Whenever there’s a pong, poo or puddle that can’t be explained, Norman and Ringo are the hounds that take the blame. Determined to exploit their status for profit, Blamehounds Inc. is soon in business and small dogs the world over are admitting responsibility for accidents, eruptions and even the occasional war…
A wickedly clever and hilarious doggy tale from superstar author-illustrator Ross Collins, particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 7+
Chichico is thrilled when a talent scout spots him during a kick-about with his friends Davi and Ana, and he is asked to try out for Santos Brazil. But without a pair of football boots, how will Chichico ever been taken seriously? Loyal Davi steps in and sets out on a mission to solve Chichico’s problem. But Davi’s actions soon risk ruining Chichico’s dreams forever…
A little football story with a big heart from award-winning author Geraldine McCaughrean.
Sam is sick, and Ella is sick of Sam. Life seems to revolve around his hospital appointments, his medication and his need for peace and quiet. No one thinks about what Ella wants or needs, no one cares. They don’t even know what day she was born on. In the end, Ella decides she doesn’t care if Sam gets sicker, but when it happens, she finds she cares an awful lot….
A touching exploration of family love and the challenges of being a younger sibling, from multi-award-winning author Sally Nicholls.
This book is an action-packed sci-fi survival story where a young reader can step into the shoes of the central character, aptly named Luna.
When events take a turn for the worse, she is the only person left stranded on the moon’s surface. Tension builds as she faces challenges in harsh conditions, and with dwindling supplies, it is a race against time to somehow escape before night draws in. Despite her age, Lunar has many responsibilities while living on the moon with her father (a Moon Miner). She has undertaken intensive training, which comes in handy later in the book! A meteorite warning threatens the safety of the team, and in a rush to evacuate, Luna is separated from everyone. In a mission to reach the far side of the moon, she must use her scientific knowledge to solve a range of problems in the hope that she will be reunited with her father.
The gripping moments and dilemmas, including the risk of running out of oxygen, keep the reader on the edge of their seat as they take the journey with her. The quick-witted comments from Luna are a fun aspect, and many children, including reluctant Upper KS2 readers, will enjoy this humorous aspect of the book, particularly the mention of nappies and exploding eyeballs! Sci-fi enthusiasts and those interested in Earth and Space will enjoy the scientific details mentioned throughout.
Can you see Doris? She is a little red elephant, and she does not like to be noticed – which is hard when you are red and other elephants are grey. Doris likes to blend in with the crowd, but this is impossible for her due to her colour. She tries to find different places to hide and blend in with the background: with birds, with fish, amongst flowers. However, she always ends up standing out in the end. She finds herself hiding on a red page where she is nearly invisible; will she still be happy when she finally gets what she wants and cannot be found?
The story of Doris feels a little like Elmer, with the colourful elephant with a catchy name – however the character is very different while just as loveable. Spotting Doris on each page is a fun little challenge which adds a different dynamic to the story. There is a strong moral which follows the plot through the story; at first she is shy and wants to hide but by the end, she is proud to be different and finds her confidence and even tries to share this with another friend. This story book is perfect for EYFS and KS1 children as a link to thinking about being confident and proud of who you are.
One dark night, the music and singing wake a monster from a swamp … Warrior after warrior comes to slay the monster, but no one can outwit Grendel. Only the great hero Beowulf stands a chance – but even he is not prepared for the horror that lies in wait. A stunning prose retelling of a Beowulf tale from an author-illustrator dream-team. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+.
A short chapter book inspired by Fagin’s gang from Oliver Twist.
Life changes for poor Victorian Ettie Shaw when her brother leaves the family to find his fortune with a new job, and her mother takes ill and passes away. Finding herself with no job and nowhere to live, Ettie has to take to living and working on the streets of London, fighting to stay out of the dreaded and infamous workhouse. Suddenly, she finds her luck changing when she stumbles across her missing brother Joe, who now works for a man called Fagin.
The book is easy to read and dyslexia-friendly. The illustrations are drawn well and add to the reading experience whilst enjoying the book, and add to the author’s description of the characters and Victorian London.
A short and powerful chapter book about life in the cotton mills for children during the Industrial Revolution.
Bess is sent to a London workhouse after her Ma falls ill and passes away. She decides to move to a northern rural cotton mill where she is promised a better life, an education and better living conditions. This is not the reality, but instead she is put to work as a threader on the large, noisy and dangerous machinery in the overheated mill.
On her first day, she and the others are told of the vicious and blood-thirsty mermaid who lives in the millpond, who will attack any child who tries to escape the mill or work – Bess thinks this is nonsense and is a myth. However, when she finds herself in trouble and wanting to leave her new ‘home’, she sees something in the murky waters – reaching for freedom.
This is a dyslexia-friendly chapter book that is also thought-provoking and rich with historical information about life for working children in Victorian times.
For those studying Ancient Egypt as part of the KS2 history curriculum, this would make a good (quick) class read. This short read from dyslexia-friendly publisher Barrington Stoke is a time-slip novel about a community of village children and their families who live, work and play by the banks of the Nile, the Pharaoh’s palace shimmering in the distance. Modern-day schoolboy Seth comes tumbling into their world, dragging himself out of the crocodile-infested river and coming face-to-face with a hyena.
The font style and overall design will also suit those with dyslexia, which is apt since the main character, Seth, struggles at school. He can’t focus on lessons and thus begins a prank that lands him on the muddy banks of the Nile. The way back isn’t at all clear, so, while he works it out, he’ll just have to muddle along with Mery, the Egyptian girl he first meets, and her family, who are soon busily preparing for Pharaoh Akhenaten’s visit to their neighbourhood. The exact details of their celebration, as well as other aspects of life in Ancient Egypt, have Seth questioning not just his knowledge of history, but also customs that seem quite shocking. As readers, we are offered some ‘facts behind the story’; insights into Seth’s experience, which might just help others when learning is a little challenging.
Author Karen McCombie also visited our blog to tell us more about the inspiration for the story.
The blackbirds’ song uplifts and restores in this captivating novella from one of the most exciting voices in children’s fiction.
After a devastating car crash, Annie is unable to play her flute and retreats from the music she’s always loved.
She exists in a world of angry silence – furious with her mum and furious she can’t seem to play her beloved flute any more.
Then she meets Noah, who shows her the blackbirds’ nest hidden in the scrubland near their flats. As their friendship grows, the blackbirds’ glorious song reignites Annie’s passion for music. But when tragedy strikes again, will her fragile progress be put at risk?
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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