Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

A Girl’s Guide to Spying by Holly Webb

February 2026 A Girl's Guide to Spying is a completing captivating First World War mystery for readers age 9+ that shares and celebrates the history of Girlguiding. The resilience, strength, courage and intelligence of young girls takes centre stage in a time of uncertainty and fear. I see the legacy of these types of girls… Continue reading A Girl’s Guide to Spying by Holly Webb

Book Review, Teen

My Soul, A Shining Tree by Jamila Gavin

Outstanding writing, depth of story and breath-taking history combine in this unique account of the First World War. Based on the true story of Khudadad Khan, an Indian gunner who fought for the British Army and received the Victoria Cross for his courage in Flanders, it follows four different stories interwoven in the heart of… Continue reading My Soul, A Shining Tree by Jamila Gavin

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

When the War Came Home by Lesley Parr

Publishing: January 2022 After reading an extract from When the War Came Home and being carried away to South Wales in the time following the First World War, I was thrilled to be able to read the whole story. Absolutely unputdownable, I spent a wonderful afternoon and evening with Natty, Nerys, Johnny and Huw. When… Continue reading When the War Came Home by Lesley Parr

Book Review, Picture Books

Where the Poppies Now Grow: First World War series by Hilary Robinson & Martin Impey

This series of award-winning, intensely powerful picture books highlight key moments and individuals of the First World War. Using story told in verse and rhyming poems that build up line-by-line, page-by-page, there is strength in every word that communicates such important details of war, peace and the legacy that remains. Following the story of Ray,… Continue reading Where the Poppies Now Grow: First World War series by Hilary Robinson & Martin Impey

Article, Reading

Stories for Remembrance

I'm delighted to have been asked by True Education Partnerships to write an article about books to commemorate Remembrance Day. There are so many wonderful stories to choose from. Please visit the True Education Partnerships website to read the article: https://www.trueeducationpartnerships.com/schools/stories-to-mark-remembrance-day-schools/ Click on the covers below to find out more or purchase on-line from Amazon.… Continue reading Stories for Remembrance

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Daisy and the Unknown Warrior by Tony Bradman & illustrated by Tania Rex

Daisy and the Unknown Warrior is a powerful and important story commemorating the centenary of the burial of Britain’s Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey in November 1920. Tony Bradman tells the story from the point of view of Daisy, an 11-year-old girl, who lost her father in the First World War. “Missing, presumed dead”, he… Continue reading Daisy and the Unknown Warrior by Tony Bradman & illustrated by Tania Rex

Book Review, Picture Books

AB Gets His Wings by Richard Bland & Rosie Philpott

AB is a loveable teddy bear who lives on the shelf of a warehouse. Every day he waits patiently, hoping this will be the day he is chosen to go and live with a new family. Each evening, he loves to fly with the toy planes that sit on the highest shelves. He zooms around… Continue reading AB Gets His Wings by Richard Bland & Rosie Philpott

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Time School: We Will Remember Them by Nikki Young

Time School author, Nikki Young, has created a fantastic comprehension guide to accompany Time School: We Will Remember Them. With chapter by chapter questions and extension tasks, it pulls out the key elements of this brilliant story for children and teachers. Click here to download it free from her website. Where do you come from?… Continue reading Time School: We Will Remember Them by Nikki Young

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Ghost Garden by Emma Carroll

It’s the summer of 1914 and there is news of assassinations and potential war coming from far away. For the children at Longbarrow House, it’s incredibly exciting but also incredibly frightening. They dread the thought of their fathers having to go away to war but every sign seems to say it’s going to happen. When… Continue reading The Ghost Garden by Emma Carroll