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, 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.
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 -Autumn 2
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 some will be familiar with the tale and this helps with children being confident and enthused about reading. 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. We complete lovely baking activities and add ginger to our playdoh along with exploring trust and strangers. Lots of learning and discussions supporting our Parkfielders in developing an understanding of the world around us and safe/healthy lifestyles.
Other books we are reading
The Three Little Pigs - Another classic that some children will be familiar with. Lots of exploration of materials, testing and again right and wrong. Repetitive phrases that enable the children to join in with building their confidence and love for reading. Lots of in provision challenges linked to building houses and testing different materials.
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.
📚 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.
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 - 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
x
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because... it helps them understand/explores themes of/has links with/
Other books we are reading
X by X
📚 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
📚 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
📚 Year 1 - Summer 2
Book overview
x
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because... it helps them understand/explores themes of/has links with/
Other books we are reading
X by X
Year 2
📚 Year 2 - Autumn 1
Book overview
x
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because... it helps them understand/explores themes of/has links with/
Other books we are reading
X by X
📚 Year 2 - Autumn 2
Book overview
x
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because... it helps them understand/explores themes of/has links with/
Other books we are reading
X by X
📚 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
📚 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
X by X
📚 Year 2 - Summer 1
Book overview
x
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because... it helps them understand/explores themes of/has links with/
Other books we are reading
Does the Queen Wear her Crown in Bed?
Kate in London
📚 Year 2 - Summer 2
Book overview
x
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because... it helps them understand/explores themes of/has links with/
Other books we are reading
X by X
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
Little foxes by Michael Morpurgo
📚 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
Mankind must put a stop to the dreadful destruction caused by the Iron Man. A trap is set for him, but he cannot be kept down. Then, when a terrible monster from outer space threatens to lay waste to the planet, it is the Iron Man who finds a way to save the world.
Why now and why for our children?
This story is often described as a ‘modern fairytale’. The Iron Man confronts challenging themes such as bravery and prejudice. In the story, the children are introduced to a lonely but destructive character once hated by others who becomes their unlikely hero. The themes of this book link to children’s learning in Science when they have explored the concepts of forces and magnets. It introduces children to scientific vocabulary that is able to be understood and applied across the curriculum
Other books we are reading
Pompeii The Lost City By Fiona Macdonald and Georgio Bacchin
The Rock Factory By Jacqui Bailey and Matthew Lilly
📚 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
Romans on the rampage by Jeremy Strong.
Roman life in Britain by Ciaran Murtagh and Rudolf Farkas
📚 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 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
A variety of high quality of texts, which link to our topics.
📚 Year 4 - Autumn 2
Book overview
In The BFG, the dream-hunting giant takes orphan Sophie - named after Roald's first grandchild - back to his cave in Giant Country, where he lives surrounded by nine other fearsome giants who spend every night guzzling down humans. Or, as the giants call them, human beans.
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
A variety of high quality of texts, which link to our topics.
📚 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
📚 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
📚 Year 5 - Spring 1
Book overview
When the spoilt and bad-tempered Mary is orphaned at the age of ten, she is sent from India to live with her hunchback uncle on the Yorkshire Moors. At first, she is utterly miserable, but gradually the friendship of her maid and the discovery of a secret garden in the grounds of the house begin to change her.
Then she finds another secret in the house - Colin, her sickly cousin, who is as self-centered and disagreeable as herself. This classic novel is a satisfying and absorbing read, and demonstrates the resilience of children even when they are surrounded by uncaring and flawed adults.
Why now and why for our children?
This story is important for our children because it has links with our topic Sow, Grow and Farm.
Other books we are reading
Kick by Mitch Johnson
Farm Boy by Michael Morpurgo
Allotment Month By Month by Alan Buckingham
📚 Year 5 - Spring 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 helps them understand/explores themes of/has links with/
Other books we are reading
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
📚 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... it helps them understand/explores themes of/has links with our English writing unit of work.
Other books we are reading
Who let the Gods out? by Maz Evans
Ancient Greece by DK
📚 Year 5 - Summer 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 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
You're thirteen. All you want is a normal life. But most normal kids don't need heart transplants. So there's this doctor. He says there's a chance for you. But he also says it's experimental, controversial and risky. And it's never been done before.
Why now and why for our children?
This story explores themes that the children may have never experienced before. It creates rich discussion.
Other books we are reading
Bill's New Frock, Anne Fine
📚 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