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17 ratings | 11 reviews | avg rating:4.59

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S.J. Barratt’s Followers (41)

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S.J. Barratt

Goodreads Author

Website

https://www.sjbstories.com

Genre

Children's, Fiction, Contemporary

Member Since

November 2023

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S. J. Barratt is a British middle-grade author whose writing explores the intersection of adventure, nature, and emotional discovery.

Now living in France, she channels her lifelong passion for storytelling and the environment into captivating eco-fiction that empowers young readers to reconnect with the world around them.

Her debut novel, Living at the Edge of the World – Winter, tells the story of 12-year-old twins, Tabitha and Timothy, who are uprooted from their tech-driven lives and placed on a windswept island in Shetland. Stripped of internet, comforts, and familiarity, they must learn to adapt to remote living, uncover ancient secrets of the land, and rediscover the magic of resilience, curiosity, and connection with nature, with oth S. J. Barratt is a British middle-grade author whose writing explores the intersection of adventure, nature, and emotional discovery.

Now living in France, she channels her lifelong passion for storytelling and the environment into captivating eco-fiction that empowers young readers to reconnect with the world around them.

Her debut novel, Living at the Edge of the World – Winter, tells the story of 12-year-old twins, Tabitha and Timothy, who are uprooted from their tech-driven lives and placed on a windswept island in Shetland. Stripped of internet, comforts, and familiarity, they must learn to adapt to remote living, uncover ancient secrets of the land, and rediscover the magic of resilience, curiosity, and connection with nature, with others, and with themselves.

The novel has been widely praised for its depth and originality, winning Second Place at the 2024 BookFest Awards, a Bronze Medal at the Global Book Awards and finalist at the Children's Book Excellence Awards this year.

S. J. is deeply inspired by traditional living practices, slow living, and the rhythms of the natural world. Her years of research into crofting communities, agro-ecology, and off-grid sustainability inform her writing, allowing her to bring authenticity and insight into every page.

She aims not only to entertain but to educate and inspire encouraging children to unplug, ask questions, protect the earth, and embrace their unique voices.

Beyond writing, S. J. Barratt enjoys gardening, foraging, walking woodland trails, and creating educational content that promotes environmental awareness among young learners. She is a strong advocate for the power of stories to shape how children see the world and their place in it.

Her second novel in The Papala Island Adventure Series—was published in March this year, Living at the Edge of the World - Spring, and continues the twin's heartfelt journey into wild landscapes and inner strength when they discover a Viking artefact in the peat bog. The second book has been well received so far by UK book bloggers and the US Literary Titan with a book award for children's literature.

If you love books that nurture wonder, courage, and environmental awareness in young readers, follow S. J. Barratt here on Goodreads. You can also sign up for her newsletter to receive updates on new releases, nature-inspired activities, and behind-the-scenes peeks into her writing process.

https://www.sjbstories.com/contact

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Combine Editions
S.J. Barratt’s books

Average rating: 4.61 · 74 ratings · 47 reviews · 4 distinct works • Similar authors

	Living at the Edge of the World - Spring 4.72 avg rating — 47 ratings — 8 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Living at the Edge of the World - Winter (The Papala Island Adventure Series (9-12) Book 1) 4.67 avg rating — 24 ratings — 8 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Living at the Edge of the world - Summer it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 1 rating	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Selkie and the Sea of Trash did not like it 1.00 avg rating — 2 ratings	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

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Series by S.J. Barratt

Papala Island Adventure (3 books)
by

S.J. Barratt (Goodreads Author)

4.60 avg rating — 73 ratings

S.J. is Currently Reading

S.J. Barratt rated a book it was amazing

Not Logan: How I Accidentally Became A YouTube Star (Book 1)

by Melanie Hunter (Goodreads Author)

bookshelves: currently-reading, middle-grade

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S.J. Barratt said: " Not Logan is clever, chaotic, and full of heart. Logan’s voice feels 100% real, and the YouTube twist makes it irresistible for today’s kids. My tween was hooked from the first page. Highly recommend for ages 8–13! "

