Book reviews – March 2026
Week commencing 30th March 2026
Contemporary Fiction
Upward Bound
Woody Brown
Against the background of sun-bleached California, Upward Bound is set in a daycare centre for Los Angeles’s disabled community. A story of Friendships and missed connections played out with a cast of memorable staff and visitors, each with their own stories of loss and dreams, around Walter at the heart of the story, who is returning to the company of his peers after a family tragedy. Memorable and heartfelt, this is a moving debut novel from Woody Brown.
Format: Hardback
Published by: Vintage Publishing
ISBN: 9781787336414
Historical
A Training School for Elephants
Sophy Roberts
Find out the ambitious plan to take elephants and train them, lead by King Leopold II of Belgium in 1879. The true story of this expedition that travelled from India to Tanzania and Congo is brought to life by a compelling voices, historic and modern – from ivory dealers to Catholic nuns. Revealing the colonial greed, ineptitude, hypocrisy and folly at the heart of this long-forgotten part of history.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Transworld Publishing
ISBN: 9781804994399
Picture Book
Hank Meets Frank
Maudie Powell-Tuck and Duncan Beedie
This hilarious sequel to ‘Hank Goes Honk’ is perfect for shared story time, although would probably not recommend for bedtime. Hank can be a little pesky, a little pecky and a teensy bit objectionable! But not today. Not when his little cousin Frank, who is sweet as a button, is here to visit. So of course, Hank is going to be on his very best behaviour…isn’t he?
Format: Paperback
Published by: Little Tiger Press
ISBN: 9781838918569
Translated Fiction
My Year as a Fraud
Johanna Swanberg
Living in the remote village of Bäcken, Cassi is the best health guru in Sweden. But there is more to her than the locals know, to them she is someone who managed to turn a derelict cottage into a successful self-help retreat. But the truth is that Cassi is a fraud – a great one. When her secret is revealed and her lies unravel, who will still come to support her. A story about betrayal, loneliness and belonging, hitting rock-bottom and finding you way back.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Cornerstone
ISBN: 9781529155754
Art History
Dressing the Queen: Two Hundred Years of Makers and Monarchy
Kate Strasdin
Take a trip back through time as we explore the story of the unsung people who designed and created the clothes of Britain’s queens, from Queen Victoria to the present day. We see the craftmanship and painstaking efforts that go into making what is known as the ‘Royal Wardrobe’, from handmade boots to Crown Jewels; country tweeds to delicate stockings. A fascinating look at history, fashion, the royal family and those who created their iconic styles.
Format: Hardback
Published by: Vintage Publishing
ISBN: 9781784745332
Week commencing 23rd March 2026
Picture Book
I Want Everything
Sophy Henn
A fun picture book written and illustrated by the humorous Sophy Henn. This is a brilliant story about a big ghost and a little ghost. One wants everything and the other asks all the right questions. This is a gentle way to of introducing the idea of what really matters when talking to little ones who want EVERYTHING! A lovely book to share.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781398526822
Modern Fiction
The Names
Florence Knapp
Chosen at Book of the Year 2025 by Sunday Times and other tabloids, this is story that looks at the possibilities of what would happen in an alternate life. All of them start in 1987 when Cora chooses what to name her baby boy and we witness how her choice of name shapes the person he will become. Whether she chooses a family name to stick with tradition, or a name chosen by his sister, or a name she has her own heart set on, it raises the question – How do our names shape who we are? This is a great book for discussions, perfect for book clubs as you can pour over the different possibilities created from one significant decision.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Orion Publishing Co
ISBN: 9781399624046
Thriller
Based on a True Story
Sarah Vaughan
We join a famous children’s author as she prepares to celebrate her book launch and 70th birthday with a lavish party in her exquisite manor house. However, when she receives a threat to expose a secret she has been keeping, she must uncover the sender before they unveil all and destroy her career. But surrounded by friends and family, who can she actually trust? And should she just tell the truth before someone does?
Format: Hardback
Published by: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781398502086
Autobiography
Lifeboat at the End of the World: A Volunteer’s Story
Dominic Gregory
A powerful account of the lifeboat station at Dungeness and the remarkable volunteers who have selflessly risked their lives there, facing the perils and unpredictability of nature to save lives. Written by a volunteer bringing to life the experience of being on the lifeboat, embracing all of the senses and the risk of danger. Full of characters from the crew to the setting of Dungeness beach itself, this is an insightful autobiography that will stay with you.
