Blog Archives
Ghost Brother
Ghost Brother is a young adult novel that opens with twin brothers, Cris and Carlos, heading to a school dance in South Texas, only for a violent storm, a pair of bullies, and a disastrous crash to shatter their lives. Carlos dies instantly. Cris survives. What follows is a story told in both of their voices, one alive and drowning in guilt, the other watching as a ghost who can see everything but cannot be heard. The book blends grief, memory, and mystery as the brothers struggle, separately and together, to face what happened and what it means for their family.
Reading it felt like sitting with someone who is trying to talk through the hardest moment of their life, stopping and starting, sometimes whispering, sometimes spilling over. The writing is simple and direct, which fits the teen voices. I liked that the author didn’t rush past the emotional fog after the accident. Cris moves through the world as though he’s wrapped in wet cotton, and Carlos drifts with this strange mix of clarity and longing. Their alternating chapters make the tragedy feel bigger and messier because you’re seeing it from both sides of the veil. Some scenes hit with sharp force, like the mother collapsing when she hears the news or Carlos watching her cry and being unable to touch her. Others move slowly, the way real grief does, circling the same memories again and again.
I was also drawn to the author’s choices around culture and community. The book is rooted in Mexican American traditions, beliefs, and rhythms that shape how the characters mourn and how they make sense of death. There’s a spiritual layer here that never feels like decoration. Carlos isn’t just a ghost for plot convenience. His presence echoes the stories their grandmother told, the prayers their mother whispers, the sense that the dead stay close. The supernatural moments glide in quietly, almost like a breeze shifting the curtains. At other times, they feel heavier, especially when Carlos tries to warn his family that the sheriff may twist the truth about the accident. The blend of realism and the supernatural makes the book feel like a hybrid of contemporary fiction and ghost story, but always grounded in teen experience.
By the end, I felt like I’d spent time with a family trying to hold itself together. The story doesn’t pretend grief is tidy or that answers neatly appear. It sits in the uncertainty, in the fear that justice may not come easily, and in the hope that love still stretches across impossible distances. If you like young adult fiction that honestly explores loss and adds cultural depth and a touch of the supernatural, this book is for you. It’s especially suited for readers who appreciate emotional stories that explore family bonds, healing, and the invisible threads that connect us even after death.
Pages: 182 | ASIN : B0CZPLPB7P
Different Solutions
The Grubby Feather Gang follows a boy plagued by bullying and fear who finds himself part of a small circle of friends who together find adventure and hope in a village otherwise torn by war and chaos. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’m really not sure, to be honest. I am very interested in the experiences of those who lived through either or both of the world wars because both wars plunged otherwise peaceful, ordinary people into extraordinary and horrific situations. But I love the idea that different people can have different solutions to the same problems; most young men of fighting age during WW1 wanted – or felt the need – to go overseas and join the fighting whereas some, such as George’s father in the story, believed in a totally different, peaceful approach. The amount of courage needed for either approach must have been immense, and thankfully, most of us today can only imagine what it must have been like to face that dilemma. I’m fascinated by the fact that these experiences, that seem, to us today, to exist only in the realms of fiction, really happened to real people.
What do you find is the most challenging aspect of writing for middle-grade readers?
Other than the usual challenges of writing for any audience, I’m not sure I find anything especially challenging about writing for middle-grade readers. It can be a challenge when you’ve been hired by a publishing company – rather than writing just because you yourself have decided to do so – because if the project is for a young audience the publishers give you a tight word-count which creates restrictions and challenges, ones which, I have to say, I really enjoy working within. However, I wrote The Grubby Feather Gang off my own bat, so I didn’t have those restrictions, even though I did want to keep the book short. But middle-grade is a wonderful age range. I don’t hold back on the complexity of the language I use or the depth of the issues the story tackles. The only thing I do differently when writing for children as opposed to adults is to make the main characters children.
Is there anything from your own life included in the characters in The Grubby Feather Gang?
