Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Home > Books

Author & Illustrators

Sufiya Ahmed Books

war girls

War Girls

& & & & & & & & &
Short story collection

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.

Buy from Amazon
Buy from Bookshop
the time travellers secrets and spies

The Time Travellers: Secrets and Spies

&
Chapter book

We meet 21st Century trio Suhana, Ayaan and Mia in Edinburgh, but are soon swept away with them to India in the 18th Century, when the forces of Tipu Sultan were ranged against the might of the British Empire. These three history buffs know at the outset that he will ultimately be defeated and that various indigenous artefacts will be looted and removed to Scotland. This makes their mission – to rescue a princess from imperialist clutches – all the more emotionally charged. Initially, they do not understand the implications of their success or failure, knowing only that it is fraught danger, but, when the mission is complete, they do. They realise that in saving one little girl, Casimebi, they have paved the way for Noor Inayat Khan to become a heroine of Britain’s Second World War effort against Nazism.

This reads like a thrilling adventure story – which of course it is. But it is based on fact. For example, Mia’s questions to her friends allow for explanation of Muslim religious practice. In addition, author Sufiya Ahmed in the concluding pages, gives background information on the British Empire, helpful timelines, and potted biographies (of Tipu Sultan and Noor). There are also suggestions about follow-up books and activities, including questions to consider when thinking about cultural spaces: e.g. ‘Who is being celebrated and who has been left out?’

This book (part of a series) challenges how we perceive our shared history and therefore how we view our present. Diverse cultures have clashed violently, with long-lasting repercussions, but it needn’t be so in the future. Recommended as a class read, or to individual children aged 9+, either because they already enjoy History or to get them hooked.

Buy from Amazon
Buy from Bookshop
rosie raja mission to cairo

Rosie Raja: Mission to Cairo

Chapter book

Rosie Raja: Mission to Cairo is the second exciting instalment in this compelling spy series. The main character, Rosie, is the daughter of a British spy and has followed in her father’s footsteps by becoming a spy herself! In this book, Rosie follows her father to Cairo and there she is given another spy mission, to go undercover in Cairo’s museum….and find a traitor.

The story is set in 1941 and the author helpfully explains some of the historical timeline information through Rosie’s first-person narrative. This really helps the action to flow and keeps the reader engaged with the story as it moves from the UK to Cairo. The narrative style also gives Rosie a level of relatability. She is put in such unbelievable situations as a spy but is also concerned with worries about her father having a new partner after the death of her mother, as well as the prospect of attending a boarding school

.Rosie’s own heritage as an Indian Muslim, living in England but on this exciting adventure undercover with a cover name and background, is also explored throughout the story. For example, we see Cairo through Rosie’s eyes and hear her talk about how Cairo is similar and different to her life in India and how her own experience as a Muslim differs in each of these countries.

The plot of this story is so exciting. We are set up early in the book to expect that Rosie cannot trust anyone and this certainly plays out. It truly is a page turner!

The story is perfect to accompany a KS2 World War Two topic. It is packed to the brim with historical insight as well as being such an exciting rollercoaster of a read. It would also add further interest to topics around Egypt or even as an addition to an International Women’s Day compilation. The text is suitable for confident readers from Lower KS2.

Buy from Amazon
Buy from Bookshop
the time travellers adventure calling

The Time Travellers: Adventure Calling

&
Chapter book
resources-available

For diverse historical fiction, look no further then Sufiya Ahmed. In this first book of the new ‘Time Travellers’ series, she introduces us to Suhana and her two friends Mia and Ahmed. On a school trip to the Houses of Parliament, they find themselves magically transported back in time to 1911. They find themselves in the middle of a women’s suffrage demonstration, where, as well as meeting more familiar characters like Emily Davison, Suhana is thrilled to encounter Lolita Roy and other women of Indian heritage protesting for the right to vote too.

As the story of their day thunders along at pace, and Ahmed peppers the narrative with historical facts and thought-provoking insights into the role of women from India in the protest movement, both for the vote in Britain and for the right to independence in India.

A great choice for reluctant readers due to its snappy story, and a brilliant fiction addition to a class topic on the women’s suffrage movement. ‘Time Travellers’ is a triumph.

