Book Awards

On Friday 7th July I will get the opportunity to meet some of the authors of the fantastic books I have read.  Since beginning the book judging I have read all the books on the 3 -6 year old long list and then went on to read the short listed books for all the age groups.


This book judging has made me question the importance of teachers reading the books that the children in their class are reading.  I have been surprised by the content of some of the books and feel that it is important as a teacher to be able to discuss some of the issues that occur in the books.  


The whole process has been great for both myself and for my school.  The children have been reading the books and providing their own feedback.  The children have written book reviews and discussed which book they think should win.  Some children have also contributed to a blog that I have created for them.


Following this experience I aim to continue to read new books and think about how they can be used in school.  I would like to continue to be able to advise children and teachers on books that they might enjoy.  I have found that the education library at County Hall has been an excellent resource for books including sets of some of the books.  I hope to be able to continue to use the library to access the most up to date good quality children's literature. 

Emily's favourite book

Emily loves Little Red Hood so much that on book day at school she insisted I made a red cloak for her so she could be Little Red Hood.  She took the book with her to school as she didn't want anyone to mistake her for Little Red Riding Hood.

The Memory Cage

So many issues are covered within this book.  The heartbreak of coming to terms with a grandparents alzheimers, the issues of adoption and the conflicts of war.  

Alex, who has been adopted and has hidden his own memories of the trauma he has suffered in Bosnia.  When his Grandfather deteriorates to the point where he is going to be sent to a home, Alex decides to try to help him by making a memory book.  However, as Alex begins to gather pictures from the past he also begins to uncover some family secrets.

This book is thought provoking and very moving.  The relationships are very realistic, the sibling rivalry and Alex's love for his Grandfather are developed well.  The family tension throughout is portrayed realistic throughout the book and you find yourself wishing Alex's parents could see what was going on because he has already been through enough in Bosnia.  

This is a fantastic debut all the children who have read it so far have said how much they have enjoyed it.

The Girl Savage

Wilhelmine, better known a Will, wildcat or cartwheel is growing up on a farm in Africa when suddenly her world is tipped upside down.  Will has grown up living wild and free, she hasn't been sent to school but instead has been able to play with the farm boys.  When her dad dies and Captain Browne who is taking care of her remarries she is sent to England to a boarding school.

I have only reached the point at which Will arrives at the boarding school.  The sense of despair and frustration I feel for her as she is sent away is awful.  All I am hoping is that as I get further through the book Cynthia will somehow get her comeuppance.

Now I have reached the end I am somewhat disappointed that Cynthia didn't seem to get what she deserved however the way the school girls changed was great.  The ending was a real surprise but really was a great way to end.  It was very moving to see the courage and strength that Will showed at the end and made me cry.
It took me a while to become really engrossed in this book but I am so glad I kept going.  The experiences of Will in the two different setting are so starkly different that you just wish that you could take her back to Africa.  I felt so proud of Will at the end.  This is a fantastic debut.

A Girl Called Dog

I was completely gripped by this book and read it over two days.  When I began reading the book I wasn't convinced by the girl called dog, I just couldn't understand how someone could get away with keeping a girl in a pet shop but I had to remind myself that it was fiction.  There are some very scary moments in the book, the black box in particular.  The author takes us on Dog's journey to safety with some very scary and emotional events on the way.  This is a real heart breaking book that stays with you long after you have read it.
I could picture the small but brave girl in the pet shop and loved it when she stood up to her uncle through Carlos the parrot.  I was so relieved when she found the village in which she may have come from.
I really felt though that her journey was not over and hope that the story continues.

I gave it to a girl in my class to read and she read it over 2 days as well.  She wrote 'I think the book is fantastic because Carlos can talk.  I would recommend it to class 3 girls because it is a little bit scary and hard.'

iBoy by Kevin Brooks

I have just begun reading this and I am hooked.  I was slightly concerned because my 9 year old had picked it up and begun reading it.  In my opinion it is not suitable for a 9 year old so I have taken it away from him and given him Sky Hawk instead.  However I do think it is a fantastic book so far....

