Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Topic: History

The Titanic Detective Agency

Chapter book

All the characters in my novel were real-life passengers and crew on the ship. The setting up of the detective agency by Bertha Watt and Madge Collyer, and The Mystery of the Strange Boy and the Treasure Map, are the only parts of the story which are pure fiction. The other mystery which the detective agency attempts to solve, The Case of the Mysterious Mr Hoffman, is completely factual, and proves that the truth is often stranger than fiction!

Rescuing Titanic

Flora Delargy

Non-fiction

Most people have heard the story of the Titanic, yet there will be many who do not know of the involvement of Carpathia; I know I didn’t. The book brings an added dimension to Titanic’s story, remembering and celebrating the efforts of others.

The format of the book makes it very user-friendly; facts and illustrations intertwine to lead the reader through the important information. Specific vocabulary is clearly explained, key crew members are named and celebrated and there is a helpful glossary. One element that was particularly useful was a clock on most pages, showing how the events unfolded over a short period of time.

This book would be an excellent companion to any work around the Titanic. Having the opportunity to explore the history from a different point of view brings an alternative and wider perspective to the historical information already known and would broaden children’s understanding of the event.

The Same but Different too

Karl Newson & Kate Hindley

Picturebook

This book very cleverly identifies our similarities and differences and demonstrates how these enhance our every day lives. The sparse, rhyming text jogs along beautifully and the wonderfully funny, detailed illustrations are full of humour, joy and affection. This book provides a brilliantly simple way to explain the advantages of difference to young children in a warm and entertaining way. Top marks!

Titanic (My Story)

Ellen Emerson White

Chapter book

Titanic (My Story) is the story of a young orphan on board the ship. Margaret Anne is thrilled when she is chosen to accompany wealthy Mrs Carstairs to New York. But when the ship begins to sink, Margaret Anne finds herself caught up in a nightmare. This novel takes a wee while to get going, but the night of the disaster scenes are very well done and you may need tissues!

What is Race? Who are Racists? Why Does Skin Colour Matter? And Other Big Questions

Nikesh Shukla & Claire Heuchan

Non-fiction

An important and timely book on race and racism, encouraging children to think for themselves about the issues involved.
Talk about race is often discouraged, but this book aims to bring everyone into the conversation. It explores the history of race and society, giving context to how racist attitudes come into being. It looks at belonging and identity, the damaging effects of stereotyping and the benefits of positive representation. The authors talk sensitively about how to identify and challenge racism, and how to protect against and stop racist behaviour.

Aimed at young people aged 10 and upwards.

Part of the groundbreaking and important ‘And Other Big Questions’ series, which offers balanced and considered views on the big issues we face in the world we live in today.

The Book of Boy

Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Chapter book

The Book of Boy is a fresh and unexpected pilgrim tale in which nothing is quite as it seems. Fans of more unusual historical accounts will enjoy this curious and emotional story.

The year is 1350. With Europe freshly recovering from years of devastating plague and violent wars, death was everywhere, and many people looked to religion or superstition to find certainty of a welcome in paradise in the next life. As a hunchback, Boy’s world changes when a strange pilgrim called Secundus requests that Boy accompany him on a pilgrimage across Europe. Boy’s job is to carry a mysterious pack containing the thumb of St Peter. Reluctant at first, Boy soon warms to his role when he realises the pack disguises his hump and makes him look like a “real boy”. As Boy spends more time with Secundus, it becomes clear that the pilgrimage is somewhat unusual. Secundus is engaged in a quest to find a list of particular relics of St Peter and, believing that finding them all will save his soul, will go to any length to recover them.

The Book of Boy is an absorbing read with a fascinating setting and relatable themes of identity, self-acceptance and the deceptiveness of appearances.

The Queen’s Wardrobe: The Story of Queen Elizabeth II and Her Clothes

Julia Golding & Kate Hindley

Non-fiction

The story of the life of Queen Elizabeth II, told through her clothes and jewellery – and a gorgeous gift to treasure.

Includes a foreword by Michele Clapton, costume designer for series one of Netflix’s The Crown, giving a peek behind the scenes at the recreation some of the Queen’s most famous outfits.

Did you know the Queen’s crown weighs as much as a bag of potatoes? Or that she has her own tartan nobody else is allowed to wear?

Written by the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize-winning Julia Golding, The Queen’s Wardrobe is packed with fascinating stories and astounding facts about our record-breaking Queen. The detailed, humorous and colourful artwork from bestselling Kate Hindley shows what it’s really like to grow up as a princess.

This book brings to life the story of a young princess who grew into one of the world’s best-loved and most famous royals, touching on wartime truck-fixing, ration-book wedding dress making, splendid gowns, trusty wellies, the Crown Jewels and jumping out of a helicopter with James Bond.

Our Queen Elizabeth: Her Extraordinary Life from the Crown to the Corgis

Helen Shoesmith & Kate Williams

Non-fiction

Celebrate the Platinum Jubilee with this colourful and charming picture book by historian Kate Williams, taking young readers on an amazing journey through Queen Elizabeth II’s seven decades on the throne.

Discover everything there is to know about the life and the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II in this beautifully illustrated book. Readers will learn all about Elizabeth II’s youth growing up during WWII, how she came to the throne and what it really means to be the Queen. Along the way, they’ll see her sparkling crown jewels and magnificent palaces. They will meet her beloved corgis, horses and of course, her very famous family. Plus they’ll discover lots of amazing facts – such as why she has two birthdays, always wears bright clothing, and is a world record breaker!

This is a perfect gift for all the family, celebrating the extraordinary life of Queen Elizabeth II – from the Crown to the Corgis.

The Queen’s Hat

Steve Antony

Picturebook

A hilarious tale that will take you all around London! Winner of the Evening Standard’s Oscar’s First Book Prize.

A sudden gust of wind sets off a marvellous London adventure for the Queen, the Queen’s men and one very special hat. So let’s follow one determined, dare-devil queen through London Zoo, over Tower Bridge and up Big Ben … just where will that hat land?

Featuring favourite London landmarks, including Tower Bridge, Big Ben and London Zoo.

The Queen’s Knickers

Nicholas Allan & Sue Buswell

Picturebook

It’s a busy year for the Queen – she has lots of important events to attend. Meanwhile, a little girl is wondering what knickers Her Majesty will choose to wear on a school visit! Will they be her ‘at home’ knickers – adorned with corgis – or her ‘garden party’ knickers, or perhaps her woolly Balmoral ones…?

Both children and adults will love this very special and endearing insight into a child’s imagination, from the best-selling author-illustrator of Father Christmas Needs A Wee and Jesus’ Christmas Party .