Starboard

From the moment reality tv star Kirsten Bramble spies the SS Great Britain with her flags fluttering in the breeze as if she was tossing her hair, ‘it tugs at her heart like a magnet.’ The ship has been watching her too, and has decided they are meant to be entangled on a journey together.But Kirsten makes for a reluctant captain, especially as she’s supposed to be appearing on The Jade Cooper Show in a few days time to try and salvage her telly career. However, the course has been set by the hilarious and slightly grumpy Flatty the talking map, there are ‘passengers’ on board who want to get to New York, and a quest to be solved with her ex-best friend Olive.There’s a lot of important stuff to be said about reality tv. Even more important stuff about the different types of love, truth, and bravery. The moment you start reading you won’t want to stop, like the ship who yearns to go on her journey with her bowsprit pointing at the ocean - ‘GO!’ - until you realise the end is coming but you can’t slow down. The sparky, witty prose steers you through the story effortlessly, along with wonderful illustrations (inky words, tickets, whales and swirls) by Flavia Sorrentino. When you’re done, if you’re anything like me, you’ll immediately google pictures of the SS Great Britain and want to see her for yourself, unicorns and all.

Kirsten Bramble is a reality TV star determined to save her flagging popularity by appearing on the Jade Cooper show. But a school trip to the glorious SS Great Britain throws all Kirsten’s plans into wild disarray when the ship decides she is the new captain and breaks free of her moorings to whisk Kirsten and her ex-best friend Olive away on journey of adventure and discovery like no other.This is an absolute gem of a book: constantly surprising, laugh-out-loud funny and genuinely moving. Even the loveable cast of characters is brilliantly unexpected from the ship herself to Flatty (a map) and a whole host of mannequins brought to life. The adventure is both pacy and intriguing and it really is hard to put this story down. I’m not sure I’ve ever read anything quite like it and even though I finished it weeks ago now, I’m still thinking about it.I don’t want to give too many spoilers away so you’ll just have to get a copy and read it for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!

You won't go wrong with this wacky adventure, it really is a joy from start to finish.A wildly inventive tale, we loved the main character Kirsten and the depiction of the ship as a society beauty raging against the passing of time. As for the creepy mannequins which come to life - well surely that is something that every child wonders about, isn't it?Skinner's imagination knows no limits, but this fun, action-packed journey is as much about what's happening on the inside as on the outside, and delivers some wise, gentle lessons about love, life and friendship.It left us definitely keen to visit the SS Great Britain. Bravo Skinner, you've created a marvel here. Clapping emoji!

I made myself late for work finishing Starboard last week, and it was so worth it. Skinner spins a fun, funny, imaginative and delightful story that is also so warm and sensitive it holds you and its characters like a literary hug. I nearly cried, in a very good way.I often wish I'd waited till I was older to read certain books that crossed my path. This is the first time I can remember wishing I had read a book *sooner*, younger, because the lessons in it are gentle and useful and true. (I don't know if I would have *learned* the lessons if I had read it sooner, but that's not the point XD).Buy it. Buy three. Give them to young and not-so-young people in your life. Anyone who likes the idea of a bit of adventure, or who has ever got even a *little* bit lost, will have a wonderful time with Starboard.

This book tells the story of ten year old Kirsten Bramble, a reality TV child-star who has rather lost her way. When she is kidnapped by a ship, her life, which she thought was perfect, is rather turned upside down. The SS Great Britain (which you can actually visit in Bristol) is determined to undertake a voyage of discovery both for Kirsten and herself. With a cast of magically alive mannequins, ghostly pirates and two very out-of-their-depth ten year olds, this book is a truly exciting adventure.

A wonderful original book with great pace and a real page turner. Made me laugh out loud whilst touching on some really important deep themes which span the modern world (fame and social media) and themes which have mattered to humankind for all time (growing up, lonlieness, friendship and family) .A strong and human female lead who is identifiable is brilliant for girls and boys.Beautifully written, Nicola Skinner has gone from strength to strength. A must read for all ages.

One of the few books my 9yo boy loved. Already ordered and started one her previous books.

At first I was put off by the info at the start, but after those 1-2 pages were gone I felt like I was going on these adventures with Kirsten (main character) .I loved the description used throughout the book and I had a perfect image of everything that happened .Another thing , is that Storm, Bloom and starboard are NOT a sequel. But YOU HAVE TO READ THESE BOOKS BECAUSE THEY ARE ALL EPIC!Recommended Age 9-13.

This book is one of the best books I’ve ever read in my life because of all the great small adventures happening in the biggest adventure of Kristen Brambles life.