Authorfy Classroom

Funny, Filmic Adventures with Tom Mitchell

Join Tom Mitchell as he talks about the trick to writing funny books, how his books have a 'filmic' quality and how being a teacher has influenced his writing.

Good for: Older readers who will enjoy a thrilling superhero-filled adventure across America; exploring character relationships and connections; discussing themes of friendship, difference, courage, family and self-belief.

Action-packed, Adrenalin-filled Adventure with Anthony Horowitz

Hear how the multi-million bestselling author, Anthony Horowitz, creates suspense, invents villains and more

Good for: Students aged 10+; a thrilling adventure with a brave, young spy; creating villains, designing and advertising gadgets; exploring settings and maps; non-chronological reports; discussing how authors create tension and atmosphere; drama and role-play; diary writing; and tons of action, excitement and adrenalin!

Blending Genres with Justin Somper

Join Justin Somper as he discussed blending genres, setting stories in the future, dual narratives and more.

Good for: Ages 10+; a rollicking adventure full of pirates, danger, mysterious happenings and thrills; diary writing; newspaper articles; composing stormy seascapes; exploring starry artwork; comparing and contrasting texts; exciting dual narratives; learning about rising sea levels; enjoying a perilous journey with a set of brave, curious, quick-thinking twins.

Step into Starfell with Dominique Valente

Join Dominique Valente as she discusses the importance of voice, originality and more in her magical masterclass

Good for: Ages 8+; a magical tale of spells, brave dragons, witches and trolls; drama and role-play; writing spells and poetry; creating leaflets about imaginary monsters; making and measuring potions; descriptive writing; original characters and voices; changing point of view; reflecting today's society; and themes of memory, loss and feeling different.

Spooks, STEM and Surprises with Holly Rivers

Discover how Holly Rivers blends the supernatural and science in her debut novel. Expect inventions, surprises, eccentric characters and tons of humour.

Good for: Ages 9+; an exciting adventure that blends spooky, magical scenes with fun, madcap science experiments; designing gadgets; learning about the Fibonacci Sequence; creating imaginary maps; and exploring themes of family, friendship and death. NOTE: This story features ghosts and the afterlife, so please keep religious beliefs in mind before reading with your students.

Adventure, Magic and Mortal Danger with Ross MacKenzie

Delve into 'Evernight' with Ross MacKenzie and learn how to step into your character's shoes to transport your reader into whole new worlds

Good for: Ages 10+; a fast-paced adventure story full of magic, witches, greed and war; creating imaginary maps; writing spells and poetry; comparing and contrasting creation stories; exploring Ancient Greek artwork and urs; drama and roleplay; performing bewitching soundscapes; and some terrifically original villains.

Mystery Stories with Annabelle Sami

Learn the typical tropes of a mystery story with Annabelle Sami and how she brings her characters to life through dialogue

Good for: Ages 7+; a fun adventure full of mystery and humour; an inquisitive and intelligent British Pakistani protagonist; exploring traditional bhangra music and henna art; writing secret codes, newspaper articles and persuasive job applications; exploring themes of jealousy, fame and family.

STEM, Stereotypes and School Life with Konnie Huq

Join Konnie Huq as she talks about breaking stereotypes, adding humour and illustrating her own work in her debut children's book, 'Cookie'.

Good for: Students aged 7+; a charming, witty story about an intelligent British-Bangladeshi girl and her love of science, experiments and explosions; lots of links to science topics including the solar system, the digestive system and chemical reactions; writing newspaper articles and diaries; and exploring issues of friendship, family and acceptance.

Adventures on Trains with M.G. Leonard & Sam Sedgman

All aboard for M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman's Creativity Masterclass, which is set on a real steam train!

Good for: Ages 8+; a fast-paced adventure on board a royal train that's full of mystery and mayhem; creative writing opportunities including poetry, monologues and newspaper articles; researching the development of transportation; creating maps, diagrams and train timetables; researching Scotland; learning about sound waves; lots of train art and puzzle-solving.

