Recommended Reads
This page will be added to on a regular basis. Its main focus is recommended fiction for KS2, suggestions for reluctant readers, and direct links to the books on Amazon. All of the books included are either ones I have read and enjoyed myself, or those that I have heard children or colleagues talking about enthusiastically.
Any suggestions for books you have found useful in the classroom will be gratefully considered for inclusion. Send your recommendations.
Try out Ben Hendy's first novel. 'How to Fill a Black Hole'. I read a final draft recently and it's a great sci fi adventure that should appeal to both girls and boys in the Upper KS2, KS3 age ranges. More able readers will get a lot out of the characterisation and ideas that Ben has included in his story, but it also moves along at a terrific pace that should satisfy more reluctant readers too. It has just been released and is available from www.milliwaysbooks.com
Charlie Higson's magnificent Young Bond books. Ideal for fans of Alex Ryder, but
in my opinion these are much better. Higson writes brilliantly, painting a fascinating
portrait of Eton in the thirties. His Bond is instantly recognisable, but in many ways
still just a regular boy. He captures the essence of the period beautifully, and creates
a clever pastiche of Ian Fleming.
The Mortal Engines Quartet by Philip Reeve. Some of the best plotting and characterisation
I have read in a long time. Should appeal to many boys (and girls!) in Y5 and 6. These stand
alongside the best of any science fiction (for any age range) that I have come across, and are
head and shoulders above most contemporary fantasy and sci-fi. There are no easy answers
for the protagonists here, the relationships are complex yet always believable, and the ending
to the series is extremely moving.
'Fever Crumb' is the recently released prequel to this mighty series.
Triskellion by Will Peterson. This is quite different, and suitable for an older audience as well as
confident Y6 readers. All sorts of story elements are drawn together here in this book. Part
horror, part historical/archeological thriller it moves swiftly with plenty of mystery and action to
keep readers engrossed. There are also two sequels available.
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