Having now finished the book I have been left with a sense of relief that I don't live in an area similar to the setting of the book.  I found myself questioning whether the pursuit of those who destroyed Lucy's life was just or whether there was another way.  The idea of exacting revenge is one that is easy to identify with through the book I found myself rooting for Tom and hoping that he managed to find all the perpetrators of the crime against himself Lucy and her brother.  The ending is fantastic but it does leave you with a sense of the fact that whilst revenge has been achieved the crimes committed will continue again and again until there is a bigger change.

iBoy is a superhero for the 21st century who I imagine a lot of 'digital natives' will be drawn to.  I would however be cautious with letting a child younger than 14 read this as it deals with issues that are adult in content.

Moon Pie

This is a review of Moon Pie by a year 5 girl (Tess) she says,
"I really enjoyed reading this book.  It is like Martha's diary and I like the theme of the book, which is about a girl who is really worried because her dad is an alcoholic.  My favourite part is when Martha finds out father is drunk because it is dramatic!  I think it could have happened in real life.  I want to ask is this based on a true story?  My favourite character is Tug because he reminds me of my younger cousin!"

It is so great to have a child's perspective as well as my own thoughts on the book, as it is very hard to see a book through a child's eyes.

Trash

The images that I have seen on television of families living on the huge rubbish heaps in Asia and Africa meant that I didn't really want to read this book as I knew it was going to find it a harrowing read.  The idea that in the 21st century we still have people living in such conditions is appalling and the feeling of powerlessness I have when I watch programmes about these children and families is overwhelming.  However once I began the book I was gripped and the setting combined with an intriguing story have made it a captivating and thought provoking read.

The story is set on a huge landfill in Manila called Behala.   The three boys Raphael, Gardo and Rat live on the dumpsite sifting the rubbish.  One day they find a deadly secret, immediately they are drawn into a story of betrayal and corruption.  Throughout the story I became more and more drawn in wishing for the boys to be safe and hoping for someone with more power to step in and help them.

The scene in which they visit the prison is horrendous and yet again the idea that people are still held in these conditions is very hard to deal with.  

It is an engaging, thought provoking book that stays with you long after you have put it down.  Whilst it is in the young adult section I would recommend it to adults.  

A Splendid Friend Indeed

This is a superbly simple book that shows how friendship can come in unlikely forms.  The bear doesn't like the goose to start with but the goose perseveres until he finds a way to make the bear like him.  The text is simple however the pictures tell the story with fantastic expression particularly in the bears face and actions.
This is a great book for sharing and also one that some of the 6 year olds in my class enjoyed reading themselves.

Sky Hawk audio book

Sky Hawk is available as an audio book. One of the parents has downloaded it for her dyslexic son and he is really enjoying the book so much so that when he was picked up from school yesterday the fist thing he asked for was his phone and headphones so he could carry on listening. His mum has got in touch with Calibre Audio Library to see if they can get the rest of the shortlisted books as he is so keen. So far Calibre only have Small Change for Stuart and Trash as they rely on volunteers to read the books who are the right voice for the characters. Hopefully we will manage to get him the rest to listen to soon.

Sky Hawk - Resources - TES

Sky Hawk - Resources - TES
Some activities that relate to Sky Hawk for teaching.
Also a link to a review of Sky Hawk in The Guardian written by a child. http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2011/may/07/sky-hawk-gill-lewis

A Place to Call Home by Alexis Deacon

The story is about some small creatures, which I think might be hamsters but I am not sure!  These very adorable little creatures can no longer all fit inside their home.  They begin a journey to try to find a new home and along the way travel through some very interesting settings.  The children in my class really enjoyed this book as the pictures tell one story and the words another so the creatures think they are sailing across an ocean when in fact they are going through a puddle etc.  This is a book that the combination of text and pictures makes it a story you can read again and again.  

This is also a book that can be used for lots of teaching linked to a topic on animals and their homes or just homes.

The last page of the book has led to mixed reactions.  My children found it fascinating and wanted to discuss it.   However adults have said that they don't like the picture at the end.  I like the picture at the end although I found myself concerned as they still haven't really found a safe hole to live in.

Today some of the children in my class decided to write to the author as they are desperate to know whether they are hamsters, meerkats or gerbils.  We posted 3 letters today so hopefully we will get a response.

