Book recommendations

I enjoy reading children's books; they are a great deal more engaging than you might assume! But importantly, I've found I can help children make good book choices if I have read them too. Here are my recent favourites... 

The One and Only Ivan, Katherine Applegate

Recently made into a film (Disney+), I loved that this retelling of a true story is written in the gorilla's voice. Ivan, the might silverback gorilla, has only ever known life as an attraction in a US shopping mall. After 27 years, he fights for his freedom, along with the other animals inlcuding Bob, the stray dog and Ruby, the baby elephant. However, alongside that struggle is an endearing and gentle tale of friendship and inspiration. I watched the film straight afterwards but, as usual, the book was better!

Y4 and above (or confident Y3). This is not a huge book and, because it is written in the style of a gorilla, it has simple sentence structures and is therefore accessible to most of KS2.

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How to Win a Nobel Prize, Barry Marshall

This is a clever book. Written by a Nobel prize winner, it takes the reader on a journey with a young girl (a keen scientist) to meet major science Nobel prize winners through history. The author Barry Marshall was once approached by a girl who asked him how to win a Nobel prize. This sparked the idea for his book - how could the next generation be shown some of the key qualities good scientists need? Beyond a unique idea though, this is an enjoyable story. Even better - at the end of each chapter is a science experiement that children can undertake to prove some of the theories for themselves.

Y4 and above. Brilliant for children with an interest in science (or for parents who are trying to encourage their child's scientific curiosity).

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Sherlock Bones, Tim Collins

With a liberal sprinkling of puzzles to keep reluctant readers engaged in every chapter, and enthralling illustrations, these fast-paced detective stories are fun and highly readable. I have just finished The Case of the Crown Jewels, the first in the series, and can't really believe I've only just discovered them! I notice there is a times tables mystery in the series - I think that's a brilliant idea.

Able Y2 right up to Y6. These books will help children fall back in love with reading.

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The Ship of Doom, M A Bennett

A mystery set aboard the Titanic with time-travelling young sleuths navigating the many plot twists with courage and friendship. This is a proper lose-yourself-until-you-reach-the-end adventure book.  It is engagingly written to hook interest and the characters have real depth. I am particularly pleased to see one of the main characters is a transgender child who is just living their best life without drama surrounding their choice. Well done to the author for representing this marginalised sector of society with care and positivity.

Y5 and above. For fans of mysteries and adventure...and who doesn't love those?!

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