Classroom Resources

BOOK: ‘The Fire Cats of London’ by Anna Fargher

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: Learning about the Great Fire of London and The Great Plague in 1066; converting old money into our current currency; learning about apothecaries, the Vermin Act, Elizabethan entertainment, health and hygiene during the Tudor times; and more.

BOOK: ‘The Magic Faraway Tree: A New Adventure’ by Jacqueline Wilson

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 6+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes of magical worlds, instructional writing, storytelling, imagination and creativity, exploring the natural world

BOOK: ‘The Wondrous Prune’ by Ellie Clements

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes of identity, superpowers, drawing, friendship, bullying, feelings, bereavement and moving house

RESOURCES CREATED BY: SHAPES for Schools

BOOK: ‘The Thief Who Sang Storms’ by Sophie Anderson

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes of conflict and division, grief, kindness, empathy, love, courage, community and working together

RESOURCES CREATED BY: SHAPES for Schools

BOOK: ‘The Castle of Tangled Magic’ by Sophie Anderson

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: ‘The Castle of Tangled Magic’ readalong, extract prompts, discussion points and more

BOOK: ‘Billie Swift Takes Flight’ by Iszi Lawrence

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: A WWII poster to display in your classroom or library

BOOK: ‘Same But Different’ by Molly Potter

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 5+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring diversity using everyday examples and colourful illustrations

BOOK: ‘Ace of Spades’ by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 14+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes of marginalised groups, privilege, secrets and happy endings

RESOURCES CREATED BY: SHAPES for Schools

BOOK: ‘Julia and the Shark’ by Kiran Millwood Hargrave & Tom de Freston

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes of family, friendship, mental health, racism, the environment, marine biology and more

RESOURCES CREATED BY: SHAPES for Schools

BOOK: ‘Shadowghast’ by Thomas Taylor

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: Comprehension questions and cross-curricular activities around ‘Shadowghast’

RESOURCES MADE BY: The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE). These resources have been made to provide schools with ideas to develop comprehension and cross-curricular activities around this text. CLPE provide a wide range free teaching resources for primary schools. Please visit www.clpe.org.uk to find out more.

BOOK: ‘A Glasshouse of Stars’ by Shirley Marr

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 8+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes of big feelings, imagination, self expression, communication, displacement, heritage, celebrating difference and more

RESOURCES CREATED BY: SHAPES for Schools

BOOK: ‘A Glasshouse of Stars’ by Shirley Marr

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 8+

PERFECT FOR: Discussion questions, book quotes and ideas relating to ‘A Glasshouse of Stars’

RESOURCES CREATED BY: SHAPES for Schools

BOOK: ‘Edie Eckhart’ by Rosie Jones

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes such as inclusion, celebrating differences, disabilities, friendship and identity

RESOURCES MADE BY: SHAPES for Schools

BOOK: ‘GIRL (in real life)’ by Tamsin Winter

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 11+

PERFECT FOR: Building reading, writing and speaking & listening skills, as well as encouraging students to reflect on the double-edged power of social media

BOOK: ‘The Way To Impossible Island’ by Sophie Kirtley

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes of the natural world, gender equality, myths and legends, hopes and dreams

RESOURCES CREATED BY: SHAPES for Schools

BOOK: ‘Digger and Me’ by Ros Roberts

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: Comprehension questions and cross-curricular activities around ‘Digger and Me’

BOOK: ‘Twitch’ by M.G. Leonard

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: Comprehension questions and cross-curricular activities around ‘Twitch’

RESOURCES MADE BY: The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE). These resources have been made to provide schools with ideas to develop comprehension and cross-curricular activities around this text. CLPE provide a wide range free teaching resources for primary schools. Please visit www.clpe.org.uk to find out more.

BOOK: ‘Nen and the Lonely Fisherman’ by Ian Eagleton and James Mayhew

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 6+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes of fairy tales, loneliness, bravery, looking after our oceans and love.

BOOK: ‘Violet’s Tempest’ by Ian Eagleton

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 7+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring key themes of worry, friendship, self-confidence, Shakespeare, freedom, family, bravery, magic and loss

BOOK: ‘Maria’s Island’ by Victoria Hislop

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

RESOURCES MADE BY: The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE). These resources have been made to provide schools with ideas to develop comprehension and cross-curricular activities around this text. CLPE provide a wide range free teaching resources for primary schools. Please visit www.clpe.org.uk to find out more.

BOOK: ‘The Yearbook’ by Holly Bourne

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 14+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes of finding your voice, familial abuse, falling in love, bullying and more

RESOURCES CREATED BY: SHAPES for Schools

BOOK: ‘The Lightning Catcher’ by Clare Weze

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes of home, weird weather, incredible creatures and adventure writing

RESOURCES CREATED BY: SHAPES for Schools

BOOK: ‘The Truths We Hold: Young Readers Edition’ by Kamala Harris

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 11+

PERFECT FOR: Reading group / book group guide

BOOK: ‘Pop!’ by Mitch Johnson

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring environmental issues, sustainable design, global citizenship and more

BOOK: ‘The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates’ by Jenny Pearson

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 8+

PERFECT FOR: Writing newspaper articles, exploring themes of being ‘proud’ and what makes a superhero, links to reading, writing PSHE, Art, Design & Technology and drama.

