2020 was a brilliant year for books and it looks like 2021 is going to be another bumper year. I recently asked on #SundayMorningBookBlether what books people were looking forward to this year and there are so many fantastic looking books coming out in the next few months! So I've decided to share some of the ones I am most looking forward to. There is a link to the Twitter thread and a Wakelet at the bottom of this post which shares the lists of books that everyone who responded mentioned.
There are plenty more books I am looking forward to so I also plan to do a part 2 to this blog and list some more of the fabulous books coming out this year.
The list that follows is just a selection of the books I am looking forward to reading this year and are presented in no particular order. Where I have been able I have provided pictures of the covers and links to pre order the books in case anyone else wants to get hold of them as well.
Out January 7th 2021. I'm so excited about this, I love Christopher Edge's books, he's one of my favourite MG authors. The Infinite Lives of Maisie Day and the Longest Night of Charlie Noon are two of the best books out there for Y5/6 in my opinion. Christopher manages to write clever books, full of science that are also full of adventure and mystery and have real heart to them. He's such a skilful writer.
Here's a description of Space Oddity:
Science and laughs combine in this out-of-this-world adventure, featuring illustrations by Ben Mantle!
You might think that this story is going to be an intergalactic adventure filled with UFOs, black holes, killer robots and some very foul-smelling aliens. And you'd be right. But it's mostly about a boy called Jake, his embarrassing dad, and the mind-boggling question . . . are we really alone in the universe?
Released 4th February 2021
This is the third book in the pinch of magic series about the Widdershins sisters. If you haven't read the first two books I can highly recommend them. I can't wait to see what is in store for them in this book. All 3 sisters are such brilliant characters, each different and all compelling.
Here is a review from @karen_wallee: A Tangle of Spells
Here's a description: From the bestselling author of A PINCH OF MAGIC and A SPRINKLE OF SORCERY comes a thrilling story of sisters, spells and witches.
Everyone knows that magic and trouble go hand in hand...
A dangerous spell cast over an unsuspecting village.
An enchanted painting locked in a hidden room.
A desperate race against time to break the spell before it's too late...
It should have been a fresh start for the Widdershins. Finally free from the misty gloom of Crowstone and beginning a new life. But all is not as it seems in their postcard-pretty village. Their neighbours are acting strangely, and why do they flinch at the mere mention of magic?
The Widdershins sisters have their own secret: a set of enchanted nesting dolls with the power to render their user invisible. The sisters must use their wits - and their magic - if they're to break the dark hold over the village, and save one of their own . . . but have they met their match this time?
Released 21st January 2021
I have to admit I didn't know much about this book but when Scott Evans @MrEPrimary and Sophie Anderson (one of my favourite writers) started raving about it, it caught my attention.
Here's a description of the book: "Sharp, funny and brightly imaginative - a big adventure filled with magic and heart" - Jessica Townsend, New York Times bestselling author of the Nevermoor series
"Amari is magical" - Angie Thomas, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Hate U Give
An epic middle grade supernatural adventure series, soon to be a major movie starring Marsai Martin. Perfect for readers aged 8+ and fans of Percy Jackson, Nevermoor and Men in Black!
Amari Peters knows three things.
Her big brother Quinton has gone missing. No one will talk about it. His mysterious job holds the secret ...
So when Amari gets an invitation to the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, she's certain this is her chance to find Quinton. But first she has to get her head around the new world of the Bureau, where mermaids, aliens and magicians are real , and her roommate is a weredragon.
Amari must compete against kids who've known about the supernatural world their whole lives, and when each trainee is awarded a special supernatural talent, Amari is given an illegal talent - one that the Bureau views as dangerous.
With an evil magician threatening the whole supernatural world, and her own classmates thinking she is the enemy, Amari has never felt more alone. But if she doesn't pass the three tryouts, she may never find out what happened to Quinton ...
Released 4th March 2021
A Kind of Spark, Elle's debut novel came out in 2020 and it was one of the books of the year. In fact, I think it is one of those books that should be in every school, it is that good. It's really good to see Neurodivergent characters represented in books authentically, particularly when they are written by Neurodivergant writers. So admittedly I didn't know anything about this new book but I was excited anyway because I think Elle is such a fantastic writer. I can't wait to read 'Show Us Who You Are.'
Here is a description: The second book from the author of A Kind Of Spark, with Neurodivergent characters you'll root for and a moving friendship at its heart. When Cora's brother drags her along to his boss's house, she doesn't expect to strike up a friendship with Adrien, son of the intimidating CEO of Pomegranate Technologies. As she becomes part of Adrien's life, she is also drawn into the mysterious projects at Pomegranate. At first, she's intrigued by them - Pomegranate is using AI to recreate real people in hologram form. As she digs deeper, however, she uncovers darker secrets... Cora knows she must unravel their plans, but can she fight to make her voice heard, whilst never losing sight of herself?
Released 20th May 2021
Just look at that cover, isn't it gorgeous?
Crater Lake was one of the best books of 2020. At the moment it is one of the most popular books in my classroom and has a long waiting list to get hold of it. The first Crater Lake book had an 80's horror movie vibe with shades of The Goonies. As someone who grew up in the 80's this was a dream, so when I heard there was going to be a sequel, I got very excited (there may have been some yells of delight involved). Can't wait to read this.
