Orphans of the Tide is absolutely stunning. Struan Murray invites readers to dive into layers and layers of meaning and be swallowed up by the rich symbolism of the story. Surrounded by the sea, “The City” (the last in the world) is at the mercy of the tides and the power of the water. The… Continue reading Orphans of the Tide by Struan Murray
The Shark Caller by Zillah Bethell is a living, breathing story of colourful imagery and magnificent language set on the beautiful island of Papua New Guinea. It is a story of respect and responsibility, the conflict of traditions versus what is perceived to be progress, and a personal search for truth, forgiveness and finding oneself.… Continue reading The Shark Caller by Zillah Bethell
In honour of World Book Day 2020, True Education Partnerships asked me to write a guest blog post about my Top 5 Books for the Classroom. Follow the link to read more: https://www.trueeducationpartnerships.com/schools/books-teachers-should-read-classroom/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=edu Click on the covers below to find out more or purchase on-line from Amazon.
My twelve-year-old daughter is currently completely immersed in the Scarlet & Ivy series by Sophie Cleverly. Recommended by a like-minded friend, she is thoroughly enjoying these stories and is reading faster than she ever has before - she can't get enough! Recently, someone asked if I had a review of the series. I didn't so… Continue reading Scarlet & Ivy by Sophie Cleverly
I loved this Robin Hood style story in which an unlikely hero steals from the rich (including the tyrannical king) to help those who are struggling in the community. Is this right? Is this wrong? Will good win in the end? Chaya, Noor and Neel have to be true to themselves to find the answers.… Continue reading The Girl Who Stole an Elephant by Nizrana Farook
The Last Spell Breather by Julie Pike is a unique, spell-binding story of love, family and truth. Eleven-year-old Rayne lives with her mother in their quiet village. Bound by the magic of her family’s past, she is destined to become a spell breather, just like her mother. However, Rayne would much rather be out with… Continue reading The Last Spell Breather by Julie Pike
Nosy Crow, February 2020 This pioneering adventure by British author Karen McCombie is the engaging sequel to Little Bird Flies (published by Nosy Crow in January 2019). Set in mid-nineteenth century America, 15 year-old Bridie (Little Bird) embarks on a new life in the west, leaving her beloved homeland of Scotland behind. Inspired by pioneering… Continue reading Little Bird Lands by Karen McCombie
Darkwhispers is Vashti Hardy’s second book about Arthur and Maudie Brightstorm – twins who live a life of exploration and adventure. Following on from their expedition to South Polaris to find out the truth about their father’s disappearance in Brightstorm (published by Scholastic in 2018), Arthur and Maudie set off on another journey with their… Continue reading Darkwhispers: Into the Unknown
There is so much scope for imagination when children are given opportunities to learn beyond the four walls of their classroom and explore the wider world through outdoor learning. The Michael Morpurgo novel, Kensuke’s Kingdom, is an engaging story which can be linked to many fantastic cross-curricular units in Upper Key Stage Two. “Journeys”, “The… Continue reading Learning Beyond the Classroom with Literacy Inspired Outdoor Education
Brightstorm written by Vashti Hardy and published by Scholastic is a part of the resurgence of high quality middle-grade (age 8-12) literature in the United Kingdom in recent years. Children, parents, teachers, all lovers of timeless stories are absolutely spoilt for choice when looking for their next great read. It is the story of twelve-year-old… Continue reading Brightstorm and the Power of Boy/Girl Twins
Scope for Imagination 