Category Archives: Book reviews by Lexi

Reviews by Lexi Rees of a wide range of newly released children’s books.

I want to discuss this book with you!

We often tell kids how important it is to read books that open up new worlds—stories that reflect different lives, voices, and experiences. My absolute top pick so far this year is We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo (please read this!), and I enjoyed The Hair Dare by Faith Knight (see my interview with the author here). But I believe if we want young readers to explore beyond the familiar, we’ve got to lead the way. Plus of course reading diversely isn’t just good for children—it’s good for all of us. So although my blog usually focuses on kids books, every now and then I sneak in a grown up book. This is one of these times.

As well as being by a black author, The Marriage Monitoring Aunties Association by Ola Awonubi is also the first book positioned as a Christian read that I’ve picked up. I’m not particularly religious myself, so I wasn’t sure what to expect when a book has a faith-based back story but it is naturally woven into the themes about family and Nigerian culture. And the main character is older – what a treat to not be reading a romcom with a 30-year-old lead!

I remember being deeply frustrated by Tess of the d’Urbervilles which I read for one of my A-level English texts as she was so passive to “fate”, and I feel that the family pressures here are sort of similar in a way – actually I really want to debate this with my bookish buddies as I suspect it will split opinions, and it’s certainly not an obvious comparison. This need to discuss is the mark of a great book to my mind!

So what did I think? It’s interesting, well written, great characters, and thought provoking, and here is a competition (UK only) to win a copy for yourself. Good luck!

Giveaway to Win a Paperback copy of The Marriage Monitoring Aunties Association (Open to UK only)

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter link 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 Rachel’s Random Resources reserves 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 Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494619/?

Blurb

Friendships – fantastic. Family – getting better. Career – promotion on the cards.

Romance – *seriously delayed*

Sade Sodipo is ready to meet ‘the one’ and finally fulfil the Nigerian Dream. So far God hasn’t performed that little miracle quite yet, but it’ll happen this year for sure. Especially if her mother, two best friends, younger sister and all those in the unofficial Marriage Monitoring Aunties Association, have anything to say about it.

She might love her job, have great friends, and even own her own home, but according to the meddling aunties, this is why she’s still single at 50. Not wanting to turn into a bitter aunty herself, Sade knows it’s time to get serious, but the options aren’t looking great – zero potential at church, work or in her social life.

What if her prayers for the perfect man have got lost? Or maybe Sade’s happy-ever-after is right on time…

Author Bio

Ola Awonubi is an award-winning author, creative writing tutor, and speaker, known for her compelling storytelling that bridges cultures and histories. Born in London to Nigerian parents, she spent part of her childhood in Nigeria before returning to the UK, where she pursued her passion for writing.

At the age of 40, Ola rekindled her dream of becoming a writer and earned an MA in Creative Writing from the University of East London. Her talent quickly gained recognition—her short story The Pink House won first prize in the National Words of Colour competition (2008), and The Go-Slow Journey secured first prize in the fiction category of Queen Mary Wasafiri’s New Writing Prize (2009). She was also honored with the Best Author CA Award (2019).

Ola has authored eight books, including Love’s Persuasion, Love Me Unconditionally, and the anthology Naija Love Stories. Her historical fiction novel, A Nurse’s Tale, published by One More Chapter Books (HarperCollins) in July 2023, became a bestseller in Canada, earning a spot on The Globe and Mail’s historical fiction chart. It was also recognized by the Brown Girl Collective as a favorite historical fiction book of 2024.

Her upcoming romantic comedy, The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association, is set for release in Summer 2025, as part of a two-book deal. She is also working on a Jane Austen adaptation set in Lagos, currently under consideration by publishers and agents.

Beyond her writing, Ola is a creative writing tutor and speaker, sharing her expertise at prestigious events such as the Black British Book Festival, Meet-Cute Romance Festival, and London Festival of Writing. She will also be speaking at The London Writers Festival, Jericho Writers Conference, inspiring aspiring authors with her insights on storytelling, publishing, and book marketing.

Ola’s work has been featured in Afreada, Brittle Paper, Story Time, Woven Tale Press, and NaijaStories.com, with over 15 short stories published across various literary platforms.

Through her Substack newsletter, “The Resilient Writer,” she provides actionable writing guidance, digital resources, and industry insights, helping fellow creatives refine their craft and build their author brands.

Can you be harassed by a chicken?

True story. My dad used to work in wildlife conservation and was once called out because a man was being harassed by a pigeon. It would wait for the poor chap to come out of his house and then start attacking his head. He had to wear a hat. It would even follow him in the car and attack him again when he got out at the end of his journey. On that basis, Thomas Tucker (or just Tucker to everyone who knows him) being picked on by a chicken is entirely plausible. And if you have a chicken (or pigeon) on your head, you might very well fall down a hole. So Tucker’s Time Machine Telescope is practically a true story.

