The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm
Christopher Paolini
£7.79, Penguin
ISBN: 978-0241392362

The novel starts with a tired, overworked Eragon being chastised by Saphira, his dragon, for not taking time to enjoy himself and have fun any more. She pushes him to leave his desk behind and go out and lose himself in the company and stories of others. The book is captivating, with different morals: never judge a book by its cover, give people a second chance, fight for what you believe in, and stand together with the people who need you most.

Annie Karatzenis is an English teacher at Ponteland High School, Northumberland

In this interesting book, there are three small stories intertwined but with different plots. Although the twists were compelling and interesting, they switched too quickly and I was left confused, which took away from the enjoyment of the magical land.

Naeve, age 14

Engines of Privilege: Britain’s private school problem
Francis Green and David Kynaston
Bloomsbury, £14 ISBN: 978-1526601261

David Kynaston and Francis Green have produced a fascinating but contentious book on what they see as “Britain’s private school problem”. The intention of the book is to “kick-start a long overdue national debate” on the independent sector, which they argue is a significant block to social mobility. No one would dispute that there is inequality in the education system, but a narrow focus on independent schools will, in fact, do little to solve the problem of inequality. The book is a missed opportunity and a more thoughtful analysis of the problem is essential.

Patrick Derham OBE is headmaster of Westminster School