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Author & Illustrators

Berlie Doherty Books

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.

Chapter bookDyslexia-friendly
dyslexia-friendly

A moving tale of friendship and foxes from award-winning author Berlie Doherty, perfect for budding countryside explorers.

Bella has a secret – one that she is very good at keeping. That secret is a den hidden on a little muddy hill, wild amid the trees and nestled beside some foxes with a den of their own. But soon the secret is betrayed, and the foxes’ lives are put in danger…

Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 7.

Chapter bookDyslexia-friendly
dyslexia-friendly

A spell-binding tale of magic and mysticism for young readers that explores the wonder of nature, from award-winning Berlie Doherty.

The Queen of Darkness lives deep underground beneath a mountain with her child, Blue John, a boy she made from the blue of the glacier and the hot yellow light of the sun. Blue John is forbidden to leave his mother’s side, but the lure of the light above is too strong. When a singing, dancing girl comes to the caves, Blue John must make a choice between darkness and light.

A heart-warming story that embraces the beauty and colours of the natural world. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.

This novel is a popular choice for KS2 classes.

Loosely based on a true story about the inspiration for Dr Barnado opening his children’s homes, Street Child is the inspirational tale of a poor Victorian boy fighting for survival on the grim streets of Victorian London.

The novel is full of suspense and is a gripping read that will captivate pupils and teachers alike.

Chapter book
teachers-favouriterecommended-read-aloud

Most suitable for upper KS2, Berlie Doherty offers a tensely dramatic tale with plenty of detail to explore about Tudor life. Set in the time of Henry VIII, this story explores the high tensions around religion and politics in this era as well as opening discussions about the power of the monarchy.

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