Barrington Stoke can always be relied on to create entertaining, meaningful, empathy-filled stories that are accessible and empowering for readers. With dyslexia-friendly font, spacing and page tint, everyone can enjoy these books. The manageable length and carefully chosen vocabulary encourages success and brings children back for more. These four books, by top UK middle grade authors, are some of the very best new publications this year.
Puloma and the Bear by Jasbinder Bilan
Puloma and the Bear is a powerful story of standing up for what you believe in. Bravery, kindness and compassion flow from every page as the strong female lead, Puloma, discovers her gifts and the potential for a positive future. This story is perfect for fans of Nizrana Farook’s animal stories and Luna by Holly Webb.
Ever since her parents died, Puloma has felt unwanted and so lonely. Living with her aunt and uncle is hard. She’s an extra mouth to feed and no matter what she tries to do, it always seems to go wrong. Finally, she decides to run away with Kapoor’s Circus. Mysterious and exciting, this could be the new ‘family’ she’s looking for, especially with her new friend, Dev. She doesn’t mind the work although it takes a little while to get used to moving on every few days – the circus needs to keep ahead of the police.
Every night, Mala the trapeze artist, brings out their surprise attraction – a dancing sloth bear. The audience love it but Puloma can see the abuse and neglect this poor bear is suffering. Its sad eyes, muzzle piercing, missing teeth and removed claws cause it so much distress. Puloma decides to take a huge risk and leave the circus, taking the bear with her.
With the circus people coming after her, Puloma is fortunate to find sanctuary in a gurdwara. The Hindu belief of caring for all living things provides a future for both Puloma and the bear. Finally, Puloma is able to face her grief and find the life she was always meant to live.
The Last House in the Row by Lesley Parr
Mullti-generational friendship, empathy and the connection of shared interests form a heart-warming foundation for The Last House in the Row. Sometimes our neighbours aren’t what they seem and it isn’t until we take the time to really get to know them that we begin to understand what’s really important and friends become family.
At first, Hayley doesn’t like the older lady (Lillian) who lives across the road. It’s strange that she refused to give up her house when all the other terraces in the row had been demolished and she hasn’t set foot outside the front door since. For some reason, Hayley’s cat loves to explore Lillian’s garden. When it gets out just before they need to leave for the vet, Hayley has no choice but to go into Lillian’s garden to find her.
A shared interest in drama and old films brings Hayley and Lillian together in a lovely friendship. Hayley discovers the truth about why Lillian won’t give up her house, the importance of memories and how hard it is to be alone.
The Boy in the Tree by Lisa Thompson
The Boy in the Tree shows readers that some things are worth fighting for – whether it’s an old tree under threat or your parents’ marriage that seems to be falling apart. Through a heartfelt first person point of view, Lisa Thompson emphasises that things can always get better, even if they don’t turn out exactly how you expect.
Noah is always getting in trouble at school. He has a reputation for not caring about anything and it’s starting to have a huge impact on his life. His best friend from primary school has stopped hanging around and Noah is getting sent out of almost every lesson. When goodie-goodie Grace Whitlock tells everyone the local oak tree is going to be cut down to make way for a road, Noah decides it’s time for a change. He does care and he wants to make a difference.
Noah joins ‘Operation Save the Tree’ and ends up camping out high in the branches. No one will cut down a tree with a kid in it, right? His actions get the whole community talking, sharing personal memories about the tree and taking action themselves. Most importantly, his parents come together to stay with Noah at the tree. Does Noah have what it takes to change the problems most important to him?
Letters to a Dog by Piers Torday
Funny, sweet and gentle, Letters to a Dog is a beautiful story about one boy’s grief and hopes for the future. Told honestly through a series of letters, readers are privileged to hear Jamie’s most private thoughts about his mother’s death, his relationship with his dad and his wish for a pet dog.
Jamie’s dad refuses to talk with him about his mum even though Jamie desperately wants them to find a way forward together. He promised his mum he would take his dad somewhere special and try to cheer him up but this can’t happen if they aren’t even speaking.
Jamie is sure a pet dog will make things better and he knows exactly which one he wants. While spending time in hospital for an operation on his heart, his nurse suggests he write a letter to the dog telling him how he feels. Jamie is shocked when the dog actually writes back! Jamie has to be brave in so many ways. His heartwarming, hopeful penpal relationship with ‘Dog’ makes everything so much better.
**Santa and Tooth Fairy warning for young readers who still believe.
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