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Amy McKay - Editorial Expert

Amy is a knowledgeable, innovative and enthusiastic school librarian, living and working in Cumbria. Amy is a past UK School Librarian of the Year.

With over 17 years’ experience in school libraries and over a decade as the Yoto Carnegies National Coordinator she has a vast knowledge of children’s literature. She is a familiar face at festivals and has judged numerous book awards, including the Blue Peter Book Awards and the Nibbies.

Amy loves nothing more than sharing her love of books and reading, connecting young people with the authors and books that will enrich their lives for years to come.

Latest Reviews By Amy McKay

Two VERY different boys with one big thing in common – Existor is an online gaming sensation, Fred is the friendless school loser. Nobody knows they’re the same person. As Existor’s popularity and influence grows, Fred realises he can use his alter ego to improve his real life. But as Existor’s concocted rumours and outright lies start to mount up, Fred finds it increasingly hard to keep track of his lies. With genuinely funny humour that will have you snorting out loud this is the perfect read for young teens who enjoy funny, real-life ... View Full Review

Zarah is not happy when Uncle Jerome collects her and her brother from school, he likes to take the long way home whilst she would prefer to walk as little as possible. She complains every step of the way - through the woods, along the riverbank, up the hill, and even through the wild grasses. To distract her Uncle Jerome warns of all the possible monsters lurking around them, from pterodactyls to crocodiles, lions to yetis, who knows what’s around the next bend! With so much fun to discover, will Zarah be persuaded that adventure awaits when you ... View Full Review

Nate is leaving the safe and colourful world of primary school and starting secondary school – alongside his best friends, Caleb and PS, he is a mix of nerves and excitement. And with new friends, old bullies and strict teachers on the horizon, there are challenges ahead, especially when someone he thought was gone forever reappears… There is always a slight trepidation to be found when opening a highly anticipated book, and there are few books more highly anticipated than this sequel to Goodfellow’s phenomenal The Final Year. Loved by young readers, teachers and awards judges alike, ... View Full Review

Maaryah has enjoyed a life of luxury and privilege growing up in Dubai. With designer clothes, prestigious cars and expensive cars her norm, she has wanted for very little. So, when her parents divorce and she is uprooted to a tiny house in dreary Essex with her mum, she is left reeling by the sudden change. Being the new student is always hard, but as the only hijabi in her mostly-white new school Maaryah has a huge challenge ahead. Can she build a new life whilst remaining true to herself? This was a gripping read from the very first page, ... View Full Review

A lively guide to Shakespeare that you didn’t know you wanted, never mind needed. Collecting together quotes and speeches from many of Shakespeare’s greatest plays, we are led through a fascinating exploration of love, magic, superstition, betrayal and sorrow. Organised by theme rather than providing distinct considerations of different plays, this is an accessible read that neither condescends nor bamboozles. Rosen’s infectious enthusiasm for the Bard leaps from the page. As one of the nation’s favourite poets and wordsmiths his is a trusted hand that beckons us to discover and relish in ... View Full Review

Mina and her best friends, Reema and Mobeen, can’t wait for their school residential trip to Shiremoor Oaks Adventure Centre. With lots of exciting activities, secret midnight feasts and the opportunity to become official Great Young Leaders anticipation is high. But rumours of a monstrous figure known as Bertie Blackteeth stalking the woods soon quell their excitement. This is a hilarious and perfectly pitched story for fans of Wimpy Kid, Little Badman and Sam Wu is Not Afraid style books. With plenty of jokes and just the right level of peril, young readers will be laughing and gasping ... View Full Review

From the first fish to grow legs and walk on land, to our early human ancestors, The Fossil Keeper’s Treasure is rich in tales of prehistory, all brought to life by the fascinating fossils left behind. Before this book is even opened it is clear it is something special. From the beautiful gold, embossed front cover to the thick cardboard pages, the book itself is as much a treasure as the prehistoric ones it depicts. Highly illustrated pages and a handwriting-style font combine to give the intimate sense of reading a Natural History scrapbook. I particularly enjoyed the ... View Full Review

Seventeen-year-old Kay and her family left their sleepy hometown of Longrove under a dark shadow of grief, hoping for a fresh start in London. But one year on, with her parents jetting off on holiday, Kay is back in Longrove, and not everyone is happy to see her. When a sinister note from someone calling themselves Monday appears on her bed, promising a week of revenge-laden games which will culminate in her death, Kay doesn’t know what to think. Is it all a weird joke and, if not, who is the illusive Monday? From suspicious ex-friends to the ... View Full Review

When Farmer is too ill to get out of bed, sheepdog Flo is eager to help out and keep the farm running. After all, it can’t be that hard, can it? With help from the other farmyard animals Flo creates a list of jobs to complete and gets busy. But, whilst full of good intentions, Flo’s understanding of the jobs leaves a lot to be desired! First, she tries to collect the geese, then she tries milking the pigs; with each job ticked off she leaves a trail of confusion and chaos. Young readers will adore ... View Full Review

Mevan enjoys a happy childhood surrounded by nature and a loving extended family in Kurdistan, Northern Iraq. With honeysuckle scented air, poetry, delicious treats, and large family meals filled with laughter, her life is nothing short of idyllic. But when the Iraqi leader and his army start targeting and hurting the Kurdish people, Mevan and her parents must leave all that they know and love in the pursuit of freedom and safety. Through gentle storytelling and Yas Imamura’s evocative illustrations we follow Mevan’s journey through Turkey and Azerbaijan, then to Russia and the Netherlands, until finally ... View Full Review

Bear is happily sitting on his bench with only a book, a cookie and a balloon for company, when his peaceful solitude is broken by a series of other animals asking to share his bench and belongings. Bear knows he wants to say no, but each time he agrees, until finally his internal frustration bursts out of him in an angry, bear-sized roar. This is a superb picture book for the very young about sharing, voicing your feelings and not being afraid to stand up for yourself. Shaloshvili’s playful illustrations, alongside limited text, beautifully portray the building of ... View Full Review