Edgar and Adolf is a beautiful story published by Oxford University Press in association with Barrington Stoke. It is the perfect combination of a rich, heartfelt story with accessible vocabulary, spacing and font. This story bridges the gap between middle grade and young adult wonderfully and I can already think of so many children with… Continue reading Edgar and Adolf by Phil Earle & Michael Wagg
The True Adventures Series from Pushkin Press is a fresh approach to historical fiction. Inspired by previously untold, true stories, these middle grade novels take readers on gripping adventures revealing incredible heroes of history. Find out about all the books in this series on the Pushkin Press website. The Fog of War: Martha Gellhorn at… Continue reading True Adventures Series – Michelle Jabes Corpora, Kekla Magoon & Devika Rangachari
A life-changing journey on a 19th century ship bound for England, leaving behind everything you’ve ever known, witnessing a murder on a dark night… The Secret Detectives is a gripping Middle Grade mystery with hints of Nancy Drew and The Secret Garden intertwined in its gripping plot. Eleven-year-old Isobel Petty is alone in the world.… Continue reading The Secret Detectives by Ella Risbridger
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and the school Christmas break is almost upon us. That means lots of times for resting, relaxing and reading! What could be better than settling down with some fantastic festive stories? Reading together is a special way for families to connect and create memories. With fewer events… Continue reading Fantastic Festive Books for Children
It’s June 1647 in Scotland and strong, out-spoken women who spend their lives helping others are being arrested and tried as witches. We meet twelve-year-old Art who must hide and watch as her mother is carried away by soldiers. Will she be one of the women killed immediately or will she be taken to England… Continue reading The Forest of Moon and Sword by Amy Raphael
The Valley of Lost Secrets is an evacuee story that focuses on the most important aspect of that endeavour – the day to day lives of the children who were sent from their homes to places so very different from what they knew. Twelve-year-old Jimmy and his six-year-old brother, Ronnie, are evacuated to a village… Continue reading The Valley of Lost Secrets by Lesley Parr
An Escape in Time is the third book in the exciting time travelling adventure series by Sally Nicholls. This time, Ruby & Alex step through the mirror at their aunt's house to meet an aristocrat fleeing the French Revolution. Once again, the children face gender expectations they aren't used to and the unusual challenges of… Continue reading An Escape in Time; A Chase in Time & A Christmas in Time (series) by Sally Nicholls & illustrated by Isabelle Follath and Rachael Dean
It’s 1835 and cabin boy Syms Covington is travelling with Charles Darwin to the Galapagos Islands. As they study so many incredible creatures, they have no idea what discoveries Syms will make when he goes overboard in a storm trying to save Mr. Darwin and ends up all alone on an unexplored island. Readers are… Continue reading Darwin’s Dragons by Lindsay Galvin
Circus Maximus: Race to the Death is a powerful story of strength, daring and truth. Set on the sporting stage of Ancient Rome, Dido dreams of becoming the first girl to race chariots in the grand stadium of the Circus Maximus where the best horses and charioteers compete. Having lost her mother at a young… Continue reading Circus Maximus: Race to the Death by Annelise Gray
Windrush Child is a story about what it means to be British and the protection of human rights. Written with compassion, insight and purpose, it delves deep into the realities faced by so many families who were a part of the Windrush generation. Leonard is a small child in 1950’s Jamaica. His parents are very… Continue reading Windrush Child by Benjamin Zephaniah