Moon Pie by Simon Mason

Moon Pie is one of the books from the 7 - 11 age range.  I may be slightly over protective but I am not sure I would let my children read this until they were at least 10 or 11. So it is definitely a book for the older children or at least a book that as a parent or teacher you are going to discuss with your child.
I was completely gripped with the story feeling frustrated by all those who didn't understand Martha and Tug.  All the way through it was clear that Martha was such a strong character and left me with a feeling that there are probably lots of children out there who are dealing with so much at home.  The fact that Martha kept everything so organised left me questioning whether there are children like Martha who aren't noticed by teachers because they are sensible and don't seek help but instead try to do it all themselves.
The story has a happy ending which was a relief to me as while I wasn't sure she should ever trust her dad again I was so pleased he did manage to get back on track.
The story deals with some very real issues that you would hope not many children would have to deal with.
I think the realisation that alcoholism can affect any family for a range of reasons makes it even more realistic.  The contrast of life prior to their mum dying, life with an alcoholic father and then life with their grandparents was portrayed brilliantly.
I really enjoyed this book and think that it could easily sit within the teen section as well.  I will be interested to see what the children who I have chosen to read this think of it.  The story has really stayed with me and I do think it is a book that teachers's and parents should read as in parts it can make you feel very uncomfortable.  It also serves as a warning to both teachers who may not notice a child like Martha but also as a parent you should never forget that that is what you are but Martha's dad clearly had forgotten that.

Sky Hawk

I have begun reading this and was a bit dubious to begin with (I am not always a fan of books about animals).  However, I was immediately drawn into the story of Iona and her secret.  I wanted to find out what the secret was and very quickly did but it is apparent that this is only the beginning.  I am looking forward to continuing the story...

Having now finished the book all my doubts about a book about a bird have disappeared.  The story was fantastic, I could picture the two different settings, Scotland and The Gambia.  The characters were believable and the friendships that developed showed a true understanding of the passion of 10 and 11 year old children.  Having read this it is a book I want others to read and want to discuss.
Having read  the guardian article about The Owl Babies I felt that Gill Lewis has also achieved a similar concept in her book.  The desire I have and probably, many of us have is fulfilled in Sky Hawk although it is not a simplistic happy ending as the story contains loss as well.
As a teacher I also found myself thinking of the range of activities that could be done surrounding this book.  The inspiration it could give to pupils in their international projects and ideas for beginning whole class international projects based around the tracking of migratory birds.
A fantastic book that I would strongly recommend.
This is a link to a blog for Ozwold it has sad news on it but it shows how Osprey's are being tracked.Osprey Diary

Scruffy Bear and the Six White Mice by Chris Wormell

Scruffy Bear and the Six White Mice is a lovely picture book.  The illustrations are beautiful and realistic.  The picture of the owl is truly impressive.  The children in my class really enjoyed this story.  We tried to guess how Scruffy Bear would trick each animal.  The ideas for tricking each animal are imaginative and clever.  While this book has similarities to the Grufallo in which the fox, snake and owl are tricked, it doesn't have the feel of ideas being copied, instead it tells a different story but with the characters you may find in the wood.  This is yet another book that I think will be found in key stage one classrooms and will form the basis for lovely woodland displays and role play areas.
As a parent it is also a book that I would recommend for children age 3 - 6 years.

Iris and Isaac

This is a beautiful book about friendship.  I do love books about bears as well so this book was an instant hit with both myself and Lucy aged 6.  The story enables discussion with children about friendship and forgiveness.  It gives the opportunity to talk to the children about how they may disagree and sometimes want their own space but that doesn't mean they can't be friends again.  I found this book useful to use with my class at a time when a group of girls were having friendship difficulties.
The illustrations are stunning, I love the way the polar bears have been drawn.
I imagine that this book will be found in many key stage one classrooms.

Mole's Sunrise

Mole's sunrise is a beautiful book from the very beginning.  Naively, I didn't realise that the reason Mole had never seen a sunrise was because he was blind.  I had thought that he just had never got up in time.  The author deals with this disability in such a sensitive way that it is only at the end that me and my two girls realised that he couldn't see the sunrise and that he was experiencing it through all his other senses.
I find this book hard to read aloud because it seems to always manage to make me feel a little emotional when I reach the end.  Books have a wonderful way of tapping into our emotions and this one certainly does this.
I really hope that their is a braille copy of this book and also a tactitile version made as it is a must for any classroom but also for any schools that have children who are partially sighted.
walker books activities linked to Mole's Sunrise

From the RNIB website a clip of talking book narrators reading moles sunrise.