I’m happy to say that the experiences of the children in this story are very different from mine. I don’t think you have to have experienced something to write about it in a believable way though. I hope I’m right about that! But there often elements of the writer’s personality in the characters they create. George is prone to anger and sulking, and as a child, I was a little like that. (I’ve grown out of it now though!) I would add that I am always warmed by people – real or fictional – who turn out to be more impressive in some way than you originally realised, like Mr Haxby. And in a way, the same can be said of each of the three main characters.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m currently working on a novel for adults. Unlike most of what I’ve written before, this is a fantasy novel, with elements of horror. It features werewolves and witches. There is so much literature about such things, so the challenge is to present them in a new way, avoiding stereotypes and tropes, and I think I’ve achieved that…
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Worse still, the school bully hangs George upside-down from the hayloft, and the next day, George gets the cane! So, with a bit of help from Emma, a curious newcomer to the village, he decides to take daring and drastic revenge on both the bully and his teacher. But he could never have predicted what happens next…
The Grubby Feather Gang is the story of four friends helping each other cope with their parents’ problems.
The BigShorts books are short, stand-alone novels for strong Key Stage 2 readers. Each novel is around 100 pages long. The content is rich and detailed, tackling discussion-worthy themes. Being shorter than most novels, BigShorts books are a great length for teachers to read to their class, or for use as guided-reading texts.
The Grubby Feather Gang
The Grubby Feather Gang follows George, a boy caught in the middle of a village torn up by war and judgment. He deals with bullying, fear, and the shame that others try to pin on his family because his father refuses to fight. As he meets Emma and Stan, the three of them slip into this oddly sweet little friendship that grows out of chaos. They stumble into adventures, trouble, and eventually form the Grubby Feather Gang, a tiny group held together by loyalty and a grubby feather that somehow becomes a symbol of hope instead of cowardice.
Reading it felt like sitting beside these kids as their lives spun between fear and laughter. I found myself rooting for George right away. His thoughts felt real in this quiet, aching way. Sometimes I wanted to shake him, other times I just wanted to hug the kid. The writing surprised me. It has this softness running through all the messy bits. Even the sad scenes didn’t feel heavy for long because there was always some little spark of warmth or humor waiting around the corner. And Emma cracked me up constantly. She felt like the friend who shows up loud and strange and instantly makes everything better.
What I liked most were the ideas behind the story. It’s a book about courage that doesn’t sound preachy. It tackles judgment and fear and the pressure to fit in. But it does it through the eyes of children who are trying to make sense of a world that doesn’t make sense at all. Some moments hit harder than I expected. Other scenes felt gentle and simple in a way that made me smile without thinking about it. I liked that the book didn’t pretend everything gets fixed, only that sticking together makes the hard stuff feel less impossible.
I’d recommend The Grubby Feather Gang to kids who enjoy stories with heart and a bit of grit, and to adults who like children’s books that don’t talk down to anyone. It’s great for readers who want friendship, trouble, and a little hope woven into history.
Pages: 113 | ASIN : B01FARFVUG
LIAM: The Boy Who Saw the World Upside Down
LIAM: The Boy Who Saw the World Upside Down tells the touching and inspiring true story of Liam, a young boy with dyslexia and other challenges, as he navigates a world that often misunderstands him. The story unfolds through the eyes of Ms. J, his empathetic and determined teacher, who strives to uncover Liam’s potential despite systemic obstacles, unkind peers, and his own self-doubt. It’s as much about perseverance as it is about the importance of advocacy, patience, and finding one’s place in a complicated world.
What I loved most about this book was the heartfelt writing. Walraven captures the struggles of a teacher trying to bridge the gap between a child’s potential and the resources available. One chapter that stood out was Liam’s breakthrough moment in class, where he courageously shared his knowledge about salt’s historical significance, stunning both his peers and his teacher. The joy of seeing Liam’s intelligence shine despite his struggles felt like a triumph, and it made me reflect on how small moments of courage can ripple into larger successes.
Another strength of the book lies in its vivid portrayal of the social dynamics in school. The author doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, such as bullying and administrative apathy. I was particularly moved by the scenes where Ms. J confronts the principal’s dismissive attitude toward Liam’s challenges. The raw honesty of these moments made me angry at the system but grateful for teachers like Ms. J, who fight to make a difference.
