On a visit to the US things take a strange turn for 12-year-old Ajay when, completely at random and totally by accident, he is sworn in as the new president. Well, I guess he can’t be any worse than that guy who had the job before him, right? Wrong. It’s quite easy for power to go to your head and Ajay, overwhelmed by it all, goes rogue. Soon he’s too busy ordering sparkly capes and enforcing the new national spider plan to spot the dastardly plot unfolding right under his nose.
This is a retelling of the tale of Snow White, transposed to New York in the 1920s. Snow White’s wicked stepmother uses her position of influence in the city’s underworld to contract the killing of Snow White. Snow White stumbles into a club where the seven jazz-men take pity on her and she joins their band. A reporter who hears her sing propels her into the headlines . . . but her fame puts her once again in the sights of her evil stepmother. She is poisoned with a cocktail cherry. A shocked city mourns the death of the beautiful and talented Snow White but as her coffin is carried up the church steps by the grief-stricken jazz-men, Snow White’s eyes open and her gaze is met by the reporter. They fall in love and live happily ever after.
Winner of the prestigious Carnegie Medal, this profound novel is incredibly rich in descriptive language. It tells the story of swimming-obsessed Jess as she struggles to come to terms with the impending death of her grandfather, who insists on finishing one last painting before he dies. Jess meets a mysterious river boy and is faced with an ultimate challenge of her own to complete. This is a novel that deals with themes of life and death and is suitable for more mature or confident readers in Upper KS2 or Lower KS3.
A modern alternative to Wind in the Willows, this is the story of a family of water voles and the adventures that they have on their journey along the Great River.
When Winnie and Wilbur fly over a castle, they swoop down to take a closer look. When it turns out to be nothing more than a ruin, Winnie realizes that they are ‘hundreds of years too late’ and so makes a swoosh of her wand to take them back to medieval times. The ruin becomes a fully functioning fortress and it’s a day of much archery, jousting and feasting. Winnie disguises herself as a medieval lady-in-waiting. Wilbur is a dashing knight in armour. But when they come across a naughty knight,making mincemeat of his rivals in the tournament and losing his temper in the banqueting hall, a little magic is required to put him in his place and give everyone else the entertaining day they’ve come to enjoy. Sir Wilbur is given pride of place at the banquet and everyone wants to know who the mysterious knight could be. Winnie realizes things could go badly if their true identities are revealed. They make a swift exit before out-staying their welcome, and the castle is restored to the ruin it was. With medieval magic and mayhem from the start, this story is a classic Winnie and Wilbur adventure.
This is a classic narrative poem from 1906. It tells the story of an 18th Century highwayman who rides the roads at night to rob travellers. He falls for a landlord’s daughter called Bess and comes to a terrible fate in a tale of betrayal and sacrifice. This version won the Kate Greenaway Medal for its atmospheric illustrations.
If you study this poem in KS2, take the opportunity to show pupils the picture book the Highway Rat by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler – they will enjoy their newly informed understanding of the inspiration behind an old favourite picture book!
An impressive range of traditional folk tales and legends drawn from all over Africa. Rich and accessible, the pitch of the stories in Tales from Africa is perfect for KS2.
Tales from China is a collection of myths and legends from Ancient China. You will meet magicians, ghosts, fairies, demons and gods in these exciting stories of mystery and magic.
An appealing mystery story set in Viking times and written by historian and BBC broadcaster Dr Janina Ramirez.
Alva lives in the settlement of Kilsgard with her mother, uncle, baby brother and pet wolf, Fenrir. After her father’s disappearance, Alva finds herself following a trail of runic clues as a puzzle unfolds that readers race to solve alongside Alva.
Filled with historical details of vividly imagined life in Viking England, this is a gripping historical mystery that will keep readers guessing.
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Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
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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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