What do you think?
Rate this book
Hetty and the Battle of the Books
A passionate campaign brings four best friends back together in a fight to save their school library in this heartfelt tale from the bestselling author of Pages & Co.
The library is Hetty's very favourite place in school, and since falling out with her best friends Ali, Mei and Rocket she's been spending even more time there. So she's absolutely horrified when she learns that her head teacher is planning to close it down, claiming there aren't enough funds to keep the library going.
There's no way Hetty's going to sit back and let this happen. But can she repair her broken friendships and build support for her library campaign?
Let the Battle of the Books commence!
The library is Hetty's very favourite place in school, and since falling out with her best friends Ali, Mei and Rocket she's been spending even more time there. So she's absolutely horrified when she learns that her head teacher is planning to close it down, claiming there aren't enough funds to keep the library going.
There's no way Hetty's going to sit back and let this happen. But can she repair her broken friendships and build support for her library campaign?
Let the Battle of the Books commence!
66 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2022
1 person is currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Anna James
82 books34 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 15, 2022
A cute little story about how a girl attempts to save her school library.
Hetty loves libraries and her school library is her favourite place. After having a major fallout with her best friends Ali, Mei and Rocket, the library has been her place of refuge. But when the head teacher announces that the library will be closed down due to budget constraints, Hetty knows she has to spring into action. And that she can’t get by without a little help from her EX- friends, even if she is still angry at what they did (or didn’t do.)
The story is written in the first person pov of Hetty and it sounds just like a child is talking, what with the exaggerated feelings and the OTT reactions. It was fun to hear Hetty blasting her way through situations while still making her point. She wasn’t a likeable character for a great part of the book but she still makes for an effective protagonist. (And she does love books and characters such as Anne of Green Gables and Lyra from His Dark Materials – I’ve gotta be forgiving!)
The book covers many themes. Other than the obvious one about the importance of libraries and books, it also tackles friendship, communication, standing up for what’s right, importance of teamwork, listening, and not taking friends for granted.
There are some cute and whacky illustrations in the book and these add to the fun of the story.
The representation is very well done. One of the older students uses the they/them pronouns, and I liked this choice, though a few younger kids might be confused while reading. It is a great opportunity for parents/guardians to introduce the idea of how these pronouns work in their singular form.
As with all Barrington Stoke books, this publication is hi-lo (high interest, low ability), meaning the content is appropriate to the age of the reader but the text is edited to suit a lower reading age. This makes the content perfect for everyone aged 6+.
The only thing I didn’t like was the way the story broke the fourth wall – it doesn’t work convincingly in the flow of the narrative and breaks the impact of the story.
Overall though, this is a wonderful read, filled with fun moments and groups efforts. Definitely recommended to tweens and above.
4.25 stars.
My thanks to Barrington Stoke and NetGalley for the DRC of “Hetty and the Battle of the Books”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
Hetty loves libraries and her school library is her favourite place. After having a major fallout with her best friends Ali, Mei and Rocket, the library has been her place of refuge. But when the head teacher announces that the library will be closed down due to budget constraints, Hetty knows she has to spring into action. And that she can’t get by without a little help from her EX- friends, even if she is still angry at what they did (or didn’t do.)
The story is written in the first person pov of Hetty and it sounds just like a child is talking, what with the exaggerated feelings and the OTT reactions. It was fun to hear Hetty blasting her way through situations while still making her point. She wasn’t a likeable character for a great part of the book but she still makes for an effective protagonist. (And she does love books and characters such as Anne of Green Gables and Lyra from His Dark Materials – I’ve gotta be forgiving!)
The book covers many themes. Other than the obvious one about the importance of libraries and books, it also tackles friendship, communication, standing up for what’s right, importance of teamwork, listening, and not taking friends for granted.
There are some cute and whacky illustrations in the book and these add to the fun of the story.
The representation is very well done. One of the older students uses the they/them pronouns, and I liked this choice, though a few younger kids might be confused while reading. It is a great opportunity for parents/guardians to introduce the idea of how these pronouns work in their singular form.
As with all Barrington Stoke books, this publication is hi-lo (high interest, low ability), meaning the content is appropriate to the age of the reader but the text is edited to suit a lower reading age. This makes the content perfect for everyone aged 6+.
The only thing I didn’t like was the way the story broke the fourth wall – it doesn’t work convincingly in the flow of the narrative and breaks the impact of the story.
Overall though, this is a wonderful read, filled with fun moments and groups efforts. Definitely recommended to tweens and above.
4.25 stars.
My thanks to Barrington Stoke and NetGalley for the DRC of “Hetty and the Battle of the Books”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
August 5, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Hetty and the Battle of the Books is a fun and important read about friendship, values and standing up for what you believe in. Hetty has fallen out with her best friends and now needs their help. The school library is being closed and after discovering the real reason why, Hetty needs their help more than ever. This is a great book about the importance of libraries, the community involved in a library and said community pulling together to fight for what is right!
