Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

War Horse

Chapter book

Before the Steven Spielberg film, before the National Theatre production, there was the classic children’s novel – War Horse. From the nation’s favourite storyteller, Michael Morpurgo.

In the deadly chaos of the First World War, one horse witnesses the reality of battle from both sides of the trenches. Bombarded by artillery, with bullets knocking riders from his back, Joey tells a powerful story of the truest friendships surviving in terrible times. One horse has seen the best and the worst of humanity. The power of war and the beauty of peace. This is his story.

War Horse was adapted by Steven Spielberg as a major motion picture with Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson, and Benedict Cumberbatch. The National Theatre production opened in 2007 and has enjoyed successful runs in the West End and on Broadway.

A great way of introducing young readers to the realities of WWI. Look out for Morpurgo’s other war fiction including Friend or Foe, Waiting for Anya, King of the Cloud Forests and An Eagle in the Snow.

War Horse is a story of universal suffering for a universal audience by a writer who ‘has the happy knack of speaking to both child and adult readers’ (The Guardian).

Michael Morpurgo has written more than one hundred books for children and won the Whitbread Award, the Smarties Award, the Circle of Gold Award, the Children’s Book Award and has been short-listed for the Carnegie Medal four times.

Stitched Up!

Oriol Vidal & Steve Cole

Chapter book

The horrific real-life cost of fast fashion is exposed in this gripping tale of survival from bestselling author Steve Cole.

When twelve-year-old Hanh is offered a job as a shop assistant in Hanoi, she sees it as a chance to earn money to send back to her family living in poverty in rural Vietnam. But on her arrival in the city, she soon learns that the job offer was a lie and finds herself working in virtual slavery in an illegal garment factory.

Life in this sweatshop is a daily hell of long hours, little rest, poor food and regular violence. Hanh is desperate to escape, but when an opportunity arises will she be able to find the courage to take a dangerous chance?

Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8. Please note that this book contains mature content.

Outlaw

Michael Morpurgo

Chapter book

After a fierce storm, a boy discovers a human skull, buried beneath the roots of an ancient tree. A skull with a legendary story…

Vivid re-imagining of the legendary hero Robin Hood by bestselling author of War Horse.

“Tell the sheriff, tell Sir Guy of Gisbourne, tell everyone in Nottingham, that the Outlaws rule here in Sherwood, that we rule in the king’s name… I am Robin Hood.”

Homeless and lost in a dark, strange forest, young Robin is rescued by a motley crew of misfits. He yearns to avenge his father and seek justice against cruel oppressors, to finally defeat the Sheriff of Nottingham, once and for all.

And through his friends, Robin Hood finds the courage to become a legendary hero.

UK in Maps

Collins Kids & Stephen Scoffham

Non-fiction

The must-have thematic atlas for schools.
Bring geography, history and the environment together with this thematic UK atlas suitable for Key Stage 2 and lower Key Stage 3.

Fully up-to-date and endorsed by the Geographical and Historical Associations, it helps children to understand how things came to be, as well as how they might change in years to come.

UK in Maps investigates themes with a focus on environmental issues, energy, transport, farming and tourism and includes reference maps for all the different regions of the UK.

Ideal for classroom use and home learning, it provides opportunities for pupils to conduct their own enquiries and explore maths in context using maps, satellite images, diagrams, charts and photographs.

Would You Rather? Ancient Romans

Clive Gifford & Tim Wesson

Non-fiction

Would you rather row a Roman vessel or be a chariot racer? Eat stuffed dormice or parrot heads? Only you can decide!

Adventure into the fascinating world of ancient Rome with this new Would You Rather book!

Packed with fun situations, this book is the perfect way to learn about the ancient Roman world. Prepare to decide what sort of Roman food you would rather eat, what Roman jobs you would be prepared to try your hand at, and much more!

Each situation is filled with fascinating and hilarious details about Roman history – rediscover familiar favourites like Julius Caesar, and delve into lesser-known corners of this intriguing civilization.

Cecily Sawyer: How To Be a Spy

David Tazzyman & Iona Rangeley

Chapter book

A thrilling, mysterious and very, very funny new adventure from the award-winning author of EINSTEIN THE PENGUIN, with brilliant illustrations from bestseller David Tazzyman.

