Avalanche by Simon Fox is an exciting children’s adventure novel that combines danger, teamwork, and the power of quick thinking. The story is set around a boy called Tom, who is hoping to spend the holidays with his mum in a luxury ski chalet. Unfortunately, his mum is working, protecting an eminent scientist from those wishing to steal his research at any cost. Tom starts the novel lonely and bored, dropped into ski school and ignored by those around him. This dramatically changes when villains come to call, endangering those at the chalet and triggering an enormous avalanche, cutting off the chalet from any help.
This is a great adventure book which would appeal to those who enjoy the Alex Rider or Bear Grylls mission survival series. The mixture of action and survival against the elements will hook in those children who like adventure or spy novels. It’s relatively short, fast-paced and quite an easy read, so would appeal to more reluctant readers.
Avalanche is an engaging and thrilling read that will appeal to children who enjoy adventure and survival stories. Simon Fox successfully balances excitement with meaningful lessons, making the book both exciting and educational. It is a great choice for readers looking for a short but memorable adventure!
My Family the Enemy is set in London during World War I. Fred Müller’s life is turned upside down when the police take his dad away and imprison him in Alexandra Palace, along with other men of German heritage. Suddenly, Fred finds that he and his family are the enemy just because of where they originate from.
This is a fascinating story which offers a perspective that is rarely seen in children’s books. The book’s themes of bullying, prejudice and patriotic hysteria are still relevant today and the story is certainly one that will develop empathy in its readers. Fred is bullied at school by pupils and teachers because of his German heritage, and his once-popular family bakery loses much of its custom and is deliberately targeted in racist attacks. There are parallels between the lives of German-born UK residents and the experience of Jews in Nazi Germany: deliberate vandalism of shops, loss of livelihoods and the stereotyping and discrimination.
The hysteria among the British public is also powerfully portrayed, as rumours spread and people start scaremongering. I liked the historical sweep of the story; the book moves between time periods and generations within the one family. Although the book deals with sadness and loss, it is – ultimately – hopeful. The family is resilient and pulls together. Friends provide support too. Fred survives and goes on to have a family of his own and their future is a freer one with greater opportunities.
This book describes the adventure Ed and Steff undertake after Ed is involved in a boat accident. Ed was out sailing with his Dad when their boat crashed into another boat. When Ed wakes up he has no idea where he is or where his Dad has gone. He meets a girl called Steff near the wreckage and they have no choice to explore the strange world they have ended up in. They have to avoid the strangely scary butterflies, gain the acceptance of a huge metal pangolin and avoid being eaten by a pack of wolves.
The adventure would be suitable for older children in years 6 or above. The entire adventure is actually taking place in Ed’s imagination while he is in a coma, and the book makes references to this throughout.
There are lots of moments where the main characters have to show courage and work as a team to overcome different obstacles.
Murder at Christmas is a gripping festive cosy crime novel that perfectly blends Christmas fun with suspense and intrigue.
After a long term at school, Grace arrives in Bath excited to spend Christmas with her mum and younger brother, Billy. Her hopes of a joyful holiday are quickly shattered when a shocking murder takes place at their hotel. Soon after, Grace’s mum mysteriously disappears.
With Billy relying on her, Grace teams up with two new friends, Olive and Doug. Streetwise, clever, and resourceful, they help Grace piece together what really happened and why her mum left the hotel. As the four friends investigate, they uncover secrets that suggest not everyone staying at the hotel is who they claim to be.
The story is full of twists and turns, keeping the tension high and the pages turning. The hotel setting adds to the atmosphere, making every character a potential suspect. Alongside the mystery, the strong friendships between the children bring warmth and heart to the story, balancing the darker elements of the plot.
Exciting, atmospheric, and a clever plot, Murder at Christmas is the perfect read for fans of cosy crime. It captures the magic of the festive season while delivering a thrilling mystery that will keep readers hooked until the very last page.
Three sisters find their lives turned upside down as war is declared between Britain and Germany. Living in London, the sisters face evacuation, rationing, bombing and loss. Lydia, Peggy and Teddy navigate daily struggles as the war starts to change Britain. The sisters have to stick together as everything changes for them and their loved ones. They find new homes, new foes, new four-legged friends and each of them a passion that brings a spark back into their lives.
The story is split into three sections, and each section tells the story of the sisters in a different part of the war. Lydia (the eldest sister) starts the story in 1939 with the beginning of the war and being evacuated to the countryside to stay with Aunt Phoebe. She tells a story of loneliness and shares a first-hand account of the Blitz when she returns to London, running away. The next section is told by Peggy and narrates from 1943, when the family have relocated back to London. Peggy finds herself befriending a German refugee, and the family have to try and keep safe from the German Doodlebugs that cause major destruction and death. Finally, the last section describes the post-war years and how it is hard for the youngest sister, Teddy, to find a way in the world when all she has known is wartime London.