This book is perfect for any child who loves books, teamwork and making a difference! The illustrations are funny and there's some really comical moments through the book which children will love.
Hetty and the Battle of the Books is a fun and important read about friendship, values and standing up for what you believe in. Hetty has fallen out with her best friends and now needs their help. The school library is being closed and after discovering the real reason why, Hetty needs their help more than ever. This is a great book about the importance of libraries, the community involved in a library and said community pulling together to fight for what is right!
This book is perfect for any child who loves books, teamwork and making a difference! The illustrations are funny and there's some really comical moments through the book which children will love.
June 28, 2022
A fun and heartwarming read about a group of middle-graders who try to save their school library from closing down. At the heart of this novella is a lovely tribute to libraries, books and everyone who has ever found solace in them. It also highlights activism at a level that I think is appropriate for younger audiences. The characters are delightful and Hetty's voice felt very authentic, with some of her lines making me laugh.
The only downside is I wish the antagonist was less one-dimensional. However, I really enjoyed seeing everyone rally together for a good cause.
Thank you to Barrington Stoke and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
The only downside is I wish the antagonist was less one-dimensional. However, I really enjoyed seeing everyone rally together for a good cause.
Thank you to Barrington Stoke and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
April 18, 2024
When some people are selfish thinking their workplace is their house and can do anything they want. Yes, the school library is about to be gone but the few student readers are protesting that libraries are important. Yes we do! I live for such books which talk about the importance of books, libraries and reading.
However, I feel the book is just too short to end like that. We need a proper ending.
And yes, the illustrations are good.
However, I feel the book is just too short to end like that. We need a proper ending.
And yes, the illustrations are good.
August 30, 2022
A fun book for young readers about a girl who tries to save her library. The plot was not well flushed out, but I don't think that was the purpose of the book.
June 18, 2022
I loved this!! I’m here for kids fighting for their library. I’m here for kids having honest conversations about friendship. I’m here for the importance of libraries and stories. Anna James is a wonder and I could read her writing forever!
December 30, 2022
This is such a brilliant story! Hetty loves books and so loves spending as much time as she can in the library, but when Hetty hears that the head teacher wants to close the library down, she comes up with a plan to save it, the only problem is in order to get her plan to work, she needs the help from her former best friends, the ones she’s not talking to anymore.
This is such a brilliant and fun story with Hetty narrating the tale from the start. Hetty loves spending time in the library where she’s a part of the book club there. But one day the head teacher comes to the library with a letter for the librarian, one that tells her the library is being closed down due to budget cuts. I like what happens and how Hetty narrates this story. At first Hetty tries asking some of her other teachers for help, but soon hatches a plan to talk to the head teacher herself to ask him directly about why he is closing the school down.
As Hetty enacts her plan she ends up having to get involved with the three people she used to be friends with, Ali, Mei and Rocket. The four of them used to be such good friends until they did something to Hetty, and I like how at first you see why Hetty is reluctant to be friends with them, although later in the story there are some great revelations which end up changing Hetty’s mind towards them. The story is fun and funny, with a great build up to the ending. I really like how the main issue of the library is resolved, what happens and that last page which is just a newspaper article detailing what ends up happening, like an epilogue of sorts which was brilliant. The ending is great, and the whole book makes you smile after reading it, it’s a good story of friendship and a great celebration of libraries and books and the illustrations really add to the story making it an even better read.
There are pictures throughout the story on some pages all in black, grey and white. I really like the style of illustration and the way Hetty and the others look. The pictures really add to the humour of the story and I especially love that last page image of the newspaper which shows you what happens at the very end. The pictures just make this so much more appealing to read. The book is dyslexia-friendly, which means there are features making it easier for dyslexics to read. The pages are all thick and with a creamy/yellow sort of colour. The text uses a special dyslexia friendly font and is bigger with separated paragraphs for easier reading. The whole book is less than 100 pages too (less than 70) making it feel like a great shorter read for those who find bigger books daunting.
Overall, I have really enjoyed this story, even though it’s quite short. I love how the author explains at the end why this book was so important for her to write, and the whole tale itself is such a lovely one about the importance of libraries for multiple different reasons and people, and I love Hetty’s own story surrounding her love of books and her issues with her friends which all resolve well. It’s a great and fun read, and quite funny too. I’m sure a lot of young people will enjoy reading this.
-Thanks to Barrington Stoke for a free copy
This is such a brilliant and fun story with Hetty narrating the tale from the start. Hetty loves spending time in the library where she’s a part of the book club there. But one day the head teacher comes to the library with a letter for the librarian, one that tells her the library is being closed down due to budget cuts. I like what happens and how Hetty narrates this story. At first Hetty tries asking some of her other teachers for help, but soon hatches a plan to talk to the head teacher herself to ask him directly about why he is closing the school down.
