By Katie Swanson
With our children are at home in these uncertain times, it’s a challenge to keep their minds active. These titles have themes, characters and narratives ripe for discussion and thought and will make a great addition to any impromptu home schooling. If any of these titles look good to you, give us an email and we will make sure to have one aside for you when we reopen.
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Early Chapter and Read Together:
White Fox by Chen Jiatong: Orphaned fox cub, Dilah, loves humans and wants desperately to be one, so much so that he follows an ancient fox legend on an adventure to find the magical moonstone to transform him.
Wild Robot by Peter Brown: Delightful, insightful and full of charm, the wild robot is the story of Roz, a curious robot who is activated by animals on a remote island and learns that you don’t need to be human to find your humanity.
Horrible Histories: Chock full of funny, informative and completely gross tidbits to make history age appropriate and fun for primary school readers.
The Little People, Big Dreams Series: No matter what your children are interested in, be it science, art, fashion, literature or sports, there is an inspirational Little Person just waiting to be discovered. From Stephen Hawking to Coco Chanel, this series of junior biographies helps children to dream big.
It Might Be An Apple by Shinsuke Yoshitake: This simple introduction to scientific inquiry is perfect for curious minds. With lovely graphic illustrations and plenty to learn, this book will spark questions, ideas and perhaps even experiments.
Confident Readers:
Ross Welford: Anything by Ross Welford blends science, adventure and humour in thought provoking and often hilarious ways. Kids will laugh out loud and learn without even realising it.
Jess Butterworth: Pick up any Jess Butterworth novel and you’ll find a tenacious heroine dealing with real situations in different cultures around the world. Her books are adventure with a message, plenty of animals and gorgeous covers. Her newest novel, Where the Wilderness Lives, is out soon.
Laura Ruby: The York series is an intellectual puzzle solving mystery set in an alternate solar powered New York. Each chapter has a new cipher, code or secret to uncover. The third book in the series, The Map of Stars, will be in store on the 18th of May.
Des Hunt: The Kiwis at War Series gives children an age appropriate glimpse into the realities of World War One. Each book focuses on a different role within the war effort, offering perspectives from fighter pilots, infantry and nurses.
Young Adult Fiction:
Frances Hardinge: This author wraps up complicated moral questions in adventure, ghost stories and well grounded fantasy. Themes like prejudice, fundamentalism and economic inequality are explored through a plant that grows on lies, a space in the soul for hitchhikers and the still beating heart of a dead god. All her books are guaranteed to get curious minds ticking.
World War Two: There are a number of titles for young adult readers that deal with the horror of World War Two. Below is a list of some of the most thoughtful and beautifully written stories on the subject:
The Tattooist of Auschwitz (Young Readers Edition) by Heather Morris
Munmun by Jesse Andrews: Munmun is the most imaginative and simple representation of privilege that I have ever read. In a world where your size directly correlates to your bank balance, life is bleak for the ‘Little Poor’ and a playground for the ‘Big Rich’. While humorous, Munmun deals with some heavy themes, like exploitation and poverty, so would be best for readers 15 and over.
The Survival Game by Nicky Singer: In a post climate change world a young woman tries desperately to make her way to a place of safety. This is another mature title, but a worthy read for any older teen, bringing to light the challenges of displaced people.
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes: Be ready with a box of tissues, Ghost Boys is the story of a young American boy shot by the police. On the other side, he encounters the ghosts of all the other boys murdered for the colour of their skin, hears their stories and shares their anger and pain.