Buy from Amazon
Buy from Bookshop
the best eid ever

The Best Eid Ever

&
Picturebook
resources-available

This delightful children’s book offers a vibrant and relatable introduction to the celebration of Eid. Young readers are sure to be captivated by the bright, engaging illustrations that bring the story to life. The author skillfully weaves a narrative that focuses on the experiences of children during Eid. The descriptions of fasting traditions create a sense of connection for young readers who may have similar practices in their own cultures or religions.

Descriptions of delectable sweet treats like jaman and jalebi are irresistibly mouthwatering and the story’s playful treasure hunt adds an extra layer of excitement, keeping children hooked and eager to find out what happens next.

The book’s strength lies in its ability to make Eid celebrations feel accessible and fun. A simple pronunciation guide at the back enhances inclusivity for readers unfamiliar with associated terms. This book is a wonderful way to introduce children to the spirit of Eid. Its lively depictions, relatable themes, and enticing food descriptions make it a sweet treat for any time of the year.

Buy from Amazon
Buy from Bookshop
under the great plum tree

Under the Great Plum Tree

&
Picturebook
resources-available

Tiny Owl’s ‘One Story, Many Voices’ range celebrates a rich global heritage of story-telling. It explores how many stories from around the world have their own flavour but also striking similarities. Sufiya Ahmed’s recent addition to the series, Under The Great Plum Tree, is based upon the stories of the Panchatantra, a collection of ancient Indian animal fables.

Miss Bandari, the kind-hearted monkey, and Mr Magarmach, an old crocodile who likes to tell stories of his youth, have become unlikely friends. Each day they meet under a plum tree to share fruit and tales. Until the day when Mr Magarmach decides to take Miss Bandari for lunch at King Crocodile’s swamp. Will they just enjoy a nice meal together or is King Crocodile trying to manipulate their friendship to get his own tasty lunch?

This is a beautifully written picture book about the nature of friendship and forgiveness. It would be a wonderful text for exploration and discussion relating to work in PHSE or Philosophy for Children. It could form the basis of a debate on the importance of forgiveness in friendships and family relationships. Due to the underlying message of Under The Great Plum Tree, it also could be used for comparing/contrasting with fables from other traditions.

Reza Dalvand’s strikingly vibrant illustrations are inspired by Indo-Persian tradition. The depiction of the lush foliage in the jungle lends itself well to the study of shapes found in nature. The use of pattern and marking would make a great stimulus for exploration in sketchbooks.

I absolutely loved Under The Great Plum Tree and think it’s a must for traditional tale collections!

Buy from Amazon
Buy from Bookshop

Princess Sophia Duleep Singh

Chapter book
resources-available

My Story: Princess Sophia Duleep Singh – the thrilling story of the princess and suffragette.

Born in Britain to Indian and Egyptian parents, Princess Sophia Duleep Singh was a prominent suffragette and campaigned for the women’s right to vote.

Explore Sophia’s incredible life with My Story.

Perfect for any child wanting to learn more about history’s untold stories

Great background reading for Key Stage 2 & 3

My Story: exciting stories with reliable and accurate historical detail

Experience history first-hand with My Story.

Buy from Amazon
Buy from Bookshop
rosie raja churchills spy

Rosie Raja: Churchill’s Spy

Chapter book

A thrilling and empowering WWII adventure about the French resistance and their British allies, with a determined, Muslim heroine. Perfect for fans of Michael Morpurgo and Emma Carroll, and those looking for diverse historical fiction.

July, 1941. Rosina Raja is half-Indian and half-English. She has always lived in India, so when her mother passes away and she moves to England (where it rains all the time) she is miserable and doesn’t have any friends. Life changes dramatically for Rosie when she discovers that her army captain father is actually a spy for the British government. She can’t bear to be left behind so she stows away in his plane.

Finding herself in occupied France, Rosie is soon drawn into the struggle against the Nazis. With new allies and new enemies at every turn, she must help her father complete his mission, and more importantly… make sure they both get home alive.

Buy from Amazon
Buy from Bookshop

Subscribe to our newsletter

Your Review

Stone Girl Bone Girl

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)

Any other comments

Any other comments