Please or to access all these features

Children's books

Join in for children's book recommendations.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Children's bookclub: Half Bad by Sally Green - Apply for a free copy.

39 replies

RachelMumsnet · 03/03/2014 15:02

We're delighted to announce Sally Green's debut YA novel Half Bad as one of our bookclub choice books for March. Sally was 48 years old when she penned her first novel which has gone on to be sold in 45 countries and film rights have already been snapped up.

Half Bad is the first in a trilogy which tells the story of a young male witch, Nathan, who is captured beaten and kept in a cage up until the age of fourteen because he doesn't fit into a society of black or white witches. Nathan must escape before his sixteenth birthday in order to fulfil his potential as a witch, or else he will die but he finds himself facing some great challenges, both emotional and political on his quest to discover who he really is.

Apply for a free copy and review or discuss the book on this thread. As a debut author, Sally has shared her Top tips for budding novelists.

Children's bookclub: Half Bad by Sally Green - Apply for a free copy.
OP posts:
Dunlurking · 12/03/2014 11:07

Hi Pictures, I've just finished this. (I'm hecouldshine from NAPM btw). I don't think my year 8, 13 year old dd would be quite ready for it. Too many greys for that age, rather than black and white clear portrayals of what's evil and what's good, if that makes sense. Nathan is violent in a slightly random way at times, (and steals) so I'm not sure that my dd would cope with this yet.

A good read, sags a little in the middle, I think, and one boring chapter near the end, but otherwise a very promising debut. I gather the film rights have sold and Karen Rosenfelt (Twilight) is the producer.

Picturesinthefirelight · 11/03/2014 20:23

Yes I thought borderline. The reason I said year 7 is that I think there's a big difference between a 12 year old who has only just started secondary & a Year 8 child.

emmaMBC · 11/03/2014 20:15

Oh! I was thinking she must be just wonderfully advanced with her reading skills for you to be considering a YA novel ;-)

Borderline I reckon then, it's a judgement call from you re what you know about her. If she's not ready for it yet, I'm sure she soon will be!

Opening scenes are of Nathan, the protagonist, coping with being locked in a cage. There are some scenes of violence, physical fighting - punching etc.

Any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Picturesinthefirelight · 11/03/2014 13:04

She's Year 7 aged 12, not 7 years old.

soontobeslendergirl · 11/03/2014 11:11

Have the emails gone out yet? I haven't heard anything so was thinking of buying the book anyway, but don't want to do that and then be told that we have been lucky to get one free :)

emmaMBC · 11/03/2014 11:07

Definitely too young for a 7 year old in my opinion.

The witch themes are complex, there are several quite detailed fighting scenes - it is a fabulous book for teenagers, and cough adults, I loved it!

This is my review ...
www.mybookcorner.com.au/listings/1051-half-bad

diabolo · 10/03/2014 14:34

I've just finished this, great book, really engaging character in Nathan, am looking forward to the next in the series.

AliceMumsnet · 10/03/2014 10:38

This giveaway is now closed. We will notify those who have been selected to receive a free copy via email. Please feel free to discuss the book here throughout the month and look forward to hearing your thoughts.

soontobeslendergirl · 06/03/2014 14:32

I've applied - I have two boys 13 and a half and 12 and a half who will love this I think.

They have enjoyed the Darren Shan books, Skulduggery pleasant, Noughts and Crosses, Hunger Games, Tunnels series and many many more so this sounds like it will be right up their street.

fruitpastille · 06/03/2014 03:48

I saw the author on tv yesterday and she sid 13+

Picturesinthefirelight · 06/03/2014 00:54

Would those of you who have read it say its more aimed at teens. Is it too old for a year 7 girl?

emmaMBC · 05/03/2014 18:19

Definitely not awful!! There are some absolutely brilliant YA authors out there at the moment - don't miss out!

jojack17 · 04/03/2014 17:59

I've applied...is it awful that I've applied to the children's book club for a book which I want for myself?! I thoroughly enjoy a bit of YA fiction and this sounds right up my street! May pass it on to my son when I'm done of course!

emmaMBC · 03/03/2014 17:30

I've just finished this novel - and thoroughly enjoyed it.

There's been lots of hype surrounding it, and fortunately it certainly lives up to this.

Gardner's voice is unique and refreshing.

Swipe left for the next trending thread