As Hetty enacts her plan she ends up having to get involved with the three people she used to be friends with, Ali, Mei and Rocket. The four of them used to be such good friends until they did something to Hetty, and I like how at first you see why Hetty is reluctant to be friends with them, although later in the story there are some great revelations which end up changing Hetty’s mind towards them. The story is fun and funny, with a great build up to the ending. I really like how the main issue of the library is resolved, what happens and that last page which is just a newspaper article detailing what ends up happening, like an epilogue of sorts which was brilliant. The ending is great, and the whole book makes you smile after reading it, it’s a good story of friendship and a great celebration of libraries and books and the illustrations really add to the story making it an even better read.
There are pictures throughout the story on some pages all in black, grey and white. I really like the style of illustration and the way Hetty and the others look. The pictures really add to the humour of the story and I especially love that last page image of the newspaper which shows you what happens at the very end. The pictures just make this so much more appealing to read. The book is dyslexia-friendly, which means there are features making it easier for dyslexics to read. The pages are all thick and with a creamy/yellow sort of colour. The text uses a special dyslexia friendly font and is bigger with separated paragraphs for easier reading. The whole book is less than 100 pages too (less than 70) making it feel like a great shorter read for those who find bigger books daunting.
Overall, I have really enjoyed this story, even though it’s quite short. I love how the author explains at the end why this book was so important for her to write, and the whole tale itself is such a lovely one about the importance of libraries for multiple different reasons and people, and I love Hetty’s own story surrounding her love of books and her issues with her friends which all resolve well. It’s a great and fun read, and quite funny too. I’m sure a lot of young people will enjoy reading this.
-Thanks to Barrington Stoke for a free copy
August 2, 2022
Hetty has always loved the library and ever since the ‘Big Falling Out’ with her closest friends she has found herself spending more time there than ever. So when she learns that the headteacher plans to close it down and make librarian Ms juster redundant in the process she is absolutely horrified. Something must be done. Can Hetty repair her broken friendships and come up with a way to save the library before it’s too late? The battle of the books is on. Will pupil power triumph over the headmaster’s sneaky plans…
Love, love, love this. I honestly don’t know what I would do without my local library and the importance of them to many children and their families who do not have access to lots of books at home is impossible to put a value on. Multiple copies of Hetty and the Battle of the Books need to be in every library and school classroom. The next time I hear of a library threatening to close its doors I’ll be strongly suggesting that the decision-makers read this book.
Featuring illustrations by Jez Tuya, Anna James tells a heart-warming, empowering and important story about a group of school children who take it upon themselves to fight to save their school library from closure. Packed full of meaningful messages, the importance of libraries and why their doors very much need to remain open are the stars here.
Libraries are important and not just because they are full of books. For Hetty and her friends the library is a central pillar of their school community. It is a safe place to meet, it is a space to run clubs, somewhere to do homework, a venue to hang-out before and after school, it offers job opportunities - both paid and voluntary. There is much to fight for and the sense of urgency that something must be done and quickly is conveyed superbly within the sixty-eight pages. Pacy and engaging story-telling will have readers racing through the pages as friendships are rekindled and the fight for a common cause brings children together.
Given that libraries appear to be shutting their doors at an alarming rate, this timely and impassioned rallying cry should hit home to readers of all ages. Libraries are magical places and we simply cannot stand by and let them disappear from our communities, we must try and save them, just like Hetty and her friends.
Children are sure to be inspired by Hetty and will no doubt be motivated to fight for what they believe in, to fight for what is right and will take heart in knowing that that they are never too young to be heard and to make a difference.
As with all Barrington Stoke titles the book is published using dyslexic friendly font and colours so everyone can access this read. With huge thanks to the publisher for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.
Recommended for 8+.
Love, love, love this. I honestly don’t know what I would do without my local library and the importance of them to many children and their families who do not have access to lots of books at home is impossible to put a value on. Multiple copies of Hetty and the Battle of the Books need to be in every library and school classroom. The next time I hear of a library threatening to close its doors I’ll be strongly suggesting that the decision-makers read this book.
Featuring illustrations by Jez Tuya, Anna James tells a heart-warming, empowering and important story about a group of school children who take it upon themselves to fight to save their school library from closure. Packed full of meaningful messages, the importance of libraries and why their doors very much need to remain open are the stars here.
Libraries are important and not just because they are full of books. For Hetty and her friends the library is a central pillar of their school community. It is a safe place to meet, it is a space to run clubs, somewhere to do homework, a venue to hang-out before and after school, it offers job opportunities - both paid and voluntary. There is much to fight for and the sense of urgency that something must be done and quickly is conveyed superbly within the sixty-eight pages. Pacy and engaging story-telling will have readers racing through the pages as friendships are rekindled and the fight for a common cause brings children together.
