Find fantastic free resources and discover new books from award-winning authors

11-14

The Story of Greenriver – Teaching Notes

Topic: Climate change, English, Geography, Modern Classic

Age Range: 11-14, 7-11

Related Book: The Story of Greenriver

Book Creator: Holly Webb

A gorgeous epic about two animals and their against-the-odds journey to find each other, from bestselling author Holly Webb. Perfect for fans of Piers Torday and Kieran Larwood.

Themes: Family and siblings | Animal habitats | Natural disasters | Wildlife | Song | Home

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Storyland – Teaching Notes

Topic: English, History, Non-Fiction

Age Range: 11-14, 7-11

Related Book: Storyland: Britain began with myths… (children's edition)

Book Creator: Amy Jeffs

Uncover Britain’s lost myths and legends with your class in this beautifully illustrated mythology, supported by downloadable curriculum-linked teaching notes.

From the Trojan heroes who wrestled with giants to Syrian sisters who found refuge in our forests, inspire students to develop a love of our diverse and magical British history, uncovering heroes and monsters right on your doorstep.

Themes: History | Myths & Legends | Medieval Britain | Literacy | Storytelling

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The Star Outside My Window poster and book

The Star Outside my Window – Poster

Topic: English, PSHE & Citizenship, Race & identity

Age Range: 11-14, 7-11

Related Book: The Star Outside My Window

Book Creator: Onjali Q. Raúf

The Stars Outside My Window, told through the innocent voice of a child, this is a story that explores the subtle faces and endless impacts of domestic violence, and celebrates the power of hope and resilience, from Onjali Rauf, the award-winning author of The Boy At The Back of the Class.

Themes: Healthy Relationships | Fostering and Adoption | Coping with Loss | Hope

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The Star Outside My Window teaching resources and book

The Star Outside My Window – Teaching Notes

Topic: English, PSHE & Citizenship, Race & identity

Age Range: 11-14, 7-11

Related Book: The Star Outside My Window

Book Creator: Onjali Q. Raúf

The Stars Outside My Window, told through the innocent voice of a child, this is a story that explores the subtle faces and endless impacts of domestic violence, and celebrates the power of hope and resilience, from Onjali Rauf, the award-winning author of The Boy At The Back of the Class.

Themes: Healthy Relationships | Fostering and Adoption | Coping with Loss | Hope

 

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Break The Mould teaching resources and book

Break the Mould – Teaching Notes

Topic: Disability, Growing up, Mental Health, Neurodiversity, Non-Fiction, PSHE & Citizenship

Age Range: 11-14, 7-11

Related Book: Break the Mould

Book Creator: Sinéad Burke, Natalie Byrne

Break the Mould is a heartfelt and inspiring guide to celebrating differences and finding your place in the world, for readers aged 8 and up.

Themes: Celebrating differences | Inclusivity | Empathy | Disability

Listen to an extract from the audiobook

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Splinters of Sunshine teaching resources and book

Splinters of Sunshine – Teaching Notes

Topic: English, Race & identity

Age Range: 11-14, 14+

Related Book: Splinters of Sunshine

Book Creator: Patrice Lawrence

Splinters of Sunshine is a YA road-trip mystery. Spey’s friend Dee has disappeared off-grid. He has an idea of where she might be, but is he willing to accept help from his estranged father to track her down?

Note: This book covers some sensitive issues. It is advised that teachers/parents/carers read the book before sharing with students.

Themes: Families | Friendship | Authentic experiences | Unique voices | Mystery

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The Wild Before – Activity Sheets

Topic: Climate change, English

Age Range: 11-14, 7-11

Related Book: The Wild Before

Book Creator: Piers Torday

The Wild Before is a captivating animal adventure filled with hope and friendship. With timely themes of climate change and animal conservation, this extraordinary adventure is perfect for introducing young readers to big ideas.

Themes: Climate change | Friendship | Hope

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The Wild Before – Poster

Topic: Climate change, English

Age Range: 11-14, 7-11

Related Book: The Wild Before

Book Creator: Piers Torday

The Wild Before is a captivating animal adventure filled with hope and friendship. With timely themes of climate change and animal conservation, this extraordinary adventure is perfect for introducing young readers to big ideas.

Themes: Climate change | Friendship | Hope

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Let Down Your Hair – Discussion Questions

Topic: Disability, Empathy, English

Age Range: 11-14, 14+

Related Book: Let Down Your Hair

Book Creator: Bryony Gordon

The YA fiction debut from bestselling author Bryony Gordon, Let Down Your Hair is a modern twist on Rapunzel featuring a hair influencer who develops alopecia – and her quest for a different sort of happy ever after.

Themes: Social media | Online safety | Mental Health | Alopecia

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Return of the Wild – Chapter Extract

Topic: Climate change, Geography, Non-Fiction

Age Range: 11-14, 7-11

Book Creator: Helen Scales

Help KS2 children discover the extraordinary ways nature has survived and thrived in the face of environmental challenges in this beautifully illustrated collection of hopeful stories from around the world, written by marine biologist and broadcaster, Dr Helen Scales. With additional tips about the different habitats that animals and plants around the world call home and how they can help to make positive change.

Download a free chapter extract to share with your classroom.

Themes: Environment | Climate Change | Nature and Animal Kingdom | Eco

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Ghost Boys resources image

Ghost Boys – Discussion Points

Topic: English, History, PSHE & Citizenship, Race & identity

Age Range: 11-14, 7-11

Related Book: Ghost Boys

Book Creator: Jewell Parker Rhodes

A heartbreaking and powerful story about a black boy killed by a white police officer, drawing connections with real-life history, from award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes.

Themes: Race & Identity | History | Prejudice

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POP! – Teaching Notes

Topic: Climate change, English

Age Range: 11-14, 7-11

Related Book: Pop!

Book Creator: Mitch Johnson

An outrageous theft. A huge reward. Two friends on the run. POP! is an uproariously funny, action-packed new adventure about the power of courage, standing up for what’s right, and fizzy drinks, from the award-winning author of Kick, Mitch Johnson.

Tackling themes of consumerism and the environment, this is a great book for starting discussions and projects with children aged 9+. These resources have been created by Shapes 4 Schools.

Watch a video from the author here.

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