This is the fourth (I think) book by Robin Bennett I’ve reviewed, and I’m always delighted when an invitation to review one pops into my inbox. Like his other books, it’s a snappy fun read. Here is a typical bit that made me smile:

‘the flapping chicken wings in his face meant he couldn’t see the small hole left by workers in the middle of the pavement.

Luckily he missed it.

Unluckily, there was a much larger hole right next to it.’

Cue an eclectic set of adventures for Tucker (and the chicken).

Perfect for independent reading but, since I promise you’ll enjoy it as much as the kids, this would be a great book to read aloud.

Blurb

Thomas Tucker (or just Tucker to everyone who knows him) is walking innocently down the street when he is attacked by a chicken and falls down a hole. Unlikely as it sounds, this is how he ends up finding the Time Machine Telescope.

Unfortunately, Tucker seems to attract chaos and bad luck the same way that someone standing on top of a mountain waving a metal pole will eventually attract lightning and a free Xray.

Can he survive killer robots, Tudor kings, dinosaurs … and Kylo Hens long enough to complete his Time Machine Wish List

  • GET RICH 
  • HAVE FUN! 
  • GET MUM AND DAD TO SPEND LESS TIME ON THEIR MOBILE PHONES

There’s only one way to find out…

About the author

When Robin grew up he thought he wanted to be a cavalry officer until everyone else realised that putting him in charge of a tank was a very bad idea. He then became an assistant gravedigger in London. After that he had a career frantically starting businesses (everything from dog-sitting to cigars, tuition to translation)… until finally settling down to write improbable stories to keep his children from killing each other on long car journeys.

Meet the Superhero Who Hears the World Differently

Since my dad is currently considering a cochlear implant, I was keen to chat to the author, Helen Dunlap Newton, about her new book ‘Careful What You Hear’ which is currently on tour. You can read reviews on these other blogs, or scroll down to hear what the author had to say and a competition (sorry, it’s just for US readers) …

Blurb

After a surgical mix-up gave 13-year-old Noah Baker mind reading powers, he becomes a spy tasked with stopping the bad guys. Ever since he accidentally got an experimental cochlear implant, Noah and his secret agent partner, Lena, have been going on secret missions for the government. Now, they’re in for a reward for all their hard work—Space Camp! But all is not as it seems. When Noah accidentally overhears thoughts that reveal a plot to steal top secret plans from nearby Redstone Arsenal, he must make a choice.

A quick fire chat with the author

1. If you could chose any superpower, what would it be? Flying! I used to have dreams as a kid that I could fly.

2. What would be the worst thought you could imagine overhearing? The worst thoughts would be finding out someone I thought was my friend had terrible thoughts about me.

3. Do you have any personal experience with hearing loss (adults or children) that you drew on? Yes. There was a family in my childhood church. The husband and wife were both deaf but their children could hear. They were precious people and I was fascinated with how they communicated. I also had several students who were deaf and have friends who have cochlear implants.

4. If not, how did you ensure an authentic portrayal of hearing loss? Even with the experiences I described above, I also did extensive research.

5. Did you use/ consider using a sensitivity reader? Yes, I interviewed two people who have cochlear implants. In CAREFUL WHAT YOU HEAR, I introduced a character who is from the Lenape (Delaware) tribe. My husband is part Delaware and I have a friend who is Delaware. All of these people were sensitivity readers of my manuscript.

5. Are there more in the series planned? I am working on the third and final novel in the series. It does not have a title yet.

Giveaway to Win a $15 IndieBound e-gift card (to buy books with) (Open to US Only)*Terms and Conditions –US 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 Rachel’s Random Resources reserves 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 Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494607/?

About the Author

Award-winning author Helen Dunlap Newton is a veteran middle grade language arts teacher and a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Both Night of the Amber Moon and Do You Hear What I Hear? were finalists for the Oklahoma Book Award and received the Creative Women of Oklahoma Award. In addition to writing, she enjoys reading, music, and helping her husband care for backyard chickens and an energetic Australian shepherd in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Fables revisited

There have been a lot of fairy tale retellings over the past few years, but I don’t recall seeing a fable retelling recently and I’m delighted to be invited to review this picture book of the Hare and the Tortoise revived: The Great Race.

The writing has a traditional storyteller feel to it, very similar to the Sussex Folk Takes by Michael O’Leary that I read myself a few years ago where I felt myself sitting around a campfire listening to others sharing tales. Given the volume of text and the writing style, I think this book does lend itself to being read aloud.

There are plenty of learnings woven into the narrative (hares vs rabbits, turtles vs tortoises, solitary animals etc) which is great for sparking discussions, and is done in a fun way.

I was a bit puzzled when I first opened this as there seemed to be random words in different colours and underlined, and I wondered if I’d been sent an unedited proof copy, but then I realised it was a vocab trick highlighting particular words and phrases and then echoing them back in simpler English. Never seen this done before but presumably it’s a tried and tested tool from the authors educator background. So I’m not surprised to see a little test sneak in at the end!