Poetry, Non-Fiction and Creative Writing with Michael Rosen

Join Michael Rosen, the 2007-2009 Children's Laureate and one of the UK's best loved children's authors for an incredible Author Masterclass

Good for: 'The Missing' - Ages 10+; a moving, heartbreaking and hopeful exploration of the impact of war on families; analysing newspaper articles; history research into WWII and family history; learning about the Holocaust.

A Magical-Realist Indian Adventure with Jasbinder Bilan

Join Costa award-winning author, Jasbinder Bilan, for a masterclass in adventure, imagining worlds and spirit animals.

Good for: Ages 9+; a magical, thrilling adventure set in India; learning about the River Ganges and Himalayas; creating a dance based on the story of Rama and Sita; learning about Diwali and traditional Indian culture; creative writing opportunities including poetry, writing in role, play scripts and monologues.

LGBTQ+ Stories with Sarah Hagger-Holt

Join Sarah Hagger-Holt as she discusses her LGBTQ+ characters and themes of friendship, family and identity in 'Nothing Ever Happens Ever'

Good for: exploring relationships and character connections; considering different points of view; researching issues surrounding the LGBTQ+ community; themes of love, family, change, acceptance, gender and sexuality. *Please note, there are sensitive themes in this story. It is advised that you read it before sharing it with your class.

Unleashing Creativity with Cathryn Constable

Good for: Students aged 9+; a beautiful story set against a backdrop of stormy seas; ice plains and war; researching the history if code-breaking; exploring a range of poems and poetic devices; discussing and challenging traditional gender roles; creating a dance based on Vivaldi's 'Storm'; lyrical language and a curious, impulsive, brave heroine.

‘Noir’ Style Storytelling with Sophie Green

Join Sophie Green as she talks about the detective duos and 'Noir' films that inspired 'Potkin and Stubbs'

Good for: Students aged 9+; fans of mystery and adventure stories; exquisite examples of personification, similes and metaphors; planning and writing newspaper articles; learning about the free press and different styles of journalism; a thrilling 'Noir' style story with magic, grit and a brave female lead.

Amazing Africa with Atinuke

Learn about Africa's geography, history, people, animals, culture and resources in this stunning non-fiction book

Good for: Ages 8+; a cultural, geographical and historical adventure across the beautiful continent of Africa; the life and achievements of Nelson Mandela; fun facts about every country in Africa; studying African landscapes, people, animals, resources and more.

Whizz-Cracking Fun with Claire Barker

Join Claire Barker as she talks about being inspired by the magic of nature

Good for: Students aged 7-9; a hilarious action-packed story about two very unlikely friends; studying non-standard English; eccentric characters; creating potions and spells; exploring themes of friendship and family; discovering the beauty of the natural world; writing opportunities including newspaper reports and poems.

Epic Fantasy Adventures with Kieran Larwood

Delve into the Five Realms and discover how Kieran Larwood writes his epic fantasy adventures

Good for: Students aged 9+; a thrilling book set in the magical, mysterious kingdom of Podkin One-Ear; exploring the importance of storytelling and memory; creative writing opportunities including playscripts, instructions, poetry, limericks and reports about imaginary characters; and a gripping adventure full of myths, legends and danger.

Children Who Changed The World with Marcia Williams

Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Rights of the Child and the amazing children who have stood up for them all over the world.

Good for: Ages 9+; an informative exploration of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child; map and atlas work; creative writing opportunities including diary entries and newspaper reports; learning about refugees and immigrants; an insight into different cultures and the struggles children face around the world; a colourful celebration of all the brave, determined children who are changing the world every day.

Plastic Sucks! with Dougie Poynter

Join the conservation conversation and find out how you can reduce plastic pollution with Dougie Poynter.

Good for: Ages 7+; studying non-fiction texts; learning about plastic and the environment; the wonders of the ocean and the fragility of our ecosystems; powerful nature-themed artwork and considering how we can all make small changes to using plastic-alternatives.

An 80s Mystery Adventure with Gabrielle Kent

Discover how Gabrielle Kent based her 'Knights and Bikes' series on a computer game and how her 80s childhood influenced the story

Good for: Students aged 7+; an exciting adventure with evil knights, cursed treasure, underwater lairs and a honking pet goose; building friendships; myths and legends; comedy; breaking stereotypes; the importance of diversity; learning about magnets and force; direction and map work; and having fun with two brave female characters.

