Whole Class Read
Throughout their lives at Parkfield we want our pupils to enjoy a range of texts and authors. They are to share as a class, read by the teacher or encouraged to read by the children. We try to link the books to the children's learning, especially in English and topic. We focus on the following texts in each class each half term:
Reception
📚 Reception - Wonderful Me- Autumn 1
Book overview
MINE by Sue Heap- A very funny warm-hearted picture book about the difficulty of sharing. A very funny warm-hearted picture book about the difficulty of sharing. Amy snuggles on her blankie with her three toys. "I love you all," she says, "because we're together, and because you're MINE." When Jack and Zak want to play and they grab Bear and Bunny, Amy grabs them back. "MINE!" she says. When Baby Jo picks up Bird and kisses it, Amy takes it away. "MINE!" she says. But then she realizes that what she's done has made Baby Jo very sad. He's all alone, without a toy and suddenly Amy has a difficult decision to make. What will she do?
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because it helps them understand that sharing and caring for one another and our things is important all the time. It helps children to understand that sometimes we have to share even if we don't want to. As this is the beginning of term there is a focus on being KIND (one of our Parkfield Characteristics), looking after school property and beginning their journey as a Parkfielder.
Other books we are reading
The Colour Monster by Anna LLenas - After reading this book we think about what makes us happy. The children share their ideas with peers and staff and it is a way of getting to know our new Parkfielders.
Super Duper You by Sophy Henn - After reading this book we try to think of all the super things we are. Again this helps us get to know the children and develop good relationships during this first term. This book also helps us identify children who lack confidence and we can begin to support them in building self esteem and confidence in school, with their new friends and teachers. We discuss being unique and different and explore this in our provision.
Reading opens a world of discussion for our children. Please find examples of how reading has inspired our learning further from discussions, to practical experiences and sessions in which the children have opportunities to discuss, share, act upon their own ideas becoming drivers of their own learning. See how this looks in the classroom below...
How tall are you? How tall is your friend?
How can we measure it? How many bricks? Is it fair?Who is the tallest? What else could we use to measure with?
What about the outside? Can you measure the perimeter? How many blocks did you need? Who has the biggest perimeter? Who has the smallest? Are we all different? Is that ok? What else could we measure the perimeter of?
What's your name? What do you like doing? What is your favourite colour? What makes you happy? How old are you? Can you tell me about yourself?
Are you healthy? What is healthy? Are these fruits or vegetables? Can you name the colours? How can we keep safe when cutting fruit? Make a fruit face, is it happy or sad? Why? Taste it, do you like it? Why?
📚 Reception - Celebrations/traditional tales
Book overview
The Gingerbread Man -Nicholas tale, a childless old woman bakes a gingerbread man, who leaps from her oven and runs away. The woman and her husband give chase, but are unable to catch him.
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because the children are excited to learn about dinosaurs. The tale has simple cvc words in and repetitive phrases which some of the children will be able to write, again building their confidence as learners.
Other books we are reading
Lost and Found - As we head into the more wintery months we read lost and found and think about different climates. We explore ice and cold weather and how it affects things around us. We consider our new friendships, how we have made friends and what being lonely might look like. Now we have established friendships in school, we make friendship stops to support children who made need further support in playing/communicating socially. We investigate boat making and test how many penguins can sit in our designed boats before they sink.
Dear Santa - We read this book as we approach Christmas. The children think about presents they would like and presents they might give to someone else. We write letters to Santa, post them in the post box and send special cards to our families. The simple repetitive language enables pupils to mimic the story and write their own 'Dear Santa' creations.
Our reading sparks a range of activities across our EYFS provision.... This is how the books have inspired further learning in the classroom.
Can you use different materials to create fire around the houses of London? How did the fire start? Who helped? What did they have to do? What would we do today?
Can you subitise? Can you recognise numbers? Can you take it in turns? This is an old games, what do you play at home?
If a tiger came to tea what would you feed him? Would that be healthy? Would a tiger be a good pet? What is a good pet? Who has a milk man? Where do you get your shopping from?
Can you paint a tiger? What is a tiger's skin like? What colours will you need? Are all tigers the same?
📚 Reception - Long Ago/People who help us-Spring 1
Book overview
This book combines good quality artwork and contemporary illustrations with simple, well-written text. Young readers will discover how the fire started, what devastation it caused and will be able to compare fire-fighting in 1666 to the present day.
