Discover new books and much-loved classics to inspire a love of reading in every child

Life changes

Back On Track – Teaching Notes

Topic: Growing up, Life changes, Non-Fiction, PSHE & Citizenship

Age Range: 11-14, 7-11

Related Book: Back On Track

Book Creator: Matthew Burton

A motivational and hopeful school handbook for students navigating uncertain times, from Head Teacher, Matthew Burton.
Whether facing assessments, a big change or having to make up for lost time, Head Teacher Matthew Burton is here to help students get motivated again.

Themes: Back to school | Motivation | Covid

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Growing Up Autistic and Happy – Teaching Notes

Topic: Disability, Empathy, English, Life changes, Neurodiversity, Non-Fiction, PSHE & Citizenship

Age Range: 11-14, 7-11

A unique guide to growing up perfectly weird and perfectly happy. Dr Camilla Pang who is here to share her scientific survival guide with you – so you can grow up with the courage to be yourself, no matter how different you feel or how tricky you might find it to connect.

Themes: Identity | Self-respect | Neurodiversity | Peer Pressure

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Paper Bird, Paper Boat – Teaching Notes

Topic: English, Life changes

Age Range: 11-14, 7-11

Related Book: Paper Boat, Paper Bird

Journey to Japan and discover the magic of the everyday.

This beautiful book by David Almond, the bestselling author of Skellig and My Name is Mina, is illustrated throughout in black and orange by Kirsti Beautyman.

Themes: Travel | Culture | Art | Friendships

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What is Mental Health? Where does it come from? And Other Big Questions – Activity Sheets

Topic: Empathy, English, Life changes, Neurodiversity, Non-Fiction, Race & identity, Science

Age Range: 7-11

Related Book: What is Mental Health? Where does it come from? And Other Big Questions

Book Creator: Lucy Maddox

Exploring and explaining the range of mental health, from wellbeing through to mental health problems, in a non-stigmatising, accessible and accurate way.

Themes: Mental Health | Science | Anxiety | Stress

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The Memory Book – Activity Sheets

Topic: Empathy, English, Growing up, Life changes, PSHE & Citizenship

Age Range: 3-6

Related Book: The Memory Book

Book Creator: Louise Gooding, Erika Meza

A reassuring story about the love between a little girl and her grandma, with practical information to help young children understand dementia and the changes it can bring.

Themes: Dementia | Grandparents | Families | Memories

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SH!T BAG – Poster

Topic: Disability, Empathy, English, Growing up, Life changes

Age Range: 14+

Related Book: SH!T BAG

Book Creator: Xena Knox

16-year-old Freya has her life turned upside down when she’s forced to swap summer in the Algarve for poo camp – a specialist camp for children with bowel disease.

A sharply funny YA debut showing us that when sh!t happens, it’s how you deal with it that matters. Download discussion questions here.

Themes: Hidden Disability Representation | Friendship | Overcoming Adversity | Identity

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SH!T BAG – Discussion Questions

Topic: Disability, Empathy, English, Growing up, Life changes

Age Range: 14+

Related Book: SH!T BAG

Book Creator: Xena Knox

16-year-old Freya has her life turned upside down when she’s forced to swap summer in the Algarve for poo camp – a specialist camp for children with bowel disease.

A sharply funny YA debut showing us that when sh!t happens, it’s how you deal with it that matters.

Themes: Hidden Disability Representation | Friendship | Overcoming Adversity | Identity

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Split Survival Kit – Teaching Notes

Topic: Empathy, English, Growing up, Life changes, Mental Health, Non-Fiction, PSHE & Citizenship

Age Range: 7-11

Related Book: Split Survival Kit

Book Creator: Angharad Rudkin

A positive, empathetic and empowering ten-step guide to help children whose parents are splitting up. With expert insight and practical tips from child psychologist, Angharad Rudkin, this is an essential handbook for children aged 9+ coping with separation and divorce.

Themes: Divorce and Separation | Families | Managing Emotions

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Cuts Both Ways – Discussion Questions

Topic: Empathy, English, Growing up, Life changes, PSHE & Citizenship, Race & identity

Age Range: 14+

Related Book: Cuts Both Ways

Book Creator: Candice Brathwaite

Uprooted from London to a sleepy English town, Cynthia finds herself caught between two brothers. When it turns out both boys have been keeping secrets from her, secrets that link back to the life Cynthia thought she had left behind in London, she realises that not everything is as it seems…

Themes: Race & Identity | Growing Up | Life Changes

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The Gecko and the Echo – Song and Activity Sheets

Topic: Empathy, English, Life changes, PSHE & Citizenship

Age Range: 3-6

Related Book: The Gecko and the Echo

Book Creator: Rachel Bright, Jim Field

The Gecko and the Echo is the flamboyantly funny new picture book about love, fame, friendship and how treating others with kindness makes the whole world a better and happier place. The latest rhyming tale from bestselling creators of The Lion Inside series, Rachel Bright and Jim Field. Bring the book to life with this sing-a-long song: Watch the Gecko and the Echo song here.

Themes: Friendship | Community and Kindness | Fame and Performing Arts

 

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Topic: Empathy, English, Growing up, LGBTQ+, Life changes

Age Range: 11-14, 7-11

Related Book: Jamie

Book Creator: L.D. Lapinski

Download this engaging resource pack for Jamie – a beautiful and uplifting story from L.D. Lapinski, author of The Strangeworlds Travel Agency, about how to make your own place when the world doesn’t think you fit anywhere.

Themes: friendship | Justice | Inclusion | Gender | Pride | Creating Positive Change

Jamie – Teaching Notes

Topic: Empathy, English, Growing up, LGBTQ+, Life changes, PSHE & Citizenship

Age Range: 11-14, 7-11

Related Book: Jamie

Book Creator: L.D. Lapinski

Download this engaging resource pack for Jamie – a beautiful and uplifting story from L.D. Lapinski, author of The Strangeworlds Travel Agency, about how to make your own place when the world doesn’t think you fit anywhere.

Themes: friendship | Justice | Inclusion | Gender | Pride | Creating Positive Change

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