Given that libraries appear to be shutting their doors at an alarming rate, this timely and impassioned rallying cry should hit home to readers of all ages. Libraries are magical places and we simply cannot stand by and let them disappear from our communities, we must try and save them, just like Hetty and her friends.
Children are sure to be inspired by Hetty and will no doubt be motivated to fight for what they believe in, to fight for what is right and will take heart in knowing that that they are never too young to be heard and to make a difference.
As with all Barrington Stoke titles the book is published using dyslexic friendly font and colours so everyone can access this read. With huge thanks to the publisher for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.
Recommended for 8+.
June 8, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Barrington Stoke for a review copy in return for an honest review.
"Hetty and the battle of the books" is Anna James' first novel for UK-based publisher Barrington Stoke, an independent and award-winning publisher of "super-readable, dyslexia-friendly fiction to help every child become a reader."
James has found success with her must-read Pages & Co. series, about Tilly and her friends who can travel into books, and the former school librarian returns to the world of books in this short, accessible story.
7th grader Hetty loves books, reading, and the library at her school. Unfortunately, after a big fallout with her friends Mei, Rocket, and Ali, she still has to see them regularly in the library where they attend their respective clubs and societies. But even more unfortunately, the future of the library, and the position of the beloved librarian Ms. Juster, are at stake when the headmaster announces a budget cut. Everyone is devastated. Can Hetty save the library and kit the relationship with her friends?
As with her Pages & Co. series, James weaves her story around the love for books, reading, libraries, and everything around it. However, she also includes a political aspect, as libraries across the UK have been affected by budget cuts and closings in the last years, much to the detriment of especially young pupils, for whom the library not only provides a safe space to study, meet friends, and relax, but also to access books that are not available - be it due to financial means or other barriers. Honoring her friends and family by naming characters in the books after her, and making an appearance herself, James creates a comfortable atmosphere in the book, one in which children with different interests can share the same space and work together toward a communal goal. Among this diverse cast of school children and supportive teachers, Hetty was, for me, maybe the least likeable character, although her love for books and mention of beloved characters such as Anne of Green Gables and His Dark Materials' Lyra, that child readers may have a fun time recognising, made up for the quick judgement of her friends.
Fun illustrations by Jez Tuya round off the book that is designed with Barrington Stoke's signature dyslexia-friendly layout and font, this book will engage many more young readers and introduce them to the love for books on reading on two levels -within and outside of the story.
"Hetty and the battle of the books" is Anna James' first novel for UK-based publisher Barrington Stoke, an independent and award-winning publisher of "super-readable, dyslexia-friendly fiction to help every child become a reader."
James has found success with her must-read Pages & Co. series, about Tilly and her friends who can travel into books, and the former school librarian returns to the world of books in this short, accessible story.
7th grader Hetty loves books, reading, and the library at her school. Unfortunately, after a big fallout with her friends Mei, Rocket, and Ali, she still has to see them regularly in the library where they attend their respective clubs and societies. But even more unfortunately, the future of the library, and the position of the beloved librarian Ms. Juster, are at stake when the headmaster announces a budget cut. Everyone is devastated. Can Hetty save the library and kit the relationship with her friends?
As with her Pages & Co. series, James weaves her story around the love for books, reading, libraries, and everything around it. However, she also includes a political aspect, as libraries across the UK have been affected by budget cuts and closings in the last years, much to the detriment of especially young pupils, for whom the library not only provides a safe space to study, meet friends, and relax, but also to access books that are not available - be it due to financial means or other barriers. Honoring her friends and family by naming characters in the books after her, and making an appearance herself, James creates a comfortable atmosphere in the book, one in which children with different interests can share the same space and work together toward a communal goal. Among this diverse cast of school children and supportive teachers, Hetty was, for me, maybe the least likeable character, although her love for books and mention of beloved characters such as Anne of Green Gables and His Dark Materials' Lyra, that child readers may have a fun time recognising, made up for the quick judgement of her friends.
Fun illustrations by Jez Tuya round off the book that is designed with Barrington Stoke's signature dyslexia-friendly layout and font, this book will engage many more young readers and introduce them to the love for books on reading on two levels -within and outside of the story.
July 5, 2022
This early chapter book is perfect for all book-loving middle grade readers. Broken into about 10 chapters and covers only 69 pages, a great length for readers who are just getting ready for chapter books and aren't quite ready for long and complex books. Chapters include some black and white illustrations which break up longer pieces of text and help with comprehension, two things that will make this book less intimidating and easier to read for this age group. Added to that, the font is fairly large and is really accessible, it even has the true a and opentail g (regular printed letters lol) making it even easier to read.
