Familiar favourite characters Topsy and Tim make the transition from their nursery to primary school. The twins demonstrate a positive attitude and enjoy meeting their new classmates and teacher. A reassuring story exemplifying typical first day experiences.
This book offers a fresh perspective on growing up different and not understanding why, describing childhood from the perspective of someone diagnosed with autism in adulthood. It’s easy to read but (like many of the best books), difficult to classify being partly autobiography and partly a thorough informative guide to autism and wider neurodiversity issues. The bright, attractive illustrations along with the chatty style make the book very accessible. It’s marketed for 8-12-year-olds, but would also be a useful read for older teens. It might be particularly attractive to neurodiverse children, whether or not they have a diagnosis yet, but it has many important messages about acceptance of self, confidence and wellbeing that are applicable much more widely. The way the author reflects on her experiences in childhood makes this a very hopeful and helpful book, particularly for those children struggling with school and friendships and wondering whether things will ever feel less challenging. It’s a lovely celebration of difference and individuality.
Barbara is in a very bad mood. She won’t admit it, but she is.
She has a problem with a sock, and at lunchtime there’s a strange pea… And even though she’s at the park with her friends, it all just gets a bit much. Suddenly Barbara’s WOBBLER is out of control!
But what if Barbara and her Wobbler can work together, so she can be cheerful again?
A brilliantly funny and sensitive way to understand and deal with tantrums.
Fiction meets political history in this gripping and moving story from popular author Jacqueline Wilson. When Opal’s father is sent to prison, Opal must start work at the Fairy Glen sweet factory instead of following her dreams of going to university. But when Opal meets the legendary Mrs Pankhurst and her fellow suffragettes, she gains a growing awareness of just how far these women will go to pursue their democratic rights. Set during a significant turning point of British history when the Votes for Women movement was gaining traction and WW1 was about to begin, Opal Plumstead is an important book that offers an insight into how the suffrage movement helped to shape British democracy and one that carries a powerful message about fighting for what you believe in.
Full of suspense and cliff-hangers, this book is proving very popular in Upper Key Stage 2 classrooms. The story follows Jamal, a boy from a war-torn part of Afghanistan. When the government discovers that Jamal’s mother is illegally running a school, his family is forced to leave home and they try to seek asylum in Australia. The journey is frightening and full of dangers and when Jamal finally reaches Australia, it does not turn out to be quite as welcoming as he expected. A gripping text that tackles difficult issues head on in a sensitive but realistic way. We also recommend the sequel Girl Underground.
Who are refugees? Why are they called that word? Why do they need to leave their country? In this simple, graphic and bold picture book for young children, author and illustrator Elise Gravel explores what it means to be a refugee. This book is the perfect tool to introduce an important and timely topic to young children.
This is a truly charming picture book with an empowering message about the power of self-belief, perfect for EYFS and KS1. At the beginning of the story, George the rabbit sits on a tree stump watching his woodland friends busy doing all sorts of clever and fun activities like painting, roller-skating, knitting and dancing. Believing that he can’t do anything like that, George leaves himself with no option but to sit and watch. That is, until a wise old bear observes George’s no-can-do attitude and decides to help him to cultivate some important self-belief.
This is an endearing picture book that encourages young readers to have the confidence to try new things using the ‘magic’ of a positive attitude from within themselves.
A great tale of how an asylum-seeking family move next door to an American family, and the boys of both families make friends even though they don’t share the same language. The book raises lots of questions about the world, and is great for exploring ‘kindness’ as a virtue. Suitable for KS1 and KS2.
August Pullman (Auggie) has a severe facial deformity and is home-educated until the age of 10, when he begins to attend school. The story is not just told from Auggie’s perspective, but also through the eyes of his family and friends – following his fears and challenges as he comes to terms with other children’s reactions to his appearance. It’s an emotional journey and a superb book to start discussions about accepting people for who they are, empathy and the importance of friendships.
You may also like the picture book version We Are All Wonders (available here) and the additional story collection Auggie & Me (available here).
Mandy is 10 and bullied at school, but finds friendship with an older, streetwise girl who is being fostered by a neighbour. Tanya is 14 and always seems to be in trouble. Mandy’s overprotective parents are not keen on their friendship. This story sensitively deals with issues of friendships, family relationships, loyalty and acceptance.
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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