Logo credit : Ryan K. Russell Instagram
We have put together book lists of popular genres to help you learn more about a genre, explore exciting books and find your next read. Scroll down to have a look at our recommended reads along with digital links to interviews, podcasts, graphic novels and more. The genres featured :
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POETRY CORNER For poetry websites and activities click on the links below: The National Poetry Library The Poetry Foundation The Children's Poetry Archive Poetry by Heart The Poetry Society Top tips on how to start writing poems |
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Focus on Science Fiction
Focus on Science Fiction
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Focus on Black Voices
Focus on Black Voices
Literature is one of the best ways to understand and appreciate the triumphs and challenges of a community. We have put together a list of books and online resources to share black stories and black voices and to help you explore race, identity, family and community.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
One night, Starr and her childhood friend Khalil get pulled over by police. They end up shooting and killing Khalil after apparently mistaking the boy's hairbrush for a gun. Starr is the only witness and must decide whether to use her voice to try and fight for justice. What follows is a brilliant and fantastically told exploration of race in America - and of growing up, too. - Watch a trailer of the movie based on the book here - Listen to the author talking about the inspiration for the book here - Watch a Q&A session with the author here - Read an interview with the author here - Read a review written by Alex Wheatle here |
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
Bri wants to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. As the daughter of an underground hip-hop legend who died right before he hit big, Bri’s got massive shoes to fill. But when her first song goes viral for all the wrong reasons, Bri finds herself at the centre of controversy. And with an eviction notice staring her family down, Bri no longer just wants to make it - she has to! Even if it means becoming the very thing the public has made her out to be. - Watch the author rap from one of the opening chapters of the book here - Watch the author introduce the book here - Listen to the author talk to Romesh Ranganathan in the podcast ‘Hip-Hop Saved My Life’ |
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
Sixty seconds. Seven floors. One elevator. Fifteen-year-old Will’s brother has just been shot, and Will is ready to follow “The Rules”: 1) “No Crying.” 2) “No Snitching.” 3) “Get Revenge.” But on the ride down, with his brother’s gun in his pocket, his plan is interrupted by a few visitors. This novel in verse is a surreal journey of discovery, guided by the ghosts of other dead people in Will’s life. - Listen to the author talk about what inspired him to write the book here - Watch an interview with the author here - Listen to the author reading from his book here Note that this novel has strong themes and language |
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
Josh and JB are identical twins and basketball legends at their school. As the boys build up to one of the most important matches of their lives, tensions grow between them and things at home and at school also add to the pressure. The only time they feel truly themselves is on the court. But is basketball enough to help them navigate the tricky transition to young adulthood? A novel in poetry of many different forms from rap to haiku and free verse. - Watch Kwame Alexander reading an excerpt of the book here - Watch Kwame Alexander beatboxing a poem from the book here - Watch the book trailer here - Watch an interview with the author here - Watch a trailer of the graphic novel version of the book here - Listen to the author’s poem Take a Knee here |
Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman
In this novel, people are divided into two: the white Noughts are second-class citizens, and the black Crosses are highly revered and perceived as the superior race. 15-year-old Callum is a Nought, and his best friend, Sephy, as well as being a Cross, is also the daughter of one of the most influential politicians in the country. The story focuses on their relationship, which is frowned upon by society, and explores the discrimination they encounter at every turn. - Watch the series on BBC iPlayer - Watch an interview with Malorie Blackman here - Watch the author talk about her new book in the series and anti-immigrant feeling in the UK here - Take a quiz on the story here - Read a Q&A with the author here - Follow this link for tips from the author on how to structure a story |