Enough of that teacher-y reading stuff! Hetty and the Battle of the Books is about a girl and her three (former) friends who work together to try to save their school library (and librarian) which is in danger because of budget cuts. Despite having recently gone separate ways, the group of four bffs, known as the ladybirds, realize that working for a common goal like this one is a great way to get a friendship back on track. The problem in the story is realistic and something that young readers will quickly engage with. This chapter book demonstrates the importance and power of libraries and access to information, and reminds readers that they have a voice and can make change, even at a young age. The main characters are in year 7 (which is about the equivalent to grade 6), which makes them seem older and cooler, and reminds younger readers that even older kids have friendship trouble sometimes and that misunderstandings are common and both can be fixed.
I would highly recommend this book to parents and teachers of book-loving early middle grade readers in the age 6-10 range who are excited to read chapter books! I could definitely see this book fitting well in my grade 3 classroom library. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this lovely book!
Enough of that teacher-y reading stuff! Hetty and the Battle of the Books is about a girl and her three (former) friends who work together to try to save their school library (and librarian) which is in danger because of budget cuts. Despite having recently gone separate ways, the group of four bffs, known as the ladybirds, realize that working for a common goal like this one is a great way to get a friendship back on track. The problem in the story is realistic and something that young readers will quickly engage with. This chapter book demonstrates the importance and power of libraries and access to information, and reminds readers that they have a voice and can make change, even at a young age. The main characters are in year 7 (which is about the equivalent to grade 6), which makes them seem older and cooler, and reminds younger readers that even older kids have friendship trouble sometimes and that misunderstandings are common and both can be fixed.
I would highly recommend this book to parents and teachers of book-loving early middle grade readers in the age 6-10 range who are excited to read chapter books! I could definitely see this book fitting well in my grade 3 classroom library. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this lovely book!
Read
June 2, 2022Thanks to NetGalley and Barrington Stoke for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I am aware that this book is aimed predominately at children aged between 8 and 12, and I am rather a bit older than that, but I still appreciated the chance to read it, especially as I look for books appropriate to the children in my family, all under the age of 10.
I love how passionate this book is. And I love all books, no matter their target audience, that sing the praises of reading. I love how passionate Hetty is about books. I don’t know the author personally, but it feels like she’s put all her feelings on reading and books into this little girl which is lovely to see. It definitely feels like a joyous love letter to reading and particularly to school libraries.
Whilst it is aimed at readers 20 years younger than me, it was a really lovely, sweet little book, and as it’s only 104 pages long, it’s very quick to read. I think school-age children would really like the book, it’s not too taxing or complicated, nor is it “dumbed down”, and it gives them something they can relate to.
I personally think it would be the perfect book to have in primary schools. When I was young, we didn’t have computer rooms or the Internet to rely on, all our work was done through books and the library. And I think there’s a risk today that kids won’t have that same appreciation, especially as budget cuts mean more and more public libraries are shutting. But by giving this book to them whilst they’re young, hopefully they’ll grow to understand how important books are.
I am aware that this book is aimed predominately at children aged between 8 and 12, and I am rather a bit older than that, but I still appreciated the chance to read it, especially as I look for books appropriate to the children in my family, all under the age of 10.
I love how passionate this book is. And I love all books, no matter their target audience, that sing the praises of reading. I love how passionate Hetty is about books. I don’t know the author personally, but it feels like she’s put all her feelings on reading and books into this little girl which is lovely to see. It definitely feels like a joyous love letter to reading and particularly to school libraries.
Whilst it is aimed at readers 20 years younger than me, it was a really lovely, sweet little book, and as it’s only 104 pages long, it’s very quick to read. I think school-age children would really like the book, it’s not too taxing or complicated, nor is it “dumbed down”, and it gives them something they can relate to.
I personally think it would be the perfect book to have in primary schools. When I was young, we didn’t have computer rooms or the Internet to rely on, all our work was done through books and the library. And I think there’s a risk today that kids won’t have that same appreciation, especially as budget cuts mean more and more public libraries are shutting. But by giving this book to them whilst they’re young, hopefully they’ll grow to understand how important books are.
August 22, 2022
Hetty and the Battle of the Books by is a lovely little story about the importance of school libraries, falling out with your best friends by not talking to them and Dungeons and Dragons. I really enjoyed it!
For a relatively short book, so much of this had an impact on me while I was reading it. My daughter helps out in her school library, so I know how important that space is to her and the impact it would have on her school and social life if it was taken away from her.
As a keen Dungeons and Dragons player I really loved how it was handled in this book. Not only was it one of the many activities depending upon the library space, but it was also a memory of a group of friends before things had gone wrong with their friendship, and used as an example of how to approach a problem by working together and having people use their own strengths in harmony. There was a lot of complexity to it, but presented in a really fun and accessible manner, as befits a Barrington Stoke book.
The friendship breakdown was beautifully handled too. It really captured that feeling of being betrayed by the people you are closest to, and the hurt and anger it causes, especially when you keep seeing them around. It can be such a powerful and difficult thing, and I thought it came across really well here.
I also loved spotting little cameos hidden in the book. I'm pretty sure I recognised at least two of the teachers' names, and the author herself.