BOOK: ‘The Incredible Record Smashers’ by Jenny Pearson

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 8+

PERFECT FOR: An assembly on the importance of being kind, happiness, mental health and wellbeing

BOOK: ‘The Incredible Record Smashers’ by Jenny Pearson

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 8+

PERFECT FOR: A guide to ‘The Incredible Record Smashers’ assembly pack

BOOK: ‘Climate Action’ by Georgina Stevens

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 7+

PERFECT FOR: Learning about the causes of climate change and how it is affecting our world.

BOOK: ‘Climate Action’ by Georgina Stevens

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 7+

PERFECT FOR: Creative ideas for tackling the climate crisis.

BOOK: ‘Climate Action’ by Georgina Stevens

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 7+

PERFECT FOR: Displaying posters about climate change in your home, classroom or library.

BOOK: ‘Cardboard Cowboys’ by Brian Conaghan

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 10+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes of bullying, body confidence, homelessness, unexpected friendships and more

RESOURCES CREATED BY: SHAPES for Schools

BOOK: ‘Fall Off, Get Back On, Keep Going’ by Clare Balding

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes of patience, finding your voice, embracing challenges and developing resilience

BOOK: ‘The Outlaws of Scarlett and Browne’ by Jonathan Stroud

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 11+

RESOURCES MADE BY: The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE). These resources have been made to provide schools with ideas to develop comprehension and cross-curricular activities around this text. CLPE provide a wide range free teaching resources for primary schools. Please visit www.clpe.org.uk to find out more.

BOOK: ‘The Unbelievable Biscuit Factory’ by James Harris

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: Fun writing challenges and designing biscuits!

BOOK: ‘Bone Music’ by David Almond

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 12+

PERFECT FOR: Discussion questions based on the book

Note: This book covers some sensitive issues. It is advised that teachers/parents/carers read the book before sharing with students.

BOOK: ‘The Storm Keeper’ trilogy by Catherine Doyle

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: Descriptive writing, creating mythical creatures, writing about memories and using the five senses, plus links to art & design, history, geography and more.

BOOK: ‘Fantastically Great Women: Scientists and their Stories’ by Kate Pankhurst

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 5+

PERFECT FOR: Learning about female scientists and discovering things that are out of this world…

BOOK: ‘The Weather Weaver’ by Tamsin Mori

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 8+

PERFECT FOR: Designing book covers, creating your own myths and legends, researching cloud types, writing diary entries.

BOOK: ‘What Did The Tree See?’ by Charlotte Guillain & Sam Usher

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 5+

PERFECT FOR: The life cycle of a tree, the seasons, local history and looking after the natural world

BOOKS: ‘What We’ll Build’ by Oliver Jeffers

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 5+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes such as the importance of illustration in building a narrative, developing emotional connections, exploring fantasy and real world innovation

RESOURCES MADE BY: The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE). These resources have been made to provide schools with ideas to develop comprehension and cross-curricular activities around this text. CLPE provide a wide range free teaching resources for primary schools. Please visit www.clpe.org.uk to find out more.

Photo Credit: Brigitte Lacombe

BOOK: ‘The Shark Caller’ by Zillah Bethell

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: Studying themes of identity, home, religion and rituals, sharks, Papa New Guinea, the ocean, grief, loss and more.

BOOK: ‘The Shark Caller’ by Zillah Bethell

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: Discovering more about Zillah’s childhood and story inspirations

BOOKS: ‘Meesha Makes Friends’, ‘Ravi’s Roar’, ‘Ruby’s Worry’ and ‘Perfectly Norman’ by Tom Percival

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 5+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes such as travel and exploration, magic, world building and environmental issues

CLASSROOM RESOURCES

BOOK: ‘Strangeworlds Travel Agency’ by L.D. Lapinski

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 8+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes such as travel and exploration, magic, world building and environmental issues

HOME LEARNING RESOURCES

BOOK: ‘Strangeworlds Travel Agency’ by L.D. Lapinski

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 8+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes such as travel and exploration, magic, world building and environmental issues

BOOK: ‘The Night Bus Hero’ by Onjali Q. Rauf

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes such as bullying, homelessness, kindness and being a hero

BOOK: ‘Boot’ by Shane Hegarty

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 8+

PERFECT FOR: Comprehension questions, writing activities, planning, drafting, evaluating, debating, coding, and other design technology activities

BOOK: ‘Wizards of Once’ by Cressida Cowell

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 8+

PERFECT FOR: Boosting imaginations using three key superpowers: creativity, empathy and intelligence

BOOK: ‘Break The Mould’ by Sinéad Burke

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 8+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes of big dreams, showing empathy and kindness, celebrating difference and creating an inclusive world

BOOK: ‘The Boy Who Sang With Dragons’ by Andy Shepherd

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 7+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes such as dragons, magic and mystery, adventure writing, friendship and inclusivity

