Follows Nate in his last year of primary school as he handles a failing friendship, an ill younger brother, and his own mental demons.
- It's perfect for new starters in Year 7. Goodfellow does a fantastic job capturing the nervousness of impending secondary school.
- The characters' lives are realistic: students will see themselves reflected in Nate and his family. Not only is this book a mirror, it is also a vital window for building empathy.
- The story shows the value of a good teacher and how even the smallest of actions can make a world of difference to a struggling child.
- The focus on Skellig as an important book to Nate can inspire further independent or whole class reading. You can even encourage discussion which compares the two stories.
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2. Floodworld by Tom Huddleston
In a futuristic London long flooded by water, two children find themselves on the run when they are caught up in a larger conspiracy.
- The book's dystopian setting, where characters navigate a sunken city, offers a unique backdrop that can spark discussions on environmental issues and the impact of climate change.
- Strong character development, particularly the portrayal of resilient and resourceful young protagonists, can inspire discussions on personal growth and ethics.
- Exploration of societal structures and the divide between the privileged and the less fortunate provides material for thought-provoking classroom debates.
- The story itself has a balanced mix of excitement, moral dilemmas, and many other thoughtful classroom discussions topics.
- Rich and imaginative setting and language can be used to inspire students' own creative responses.
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3. Wrath by Marcus Sedgwick
Outcast teen Cassie believes she can hear the Earth's distress. When she goes missing, her friend Fitz sets off to find her.
- The subject matter of climate change and the impact of human activity on the planet, presented through the lens of teen life and relationships, makes this title relatable and relevant to young people.
- Its exploration of complex topics like mental health, the effects of lockdown and bullying is handled with sensitivity and could spark meaningful discussions.
- Sedgwick's high quality writing, from choices of language to story structure, means a lot is captured in a quick read for teens.
- It is only 136 pages long. This makes it easy to finish, as well as easier to find the time to read together as a class or tutor group.
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A survivor of the Hiroshima bombing in 1945 shares his feelings of guilt with his granddaughter.
- It is a multifaceted narrative that blends prose, free verse, and haiku to tell a poignant story of survival and hope in the aftermath of the Hiroshima bombing.
- This offers an interesting conversation about the ways we tell our stories - how do the different storytelling techniques impact the tale?
- It explores complex themes such as the impact of war, the power of resilience, and the importance of remembrance.
- The more mature subject area is suitable for Year 9s and encourages them to consider wider more challenging issues.
- You could also encourage readers to try some of the storytelling techniques in the book. For example, practise writing haikus together to tell a longer story.
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5. Medusa by Jessie Burton
When a charmed, beautiful boy washes up Medusa's far-flung island, her lonely existence is disrupted with a force of a supernova, unleashing desire, love and betrayal.
- A modern retelling of a classic Greek myth that offers a fresh perspective that resonates with contemporary themes such as identity, beauty standards, and the consequences of actions.
- The feminist approach provides a platform for discussions on gender roles and societal expectations.
- The language is simple and poetic and the vivid and relevant characters, are relatable and appealing.
- A lot is packed in to a short book. It is the ideal length for sharing in class.
- It also offers a welcome break from the rigidity of exam preparation.
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For her final school project, Pip chooses the historic murder which consumed her small town five years ago. But after uncovering secrets meant to be buried, the case becomes her dangerous reality...
- It's a gripping and twisty thriller that will keep your students hooked and guessing until the very end.
- The TV adaptation released later this year on BBC 3, iPlayer and Netflix will attract a new audience to the book.
- The characters are well formed, relatable, and a lot of fun!
- It will be a welcome distraction from the pressures of exams. It will also be a fun break if shared during Tutor Time.
- Holly Jackson’s books are so readable! There's plenty of mystery, plot twists and shocking events.
- Reading this book together should encourage independent reading for pleasure, as teens will seek out other titles by the author. There are the sequels Good Girl, Bad Blood and As Good As Dead, as well as her latest brilliant release, and one of our Books of the Week, The Reappearance of Rachel Price.
LEARN MORE ABOUT A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
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