Age Group: KS3 (Ages 11-14)

Seriously HAPPY

Non-fiction

Seriously Happy is a highly practical self-help guide exploring 10 life-changing lessons based on teachings of the ancient philosophers.

YA readers are encouraged to discover how Stoicism can improve your mental resilience; the calming, meditative influence of Zen; the decision-making prowess of Aristotle or the confidence-boosting ideas of the Cynic philosophers.

As a young man, author Ben Aldridge struggled with debilitating anxiety and self-doubt, until he discovered Stoicism and other philosophies which helped him restore balance, peace and contentment in his life. In this book, Ben shares over 20 practical challenges rooted in ancient philosophy that will power up your focus and confidence, improve your critical thinking, build mental resilience, and embrace happiness. The text is accompanied by gorgeous illustrations by Michelle Brackenborough.

The challenges are based on ancient philosophical ideas – such as ‘shame attacking’, facing your fears, and appreciating the small things in life – as well as the ancient arts of Tai-Chi, Qi-Gong and meditation. Seriously Happy shows how to harness the power of ancient philosophies to deal with the real-world stress and anxieties of today.

Inside Story: How the News Works

ITN Productions & Terri Po

Non-fiction

News is everywhere! But do we understand how it really works? Inside Story: How the News Works is a no-nonsense guide for 8-12 year olds that gives the fascinating inside story on this ever-relevant topic.

With accessible information and practical tips written by real-life journalist Jane Marlow from Independent Television News (ITN), plus feature sections from ITV News’ Charlene White, children will be well-equipped with the knowledge they need to navigate the tricky news landscape.

Readers will learn where news came from, the history of news and how it works around the world, as well as who’s who in the news process, what issues are facing the news today, what can we expect from news in the future and so much more.

With fun, friendly and engaging illustrations by Terri Po, this approachable guide is the perfect resource to help children navigate the ever-changing world of news and really get the inside story.

Black History for Every Day of the Year

David Olusoga & Kemi Olusoga & Yinka Olusoga

Non-fiction

Change everything you thought you knew about history and the people who have shaped it.

Black History for Every Day of the Year by historian and broadcaster David Olusoga and his siblings, Yinka and Kemi, tells the far-reaching story of Black history.

Discover something new every day in this brilliant gift for readers of all ages.

Did you know that Aretha Franklin was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? And that a Black woman discovered the cure for leprosy? Or did you know that the first accounts of a Black Samurai in Japan date back almost 500 years ago?

Packed with quotes, poems, illustrations and pictures, Black History for Every Day of the Year gives you new insights about well known figures and inspirational unsung heroes. With stories of hope, connection and creativity, alongside tales of racism, resistance and celebration – from the nineteenth century anti-slavery movement, to World Wars I and II, to the Harlem Renaissance, Stormzy, Simone Biles and beyond.

What will you discover today?

Queerbook

Emily A. Foster & Malcom Mackenzie

Non-fiction

Queerness is everywhere and it always has been. But queer stories, culture and communities have been often hidden …

Queerbook is an invitation to discover and celebrate queer joy, past and present. It’s a whistlestop tour of all the fun (and serious) queer stuff that the foghorn of straight culture drowns out, and that you deserve to know: heroes and histories, science and stories, art, spaces, music, film, TV, fashion – along with jargon-free breakdowns of terms from sexuality and gender identity, to code-switching, intersectionality, bi-erasure, straightwashing, and much, much more.

You don’t need any specific interests to read Queerbook – all you need is curiosity and a desire to learn more about what it means to be LGBTQ+. So, say no to the Straightrix and enter the technicolour world over the rainbow … Ready? Queer we go!

Cover illustration by Madelén Foss

Netta Becker and the Timeline Crime

Jennifer Claessen

Chapter book

A mysterious labyrinth. A desperate king. A rebellious princess.

Being stuck in a crumbling old villa in Crete with her annoying, history-obsessed little brother Remy isn’t exactly Netta’s idea of a fun summer holiday. But before she can even get bored, Netta starts having very real dreams where she is dragged back thousands of years to Ancient Greece. Here, King Minos is preparing for the opening of his precious labyrinth, and there are rumours that a monster lurks inside.

As Netta becomes more drawn to the past, her present-day self starts slipping away. Netta and Remy must figure out what is pulling her back before they run out of time – and if they don’t solve the puzzle soon, Netta might just become history herself.

