Check out the site below which is teacher recommendations and book reviews.

Every year group has 100 book recommendations. 

Space Race by David Glover

Robert from year 3 enjoyed this book. He said that he liked the quizzes throughout which made him think. He said, " As you travel through these pages, you can write down your answers to each quiz question and find the actual answers in the book."

Groovy Greeks by Terry Deary

Bogdan in year 5 really enjoys the Horrible History books. He likes the jokes and the facts. This series of books make history a bit more fun and gruesome ( and of course are accompanied by the brilliant TV series) Highly recommended if you prefer non fiction and funny books.

Agatha Oddly- Lena Jones

Agatha Oddly is a 13 year old detective waiting desperately for her first big case. Elizabeth in year 5 highly recommends this book and says the main character is very relatable and cheeky. This story is fun, fast and will appeal to those children who like stories which are a little bit weird. This is part of a series so perfect for those who like to have another book to move onto.

The Breakfast Club Adventures- a Marcus Rashford story

This is one of a new series of stories by Marcus Rashford inspired by his own memories of growing up.

When twelve-year-old Marcus kicks his favourite football over the school fence, he knows he's never getting it back. Nothing that goes over that wall ever comes back. But when Marcus gets a mysterious note inviting him to join the Breakfast Club Investigators, he is soon pulled into an exciting adventure with his new mates Stacey, Lise and Asim to find out what is lurking on the other side of the fence – and get his football back!

Adriel from year 5 said that he would recommend this book to anyone of any age. He cannot wait to read the next book
 

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling

This is the 4th book in the Harry Potter series. This story starts when Harry is invited to stay at the Weasley home during the holidays. before returning to Hogwarts where he dreams of taking part in the Triwizard Tournament despite not being old enough to take part. His dreams come true when the Goblet of Fire surprisingly picks him! This sends him on a dangerous adventure where he faces dragons and danger.

Afia from year 6 really enjoyed this book in the series and gives it 5*. Year 6 have also been reading The Philospher's Stone in class. They said the story was a great adventure and really exciting. 

A Place Called Perfect by Helena Duggan

Violet never wanted to be perfect. After all who wants to live in a town where everyone wears glasses to make sure they can see perfectly! But one day Violet discovers something strange about her town and sets out to find more.

Neha from year 5 enjoyed the characters in this exciting adventure.

The Demon Dentist by David Walliams

Year 3 read this in class. They said:

It was really funny.

The ending was funny and a little bit sad.

It teaches you to go to the dentist!

They gave it 10/10

Stages through the Ages

This is a fascinating non fiction book about theatres at different times in history. Did you know that theatres were closed altogether for ten years from 1649 by Oliver Cromwell? Tanya says that this would be an amazing book to read if you want to be an actor.

The Willow Pattern Plot

Biff, Chip and Kipper go on a magic key adventure when Nadim discovers a beautiful blue-patterned plate at a boot sale. The magic key begins to glow and the children travel to China!

Roxanne said this was her favourite magic story yet!

Horrid Henry's Nits

Another great story by Francesca Simon about the very mischievous Henry. This time he has nits! Ayla from year 3 said this made her laugh lots so a good story if you like funny books.

Ratburger by David Walliams

This is a funny adventure story by David Walliams which features many familiar characters from his other stories. It has lots of moments to make you laugh as well as some which are a bit yucky too! In fact, those bits were what Alexander from year 3 enjoyed the most!

The Squink by Rita Ray

Nikol from year 3 thinks that lots of children would enjoy this unusual and creative story about the squink.

Ronald the Tough Sheep

A great adventure story with an unusual hero. Emily from year 3 would recommend this story about sheep who talk about how they feel.

Rumplestiltskin

Asher in year 3 really liked it when the guard found out the name. He said it was funny when he was annoyed.

Paul Reveres Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and John Fairbridge

This is a narrative poem which tells the story of Paul Revere who lived in the late 1700s America. He goes on an immense journey to persuade people to join the army to fight against the British army in America. Tanya in 5J says that she enjoyed the rhyming in the poem and the illustrations.