All in all, a fantastic little story about stories, friendship and the importance of libraries.
For a relatively short book, so much of this had an impact on me while I was reading it. My daughter helps out in her school library, so I know how important that space is to her and the impact it would have on her school and social life if it was taken away from her.
As a keen Dungeons and Dragons player I really loved how it was handled in this book. Not only was it one of the many activities depending upon the library space, but it was also a memory of a group of friends before things had gone wrong with their friendship, and used as an example of how to approach a problem by working together and having people use their own strengths in harmony. There was a lot of complexity to it, but presented in a really fun and accessible manner, as befits a Barrington Stoke book.
The friendship breakdown was beautifully handled too. It really captured that feeling of being betrayed by the people you are closest to, and the hurt and anger it causes, especially when you keep seeing them around. It can be such a powerful and difficult thing, and I thought it came across really well here.
I also loved spotting little cameos hidden in the book. I'm pretty sure I recognised at least two of the teachers' names, and the author herself.
All in all, a fantastic little story about stories, friendship and the importance of libraries.
April 26, 2023
A group of former best friends have stopped being best friends, but when the school library is being threatened to shut down they must all come together to take action, all wanting to stop the injustice, and save their precious school library.
Hetty is a very rambunctious character, very opinionated and eccentric girl. She acts before she thinks and feels things quickly and deeply. The running story is that her friends hurt her heavily and she is now so angry with them and hates being near or even talking with them.
What I liked was that it showed a deep love for the school library, that each student and most teachers use it, love it and find solace in it. I really loved how it shared that love to readers of this book. I liked that the ladybird group had to find their way back together because of the library, they worked hard to get to the bottom of it all, fixed their issues and worked together to fight against the headteacher.
I do feel like we could have maybe had a couple more chapters to close the story, it almost abruptly ended and I would certainly have liked a bit more information from after the hard work they did to save the library. It was all build up and then was just sort of showed we did it and that was that.
I liked this book, it was cute and had cute illustrations, Hetty’s hair was so funny. I think it’s a great book on the importance of a school library and what they mean to students.
Hetty is a very rambunctious character, very opinionated and eccentric girl. She acts before she thinks and feels things quickly and deeply. The running story is that her friends hurt her heavily and she is now so angry with them and hates being near or even talking with them.
What I liked was that it showed a deep love for the school library, that each student and most teachers use it, love it and find solace in it. I really loved how it shared that love to readers of this book. I liked that the ladybird group had to find their way back together because of the library, they worked hard to get to the bottom of it all, fixed their issues and worked together to fight against the headteacher.
I do feel like we could have maybe had a couple more chapters to close the story, it almost abruptly ended and I would certainly have liked a bit more information from after the hard work they did to save the library. It was all build up and then was just sort of showed we did it and that was that.
I liked this book, it was cute and had cute illustrations, Hetty’s hair was so funny. I think it’s a great book on the importance of a school library and what they mean to students.
June 27, 2022
Anna James, an ex- school librarian, writes passionately about the subject she worked in - a school library. Hetty, Mei, Rocket and Ali met on the first day of reception at primary school. They were the ladybirds, always together throughout primary but Hetty was in a different tutor group at High school. Then came the falling out - the three others went to Dev's birthday party not hers. Hetty has hurt and didn't talk to them. But she saw them a lot, she loved the library and they were all part of different clubs that met in the library at lunchtimes. Then one day the Head teacher, Mr McCarthy, appeared in the library. He gave Ms Justus a note. Ms Justus looks shocked, the library is going to be closed, and all the clubs with it plus she will lose her job. Hetty screams! How can she stop this happening? Does she need help? Yes she does!
The children at the school work together to help save the library when they find out the real plans!
I love books, and whilst we don't have a librarian, I work hard to be able to tell children about our books, do reviews and get new books for school. The idea that libraries are at the mercy of school budgets or council budgets is wrong.
This was donated by Barrington Stoke and I will be putting it in our Y5/6 class.
The children at the school work together to help save the library when they find out the real plans!
I love books, and whilst we don't have a librarian, I work hard to be able to tell children about our books, do reviews and get new books for school. The idea that libraries are at the mercy of school budgets or council budgets is wrong.
This was donated by Barrington Stoke and I will be putting it in our Y5/6 class.
June 20, 2022
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
As soon as I saw this book by Anna James I had to have it. I adore Tilly and the Bookworms series so much and love how Anna writes about the passion for books. And this short story was no different. It’s an ode to libraries, school libraries and librarians. And for me this book (yet again one I wish I had written myself) embodies all of that perfectly. My secondary school library was a haven for me, my favourite place in the world with the most wonderful librarians. Libraries and librarians are underrated and so such a wonderful job and create a beautiful magical place to be. So this book is right up my street already but this book perfectly does all of that. I’m not a short story sort of person but this was great, could immediately start to get to know the main characters, understand the setting and you felt like you were there too (that may also be my son experience coming into play too)
Love it!