Pirate Adventures with Jonny Duddle and the Jolley-Rogers

Learn how Jonny Duddle writes and illustrates his pirate picture books and chapter books

Good for: Students aged 6-7; a witty, modern take on a traditional tale; a pirate-themed adventure with colourful characters; writing opportunities including newspaper reports and poetry; dance and movement; learning about The Black Death; studying the difference between picture books and chapter books; and writing and illustrating tips.

A Writing Masterclass with Katherine Rundell

Katherine Rundell discusses the ideas and inspirations behind 'The Good Thieves', 'The Explorer' and 'The Wolf Wilder'

Good for: Ages 9+; exquisitely written prose; figurative language; creative writing opportunities including poetry, diary entries, monologues, instructions, newspaper articles and more; exciting adventure stories; studying the Amazon Rainforest ('The Explorer'), themes of family, justice and friendship ('The Good Thieves') and researching Russia ('The Wolf Wilder).

Creating Empathy with Onjali Q. Rauf

In this very special masterclass for Empathy Day 2019, we explore the refugee crisis with Onjali's award-winning book, 'The Boy at the Back of the Class'

Good for: Ages 9+; a moving, heartwarming, poignant exploration of friendship, displacement and what family means; understanding the experience of refugees; creating empathy; writing poetry, newspaper articles and formal letters; and going on an adventure with a group of plucky, courageous, passionate children.

Adventures with Abi Elphinstone

Watch Abi's Creativity Masterclass on adventure writing, and hear all about her bestselling books 'Sky Song', 'Rumblestar' and 'The Dreamsnatcher' Series

Good for: Ages 9+; exciting adventure stories full of magic, friendship, inventive characters and original settings; a masterclass in worldbuilding; magical realism; creating empathy adn exploring emotions; promoting an interest in the natural world; lots of creative writing opportunities that will inspire aspiring authors and reluctant writers alike.

Eerie Tales with Thomas Taylor

Join Thomas Taylor as he discusses his debut novel 'Malamander' and how he created his Eerie-on-Sea setting and characters

Good for: Ages 9+; a spooky and mysterious adventure story; creative writing opportunities including biographies, diary entries, police reports and adverts; creating three-dimensional dioramas of settings; exploring myths and legends; designing mythical beasts and finding out about the main events during the Victorian period.

Big Adventures with Tiny Characters with Anna Fargher

See how Anna Fargher took inspiration from real life WWII events and real animals during the war to write her action-packed adventure story 'The Umbrella Mouse'

Good for: Ages 9+; a thrilling adventure story set in WWII; creating writing opportunities including biographies, diary entries, adverts and poetry; understanding the impact of war on humans and animals; code-cracking; learning about the events of World War Two, Alan Turing, air resistance and forces.

The Space Race with Ben Hubbard

Celebrate the 50 year anniversary of the Apollo moon landing with non-fiction author, Ben Hubbard

Good for: Ages 9+; learning about cosmonauts and men on the moon; the history of space travel; the solar system and light; creative writing including poetry, adverts, speeches, diary entries, fact-files, posters and sci fi stories; beautiful space-themed artwork and considering life beyond the solar system.

Bookwandering with Anna James

Join Anna James as she talks about her love of books, building new worlds and meeting characters from our favourite stories

Good for: Ages 8+, promoting reading for pleasure and the magic of books, travelling through literary worlds, meeting famous book characters, lots of creative writing opportunities and more.

Science and Magic with Steve Mould

Scientist and presenter, Steve Mould, talks about his non-fiction book, 'Science is Magic', and demonstrates a few experiments!

Good for: Ages 7+; studying non-fiction writing; layout and design; creative writing opportunities including biographies, fact-files, newspaper reports, diary entries and poetry; mind-bending artwork; famous magicians; sorting and classifying rocks; understanding how light travels; the respiratory system; the pH scale; comparing solids, liquids and gases; and lots of magical, jaw-dropping experiments.

A Viking Adventure with Dan Smith

Dan Smith discusses 'She Wolf', Vikings, creating drama and tension, figurative language and more...

