Dance of Resistance is the vividly engaging story of singer, dancer and spy Josephine Baker. Told through incredibly accessible narrative non-fiction, readers travel with Josephine from East St Louis USA to Philadelphia, New York, Paris and then across Europe and Northern Africa. Her colourful life, full of adventure and self-made opportunity, is completely inspiring while… Continue reading Dance of Resistance by Catherine Johnson: The Josephine Baker Story
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… Continue reading Middle Grade Gems from Barrington Stoke
Grace Darling has always been a heroine in our house. At the age of three, my daughter was completely enthralled by a boat trip out to the Farne Islands while on holiday in Northumbria. She loved the lighthouse, the puffins and the story of Grace Darling's bravery as she helped her father rescue nine people… Continue reading Becoming Grace by Hilary McKay
Holly Webb and Barrington Stoke make such a lovely partnership! Accessible and engaging, her stories are perfect for young animal lovers who are ready for slightly longer stories. Katy always wanted a pet. When she finds a guinea-pig in her mum's vegetable patch, she thinks her dreams have come true. She names it "Lettuce" and… Continue reading The Guinea-Pig Party by Holly Webb & illustrated by Rosie Butcher
The Beck is a beautiful story of finding peace and purpose in the noise of the world. Kyle hasn't spent much time with his grandad so when his parents drop him off in a run-down neighbourhood on the east side of Leeds, he isn't happy. Grandad's eccentricities and his three-legged dog called "Rude Word" make… Continue reading The Beck by Anthony McGowen
Gruff Justice is Ross Montgomery's third brilliantly bonkers story playing on a well-known traditional tale. The Three Billy Goats Gruff takes on a whole new meaning in this charming who-dunnit. Someone has taken a bite out of the birthday cake and the famer is fuming! Of couse he blames Big Goat Gruff who has a… Continue reading Gruff Justice by Ross Montgomery & Marisa Morea
Me and My Brian is another entertaining and enriching story from Helen Rutter. Exploring the impact of family stress on relationships and mental health, it provides readers with very real strategies for dealing with an overactive brain that threatens to get the better of them. Josh has always had a mixed relationship with his brain… Continue reading Me and My Brian by Helen Rutter
Cuddle up under a blanket and keep the curtains closed! The queen of gothic tales, Lucy Strange, has done it again with a story that will send shivers down your spine. The Boy at the Window is a hauntingly gothic book inspired by dark stories of the 18th century. It will make a perfect addition… Continue reading The Boy at the Window by Lucy Strange & illustrated by Rohan Eason
Jenny Pearson's stories are always an absolute delight with true-to-life characters dealing with issues in unique, laugh-out-loud ways. This Christmas break has brought two new books from Barrington Stoke and Usborne that are a joy to read and perfect for children of all ages. Bigfoot and the Wild Boys (Barrington Stoke) - January 2025 Joe… Continue reading Brilliant Books by Jenny Pearson (Bigfoot and the Wild Boys & The Race Against Crime)
The Birthday Cake Thief is the first in a delightful new Little Gems series for young readers age 5+. Absolutely iconic Vashti Hardy, this vibrant story is a fabulous combination of STEM, action-packed adventure, engaging mystery and family connection. A bionic unicorn and a cog bunny named Gearlop join Hana and her new friend, detective… Continue reading The Moonlight Mystery Agency: The Birthday Cake Thief by Vashti Hardy
Scope for Imagination 