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because it links to our theme long ago. We discuss history and how things were different . We discuss people who help us and compare present day and the past. The children enjoy the story and begin to understand aspects of long ago. We play old school games and enjoy learning about the past.
Other books we are reading
The Tiger Who Came to Tea- We read this book as it links to the past, the book has a milk man and a grocery store. We compare past and present and think about people who help us in the local community. In provision we re-enact the story and have tea parties thinking about appropriate foods/healthy foods and not so healthy foods. We talk about teeth and the job they do and different diets.
A squash and a Squeeze- This Julia Donaldson classic is written in rhyme we love to predict the words to finish the sentence. The story explores different animals and the capacity of a house. We link this to Maths and attempt to squeeze children in a variety of places- deepening their understanding of capacity.
My Grandpa is AMAZING- We discuss families, granddads and grandmas and look at pictures past and present comparing lifestyles and clothes. The children enjoy discussing their grandparents and things they love to do with them.
A Parkfield flower show. Which flowers can you name? How do flowers grow? Can you name insects? What do bees do? Can you make symmetrical butterflies? Make a 3d flower, label its parts. What does each part do?
How do bees help the environment? What do bees make? Why are bees important? What 3d shape could we use for a body? How many legs do insects have? Can you describe an insects life cycle?
Investigate- what do you predict may happen? What will we need? If we put dye in the flower water what do you think will happen? Tell me what happened? Can you explain why?
📚 Reception - Ready Steady Grow! Spring 2
Book overview
The Giant Turnip is an adaptation of the humorous Russian folk tale, which tells of a grandfather who plants a turnip, which grows and grows, until it is gigantic. He then needs to call everyone from “grandmother” to a cat and mouse to help him pull it out of the ground.
Why now and why for our children?
This story links to our topic of growth the children begin to understand the process of planting and growth. They also recognise the importance of team work and helping each other.
Other books we are reading
A seed in need-This story is important for our children because it is a first look at the plant life cycle. Children begin to understand the importance of looking after our environment and how we can do that. The discover what plants need and what each part is for. We explore living things and life cycles.
Healthy Food- A non fiction book giving the children opportunities to learn new facts about fruit and vegetables.
Handa's Surprise- This book explore different fruits and provides opportunities for trying new things. It also enables us to compare cultures and living conditions.
A Parkfield flower show. Which flowers can you name? How do flowers grow? Can you name insects? What do bees do? Can you make symmetrical butterflies? Make a 3d flower, label its parts. What does each part do?
How do bees help the environment? What do bees make? Why are bees important? What 3d shape could we use for a body? How many legs do insects have? Can you describe an insects life cycle?
Investigate- what do you predict may happen? What will we need? If we put dye in the flower water what do you think will happen? Tell me what happened? Can you explain why?
📚 Reception -Animal Safari- Summer 1
Book overview
Walking through the Jungle, a small child walks, creeps, runs, leaps, swings and, finally, wades through the jungle - hearing animal noises as he goes - in this traditional, everybody-join-in rhyme. Come for a thrilling walk through the jungle in this jaunty rhyme that's full of fun and surprises.
Why now and why for our children?
This story links to our topic Animal Safari as the child explores a jungle habitat and the book is in rhyme. It encourages children to consider which animals they may meet in the habitat and gives a clear writing structure to support pupils in recreating their own story.
Other books we are reading
How many legs by Kes Gray This book provides opportunities for pupils to explore number in a fun and engaging way. We link this to our Maths sessions and ask pupils to calculate the number of legs at the party.
Little Kids First Big Book of Animals by Catherine D Hughes- This book enables our children to explore non- fiction texts finding out about a range of animals and their climates. We then use this to recall facts using the Chatter Pix app.
Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae- This book encourages the children to think about being unique, inspires dance looking at the ways in which different animals may move and is written beautifully in rhyme which is fabulous for the children as they join in and predict the missing words.
During this topic the children go on Safari in the woodland spotting animals they recognise and can recall facts about.
The children have hands on experiences with a range of different creatures/animals all inspired by book we have read. 'Snail and the Whale, Sharing a Shell'
A range of cooking/baking activities to support the topic also occur. Children have the opportunity to read recipes/instructions and follow them to make their delightful creations. See here a healthy snake kebab!
We explore music from different cultures and look at ways in which animals move. The pupils enjoy using a range of props to present their dance moves to the class.
