Tag Archives: resources

When We Were Warriors by Emma Carroll Review and links to teaching resources (Book 6 of my #20BooksofSummer)

Posted on August 27, 2019 by

Ever since her debut novel, Frost Hollow Hall I have found Emma Carroll’s historical fiction a treat to savour. I am shamefully late to reading this collection of short stories but having found the opportunity to sit down and enjoy … Continue reading →

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D-Day Dog by Tom Palmer

Posted on May 1, 2019 by

In this poignant and thought provoking World War 2 story Tom Palmer weaves together diverse voices to commemorate those who lost their lives during the D-Day Landings and sympathetically answers some of the most difficult questions about war itself. This … Continue reading →

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Jasper: Space Dog by Hilary Robinson illustrated by Lewis James

Posted on April 4, 2019 by

Published to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing this entertaining book weaves fact and fiction together in a package that is designed to be accessible to a broad readership. Jasper would be a valuable addition to … 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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How to Help Children Become Really Good Researchers

Posted on September 24, 2018 by

There was a conversation on Twitter recently about the use of KWL grids in primary schools.  This method for organising a research session asks three questions: What  is already known [K], What would like to be known [W] and What … 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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The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd Illustrated by Sara Ogilvie

Posted on June 2, 2018 by

A gloriously happy debut this engaging story is told with humour and warmth and would be a treat for newly confident readers. The charming illustrations by Sara Ogilvie combine perfectly with Andy Shepherd’s entertaining adventure in this welcome addition to … Continue reading →

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The Infinite Lives of Maisie Day by Christopher Edge

Posted on May 23, 2018 by

I love it when a book surprises me and Maisie Day definitely did just that. Christopher Edge has created a very different but also extremely satisfying read in which the world of science combines with the unbreakable bonds of true … Continue reading →

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Kate Greenaway Award 2018 Shortlist – Under The Same Sky by Britta Teckentrup

Posted on April 29, 2018 by

This charming picture book, shortlisted for this year’s Kate Greenaway Award, uses a clever peep through technique to emphasise the way in which everyone around the world is united by the same hopes and dreams. It is a timely and … Continue reading →

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Kick by Mitch Johnson

Posted on April 26, 2018 by

An extremely impressive debut, this book has at its heart a lead character with whom readers will readily engage. Despite his difficult and at times distressing life 12 year old Budi is a boy with friends, heroes, hopes and dreams … Continue reading →

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