Pax by Sara Pennypacker

The moving story of the extraordinary friendship between a boy and his fox and their epic journey to be reunited. 

Pax was only a kit when his family was killed and he was rescued by ‘his boy’, Peter. Now the country is at war and when his father joins the army, Peter has no choice but to move in with his grandfather. As his grandfather is elderly, he has to leave Pax behind. But before Peter spends even one night under his grandfather’s roof he sneaks out into the night, determined to find his friend Pax before it's too late. Meanwhile, Pax must try and survive alone, in a world he has no experience of. 

The Boy at the Back of the Class- Onjali Q Rauf

This moving story is about Ahmet, the new boy in class. When he arrives in class, he doesn't speak and looks very sad and he isn't allowed onto the playground. A group of friends decide to try and be his friend and make him feel welcome. When they learn that he is a refugee who has had to run away from a war in his country, they decide to help.

This is a story which kept me gripped from the first page as the children come up with a plan to help Ahmet. The writer made me care so much for him, I ended the story in tears. Highly recommended.

Dog Man- For Whom the Ball Rolls- Dav Pilkey

This is a very funny book written by the author of the Captain Underpants books- Dav Pilkey. It is the seventh book in a series. It is written comic book style with lots of visual jokes and funny lines. Dog Man was created when a brave police officer and his police dog were so badly injured, they could only be saved by joining them together to create Dog Man. Together with L'il Petey, the world's greatest kitten, and 80-HD, a robot, they fight crime and the forces of badness.

Riley from 3M highly recommends this book to all ages because they will find the story exciting.

Kensukes Kingdom - Michael Morpurgo. Read by 4G and 4C. 

This book was a fantastic read and we highly recommend it to our peers. It is a real page turner and we enjoyed every last bit. 

A young boy called Michael and his family went on a boat called The Peggy Sue and sailed around the world. They got into a bit of trouble and they fell overboard. Micheal then reached an abandoned island with his beloved dog, Stella and became friends with Kensuke. This book is about their friendship and survival on the island. 

4G think it has plenty of twists and turns and were excited to read on after every page. We think that it is appropriate for Year 3 and over. We hope you enjoy reading the book as much as we did. 

4G and 4C. 

The Christmasaurus and the Winter Witch by Tom Fletcher.

This is the second book in Tom Fletcher's fun Christmasaurus series. One year has passed since William Trundle's

incredible adventure with the most extraordinary dinosaur: the Christmasaurus. Now, William is swept back to the magical North Pole, where he meets the mysterious, icy Winter Witch - whose power to control time allows Santa Claus to make the long journey all around the world every Christmas Eve. And when they learn that the fate of Christmas itself hangs in the balance, William and the Christmasaurus must work with the Winter Witch to protect it...

Abirami loved the Christamassy mystery and snowy descriptions in this story. She said anyone who loves Christmas, dinosaurs or Winter will love this book!

Nellie in the News by Claire Kelly

Nellie in the News is the story of Rosie Freedman, a gifted young African-American girl who drops out of school when her family falls on hard times. It is only when she meets Nellie Bly, a journalist on an amazing mission, the Rosie starts to dream again. Nellie dreams of travelling around the world in 80 days just like Philleas Fogg did in the story. She shows Rosie that anyone can achieve their dreams.

Sheenaz enjoyed the detailed descriptions of the different countries Nellie travels to.

Animals and Us by Claire Llewellyn 

This is a fact book all about different animals of all shapes, types and sizes. It is full of fascinating facts and beautiful pictures. You will learn how animals live alongside human beings and how we rely on each other in many ways. Did you know that microscopic dust mites feed on the dry, dead skin cells that brush off our skin every day? If you love animals, you will really enjoy learning more about them from this book.

Alex said that he loved everything in this book and he wants to read it over again.

The Personality Potion by Alan Mcdonald

Danny is not feeling god about himself. First Danny's mum tells book-loving Danny to stop reading so much and go and do something else! Next he is bullied on the bus. So Danny decides to try a personality potion to see if it will turn him into a different person. Will it work?

Afia from year 3 highly recommends this book. She particularly liked it when the bullies were beaten!

