Book Band: Dark Blue, ideal for ages 9+

A heart-warming story about friendship and finding your place in the world set in an urban city, ideal for children practising their reading at home or in school.

Twelve-year-old JoJo is going through a difficult time: his dad has lost his job, his best friends have completely forgotten he exists, and he's even developed an annoying nervous tick. So when he and his dad move into a new flat, the last thing he needs is a scary new neighbour! This contemporary mystery features black-and-white illustrations.

The Bloomsbury Readers series is packed with book-banded stories to get children reading independently in Key Stage 2 by award-winning authors like double Carnegie Medal winner Geraldine McCaughrean and Waterstones Prize winner Patrice Lawrence. With engaging illustrations and online guided reading notes written by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE), this series is ideal for home and school. For more information visit www.bloomsburyreaders.com.

'Any list that brings together such a quality line up of authors is going to be welcomed . Bloomsbury Readers are aimed squarely at children in Key Stage 2 and designed to support them as they start reading independently and while they continue to gain confidence and understanding.' Books for Keeps

Karen McCombie is an award-winning author of both children's and young adult books. She has written more than 90 children's books and been published worldwide, including Carnegie-nominated Little Bird Flies and its partner novel Little Bird Lands, Victorian adventures set in the Scottish Highlands and 1860s America respectively (Nosy Crow). Born in Scotland, Karen now lives in London with her husband, teenage daughter and West Highland Terrier puppy. Karen tweets @KarenMcCombie.

Thy Bui is a London-based art director, letterer and illustrator working predominantly in publishing and branding. Thy has a particular love of illustrating and hand-lettering her cover designs and has previously won the children's category at The Academy of British Cover Design.