a dreamer, a trait that seemed to run in our family, and envisioned him acquiring a copy of Don Quixote from a Spanish sailor during his time in the Navy. As a long-time devotee of this classic work, I wove many of its episodes into my description of William’s descent into dreams and hallucinations as he vainly attempted to assuage his guilt over the robberies he and his partner John Wilkinson committed.
Part historical fiction, part family mystery, this novel is a captivating exploration of one man’s struggle against his own demons and the harsh realities of 19th-century justice.
£9.99