Naughty Monster by Kaye Umansky and Greg Abbott

This is a funny, rhyming story about a monster who is very naughty. He has been extremely unkind to a fairy and so is made to stay in his cave until he apologises. This makes him feel very angry and he becomes even naughtier until the lovely fairy helps him learn to be kinder.

3S really enjoyed this short picture book.

Sabreen said that it made her think about being kinder.

Raynee said that she learned that someone is by your side even when you are angry or sad.

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

This story is about a fish with shiny, multi-colored scales named the Rainbow Fish. He has blue, green, and purple scales; and among them, he has shiny silver scales he is always fond of, until one day, a small fish asks him if he could have one, to which the Rainbow Fish refuses in a very rude manner. The other fish (including the little blue fish) are very upset about his behavior and don't want to play with him anymore.

Feeling upset, his only remaining friend, the starfish, tells him to go visit the wise octopus for advice. The Rainbow Fish finds the octopus and asks what he should do. When he goes to the cave, he sees the octopus. And when he meets the octopus, she says that she has been waiting for him. She explains that the waves have told her his story. Then, she tells Rainbow Fish that he must give a scale to each of the other fish.

This book is full of beautiful illustrations. We can learn lots about the world under the sea.

Early Years have being enjoying this lovely picture book.

Asa said he really liked the fish because he was nice to the other fish.

Amarachi's favourite part was when the rainbow fish just whizzed past the others.

Lost in the Jungle by Roderick Hunt

This is an exciting adventure story from the Oxford Reading Tree series. It features our friends  Chip, Kipper, Anne, Biff and some explorers. In this story the children use the magic key to go on an adventure. They have to help some explorers find a lost city. Along the way we learn some interesting history and get to explore the jungle. Luke from 2D says, "I liked it when the explorers showed the children the lost city. I give this book 10/10. "

Shadow Jumper by JM Forster

A touching and gripping adventure, full of surprises and underpinned by a heart-warming message about the power of friendship to fight adversity. 

Jack's clever scientist dad has left and Jack is worried because he hasn't been in contact in months. His Dad is the only one who can cure Jack's skin condition which is getting worse by the day. It means that he can only go out at night because the sunlight makes it worse. But Jack has a secret way to escape the cramped, lonely flat he lives in with his mum- he jumps the shadows across the rooftops. He thinks he is all alone until one day, a stranger joins him who changes Jack's life forever.

The Many Worlds of Albie Bright- Christopher Edge

When Albie's mum dies, it's natural he should wonder where she's gone. His parents are both scientists and they usually have all the answers. Albie's Dad says something about Albie's mum being alive and with them in a parallel universe. So Albie finds a box, his mum's computer and a rotting banana, and sends himself, along with the grumpy cat from next door, through time and space to find her using Quantum banana theory. Along the way, he learns some truths about life, love and family.

6J read this as our guided reading book this term. This is what we thought:

Gracie-It's an amazing book which leaves you eager to read the next page.

Aaron- I would read it again. 

Stephen- It was emotional at the end.

Danielle- it was exciting and emotional at the same time.

6J think anyone from 8 years and up would enjoy this story.

The Dog Who Saved the World- Ross Wellford

When eleven-year-old Georgie befriends an eccentric retired scientist, she becomes the test subject for a thrilling new experiment: a virtual-reality 3D version of the future.

But then a deadly disease threatens the life of every dog in the country and Georgie’s beloved dog, Mr Mash, gets sick. And that’s only the start of her troubles.

Soon, Georgie and Mr Mash must embark on a desperate quest: to save every dog on earth, and maybe even all of humanity.

This book was so exciting, I couldn't go to bed until I had finished it! It was a race against time to save the world which kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters were written realistically and I cared about them. I also really liked the science aspects of the story. 

Highly recommended for year 5 and up.

Boy Underwater- Adam Baron

The Boy Underwater is a book about a boy (Cymbelin) who hase never been in the water until one day one of his classmates challenged him to a swimming race. Now, with the help of his friends, he ties to figure out why his mum won't let him near water.

I think this book is very funny but at the same time, it is very sad. I recommend this book to people who like: adventure, comedy and a little bit of sadness.

