Crater Lake

This read like a light horror story and that is not my usual cup of tea. It was readable and entertaining and there was enough humour to break it up. As usual there are issues here – namely bullying, Crohn’s Disease and sleep apnoea but they were not really considered in any depth and I think they added little to the story.

col63

Easy to read book for KS2. The plot moves swiftly and will keep the reader engaged. Vocabulary is not over-complex, which makes the text run smoothly. One for my bookshelf

Gwari

Fab!!

Caroline2312

I loved this book for my Year 6 pupils. It was a fun way for them to engage in reading about a weird residential right before they were going on their residential. It was a bit of fun to read aloud to the class.

MVDT

Whilst not my usual genre of book, I can see that Year 5 and 6 children in particular would enjoy this story. A group of children on a Year 6 residential have a mystery to solve at a creepy new location called Crater Lake. Recognisable characters, a good dollop of humour, an exciting plot and developing friendships make for an enjoyable read.

DawnBatchelor

Good for a children’s horror. Could also be used to discuss perceptions of each other and for kids with different backgrounds.

twest

This is not a book for the sensitive or those worried about going on a school residential! A group of yr6 children are off to Crater Lake, a brand new activity centre. It starts off badly when a blood-covered man, in a Crater Lake uniform, bangs on the window of their coach. He is badly hurt and terrified but of what they are not sure. Felt a bit like a Scooby- Doo adventure at times but aimed at 10+

Hutch2

Review • Maximum 100 words • Very brief plot summary • Your comments about A group of friends are off for their end of Year 6 outward bounds residential. Apart from the usual issues like dealing with bullying and teachers that have it in for you, what can possibly go wrong? Things don’t start too well when their coach is stopped by a man covered with blood who is rambling about Bears in the woods. At the activity centre they are given a strange reception and fed only on warm soup but it’s when they go to bed that things take a turn for the worse. Lance and his friends have to stay awake because it’s when you sleep that danger strikes! This is a fast-paced and exciting blend of horror and Si-Fi and seems like a perfect story for children who would enjoy a less scary version of Stranger Things. A group of mostly mis-fit children manage to outwit an alien invasion using a blend of scientific knowledge and courage but friendships are tested in the process. The dialogue feels authentic and the characters are engaging. A real page-turner.

KatieLoo2

Great read. Perfect for years 5/6.

Clairlou972

This book was brilliant. I cpuldnt put it down as I wanted to know so much-Lance's secret, who locked Yrebt in the toilet, who would survive. Loved it. It was funny, scary, thought proving and sentimental all at the same time. Each character had their own story Nd when they came out, it answered many questions.

Princessluigi81

I had heard so much about this book and eventually read it. If you like suspense and sci fi this is the book for you and your class. I was gripped by the story and the characters on their school trip and the the danger of falling asleep.

Tiger25

A great book to read with UKS2 before they embark on their residential experience!

Peregrine56

Great book that is easily read and you keep want to reading.

Efinch1811

This book was a gripping and funny read! Although it was different to the books I would usually go for, it grabbed me from the start. My favourite thing about this book was how the relationships between the group of children developed as they battled evil!

Lucy2992

I’d heard such good things about this one that I was really looking forward to it. It just didn’t live up to the hype and I found it rather ridiculous. Doesn’t mean the children in my class don’t love it but it wasn’t for me.

LucyCatten

This is a great, action packed book which has a mixture of hilarious and horrific events. The plot includes lots of twists and turns- it is difficult to guess what will happen next. The story revolves around the worst ever year 6 residential visit when the children find themselves at the mercy of alien wasp-like creatures who want to take over the world. Whilst the year 6 characters are all endearing, my favourite character was the evil assistant headmistress- who would have guessed that she was not human! I would highly recommend this book, it is a real page turner with scary, fun filled action.

Polwarth

An enjoyable read, suitable for some Year 5 and 6 pupils but would be too scary for some. The alien/ zombie theme would be very engaging for some children.

BeckyLF

The story was okay, tried to grip from a gruesome start, the twists and turns of shared secrets helped to move the story along.

Xavimum

Loved the friendship theme that ran through the book. Fantastic characters. Would recommend for any year 6 class Humorous, adventurous, exciting, touching story.

MrsH6

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had a delightful mixture of tension, horror and comedy that kept me on the edge of my seat. The way the characters developed as friends and grew as a group was interesting to read and incredibly believable. I would highly recommend this book, especially if you like horror or thriller stories.

Michaels88