Em reading Little Red Hood

Em has been struggling with reading (decoding) in school.  She loves this book as she can put expression into her reading.  She uses the pictures as cues and the two colours of writing help her to follow the story. She did have difficulty with the word seriously so substituted it for large as the sentence relates to the size of the wolf's teeth.

Small Change for Stuart

The book is about a boy (Stuart) who is ten but small for his age.  Stuart and his parents move to Beeton and so begins an extraordinary adventure in which he discovers his great uncle's lost workshop.
I have only read to chapter 9 at the moment but will continue to update as I read it.  Lissa Evans portrays the triplets, who Stuart meets when he moves in, as very annoying and Stuarts parents as somewhat unaware of Stuart's feelings (something I am sure many 10 year olds feel).

I have now finished the book and I thoroughly enjoyed the story.  I would suggest that any child from about 8 upwards would enjoy this book.  It provides a great adventure story with gripping plot twists as Stuart gradually puts different clues together.  The book has that ever important happy ending which, I think, is important for books for this age group as children do expect the bad characters to get there comeuppance.  Alongside this the use of language in the book provides ample opportunity to extend children's vocabulary especially the way in which Stuart's Dad speaks to Stuart.  The book is very well written with some of those cringe moments we all experienced I am sure with our parents when we were young.  It also has the qualities of those stories that I loved reading when I was younger such as 'Harriet the Spy' and 'Emil and the Detectives.'  There is a very satisfying feeling when a child sees and believes things that adults don't and at the same time outwits the adults who are out to do wrong.   

Little Red Hood

I love this book.  As soon as I opened the envelope and found this book inside I knew it would be one of my favourites.  The illustrations are so simple but effective, while the text is simple it is the illustrations and the way in which you read it out loud that makes it so wonderful.
Em dressed up for world book day as Little Red Riding Hood but this was the book she took with her as her favourite book.
Children would have to be familiar with the traditional story of Little Red Riding Hood to fully understand the story.
Both my girls picked up immediately that the text was in two colours to show who was speaking.

A Monster Calls

A Monster Calls is the story of Connor coming to terms with his mother's cancer.  It  takes you on Conor's journey including the way that he cannot talk to his friends and they no longer know what to say to him.  He is angry, unhappy but also having to keep himself together for his mum.  As it is only Conor and his mum it tells a story of Conor's isolation as well.

Throughout the book I felt so desperate for someone to come and help Conor, his Grandma comes but can't help him.  His dad comes from America but does not offer the support he needs either.  I found myself wishing that there was someone and then it becomes clear that the monster is the one who will force Conor to talk about his feelings.

In the beginning I was not sure about the monster or the purpose of the monster as I felt that Conor had enough going on in his life with his mother and the bullies. However, as I became absorbed in the story I began to realise the significance of the monster. The book needs to be read over a period of a few days as it is an emotionally draining account of a boy coming to terms with his mother's cancer.
The use of the monster who helps Conor come to terms with feelings that none of us feel comfortable talking about was great.
I read this as an ebook and realised that I have missed out on the illustrations which, looking at others reviews, adds to the story.
This is a book that is great for both young adults and adults as it covers issues and feelings that are uncomfortable but real.  I wish that I had read a book like this when I was younger.  Be prepared for lots of crying throughout as it is a real emotional rollercoaster.

Long Lankin

This is a ghost/fantasy book. The two children are sent stay with their Aunt. However there is a danger that no one tells them about until it becomes too late. The book is a captivating tale which explores the relationship of sisters and adults fear of trusting children with the truth when actually children are more likely to believe them.
The book is completely absorbing I read it whilst doing everything else including cooking tea as I could not put it down.
I was however left with the worry at the end as you never find out who will take care of the two girls in the end.  You are also left wondering whether this is the end as the power of the ghost and the witchcraft behind him suggest there is no possible way to destroy it.  I could imagine this book being made into a fantastic atmospheric film.

This will be a great book for those teenage girls who are drawn to the vampire love stories but provides a more interesting and challenging read in which you cannot predict the outcomes and instead have to keep reading.  I have already lent it to a friend to see what they think.

The book Awards

As a teacher judge I have read all 21 of the books on the long list for the 3 - 7 category. Now I have the task of reading the shortlisted books for all categories. This task is much harder than I first imagined as all the books so far have been fantastic books.  Link to the page where you can view all the books on the short list.