The story is beautifully and very cleverly written, as you find yourself getting to know the three sisters as you become entwined in their world. Each section is written in a way that shows you how different the sisters are. I really enjoyed reading this book, and it is perfect for a Y6 class when studying World War 2 and a character-driven historical fiction choice for reading for pleasure.
Murder at The Ivy Hotel is suspenseful, charming and full of heart.
Set in Dublin, this cosy crime story follows sisters Meredith and Macy, who have an unusual and fun-filled lifestyle within the hub of the busy but grand Ivy Hotel. When a mysterious guest is found dead, their world of wonder turns into a race against time. With their mum under pressure from cost-cutting new owners and a close friend wrongly accused, the girls, alongside their new ally Colin, must uncover the truth.
The pacing, divided into daily chapters, builds tension well while the looming deadline adds urgency. What shines are the characters – Meredith’s calm empathy, Macy’s sharp intelligence and Colin’s quiet resourcefulness make for a delightful trio who drive the investigation.
With an elegant setting, clever clues and a motive you won’t see coming, this is a perfect debut read for super-sleuths of all ages!
A highly illustrated diary-style story that will appeal to fans of Tom Gates, Wimpy Kid or Loki.
To begin with, I found myself curious to know how the events which loom so large in Hari’s mind – particularly the film competition and his friendship with schoolmates – would unfold. His doodle-filled diary was a perfect way to view the drama from his perspective; ‘drama’ being the right word for someone with ADHD and autistic traits for whom small things can prompt BIG feelings.
We have teacher Mr Gill to thank for suggesting that Hari keep a journal. More than that, I enjoyed getting an inside look into a mind – one who is aware that he’s neuro-divergent and is not ashamed to admit it, but who, nonetheless, struggles sometimes with expectations, noise, deadlines, focus and relationships. Just as well his BFFs, Rahim and Lily are non-judgmental and forgiving, which is more than can be said for Martin the bully. But what of new boy Cameron? Whose side is he on? And will he help or hinder Hari’s bid to become a Bollywood superstar?
Read it and see, all those who love a good laugh, KS2 children especially.
On Christmas morning, Masen, his younger brother Jos and their cousin Connor wake to find the rest of their family is missing from their holiday cottage on the Gower, Wales. All that is left behind is a small, peculiar Christmas tree with a mushroom-like fungus growing on it but even that has shrivelled and turned black.
Masen, Jos and Connor set out to find out what has happened to their family and other local people, and seek shelter and safety from the winter storm that has blown over South Wales. On their travels, they meet different groups of young people and soon Masen has a difficult choice to make: head for the safety of the Friary with Jos or leave to seek help with Connor. His decision will impact them all.
A fantastically paced, thrilling story that combines the genres of horror, adventure and sci-fi that will keep you questioning who can be trusted throughout. If you are looking for a dark Christmas story with plenty of twists and turns, this fits the bill perfectly.
Santa and Son is a lively, funny Christmas adventure that brings together all the elements young readers love: mischief, mayhem and for this time of year, some festive magic. The story is set on Christmas Eve inside the world’s most famous toy shop and follows Santa and his son as they find themselves accidentally locked in with a group of bumbling robbers. What unfolds is a fast-paced, comedy-packed escapade where ordinary toys become imaginative tools for stopping the baddies – think pogo sticks, slime, bubble guns and remote-controlled helicopters.
The physical comedy, quick dialogue and visual gags help to keep the pace brisk, making it an engaging read-aloud for KS1 and a fun independent read for lower KS2, but I know from experience that year 5 and 6 would also love this! Santa and Son is a festive, fast-paced and crowd-pleasing adventure that will undoubtedly appeal to children who enjoy humour, action and a touch of Christmas chaos. A fun addition to school libraries and classroom book corners during the winter term.
Witchlight is a charming and heartwarming children’s story that feels magical from the very first page. It’s a lovely tale suitable for children of all ages, weaving together themes of friendship, bravery and the importance of staying true to who you are. The book is filled with fantastic characters, each one unique, memorable, and written with a warmth that makes them easy to connect with.
As the story unfolds, you genuinely grow to care about them and want to follow their journeys, struggles and triumphs. What makes Witchlight especially engaging is its gentle layer of mystery and suspense. There’s always just enough intrigue to keep young readers eager to turn the next page, while still feeling safe and comforting. The pacing is steady, and the magical elements enhance rather than overwhelm the story.
At its heart, Witchlight carries beautiful messages about self-belief and identity. It encourages readers to embrace who they are, celebrate their differences, and resist anyone who tries to dim their light. Overall, Witchlight is a delightful, uplifting read – perfect for bedtime, classroom shelves or young readers looking for a magical adventure filled with courage and kindness.
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Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?
yes
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Curriculum links (if relevant)
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