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Age Group: KS2

children of the Benin kingdom

Children of the Benin Kingdom

Chapter book

A fast-paced adventure, this story brings to life one of Africa’s most fascinating civilizations, the ancient Edo Kingdom of Benin. This is an immersive adventure story and perfect for any child who enjoys being transported to another world. It fits well with the increasing interest in African fiction and stories that are inclusive, diverse and explore a greater range of cultures, stories and settings. The historical Benin Kingdom is now an option for UK primary teachers at KS2, (ages 7 – 11) and as exciting, accurate historical fiction this is the perfect reader for teachers looking to diversify their history teaching. The book includes a factual section at the end, to help readers widen their knowledge of the ancient Kingdom of Benin and West African culture and traditions. Teachers notes, linked to the text, are also available to download for free from the publishers, Dinosaur Books Ltd.

Bloom

Chapter book

Sorrel Fallowfield is so good at being good that teachers come to her when they need help remembering the school rules – and there are LOTS.

Luckily, Sorrel doesn’t have any trouble following them, until the day she discovers a faded packet of Surprising Seeds buried under a tree in her backyard.

Now she’s hearing voices, seeing things, experiencing an almost unstoppable urge to plant the Seeds in some very unusual places and completely failing to win her school’s competition to find The Most Obedient Child of the School.

And all that’s before flowers start growing out of her head…

Lily and the Rockets

Lily and the Rockets

Chapter book

It’s 1917. Lily spends her days working in a munitions factory, her nights picking metal out of her hair, and her lunchtimes kicking a ball with her workmates.

Together they form a football team, the Rockets, and a league soon follows. But when the war ends, the girls lose both their jobs and their football.

Not Lily. If her only chance of being a goalie is to play with the men, then that’s what she’ll do …

Evie's War

Evie’s War

Chapter book

In the seaside town of Whitby, when the United Kingdom is on the cusp of World War One, Evie and her family are touched by tragedy when Evie’s younger brother Alexander dies unexpectedly.

As Evie’s mother and father struggle in their own ways to come to terms with their loss, Evie’s older brother David distracts himself with the ever-growing threat of war and Evie and her sister Kitty find ways to keep their spirits up.

But when the threat of war turns into reality and David enlists in the army, Evie’s mother is truly heartbroken. And as the family does their best to contribute to the war effort, they also struggle with the sacrifices each of them are forced to make.

Little Bird Flies

Little Bird Flies

Chapter book

Bridie lives on the remote Scottish island of Tornish, the youngest of three sisters. Although she loves her island, with its wild seas and big skies, she guiltily nurses a secret dream of flight – to America and the freedom of the New World. But her family are struggling under the spiteful oppression of the new Laird, and it seems that even some of the Laird’s own household are desperate to leave. When the Laird’s full cruelty becomes apparent, there’s no more time for daydreams as Bridie needs to help the people she loves escape to safety.

The first in a gripping, dramatic new series from much-loved author, Karen McCombie.

Runaway Robot

Runaway Robot

Chapter book

Runaway Robot is a funny and heartwarming adventure about two best friends helping put themselves back together, from the award-winning Frank Cottrell-Boyce, illustrated by Steven Lenton.

When Alfie goes to Airport Lost Property, he finds more than he bargained for. A lot more. Because there’s a giant robot called Eric hidden away on the shelves. Eric has lost one leg and half his memory. He’s super strong, but super clumsy. He’s convinced that he’s the latest technology, when he’s actually nearly one hundred year’s old and ready for the scrap heap.

Can Alfie find a way to save Eric from destruction – before Eric destroys everything around him?

Brightstorm

Brightstorm: A Sky-Ship Adventure

Chapter book

Shortlisted for the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize 2019 A fast-paced fantasy adventure that will set your imagination soaring!

Twins Arthur and Maudie Brightstorm receive word in Lontown that their famous explorer father has died in a failed attempt to reach the southernmost point in the world. Not only that, but he has been accused of stealing fuel before he died!

The twins don’t believe the news, and they answer an ad to join a new attempt to reach South Polaris. It’s their only hope of learning the truth … and salvaging their family’s reputation.

As the winged ship Aurora sets sail, the twins must keep their wits about them and prove themselves worthy of the rest of the crew.

But will Arthur and Maudie find the answers they seek?

The Miraculous Sweetmakers

The Miraculous Sweetmakers: The Frost Fair

Chapter book

An amazing and captivating, curl-up-on-the-sofa debut about a magical frost fair and the lasting power of friendship.

It’s a cold winter during the Great Frost of 1683. Thomasina and Anne are the best of friends, one running her father’s sweet shop and the other the apprentice at the family apothecary – together they sell their goods on the frozen River Thames. When a family tragedy turns Thomasina’s world upside down, she is drawn to a mysterious conjuror and the enchanted frost fair.

But soon the world of Father Winter threatens to claim everything she holds dear. Will they be able to solve the magical mysteries that surround them…?

Teachers' Favourite children's books in 2021

Best Books of 2021

We love to hear about which books are popular among our community of primary teachers, TAs, librarians, authors and children’s book lovers.

We searched for your top children’s books published in 2021. Browse the SHORTLISTED books in each category below or head to the Books of the Year page to see the category winners.

If you are looking for a library top-up of new books for your school, you can purchase the full selection in one pack.

See the 2022 version of this list here…

The Moon

The Moon: Discover the Mysteries of Earth’s Closest Neighbour

Non-fiction

This incredible guide to the Moon takes 7 to 9 year olds through its past, present, and future through stunning illustrations, photographs, and fascinating information.

The perfect introduction to the Earth’s closest neighbour for young readers, The Book of the Moon covers the entire subject in thrilling detail. It explains the Moon’s geography, its phases, NASA’s Apollo missions, the Moon’s effect on Earth, recent scientific discoveries, and much more. Packed with eye-popping facts, this is the perfect book for space lovers.

Beautiful illustrations by artist Dawn Cooper combine with up-to-date images from space agencies to help demystify and explain the wonder of the Moon to young readers.

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Stone Girl Bone Girl

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