📚 Reception - On the Beach- Summer 2
Book overview
Somebody Swallowed Stanley tells the story of the problems a simple plastic bag can create in the oceans and all the creatures he meets on his journey. Eco-expert Sarah Roberts has worked in conservation all around the world.
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because it explores the importance of looking after the environment and the animals in it. It allows children to consider the consequences of everyone's actions and what we can do as individuals to prevent global pollution.
Other books we are reading
Pirates love Underpants by Claire Freedman A fun story inspiring discussion of pirates and treasure encouraging children to design and make their own treasure maps.
Sally and the Limpet by Simon James A story encouraging children to think about who lives where and the importance of not disturbing creatures in their own habitat.
Lucy and Tom at the Seaside by Shirley Hughes A family classic sharing the fun that can be had at the beach.
Welcome to the Rock Pool by Ruth Owen - Non-Fiction Living Things and their habitats. A book enabling children to find out facts about rock pools and what may be lurking there supporting non-fiction writing.
Baking/cooking inspired by book Somebody Swallowed Stanley. Pupils considered the impact on fish in the sea and then used a range of skills to create fish toast.
Maths activities inspired by sea creatures/animals. Pupils had to fish for two fish/ducks record the number and solve the calculation sum.
Year 1
📚 Year 1 - Autumn 1
Book overview
There was once a small boy called Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge and what's more he wasn't very old either." Wilfrid lives next to a retirement home, filled with folks like "Mrs. Jordan who played the organ" and "Mr. Hosking who told him scary stories". But his favourite old person is 96-year-old Miss Nancy. Everyone says Miss Nancy has lost her memory, and despite the fact that Wilfrid doesn't even know what a memory is, by accident he helps her find it.
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because it helps them understand how the older generations are different to themselves but have plenty that they can teach us
Other books we are reading
My Grandpa is amazing by Nick Butterworth
My Grandma is fabulous by Nick Butterworth
The paper dolls by Julia Donaldson
📚 Year 1 - Autumn 2
Book overview
Our world can be a bewildering place, especially if you've only just got here. Lets explore what makes our planet and how we live on it. From land and sky to people and time, this guide will start you on your journey. Some things about our planet are pretty complicated but things can be simple to; you've just got to be kind.
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because it helps them understand our planet and is a fantastic introduction to Geography topic ' Our Wonderful World'.
Other books we are reading
The Train ride by June Crebbin
Perfectly Norman by Tom Percival
Gecko's Echo by Lucy Rowland
📚 Year 1 - Spring 1
Book overview
It's a busy year for the Queen - she has lots of important events to attend. Meanwhile, a little girl is wondering what knickers Her Majesty will choose to wear on a school visit! Will they be her 'at home' knickers - adorned with corgis - or her 'garden party' knickers, or perhaps her woolly Balmoral ones...?
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because it links to our topic Bright Lights, Big City and helps our children understand who our monarchy is
Other books we are reading
The Queens Hat by Steve Anthony
Topsy and Tim visit London by Joan and Gareth Adamson
Paddington at the Palace by Michael Bond
We completely must go to London by Chris Oxlade
The Bear and the Piano
📚 Year 1 - Spring 2
Book overview
For months the sun has burned down on Lila's Kenyan village. It is too hot to gather firewood, too hot to weed the garden, even too hot to milk the cow. Without rain the well will run dry and the crops will fail. Lila is so worried that when her grandfather whispers to her the secret of rain, she decides to go and talk to the sky herself. How Lila saves the village by telling the sky the saddest thing she knows is told in David Conway's elegant and spare prose style, which is complemented perfectly by Jude Daly's beautiful and poignant illustrations.
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because it talks about the weather in a contrasting country. The children are able to appreciate a different culture and how we should be welcoming those that are different to us.
Other books we are reading
The squirrels busy year by Martin Jenkins
📚 Year 1 - Summer 1
Book overview
Whiffy Wilson doesn't know how to hold a pen and has never looked in a book, but fortunately his friend Dotty is on hand to show him that school is fun. Soon, Whiffy is in his element, and when he gets a gold star for all his work he realises that school is the BEST THING EVER!
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because explores themes of the current school day
Other books we are reading
Miss Molly's school of manners by James Maclaine
Teacher: Busy People by Lucy M George
Little Red Riding Hood
The Colour Monster goes to school
First day at bug school
📚 Year 1 - Summer 2
Book overview
Birds Have Feathers by Sarah Ridley This book explores what makes an animal a bird – how their characteristics are different from other groups of animals. It shows many examples of different types of birds in their natural environment.
