Reading Lists

The Last Bear is about a girl called April who travels to Bear Island with her father and discovers a lonely polar bear. As she tries to help him, the story explores friendship, courage, and protecting the natural world.

Foxlight is about twin sisters, Fen and Rey, who were found as babies in the wild. As they grow older, they begin to question where they came from and set off on a journey to uncover the truth about their past.

A magical fantasy adventure about Astrid, a girl who discovers a secret city in the sky above London and learns she may have wings of her own. Full of friendship, mystery, danger and imagination.

Megan Hopkins is a local Northern Irish author, making this a lovely choice for pupils who enjoy discovering stories written by writers from home.

A thrilling fantasy adventure set in a world where mythical creatures are real. When Christopher and Mal discover that the magical world is in danger, they embark on a perilous quest filled with dragons, griffins, sphinxes and other extraordinary creatures.

Set in an alternative version of Victorian England, this classic adventure follows cousins Bonnie and Sylvia as they battle wicked villains, escape danger, and outwit a pack of fearsome wolves. Full of suspense, courage and excitement, it remains one of the most beloved children's adventures ever written.

This book is a classic fantasy adventure about five siblings—Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane and their baby brother—who discover a magical creature called a Psammead, or sand-fairy, while playing in a gravel pit near their home.

The Psammead has the power to grant one wish each day. At first, the children are delighted, but they soon discover that their wishes often lead to unexpected and troublesome consequences. As they embark on a series of magical adventures, they learn valuable lessons about greed, responsibility and thinking carefully about what they wish for.

Journey to the River Sea tells the story of Maia, an orphan who leaves England to live with distant relatives in the Amazon rainforest. Expecting an exciting new life, Maia soon discovers that her relatives are unfriendly and far from welcoming.
As she explores the wonders of the Amazon, Maia makes new friends and becomes involved in a thrilling adventure involving a missing heir, hidden identities and the rich wildlife of the rainforest. Along the way, she learns about friendship, courage and finding where she truly belongs.

Kaspar: Prince of Cats follows a young hotel bellboy called Johnny Trott and a beautiful black cat named Kaspar. Their story becomes linked with a young girl and a journey aboard the Titanic, leading to an adventure filled with friendship, courage and survival.

Wonder tells the story of August (Auggie) Pullman, a boy born with a facial difference who is attending mainstream school for the first time. As Auggie navigates the challenges of fitting in, making friends and dealing with other people's reactions, he shows remarkable courage and resilience.
Told from multiple perspectives, the novel explores how kindness, empathy and understanding can make a huge difference in people's lives. It is a moving and inspiring story about acceptance and being true to yourself.

The Secret Wild is a thrilling adventure set in a future London where nature has mysteriously begun to reclaim the city. When strange plants start appearing and wildlife spreads through the streets, young Poppy becomes determined to uncover the truth behind the growing wilderness.
As she investigates the mystery, Poppy discovers hidden secrets, unexpected dangers and a powerful connection between people and the natural world. Along the way, she learns about courage, friendship and the importance of protecting the environment.

Under the Hawthorn Tree is the first book in the Children of the Famine trilogy. Set during the Great Irish Famine of the 1840s, it follows three siblings—Eily, Michael and Peggy—whose lives are torn apart by hunger, poverty and disease.
When their family is separated, the children set out on a difficult journey across Ireland in search of their relatives and a place of safety. Along the way, they face many hardships but show remarkable courage, determination and hope.

A moving historical novel set during the Second World War. It tells the story of Willie Beech, a young evacuee from London who is sent to live in the countryside with the quiet and lonely Tom Oakley. As Willie begins to feel safe and cared for, he grows in confidence and discovers friendship, kindness and hope.

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell is a classic story told from the point of view of a horse. It follows Black Beauty’s life as he moves between different owners, experiencing both kindness and cruelty.

This book encourages discussion about empathy, responsibility, animal welfare and treating others with care.

The Butterfly Lion by Michael Morpurgo is a moving story about friendship, loyalty, and memory. It follows a boy named Bertie who rescues a rare white lion cub in Africa and forms a deep bond with it. When they are separated, Bertie promises they will meet again one day.

The book explores themes of love, courage, loss, and keeping promises. Its warm, emotional storytelling makes it a powerful read for children, especially in KS2.

