Tag Archives: history

No Ballet Shoes in Syria by Catherine Bruton

Posted on April 8, 2019 by

No Ballet Shoes in Syria tells the story of Aya, an eleven year old asylum seeker from Aleppo in Syria. It is a story of hope and of kindness. Aya provides a voice for all the millions of child refugees … Continue reading →

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Little Bird Flies by Karen McCombie

Posted on January 10, 2019 by

I loved this book. A wonderful historical novel set in Victorian Scotland, a central character who is both endearing and relatable and a setting brought vividly to life. It is 1861 on the remote Scottish island of Tornish and crofter’s … Continue reading →

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2018 – The Highlights of my Reading Year In Children’s Books

Posted on December 31, 2018 by

2018 has been a yet another wonderful year for children’s books. The increasing range of high quality books available is a joy to children’s book lovers such as me. However not all my favourite reads of the year were published … Continue reading →

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The Skylarks’ War by Hilary McKay

Posted on November 18, 2018 by

A wonderful story, characters you grow to love, a plot that carries you along with families as they grow from young children to adulthood set against the backdrop of a terrible war that affected so many, this is a book … Continue reading →

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White Feather by Catherine and David MacPhail

Posted on October 28, 2018 by

This is a powerful story about the tragic impact of the First World War on both the soldiers who fought and the families that they left behind. The war is over and the whole town is celebrating as the soldiers … Continue reading →

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Secrets of a Sun King by Emma Carroll – Review and Link to Resources

Posted on October 6, 2018 by

Five years ago this month I reviewed Emma Carroll’s debut novel Frost Hollow Hall for The Bookbag. At the time I said that the ten year old me would have loved the book. Each of her subsequent novels has reminded … Continue reading →

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Race to the Frozen North – The Matthew Henson Story by Catherine Johnson

Posted on September 18, 2018 by

This is a remarkable story about an equally remarkable man and this enjoyable retelling ensures that his story will reach the wider audience it deserves. Eleven year old orphan Matthew runs away from his violent stepmother to try to find … Continue reading →

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Armistice Runner by Tom Palmer

Posted on September 9, 2018 by

This thought provoking story follows Lily as she uncovers the story of her brave ancestor. Lily has a lot of worries. She is struggling to compete in her fell running races and unable to concentrate on her training because she … Continue reading →

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Firebird by Elizabeth Wein

Posted on September 5, 2018 by

Nastia is a fearless pilot, the daughter of revolutionaries and now as the Second World War envelops Russia she must fight to protect her beloved country from the invading German army. Nastia is determined to fly a fighter-plane but instead … Continue reading →

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Peace Lily by Hilary Robinson illustrated by Martin Impey

Posted on May 10, 2018 by

A beautiful addition to the Where The Poppies Now Grow series this story told in rhyme highlights the contribution made by women during World War 1. The gentle illustrations combine superbly with the text to make this subject accessible to … Continue reading →

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