Here is a description: It's five months since the nightmare Year Six School trip to Crater Lake, and something has gone very wrong in Lance's home town of Straybridge. There's been an explosion at the University, a mysterious test creature is missing and no one is allowed in or out of the town. On top of this Lance has lost touch with his friends since starting at his new school. And now his mum has been acting strangely since they started decorating the Christmas tree... As he goes door to door trying to reunite his team, Lance realises how bad things have got. Now he, Katja, Max, Chets and Ade, plus new friend Karim, must think bigger and bolder if they are to save their families. But there's something else out there too - something straight out of their nightmares...
Released 4th March 2021
Orphans of the Tide was my favourite book from 2020 and lots of people agreed with me. It was voted the most popular book in the end of year #BookBlether Awards. I'm not sure where to begin with this book-it is just so good. A dark fantasy in a flooded world where 'the enemy' lurks and all the gods are dead. It has one of the best opening chapters of any book. Ever. So knowing there is a sequel is extremely exciting (and yes there were more yells of delight, well, ahem, they may actually have been squeals but you know...it's exciting)
Here is a description: Ellie and Seth's breathtaking magical adventure continues in the sequel to the much-loved Orphans of the Tide.
After defeating the Enemy and escaping the Inquisition, Ellie and Seth have fled the City and crossed the endless ocean in search of peace and the truth about Seth's lost memories.
Arriving on the shores of a colourful tropical island ruled by a mysterious queen, it seems their hardships may be behind them. But there is trouble brewing in paradise, and soon Ellie and Seth find themselves caught up in a dangerous struggle for power - and forced to confront terrible truths from the past . . .
Released 27th May 2021
Ok, so I'll admit it, although there is no particular order to this list, this is my number 1. I am looking forward to this book more than any other. The Skylarks' War is simply one of the best books ever writter, not just best children's books but best book for any age range. I love it so much. This has got to be the most anticipated sequel around, not just for me, but for anyone who has read and loved The Skylarks' War.
Here's a description: From the Costa Award-winning author of The Skylarks' War, a moving WWII story of family and friendship on opposite sides of a devastating conflict.
Four ordinary lives connected by extraordinary circumstances, Hilary McKay's stunning companion novel to the Costa Award-winning The Skylarks' War features the next generation of characters as they move from childhood to the threshold of adulthood amid the chaos and conflict of the Second World War.
Erik and Hans admire swallows over the rooftops of Berlin, little thinking that one day they will be flying above England, risking their lives in a war they both detest.
Ruby and Kate, great friends despite their differences, find themselves racing towards a danger that neither of them could possibly have imagined.
Meanwhile Rupert and Clarry work secretly for peace - and a brighter future for them all ...
Released 4th March 2021
This is the final book in the Storm Keepers' Island trilogy. It's a great series of books, full of really creative magic and adventure and a hero who is humble and self doubting. If you haven't read the earlier books I can highly recommend them.
Here's a description: Fionn Boyle, Storm Keeper of Arranmore, is facing the fight of his life. The terrifying all- powerful sorceress Morrigan has been raised from the dead and has sealed off the island from all help. Fionn is the only thing that stands between her and a dark future. He's got to find a way to defeat her. But there are some terrible choices in store for Fionn as the dark sorcerer begins to take his nearest and dearest for her own. With only two candles left to burn, will Fionn master his powers in time to stop her?
Darwin's Dragons by Lindsay Galvin
Released 7th January 2021.
Another beautiful cover. This book was due to be released last year but it got delayed. I just love the sound of it and it's published by Chicken House books who always produce fantastic books.
Here's a description: How to Train Your Dragon meets Robinson Crusoe in this high-flying dragon adventure from Lindsay Galvin! 'A striking and original adventure ... just the sort of story I love.' EMMA CARROLL 'WHAT a voyage! [Darwin's Dragons] is everything you hope it will be ...' LUCY STRANGE Syms Covington has landed the job of a lifetime - cabin boy and fiddler on Charles Darwin's Beagle. But when he is separated from the crew during a storm, his life takes a truly extraordinary turn. Shipwrecked on a Galapagos island, he makes a discovery that could change the world - and make his fortune. But should he share his find, or will it lead to the extinction of a legendary species? There's one person who could help, but he's busy writing a book ...
Released 8th July 2021
The cover hasn't been released for this one yet but I just had to share the book because A. M. Howell is one of my favourite writers. She has written two of the best historical mystery stories of recent years, the Garden of Lost Secrets and the House of One Hundred Clocks (both ranked in the top 5 in the Hidden Gems category of the #BookBlether Awards
Here's a description: From the award-winning author of The Garden of Lost Secrets and The House of One Hundred Clocks, A.M. Howell, comes a gripping new adventure filled with buried secrets and dark lies, set against the evocative backdrop of the Edwardian era. MAY, 1910. As the blazing Halley's comet draws close to the earth, Nancy is uprooted to start a new life in Suffolk with a grandfather she has never met. With every curtain drawn shut, Nancy is forbidden from leaving her grandfather's house: no one must know that her or her mother are there. Yet, when Nancy discovers the house's secret observatory, she watches her mother and grandfather creep out every night... Where are they going? And why mustn't any of them be seen? As the mysteries pile up, Nancy has to bring dark secrets from the past to light - even if doing so will put her own life at risk.
So that's the first 10 books in my list. I will add the rest in another post. I'd be really interested to know what books you are looking forward to this year. Let me know on Twitter, I'm always happy to talk about books!
Here is the Wakelet with all of the books that people mentioned on #SundayMorningBookBlether (You can link directly to the twitter feed from here as well if you want).