The book occasionally leans into sentimentality. For the most part, this added to the emotional depth of the story, though a few scenes felt slightly dramatic when highlighting Liam’s struggles against the indifference of others. Even so, the book’s genuine heart and sincerity more than compensate, leaving a lasting and uplifting impression.
In the end, this book isn’t just about Liam; I think it’s about anyone who’s ever felt marginalized or overlooked. It’s a tribute to educators, parents, and friends who see beyond labels and stereotypes to the potential within. I’d recommend this book to teachers, parents, and anyone interested in stories of resilience and the transformative power of compassion.
Pages: 137 | ASIN : B0BTRTDFX7
Amidst the Darkness
The Hate Game: Screaming in the Silence is your memoir sharing the experiences you underwent at the Knoll School for Boys in Hove, Sussex, back in the 1970s and the bullying that was inflicted on you for your beliefs. Why was this an important book for you to write?
To clarify. I wasn’t bullied for my beliefs. I was bullied because I was young, an ‘outsider,’ and was a late developer. Any pupils in that category were labelled as “Jews,” by the “superior” bullies.
I had shared stories with numerous people and had pushed memories to the back of my mind. PTSD does that. Later in life, as a social worker in child protection, I came face to face with my past on several occasions. I had a “Eureka” moment interviewing a young teen who had (thankfully) failed to take her own life: her story was my story, and I started to come to terms with the horrors that had transpired during my adolescence. My extended (British) family were very resistant to me sharing truths with the world as it wasn’t the “British” way to be transparent about the past. The school and personal experiences were shocking, and rather than bury them, I chose to tell my story. The writing of The Hate Game was cathartic, albeit painful.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Everything. I felt ashamed about the bullying and abuse at school. I hadn’t told my wife and children about the historical sexual assault, so that was a challenge (despite working in a field where I encourage transparency). The death of my father and later writing about my mum brought up feelings and emotions that I had buried. I also felt shame about laughing through the dark times but understood that it is (and still is) a coping mechanism. One of the hardest things about writing a memoir is the judgment that may emanate from others. However, the overwhelming gratitude that my story could be told outweighed the negatives by a country mile.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
It is crucial to share one’s feelings with a trusted adult. Unfortunately, I did not know any adults I could trust. The teachers were more abusive than the students, and I couldn’t rely on anyone in authority. Even today, children and young people tend to keep their distress to themselves, a concerning trend I’ve observed in my work in child protection. It is imperative for adults, particularly parents, to build a strong, trusting relationship with children. Despite my love for my family, they were not the safe haven I needed to confide in.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
Amidst the darkness, pain, and feelings of utter hopelessness, there is a beacon of light at the end of the tunnel. I was determined to survive and, somehow, thrive. It’s imperative to foster open communication with your children rather than hastily judging them for their acting-out behaviours. There is often a deep-rooted cause, and dismissing it as merely ‘hormones’ will cause further isolation for the child or youth. My own experiences have instilled in me resilience and a profound sense of empathy for those in need, whether they belong to minority groups or are families and children in crisis. As a result of my adverse childhood experiences, I have been able to help and empower numerous vulnerable young people. My transformation from trauma to triumph, guided by a profound encounter with God, has equipped me to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
At school, survival wasn’t just about fitting in—it was about making it through the day with his dignity intact. The first time they shoved Gary’s head into the toilet bowl, he questioned how much more he could take. By the time they drew a swastika on his forehead, he stopped wondering.
In the backdrop of 1970s England, Gary navigates the chaotic seas of adolescence in the English coastal town of Hove. With humour and a delicious sense of naivety, he steers through a life marked by a blend of love and dysfunction, anchored by his loving and quirky mother and his deeply cherished father. But beyond the warmth of home, school is a much darker and crueller reality. At Knoll Boys, Gary confronts a relentless and vicious bullying that pushes his spirit and resilience to the brink. The horrors he endures are not just physical—they are ritualistic and dehumanizing, the cruelty seemingly unending. Yet, Gary’s resilience shines through, a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure.
Despite the bruises and hate-filled taunts, Gary discovers moments of unexpected joy, like the awkward thrills of first love and the surprising strength that begins to grow within him. As he navigates his family’s unpredictable antics and the dark corridors of his school, Gary’s journey becomes one of ultimate transformation—a testament to his unbreakable spirit and a beacon of hope for all who face similar challenges.