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a 1969 autobiography describing the early years of American writer and poet Maya Angelou. The first in a seven-volume series, it is an inspirational story that illustrates how strength of character and a love of literature can help overcome racism and trauma. - Listen to a radio dramatisation of the book here - Watch the author perform one of her famous poems And Still I Rise here - Listen to another of the author’s poems Caged Bird about the struggle for freedom here - Watch an interview with the author talking about her childhood here - Watch a biography of Maya Angelou here |
The Life of Stephen Lawrence by Verna Wilkins
And I Still Rise by Doreen Lawrence Stephen Lawrence was a bright, athletic, young man with high hopes for the future. He lived in south-east London with his family. On 22 April 1993, he was brutally murdered while he was waiting for the bus. He was eighteen years old. After the initial police investigation, five suspects were arrested but not convicted. A public inquiry into the handling of Stephen’s case was held in 1998, leading to the publication of the Macpherson Report, which has led to profound cultural changes in attitudes to racism, to the law and to police practice. It also paved the way for a greater understanding of discrimination of all forms and new equalities legislation. - Read a profile of Stephen Lawrence here - Read an article - The Stephen Lawrence case : how it changed Britain here - Watch these clips to learn more about the Stephen Lawrence case - Watch a clip on how the Stephen Lawrence murder changed Britain here - Watch a black policeman's view on the Stephen Lawrence murder here - Stephen Lawrence's father revisits the scene of this son's murder in this clip - Watch a clip about Stephen Lawrence's friend talk about him here |
Refugee Boy by Benjamin Zephaniah
Alem is on holiday with his father for a few days in London. He has never been out of Ethiopia before and is very excited. One morning Alem wakes up and finds out his father has left him. It is only when the owner of the bed and breakfast hands him a letter that Alem is given an explanation. Alem's father admits that because of the political problems in Ethiopia both he and Alem's mother felt Alem would be safer in London - even though it is breaking their hearts to do this. Alem is now on his own, in the hands of the social services and the Refugee Council. He lives from letter to letter, waiting to hear from his father, and about his mother, who has now gone missing... - Watch actor Alexander Vlahos talk about the book here - Watch an interview with the author here |
Crongton Knights by Alex Wheatle
McKay's life on the South Crongton Estate is rough. His Mum has died, his Dad works all hours of the day to keep away the Bailiffs, and his brother is always out looking for trouble. McKay never looks for trouble, but in one mad night he will come face to face with a friend's crazy ex-boyfriend, the wrong guys from the wrong estate, and a vicious drug dealer with a very personal vendetta. All because he tried to help a girl in need. - Watch an interview with the author here |
Pigeon English by Stephen Kelman
Eleven-year-old Harrison Opoku, the second-best runner in Year 7, races through his new life in England with his personalised trainers, the Adidas stripes drawn on with marker pen, blissfully unaware of the very real threat around him. Newly arrived from Ghana with his mother and older sister Lydia, Harri absorbs the many strange elements of city life, from the bewildering array of Haribo sweets, to the frightening, fascinating gang of older boys from his school. But his life is changed forever when one of his friends is murdered. As the victim's nearly new football boots hang in tribute on railings behind fluorescent tape and a police appeal draws only silence, Harri decides to act, unwittingly endangering the fragile web his mother has spun around her family to keep them safe. - Watch a review of the book here - Watch an interview with the author here |
Poems
- Read the poem Two Guns in the sky for Daniel Harris here and watch a performance of the poem here - Read the Poem You’re Not Black by Amy Saunders who was shortlisted for the Foyle’s Poet of the Year award 2019 here - Go here for poems, articles and podcasts that explore African American history and culture. |
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Read for Empathy
Read for Empathy
Reading allows us to see and understand that world through the eyes of others. – Chris Riddell, author.
Books have a unique power to help us see the world through the eyes of characters whose experiences are very different from our own. To celebrate Empathy Day 2020 we have shared some of our favourite books which help foster empathy and kindness.
Books have a unique power to help us see the world through the eyes of characters whose experiences are very different from our own. To celebrate Empathy Day 2020 we have shared some of our favourite books which help foster empathy and kindness.