Good for: Students aged 10+; learning about the Vikings and Saxons; enjoying an emotional and compelling adventure set in the Dark Ages; discovering Norse Mythology; figurative language; creating empathy and exploring emotions; and going on a journey with a spirited and original heroine.

‘The Day War Came’ with Nicola Davies

Learn about writing emotional, 'important' stories with Nicola Davies - with videos and resources for ages 5-7 and 7-11.

Good for: Ages 5-7 and ages 7-11; learning about refugees; exploring the impact of war across the world; understanding the value of education; developing empathy skills; studying how words and pictures can tell a story and more.

Discover ‘The Bee Book’ and ‘The Sea Book’ with Charlotte Milner

Learn about the importance of bees and the sea as Charlotte Milner explains how she wrote and designed 'The Sea Book' and 'The Bee Book'

Good for: Ages 7+; studying informative and engaging non-fiction texts; learning about bees and the sea and the importance of looking after them; creative writing including diary entries, persuasive leaflets, fact files and poetry; adaptation and food chains; plastic pollution; the impact of humans on nature and animals and more.

Collecting Ideas with Holly Smale

Discover how bestselling author, Holly Smale, compares writing a story to building a house out of lego and much more!

Good for: ages 13+, exploring the pros and cons of being famous, family bonds, considering points of view and shifting perspective, script writing, characterisation, finding ideas, research and studying the use of comedy.

A Pinch of Magic with Michelle Harrison

Learn how to write magical stories with bestselling author Michelle Harrison

Good for: ages 9+, strong female protagonists, family connections, magical realism, maps, adventure, and travel through time and space.

Learn about ‘The Dragonsitter’ Series with Josh Lacey and Garry Parsons

Author-and-illustrator duo, Josh Lacey and Garry Parsons, talk about their hugely successful 'Dragonsitter' series

Good for: ages 6-7, engaging young readers, building confidence with reading and writing, developing characters, collaboration, telling stories via emails, encouraging students to use their imagination and explore the idea of creating their own mythical creature.

The Power of Dreaming with Michael Morpurgo

A Masterclass from the Master of Storytelling, Michael Morpurgo OBE

Good for: Ages 8+, learning about WWI / WWII, PSHE topics relating to empathy, friendship and animals, writing from different points of view, diary entries, newspaper reports, letter writing, emotive language, propaganda, imagery and symbolism, and advice on using your imagination, 'dreaming' and honing your writing skills.

Blending History, Mystery and Legends with Lucy Strange

Learn how to use myths, legends and history to write gripping stories with Lucy Strange

Good for: Students aged 10+; World War II; Britain during wartime; analysing the Dunkirk evacuation; learning about internment camps; letter writing; emotive language; magical realism; newspaper reports; breaking codes; creating empathy; using maps; discussing the importance of family; plus boats, storms, secret tunnels and sea monsters.

Discover Nature’s Poetry with Joseph Coelho

Discover a love of poetry and find inspiration from the natural world with award-winning poet, Joseph Coelho

Good for: Learning about different poetry styles; exploring the affects of climate change; animals and habitats; conservation and ecosystems; evolution and inheritance; creating imagery and sensory description; nature-inspired art and depictions of seasonal scenes.

Writing Contemporary Fiction with Gayle Forman

No.1 New York Times Bestselling Author, Gayle Forman, talks about the joys and challenges of writing contemporary fiction

Good for: Ages 13+, exploring relationships and character connections, considering points of view and shifting perspective, the impact of technology, converging storylines and themes of love, loss, betrayal, isolation and unity. Activities include: writing in role, creative thinking, comparison charts, drama and role-play, poetry, presentations and more...

Putting Yourself At The Heart of Stories with Andy Griffiths

Australia's No.1 Children's Author, Andy Griffiths, talks about his bestselling 'Treehouse' series and how he puts himself at the heart of his stories.

Good for: Students aged 6+, reading for pleasure, engaging reluctant readers, injecting humour into writing, making inferences from illustration, drama, and understanding different book genres and writing styles.

The Magic of Christmas with Ben Miller

Learn the REAL story of how Father Christmas became Father Christmas with Ben Miller

Good for: Ages 7+; a festive tale that's begging to be read out loud; opportunities for Christmas-themed crafts and creative writing; encouraging empathy; exploring what it means to help others; reflecting on your actions; putting a twist on well known stories; and plenty of magical, festive spirit.