Note: British readers may struggle with some of the phrases – “slowpoke” is used repeatedly, which I googled to double check was the same as “slowcoach” (it is).

Giveaway to Win a $20 Amazon Gift Card and e-copy of The Great Race (Open INT)

The author is running a little competition. You can enter here: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494604/?

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide 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 Rachel’s Random Resources reserves 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 Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

Blurb

Get Ready, Set, Go!

Who will win the race? Slow and steady or fast and reckless? 

The Great Race is the first bedtime story in the delightful Return to Fable Land series – modern day fables with magical animal adventures, humorous fantasy action, and whimsical ‘talking’ characters with attitude and smarts, engage the imagination and stimulate the intellect, empowering children to go for a personal best. Ages 5 +

Author Bio

Sun Chara has collaborated with her brother, writing as Joe Happy-Light, on several children’s books for Return to Fable Land series. With the authors’ collective backgrounds in education, entertainment, medicine, and martial arts, combined with their entrepreneurial spirit, The Great Race, the first modern day fable in the series.

Why every teen should read “The Hair Dare”

I stumbled across The Hair Dare as it was part of a collection also featuring one of my books, and I do like to browse the rest of the collection.

The blurb is below for more details, but in a nutshell, the twins are identical except for their hair (one straight, one Afro), so when one enters a shampoo competition for a brand that only uses straight-haired models, the other enters too but is immediately rejected, so then starts a campaign to raise awareness of the discrimination.

I loved the way it introduces big topics in an accessible way: sibling rivalry, recognising true friends, discrimination, and active campaigning. With those themes, this could easily have become a bitter and angry story, but it isn’t. It’s upbeat and positive. Quite an achievement in itself, plus the plot itself is catchy and engaging so the story is not swamped by “issues”. Oh, and I absolutely adore the cover!

Blurb

Are You Hip to Hairism? Camille and Mavis Marconi are identical twins with un-identical hair. Camille wears hers straight while Mavis prefers an Afro, and in 1973 your hairstyle can say a lot about you.

Mavis believes a shampoo company’s model search for straight-haired girls discriminates against Afros so she sets out to prove it by entering the contest. Of course, Camille thinks her sister is tripping, so when Herbal Excellence chooses her as a finalist and not Mavis, the debate of duplicates is on!

The girls disagree on just about everything, including whether Julius Barron, the love of Camille’s life, will notice that she’s alive if she wins. In an effort to prove to Camille that hairstyles can influence how people perceive you, Mavis convinces her twin to switch places in school only to discover that ‘hairism’ not only affects their classmates, but misconceptions based on appearances can have unexpected effects.

Interview with the author

I was so impressed I reached out to the author, Faith Knight, for a quick chat to find out more.

Q: Thanks for stopping by, Faith. Please could you introduce yourself as I suspect most of my readers won’t know you.

A: Hello, my name is Faith Knight and I’m the author of several young adult and middle grade novels, my most recent being The Hair Dare. I started writing as a child, inspired by my cousin and legendary children’s book author the late Virginia Hamilton. I published my first book in 2009. It was a self-help dating book! My second self-help book, The Real Book on How to Cook, won the African American Literary Award for Best Cookbook of 2013. I’m actually changing my author name to FM Knight instead of Faith Knight going forward. You’d be surprised how many Faith Knights there are in the US so my books get lost on the Internet, so I felt I needed a name that would stand out from the crowd. 

Q: That makes sense. So, what inspired you to write The Hair Dare?

A: The reason I wrote The Hair Dare is addressed in a post I did a while ago on my TikTok, The Real Knight Author. Growing up in New Castle, Pennsylvania USA, there were a set of twins who lived up the street and though they were not identical, as in my book, they fussed a lot. So I thought it might be fun to write a book set in that time period (the 1970s) featuring twins who argued all the time. And over the years people have always laughed at my snarky attitude so I wanted to try my hand at a humorous book.

Q: The end of the book seems to indicate this is not the end of Camille and Mavis’ story. Is a sequel coming?

A: Yes! I am plotting book two now but not sure when it will be completed; I hope to get it out next year.

Q: Have you done any school visits? This book would be great for school discussions.

A: No, not yet. The book released this past March so it’s not been out a long time and I have been focused on promotions as well as working on other books, but it’s on my to-do list. I am going to New Castle in August to participate in a discussion of the book at the local library, so I am excited about that.

Q: Thanks! Good luck with the sequel and the library visit. I have to say, personally, I would love to see this used in classrooms as it has scope to spark so many conversations.

About the Author

Author picture of Faith Knight

Faith (FM) Knight is the author of several middle grade and young adult books. Her debut YA,  As Gray As Black & White, was well-received by both readers and industry reviewers. She lives in North Carolina USA with her husband, and when she is not writing she enjoys cooking, sewing and Bible education. You can find her @therealknightauthor on Instagram.