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because it is an enjoyable non-fiction text with attractice pictures. It helps children to understand animals and links with their science topic.
Other books we are reading
Minibeasts by Victoria Munson
Little Kids First Big Book of Pets by Catherine D. Hughes
Poo in the Zoo by Steve Smallman
Odd dog out by Rob Biddulph
The Hodgeheg by Dick King-Smith
Year 2
📚 Year 2 - Autumn 1
Book overview
Rosa Parks, Little People, Big Dreams is a true story of an inspiring civil rights activist, Rosa Parks, who grew up during segregation in Alabama, but she was taught to respect herself and stand up for her rights. In 1955, Rosa refused to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated bus, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because they are learning about significant people in history.,
Other books we are reading
The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers
Malala's Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai
📚 Year 2 - Autumn 2
Book overview
Ruby's Worry by Tom Percival. Ruby's Worry is about a typical little girl, Ruby. This sweet little girl enjoys the swings and exploring, but Ruby's world begins to change when she finds a worry following her. At first the worry is just a small fuzz ball, but as the story progresses, the worry grows.
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because it supports their mental health and wellbeing. It gets them talking and supports their emotional and vocabulary development.
Other books we are reading
The Scarecrow's Wedding
The Giant Jam Sandwich
📚 Year 2 - Spring 1
Book overview
Esio Trot is a joyful tale of love, two neighbours, a tortoise, and a grand idea. Funny, warm and uplifting in every respect, this delightful story celebrates kindness, courage, creativity and hope
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because... it explores themes and characteristics we strive to embed at Parkfield.
Other books we are reading
The Scarecrow's Wedding
The Giant Jam Sandwich
📚 Year 2 - Spring 2
Book overview
A beautifully written tale of courage, friendship and survival. Jamie had thought that if he could just reach the boat then he could convince Mara to stay, but now he was on board and along for the ride. There was no going back, they were in this together - sailing to the islands at the edge of the world.
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because... it consolidates our learning about the coastline.
Other books we are reading
George and the Dragon
Cops and Robbers
📚 Year 2 - Summer 1
Book overview
When Mr Gruber takes Paddington to Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing of the Guard, there are so many people in the way he can’t see a thing. Luckily, a mysterious someone ‘on high’ appears to like small bears…
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because it opens up discussion about British monarchs.
Other books we are reading
Does the Queen Wear her Crown in Bed?
Kate in London
📚 Year 2 - Summer 2
Book overview
Tales from the Forest by Emily Hibbs - Discover the animals who call the forest home in this beautiful collection of twenty original tales.
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because it explores links to their Science curriculum.
Other books we are reading
Flip Flap Minibeasts (Nosy Crow) by Axel Scheffler
Food Chains by Izzi Howell
Year 3
📚 Year 3 - Autumn 1
Book overview
Travel 20,000 years into the past and discover what life as a caveman was like in this prehistoric picture book by a prodigiously talented artist. One day a little boy is walking along when he trips, stumbles and falls...into the Stone Age! He meets a girl his own age and her tribe, and learns all about their way of life. He watches them make tools, clothes and weapons. He sees how they hunt, fish, cook, celebrate - and even how they paint on the walls of caves. But when a furious cave bear attacks, he wakes up back in his own time where everyone tells him it was only a dream. But was it?
Why now and why for our children?
This story provides important learning for the children in our community as they are able to appreciate a different culture and how we should be welcoming to those who are different to us. During the first term of Year 3, the children study the period of history in Britain from the Stone Age to the Iron Age. This book supports our children to understand what life for children during this period was like. In addition to this, this story links to values of managing change and friendship as children begin a new school year in a new phase in our school.
Other books we are reading
Dirty Bertie by Alan MacDonald - voted for by the class
📚 Year 3- Autumn 2
Book overview
When it’s time for Grandma to have her medicine, George has a tremendous idea. Perhaps what Grandma needs is a taste of a different medicine, with some very special ingredients thrown in. What’s the worst that could happen, after all?
'Why now and why for our children?
This book is full of humour as well as moral questions. We encourage active discussion at Parkfield and this is a read that really promotes this in Year 3. This book is relevant to all our Parkfield characteristics especially resilience.
