Peters' Books of the Week

I wasn't expecting to be so impressed with this book but the way the story builds and the characters develop is brilliant. The slow reveal of what happened with Stella's past boyfriend and how she processes that experience is done with real sensitivity. It tackles serious subjects but has come lovely humourous moments and highlights how vital strong friendships can be. There are moments when Stella is brought down by the girls around her and others where she is empowered and supported by the females in her life. I love that the girl everyone wants to be/to befriend in the school is a bigger girl and that throughout the book you get the sense that she (and all her admirers) loves her shape. Stella grows as the story unfolds and her perceptions really change, allowing the reader to also see that the most popular girl has to face everyone's judgements about her body or that the flirtatious jock might struggle with everyone assuming he's shallow.

Reviewed by Nikki Gray on 7th October 2026

MORE INFO

As well as being just a brilliant story with fairytale characters and loads to look at on each page (there are some delightful illustrative, clever details), this title does contain another layer and the troll could easily be seen as symbolic for 'trolling' and the fallout effects that that can have. It is all expertly incorporated, delivered and packaged within Gravett's unique style. 

Reviewed by Michaela Owen on 7th October 2026

MORE INFO

What a gift we have in this considerered and powerful book. Zephaniah's poem is deceptively simple but contains within it many layers, and the exceptional illustrations help create an immersive and thought-provoking read. We cover the past, present and also our future and how we can support and nurture planet earth through rewilding. Suitable for everyone children and adults.

Reviewed by Michaela Owen on 30th September 2026

MORE INFO

What starts off with the feel of a horror story or thriller gradually turns into a cleverly spun out and very believable tale of the things young people feel forced to hide, and the result when the pressure finally gets too much. Intelligent and well researched writing carries off the surprising resolution well, and the characters and their reactions feel real and sympathetic. An absorbing read that would be wonderful for discussion.

Reviewed by Lucy Forrester on 23rd September 2026

MORE INFO

A whistle-stop tour of the grisly, glorious, and ingeniously inventive history of medicine, all the way from the ancient world right up to the twenty-first century. 

This is great!  The layout is appealing, it's a mix of illustrations and photos and bite size text.  The information is fascinating and sometimes funny.  A great browser and good for topics as well.

Reviewed by Emma McElwee on 16th September 2026

MORE INFO

This was a novel I enjoyed devouring from start to finish, and although I really wanted to know how it all ended, I really didn't want to have to leave the world Hardinge had created. For fantasy fans, Hardinge's writing is just a joy. Her world building believable, her characters well developed. Minor characters don't feel like they're just there to move the hero's journey along. They all feel like real people with their own things going on. I highly recommend this for KS3 readers but it would also be fine for gifted and talented top KS2 readers as well.

Reviewed by Debbie Bradley on 10th September 2026

MORE INFO

An interesting premise and an enjoyable read. The main characters are relatable and funny, even through tough times. It's very readable and deals well with teen angst, and Theo's knowledge of how long a friendship will last gives it an edge. Seeing the number of days that he will know a person in their eyes is an intriguing plot point and certainly invites discussion.  It covers themes of grief, anxiety, awkwardness, first dates and relationships.  A sweet romance. Great!

Reviewed by Emma McElwee on 2nd September 2026

MORE INFO

A fantastic take on cosmic horror, with scenes of ordinary life dotted with existential threats from beyond reality, and creepy little details packed into both the text and illustrations. The addition of comic strips and advertisements mixed in among the short stories add depth and a sense of foreboding, and the links between the stories are wonderful to unravel. Eerie, vivid, and very well thought out.

Reviewed by Lucy Forrester on 2nd September 2026

MORE INFO

This is the second pic book by Desmond, her first being 'A Believer's Guide to Unicorns'. Even though this title follows in a similar format as Unicorns, the way that the illustrations and the story captures the imagination about Dragons (where they live and what they get up to) is done brilliantly. A popular theme and a lovely read.

Reviewed by Michaela Owen on 19th August 2026

MORE INFO

Given what is happening in the world today, this is a relevant and timely story that is set in an unknown city in an unknown country. A powerful read accompanied by stunning graphics. 

Reviewed by Michaela Owen on 19th August 2026

MORE INFO

Everyone's heard of the Grim. They say it has terrifying talons and fiendish fangs. They say it likes to eat children up in one grizzly bite. They say, where the waves beat the caves on the beach, you might spot a den, hidden far out of reach... But when, one fateful night, a child finally meets the Grim, they realise that not everything is as it seems...

This is a sweet and funny tale of the unexpected, with fabulously detailed illustrations. Would be great for reading aloud or sharing one and one. Buy plenty. 

Reviewed by Peters team on 12th August 2026

MORE INFO

The text and illustrations work beautifully together to create a story that is lyrical and moving, with a powerful ending that is likely to stay with you. It's fascinating watching Thorn see herself at different points in her life and realise how her relationships and perspectives have shifted. Some of the content, while not graphic, is quite hard hitting for a younger teen audience but the difficult scenes are handled with sensitivity and could provoke lots of discussion.

Reviewed by Nikki Gray on 5th August 2026

MORE INFO

Mum and Dad are trying to get little bunnies Jackson and Harley ready to leave the house, but the brothers have different ideas. After superhero playtime, breakfast mishaps, wardrobe dilemmas and toothpaste trouble, will they finally be ready?

A warm, funny tale that will resonate with parents and children alike, this story is brought to life by the lovely expressive illustrations. The bunnies and their shenanigans would read aloud well and little ones will enjoy spotting all the details in the pictures. A great read.

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 29th July 2026

MORE INFO

American teenager Morgan Taylor finds herself in a sleepy Devon seaside town over summer, as she tries to escape the aftermath of the horrific house fire (and death of her beloved horse) that she can't remember. With suspicions hanging over her about Morgan starting the fire, she has plenty to hide. But meeting surfer boy Cal Heyward and traumatised horse Night Dancer lets her open up and discover the truth.

With a beautiful summery setting and strong, believable characters, this is a fantastic holiday read. The sweet, slow-burn romance between Morgan and Cal, coupled with the mystery of who actually started the fire that so affected Morgan, blend together seamlessly to create a compelling tale. The latter part of the book, in which Morgan takes on a epic 100-mile ride, is real edge-of-your-seat stuff that horse fans will adore. Great for anyone who loves horses, but this is also broad enough it can be enjoyed by fans of action, adventure and romance too. 

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 22nd July 2026

MORE INFO

Fast paced Sci-fi adventure with lots of action, suspense and clever twists along the way.  An exciting and engaging read that explores themes of technology, trust, friendship and family.  It's gripping pace and tech-filled adventure are likely to appeal to a wide audience including a reluctant reader, particularly those who enjoy action packed stories with AI and technology at the heart.

Reviewed by Stephanie Preece on 15th July 2026

MORE INFO