Pub. Firefly Press (2020)
Age Range - 9-12 years
Who is the mysterious bloodstained man who stops their coach? Why is no one around when Lance and the rest of Year Six arrive at the brand new Crater Lake activity centre? But this is just the beginning of the school trip from hell; a fight for survival that sees five pupils band together to save their classmates from an alien fate far worse than death. But whatever happens, they must Never. Ever. Fall asleep!
I chose Crater Lake as a class read, and it didn't disappoint. We found it exciting and well-paced, pitting the reader into the action right from the outset. The novel is very accessible even to more reluctant readers, with an informal tone that makes it relatable to middle graders. It carries an important message about being yourself, and about the power of friendship and tolerance - indeed, one student remarked on the emotional beats which obviously resonated with her! There were occasional hints at a blossoming romance which never quite reached fruition, so we'll be keeping an eye out for the follow-up to see what happens! Fun, and just the right amount of gore!