BOOK: ‘Cookie and the Most Annoying Girl in the World’ by Konnie Huq

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 7+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes such as saving the planet, fear, forest club and growing up

BOOK: ‘Robin Hood’ by Robert Muchamore

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes such as modernising folklore, corruption, survival in the forest and being an outlaw

BOOK: ‘Flight’ by Vanessa Harbour

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: Learning about the ‘Show, Don’t Tell’ rule, characterisation, world building, writing historical fiction and linking to cross-curricular subjects

BOOK: ‘Grace Ella: Witch Camp’ by Sharon Marie Jones

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 7+

PERFECT FOR: Drawing maps, reading and writing riddles, writing short stories, building suspense, understanding feelings and more

BOOK: ‘Grace Ella: Spells for Beginners’ by Sharon Marie Jones

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 7+

PERFECT FOR: Creating character profiles, writing rhyming spells, fact files, looking at dialogue, discussing bullying and more

BOOK: ‘Voyage of the Sparrowhawk’ by Natasha Farrant

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: Comprehension questions, writing opportunities and cross-curricular objectives

BOOKS: ‘What Can I Do When I Grow Up’, ‘An Emotional Menagerie’ and ‘Big Ideas for Curious Minds’

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 7+

PERFECT FOR: Developing passions, acquiring communication skills and starting to understand the world and our place within it

BOOK: ‘It’s Ok To Cry’ by Molly Potter

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 5+

PERFECT FOR: Activities for fun and reflection during lockdown

BOOK: ‘It’s Ok To Cry’ by Molly Potter

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 5+

PERFECT FOR: Helping friends, exploring emotions and unhelpful reactions, understanding thoughts and feelings.

BOOK: Several books by Tony Bradman, Saviour Pirotta, Stuart Hill and Terry Deary

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 7+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring fact vs fiction, researching authors, comparing and contrasting language, visualisation and writing activities

BOOK: ‘Football Superstars’ by Simon Mugford and Dan Green

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 6+

PERFECT FOR: Writing biographies and exploring themes of superstardom, facing challenges, role models and history makers.

BOOK: ‘Malamander’ by Thomas Taylor

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: Comprehension questions, plus activities such as reading by moonlight, creating legends of ‘Eerie-on-Sea’, creating beach bucket collages and performing musical seaside scenes.

BOOK: ‘Alex Rider’ by Anthony Horowitz

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: Developing descriptive and creative writing at KS2/KS3, including exploring different genres, writing strong lead characters, devising mission files, developing settings and creating pacey stories.

BOOK: ‘Concrete Rose’ by Angie Thomas

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 14+

PERFECT FOR: Discussing narrative style, reality vs fiction, black manhood, unhappy balance, what is in a name, loyalty, and microcosms and universality.

RESOURCES MADE BY: The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE). These resources have been made to provide schools with ideas to develop comprehension and cross-curricular activities around this text. CLPE provide a wide range free teaching resources for primary schools. Please visit www.clpe.org.uk to find out more.

BOOK: ‘Concrete Rose’ by Angie Thomas

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 14+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes of drug and alcohol education, sex and relationships, euro-centricity of the American public school curriculum and chapter-by-chapter questions.

RESOURCES MADE BY: The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE). These resources have been made to provide schools with ideas to develop comprehension and cross-curricular activities around this text. CLPE provide a wide range free teaching resources for primary schools. Please visit www.clpe.org.uk to find out more.

BOOK: ‘The Perfect Parent Project’ by Stewart Foster

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes of identity, family, home, friendship, celebrating difference and being kind.

BOOK: ‘Bravo, Mr. William Shakespeare’ & ‘Mr William Shakespeare’s Plays’ by Marcia Williams

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 6+

PERFECT FOR: Directing, acting and designing your own Shakespeare play

BOOK: ‘The Train To Impossible Places’ by P.G. Bell

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: A focus on letter writing, formal and informal writing, and creating magical stamps

BOOK: ‘Turtle Boy’ by M. Evan Wolkenstein

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: Discussion questions, exploring the themes of memory, emotions and the environment, and fun creative activities

BOOK: ‘Monstrous Devices’ by Damien Love

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 11+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes such as power, bullying, trust and myths & legends, links to art, geography and English and creative writing

BOOK: ‘Talking To Alaska’ by Anna Woltz

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 11+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes such as identity, difference and uniqueness, fear and bravery, disability and invisible disabilities, bullying and more.

BOOK: ‘Toto the Ninja Cat’ by Dermot O’Leary and Nick East

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 7+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring cat characters, superheroes, comic strip stories, plotting journeys, mysterious objects and more.

BOOK: Links to ‘Rooftoppers’, ‘The Wolf Wilder’, ‘The Explorer’ and ‘The Good Thieves’ by Katherine Rundell

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9+

PERFECT FOR: Exploring themes of adventure, travel and the power of stories, discovering different locations such as Paris, Russia, the Amazon Rainforest and 1920s New York, and more.