Cecily Sawyer has spent the evening in the attic, training her pet mouse, Mrs Maple Syrup – an unusually intelligent mouse, in Cecily’s opinion – when her parents disappear.

Luckily, Cecily is more than ready to investigate such a thing. She has wanted to be a spy her whole life, and has all the spy handbooks, manuals and code-cracking kits a girl could need.

But soon, Cecily discovers several very strange things in her city. She’s not the only spy out there – far from it, in fact. And Mrs Maple Syrup is not the only unusually intelligent mouse…

Lark

Anthony McGowan

Chapter book, Dyslexia-friendly

Inspired to take a walk on the moors by their Dad, who remembered taking such walks with their grandad when he was their age, Nicky and Kenny set off with their Jack Russel terrier on what should have been nothing more than a stroll to take in the views and blow off a bit of energy after being cooped up during the Easter holidays. Even as they step off the bus to begin their walk, Nicky can see the weather changing as a few flakes of snow become more of a blizzard, and what had been a fun adventure leaves them frozen to the core, lost and alone.

Picking up the slim tome, I initially wondered how this diminutive volume could live up to the reviews, especially as I am not familiar with the three prior titles in the series, but I needn’t have worried. Heartbreaking and soul-restoring in equal measure, you’re swept along on their journey with insights into some of their lives and troubles before the time and to the depths of their fear, pain and anguish as their stroll takes a more dangerous turn. Incredibly emotive, more sensitive readers may find some of the text upsetting.

This book doesn’t waste a single word. Unquestionably a rich source for writing and discussion.

The Poet X

Elizabeth Acevedo

Chapter book

Raw, honest and extremely powerful. ‘The Poet X’ is a triumph of modern literature. This collection of slam poetry beautifully retells Xiomara’s poignant life story. The way her experiences are told in verse allows the reader to be quickly absorbed into her emotions, exposing some powerful truths about what is is like to grow up in a Harlem neighbourhood and sending the powerful message that we must speak up and refuse to stay silent.

Readers will learn about, and relate to, the struggles she has experienced throughout her childhood, with her race, a religious mother and the misogyny of men while she was growing up. This book, full of energy and powerfully told verse, covers some tough subject matter, but has an important message of survival and staying strong throughout life’s struggles.

A modern classic which pushes boundaries. A must-read for all young adults.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

Holly Jackson

Chapter book

When I first picked up A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, I was curious to see why it had become such a hit with teenagers. Very quickly, I found myself completely drawn in. Holly Jackson has written a gripping, clever mystery that feels both modern and accessible, while still offering plenty of depth for discussion.

The story centres on Pippa Fitz-Amobi, a sixth-form student who decides to re-investigate a local murder for her school project. What begins as a straightforward academic exercise soon turns into something much darker, as she uncovers secrets the town has worked hard to keep hidden.

As a teacher, I was struck by how well the book models critical thinking skills. Pippa questions assumptions, evaluates evidence, and reflects on bias – skills we encourage in the classroom across subjects. It also raises important issues for discussion, including truth, justice, and how we decide whose voices are believed. These themes make it more than just a page-turner; it’s a book that invites students to think deeply about the world around them.

Incredible Cricket: 60 True Stories Every Fan Needs to Know

Clive Gifford & Lu Andrade

Non-fiction

Whether you’re already a fan or are new to the sport, prepare to be BOWLED OVER by this fun-filled book of stories, facts and stats from the world of cricket.

60 extraordinary stories span the globe and include unforgettable events and players from the men’s, women’s and para games, past and present.

Meet Brian Lara, who made a mind-blowing 501 not out in an innings.

Meet Sajjida Shah, who played for her country aged just 12.

Find out about the match that was played inside a volcano . . . and another that was played on top of Africa’s highest mountain.

Meet the Indian cricketer who cut her hair to disguise herself so she could play in boy’s teams.

Meet the player who owns the world’s most expensive bat (worth a whopping £100,000) and who started adult life as a railway ticket collector . . .

Meet the biggest stars of today’s game alongside the pioneers, emerging talents and cricketing legends. You’ll also find facts, stats, bios, test your knowledge quizzes and a simple players guide.

Look out for Incredible Football Stories, coming soon.