Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Home > Books

Format: Non-fiction

Non-fiction

Take a look at the wackier side of history!

Who were the Shang people? Why did they LOVE mud and moths? And just what made the Shang such fearsome warriors? A Question of History: The Shang Civilisation answers all these questions and much more.

With an engaging question and answer format, this series draws young readers into the fascinating, sometimes gruesome, world of famous peoples and civilisations through history. Each spread opens with a simple question, opening up an exploration of an aspect of the life of a people or civilisation and busting some popular myths along the way!

The lively lay-out is supported by annotated photos and cartoons, making history fun and accessible for readers aged 8+.

Non-fiction

Who were the Ancient Chinese and how did they live? Using your powers of analysis, work out what primary sources tell us about this ancient civilization.

Non-fiction

Ancient Sumer looks at one of the most fascinating and advanced ancient civilisations. Through structures as imposing as a ziggurat or objects as simple as a stone seal, readers aged 9 and up gain a picture of who was whom in the ancient Middle East and how the civilisation in which they lived really worked.

Perfect for Key Stage 2, each book in the Great Civilisations series approaches its subject through a scene-setting spread about Who/where were the… It then introduces the achievements of the chosen civilisation through 12 structures or objects, each of which illustrates a key aspect or theme. Writing, architecture, industry, warfare, transport and learning are all covered in the same simple, colourful and engaging way. Fact boxes and panels present incidental information and point the reader to the importance of parallel developments in other parts of the world.

Non-fiction

A compelling account of the story of slavery – from ancient times, through the plantations of the Caribbean and America, to the official abolition of the slave trade more than 200 years ago. Recounts the stories of people who were enslaved, including their daring tales of resistance and escape. Highlights the continued existence of slavery today and what you can do to help stop it.

Chapter bookNon-fiction

My Story: Mary Prince – the thrilling story of the former slave and abolitionist.

Born in enslavement in Bermuda, Mary Prince travelled to England, escaped slavery and became a prominent abolitionist whose life story was the first of a Black woman’s to be published in Britain.

Explore Mary’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.

Non-fictionShort story collection

Winner of the Best Book With Facts Blue Peter Book Award 2017.

Amazing real-life stories about extreme survival.

Beautifully presented in a large, paperback format, and fully illustrated in colour throughout, this wonderful anthology is a treat for all the family. Be shocked and amazed by these incredible real-life stories of extreme survival, including . . .

The Man Who Sucked Blood from a Shark, a sailor who survived for 133 days on a raft in the Atlantic when his ship was torpedoed, using shark’s blood in place of fresh water.
The Girl Who Fell From the Sky, a teenager who fell 2 miles from an aeroplane and trekked through the Amazon jungle to safety.
The Woman Who Froze to Death – Yet Lived, a woman who was trapped under freezing water for so long her heart stopped. Four hours later, medics managed to warm her blood enough to revive her.

Combining classic tales such as Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic voyage, as well as more modern exploits such as the adventurer who inspired the movie 127 Hours, these astonishing stories will be retold by young readers to all of their friends.

Non-fictionPicturebook

At the turn of the 20th Century, scientists and explorers were in a race to unlock the secrets of the last great uncharted place on Earth – Antarctica. This is the true story of Tom Crean, the legendary Irish explorer and crewmate of three of the most important and famous expeditions in British history – Discovery, Terra Nova and Endurance. Through his story, we discover the events that took place on these voyages which were often thrilling, inspiring and heart-breaking.

Non-fiction

In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Alexander von Humboldt, the botanist and adventurer.

As a kid, Alexander wasn’t a great student. He had a naturally curious mind, but he saw the world differently to his teachers and fellow pupils, and just couldn’t quite fit in. But when he began collecting plants as an adult, Alexander realised he’d found his passion.

From then on, he become a great explorer, travelling the world to document all kinds of plants and species. This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the scientist.

Non-fiction

Explore the wonders of the past in this stunning collection of over 160 historical artefacts, from Ancient Rome to the dynasties of China. Welcome to the museum.

This rich and informative cabinet of curiosities beautifully displays objects of the ancient past. Wander from room to room to explore the magnificence of what civilisations have left behind over thousands of years of human history.

With text written by expert Jo Nelson and stunning illustrations by Richard Wilkinson, this updated edition also features a foreword by Sir Tony Robinson.

Non-fiction

The Indus Valley is one of ancient history’s most mysterious and little-known civilisations. This title explores what is known about this area of India and Pakistan discovering how they built grid systems invented modern plumbing and traded with their neighbours in this fascinating title.|The Indus Valley is one of ancient history’s most mysterious and little-known civilisations. This title explores what is known about this area of India and Pakistan discovering how they built grid systems invented modern plumbing and traded with their neighbours in this fascinating title.

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