What better way to start the year than with a new book!
The One Education Literacy team are here to share their reading recommendations with you this winter. We know the importance of replenishing the school’s book stock to keep up to date with new titles, champion authors and bring to life new experiences. This selection will give you ideas to boost your library, complement high-quality fiction for reading and writing and bring about book talk amongst your youngsters, who cannot fail to be enthused by these exciting reads.
We hope you enjoy these new titles across the age groups:
Children in EYFS will love My Path by Jana Curll which celebrates choice and overcoming difficulties. Follow this adventurous snail as they decide not to follow the crowd and end up facing unexpected challenges. Inspiring our little ones to understand anyone can defy the odds and find a unique way forward, this book is a beautifully illustrated example of being daring and choosing your own special path.
In EYFS and beyond, another book to develop curriculum knowledge while engaging pupils with its fantastic illustrations is Little, Brown Nut by Mary Auld and Dawn Cooper. Aimed at ages 4-8, this books sparks curiosity with its busy pages, fold-out map, and I-spy animal game. The book follows the lifecycle of a Brazil nut as it grows into a tree in the Amazon rainforest, illustrating just how important the relationships between nature and people. A fantastic complementary text to other books on growth, this title takes you across the world to see the range of rainforest animals as well as having extra factual content for more confident readers. One to share or read alone.
For KS1 pupils, the third book in the series by the Olympic Medallist, Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K.Ali, has been newly released, The Boldest White. Faizah is set to compete in a Fencing Tournament which requires her to look for support from her sister and through her faith to be brave enough to compete. With wonderful illustrations by Hatem Aly, this is a book to show that you must believe in yourself to be bold enough to lead, help and grow.
In the stunning picture book, We Could Fly by Rhiannon Giddens and Briana Mukodiri Uchendu, aimed at KS1, African folklore is brought to life through dialogue between mother and daughter. Drawing on song lyrics, the book celebrates love, resilience, spiritual power, and tradition. A perfect addition to learn more about cultures and traditions and how to keep them going.
For pupils in Lower Key Stage 2, Casander Darkbloom and the Threads of Power by P.A. Staff and Chris Devon is the first in an exciting new fantasy series. Casander, a boy with no memory, but with definite magical energy is set to save a magical world. He might be the prophesised saviour, but he first must learn how to master his own magical abilities. This thrilling novel celebrates difference and how our unique qualities are often our greatest strength.
This exciting non-fiction graphic-novel, Ultra Wild: An Audacious Plan to Rewild Every City on Earth, by Steve Mushin, is a must for Upper Key Stage 2 pupils, as it suggests a range of plausible inventions to rewild cities and save the planet. A cheerful alternative to other climate change-themed texts it would make an exciting writing stimulus and engage many as a complimentary text to narratives such as The Promise by Nicola Davies. Often funny and extremely creative, this will engage all young activists.
Aimed at 9-12 year-old readers, M.G. Leonard will be releasing the first in her next adventure series, Hunt for the Golden Scarab, at the end of January. Another epic story from Leonard sees main character, Sim and his mother on the run, seeking a lost tomb which opens a secret door into Ancient Egypt. With great illustrations by Manuel Sumberac, lots of clues to solve and exciting tension throughout, this is one to tempt all historical novel fans.
For Key Stage 3 readers comes the debut, Murder for Two by Niyla Farook. Two contrasting characters, the Tariq twins, separated at birth but with a joint goal: to prove the innocence of their father after he is arrested for murder. An exciting and engaging story with a mystery to solve.
The graphic novel, The Other Side of Tomorrow by Tina Cho, captures the dangers and hop that come from fleeing North Korea to reach for a better future. Written in verse, the story follows two stragers who are united in their hope for a better future and their need to support each other on a perilous journey. Eye-opening and poignant for KS3 and KS4 readers.
A topical storyline sees Toto by A.J. Hackwith giving the true hero of Oz centre stage in this funny and snarky reimagining aimed at KS4 pupils. Entertaining, clever and engaging, this first person canine author voice will get to the bottom of what is really happening in Oz, and save Dorothy from getting in with the wrong crowd. Perfect for fans of Wicked!
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading and our recommended reads inspire you to read one of these texts this Winter. One Education customers can receive 30% off books from our partners Peters. Just visit www.peters.co.uk/oneeducation to find out more and to purchase using our money off code.
Our specialists can support you to review your existing book stock, ensuring the texts your pupils and students have access to are up to date and truly representative of them and the wider world. For more information about how we can support you and your reading offer, please contact our Literacy Team Leader, Laura Buczko at laura.buczko@oneeducation.co.uk.
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