Poignant and Powerful Storytelling with A.F. Harrold and Emily Gravett

Learn how to create poignant and powerful stories with A.F. Harrold and Emily Gravett

Good for: Ages 11+; a simple, poetic, eloquently-told tale with powerful and hard-hitting themes; an exploration of what it means to grieve someone you love; lyrical language; beautiful illustrations; and a VERY mysterious cat... Please note: there are sensitive themes in this story. It is advised that you read it before sharing with your class.

A Storytelling Masterclass from Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Learn about pace, plot, planning and more from the award-winning, bestselling author, Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Good for: Students aged 10+, magical journeys filled with adventure, mystery, tension and empathy, magical realism, friendships and families, world building, lyrical prose, modern fairytales.

Spooky Stories with Laura Ellen Anderson

Join Laura for the perfect Halloween Masterclass and learn how both words and pictures can bring a story to life

Good for: Ages 7+, a Halloween-themed adventure in the spooky world of Nocturnia, exploring the importance of family and friendship, encouraging empathy, world-building, breaking stereotypes, the printing / publishing process.

Wild Landscapes with Sylvia V.Linsteadt

Join Sylvia V. Linsteadt as she talks about taking inspiration from the wild world

Good for: Ages 10+, a timeless and magical fantasy adventure, creative world-building, learning about dual narratives, a fast-paced narrative, an introduction to philosophy, and projects on the environment.

Bringing Ideas To Life with Julian Clary and David Roberts

Learn how to bring ideas to life through words and pictures with Julian Clary and David Roberts

Good for: Years 3-4, a laugh-out-loud class reader, creative writing, comedy performance, learning about predators and prey, understanding the food chain, and what exploring what it means to belong in a community.

Writing About What You Love with Harriet Muncaster

A KS1 masterclass with author and illustrator Harriet Muncaster

Good for: Creating and describing snowy landscapes, exploring cold climates, writing about what you love, creating hybrid characters, art and aesthetics, PSHE topics relating to friendships and family.

Writing about Witches with Kaye Umansky

Join Kaye Umansky as she talks about the importance of putting your own spin on stereotypical characters

Good for: Students aged 7-8, magical realism, modern day fairytales with a twist, creating potions, reimagining characters, letter writing and writing in non-standard English

Finding Friendships with Tracey Corderoy

Learn about friendships, empathy and building special bonds with animals with Tracey Corderoy

Good for: students aged 6/7, animal lovers and adventurers, friendships, empathy and discussing emotions, creative writing and more.

Mystery and History with Katherine Woodfine

Learn how to write exciting mystery stories set in the past with Katherine Woodfine

Good for: Peril in Paris (ages 9+): setting stories in the past, exciting mystery stories, dual narratives, the Edwardian era, and ground-breaking women. Rose's Dress of Dreams (ages 5+): helping young readers make the jump from reading scheme books, dyslexic readers, learning about dressmaking and encouraging children to follow their dreams.

Historical Fiction with Emma Carroll

Learn how to write historical fiction from the Ancient Egyptians to WWII with Emma Carroll

Good for: Ages 9+, historical fiction, Ancient Egypt, learning about Tutankhamun, dual narratives, feminism, analysing the importance of bias and viewpoint in writing, documenting historical events, stories within stories.

Reimagining Fairytales with Sophie Anderson

Learn how Sophie takes inspiration from Russian folktales to create her own stories full of magic, mystery and wonder

Good for: Ages 9+, studying folktales, reimagining fairytales, mastering the art of personification, PSHE links to friendship.

‘What is Perfect?’ with Helena Duggan

Hear how Helena Duggan created the 'Perfect' world out of some antique glasses and her home town in Ireland

Good for: Ages 10+, fans of 'A Series of Unfortunate Events', creative world-building, setting the tone, creating tension and atmosphere, mystery stories and plot twists.

Mythology with Maz Evans

Hear how Maz Evans used the Greek myths to inspire her bestselling series, 'Who Let The Gods Out?' and watch her hilarious Creativity Masterclass (it's set in a real amphitheatre!)

