Toppsta - Childrens Books – Reviews

Catherine Bruton

  • 4 stars across 13 books
Catherine Bruton was born in the North West, where she attended the local comprehensive before graduating with a first class degree in English Literature from Oxford.


In her twenties, she worked in Namibia and South Africa, teaching in bush schools and working with street children in the townships. Catherine then went on to teach at some of the top schools in London and the UK, as well as writing feature articles for `The Times' and various other national magazines and newspapers.


Catherine's first novel for young people `We Can be Heroes' was published in 2011. Described by The Sunday Times as, "Witty, wise and compelling,"  and named as one of their top books of 2011, it was short and long-listed for numerous awards, including the Carnegie, and is currently being adapted for the big screen.


Her follow up `Pop!' lead The Guardian to describe  her as, "One of the finest teen writers of recent years,"  whilst her forthcoming book `I Predict a Riot' which was inspired by the UK riots, 'vividly illustrates the tensions and violence of city life from the perspective of three very different young people trying to make sense of the world they live in,' (The Bookseller)


Nowadays Catherine combines teaching  English at a local secondary school with writing novels and raising a family. She lives with her husband and their two children in the countryside just outside Bath.
25th April 2019

No Ballet Shoes in Syria

Winner of the Books Are My Bag Readers AwardAya is eleven years old and has just arrived in Britain with her mum and bab... MoreNo Ballet Shoes in Syria

(51 reviews) Review
5th November 2020

Another Twist in the Tale

You have heard, no doubt, the tale of Master Oliver Twist - that rags-to-riches boy; the parish orphan who became heir t... MoreAnother Twist in the Tale

(27 reviews) Review
7th October 2021

Following Frankenstein

A brilliantly-conceived and hugely imaginative 'sequel' to Mary Shelley's masterpiece, Following Frankenstein is a hugel... MoreFollowing Frankenstein

(14 reviews) Review
1st September 2017

Refugee Kid

(1 review) Review
28th March 2003

She

(1 review) Review
4th June 2012

Pop!

Billy Elliot meets the X-Factor meets Shameless. An emotional rollercoaster of a novel for readers aged 11 to 111. I rec... MorePop!

(0 reviews) Review
5th June 2014

I Predict a Riot

Explosive, emotional drama from the author of We Can Be Heroes, perfect for fans of Meg Rosoff and Annabel Pitcher. We... MoreI Predict a Riot

(0 reviews) Review
20th September 2001

Bird Boy

'The crow's harsh voice cut through Con's dream, and his eyes flew open. The big bird was standing on the window sill... MoreBird Boy

(0 reviews) Review
1st August 2011

We Can be Heroes

Moving. Funny. Explosive. And most of all, unexpected . . . As powerful as Frank Cottrell Boyce’s Millions. My dad was ... MoreWe Can be Heroes

(0 reviews) Review
1st September 2017

ME2

(0 reviews) Review
Image to show page is loading Show More Books

Most Popular Book

Recent Reviews

  • No Ballet Shoes in Syria

    No Ballet Shoes in Syria

    This is a book like no other that you have read Catherine Bruton's best piece, in my view.  -This book is about a refugee and her family...

  • No Ballet Shoes in Syria

    No Ballet Shoes in Syria

    by zukuto

    I really enjoyed reading this book as it told more about different wars other than world war two.

    This book is about a young refugee girl, named ay...

  • No Ballet Shoes in Syria

    No Ballet Shoes in Syria

    Aya has arrived in Britain.  When she hears a piano playing in an upstairs room she starts dancing. The ballet teacher sees her and thinks Aya could g...