Author & Illustrators
The Accidental Viking is an easy-to-follow and entertaining adventure story, with a few twists and turns along the way.
In true Barrington Stoke fashion, the text and print used mean this story is inclusive and accessible for all readers. The story is told through short, manageable chapters with illustrations running alongside.
The Accidental Viking also includes interesting historical facts about Viking life, which would further support the understanding of any reader learning about this era of time, in particular those linking to a Viking village. Some of the facts are quite humorous, particularly those about Viking toilets!
The story has a funny, playful undertone throughout, and readers will no doubt like the personalities of Alfie and Kat – the two main characters – as well as their approach to managing life as Vikings and their reasons behind this. This book would be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in Vikings or as part of a reading bank to support learning about Vikings in a classroom.
Meet Wanda!
Things about me: I don’t go to school (even though I’m 12), I have ADHD (my mum says I don’t), me and my mum travel around the world (with backpacks), I’m homesick (for a home that doesn’t exist) and I’ve just discovered a HUGE secret (and I need to find out if it’s true)! Maybe it’s time for me to have an adventure of my own. You’ll never guess what, but something mind-melting has just happened to my family – or should I say a SOMEONE happened!…
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.
Cousins Yasmin and Ruby have always been rivals, but both sides of the story are exposed in this cleverly composed clean-teen novella from Karen McCombie.
Ruby can’t stand her “perfect” cousin Yasmin. Yasmin is pretty, popular and has a gorgeous boyfriend Max. She’s set to get excellent grades in her GCSEs and her parents won’t stop going on about how brilliant she is.
Ruby always feel small and hopeless around Yasmin, and whenever she gets any attention, Yasmin tries to make sure the spotlight turns back to her.
Or that’s how Ruby feels anyway. But is there another side to the story?
Karen McCombie explores identity, friendship and fresh starts in this touching tale perfectly pitched for struggling teen readers.
Ketty doesn’t remember anything about the accident, or much from before. The doctors say her memories will come back, but in the meantime school is a frightening and confusing place. Otis seems to be her only friend – he’s kind and caring, funny too. And he may hold the key to remembering the old Ketty … But will Ketty recognise or even like the girl she used to be?
A short chapter book inspired by Fagin’s gang from Oliver Twist.
Life changes for poor Victorian Ettie Shaw when her brother leaves the family to find his fortune with a new job, and her mother takes ill and passes away. Finding herself with no job and nowhere to live, Ettie has to take to living and working on the streets of London, fighting to stay out of the dreaded and infamous workhouse. Suddenly, she finds her luck changing when she stumbles across her missing brother Joe, who now works for a man called Fagin.
The book is easy to read and dyslexia-friendly. The illustrations are drawn well and add to the reading experience whilst enjoying the book, and add to the author’s description of the characters and Victorian London.
For those studying Ancient Egypt as part of the KS2 history curriculum, this would make a good (quick) class read. This short read from dyslexia-friendly publisher Barrington Stoke is a time-slip novel about a community of village children and their families who live, work and play by the banks of the Nile, the Pharaoh’s palace shimmering in the distance. Modern-day schoolboy Seth comes tumbling into their world, dragging himself out of the crocodile-infested river and coming face-to-face with a hyena.
The font style and overall design will also suit those with dyslexia, which is apt since the main character, Seth, struggles at school. He can’t focus on lessons and thus begins a prank that lands him on the muddy banks of the Nile. The way back isn’t at all clear, so, while he works it out, he’ll just have to muddle along with Mery, the Egyptian girl he first meets, and her family, who are soon busily preparing for Pharaoh Akhenaten’s visit to their neighbourhood. The exact details of their celebration, as well as other aspects of life in Ancient Egypt, have Seth questioning not just his knowledge of history, but also customs that seem quite shocking. As readers, we are offered some ‘facts behind the story’; insights into Seth’s experience, which might just help others when learning is a little challenging.
Author Karen McCombie also visited our blog to tell us more about the inspiration for the story.
Tyra gets off to a tough start at her new school. She’s loud and different and nobody seems to be particularly friendly. So when her nan gives her a beautiful china snow dragon, Tyra decides to take it to school, hoping that people will think it’s interesting and talk to her. But disaster strikes and the beautiful dragon is smashed. Can Tyra find a way to repair her treasure while also making some new friends along the way?
Who said friends have to match to matter?
When the Star Boy’s space-pod crashes in the grounds of Fairfield Academy he knows he must seek shelter. Taking refuge in the school’s boiler room to await rescue he discovers that the room’s small window is the perfect place to watch humans go by.
The Star Boy knows about humans from his Earth lessons but no one from his planet has ever studied them up close. Now he has the perfect opportunity. There are two humans in particular that catch his attention – a boy called Wes and a girl named Kiki. But as his curiosity grows so does his courage and, making a momentous decision, the Star Boy follows Wes and Kiki into class … and into their lives.
A warm and otherworldly story about finding friendship in the most unlikely of places, for fans of Tamsin Winter, Cath Howe and Ross Welford.
A wonderful Scottish historical adventure about Bridie ‘Little Bird’ MacKerrie, who must leave her island home when a new Laird takes over. Bridie was born premature and with a ‘wee twisted foot,’ and a ‘weak, withered’ arm, but she is determined and fierce in doing what is right. Set in 1861, this is a vivid historical drama with family at its heart. The story continues in Little Bird Lands, when Bridie and her family emigrate to America.
review
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
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Curriculum links (if relevant)
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