The Hate Game is a raw and profoundly moving coming-of-age memoir that explores the power of laughter and love. It’s a story that will leave you rooting for Gary, laughing with him, and inspired by his indomitable will to rise above the pain and become the change he longed for.
Helipads in Heaven
Helipads in Heaven introduces us to “Goose” or Dillon, an idiosyncratic writer who unexpectedly wins a contest granting her the opportunity to travel back in time. As a highly acclaimed author with a complex history, Goose confronts her past and explores its impact on her present through an engaging and reflective adventure that balances levity with emotional depth.
Shanti Hershenson demonstrates notable skill, crafting a concise yet fully realized narrative that deftly establishes characters, events, and their significance without feeling rushed or disjointed. The protagonist, Goose, along with her husband David and Dr. Moreno, the scientist facilitating her time travel, are compellingly drawn and contribute to a richly woven plot replete with twists, thrilling escapades, and moments of genuine emotion.
The short time spent with the characters intensifies the emotional connection, leaving some readers possibly yearning for more. This element of transience enhances the book’s impact, emphasizing the theme that the trials we endure fundamentally shape our identities.
Helipads in Heaven is not only an enjoyable read but also invites reflection on how personal adversities influence who we become. Hershenson’s work is commendable, and her potential future contributions to literature are highly anticipated. Readers looking for a thoughtfully paced and introspective journey will find much to appreciate in this novel.
Pages: 170 | ASIN : B0C97X49B6
Bee-Coming Strong
In Bee-Coming Strong, by Anandamayi Baker, readers are introduced to Jazianzza Azzaza Buzzabee, a unique honeybee with a distinct corkscrew antenna and glasses. Jazi’s journey, set against the backdrop of her hive, is a heartfelt exploration of self-acceptance and resilience. Despite facing challenges and feeling different from her peers, Jazi maintains a positive outlook, aided by the queen bee’s meditation lessons.
The narrative is particularly engaging for young readers, enhanced by Akiko Martinache’s vibrant illustrations. Jazi’s character breaks the fourth wall, directly engaging with readers through rich, bee-themed language. The story not only entertains but also educates, imparting lessons on bravery, calmness, and generosity. It addresses the theme of individuality, encouraging children to embrace their uniqueness.
A standout aspect of the book is its underlying message about the importance of bees in our ecosystem, subtly woven into the narrative. The author’s personal note at the end further emphasizes this, expressing a hope that young readers will cultivate an appreciation and protective attitude toward these essential creatures. The story’s resolution, where Jazi shows patience and understanding towards her adversaries, reinforces themes of empathy and non-violence.
Bee-Coming Strong is thoughtfully crafted for a young audience, delivering not only an entertaining story but also valuable life lessons. It stands out as an engaging and educational book, ideal for young readers who are beginning to explore chapter books.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0CMZBPZ35
Explore Courage and Bravery
The Adventures of Danny the Discus follows a spirited discus fish named Danny, who seeks to understand his new world while navigating the challenges of acceptance and survival in a diverse aquatic community. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration came from my childhood experiences of being bullied and learning to stand up for what I believe in. At a young age, I went from being bullied at school to growing taller than most children at a young age and protecting those children around me from being bullied themselves. In addition, I am a Discus Fish hobbyist, and I thought it would be great to put my knowledge of the hobby into a children’s book that would also teach kids about the discus fish but also incorporate my country’s culture and moral values.
The artwork in the book was charming. What was the collaboration process like with illustrator Wazim Mohammed?
Well, the collaboration with Johnny Hossain, who was the illustrator was fantastic; he was able to capture what I had in my mind in terms of the storyboards to tell this wonderful story. The communication was excellent with little rework, so it was a joy to work with him.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main themes in my book look at the spirit of adventure, explore courage and bravery, and have a moral lesson at the end, which I believe is important for children to learn.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book is The Adventures of Danny the Discus Volume 2 – Love of a Mother. It’s available now on Amazon and was published in October 2023. This book was meant as a tribute to all mothers and was inspired by my mother, who I lost in April 2023. Currently working on my third book in the series, which will be available in 2024.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
LITERARY TITAN 