This is a thoroughly enjoyable read suitable for lower KS2. It tells the story of Anzo (whose name ironically means ‘giant’), a boy who becomes increasingly concerned about how short he is compared to his family and friends. Through his desperate attempts to change his height, Anzo realizes that growing taller might not be the key to solving all of his problems. This is a compassionate story told with the right balance of humour and poignancy and one that is likely to strike a chord with readers who have experienced the tension between fitting in and feeling free to be themselves.
This book has a dreamteam of components: Nicola Davies, Mark Hearld, poetry and nature. Together they create something that belongs in multiple genres. It’s a poetry book, an art book – Hearld’s woodblock prints are one with the words – and an information book. The book guides you through the seasons, and the poems about British wildlife, weather and trees depict how special each one is, while gently informing. In my opinion, an essential addition to any library or classroom, and a fine multi-topic book for any age group.
(Recommended by Roy James (@royjamesmoss), Librarian & Reader with KS2).
This is a funky graphic novel following the journey of food through the digestive system. It also comes with a glossary and links to websites with further information.
A high-quality non-fiction text that explores the topic of monkeys in a stylish and visually appealing way. Learn all about these creatures, with topics including habitats, diet, classification and behaviour. You may also like the other books in the series, Crazy About Cats, Smart About Sharks and Bonkers About Beetles.
Entertaining and quirky, The Astounding Broccoli Boy tells the story of a boy called Rory who unexpectedly turns green. Stuck in a hospital isolation ward with the less-than-ideal companion of the school bully, who has also turned green, Rory must figure out what is happening to him and find a way to be a superhero no matter what he looks like on the outside. A very funny story that makes a good choice to read aloud in KS2.
This is a stunning compendium of different animals living the in the Southern Hemisphere, including sloths, jaguars, macaws and gorillas. The book is organised by continent and each double-page spread covers a different animal and includes a beautiful illustration along with a short paragraph of informative text. This is a highly appealing book that is perfect for finding out about different animals and comparing them with other creatures from different global habitats. You may also like the companion book, Wild Animals of the North.
This is a bright and colourful non-fiction text about the human body. The simple question-and-answer format makes it easy to gather lots of information and the interactive flaps keep young readers interested. This is the kind of non-fiction text that children like to choose to read and read again.
This is a fascinating book that looks at the incredible way in which animals construct homes for themselves. From leafcutter ants making an underground garden to chimpanzees making rooftop terraces to hummingbirds making tiny cup-shaped nests. Beautifully illustrated and really interesting.
This powerful novel from award-winning children’s author Malorie Blackman tells the story of a young boy called Cameron who suffers from heart disease.
The novel deals with the contemporary issue of animal organ transplants and is a gripping read from the first page.
Suitable for upper KS2 and lower KS3.
Created in Matt Carr’s signature comic-book style with a palette of bold primary colours, this entertaining story follows Spyder, a secret agent arachnid whose codename is 008. Spyder is sent on a highly important mission to save one boy’s birthday cake from the destructive intentions of an uninvited Bluebottle.
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
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Any other comments
Any other comments