Format: Hardback
Published by: HarperCollins
ISBN: 9780008736781
Fantasy Romance
Onyx Storm
Rebecca Yarros
A follow up to Fourth Wing and Iron Flame from this best-selling author. Set in a military college for dragon-riders, these books are brutal, passionate and full of danger. The battle has begun with enemies closing in, they need to uncover a dark secret and seek allies to fight with them. Pushing Violet’s power to the very edge, will she risk everything to save her dragons, her family and him? This series is perfect for fans of fantasy and romance, or ‘Romantasy’!
Format: Paperback
Published by: Piatkus Books
ISBN: 9780349437095
Week commencing 16th March 2026
Picture Book
A World to Come
Robert MacFarlan Johnny Flynn and Emily Sutton
Beautiful illustrations accompany a lyrical text as we are taken on a journey with a father and son, through an ever-changing landscape. A story of hope and the magic of nature that is sure to be a classic. Perfect for reading aloud and sharing with a little one, this would make a lovely gift.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Magic Cat Publishing
ISBN: 9781917044554
Historical Fiction
One Good Thing
Georgia Hunter
Lilli Passigli is marked as Jewish and ‘inferior’ by Mussolini’s racial laws in 1940s Italy. She finds the world around her darken with Germany’s invasion to the north and fascist propaganda spreading hatred. She must flee to the south with those dear to her and join the resistance. For readers of historical war fiction, this is a story inspired by the fight from Italy to reach allies and freedom.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Alison & Busby
ISBN: 9780749032623
Psychology
Animate: How Animals Shape the Human Mind
Michael Bond
Explore how animals have profoundly influenced our minds and cultures. Looking through psychology, anthropology, literature and neuroscience and how the relationship has changed throughout history. Are we really superior to animals? Scientists are challenging this assumption as we learn more about their ability to empathise, their intelligence and creativity. Discover what it means to be human or an animal, and how we relate to each other.
Format: Hardback
Published by: Picador
ISBN: 9781035021246
Photography
Paul Nicklen: A Photography Masterclass
Paul Nicklen
Renowned conservationist, wildlife and art photographer, Paul Nicklen, shares his vast experience through 20 key lessons in photography. Ideal for beginners and experienced photographers alike, this is an essential handbook for anyone wishing to photograph the natural world. Learn to experiment, develop your style and gain confidence through clear and simple instructions, accompanied throughout by award-winning images.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Frances Lincoln
ISBN: 9781836009818
Contemporary Fiction
Flesh
David Szalay
Following a 15 year old living with his Mum in a modest apartment Hungary, as life takes him through the journey of chance, luck and choice to the elite society of London. We follow the protagonist as he forms relationships, joins the army and struggles with the challenges of love, intimacy, status and wealth, all of which threaten to undo him completely. This book has received glowing reviews, was declared Book of the Year by multiple literary papers as well as winning the Book Prize 2025.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Vintage Publishing
ISBN: 9781529932423
Week commencing 9th March 2026
Contemporary Fiction
Small Comfort
Ia Genberg and translated by Kira Josefsson
Told through a five subtly interconnected short stories, this is a book that shows what we truly value in people, and in money. Tales that explore how people can manipulate those around them for the sake of inheritance, what it means to be in debt to someone and how our own values are influenced by our financial wealth. Small Comfort has been longlisted for the 2026 Book Prize as “Breathtakingly Original, Profound but with a delicious dose of irreverence.”
Format: Paperback
Published by: Headline Publishing Group
ISBN: 9781035433940
Memoir
Love Needs No Words
James Hunt
Written by the founder of the Stories About Autism community, and father to two autistic, non-speaking sons. This is his story about autism parenting, sharing the highs and lows, the meltdowns and sleepless nights as well as the moments of joy and connection. It is not a guidebook, more a story to help other caregivers see that through the challenges and uncertainty a diagnosis can bring, there is also hope, growth and love.
