This short, colour-illustrated chapter book for newly independent readers is based on the true story of Lottie Dod, a talented young athlete in the late 1880s who proved that she could do whatever she set her mind to.
Lottie was born to wealthy parents in the north of England. Lottie and her siblings were tutored at home and prevented from venturing outside the family estate. When a grass tennis court was created in the grounds, just as the sport of lawn tennis was gaining popularity, Lottie discovered that she had real talent for the game. Despite her mother’s refusal to allow her out to participate in a competition, Lottie sneaked out early and travelled to Manchester to take part. This is the start of a competitive career which sees Lottie winning many tournaments, culminating in lifting the Wimbledon trophy at the age of 15!
She also discovered a talent for golf, archery and hockey, amongst other sports. She became, perhaps, the world’s first female sports superstar. There are wonderful messages about self-belief in this story, and themes of resilience, female participation in sport and determination abound.
Star for a Day is a heartwarming dance-themed story for independent readers in Key Stage 2. Following two contrasting sisters auditioning for a TV talent show, it explores themes of jealousy and relationships while imparting an important lesson about staying true to oneself. The book is accessible, with a straightforward narrative that effortlessly engages young readers. Through well-developed characters, children will empathise with the sisters’ journey and the challenges they face.
Malorie Blackman’s hilarious tale of shape-shifting and babysitting antics – now in a standard paperback format for middle-grade readers.
Mike had no idea that his best friend Alex was a Gris-kwok – someone who can turn into any animal he chooses! But Mike’s naughty little sister Molly is a Gris-kwok too. Alex and Mike are about to take on the worst babysitting job in the world!
When Pete, Krish and Nancy read a story in the local paper about weird gunk being found in a field where sheep have gone missing next to Hilltop House, they’re sure there’s a mystery to be investigated. The new research farm at Hilltop is working on the creation of new bio-fuels, but when a storm knocks out the power in the local area and something escapes from the farm, it’s clear that the research has gone horribly wrong … Can the brave trio save the village in their most terrifying adventure yet?
Greg is only happy when he’s active – on the pitch or on his phone, it doesn’t matter. But as soon as training’s over or his host parent Steve takes the phone away, he’s on edge. Steve suggests that Greg do something quiet with him, like making one of Steve’s beloved Airfix kits. And the next thing Greg knows, he’s in the cockpit of a Spitfire, being forced out of the sky by a German pilot! Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
East End United are struggling to make this season work. Cairo is their best shot but as Captain he just can’t seem to make the team work together. When Coach Ayo suggests heading to the library for some historical research the boys think he’s having a laugh but the secret to a great team might just lie in the past. Fabulous football story featuring facts about the best from past to present. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+
Mum won’t get out of bed. His best friend has dumped him. And school work is just too difficult. Jayden wants to do the right thing – but how can he when it feels like the world is conspiring against him? Everything is going wrong, and when a supply teacher turns up to take his class, Jayden’s sure things will keep on getting worse. But Mrs Wilson is not quite the teacher Jayden expected … can she help turn his bad day around? A touching and sensitively told story of life as a young carer from beloved author Tony Bradman. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+
Carlos’s mother works for IBAMA, Brazil’s Environmental Authority. As head of a specially trained task force, her role is to protect the Amazon from the farmers, loggers and miners who are illegally destroying the precious rainforest. It’s a dangerous role and when she upsets some of these land-grabbers, they decide to teach her a lesson by kidnapping her son, Carlos.
Taken deep into the Amazon, Carlos manages to escape his captors only to find himself trapped by the fast-moving fires. Will he be able to outrun the flames as the world around him burns to the ground? The terrifying reality of illegal deforestation and the destruction of the rainforest is revealed in this powerful and gripping Amazonian adventure from bestselling author Steve Cole. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
Award-winning master of scary stories Chris Priestley returns with a spine-tingling collection of ghostly tales to chill you to the bone …
When Maya and her classmates are asked to write a creepy story with a winter theme, they come up with some brilliant ideas. Rising floodwaters uncover long-buried bodies and ghostly children take to the ice on a frozen canal. But as each of the stories is read out in class, Maya grows more and more uncomfortable. She features in each of her friends’ creepy tales and they start to feel a little too real. Finally, when a mysterious new girl stands up to read the last story of the day, the light outside dims and it starts to snow. The classroom starts to freeze but everyone is trapped. Can Maya stop the story before the nightmare comes true?
A case of mistaken identity leads to unintentional criminal activity when a dream family holiday goes terribly wrong in this punny comedy caper from author-illustrator Tom McLaughlin.
The Goodfellows are the perfect family. From helping the local community to scooping up prizes in school, there’s nothing they can’t do. And they’ve just won the holiday of a lifetime to the Big Apple!
When the family touchdown in New York and overhear a gentleman looking for the goodfellas, they can only assume he’s there to pick them up. But soon they’re involved in a diamond robbery and a gangster named Big Tony is thanking them for their impeccable work. It looks like everything for the Goodfellows is about to go very, very wrong …
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
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Curriculum links (if relevant)
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