Binny for Short – Hilary McKay

Attention please...! You must all read this book: I am newly converted to Hilary McKay's outstanding writing. She has such a gift for observation, understanding, warmth and wit in her writing. This is a book that feels like coming home. 'Binny's life has been difficult since her father died and her dreadful old Aunt Violet...

Opal Plumstead by Jacqueline Wilson

I'm going to let you in on a secret... This is the first Jacqueline Wilson book I have ever read. Gasp! My year 6 book group were horrified when they found out, and spent a year howling at me and plying me with recommendations. Somehow I still remained a JW virgin until this book came...

Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor

I am happy to be kicking off the blog tour for a book set to inspire the scientists and engineers of the future. Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor by Jon Scieszka and Brian Biggs is a force of nature. A whirlwind of a book that whips through story and science alike. It is a...

Pea’s Books of Pure Joy by Susie Day

I spend a lot of time looking for and championing inclusive books. Books that show real people and real characters, reflecting the true diversity of our world. If I could have given you an overview of what I have been personally looking for, it would have looked a bit like this: I can't tell you...

This book will change the world.

In the last few weeks I've been reading a lot of books for older children and looking for books to recommend to my year six book group. There is a wide range of ability and interests in the group but a lot of passion and a lot of great ideas. I want to start sharing...