Alessia, 6J

Coraline- Neil Gaiman

Another book enjoyed by 6J.

You may have seen the movie, however the book is even better! Coraline Jones has moved into the ground floor flat of a strange old house. Her parents both work and the weather is wet and cold so Coraline is bored and searching for places to explore. When she has explored the enormous garden and visited the eccentric old ladies upstairs, she looks for things to do inside. Finally, she comes across a strange, locked door. However, when the door is unlocked and opened there is nothing behind, only a brick wall. Later that night, Coraline hears things moving around the flat. When she goes to explore, the door is open and a corridor is has appeared which was not there before. It leads to Coralines Other Mother and Other Father who are not as friendly as they seem at first.

The Graveyard Book- Neil Gaiman

Class 6J read this as our guided reading book. We enjoyed the spooky setting and scary beginning to this book.

Toddler Bod narrowly and miraculously escapes being murdered, along with the rest of his family,when he climbs from his cot and makes his way down the stairs before toddling through the open front door. He makes his way to the graveyard at the bottom of his street where the ghostly residents decide to take him in. The mysterious Silas (who never eats, never ventures out in daylight and can hypnotize would be assassins into leaving Bod unharmed) becomes the young boys guardian whilst Mr and Mrs Owens persuade the other residents to allow Bod to stay. Bod has a series of adventures as he grows up in the graveyard's protection. But... who is the mysterious Man Jack who is searching for him? Why did he kill Bod's family? When will Bod truly be safe and able to explore the world outside the walls of the graveyard?

This is a challenging read for years 5 and 6. If you like being a bit scared and a mystery which keeps you guessing until the end, this is the story for you.

The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell

This fantasy adventure story, written by the Cressida Cowell, the author of the How to Train Your Dragon series, is beautiful to look at and a great read. It tells the tale of Xar, a wizard boy who cannot do magic, and Wish, a girl from the warrior tribe. Their families have been enemies for years but now they must team up to defeat an ancient terror which has been sleeping for centuries. This story is full of mythical creatures and magic. It is a Blue Peter book awards winner. Anyone in years 3-6 will enjoy this magical adventure.

The Secret Lake- Karen Inglis

When Stella and Tom move to their new home, they become curious about the disappearance of their neighbour's dog, Harry.

Tom's explorations in the nearby gardens- looking for treasure- unearth a mysterious boat, which has been buried for decades. Then they make an incredible discovery. One which will change their lives forever!

I enjoyed this shorter time travelling adventure. Although some aspects of the story had not been thought through properly, the ending was really satisfying. The two main characters are clever and determined and like-able.

If you enjoyed The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, you will enjoy this adventure.

The Secret Lake

Akemi from 5J enjoyed this book so much, she wanted to share her review.

The Secret Lake is about a lost dog, a hidden time tunnel and a secret lake that take Stella and Tom to their home but 100 years in the past. They meet the children who were living in their house 100 years ago. They make friends and enemies and uncover startling connections with the present.

This book made me speechless because it was so exciting.

Nowhere Emporium by Ross MacKenzie

I was immediately attracted to this book by the beautiful cover of a mysterious door which opens onto the unknown. I was not disappointed by the story inside. Ross McKenzie has created a world which you want to immerse yourself in and never leave. 

The Nowhere emporium arrives overnight- the black walls glitter and the finely wrought, gilded gates are closed. Crowds gather and gaze through, trying to see what is inside, until the doors open and they are able to enter and experience the wonders within.

When the Emporium arrives in Glasgow, orphan Daniel stumbles upon the shop by accident. Before long Daniel is drawn into the magic and enchantment of the shop. 

The Nowhere Emporium is an edge of your seat adventure story with a mystery at its heart. Who is owner of the shop, Mr Silver, and how does he create the wonders within? 

This is a great read for good readers in key stage two and highly recommended for year 5 and 6 children. If you like Harry Potter, you will love this story.

Welcome to Shaw Primary Academy's book blog. Here I will be sharing some of the children's books I have been reading.

Over the holidays, I read two children's books which both have a fantastical theme and setting.