As soon as I saw this book by Anna James I had to have it. I adore Tilly and the Bookworms series so much and love how Anna writes about the passion for books. And this short story was no different. It’s an ode to libraries, school libraries and librarians. And for me this book (yet again one I wish I had written myself) embodies all of that perfectly. My secondary school library was a haven for me, my favourite place in the world with the most wonderful librarians. Libraries and librarians are underrated and so such a wonderful job and create a beautiful magical place to be. So this book is right up my street already but this book perfectly does all of that. I’m not a short story sort of person but this was great, could immediately start to get to know the main characters, understand the setting and you felt like you were there too (that may also be my son experience coming into play too)
Love it!
June 14, 2022
I received an eARC from the publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
This is a story about children trying to save their school library when the head teacher threatens to close it "to help the budget." Given that so many libraries are shut in schools, it's a premise that hits rather hard. Libraries are magic, and this book is a rallying cry that we should all try to save them because no one else will. It also shows the many different ways people can get involved, as the characters all have different skills.
It's also a book about the stupid little misunderstandings that can break up friendships - and how we can rescue them later if we just try to understand what happened.
This is a story about children trying to save their school library when the head teacher threatens to close it "to help the budget." Given that so many libraries are shut in schools, it's a premise that hits rather hard. Libraries are magic, and this book is a rallying cry that we should all try to save them because no one else will. It also shows the many different ways people can get involved, as the characters all have different skills.
It's also a book about the stupid little misunderstandings that can break up friendships - and how we can rescue them later if we just try to understand what happened.
June 16, 2022
Thank you to #NeyGalley, Anna James, and the publisher for the eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Hetty loves reading and her school library! So when she finds out that the school is going to get rid of the library and the librarian due to budget cuts Hetty is very upset. Hetty and her friends decide to come up with a plan to save the library! The only questions is, will they be able to do it?
This was a great little story that I enjoyed reading! I loved Hetty's passion for the library and the determination she showed to save it. I think Hetty will be a great role model for younger readers because it will show them the importance of fighting for what is important to them.
Hetty loves reading and her school library! So when she finds out that the school is going to get rid of the library and the librarian due to budget cuts Hetty is very upset. Hetty and her friends decide to come up with a plan to save the library! The only questions is, will they be able to do it?
This was a great little story that I enjoyed reading! I loved Hetty's passion for the library and the determination she showed to save it. I think Hetty will be a great role model for younger readers because it will show them the importance of fighting for what is important to them.
June 20, 2022
Libraries ARE magical!!
What would YOU do without your local library? I don’t even want to think about THAT situation. My family and I live in my local library.
This middle grade book features a brave young girl, Hetty, that stands up for her school library and librarian. With a little bit or mystery and a lot of adventure, Hetty and her school mates fight to keep their library after school budget cuts plan to close it down.
With a touch of British flair, this is a fun light read great for middle grade and beginning middle grade readers. This would make for a great conversation with young readers on what they would stand up and advocate for.
Grateful to have received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley & Barrington Stoke
What would YOU do without your local library? I don’t even want to think about THAT situation. My family and I live in my local library.
This middle grade book features a brave young girl, Hetty, that stands up for her school library and librarian. With a little bit or mystery and a lot of adventure, Hetty and her school mates fight to keep their library after school budget cuts plan to close it down.
With a touch of British flair, this is a fun light read great for middle grade and beginning middle grade readers. This would make for a great conversation with young readers on what they would stand up and advocate for.
Grateful to have received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley & Barrington Stoke
June 20, 2022
When Hetty has a falling out with her friends, she retreats into the delights of her school library. But her headmaster is about to remove her favourite place in the world, plans are afoot to close the library, and the pupils are about to stage a rebellion. But will Hetty's fight with her ex-best friends get in the way?
An engaging story that encourages readers to see the joy in friendship and the power of libraries. I loved that the author had a diverse group of characters who were geeks too. It made the group of friends so relatable. The illustrations were bold and perfectly matched the story, the cover was charming too.
So many things to love in this book!
I received an early copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
An engaging story that encourages readers to see the joy in friendship and the power of libraries. I loved that the author had a diverse group of characters who were geeks too. It made the group of friends so relatable. The illustrations were bold and perfectly matched the story, the cover was charming too.
So many things to love in this book!
I received an early copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
June 7, 2022
This was such a delight!
A story about a girl having to eat her pride and reunite with her former friends in order to save their school library and expose institutional corruption - What could possibly more delightful? This was such a wholesome story about the awkwardness of growing up, the importance of libraries as safe spaces, and the comfort of books, as well as the power of collective action! It also made me giggle out loud a couple of times despite being ... a tad older than the target audience.
A wonderful, accessible read for young ones and beyond.
