The Door That Led To Where by Sally Gardner

I was a bit disappointed with this book. I've read a couple of Sally Gardner's books in the past - I loved 'Tinder' and 'I, Coriander'. This one just felt a bit of a rushed, mish-mash of a book. It's a time-travel story, but I got really confused with the characters and which time they were supposed to be living in or originally from. It was disjointed, didn't flow very well for me, and just not really Sally's usual style. It had the basics of a good storyline, but just not very well told. Sorry Sally, but a thumbs down for me.

The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson

The volatile and mysterious Leo has been transferred to Eden Park school after an incident at his previous school. There he attracts the attention of David. They both have something in common - they are keeping a big secret about their life. Leo's life is about to change drastically when his secret is found out and spread around the school. But this has a positive impact on David - it makes him reveal his secret to Leo, and as a result they realise they should be truthful to themselves and show everyone who they really are.

A wonderful story about transgender, identity, being true to yourself, standing up to bullies, and the strength of friendship. Also check out Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky for slightly younger children.

Girl Online by Zoe Sugg

Zoe Sugg is better known to her (mainly) teen followers for her online beauty vlog written under the name Zoella. She is also the girlfriend of vlogger Alfie Deyes, whose book 'Pointless' sold thousands in its first few days of publication. 'Girl Online', which is about a young girl who writes an anonymous blog, and then falls in love with an American pop star, is Zoe's first novel, but unfortunately I didn't really like it. I thought it was twee, sugary, childish - not at all for the teen market which it is aimed at. I would happily let my 12-yr-old read it (but I won't, because it's just a bit rubbish). I'm also writing this review the day after Zoe and her publishers have admitted that the book was written by a ghost writer, possibly teen author Siobhan Curham, and that Siobhan was given 6 weeks to write the novel. If that is true, then it is evident in the book. It definitely feels like a rush job.

I hope the thousand of youngsters who have bought the book already aren't too disappointed, but I definitely was.