Time for a middle grade book review … and how could I not be drawn to this absolutely stunning cover? I’d put the poster up in my room any day!

Voluntary alien abduction is an extreme running away from home scenario. It’s written as a series of emails, so gives a narrow first person perspective – this has pros and cons as I actually had sympathy for the single mum. Esme veers between sulky teenager, well-meaning friend, and naive child – I won’t say she reminds me of any of my nieces! I’d have liked more insights into the problems at home to support her decision to leave, but once she starts school in Kratos the story kicks into gear and from then on I raced through it.

Several themes are raised in the story. Family and friendship, regardless of background,  is central to the story. Animal rights are also cleverly explored. Serious environmental threads on global warming/ cooling and mining/ diminishing natural resources were hinted at and I really hoped they were going to be developed further.

Overall, it’s a fun read for the younger end of middle grade (7-9) raising some good topics for further discussion in an accessible way.

Giveaway – Win 2 x #galaxygirl Mugs and a signed copy of #galaxygirl (UK Only)

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

I really want these mugs!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494167/?

Blurb

You hate school. Your family is beyond annoying. Your only friend comes from a different planet, and she’s about to leave.

What’s a girl to do?

Fed up with life on Earth, Esme stows away on the spaceship taking Stella back to Planet Kratos.

So begins Esme’s adventure into a world beyond the stars. A world of strange creatures, thrilling journeys, heroic rescues and instant fame.

Oh, and school. Lots of school.

Along the way she discovers that friends may be greener on the other side, but they still can’t be trusted.

Millions and billions of light years away from Earth, she sets in motion a plan to escape. Unfortunately for her, they aren’t about to let their prize exhibit leave anytime soon…

Purchase Links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/galaxygirl-Bev-Smith/dp/1999311507

US – https://www.amazon.com/galaxygirl-Bev-Smith/dp/1999311507

Author Bio

Bev Smith has been a secondary school teacher, saleswoman, waitress, wages clerk, youth worker and holiday park entertainments manager. She has scuba dived the Barrier Reef, lived in a village in Namibia, worked for a charity in Thailand, flown over Victoria Falls and paddled in the sea at Bournemouth.

Having single-parented her three daughters, she’s been ferociously playing catch up with this writing lark.  She recently completed a Masters in Writing for Children at Winchester University. #galaxygirl is her debut middle-grade book.

Social Media Links

https://twitter.com/BevSmith612

https://www.facebook.com/bevbooks/