Middle-grade/Children's books: my Believathon II journey

Believathon II map:
 drawn by Elinor Byass and coloured by Gavin.

"As you enjoy a pint of speckled pig at the Poacher’s Pocket Inn, you notice a shift in the atmosphere. The clouds darken outside. You look outside the window to see a dark figure approaching the inn. He spots you through the window and makes haste to the door…” So begins Gavin’s guide to all things Believathon II – you can read the full Compendium here, or purchase a copy here.

This Readathon is hosted by Gavin, at How To Train Your Gavin and the premise  is to make your way through this lovely fantasy world (pictured in the map on the left, drawn by Elinor Byass and coloured in by Gavin), inspired by middle-grade books, and at each location to read a middle-grade/children's book associated with a prompt.

The Readathon takes place between 11-24 May and I’m very much looking forward to getting involved. It has been such a joy to read through the Compendium and map out my journey, and I can’t wait to let you know what I think of these wonderful middle-grade books!

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The Pocket Poacher’s Inn – read the first book in a series

Inspired by the first location on our journey, I’m going to be reading A Pinch of Magic by Michelle Harrison – I’ve heard such wonderful things about this series and Michelle Harrison was a favourite growing up so I can’t wait to dive back into her writing. 

This book is described as a fantastical middle-grade that follows three sisters who must come together to fight a curse that's haunted their family for generations.

I then journey to the Yellow Brick Road – read a book you were supposed to read years ago

Since 2011 I’ve had a German edition of Inkheart (Tintenherz) which was absolutely one of my favourite children’s book coming out. This is book I’ve attempted to read over the years, but I’m finally biting the bullet and diving in. 

The book follows Meggie Folchart, and her book-binding father, Mo. When a mysterious figure appears at night, Meggie is taken on a journey away from her home and begins to discover the unanswered questions of her past. It was also made into a film in 2008, with Brendan Fraser (who inspired Funke for the character of Mo) playing Mo. 

Here, I am going to take a slightly different approach, reading 10-20 pages a night to read as much as I can, as my German is very rusty and there’s no way I’ll be able to read this in big chunks.

From there, I’m going to delve into The Deepwoods, were I have to read a book that was published before 2000. 

For this, I’ve chosen Judith Kerr’s When Hitlet Stole Pink Rabbit. This book was published 1971, and after hearing how much Jen Campbell loved it, I picked myself a copy up and have been meaning to read it for ages. In these current, uncertain times, I’m hoping it will bring me comfort and hope. 

Following Anna and her family's flight from Germany during the Nazi regime, this book has been described by Michael Morpurgo as "life-enhancing". 

My journey then continues to Black Ice Bridge, requiring me to read a book featuring an expedition or adventure.

I have devoured and loved every book of Kiran Millwood-Hargraves, and have had a copy of The Island at the End of Everything that I bought from Round Table Books (which I highly recommend you visit, when this is all over!) last year. 

This book follows Ami, as she embarks on a journey back to her mother who has been quarentined on an island and I can’t wait to fall back into Millwood-Hargraves wonderful storytelling.

Finally, I make my way to The Book-Keeper’s Stronghold, where my journey ends! Here, I have to read the next book in a series.

For this I’m going to listen to A Sprinkle of Sorcery by Michelle Harrison. This book continues on from A Pinch of Magic and will wonderfully round off my middle-grade adventure!

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Gavin has also penned the 16 and 17 May as a weekend to immerse ourselves in our childhood favourites. Over this weekend, I may re-read Linda Chapman’s My Secret Unicorn which was my all-time favourite as a child, and re-watch Inkheart or even cosy up with some Harry Potter.

You can keep up to date with the Readathon here, and follow me on Instagram to see how my reading goes! 

What are some of your favourite childhood books? Happy reading!