Author & Illustrators
The classic award winning story from Anne Fine.
Kitty Killin is not just a brilliant story-teller, but also the World’s Great Expert when it comes to mothers having new and unwelcome boyfriends.
So it’s no surprise that she’s the one chosen to sort out classmate Helly, who’s gone into meltdown. Kitty decides to share her story about old Goggle-eyes – possibly one of the worst episodes in her life…
This is a brilliantly inspiring collection of short stories about women’s roles during the First World War by an impressive array of writers, including Adele Geras, Berlie Doherty and Sufiya Ahmed.
From a story about an ambulance driver risking her life to rescue wounded soldiers on the front line, a grieving singer entertaining and giving hope to the troops at the Front to a young nurse caring for injured and dying soldiers in a field hospital, this book covers a wide range of women’s experiences during the war, whether at home or in foreign fields. As can be expected from stories about wartime, they do not always make for easy reading and the stories take the reader through a full spectrum of emotions whilst reading, from grief and despair at the horrors of war through to hope and gratitude for all the people who worked so hard to make other’s lives better.
A great read for any pupils studying the First World War or at the changing roles and expectations of women.
Skye and Harry discover Gran isn’t quite as strict as Dad makes out in this funny family story from multi-award-winning author Anne Fine.
Skye and Harry are dreading going to visit their gran, as Dad says she was so strict when he was young. He had to do lots of chores, wasn’t allowed much screen time and only had sweet treats on a Sunday! But when they arrive, Gran is much more chilled out than they were expecting. She lets them relax in the garden and play on their games consoles. On their way home, Harry wants to confront his dad, but Skye sees an opportunity.
Particularly suitable for readers aged 7+ with a reading age of 7.
This is an excellent book for children transitioning from primary to secondary school. Author Anne Fine explores an alternative view of what it means to be ‘cool’.
Finley and his classmates have just started their first year at secondary school. As one would expect, the teachers and pupils are beginning to get to know each other. But out of all the children in his class, Finley is different. He exudes a calmness and is unflustered by the daily goings on in his new school. One teacher, Mr Goodhew is particularly curious about Finley as he observes him sitting calmly on the wall, day after day – a boy perfectly at peace with himself and his surroundings.
Finley’s tranquillity is contagious and he unknowingly helps his peers to feel calmer and more confident.
On The Wall is a must-read for readers aged 9-11, offering an insightful way to explore the fears of starting at a new school and gain a deeper understanding of what it’s truly like to be a new student in any environment.
Everyone loves the wickedly dry sense of humour of The Diary of a Killer Cat by Anne Fine.
Okay, Okay. So hang me. I killed the bird. For pity’s sake, I’m a cat.
Poor Ellie is horrified when Tuffy drags a dead bird into the house. Then a mouse. But Tuffy can’t understand what all the fuss is about.
Who on earth will be the next victim to arrive through the cat-flap? Can soft-hearted Ellie manage to get her beloved pet to change his wild, wild ways before he ends up in even deeper trouble?
The hilarious antics of Tuffy and his family as told by the killer cat himself.
Everyone’s always telling Will to stop making so much noise. That is, until he meets music teacher Mr Brand. He thinks Will’s not just noisy but that he has a gift and must learn to play the violin. But Will doesn’t feel special . He can never find peace to practice at home and carrying a violin around school is too embarrassing. There’s also the small matter of his stage fright … Can he really become the star Mr Brand believes in? Beloved and award-winning author Anne Fine returns with a touching, musical story of patience, practice and courage. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+.
Mr Frost’s class is in trouble. The pupils keep making a mess! And the rubbish bin that tips over at a touch doesn’t help. But when they decide to send it off to the charity shop with a few extra things inside, the class soon discovers that what one person doesn’t want can be just what someone else is looking for…
This is a powerful story exploring the question of how children can turn into criminals. Tulip, who has experienced deep cruelty at home, makes herself unpopular by skiving school, back talking the teachers and telling awful lies. Drawn in by Tulip’s strange actions, a girl called Natalie witnesses Tulip becoming increasingly sinister and wonders exactly how far Tulip will go. This is a mesmerising book that grapples with sensitive and complex issues and is most suitable for 10-14-year-olds ready to handle tough topics.
review
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
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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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