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Publisher: Scholastic

Picturebook

A beautiful, moving celebration of what it truly means to be family, from the brilliant new picture book duo Patrice Lawrence and Diane Ewen.

Every family is different. Every family is special.

Josie loves her family. Her mum, dad, brothers and sister – they’re all the best and they all look different.

But people always seem to ask Josie “Is that YOUR mama?”, and soon she starts to wonder if her family are actually supposed to look the same.

When Josie shares her worries with her family, they find a way to help her see what truly matters.

Heartfelt and empowering words by Patrice Lawrence, multi-award-winning author of Orangeboy.

Bright, gorgeous artwork from Diane Ewen, winner of the Jericho Prize and The Queen’s Knickers Awards, 2021.

Picturebook

Watch a thousand years unfold in the life of one magnificent tree! A thousand years ago, a tiny acorn fell to the ground. As the years pass, it grows . . . and GROWS into an enormous oak tree!

As the centuries sweep by, children play games around the tree. Families dance about it. A fleeing king even hides inside its hollow trunk!

The tree gives food and shelter to a host of animals, from squirrels and badgers to birds and beetles.

After a thousand years, the ancient tree finally falls in a storm – but a new acorn sprouts, and the cycle of life begins all over again.

The tree’s magical life story is brought to life in Julia Donaldson’s rich, dramatic rhyme.

Victoria Sandøy’s gorgeous, atmospheric illustrations perfectly capture the changing seasons, and the people and wildlife that pass by

Children will love spotting all the creatures in the pictures, and seeing the games children play around the tree

This is a book that encourages us all to look more closely at nature, and to appreciate the wonder of our ancient trees.

The final pages of the book contain extra fascinating facts about oak trees and the animals that depend on them.

Chapter book

An empowering story about finding your identity and the courage to fight for it. Aaliyah is an ordinary thirteen-year-old living in the Midlands – she’s into her books, shoes, K-pop and she is a Muslim. She has always felt at home where she lives … until a terrorist attack in her area changes everything.

As racial tensions increase and she starts getting bullied, Aaliyah decides to begin wearing a hijab – to challenge how people in her community see her.

But when her school bans the hijab and she is intimidated and attacked for her choices, she feels isolated.

Soon Aaliyah realises that other young people from different backgrounds also struggle with their identity and feel alone, scared and judged. Should she try to blend in – or can she find allies to help her fight back?

Channelling all of her bravery, Aaliyah decides to speak out.

Together, can Aaliyah and her friends halt the tide of hatred rippling through their community?

An essential read to encourage empathy, challenging stereotypes, exploring prejudice, racism, Islamophobia and positive action.

Non-fiction

Serena Williams: tennis player, sports icon, champion.

Get your head in the game with one of the greatest athletes of all time, Serena Williams.

A Life Story: This gripping series throws the reader directly into the lives of modern society’s most influential figures. With striking black-and-white illustration along with timelines and fun facts.

Chapter book

In this heart-stopping adventure based on real historical events, Kereen Getten takes readers on a journey of sisterhood, struggle and survival from Jamaica to Britain. ‘She was rarely afraid, and even if she was … she still stood her ground, because Ruth never faltered in what she believed in.’

Ruth and Anna are inseparable.

Ruth has always known her half-sister isn’t like her – her almost-white skin means she is allowed certain things that Ruth can only dream of.

Anna wishes she could be braver, like her sister, Ruth. But she has had to live with the fact that the smallest mistake would land not only her in danger, but Ruth and their mother, too.

When Ruth and Anna are shipped off to Master John’s home in London for their safety, it isn’t the haven they imagined. Their differences force them apart – Anna is allowed to stay upstairs while Ruth is banished to the servants’ quarters and is forced to work.

With whispers of freedom on the city’s streets, will Anna find the courage to stand up for Ruth before it’s too late?

Chapter bookNon-fiction

My Story: Mary Prince – the thrilling story of the former slave and abolitionist.

Born in enslavement in Bermuda, Mary Prince travelled to England, escaped slavery and became a prominent abolitionist whose life story was the first of a Black woman’s to be published in Britain.

Explore Mary’s incredible life with My Story.

Perfect for any child wanting to learn more about history’s untold stories

Great background reading for Key Stage 2 & 3

My Story: exciting stories with reliable and accurate historical detail

Experience history first-hand with My Story.

Chapter book

My Story: A Picture of Freedom is a tale based on the real-life memoirs of Clotee Henley, a young slave who helped over 150 slaves escape to freedom via the Underground Railroad.

It’s 1859 and Clotee is a slave in a Virginia plantation. It’s illegal for slaves to read and write, but Clotee is teaching herself in secret. ‘Freedom’ is just another word she’s learned to write. Then she finds out about the Underground Railroad, a network of people who help runaway slaves, and discovers that freedom is more than just a word…

Experience history first-hand with My Story in this all-new look!

Eleven-year-old Ailsa Craig is always late! To everything – her own birth, school, and even her own house exploding! Although it is certainly better to be late for that than early…

But then one day, Ailsa discovers the secret of a lifetime: An extra hour in the day. The Magic Hour which exists in a fantastical, parallel Edinburgh, accessed at twilight. As she explores this extraordinary place where anything seems possible, Ailsa can’t believe her luck. Her grades improve and life seems to be on the up – even the popular kids start liking her.

But messing with time, can have desperate consequences. When Ailsa discovers that the extra time comes at a terrible cost, she must battle the sinister forces at work and save herself, her parents and the world.

What would you do with an extra hour in the day?

A funny, high-octane, race-against-time adventure that is perfect for fans of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, Amari and the Night Brothers, Pages & Co and Nevermoor.

Beautifully illustrated and brought to life by Alessia Trunfio.

From award-winning and celebrated creator of Spooks and Versailles, David Wolstencroft.

Chapter book

I Was There… is a perfect introduction for younger readers into stories from the past, allowing children to imagine that they were really there.

I Was There… Boudica’s Army is a fast-paced and fascinating account of a young girl in the Iceni tribe in AD 60. As Queen Boudica leads her people to march on Roman-occupied Colchester, young Kassy’s beloved pony, Honey, is stolen away and taken to war. Will Kassy be able to find her and bring her home safely?

Amazing black-and-white illustrations throughout bring the story to life!

Brilliantly reimagined, readers aged 7+ will love this vivid first-hand account of a child’s experience of life in ancient Britain.

Graphic Novel

A thrilling illustrated tale complete with lions, gladiators, assassination plots and a dare-devil rescue.

Henry is back in the present day – but he isn’t happy about it.

His little sister is driving him mad and no one believes that he travelled through time.

But all that is about to change when Henry finds himself travelling back to ancient Rome – where he soon realises that sibling rivalry can take a darker turn…

A toga-tickling, gladiatorial gallop through Ancient Rome! A Gladiator Stole My Lunchbox is a time-travel adventure with a difference.

From talented author-illustrator Thiago de Moraes, creator of A Mummy Ate My Homework, History Atlas, and Myth Atlas.

Packed full of accidental assassination attempts, marauding lions and steaming piles of poo!

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