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Age Group: KS2

Chapter book

The Mistrys are off on holiday, in the fifth hilarious mystery in the award-winning Anisha, Accidental Detective series!

Pack your bags – we’re off to a holiday camp!

Milo can’t wait to see the wildlife, Manny’s learning survival skills, and even Granny’s going to have a go at archery. Honestly, I just want to read my book, but there’s NEVER any time to relax for Anisha, Accidental Detective.

The holiday park’s mascot, Delilah the duck, has been DESTROYED, and my new friend Cleo is everyone’s number one suspect.

But I’m sure she’s innocent, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to prove it. Let’s hope we can find the real culprit, and QUACK the case!!

Chapter book

A subversive, funny – and deliciously prickly! – tale for the young reader looking for a book with bite.

Eshe and her twelve sisters are Fairy Godmothers, honoured for the incredible gifts they can bestow. But Eshe’s special abilities are a little different – she can glimpse into the future! And, one day, Eshe foresees something terrifying: a world blanketed in creeping vines and a girl covered in thorns. Eshe needs to stop her vision becoming true, but it will require old and powerful magic. And she won’t be able to do it alone…

Following on from Zombierella and Frankenstiltskin, this is the third and final book in a deliciously dark trilogy of twisted classics, written in verse by award-winning poet Joseph Coelho and illustrated by Freya Hartas.

Chapter book

While the Storm Rages is the eagerly awaited new novel from the bestselling author of When the Sky Falls: The Times Children’s Book of the Year, winner of the Books Are My Bag Readers Award for Children’s Fiction, winner of the British Book Award for Children’s Fiction Book of the Year and shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal.

September 1939. The world is on the brink of war. As his dad marches off to fight, Noah makes him a promise, to keep their beloved family dog safe.

When the government advises people to have their pets put down in readiness for the chaos of war, hundreds of thousands of people do as they are told. But not Noah. He’s not that sort of boy. With his two friends in tow, he goes on the run, to save his dog and as many animals as he can. No matter what.

Chapter book

From the author of October, October, winner of the Yoto Carnegie Medal 2022, comes a life-affirming story about blended families and learning to find room in your heart for new life and new love.

Tom is still quiet and timid, even though his dad has been gone for nearly two years now. Zofia has a raging storm that makes her want to fight the whole world until she gets what she wants. And what she wants is for scaredy-cat Tom to get out of her life. Tom hates loud, unpredictable Zofia just as much, but he’s moving into Zofia’s house. Because his mum and Zofia’s dad are in love… and they’re having a baby.

Tom and Zofia both wish the stupid baby had never happened. But then Tom’s mum gets ill, and it begins to look horribly like their wish might come true… A story of learning to trust, trying to let go and diving into the unknown with hope in your heart, with a stunning cover illustrated by CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal winner Sydney Smith.

Chapter book

Eleven-year-old Ella Durand is the first Conjuror to attend the Arcanum Training Institute, a magic school in the clouds for Marvellers from around the world. Ella discovers that being the first isn’t easy but she finds friendship in fellow misfits Brigit, a girl who hates magic, and Jason, a boy with a fondness for magical creatures and support from her Elixirs teacher, Masterji Thakur.

Then the notorious Ace of Anarchy escapes prison, supposedly with a Conjuror’s aid, and Ella finds herself as the prime suspect. Worse, Masterji Thakur mysteriously disappears while away on a research trip. With the help of her friends and her own growing powers, Ella must find a way to clear her family’s name and track down her mentor before it’s too late.

Chapter book

Chernobyl, 1986. Natasha’s world is coming to an end. Forced to evacuate her home in the middle of the night, she must leave her puppy behind and has no idea if she’ll ever return. Some time later, growing up in the shadow of the ruined nuclear power plant, pups Misha and Bratan have to learn how to live in the wild—and fast. Creatures with sharp teeth, claws, and yellow eyes lurk in the overgrown woods. And they’re watching the brothers’ every move…

But will the dogs survive without humans? And can humans live without them?

Chapter book

An empowering story about finding your identity and the courage to fight for it. Aaliyah is an ordinary thirteen-year-old living in the Midlands – she’s into her books, shoes, K-pop and she is a Muslim. She has always felt at home where she lives … until a terrorist attack in her area changes everything.

As racial tensions increase and she starts getting bullied, Aaliyah decides to begin wearing a hijab – to challenge how people in her community see her.

But when her school bans the hijab and she is intimidated and attacked for her choices, she feels isolated.

Soon Aaliyah realises that other young people from different backgrounds also struggle with their identity and feel alone, scared and judged. Should she try to blend in – or can she find allies to help her fight back?

Channelling all of her bravery, Aaliyah decides to speak out.

Together, can Aaliyah and her friends halt the tide of hatred rippling through their community?

An essential read to encourage empathy, challenging stereotypes, exploring prejudice, racism, Islamophobia and positive action.

Non-fiction

Embark on a voyage of discovery across the seven seas! From enormous cruise ships glittering in the evening light to incredible submarines exploring the depths of the ocean, boats reveal to us the secrets, stories and histories of our world. Read about big battles, amazing adventures, vast voyages and calamitous catastrophes. Characterful felt-tip illustrations and curious facts combine in this gift-worthy non-fiction book of boats. All aboard!

Graphic Novel

Meet the most exceptional explorers of all time!

Which Viking voyager outclassed Columbus by 500 years?

Who cut Ferdinand Magellan’s round-the-world trip in half?

What got Amelia Earhart’s passion for piloting off to a flying start?

Uncover all this and more in Corpse Talk, the hilarious and mind-expanding chat show that brings the dead famous to life!

Non-fiction

Serena Williams: tennis player, sports icon, champion.

Get your head in the game with one of the greatest athletes of all time, Serena Williams.

A Life Story: This gripping series throws the reader directly into the lives of modern society’s most influential figures. With striking black-and-white illustration along with timelines and fun facts.

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