Book recommendations
The Little Books of the Little Brontës
By Sara O’Leary
Illustrated by Briony May Smith
Walker Books
ISBN 9781529518313
£14.99
Many years ago, the four children of the Brontë family – Charlotte, Branwell, Emily and Anne – lived in a windswept house by the Yorkshire moors with their father. Although their lives were often filled with sadness and their world was only as large as the distance they could walk, their inner worlds were bound only by their imaginations. Hungry for stories, these children devoured novels and poetry, history and fables. And with the gift of a group of toy soldiers, they were inspired to make their own tiny books. Instructions to make your own little book are included. Aged 4+
Black Hole Cinema Club
By Christopher Edge
Nosy Crow
ISBN 9781839942730
£7.99
Lucas and his friends are excited about the movie marathon ahead. But as the lights go down, they watch in disbelief as a jet-black tidal wave comes crashing out of the cinema screen and they find themselves swept into an epic adventure. Secret hideouts. Prehistoric monsters. Lost cities. Impossible missions. The cliffhanger scenes they’re pitched into become ever more perilous, Lucas and his friends start to wonder if these movies are really make believe. Can they save the day before the end credits roll? A terrific roller coaster ride. Age 9+
Recently published reports
What Kids Are Reading Report 2024
The ‘What Kids Are Reading Report 2024’, exclusively from Renaissance, features Renaissance Star Reading and Accelerated Reader data from almost 6,500 schools and 1,300,000 students.
- The UK-wide study from Renaissance reveals a 4.4% decrease in the number of books read by pupils year-on-year.
- A decline in reading hits Year 9s, with secondary school pupils reading at the same level as primary pupils, but increasing daily reading time could offer significant improvements in attainment.
- Children are searching for more representative and aspirational role models, and books by Marcus Rashford, Maria Isabel Sanchez, and Bryan Patrick Avery top the reading charts.
Now in its 16th year, this report remains the country’s most in-depth analysis of the books actually read and enjoyed by primary and secondary-age children over the entire school year.
Coming up…
You might want to promote or become involved in The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge. What is the Summer Reading Challenge? 1 in 4 children cannot read well by the age of 11. This hugely limits their life choices and skills. We’re on a mission to change this. The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children to keep reading during the summer holidays, ensuring they are ready for a great start to the new term in the autumn. Children set a reading goal and collect rewards for reading anything they enjoy. Children can sign up at their local library or online, and it’s FREE to take part. This year’s Challenge is called Marvellous Makers and it’s all about creativity! From dance to drawing, junk modelling to music, there’s something for everyone. This year’s theme has been developed in partnership with a leading arts charity, Create. The Challenge starts on Saturday 22 June in Scotland and online, and on Saturday 6 July in England and Wales.
Useful resources
- With the election coming up, you might want to explore recommended books about politics and democracy for primary schools
- Brenda Marshall, Reviews Editor for English 4-11, also rates I also like Scott Evans’ The Reader-Teacher with monthly updates, a poster, and helpful booklists
