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Age Group: KS2

Chapter book

The brand new must-read middle-grade novel from the author of super-spookyCrater Lake. Perfect for 9+ fans of R.L.Stine’s Goosebumps and Stranger Things!

It’s summer term and time for a school trip with a difference! Year 8 are on a boat off the coast of France, learning about ocean life. But things are about to get WEIRD . . .

Who is the creepy man on board the ship? And what IS the vast, shadowy creature seen lurking at the bottom of the ocean?

When the ship is sunk Club Loser realise that they are the only ones who can save the day, and their classmates. Can they outwit and defeat a giant, deadly sea monster from the depths? It’s a fight for survival and if they fail, Club Loser will find themselves in a watery grave . . .

Non-fiction

This exciting introduction to the human body is brimming with super senses, marvellous medicine, and record-breaking feats.

The world is so much bigger than young minds can fathom and there is always more to learn. My Very Important Human Body is a vibrant encyclopedia for curious 5-9 year olds with a unique approach to the human body. Little learners can easily digest scientific information with this breakdown of how our bodies work and all the complex mechanisms that are inside us.

Full of fun facts, colourful illustrations, and games that will keep them entertained, this children’s encyclopedia is filled with age-appropriate knowledge on a range of topics that support the curriculum. Get ready for a scientific adventure and investigate the ins and outs of the human body from the top of your head to the tips of your toes!

Non-fiction

Following on from the incredible Invented by Animals and Built by Animals, Powered by Plants introduces us to the wondrous plants whose ingenious features have inspired innovations in human technology.

Plants exhibit an incredible range of diversity in their shape, structures and how they interact with other living things and their environment. Some of this great diversity is being increasingly studied and copied, inspiring innovation in science, design, engineering and technology.

This book guides readers through a startling collection of fascinating vegetation, from towering cottonwood trees with wind power potential to slippery, meat-eating assassins of the plant world and the fast-growing aquatic plant which helps propel ships farther using less energy. Learn surprising applications and spin-offs of both exotic species including the world’s largest flower that generates its own heat and more familiar plants such as bamboo, coconut and maize, all depicted in colourful, engaging fashion.

Colourful and lively illustrations and pop-out fact boxes bring the science in this book to life, and Powered by Plants shows us how much we can learn from studyin the myriad magnificence of the natural world.

Other fascinating books in this series are Built by Animals and Invented by Animals.

Non-fiction

In the ongoing fight against climate change, plastic pollution and diseases, scientists are turning to an unlikely ally – plants! Everyone knows plants are pretty cool. They create oxgyen for us to breathe (fairly essential) and provide us with trees to climb. But it turns out that plants can do a whole lot more than that too! Get ready to be amazed when you find out about the spinach that can detect landmines AND send emails and the glow-in-the-dark plants that might one day light your home.

Perfect for anyone who loves nature and wildlife, as well as the scientists of the future – you won’t look at plants and trees in the same way again!

Chapter book

Autumn Moonbeam loves gymnastics and dance so when Sparkledale Dance Academy have try-outs for their competitive dance team, Black Cats, she thinks it’s the most broom-tastic opportunity ever! Just one problem, Autumn is nervous and worries she won’t make it onto the team. And then she discovers that her nasty neighbour Severina Bloodworth is trying out too. But with her best friend Batty by her side can Autumn overcome her shyness, lack of confidence and magical mishaps to be chosen to join Sparkledale Dance Academy?

Enchanting, fun and full of heart, this is a story about growing into yourself, following your dreams and making new friends along the way. With added stunts and magic, of course!

Non-fiction

A simple and dramatic introduction to the Great Fire of London in 1666 – what caused it, how it spread, how it was put out and how the city was rebuilt. Colourful illustrations on every page help bring history to life, along with maps and photographs of historical evidence and simple informative text. Ideal for homework and school projects – the Great Fire of London is now a compulsory National Curriculum topic for history at Key Stage 2.

Non-fiction

Dive into this treasure trove of beautifully illustrated artefacts and learn more about the amazing ancient civilisations that created them as you complete puzzles and search for clues.

Can you find all the Egyptian gods hidden in the scene? Or can you match these Roman busts to the description of famous emperors? Explore precious jewels, mosaics, statues and ceramics from across history and throughout the world and find out more about the incredible ancient civilisations who made them. This busy activity book on ancient art is jam-packed with stimulating search-and-finds and perplexing puzzles that can be enjoyed time and time again.

Picturebook

Discover the joys of nature, seasons, family—and the vibrant colors of them all—in this lyrical picture book from the author of the acclaimed Blue on Blue.

A child is on a colorful journey through the seasons, filled with yellow flowers and blue coral in spring and summer and orange pumpkins and green pine forests in fall and winter. All the while, there is another colorful change on the horizon—the birth of a new sibling.

With gentle, rhyming text and vivid artwork, this book is a heartfelt celebration of family, nature, seasons, colors, and the wonder and magic of them all.

Chapter book

Videogame-obsessed Flo and her best friend, Max, get more than they bargained for when they find themselves INSIDE their favourite games!

Having successfully battled spaceships, Max and Flo are excited to return home. But when they wake up, they’re in Max’s favourite game, Blocktopia.
The friends are accepted into a city, where they are protected from the dangerous monsters that attack daily. Max is in his element – creating increasingly elaborate buildings – but Flo just wants to go home. Then she uncovers a secret. A secret which might just be the key to escaping the game…

Chapter book

Sam is sick, and Ella is sick of Sam. Life seems to revolve around his hospital appointments, his medication and his need for peace and quiet. No one thinks about what Ella wants or needs, no one cares. They don’t even know what day she was born on. In the end, Ella decides she doesn’t care if Sam gets sicker, but when it happens, she finds she cares an awful lot….

A touching exploration of family love and the challenges of being a younger sibling, from multi-award-winning author Sally Nicholls.

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