Onjali Q Rauf’s loyal fanbase will be pleased to hear of a new novel. True to form, the Lion Above the Door explores important social issues while capturing voices from the younger generation in a most relatable manner.
The story broaches the topic of cultural blindspots in history education, posing questions about the missing and ignored figures from the history topics taught in schools. Young Leo is intrigued to find a WW2 memorial in which he recognises his own name; being of Singaporean heritage he has become used to rarely seeing people like himself reflected in the history books. As Leo and his classmates research their relatives’ roles in the war, important stories come to the surface and it’s up to the children to make sure these histories get the spotlight they deserve.
This is a sincere and timely story that gently turns over themes of prejudice, cultural underrepresentation, racism and the courage to put right societal injustice – while at once holding out the mantle to young readers to invite them to be the catalyst for change.
Nominated for “Favourite Books of 2020” by: Dan Norton (Y3/4 teacher)
Dan says, “School’s Cancelled is a wonderful second book in the Anisha Accidental Detective series. It’s a race against time for Anisha to prove that it was not her who caused the foam explosion that flooded the school. The mystery is engaging until the very end and there are twists and turns throughout. The world that has been created is inclusive and vibrant and any event that involves Anisha’s family is sure to be fun!”
Nominated for “Favourite Books of 2020” by: Jo Clarke (Assistant Headteacher & BooksForTopics Review Panel member), Rachel Caddick (teacher, book blogger and BooksForTopics Review Panel member) and Barbara Valentini (primary teacher on career break).
Written in Katya Balen’s heart-stoppingly emotional style, this book is a feast for the senses, filled with the woodsmoke smell of crisp autumn mornings and the sound of wellies squelching in river mud – exploring what it means to be wild. Barbara says, “Lyrical, touching and beautifully written.”
Nominated for “Favourite Books of 2020” by: Beth Jenkinson (school librarian)
Packed with exciting creatures from the indignant porcupine to the lost polar bear and the adorable baby pangolin, The Silver Arrow is a classic story about saving our endangered animals and the places they live. Beth says, “I’ve read around 115 books this year but I still think about this one several times a week, it has stuck with me so much! It’s a gorgeously magical story that’s both hilarious and emotional and sends a really important message about protecting our world.”
Nominated for “Favourite Books of 2020” by: Kristen Hopwood (primary teacher and BooksForTopics review panel member)
The first in the Sky Pirates series, this story introduces us to Echo Quickthorn, who lives in the kingdom of Lockfort. Echo is an orphan, but lives inside the castle after being taken in by the King. Echo yearns for adventure and to find out about her real family. One evening, a mysterious airship carrying Professor Daggerwing lands within the castle grounds, just outside Echo’s window. The Professor talks of his home and adventures from distant lands, which begins Echo’s voyage into the unknown. However, Echo’s journey may not be as straight forward as she expects, with rumours of formidable Sky Pirates and their tyrant leader nearby…
Nominated for “Favourite Books of 2020” by: Jacqui Sydney (Year 5 teacher and English lead)
Jacqui says, “I love both of the Eerie-on-Sea books and my class does too. I’ve never known books to engage children like they do – even my more reluctant readers. Packed with action and brilliantly drawn characters, they are must haves in upper KS2 – well-written with great description and powerful vocabulary that are a joy to share.”
Nominated for “Favourite Books of 2020” by: Shona (SENDCo & parent of a 10 Year old boy)
Shona says, “This series has caught our attention with its fantastic illustrations and thrilling story line. It is a super follow up to Frostheart and we are already eagerly anticipating the final book of the trilogy. It is a book of adventure, friendships and unexpected twists!”
Nominated for “Favourite Books of 2020” by: Erin Hamilton (Reading Advocate)
Erin says, “A superb book featuring a girl who finds herself different from her family and struggling to find her place. Her Uncle, a suave detective is similar to her and they must work together to solve the mystery of the disappearing Grandpas.”
We think that this beautifully written re-working of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is destined to become a future classic. It combines huge emotional impact with a sparklingly entertaining story sprinkled with magic and magnificent characters. George and his dad embark upon a soul-searching quest to visit Christmases past, present and future. With the help of an amusing cast of friends from energetic elves to reluctant reindeer, all the magic of Christmas is brought back to the family just in time for Christmas day itself.
A humorous and quirky series about a STEM-loving female inventor called Demelza, who discovers that her Grandma Maeve is a ‘Spectre Detector’, able to commune with the dead. Demelza seems to have inherited the ability too and is soon embroiled in the Spectre Detecting world.
With a cast of colourful characters, a breezy humour that lightens the darker themes and a well-paced plot with satisfying conclusion, Demelza and the Spectre Detectors is an intriguing start to a new lower middle grade series. It will appeal to fans of spooky yet funny stories, bridging the gap nicely for those preparing to move on from the Worst Witch (in which the author once starred!) and Amelia Fang but not quite ready for Skullduggery Pleasant.
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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