It is really refreshing to see a book based around a love of sport – especially cricket – with a female protagonist. Last Girl In features Kerry-Ann, a young girl living in modern-day London, who completely encapsulates her Jamaican heritage.
This is a fairly quick read most suitable for KS2 pupils and one that features themes most pupils can relate to such as rivalry between peers, family links and sporting prowess, alongside themes which some pupils will strongly feel but will be new to others such as experiences of racism, discovering other cultures and feelings of shame.
Kerry-Ann and her friends are huge lovers of cricket and the book centres around their battle for fair use of the cricket ground against the ‘stronger’ athletes. Kerry-Ann has a strong relationship with her family, most notably her Grandfather who is also a big cricket fan and part of the Windrush generation. Teachers should be aware when reading aloud that some characters’ dialogue is strong Jamaican Patois.
This is a good introduction to books set in different timelines and there is an element of magic as Kerry-Ann is transported to the London of her grandfather’s time to experience some of the battles he witnessed. There is enough storyline outside of cricket to hold the attention of those without a sporting interest and the book manages to cover many themes without them seeming ‘shoe-horned’ in for the sake of it. This story is completely and unapologetically immersed in Kerry-Ann’s culture, past and present.
Set in the ancient kingdom of Benin, this is both a fascinating insight into an ancient way of life as well as a well-told adventure story.
Ada is twelve and has lived near the rainforest, with her Papa Eze, for as long as she can remember. She knows Papa is not her real family but he’s always looked after her. One day, however, Papa Eze becomes unwell and tells Ada the full story behind her birth and how he came to look after her. Unfortunately, someone else has also discovered the story of Ada’s birth and who Ada is and wishes her harm. Papa Eze realizes that Ada needs to escape the village, so sends her off, with her friend Mbe, on a perilous journey to find both safety and her true identity. Along the way, they meet both new friends and old enemies and go on an adventure of a lifetime.
This would make a perfect class read for KS2 and would fit in beautifully with the National Curriculum topic of Ancient Benin, for which there are not many children’s fiction choices at all available. Complete with a non-fiction section at the end – which we found fascinating – the book provides more information about many things covered in the story, from the history of the tribes featured to more information on their belief systems. All of these provide useful background to the story and could be investigated further in class for those studying the topic.
Whether it’s a curriculum-linked fiction choice or simply a read for pleasure, this is a gripping adventure story that offers something fresh and original to the middle-grade historical fiction market.
Set in Anglo-Saxon Kent, this book tells the story of a slave boy called Bron, who is drawn into a gripping adventure with warlords, warriors and kings.
The story is well researched and makes it easy for pupils to engage imaginatively with the historical setting as seen through the eyes of a child. The book also has an in-depth information section at the end to provide further historical context about the Saxons and the Jutes.
A free, downloadable KS2 pack to accompany the book is also available.
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)
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Any other comments