Books with author Beverley Smith

It was the story that rocked the 2002 Winter Olympics and directed the world's gaze to figure skating. Canadian champions Jamie Salé and David Pelletier finished second to Elena Berezhnaia and Anton Sikharulidze by the narrowest of margins in the Olympic figure skating pairs final. But a judge later admitted she'd been pressured to put the Russians first. Acknowledging a wrong had been done, the International Olympic Committee awarded a second gold medal to Salé and Pelletier: Their silver was upgraded to a second gold after an uproar, ensuing controversy, and an investigation revealed that indeed a judge had succumbed to pressure to vote for the Russian pair instead. The twosome's story has placed a spotlight on the sport and will result in an overhaul of the way it will be judged in the future. Gold on Ice: The Salé and Pelletier Story features more than 60 stunning, full-color pictures documenting the skating pair's early lives, as well highlights from their controversial Olympic program. Chapters include: The Early Days Two Solitudes Together at last The Olympic Games The Scandal Erupts Happy Ending. Salé and Pelletier embody the true spirit of the Olympic ideal, and have established themselves as world-class athletes. They have thrilled audiences everywhere, and here for the first time is their story that is sure to inspire legions of fans and young skaters across the country and around the world.

'I cannot tell you how much I loved #galaxygirl. It really is the most incredible book... The writing style is wonderful... I lost count of the number of times it had me laughing.' Jenni, Odd Socks and Lollipops'Esme Tickle's story might be incredible, but her problems will be relatable to many of the young people who read this hugely enjoyable book.' Karen, Hair Past a FreckleYou hate school. Your family is beyond annoying. Your only friend comes from another planet, and she's about to leave. What's a girl to do?Fed up with life on Earth, Esme stows away on the spaceship taking Stella back to Kratos. So begins her adventure into a world beyond the stars. A world of strange creatures, thrilling journeys, heroic rescues and instant fame.Oh, and school. Lots of school.Along the way she discovers that friends may be greener on the other side, but they still can't be trusted. Millions and billions of light years away from home, Esme sets in motion a plan to escape. Unfortunately for her, they aren't about to let their prize exhibit leave anytime soon...Esme tells her story through a series of blog posts, written in order to help her mum 'come to terms' with her departure. Very funny and, at times, deeply touching, you won't be able to read this heartwarming book without a renewed appreciation for your own family.'Esme is hilarious and her voice through the novel is unique and loveable. She reminds me of a more modern Adrian Mole if he were to go into space.' Laura, Novel Kicks'I felt there were aspects that reminded me of Roald Dahl... There are tentative steps into global warming and saving animals from extinction - I thought these had been incorporated into the story well.' Yvonne, Me and My Books'The alien world which Esme is thrown into is so entertaining.' Asha, A Cat, a Book and a Cup of Tea'This book, although aimed at the younger reader, is one that I can highly recommend everyone reads at some point in their lives - adult or child. It really is the sort of book to curl up with on the sofa...' Mixing Reality With Fiction Book Blog'The short chapters and chatty tone made this an interesting and engaging book.' Christina, Chrikaru Reads'... a story with a strong PSHE thread that could be used by teachers to stimulate discussions on various aspects covered, but I suspect it is just a story that students will enjoy escaping into and forget turning it into something to be analysed more deeply.' Elaine, Splashes Into Books

'I cannot tell you how much I loved #galaxygirl. It really is the most incredible book... The writing style is wonderful... I lost count of the number of times it had me laughing.' Jenni, Odd Socks and Lollipops'Esme Tickle's story might be incredible, but her problems will be relatable to many of the young people who read this hugely enjoyable book.' Karen, Hair Past a FreckleYou hate school. Your family is beyond annoying. Your only friend comes from another planet, and she's about to leave. What's a girl to do?Fed up with life on Earth, Esme stows away on the spaceship taking Stella back to Kratos. So begins her adventure into a world beyond the stars. A world of strange creatures, thrilling journeys, heroic rescues and instant fame.Oh, and school. Lots of school.Along the way she discovers that friends may be greener on the other side, but they still can't be trusted. Millions and billions of light years away from home, Esme sets in motion a plan to escape. Unfortunately for her, they aren't about to let their prize exhibit leave anytime soon...Esme tells her story through a series of blog posts, written in order to help her mum 'come to terms' with her departure. Very funny and, at times, deeply touching, you won't be able to read this heartwarming book without a renewed appreciation for your own family.'Esme is hilarious and her voice through the novel is unique and loveable. She reminds me of a more modern Adrian Mole if he were to go into space.' Laura, Novel Kicks'I felt there were aspects that reminded me of Roald Dahl... There are tentative steps into global warming and saving animals from extinction - I thought these had been incorporated into the story well.' Yvonne, Me and My Books'The alien world which Esme is thrown into is so entertaining.' Asha, A Cat, a Book and a Cup of Tea'This book, although aimed at the younger reader, is one that I can highly recommend everyone reads at some point in their lives - adult or child. It really is the sort of book to curl up with on the sofa...' Mixing Reality With Fiction Book Blog'The short chapters and chatty tone made this an interesting and engaging book.' Christina, Chrikaru Reads'... a story with a strong PSHE thread that could be used by teachers to stimulate discussions on various aspects covered, but I suspect it is just a story that students will enjoy escaping into and forget turning it into something to be analysed more deeply.' Elaine, Splashes Into Books

A classic look at prejudice and racism in apartheid South Africa, this short and compelling novel is perfect for independent reading projects and classroom sharing.Separated from their mother by the harsh social and economic conditions prevalent among blacks in South Africa, thirteen-year-old Naledi and her younger brother make a journey over 300 kilometers to find her in Johannesburg.Mma lives and works in Johannesburg, far from the village Naledi and Tiro call home. When their baby sister suddenly becomes very sick, Naledi and Tiro know, deep down, that only one person can save her.Bravely, alone, they set off on a journey to find Mma and bring her back. It isn't until they reach the city that they come to understand the dangers of their country, and the painful struggle for freedom and dignity that is taking place all around them.