Good for: KS2, ancient Greeks, Greek mythology, adventure writing, comedy writing, links to PSHE, ages 9+

Exploring Wild Worlds with Angela McAllister

Discover thirteen habitats from around the world with Angela's beautifully crafted Wild World poetry

Good for: poetry, learning about habitats, conservation, ecosystems, animals and the wild world, ages 6-12

Poetry and Prose with Kwame Alexander

Learn how to tell a story through poetry with Kwame Alexander

Good for: Ages 10+, different styles of poetry, telling stories in verse, learning about rhyme and rhythm, reluctant readers, the 1980s, American history, PSHE topics relating to loss, bereavment and self-esteem

Football School with Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton

Enrol into Football School and learn about more than just sport

Good for: ages 7+, non-fiction, non-chronological and chronological reports, match reports, learning about the world through the medium of football, class projects, reluctant readers

Collaborative Comedy with Perdita and Honor Cargill

Join this mother-daughter-duo as they talk about comedy and collaboration

Good for: ages 10+, comedy writing, scriptwriting, collaboration, using text messages and emails to tell a story, drama, speaking and listening objectives, writing with dyslexia

Confident Characterisation with Steven Butler and Steven Lenton

A masterclass in creating confident characters with this author-and-illustrator duo

Good for: ages 7+; character development; fantastical fiction; magical creatures; humour; creative writing opportunities including reviews, recounts, comic books, manuals, menus and newspaper articles.

Looking to the past with Ross Welford

Watch Ross' Creativity Masterclass as he discovers a time capsule and uses historical events for inspiration

Good for: students aged 9+; recognisable characters and settings; lots of cross-curricular links to history and PSHE; creative writing opportunities including poems, sagas, museum display cards, newspaper reports and biographies.

Listening to your Characters with Ross Montgomery

Watch Ross Montgomery's Creativity Masterclass to learn about the importance of listening to your characters

Good for: students aged 9+; an epic adventure full of heart; a compassionate and relatable story featuring a deaf protagonist; exploring how we communicate and celebrating our differences; creative writing opportunities including action sequences, poetry, diary entries and biographies.

Using Fears to Fuel Your Writing With Katie and Kevin Tsang

Watch Katie & Kevin take part in a YouTube-style 'Authorfy Challenge'

Good for: ages 7+; a spooky, fun adventure story; dealing with issues of bullying and diversity; learning about Chinese culture; creating tension and drama; creative writing opportunities including scriptwriting, recounts and instructions.

‘Who Wants To Be A Protagonist?’ with Gary Northfield

Learn how to choose the perfect protagonist in Gary Northfield's Creativity Masterclass (featuring a few special guests)

Good for: Students aged 8+; a historical adventure full of actions, puns and humour; blending if historical fact with fiction; exploring Egyptian culture and beliefs.

Minor Details with Danny Wallace

Danny Wallace shows us how important it is to think about the minor details when writing

Good for: Ages 7+; an action-packed sci fi adventure with aliens, gadgets, secret spies and burps; word play and puns; humour; creative writing opportunities including letters, recipes and newspaper reports.

Hopes and Dreams with Lara Williamson

Watch Lara Williamson's whimsical Creativity Masterclass and learn about the importance of hopes and dreams in her writing

Good for: students aged 9+; character development; PSHE topics relating to family, emotions, adoption and personal discovery; a relatable narrative, a character-led story full of emotion and empathy; a heart-warming exploration of what it means to be part of a family.

Boosting Confidence with Guy Bass

A Creativity Masterclass in how to believe in your own ideas and boost confidence

Good for: students aged 7+; a fun story full of adventure, action and danger; spy gadgets; dinosaurs; comic book style storytelling; puns and humour; and creative writing opportunities including poems, fact files and newspaper articles.

Writing and Radio with Christian O’Connell

The story of Radio Boy is brought to life with Christian O'Connell and protagonist 'Spike'

Good for: students aged 8+; an uplifting, funny story about an ordinary boy with an extraordinary secret; PSHE discussions about what makes us special; creative writing opportunities including poetry, newspaper articles, letters and scripts.