What a year 2018 has been for children’s books!
This month we asked our community of teachers, TAs, authors, librarians and book lovers to nominate their favourite children’s books published in 2018. This is what they told us…
Since the disappearance of her mother, Tilly has lived in a bookshop with her grandparents, where she has found comfort amongst the pages of her favourite books. When she discovers her special ability to wander in and out of books alongside her favourite characters, she realises this could hold the key to finding out what really happened to her mother. But she is unnerved by the appearance of the mysterious Enoch Chalk who turns up in the most unexpected of places, taking an unusual interest in Tilly and watching her very closely. Spellbinding and truly magical, the world of Pages & Co is enchanting for readers young and old.
Nominated for Favourite Books of 2018 by: Laura (@Crowther79Laura), Year 3 Teacher
I simply loved this book. From the start I was captured by the characters, the magic and the mystery. I loved the relationship between Fionn and his grandfather and towards the end it brought me to tears. All in all a fast-paced, exciting adventure. I can’t wait to read Catherine’s next book.
Nominated for Favourite Books of 2018 by: Erin Foote (@erinlynhamilton), Reading Advocate
The Skylarks’ War by Hilary McKay is a lovely story set in the midst of the First World War. We know how harrowing this war was and how tough it was on the men sent to the front lines but also for those at home. Clarry is a wonderful girl who has boundless hope. She shows true determination throughout the story of her, her brother Peter and her cousin Rupert. I was laughing in places with the stories from Rupert and had tears streaming down my face in others. Such a beautiful story of love and hope in the face of adversity. The author captures some intense moments of battle, fear and agony in such a way to make it understandable for children reading the book. I was captivated throughout the whole book. I loved the characters, the storyline and the ending!
Nominated for Favourite Books of 2018 by: Sophie Anderson (@sophieinspace), children’s author of The House With Chicken Legs (available here)
I love fairytale reimaginings and The Restless Girls is one of the best I’ve ever read. Beautifully written and gorgeously illustrated, the story smashes all the stereotypes in the original tale and sings of resistance, perseverance, strength and freedom. Perfect for sisters and brothers, boys and girls, young and old…I adore it!
This thrilling steampunk adventure follows siblings Arthur and Maudie Brightstorm as they try to find out what happened to their explorer father. Arthur, who has a prosthetic iron right arm, is a great problem solver and book lover, while his sister is good at fixing things. When they learn about a race to South Polaris, where their father was lost, they win a place onboard the Aurora, a fantastic sky-ship. Maudie’s talent with tools see her appointed as second engineer. Arthur is hired as cook’s assistant. On board Arthur adapts to draining tasks, although his iron arm is heavy and can cause him pain, while also learning new skills – making marsh cakes and communicating with thought wolves! The adventure continues in the sequel Darkwhispers.
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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
