11-14

A stunning timeslip tale about a boy who finds himself trapped in a well-known mining incident that happened many years before! This story of family, community and hope by debut author Karon Alderman is perfect for fans of Skellig and The Wild Way Home.

Themes: Family | Community | Hope | History | Northern Stories

Download these fun activity sheets for Crookhaven: The School for Thieves – the first book in an irresistible new series about chosen family, high stakes thievery, and what it really means to do good. These activity sheets contain: discussion questions; problem-solving tasks; writing tasks; drawing tasks.

Watch the trailer here.

Watch J.J. Arcanjo talk about his inspiration and set your class a creative challenge here.

The Recruit is the first book in the popular CHERUB series by Robert Muchamore. It’s an action-packed tale, raising questions about bullying, violence and the morality of acting for the safety of a large number of people at a disadvantage to a smaller number of individuals. It also raises questions about the exploitation of the environment and people in order to provide affordable resources.

Themes: Characters and settings | Adventure | Plot | Language and style

To fulfill his destiny, Torak seeks his lair in the Mountain of Ghosts. Accompanied by Renn and Wolf, Torak must defy demons and tokoroths, and find his way through the Gorge of the Hidden People. Wolf must overcome terrible grief and Renn must make an agonizing decision.

The final book in the internationally bestselling WOLF BROTHER (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness) series by renowned author Michelle Paver.

Themes: History | Adventure | Nature

When he was outcast, Torak was the hunted one. The following spring, he becomes the hunter when he swears to avenge the killing of one of his closest friends. To fulfil his oath he must brave the hidden valleys of the Deep Forest, where the clans have reverted to the savagery of an earlier time.

The fifth book in the internationally bestselling WOLF BROTHER (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness) series by renowned author Michelle Paver.

Themes: History | Adventure | Nature

Cast out from the clans and hunted by all, Torak is on the run. Cut off even from Wolf and Renn, he takes refuge in unknown territory – the haunted reedbeds of Lake Axehead, where he is menaced by the Hidden People. But other threats lurk nearby and his battle with the Soul-Eaters is far from over …

The fourth book in the internationally bestselling WOLF BROTHER (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness) series by renowned author Michelle Paver.

Themes: History | Adventure | Nature

Torak has survived the summer and his heart-stopping adventure in the Seal Islands. He and Wolf are together again. But their reunion is all too short-lived.

As mid winter approaches Torak learns the worst from the White Fox clan – Wolf has been snatched. In a desperate bid to rescue him, Torak and Renn must brave the frozen wilderness of the Far North.

The third book in the internationally bestselling WOLF BROTHER (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness) series by renowned author Michelle Paver.

Themes: History | Adventure | Nature

Torak’s quest is far from over. A strange sickness is threatening the Raven Clan and only the Seal Clan have the cure. Torak must face a lonely journey to the Seal Islands to find it, but what he stumbles upon there is far from what he was expecting. And all is not as it seems …

The second book in the internationally bestselling WOLF BROTHER (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness) series by renowned author Michelle Paver.

Themes: History | Adventure | Nature

Twelve-year-old Torak sees his father murdered by the bear. With his dying breath, he asks his son to make him a promise. Alone, wounded, terrified and on the run, Torak must now lead the bear to the Mountain of the World Spirit – a mountain that no one has ever found before. But can Torak keep his promise?

A terrifying quest commences in a world of wolves, tree spirits and Hidden People, a world in which trusting a friend means risking your life.

Themes: History | Adventure | Nature

The world is often full of bamboozling headlines and numbers that don’t add up. But don’t panic. Within these pages you will transform into a Truth Detective, hunting down the truth about the world around you.

A must read for curious kids from presenter of BBC Radio 4’s “More or Less”, Tim Harford and with wonderful illustrations to enjoy by Ollie Mann.

***LONGLISTED for the SLA’s Information Book Awards 2024***

Themes: Politics | Maths | News

Get young people thinking critically, rethinking comfortably and communicating effectively in an increasingly opinionated world.

From the author of the bestselling hit You Are Awesome, comes a new positive and empowering guide to help kids form their own opinions and communicate them with confidence and kindness, supported by a range of activities to use in class.

Themes: Critical thinking | Politics | Language | Communication

How do you tell a story no one wants to hear? A page-turning mystery and quest for the truth, exploring race, identity and the power of your voice, from acclaimed writer Nadine Aisha Jassat. Perfect for KS2 readers.​

Themes: Mystery | Truth | Identity | Friendship | Community

Hear a reading from the author here.