Other books we are reading
Where the Poppies Now Grow by Hilary Robinson and Martin Impey
📚 Year 3 - Spring 1
Book overview
The Butterfly lion by Michael Morpurgo
Bertie rescues an orphaned white lion cub from the African veld. They are inseparable until Bertie is sent to boarding school far away in England and the lion is sold to a circus. Bertie swears that one day they will see one another again, but it is the butterfly lion which ensures that their friendship will never be forgotten.
Why now and why for our children?
Friendship, war and separation are some of the big themes that our children can explore while reading Michael Morpurgo's The Butterfly Lion. However it is the themes of friendship, loyalty and overcoming the odds that our children will identify with most in this wide-ranging tale-just like the characteristics we promote at Parkfield.
Other books we are reading
Mary Anning Fossil Hunter (Collins Big Cat) by Anna Claybourne
The Pebble in My Pocket: A History of Our Earth by Meredith Hooper
📚 Year 3 - Spring 2
Book overview
“Every fox in the whole town, in the whole country just about, is a football fan… And we all have an impossible dream.”
In a cosy den under a garden shed lives a family of foxes. They love to watch football – all foxes do. But their favourite team keeps losing and losing, and it seems like things will never look up.
That is, until Daddy Fox finds the ghost of a king, buried underneath a car park. A king who wishes only to be free.
Why now and why for our children?
This story captures any football lover's attention. It is also a must for those children who are curious. This book has a compelling plot and great characters and inspires our children to ask questions about the world around them, leading to great conversations and debate. At Parkfield we love being historians and this book brings historical discovery alive in a way that is perfect for our Year 3 children. It is a real page turner and with short chapters is great for a class storytime.
Other books we are reading
📚 Year 3 - Summer 1
Book overview
"Boudica is on fire for revenge". It's AD 60, and the romans are causing trouble among the Iceni people. When Queen Boudica summons an army, Kassy's beloved pony Honey is taken to war. Will Kassy be able to find Honey and bring her home safely?
Why now and why for our children?
This story connects with our history topic whilst adding an adventurous strand. The book encourage our children to imagine they were there as Boudica's army rose.
Other books we are reading
A range of non-fiction texts on Rome
Rumble in the jungle by Giles Andreae
📚 Year 3 - Summer 2
Book overview
James and the Giant Peach factory by Roald Dahl.
An orphan who lives with his two cruel aunts befriends anthropomorphic bugs who live inside a giant peach, and they embark on a journey to New York City. James' happy life at the English seaside is rudely ended when his parents are killed by a rhinoceros and he goes to live with his two horrid aunts.
Why now and why for our children?
James and the Giant Peach is perfect for illustrating the importance of friendship. All children have friends, but sometimes they can be taken for granted.
Other books we are reading
Star in the Jar by Sam Hag
Year 4
📚 Year 4 - Autumn 1
We follow the digestive process from the moment the food enters our mouths to the moment the waste leaves our bodies. Along the way we are introduced to a variety of microbes – good and bad – and gain an insight into the vast ecosystem that exists inside us.
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because it links to our science topic, where we explore about animals, including humans.
Other books we are reading
Loo! Alan Macdonald.
You wouldn't want to live without toliets! Fiona Macdonald
📚 Year 4 - Autumn 2
Book overview
Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the quiet and thoughtful son of the Chief of the Hairy Hooligans, tries to pass the important initiation test of his Viking clan by catching and training a dragon. Can Hiccup do it without being torn limb from limb?
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because it lets the children explore high quality vocabulary and explore fiction writing, which links to our English work.
Other books we are reading
Harriet Versus the Galaxy by Samantha Baines
The BFG
📚 Year 4 - Spring
Book overview
Sweet and bright little Matilda, a child of wondrous intelligence, is different from the rest of her family. Misunderstood by everyone and ignored at home all the time, Matilda escapes into a world of reading, honing her skills and exercising her mind so much she develops telekinetic powers.
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because we have previously read a different book by Roald Dahl and enjoyed it so we wanted to explore other books by this author. We voted based on the book overviews and chose this one.
Other books we are reading
A variety of high quality texts, which link to our topics.
📚 Year 4 - Spring 2
Book overview
The boy and his boat dance in the downpour and play in the puddles, but when the boy sends his boat floating down a gutter stream, it quickly gets away from him. So of course the little boy goes on the hunt for his beloved boat-and when the rain lets up, he finds himself on a new adventure altogether.
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because we looked in detail at rivers, mountains and states of matter.