(also have to note that the illustrations were equally lovely and helped the story come to life!)
A story about a girl having to eat her pride and reunite with her former friends in order to save their school library and expose institutional corruption - What could possibly more delightful? This was such a wholesome story about the awkwardness of growing up, the importance of libraries as safe spaces, and the comfort of books, as well as the power of collective action! It also made me giggle out loud a couple of times despite being ... a tad older than the target audience.
A wonderful, accessible read for young ones and beyond.
(also have to note that the illustrations were equally lovely and helped the story come to life!)
June 8, 2022
Hetty is starting middle school at a new school and she and her three best friends are not speaking to each other. But when a plan to close the school library is unearthed the four must find a way to work together to save it. With a high interest and low reading level it is perfect for dyslexic readers or others with reading disabilities. The relationships are ones all middle schoolers can relate to and at less than one hundred pages it is manageable for readers of all skill levels. Thanks to Netgalley and Barrington Stokes for giving me an electronic advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2025
Book 025 of 350 ~ 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I loved this so much, especially since it is about saving a beloved library:)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#book025of350 #amreading #netgalley #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram #reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookaholic #bookaddict #bookchallenge2025 #reviews #lovebooks #booknerds
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I loved this so much, especially since it is about saving a beloved library:)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#book025of350 #amreading #netgalley #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram #reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookaholic #bookaddict #bookchallenge2025 #reviews #lovebooks #booknerds
Want to read
June 15, 2022This book is about 12 year old Hetty, who is devastated when she learns her school library is going to be closed and the beloved librarian Ms. Juster will be fired. I loved how this book was centered around Hetty’s love of reading and stories, and how that motivates Hetty to reunite with her former best friends to save the library from closing. This book is very approachable for young readers and was very fast paced and engaging to read. It would be great for any classroom! Thank you to NetGalley and Barrington Stokes for the digital ARC and the opportunity to share my opinions on the book!
July 11, 2022
I'm a big fan of Barrington Stoke books and read them a lot with less confident readers in years 7 and 8. This book has all of the elements of a 'school adventure' - a group of established friends, problematic adults and a quest to save the day. It's a fast-paced story with a simple narrative. My only issue is that the website suggests an interest level of ages 8-12 for this book, although I'd suggest that it's more like 8-10. It's also a little unrealistic (but that's not always a bad thing!).
July 13, 2022
This book is a fun and inspiring read and I think my students will enjoy reading it. Hetty is a student at St. Jerome’s Secondary who loves to read and spend time in the school’s multiuse library. When she and her friends find out the school is going to close the library they work together to stop it.. the book is written from Hetty’s first person point of view and her voice is chatty and ironic in a way that is very relatable. I also think it sends great messages about maintaining friendships, working together for a cause, and the joys of reading and books.
September 6, 2022
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC! This was such a fun children's book to read and I loved the illustrations. The story was filled with great messages about friendship and the importance of libraries. Going to the library was one of the highlights of my childhood and I remember spending hours there, browsing through the books and taking home a huge stack every time 😅 I highly recommend this book for kids, especially if they love going to the library! This book is also formatted so it's easier to read if you're dyslexic 😊 Thanks to Barrington Stoke for that!
January 7, 2024
When Hetty and the ladybirds no longer speak Hetty seeks solace in the School library, but when the library is under threat of closure the ladybirds come back together to save the library and get rid of Mr McCarthy, the dishonest headmaster at the centre of the closure.
An empowering story that highlights the importance of school libraries and how when you join forces, you can really make a difference.
An empowering story that highlights the importance of school libraries and how when you join forces, you can really make a difference.
April 5, 2024
Hetty is struggling this school year as she has lost her friend group. She shares why this happens and readers can draw their own conclusions about the four characters. They do reconnect and work together to spearhead a campaign to save their school library. Of course, there is a villain and they work with the community to thwart his plans. The overall story is a fun read but there are a few weak connections throughout.
July 4, 2022
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Hetty is upset at her friends but must ask for their help in order to save her school's library.
This was adorable. It was such a fast read but it still made me feel all the things. I loved Hetty and her voice from the start. I love the illustrations, I loved the story. This was just a perfect little read that every child out there should read!
Hetty is upset at her friends but must ask for their help in order to save her school's library.
This was adorable. It was such a fast read but it still made me feel all the things. I loved Hetty and her voice from the start. I love the illustrations, I loved the story. This was just a perfect little read that every child out there should read!
August 11, 2022
A fun read about a girl trying to save her school library. Hetty has to enlist the help of her former friends to pull off a daring plan.
This is a Barrington Stoke book, meaning it is designed to be easier to read for children who struggle with their reading or who are dyslexic, but it still has age appropriate content.
This is a Barrington Stoke book, meaning it is designed to be easier to read for children who struggle with their reading or who are dyslexic, but it still has age appropriate content.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews