English Teaching, Reading

Teaching Poetry in Key Stage Two

Classic Poetry: Years 5-6 & Classic Poetry: Years 3-4 are just two of the books in the Developing Reading Comprehension Skills series. Featuring some of the best classic poetry for children, they are packed full of reading lessons that are sure to capture children's imaginations and leave them wanting to read more. Developing Reading Comprehension… Continue reading Teaching Poetry in Key Stage Two

Book Review, Graphic Novel

Gripping Graphic Novels

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier (Scholastic) - Review by Lucy (age 12) Raina Telgemeier is my favourite graphic novel author. I love the storylines about relationships - friends, siblings, families - and how the characters go through ordinary life experiences. The stories are honest and relatable. In Ghosts, sisters Cat & Maya have to move to… Continue reading Gripping Graphic Novels

Book Review, Chapter Book

Woodland Magic: Fox Cub Rescue by Julie Sykes & Katy Riddell

There were Keepers all around the world. The ones living in the Hidden Middle of the Whispering Woods had been there since the Stone Age. Keepers cared for the countryside, rewilding it by doing things that helped nature to recover when the Ruffins were careless with it. Cora and Jax can't believe it - it's… Continue reading Woodland Magic: Fox Cub Rescue by Julie Sykes & Katy Riddell

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Anisha Accidental Detective: Holiday Adventure by Serena Patel & illustrated by Emma McCann

Anisha Accidental Detective is a brilliant mystery series celebrating Indian culture in the UK and the determined curiosity of some very feisty kids. With lots of laughs about the chaos of everyday life, each story is ready to be devoured. Holiday Adventure is the fifth hilarious book perfect for readers age 7+. In this adventure,… Continue reading Anisha Accidental Detective: Holiday Adventure by Serena Patel & illustrated by Emma McCann

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Birdsong by Katya Balen

The healing power of nature and music weaves its way through this stunning story. In Annie, Katya Balen has created another character who is so unique and so real. Her inner voice is strong, vibrating with emotion and truth that will gently wind its way inside the reader and change them. This is a book… Continue reading Birdsong by Katya Balen

English Teaching, Reading

Contemporary Children’s Literature for Years 5-6 (from the Developing Reading Comprehension Skills series)

Contemporary Children's Literature: Years 5-6 - Book 5 in the Developing Reading Comprehension Skills series is available now! Featuring some of the best recent middle grade publications, it is packed full of reading lessons that are sure to capture children's imaginations and leave them wanting to read more. Developing Reading Comprehension Skills is a series of… Continue reading Contemporary Children’s Literature for Years 5-6 (from the Developing Reading Comprehension Skills series)

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Fagin’s Girl by Karen McCombie

Already a huge Karen McCombie fan, I couldn't wait to read Fagin's Girl. With Barrington Stoke's manageable length, accessible print and vocab, and incredibly high quality stories, this Victorian adventure is a must-have for Key Stage Two classrooms and libraries. Ettie's life has never been easy, especially since her father died, but on her tenth… Continue reading Fagin’s Girl by Karen McCombie

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Lost Whale by Hannah Gold & illustrated by Levi Pinfold

A heart made from nature... The best kind. The Lost Whale is a beautifully crafted story of hope and healing. The empowering symbolism of the beach, the sea and the whale is woven throughout bringing comfort and renewal to a troubled soul. Rio's mother is ill. He's done what he can to care for her… Continue reading The Lost Whale by Hannah Gold & illustrated by Levi Pinfold

Blog Tour, Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Flyntlock Bones: The Ghost of Scarletbeard by Derek Keilty & Mark Elvins ~ Blog Tour

Yo ho ho and a ... ghost! The great pirate detective Flyntlock Bones and his crew are back for the final instalment of this fantastic trilogy for readers age 7+! From the blurb: The Countess of Bohemia’s jewels have been stolen by a ghost. Not just any old ghost, but the ghost of Captain Scarletbeard,… Continue reading Flyntlock Bones: The Ghost of Scarletbeard by Derek Keilty & Mark Elvins ~ Blog Tour

Blog Tour, Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill ~ Blog Tour

Kelly Barnhill tells stories that stay with readers long after the book has ended. I loved The Girl Who Drank the Moon with its exploration of kindness, strength and positivity so when I was asked to take part in this blog tour for The Ogress and the Orphans, I jumped at the chance. What is… Continue reading The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill ~ Blog Tour