Other books we are reading
A variety of high quality texts, which link to our topics.
📚 Year 4 - Summer 1
Book overview
Long ago in the land of Egypt, where the green water of the Nile River flows into the blue water of the Mediterranean Sea lived a young girl names Rhodopis. Rhodopis was born in Greece but was kidnapped by pirates and carried down into Egypt, where she was sold into slavery. Her owner turned out to be a kind, old man, caked Charaxos, who spent most of his time under a tree sleeping. Because of this, he never saw how the other girls in the house, all servant girls, taunted and teased Rhodopis.
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because we our currently completing a piece of writing, which links to Ancient Egypt and our History topic is based on ancient civilisations.
Other books we are reading
A variety of high quality texts, which link to our topics.
📚 Year 4 - Summer 2
Book overview
From a cavernous library of dust to an ancient Mayan tomb, a deserted shopping mall stalked by extinct animals to the command module of a spaceship heading to Mars, the perils of The Escape seem endless. Can Ami and her friends find the Answer before it's too late?
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because we explore Mayan culture in our History topic and the children are really enjoying learning all about ancient civilisations.
Other books we are reading
A variety of high quality texts, which link to our topics.
Year 5
📚 Year 5 - Autumn 1
Book overview
A tall story from Carnegie Medal-winning Frank Cottrell Boyce. Liam is too big for his boots. And his football strip. And his school blazer. But being super-sized height-wise has its advantages: he's the only eleven-year-old to ever ride the G-force defying Cosmic rollercoaster - or be offered the chance to drive a Porsche. Long-legged Liam makes a giant leap for boy-kind by competing with a group of adults for the chance to go into space. Is Liam the best boy for the job? Sometimes being big isn't all about being a grown-up.
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because it explores themes of forces, which is our current science topic and space which will be covered in future units of work. It also has links with our English writing unit.
Other books we are reading
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
The Boy Who Swam with Piranhas by David Almond
Isaac Newton and Gravity (The Eureka Moment!) by Alex Woolf
The Tin Snail by Cameron McAllister
📚 Year 5 - Autumn 2
Book overview
WHOOSH! Inside the Great Glass Elevator, Willy Wonka, Charlie Bucket and his family are cruising a thousand feet above the chocolate factory.
They can see the whole world below them, but they're not alone. The American Space Hotel has just launched. Lurking inside are the Vernicious Knids - the most brutal, vindictive murderous beasts in the universe.
So grab your gizzard! Hold your hats! Only Charlie and Willy Wonka can stop the Knids from destroying everything!
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because it has links with the science topic, Earth & Space.
Other books we are reading
Alone on a Wide, Wide Sea by Michael Morpurgo
Northern Lights by Philip Pullman
George’s Secret Key to the Universe by Lucy and Stephen Hawking
The Jamie Drake Equation by Christopher Edge
📚 Year 5 - Spring 1
Book overview
Winner of the Branford Boase Award. Budi's plan is simple. He's going to be a star. Budi's going to play for the greatest team on earth, instead of sweating over each stitch he sews, each football boot he makes. But one unlucky kick brings Budi's world crashing down. Now he owes the Dragon, the most dangerous man in Jakarta. Soon it isn't only Budi's dreams at stake, but his life. A story about dreaming big, about hope and heroes, and never letting anything stand in your way.
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because it has links with our English unit of work.
Other books we are reading
Who let the Gods out? by Maz Evans
Ancient Greece by DK
📚 Year 5 - Spring 2
Book overview
Dad, mum and two brothers spend a day at the zoo, looking at the animals in the cages - or is it the animals that are looking at them?
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because it has links with our English writing unit.
Other books we are reading
The Lion, the witch and the wardrobe by C.S.Lewis
📚 Year 5 - Summer 1
Book overview
Set against the backdrop of war-torn Europe, I Believe in Unicorns explores the power of stories to transform our lives. Eight-year-old Tomas hates school, hates books and hates stories. Forced to visit the library, he stops to listen to magical tales that the Unicorn Lady spins – tales that draw him in, making themselves part of him and changing the course of his life forever, making him believe in unicorns. By the end of this story, you will believe in unicorns too.
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because has links with our English writing unit of work.
Other books we are reading
Farm Boy by Michael Morpurgo
Allotment Month By Month by Alan Buckingham
📚 Year 5 - Summer 2
Book overview
Anthony Browne’s incomparable artwork illuminates the deeply satisfying story of a lonely girl, a friendly gorilla, and their enchanted night out.