Oct 10, 2025 07:58AM · see review

S.J. Barratt rated a book it was amazing

Perspective

by Jennifer Bohnhoff (Goodreads Author)

bookshelves: currently-reading, middle-grade, young-adult

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S.J. Barratt said: " A moving and beautifully crafted coming-of-age story. Genevieve’s journey through grief, isolation, and self-discovery on a remote Lake Superior island is both heartwarming and inspiring. The historical setting is vivid, and her struggles and triumph ...more "

Oct 10, 2025 07:53AM · see review

S.J. Barratt is currently reading

To the Moon and Back

by Jill Mansell

bookshelves: currently-reading

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Jun 21, 2024 12:47AM

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S.J.’s Recent Updates

S.J. Barratt rated a book it was amazing It’s Okay to Have Feelings: A Peyton’s Palace Adventure by Patricia A. Miller (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
It's Okay to Have Feelings by Patricia L. Miller is a thoughtful and reassuring picture book that helps children understand that all emotions are valid. Its greatest strength is that it goes beyond simply telling children that feelings are okay - it ...more
23 hours, 26 min ago · like · see review
S.J. Barratt made a comment on Starnight Magic’s review of Living at the Edge of the world - Summer " Thank you so much! I love your review... By all means pass on your copy to a middle grade reader today.... I would love our next generation to care ab ...more "
Jul 23, 2026 07:30AM · see review
S.J. Barratt liked Starnight Magic's review of Living at the Edge of the world - Summer: "Living At the Edge of the World Summer masterfully balances the soothing cadence of a coastal myth with an urgent, kinetic call to action. I finished this book wrestling with a profound sense of warmth and a restless urge to step outside and fight for" Read more of this review »
Jul 23, 2026 07:29AM · see review
S.J. Barratt is now following Starnight Magic's reviews
Jul 23, 2026 07:29AM · like
S.J. Barratt rated a book it was amazing Burning Dawn (Dragon’s Light, #1) by C.P. Thuot (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
I'm not a fantasy fan but I did love watching House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones, so I thought I would try this first book in a trilogy. I was surprised by how immediately Burning Dawn clicked. Yekk’s journey from disabled peasant to oracle at t ...more
Jul 23, 2026 07:24AM · 1 like · like · see review
S.J. Barratt wants to read Living at the Edge of the World - Summer: The Papala Island Adventure Series (9-12) by S. J. BARRATT	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Jun 04, 2026 11:12AM · like
S.J. Barratt rated a book it was amazing Barq the Falcon: A Desert Adventure of Falconry and Friendship by Judy Wollin (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
This book gave me such a fresh perspective on a world I know little about. The mix of Emirati and Australian voices made for a really engaging read, and I loved how the author explored friendship, family, and tradition through falconry. The setting in ...more
Oct 28, 2025 07:21AM · 3 likes · like · see review
S.J. Barratt rated a book it was amazing Elliot & Bo in Icyland: Fantasy Adventure Illustrated Chapter Book For Early Reader And Kids 6-11 years old by Agatha Georges (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Eco-Fantasy at Its Best 💞 This enchanting tale combines the thrill of adventure with a powerful environmental message. The world of Icyland sparkles with creativity, and Elliot’s friendship with Bo the penguin gives the story both warmth and wit. Ther ...more
Oct 25, 2025 02:11AM · like · see review
S.J. Barratt made a comment in the group Authors & Reviewers — Tell me about your book and I'll review it! topic " Hello - my books are a series for middle grade 9-12, eco-fiction action & adventure that takes place in Shetland, Scotland. Reach out and I will send ...more "
Oct 12, 2025 11:53PM
S.J. Barratt rated a book it was amazing Not Logan: How I Accidentally Became A YouTube Star (Book 1) by Melanie Hunter (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Not Logan is clever, chaotic, and full of heart. Logan’s voice feels 100% real, and the YouTube twist makes it irresistible for today’s kids. My tween was hooked from the first page. Highly recommend for ages 8–13!
Oct 10, 2025 07:58AM · 1 like · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Not Logan by Melanie Hunter. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Not Logan by Melanie Hunter <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">