Format: Hardback
Published by: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781398548589
History
The CIA Book Club: The Best Kept Secret of the Cold War
Charlie English
During the Cold War, The Iron Curtain was deemed near-impenetrable. Yet a Covert Intelligence Operation known as the ‘CIA Books Program’ aimed to win the Cold War with Literature. Headed by George Minden, the global CIA ‘book club’ would infiltrate millions of banned titles, including those by George Orwell, Alesandr Solzhenitsyn and Agatha Christie, into the Eastern Bloc. Beyond the Iron Curtain, readers turned into dissidents and underground print shops were created to reproduce titles as banned books were shared until communist censorship fell, and the Iron Curtain followed soon after. An incredible tale of the people involved and the power of words against war.
Format: Paperback
Published by: HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: 9780008495169
Children’s Fiction
Bear and Bird: The Cave and Other Stories
Jarvis
Fans of the Bear and Bird books will love this latest release in the series. By the talented author and illustrator, Jarvis, this book contains a series of short stories about the two friends. From not being able to remember why they have circled today in red in the calendar and assuming that they are meant to be celebrating each other’s birthday, to trying to summon up courage to enter the Creepy Cave to retrieve a lost ball, these stories are charming and heartwarming. A perfect young reader’s chapter book.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Walker Books
ISBN: 9781529531220
Children’s
Fake News and How to Spot it
Holly Bathie and Alex Frith
This is a must have book for parents and children alike. When we are surrounded by fake news, scams and most recently, AI manipulated images, this is a handy and comprehensive guide to help you develop your inquisitive mind to evaluate resources and identify misinformation. Exploring everything from advertising tricks to influencing with statistics and biased news articles, this is a useful guide to share.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Usborne
ISBN: 9781836040606
Week commencing 2nd March 2026
Psychological Thriller
Want to Know a Secret?
Freida McFadden
A fast-paced thriller by this bestselling author, that will keep you hooked to the end. A you-tube influencer who shares her baking sensations online in desperation to be liked. Her life seems perfect on screen; however, beyond the camera she is harbouring dark secrets that could ruin her. Secrets that someone else is threatening to expose. Told from two different perspectives, it provides a fascinating insight to how our own actions change how we view others. Full of twists and turns, this story will keep you guessing to the end.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Poisoned Pen Press
ISBN: 9781464268533
Children’s Graphic Novel
The Gumdrops: Quest for Bravery
Elissa Elwick
Set in a magical land with magical beings, this is a simple and fun new comic book series that is perfect for younger readers. The Gumdrops receive a letter from a child in need of an imaginary friends, and it is up to them to help. Inviting the reader to help them find the ingredients to help their quest, all the time keeping an eye out for the adorably mischievous, Evilee. Comics are a wonderful way to introduce sequential storytelling and using illustrations to add to the text, and this looks to be a great little series to start with.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Little Tiger Press
ISBN: 9781788957908
Modern Fiction
Big Nobody
Alex Kadis
A coming-of-age story that is original and full of humour, heart and tenderness. When Connie dreams of leaving her dull, dreary life behnd and running way with her best mate Vas, the only thing that stands in her way is The Fat Murderer—also known as her father. Not only is he responsible for the tragic accident that caused the death of her mother and younger brother, but he seems to be on a campaign to ruin Connie’s life. She can see only one way to move on with her life, she needs to kill him.
Format: Hardback
Published by: Cornerstone
ISBN: 9781529155303
Self Help
The Power of Anxiety
Dr Sian Williams
Full of expert research, tips and exercises, this self-help books look as sensitivity and anxiety as a strength. Instead of fighting it, the author brings a new perspective of helping to ride the waves of anxiety and look at it differently. To understand it and to celebrate the other strengths it can create in you.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Atlantic Books
ISBN: 9781805465034
Myths and Legends
Hekate
Nikita Gill
Told in the form of poetry and now published in paperback, this is the story of Godling Hekate who has never known safety. Taken by her mother to be raised by Styx and Hades in the Underworld. Hekate grows up trying to find her divine purpose and belonging in the land of the dead to uncover her powers and become a Goddess. Her story is sad, magical and beautiful and the poetry atmospheric. This is an absorbing book that will draw you in from the start.
Format: Hardback
Published by: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 9781526671578