Hannah spends all of her time reading gorilla books, watching gorilla TV shows, and drawing gorilla pictures. She has gorillas on her bedside lamp
and even on her box of cereal. Hannah loves gorillas and longs to see a real one, but her father is always too busy - or too tired - to take her to the zoo. Then, on the night before her birthday, something extraordinary happens - and Hannah’s wish comes gloriously true.
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because it links with our English writing unit.
Other books we are reading
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Year 6
📚 Year 6
📚 Year 6 - Autumn 1
Book overview
A fictionalized account of how in 1849 a Virginia slave, Henry "Box" Brown, escapes to freedom by shipping himself in a wooden. crate from Richmond to Philadelphia.
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because it helps them understand important parts of history.
Other books we are reading
The Boy At The Back Of The Class - Onjali Q. Raúf
The Journey by Francesca Sanna
📚 Year 6 - Autumn 2
Book overview
Ebenezer Scrooge is a miserly and mean-spirited old man.
He treats family, coworkers, and strangers alike with distaste.
But on Christmas Eve he receives a visit from the ghost of his dead business partner, Jacob Marley. Marley warns Scrooge that unless he learns to be less greedy and self-serving that Scrooge will be condemned to wander Earth weighed down with heavy chains, as Marley has been.
Marley tells Scrooge that three spirits will visit him.
First, the Ghost of Christmas Past visits and shows Scrooge his own Christmases past, including the Christmas when his fiancé left him for being obsessed with money.
Second, the Ghost of Christmas Present shows Scrooge all the happiness occurring at the various Christmas festivities around the city.
Finally, The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows Scrooge what will happen after his own death, and Scrooge is horrified to find that everyone will celebrate it.
Distraught, Scrooge begs for another chance, and suddenly wakes in his own bed. Forever after he honours the spirit of Christmas with kindness, generosity and warmth.
Why now and why for our children?
A perfect Christmas classic to immerse our children in the language of Victorian England and study a true classic piece of fiction during the festive season.
Other books we are reading
The Christmasaurus and the naughty list
📚 Year 6 - Spring 1
Book overview
I disappeared on the night before my twelfth birthday. Washed up on an island in the Pacific, Michael struggles to survive on his own. With no food and no water, he curls up to die. When he wakes, there is a plate beside him of fish, of fruit, and a bowl of fresh water. He is not alone.
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because it is an engaging adventure story about a boy who is around their age and that they can relate with. It has mysterious twists and turns and is a highly engaging read.
Other books we are reading
Sky Song by Abi Elphinstone
The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell
Everest by Sangma Francis
📚 Year 6 - Spring 2
Book overview
A breathless adventure story of courage and survival in a warming climate, from the multi-award-winning author of Boy 87 and Lost.
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because it discusses climate change and links and builds on the knowledge that they are currently learning in their topic 'Frozen Kingdoms'.
Other books we are reading
Tunnel by Anthony Browne
Wonder by R.J Palacio
📚 Year 6 - Summer 1
Book overview
Set during WWII, we follow Olive and Cliff as they’re evacuated to the coast of Devon after months of heavy air raids across London. A coded note links the disappearance of their sister Sukie to Devon, and Olive is determined to unravel the mystery.
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because it portrays the impact that WWII had on children. The treatment of Jewish people during the war is covered with sensitivity through the eyes of open-minded, relatable characters.
Other books we are reading
The Diary of Anne Frank (children's version)
Terra Carta for children by Christopher Lloyd
📚 Year 6 - Summer 2
Book overview
A fascinating diary account of the Second World War, as seen through the eyes of a young girl. Flossie is just nine years old when, in 1939, Britain declares war on Germany and her father leaves the family home to join the army. Flossie is left to bring up her baby brother and to face a whole host of new experiences on her own. Her diary becomes an outlet for relaying all the news from at home and abroad. From the first evacuees arriving to her sweetheart's being killed in Normandy in 1944, Flossie has to endure much hardship. But her own special blend of courage, humour and fighting spirit sees her through to the Armistice, when she can welcome her dad home at last.
Why now and why for our children?
Marcia Williams follows a young girl's coming of age during World War II in a moving fictional journal that includes the author's own family mementos. The layout of this story will hook and engage the children.
Other books we are reading
Twelfth Night (A Shakespeare Story) Andrew Matthews