What should I read next with my pupils? Our top 6 class reads to share

1. Martha Maps It Out In Time! by Leigh Hodgkinson

Martha learns on her time-travelling adventure that time never stops, and so she resolves to enjoy each and every tiny little bit of it.

• Martha is a charming main character, first introduced in Martha Maps It Out. Amusing annotations throughout the book reflect her character.
• Explains in simple, fun language to concept of geological ages and that the world is really, really, really old!
• You can talk to the class about whether they’ve been fossil hunting on the beach, or anywhere else as fossils aren’t always found by the sea. Where else can fossils be found?
• The pictures are great fun, and add to the learning experience. Inspired by the illustrations, you and your class could imagine, draw and/or describe what the world looked like a long, long time ago.

 LEARN MORE ABOUT MARTHA MAPS IT OUT IN TIME

2. Budgie by Joseph Coelho

A lost little budgie brings together a young boy and his grumpy old neighbour.

• It's a Little Gems short chapter book with a lot of depth, and lovely, expressive illustrations.
• Features such as tinted paper, spaced layouts and easy-read fonts will support your Year 3 pupils with building reading speed and stamina.
• Every character has a story, sometimes expressed in a single sentence. For example, the mum wants to go back to uni.
• It shows readers not to judge a book by its cover, and shows how empathy is formed.
• It gently introduces the topic of death and grief. Plus, it show how death can also be a beginning: it fosters understanding between different people.

 LEARN MORE ABOUT Budgie

3. Call Me Lion by Camilla Chester

Leo dreams of performing in the West End, but has selective mutism. With his new friend's help, will he able to follow his dreams?

• This heart-warming story explores a number of themes with empathy and understanding.
• Some of these themes include courage, friendship, and overcoming adversity.
• The main character Leo deals with selective mutism. His portrayal provides an insight for your class into diverse experiences and challenges.
• The narrative encourages children to find their voice and follow their dreams, despite obstacles.
• The representation of a boy who loves dancing challenges gender stereotypes and promotes inclusivity.

 LEARN MORE ABOUT Call Me Lion

4. Jummy at the River School by Sabine Adeyinka

Jummy is excited when she is accepted to study at the prestigious River School, but her less fortunate best friend Caro is only able to go there to work.

• Boarding school stories are very appealing. Jummy at the River School has everything your Year 5 readers could want from a boarding school narrative: midnight feasts, rivalries, and team spirit!
• It is set in Nigeria, so it is a great pick to contrast with more UK-focused boarding school stories.
• It's a fast-paced and engaging read.
• The main character Jummy is determined and resilient. Throughout the story she is focused on fighting injustice and snobbery.
• The social conscience of the story provides fruitful book talk for your Year 5 class. Ask your pupils to compare Jummy and her friend Caro’s experiences when Caro joins the school not as a pupil, but as a maid.

 LEARN MORE ABOUT Jummy at the river school

5. Oh Maya Gods! By Maz Evans

The children of the main characters from the Who Let the Gods Out? series avert world disaster when they take on the Mayan gods!

• It's part of an established, popular series, Who Let the Gods Out?, but it doesn’t need to be read in context.
• However, this makes it a good title to encourage independent reading outside of class or school. By sharing this title, it can inspire your Year 6 pupils to read the other books in the series.
• It's a great class read for topic support. The Maya are on the National Curriculum for UKS2.
• Also, it's just great fun to share aloud! It's very humorous. Reading books like Oh Maya Gods! is a good way to break the somewhat SATs focused terms of Year 6.

 LEARN MORE ABOUT Oh Maya Gods!

6. Black Hole Cinema Club by Christopher Edge

A trip to the cinema will never be the same when five friends experience 4Di films for the first time and become the characters in the films.

• The narrative offers an exciting blend of action, suspense, and science fiction. And it's fun to spot the movie references together as a class!
• Its' cinematic inspiration can also engage reluctant readers who may prefer watching films or TV.
• The relatable struggles of the characters can spark discussions on personal growth, teamwork, and the importance of facing challenges. How might your pupils face similar challenges? These are all issues which transition pupils will encounter as they move from primary to secondary school.
• Other themes include friendship, courage, and the power of imagination.

 LEARN MORE ABOUT Black Hole Cinema Club

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Go behind the scenes of Black Hole Cinema Club