Brilliant Summer Books from Barrington Stoke

Every school library, classroom and home should contain books from Barrington Stoke. Their wonderfully captivating content paired with accessible vocabulary, super-readable font and helpful page tint make them some of the best books available for ALL children. From fun, sweet Little Gems for young readers age 5+ to their mature, thought-provoking 11+/13+ Teen and Young Adult books (with a reading age of 8 years), every child really can be a reader. The non-fiction books are packed full of information and presented in an engaging fashion.

The lower reading ages and inclusive features do not mean these are books only for children who find reading difficult. These high-quality stories are to be enjoyed by all readers. My own children have relatively high reading ages for their chronological ages and they love Barrington Stoke books. They appreciate the shorter length and the sense of satisfaction that comes with finishing a book. They love that so many of their favourite authors write for Barrington Stoke creating such excellent stories. They have recommended so many of them to their friends and have chosen them as gifts for their teachers.

One of the things I love about Barrington Stoke books is their respect for their readers. Children are not spoken down to or pandered to with empty stories full of rude jokes. These books are empathy-filled and speak to children at their level. They challenge, inspire and encourage with messages that can be understood on many levels.

The Ghost Cat Who Saved My Life by Pamela Butchart & Monika Filipina (5+)

Sav and Liam are sure they can hear a cat in the flat upstairs. When her mum tells them their neighbour moved out and there’s no one there, they realise it must be a ghost cat! Trying to catch it leads to a series of spooky mishaps and Liam gets trapped! Fortunately, the ghost cat knows just what to do and saves him.

I always love cat stories (especially when the furry hero is ginger and white) so The Ghost Cat Who Saved My Life charmed me right from the start. This cute little ghost will wind its way into readers’ hearts.

Peggy Little-Legs by Pip Jones & Paula Bowles (5+)

Who doesn’t love a sausage dog?! Peggy is so excited for the Puppy School Adventure Weekend! She tries her best at all of the activities but she’s just too small to compete against the other pups. When they set off on a long and challenging walk, Peggy worries she won’t be able to keep up. It turns out that what really matters is listening carefully and being safe. One pup bounds ahead and finds himself in danger. Maybe this is Peggy’s chance to make a difference.

Readers will love little Peggy! She’s small but so determined. In the end, she proves that sometimes being little is exactly what’s needed!

Carrie and the Roller Boots by Lisa Thompson & Jess Rose (5+)

Inspired by the tv talent show, Entertain Us, Carrie and her best friend Sidney want to show off their own talents during Friday Fun Time at school. Sidney has been practising his tap dancing but Carrie isn’t sure what her special talent should be. Then it comes to her – roller skating! The trouble is, she’s never actually done it before and it’s a lot harder than she thought! Carrie learns the importance of practice and sticking with something, even if it’s difficult to begin with.

Crow by Nicola Skinner & Rebecca Bagley (7+)

Hattie is very nervous about moving to a new school. She doesn’t know how to fit in and is very lonely. With only her imagination to keep her company, she creates a scarecrow to guard the den where she likes to play. Even this doesn’t seem to work until the night of the big storm when Crow comes to life! Hattie realises that what she thought was a good idea has actually backfired and her scarecrow is going to make it even harder for her to make friends.

Children will be completely enchanted by Crow. They’ll have lots ot say about why Hattie struggles to make friends and things she could do to make it easier for herself. This will be a brilliant class read for Year 3+.

The Day the Hiccups Took Over by Jo Simmons & Lee Cosgrave (9+ / Reading Age 8)

Hilarious and absolutely charming, The Day the Hiccups Took Over is a brilliant book for young readers looking for a laugh. Frank loves knitting and is so excited to be going to the World Knitting Games where he’ll have a chance to see the famous knitter, Eliot Abdi from Kenya. Frank keeps his knitting a secret from his friends because ever since they started Year 6, being cool is all that seems to matter. Then disaster strikes! He gets the worst case of hiccups ever. After trying every cure possible, it looks like his day is going to be ruined and filled with hilarious mishaps instead of meeting his hero and celebrating his talent.

Finding Her Feet by Eve Ainsworth & Luna Valentine (9+ / Reading Age 8)

Finding Her Feet is a heartfelt story of the realities of secondary school and finding it tough to fit in. For Lily, Year 7 is a struggle. She’s shy, anxious and often feels left out. A teacher spots her natural talent for football and encourages her to join a local girls’ team. Lily worries she won’t be good enough. At first practices go well, but when there’s an accident and the girls fall out, things turn nasty on the team group chat. Will Lily ever really be a part of the team?

Many readers will identify with how Lily feels at school. Through her example, they will see what it takes to be brave and how to stand up for yourself.

The Storm and the Minotaur by Lucy Strange & Pam Smy (9+ / Reading Age 8)

Lucy Strange and Barrington Stoke are a wonderful combination. I loved The Mermaid and the Millpond so was really looking forward to reading The Storm and the Minotaur. Greek mythology and the story of the Minotaur are always so popular at school so this book is sure to fly off the shelf.

George doesn’t want to work in the coal mine, especially as it means leaving school and his lovely teacher. When he finds a book of myths and legends hidden in the chimney, he knows he’s found something really special. The darkness of the mine reminds him of the Minotaur’s labyrinth – maybe there’s something down there! When a storm floods the tunnels, will the beast help George get himself and his sister, Hannah, out alive?

The reality of the historial setting of The Storm and the Minotaur is quite sobering. Children working in the 1800s were often in danger. The author’s note at the back of the book provides readers with context for the inspiration for the story, developing an awareness of the time and conditions.

The Den by Ketih Gray (11+ / Reading Age 8)

For many children, the summer holidays are an opportunity to escape from the demands of school but for 13-year-old Marshall, it gives him the chance to escape from his dad and difficulties at home. When he and his best friend, Rory, discover a trapdoor on the demolition site of an old house in the woods, they know adventure awaits. At first it’s absolutely brilliant and Marshall can’t wait to get back to the den they’ve found – this is exactly what he’s been looking for. But when Rory betrays him, Marshall doesn’t know what to do. Is their friendship and their secret escape totally ruined?

The Den is a powerful, empathy-fuelled story for readers in that tricky transition from primary to secondary school. It’s hard enough being a new teen – feeling misunderstood and unsure of your own identity. Readers will see bits of themselves in Marshall and Rory, as well as learn a bit about how to be a good friend even when things get tough.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for review copies of these outstanding books!

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