Can You See Me? by Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott
Starting secondary school is a daunting time for any 11 year old – and Natalia (known as Tally) is no exception. Acclimatising to new surroundings and learning the ways of different teachers is proving tough. In addition to the universal challenges of being 11, Tally is also autistic. She often struggles to make sense of other people's actions and language. And now, as she enters this new stage in her life, she is becoming painfully aware of the way she is perceived, feeling an almost unbearable pressure to try to conform. This innovative book is a collaboration between author Rebecca Westcott and a talented young blogger (herself autistic). In addition to helping shape the characters and plot, Libby supplies Tally's diary entries, thus offering the reader an authentic insight into one girl's perspective of the condition, along with valuable practical tips. - To learn more about autism watch this clip - Listen to the authors talk about the book - To watch more clips featuring the authors click here |
Lampie by Annet Schaap
Every evening Lampie the lighthouse keeper's daughter must light a lantern to warn ships away from the rocks. But one stormy night disaster strikes. The lantern goes out, a ship is wrecked and an adventure begins. In disgrace, Lampie is sent to work as a maid at the Admiral's Black House, where rumour has it that a monster lurks in the tower. But what she finds there is stranger and more beautiful than any monster. Soon Lampie is drawn into a fairy-tale adventure in a world of mermaids and pirates, where she must fight with all her might for friendship, freedom and the right to be different. - To list to a podcast Interview with Annet Schaap and Laura Watkinson (translator) click here - To watch the author read the opening words of her book while illustrating a scene from its pages follow this link |
The Deepest Breath by Meg Grehan
Stevie is eleven and loves reading and sea-creatures. She lives with her mum, and she has been best friends with Andrew since forever. Stevie's mum teases her that someday they will get married, but Stevie knows that will not ever happen. There is a girl at school that she likes more. A lot more. Actually, she is a bit confused about how much she likes her. It is nothing like the way she likes Andrew. It makes her fizz inside. That is a new feeling, one she does not understand. Stevie needs to find out if girls can like girls - love them, even - but it is hard to get any information, and she is too shy to ask out loud about it. But maybe she can find an answer in a book. With the help of a librarian, Stevie finds stories of girls loving girls, and builds up her courage to share the truth with her mum. - Watch a review of the book here |
Kick the Moon by Muhammed Khan
Fifteen-year-old Ilyas is under pressure from everyone: GCSE's are looming and his teachers just will not let up, his dad wants him to join the family business and his mates do not care about any of it. There's no space in Ilyas' life to just be a teenager. Serving detention one day, Ilyas finds a kindred spirit in Kelly Matthews, who is fed up with being pigeonholed as the good girl, and their friendship blows the social strata of high school wide open. But when Kelly catches the eye of one of the local bad boys, Imran, he decides to seduce her for a bet – and Ilyas is faced with losing the only person who understands him. Standing up to Imran puts Ilyas' family at risk, but it's time for him to be the superhero he draws in his comic-books, and go kick the moon. - To watch the author speak at the Hay Festival click here |
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
Like most ten-year olds, August ('Auggie') Pullman just wants to be accepted at his new school, especially as he has been previously been home-schooled. However, Auggie cannot help but stand out - he was born with a severe facial deformity. Most people react with horror to his appearance and do not take the time to meet the smart, funny, Star Wars-loving boy underneath. Written in the first person, Wonder follows Auggie as he experiences more than the usual ups-and-downs of friendships, family and school. The story is also told from the perspective of other characters, providing glimpses into their own behaviour and exploring the impact our actions can have on others. Thought-provoking, engaging and uplifting, this is a wonderful read with a powerful message - we can all choose to be kind. - To listen to a review of the book click here - To listen to the author talk about her inspiration for the book click here |
No Fixed Address by Susin Neilsen
Felix has not always lived in a van. In fact, there was a time when his life was happy, settled and secure. And, to be fair, living in the van over the summer had been fun. A bit of an adventure. Four months later, as winter begins in earnest, the novelty has most definitely worn off and Felix is beginning to realise that, although his mum is a great person, she may not be a great parent. But if he can get accepted as a contestant on Canada’s biggest quiz show, maybe he can be the one to turn their fortunes around? Felix’s story is hard to put down and, while it does not shy away from the grim reality of "accidental" homelessness, this gritty, contemporary issue is tackled with sensitivity and gentle humour. - Read about the inspiration behind the book here |
Illegal by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin
Illegal tells the story of Ebo, a 12-year-old boy who flees grinding poverty, zero opportunities and a drunken uncle in his small village in Africa. His brother Kwame and sister Sisi have already left in the hope of a better life in Europe and he is determined to find them en route. Before he even can hope to find a boat to get him to Europe, Ebo has to make the perilous journey across Sahara Desert. And then the boat he manages to find passage on (for a small fortune) is a small six-person rubber dinghy, now carrying 14 passengers… The graphic novel is heart-stoppingly powerful with beautiful images. Ebo is a wonderful hero: so resourceful, hardworking, clever, brave and funny. Although Ebo’s story is fictional, it has been inspired by facts, based on extensive interviews and research. - Listen to the Eoin Colfer talking about books here - Listen to Andrew Donkin talk about the book here |
