I love to read. I read a lot of different genres, but thrillers are my favourite. With that being said, I do read a lot of books aimed at children and YA markets – I just love to read and there is nothing wrong with having a varied pool to pick from, a good story is still a good story no matter what age or market it is aimed at. I was sent a copy of Jodie and the Library Card by Julie Hodgson and was intrigued as it is a story about, books, reading and the loss of books and libraries (which is a very real threat if libraries continue to be underused – so find your nearest local library and use it, they are FREE to use). Jodie and the Library Card is a time-travelling adventure novel aimed at children 9-12 years old.
Jodie Broom is 12 years old (almost 13!) and lives in the future year of 2075. 2075 is a time where everything is digital: books, television etc. Printed media (books, newspapers and magazines) were banned 50 years previously. With no access to books, that means there are no libraries as we know them today. Everybody has an eReader. But Jodie is a bookwork and loves to have real books!
Each school child is issued with a library card that enables them to time travel to help them with their homework. Jodie uses hers to explore the past and collect real books, even though in 2075 it is illegal to have any and can have very serious consequences. When Jodie’s parents discover her collection, they are less than happy and order to get rid of them all. Needless to say, Jodie is upset by this and embarks on a time travelling adventure. Her adventure starts in China, and she has been tasked with getting a book from Attila the Hun! Her travels also see her visit the Titanic, WWII London, the Carnation Revolution in Portugal and more. Jodie, along with her friends, get trapped in time. Will they manage to find their way back home?
Overall, Jodie and the Library Card is a great adventure story for children (and adult readers who love to read of course). Not only is it an interesting and engaging story packed with adventure, it also teaches a bit about history (all in a brief, non-stuffy way) and shows one possible outcome of libraries not being used today and the over-reliance of using eReaders and not real books.
Julie Hodgson has written a great sci-fi adventure story and in a very easy to read style that will appeal to its young readers. It is a fun and entertaining story that children, teens and adults will enjoy.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £8 (Paperback) / £2.14 (Kindle)
Available to buy from Amazon here.