The Secret Lives of Women Spies

Charlotte Philby

Non-fiction, Short story collection

The Secret Lives of Women Spies by Charlotte Philby is a captivating read that brings to light the remarkable stories of female spies throughout history. The book features a series of short stories about real-life women spies, including figures like Edith Cavell, Elizebeth Friedman and Noor Inayat Khan.

Each story is accompanied by imagined newspaper articles and “top-secret” information, adding depth and context to the narratives. The illustrations further enrich the content, making it visually appealing and accessible to young readers. From an educational perspective, this book is a treasure trove of information. It sheds light on the courage and ingenuity of these women and also provides a platform for discussions on gender roles, history and the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping our understanding of the past.

The inclusion of a glossary and reference tools enhances its use as a research resource. For upper primary and early secondary students, The Secret Lives of Women Spies is perfect for sharing untold stories, enriching history knowledge and encouraging deeper thinking about gender in the world of espionage.

A Flash of Neon

Sophie Cameron

Chapter book

Laurie loves stories. She loves reading them in her mums’ bookshop in their small Scottish town. She loves sharing them with new readers. She also loves telling stories about people she’s not yet met and places she’s not yet been. But when one of these people comes crashing into Laurie’s world, it turns her whole life upside down.

Neon is the boy Laurie’s been dreaming of for the last six months, and he’s exactly as she had created him – down to his ability to play any instrument he picks up. And when he steps off the train and into Laurie’s world, he teaches her what it means to be real.

A fantastical story about imagination and friendship from the award-winning author of AWAY WITH WORDS.

Fear Files: Hide and Seek

Christopher Edge

Chapter book

This story makes you rethink the simple game from your childhood (even adulthood) of ‘Hide and Seek’- who knew it could be so frightening?

You are greeted immediately with the suspense in this book with the sharing of the category ratings for the Fear Files. The one you are about to read is deemed as a Level 4 Rated File-which is a ‘Beyond Fear’ category. This is enough to make you realise that you are in for a thrill. The layout of the book is a mixture of written case notes and short chapters. You will find phrases circled and notes made for evidence, making it feel like you are investigating this case yourself.

Who thought the phrase ‘Ready or not, here I come.’ would instil such terror in someone? This is a book that I did not dare to read at bedtime, yet I loved being terrified by the storyline. In particular, a statue is found with its hands covering its eyes, which reminded me of an episode of Doctor Who, in which statues move when you are not looking-a shiver certainly went down my spine! I cannot wait for the next instalment…

The Museum of Lost Umbrellas

Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick

Chapter book

From the moment orphaned Dilly arrives on Ollipest Island to live with her grand-Aunt Florence, whom she has never met before, she can sense that there is something unusual about the place, yet she feels strangely connected to it – the storybook cottage is comforting and her aunt is kind, although for some reason distant, and she immediately feels like somehow she belongs.

Dilly quickly starts to notice some very strange happenings on the island, and when she and her new friend Callum decide to go to the reopening of a local museum, things become even more bizarre, and the pair find themselves on a quest to uncover the mysteries of this strange island. What follows is a fast-paced, fantastical adventure where time is critical and the stakes are high.

With mystery, fantasy and adventure rolled into one, The Museum of Lost Umbrellas is an engaging read from start to finish, and it is sure to capture the imagination of KS2 readers. The use of rich, vivid and descriptive language creates a strong sensory experience, and readers will find themselves transported into the fantasy world. I cannot wait for the next book in series!

Super-Readable Rollercoaster: Phoenix Brothers

Sita Brahmachari

Chapter book

This thought-provoking narrative tells the story of ‘Phoenix Brothers’ Amir and Mo, who have recently arrived in England after a perilous journey fleeing from their home country, Iraq.

Amir has lost his home, his family and now his voice; Mo is alone in the world and has experienced unspeakable horrors on his journey. As they rise from the ashes and build a new life in the UK, they discover their talents and find friends who will stand with them even when others stand in their way.

Told through the eyes of Amir, the book subtly and sensitively explores themes of displacement, prejudice, language barriers and the impact of trauma. Amir’s recollections as he prepares for the George Orwell speech competition reveal the challenges and horrors faced by many vulnerable refugee children in their quest for safety and liberty.

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