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo is a powerful historical novel about Joey, a horse sold to the army during the First World War. The story follows Joey’s journey through the war and the people whose lives he touches along the way.

Set in Britain in 2050, Wildlands follows thirteen-year-old Astrid and her younger sister Indie after they are accidentally left behind in a huge rewilded area where humans are not allowed. Wolves, lynx and bison roam free, and the sisters must survive with only a rucksack, no phone signal, and each other.

Set in the near future, Mammoth Rider imagines a world where scientists have successfully brought woolly mammoths back from extinction to help combat climate change. Ash Grimes has grown up at an Arctic research facility where mammoths roam once more, and dreams of becoming a Mammoth Rider like her father.
When a rare white mammoth calf is born, it attracts dangerous trophy hunters and threatens the future of the entire mammoth project. Alongside her friends Ruby and Jack, Ash embarks on a thrilling race across the frozen tundra to protect the calf, save the mammoth herds, and uncover sabotage from within the research centre.

Thomas travels to Venice with his sister Tia after she wins an art prize trip. Tia is blind, and Thomas is there to support her, but when she disappears, no one believes he has seen an important clue. Thomas must race through Venice’s canals, carnival crowds and masked balls to find her and uncover a dangerous conspiracy.

Twelve-year-old Rosemary has spent her life travelling the world with her father, a famous magician. She loves the wonder and excitement of magic, but everything changes when her father mysteriously disappears during a performance.
Determined to find him, Rosemary embarks on an extraordinary adventure filled with puzzles, secrets, stage illusions and unexpected friendships. As she follows a trail of clues, she discovers that true courage, family and believing in yourself can be more powerful than any magic trick.

Twelve-year-old Rosemary has spent her life travelling the world with her father, a famous magician. She loves the wonder and excitement of magic, but everything changes when her father mysteriously disappears during a performance.
Determined to find him, Rosemary embarks on an extraordinary adventure filled with puzzles, secrets, stage illusions and unexpected friendships. As she follows a trail of clues, she discovers that true courage, family and believing in yourself can be more powerful than any magic trick.

When Barney falls into an old chalk pit, he discovers a boy called Stig living among the discarded rubbish. Stig appears to be a Stone Age child, and despite their inability to communicate fully through language, the two become close friends.
Together they build shelters, create tools, hunt, fish and embark on a series of adventures. As the story unfolds, Barney learns about friendship, ingenuity and a very different way of life.

Tadpole Summer by Catherine Bruton is a moving and beautifully written novel about friendship, family, and finding hope during difficult times.
The story follows ten-year-old Maggie, whose life changes dramatically after a tragic accident. During a summer spent away from home, Maggie finds comfort in nature, new friendships, and the peaceful surroundings of a pond filled with tadpoles. As she learns to cope with loss and uncertainty, she discovers inner strength and begins to heal.

I Am Rebel is a powerful adventure story told from the perspective of Rebel, a loyal dog living in a land ruled by a cruel king. When Rebel's beloved owner becomes caught up in a growing rebellion, the dog finds himself separated from the person he loves most.

Determined to find his way back, Rebel embarks on a dangerous journey across a country on the brink of war. Along the way, he meets new friends, faces difficult challenges, and discovers what it truly means to be brave. As events unfold, Rebel becomes an unexpected hero in the fight for freedom.

When Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong, founders of the Wells & Wong Detective Society, discover the body of their science teacher at Deepdean School for Girls, they are determined to solve the mystery. However, when the body disappears, nobody believes that a murder has taken place. Full of twists, clues and clever detective work, this gripping mystery introduces a much-loved series that encourages readers to think critically and solve puzzles alongside the characters.

When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle is a powerful historical novel set in World War II. The story follows Joseph, a lonely boy who is sent to live with the strict but kind-hearted Mrs F in London after being evacuated from his home. While helping at her struggling zoo, Joseph forms an unlikely friendship with Adonis, a huge silverback gorilla. As the war intensifies and bombs fall across the city, Joseph must make an impossible decision that tests his courage, loyalty and compassion. Inspired by the true story of a gorilla at London Zoo during the Blitz, this moving novel explores friendship, grief, bravery and the extraordinary bonds between humans and animals.