The sudden rise of fragmentary nationalism, in Britain, Europe, Russia, America, Turkey, India - this is something that was not expected. Both Rachel and Robert face countless challenges and must rely on their courage, intelligence and charm to stay one step ahead of their enemies. Although there is some magic in it, first half of the book is focused mainly on assassination attempt of a dictator, and there is also a quite a graphic murder. Rachel lives with her older brother, Robert and their parents in the city of Brava in the land of Krasnia. Written with intensity by poet Sophia Thakur and illustrated in lithe superhero style by Denzell Dankwah, these are trading-card-like portraits of Bipoc figures from the already famous (Dina Asher-Smith, Reni Eddo-Lodge, Ian Wright) to those working more quietly behind the scenes (creative tech partnership Comuzi, Prof Frank Chinegwundoh MBE, youth worker Tanya Compas).

It felt like we were given a lot of clues, bits and pieces to put together along with our two main characters, and while it wasn't too complex, I had moments where I failed to piece the puzzles. I felt such powerful emotions reading about Robert and Rachel in the last chapter, it just overwhelmed me, which I didn't expect, but there you go. There is some technology, such as cars and airships, yet the only phones available are ones that connect to the wall, music comes from violins and pianos and messages are sent via letter or written in books.There are parallels to be drawn with chapters in history as well as certain events in today’s world, painting a grim picture of life under highly restrictive rules and regulations.

I don't think love is even a good word for it, I felt like it has gained a special, permanent spot in my heart. With a big heart and courage to match, she has a strong sense of justice and the importance to fight for what is right, even when the cost may seem to be too great to bear. But overall, without giving any spoilers, it's a story about friendship and redemption, among other things. Letta is a Wordsmith: responsible for handing out words to people who need them, she has never questioned why language is rationed. However I am rating it 3 stars here because I do think that the targeted audience won't be an as harsh critic as me.

She teaches us all that it's OK to be afraid, helpless and vulnerable within this book and that it's not anything to be ashamed of. The depiction of a regime that outlaws books and keeps children locked up at home while using a draconian police force to bug telephones, read private letters and spy on its citizens, gives readers a taste of how it might feel to live under an oppressive government. An exhilarating, wondrous middle grade debut about a brother and sister on a quest that “swoops from thrilling to terrifying to heartwarming and back again” ( BookPage) to defeat a tyrannical ruler and protect a magical book. L-r: Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, Leomie Anderson and Riz Ahmed from Sophia Thakur and Denzell Dankwah’s Superheroes: Inspiring Stories of Secret Strength. At university I co-founded a small theatre company, Cambridge Talking Tongues, alongside two female friends, including actor Rachel Weisz.

Both children are determined to fulfil the mission passed to them by their father and will do whatever is necessary to bring down the evil Malstain. His father is English and loves nature and his mother is a descendant of German-Jewish grandparents who helped their children escape Germany for England in the Second World War. Their father, Felix, is a librarian who takes them on Rachel's birthday to the library in the quest of an adventure and to find a forbidden book, the book of stolen dreams. The Book of Stolen Dreams offers a tense and thrilling adventure, but one in which Farr allows the youngest characters to win the day - providing a hope-filled reminder that good can triumph over tyranny in a million small, everyday ways.They are pitched into a battle they might not win…but their determination to do the right thing and their bravery makes for a gripping story. Their mother (my great grandmother) Aennie Elkan was a fiercely intelligent woman, and one day in 1938 she stood up at supper and said "I have read Hitler's book and it is clear that we are in grave danger. All books have a certain magic, but the Book of Stolen Dreams is like no other - this book has the power to grant eternal life.