Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell – review

The Book Bunch: 'The book provided plenty of suspense and thrills to keep us turning the pages'

Your stories: Circus Horse – Part 1 by HorseLover3000

HorseLover3000: 'It was an act, put on for the unsuspecting people. Little did they know about what went on behind the big top of the circus when the show was over'

Reader reviews roundup

We're transporting you to magical lands, ancient manuscripts and fantastic animal adventures in this weeks' roundup!

Carnegie medal shortlist: your verdicts

We know who the winner of the year's medal is, but if you don't want to stop your reading there, site member PetrovaFossil has helped us create your essential guide to the 2013 Carnegie shortlist

Elizabeth Wein’s top 10 dynamic duos in fiction

The Code Name Verity author chooses her favourite fictional sensational teams, from Frodo and Sam to Calvin and Hobbes

Secret Breakers: The Knights of Neustria by H. L. Dennis – review

Buki: 'I knew I had to read it so I overcame my prejudices and picked it up again and I was soon drawn to it like a magnet to iron'

Sally Gardner’s Maggot Moon wins the Carnegie medal

Dyslexic author's dystopia for teens wins the most prestigious children's books prize in the UK

Razzle Dazzle by Andy Seed – review

cute cat: 'These poems will fill your head with craziness, fun and imagination'

Book doctor: What can I read to improve my writing?

All aspiring writers need to be magpie-like in their reading, and both classic and contemporary novels can provide a rich source of inspiration

Doll Bones by Holly Black – review

HorseLover3000: 'I have a bit of an over-active imagination. It probably wasn't the best idea to read Doll Bones in the dark then!'

The Tunnels of Tarcoola by Jennifer Walsh – review

Buki: 'If you are an Enid Blyton fan, this adventure will appeal to you'

How we made: Horrid Henry

Author Francesca Simon and illustrator Tony Ross describe how their mischievous, much-loved characters give children the thrill of being bad – without the consequences