I also really liked the way the adults in the story were portrayed too – they aren’t stereotypically stupid, mean or absent, but real, supportive and caring. Shy, but hiding it with quick comments (and a long fringe), Harold’s clumsy attempts to make friends with Aveline were so well-written and touching to read I thought he was a great character and I’d love to see more of him in the next book (which I found out about the other day and now can’t wait for!) The writing was really imnersive and I could feel the wind whipping my hair and the spray from grey waves hitting my face as I hunkered down along the front with Aveline and local boy Harold, who she gradually – somewhat reluctantly at first! – befriends. Out of season, this makes for a perfect backdrop to the story that follows – the stormy weather, the deserted streets, the unfamiliarity to city-born Aveline. I wish this book had been around when I was growing up – younger me would have loved it (of course present me did too!) Atmospheric, creepy and chilling it was a perfect read for a grey, rainy day.Īveline is staying with her Aunt Lillian for a few days in the coastal town of Malmouth. The Haunting of Aveline Jones by Phil Hickes, illustrated by Keith Robinson Belle Bacon, Abbey Turnbull, Jess Dodge and Tober Khalid all from The Carlton Academy who acted, filmed and edited a scene from Proud of Me.I was lucky enough to request and be approved by the publishers to read an early copy of this on netgalley in exchange for an honest review.Amaia Abrahams from The Carlton Academy for a cake in the shape of a soup tin from The Soup Movement.Rudy Fisher Swann from The Redhill Academy for a visual representation of Boy, Everywhere.Isobel Speight from Hall Park Academy for a pencil drawing of Aveline Jones.

This was won by Annie McArthur a student from The Carlton Academy who created a stunning memory box for a character from the novel Proud of Me. They also took part in a ‘Creative Response’ competition. Small groups of students in each academy looked at the books in depth and voted for their favourite character and favourite overall book. The selection process involved more than 4,500 Year 7 and 8 students voting for three of the award winners favourite front cover, favourite first line and favourite blurb. In a further surprise, the winning authors sent video messages to thank students for voting and taking part. Students from across the Trust gathered at The Carlton Academy with their school librarians to hear the winners announced and enjoy an entertaining presentation from local author Darren Simpson, whose third novel Furthermore has just been published.

The haunting of aveline jones blurb