Jemima Small Versus the Universe by Tamsin Winter
Jemima Small is brilliant. She knows more stuff about more things than almost anyone she knows. Which means she should be an ideal candidate to make it through the selection process for her favourite TV quiz show, Brainiacs. But being mocked by bullies and selected for the school’s healthy lifestyle group (aka Fat Club) have made her feel invisible. After all, why on earth would anyone want to watch a girl as big as her on TV? Jemima’s journey towards self-acceptance is painful and takes every ounce of courage she can muster but, with the help of her best friend and an inspirational adult, she might just get there. - Read the first chapter of the book here - Watch a review of the book here |
BOOKS FOR OLDER READERS
Toffee by Sarah Crossan
Allison has run away from home and an abusive father, with nothing and no one. In desperation, she lives in the shed outside what she thinks is an abandoned house. Then, she meets its owner, Marla, who has dementia. Marla thinks Allison is her old friend Toffee, and so Allison decides to become Toffee. She is a girl trying to forget and Marla is a woman trying to remember, and an unusual real friendship develops against the odds. This verse novel goes straight to the heart and explores complex themes of identity and personhood. It is the question teenagers most want to explore: who am I and what is my place in the world? Note that this novel has references to physical abuse, teenage drinking and strong language. - Listen to Sophie talking about her experience living with her grandma who has dementia here - Listen to the author talking about how she writes poetry here |
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
A boy comes to terms with his identity as a mixed-race gay teen - then at university he finds his wings as a drag artist, The Black Flamingo. A bold story about the power of embracing your uniqueness. Sometimes, we need to take charge, to stand up wearing pink feathers - to show ourselves to the world in bold colour. Note: This novel has references to sex and is more suitable to Year 9 + students - Dean Atta performs his poem 'How to come out as gay' here - Shakespeare's Telling Tales : The Black Flamingo with Dean Atta watch here - Watch The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta / Directed by Lisa Cazzato Vieyra here |
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
Meet Aza Holmes. She is a teenager, bright but hemmed in by troubles: introverted, obsessed by bacteria and the transmission of disease, her every thought is edged by doubt and reflection. Daisy, however, is her Best and Most Fearless Friend, and Daisy has a plan. A plan involving a missing billionaire and the promise of a hundred thousand dollar reward, money that could be theirs if only they could figure out where he has gone. That is where Russell comes in, and that’s where things start to get really interesting. Combining mystery, love, truth, courage and the meaning of real friendship, Turtles all the Way Down stands as John Green’s most personal story yet, drawing deep on his own experience of growing up in an uncertain world. Note that this novel has references to sex, violence, teenage drinking and strong language. - Read a review of the book by Bill Gates here - Listen to the author read the first chapter here |
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Myths and Legends
Myths and Legends
Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan To watch the author talk about his inspiration for the Percy Jackson series click here Click here to watch the author discuss the movies based on his books Oh My Gods by Alexandra Sheppard Click here To watch the author talk about her book and 21st Century Gods |
If you would like to learn more about Greek Mythology follow these links:
- Read Odyssey by Homer a classical Greek Mythology book - Read 2 poems based on the Odyssey- Ulysses and Ithaka - Learn more about Greek Gods here - Learn about the Science behind Myths in this TED-Ed clip - Watch a Horrible Histories clip about Helen of Troy |
The Dark is Rising series by Susan Cooper
To listen to the author discuss her book and influences click here The book was made into a movie called The Seeker. Click here to watch a trailer of the movie The book is based on Arthurian legends, Celtic and Norse Mythology and English Folklore. If you would like to read more stories about King Arthur click here |
1001 Arabian Nights Rimsky-Korsakov composed a Symphonic suite called Scheherazade based on the book. Click here to watch a trailer of the book and music from The Cleveland Orchestra |
The Girl who Speaks Bear by Sophie Anderson To watch the author read the prologue of the book click here |
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Armchair Travel
Armchair Travel
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The Call of the Wild – Jack London - To listen to the audiobook for free, go to Audible or BBC Sounds - Watch a trailer of the movie based on the book - Read about Canada’s remote Yukon territory which inspired the author |
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Focus on Historical Fiction
Focus on Historical Fiction
Historical Fiction is a literary genre where the plot is set in the past. Below are a few well known historical fiction books together with some interesting links you might enjoy
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - John Boyne - To learn more about the Holocaust, read one of the most famous first person accounts written by Anne Frank - The Diary of a Young Girl. - Click here to learn more about Anne Frank -Learn more about the Holocaust here - Watch a clip with John Boyne’s tips for aspiring writers |
Things a Bright Girl can do – Sally Nichols
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Coram Boy – Jamila Gavin - To listen to how the author was inspired to write the book go here
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Hetty Feather – Jacqueline Wilson
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Focus on Dystopia
The Cambridge dictionary defines dystopia as a very bad or unfair society in which there is a lot of suffering, especially an imaginary society in the future, after something terrible has happened. Dystopian novels are exciting to read and often the issues are very similar to the issues we face in real life, especially now.
