Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

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Chapter book

On a remote Scottish island, fourteen-year-old Max’s life changes forever when he loses his hearing in a boating accident. Struggling to make sense of his new life and finding it hard to adapt in school, he begins to notice other – even stranger – changes taking place when a new wind farm appears off the island’s coast. With the help of three school friends with additional support needs, Max discovers that a sinister scientist, Doctor Ashwood, is using wind turbines to experiment on the islanders. They must find a way to shut down the government’s secret test before it spins out of control…

Chapter book

Chernobyl, 1986. Natasha’s world is coming to an end. Forced to evacuate her home in the middle of the night, she must leave her puppy behind and has no idea if she’ll ever return. Some time later, growing up in the shadow of the ruined nuclear power plant, pups Misha and Bratan have to learn how to live in the wild—and fast. Creatures with sharp teeth, claws, and yellow eyes lurk in the overgrown woods. And they’re watching the brothers’ every move…

But will the dogs survive without humans? And can humans live without them?

Chapter book

An empowering story about finding your identity and the courage to fight for it. Aaliyah is an ordinary thirteen-year-old living in the Midlands – she’s into her books, shoes, K-pop and she is a Muslim. She has always felt at home where she lives … until a terrorist attack in her area changes everything.

As racial tensions increase and she starts getting bullied, Aaliyah decides to begin wearing a hijab – to challenge how people in her community see her.

But when her school bans the hijab and she is intimidated and attacked for her choices, she feels isolated.

Soon Aaliyah realises that other young people from different backgrounds also struggle with their identity and feel alone, scared and judged. Should she try to blend in – or can she find allies to help her fight back?

Channelling all of her bravery, Aaliyah decides to speak out.

Together, can Aaliyah and her friends halt the tide of hatred rippling through their community?

An essential read to encourage empathy, challenging stereotypes, exploring prejudice, racism, Islamophobia and positive action.

Non-fiction

Being tiny is tough! You can’t reach the highest shelf where the cookie jar sits, and the big kids always steal your lunchtime snacks. Don’t get me started on going to theme parks, you can never get on the rides and you’re always told to have an adult present for everything you do. But what if I told you that being small didn’t suck at all? But was in fact really, really cool.

Focus your eyes on the world of micro animals and learn what it’s like to be so small. Discover how these tiny creatures stay safe, or hunt for their lunch. Zoom in on their superpowers, like having the ability to shoot microscopic darts, spring-loaded jumps which take them to incredible heights or the amazing ways in which tiny hunters defend themselves from much bigger creatures. Maybe it’s not so tough to be tiny after all!

Non-fiction

The Extraordinary Book that Makes You Feel Happy is for every child, with a host of projects, ideas and activities to help them to feel positive, confident, focused, calm, relaxed, inclusive and included. The activities help young children to build resilience to big, overwhelming feelings and to feel connected to themselves and to others.

A project to cut out and make on every page, and a special pocket to collect them in. MAKE breathing wands, fidget spinners, art projects and more! PLAY games with your family and friends, and go on a nature scavenger hunt. TRY yoga poses and breathing exercises. Move, dance, wiggle and shake! CONNECT with a thank you card and keep a feelings journal. SAVE your projects in a special pocket at the back of the book. Take them out to create, imagine and smile again and again!

Chapter book

Eleven-year-old Ella Durand is the first Conjuror to attend the Arcanum Training Institute, a magic school in the clouds for Marvellers from around the world. Ella discovers that being the first isn’t easy but she finds friendship in fellow misfits Brigit, a girl who hates magic, and Jason, a boy with a fondness for magical creatures and support from her Elixirs teacher, Masterji Thakur.

Then the notorious Ace of Anarchy escapes prison, supposedly with a Conjuror’s aid, and Ella finds herself as the prime suspect. Worse, Masterji Thakur mysteriously disappears while away on a research trip. With the help of her friends and her own growing powers, Ella must find a way to clear her family’s name and track down her mentor before it’s too late.

Graphic Novel

Meet the most exceptional explorers of all time!

Which Viking voyager outclassed Columbus by 500 years?

Who cut Ferdinand Magellan’s round-the-world trip in half?

What got Amelia Earhart’s passion for piloting off to a flying start?

Uncover all this and more in Corpse Talk, the hilarious and mind-expanding chat show that brings the dead famous to life!

Non-fiction

Serena Williams: tennis player, sports icon, champion.

Get your head in the game with one of the greatest athletes of all time, Serena Williams.

A Life Story: This gripping series throws the reader directly into the lives of modern society’s most influential figures. With striking black-and-white illustration along with timelines and fun facts.

Simon has arrived in New Delhi, India,on the start of his journey to Corbett National Park and intowetlands, desert, and low-lying dry forest beyond. He’s searching for the endangered Bengal tiger. But early on, the trip doesn’t go according to plan, when Simon is involved in a car crash …

Simon Chapman, winner of the Blue Peter Book Award, brings geography to life, and his Expedition Diaries are a great way to introduce the world’s biomes and habitats to children, direct from someone who’s actually been in them – sometimes up to his neck! These books are perfect for sparking interest in this key school topic.

Non-fictionShort story collection

Hand-picked by adventurer Alastair Humphreys, this compilation retells the extraordinary journeys undertaken by his personal heroes. These men and women have ventured into space, oceans, deserts and jungles and inspired Alastair’s own adventures. They may do the same for you too.

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Stone Girl Bone Girl

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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.)?

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