Below is a list of some of the most popular and classic dystopian novels. We have included links to interviews with authors, games and trailers which we thought might be of interest. Some dystopian novels are based on technological control, where advances in technology go beyond improving lives and become a controlling and oppressive force. If you are interested in learning more about machine learning have a look at some of these resources from The Royal Society listed below. Finally take our quiz to test your knowledge on dystopian fiction (answers are at the end for you to self-check).
Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman
- You can watch the series on BBC iPlayer. Look out for Stormzy who is in the cast.Stormzy plays newspaper editor Kolawale, a character created for the TV series, and admits: “As a diehard fan of Malorie’s novels, being a part of this important show is a dream come true.” - malorieblackman.co.uk
- You can watch the series on BBC iPlayer. Look out for Stormzy who is in the cast.Stormzy plays newspaper editor Kolawale, a character created for the TV series, and admits: “As a diehard fan of Malorie’s novels, being a part of this important show is a dream come true.” - malorieblackman.co.uk
- - To watch an interview with Malorie Blackman go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VV7d5PCBp24
The Giver - Lois Lowry
- - Follow this link to see a trailer of the movie based on the book https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvp6FnYWRZU
Uglies - Scott Westerfeld
- - The author has written a short story in the extended Uglies universe. Click here to read it.
The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
- - For a short introduction to the book go to: https://www.worldbookday.com/stories/the-hunger-games/
The Maze Runner - James Dashner
1984 - George Orwell
- -Listen to the UK’s first live reading of 1984 at Senate House, the inspiration for Orwell’s ‘Ministry of Truth’ https://www.orwellfoundation.com/the-orwell-foundation/orwell/books-by-orwell/nineteen-eighty-four/
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Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury
- - Click here to see a trailer of the movie based on Ray Bradbury’s iconic dystopian novel
Lord of the Flies - William Golding
- - Watch an interview the author - https://www.william-golding.co.uk/books/lord-of-the-flies
- Read about The read Lord of the Flies here https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/may/09/the-real-lord-of-the-flies-what-happened-when-six-boys-were-shipwrecked-for-15-months
Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
- - To listen to the audiobook go to Audible
- - To listen to Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss this novel go to https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00jn8bc
Animal Farm - George Orwell
- -To listen to Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss this novel go to https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b07wgkz4
Below is a video and two infographics from The Royal Society on Machine Learning:
Something to think about….
What other dystopian novels have you read? What ideas do they explore / exaggerate about society?
Check your knowledge of Dystopian literature with this quiz - dystopia_quiz.pdf
- What is machine learning (animation 3:27mins)
- What is machine learning (can machines really learn?) (infographic)
- Machine learning and the world around you (infographic)
Something to think about….
What other dystopian novels have you read? What ideas do they explore / exaggerate about society?
Check your knowledge of Dystopian literature with this quiz - dystopia_quiz.pdf
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Focus on Classics
Focus on Classics
Reading classic books not only improves writing skills and vocabulary but is also a good way to learn about societies of the past. If you would like to catch up with your Classics reading and wow your English teachers with your new-found knowledge, you can find hundreds of books, organised alphabetically by author, here.
For younger teens :
For older teens:
For younger teens :
- Little Women – Louisa May Alcott
- Wizard of Oz – L. Frank Baum
- The Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson Burnett
- Oliver Twist – Charles Dickens
- Treasure Island – Robert Louis Stevenson
For older teens:
- Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte
- Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte
- Frankenstein – Mary Shelley
- Dracula – Bram Stoker
- The Picture of Dorian Gray – Oscar Wilde