THE TEACHER'S LIBRARY

I had only heard wonderful things about this book, and went in with high expectations. Which is usually my downfall.... and it held true for this one. I knew going into it that there was a heavily Christian influence, but having grown up in the church, I assumed this would only endear the novel further to me..... maybe not. Rating: 3 out of 5. There were plenty of things I liked, but also plenty of things I just couldn't get along with. I found it quite slow to get to the poi

Morris Gleitzman is an Australian author that we love and celebrate (and of course we ignore that he was born in England). I've read this both aloud and as a book club with a section of my class. It's heavy but it's so very impacting. I love the idea that children can read this text and make their own assumptions about illegal immigrants, rather than copying their parent's opinions. Rating: 5 out of 5. This book had me on the verge of tears multiple times. I haven't yet read

I read The Messenger by Markus Zusak as a teenager, and adored it. I have no idea why I waited so many years to read this one but I'm glad I finally picked it up! It's one of those books that sits on a fine line between Children/Middle grade and Young Adult. Rating: 4 out of 5. I think this was too hyped up for me to enjoy it as much as I would have if I'd read it before hearing how wonderful it was. It was a bit slow moving for my taste. Age suggestion: At least 10+. For man

I was a big fan of Artemis Fowl growing up, but for some reason none of the kids I've taught have ever latched onto it. (Stay tuned, I play on re-reading and reviewing it in the hope of changing that!). At the beginning of the year I was looking for a short novel to read to my class before we got stuck into something longer (...... Harry Potter). I hadn't read this before, but gosh I'm glad I did! Rating: 5 out of 5. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this - especially aloud. My cl

Growing up I had many friends who were obsessed with this series in the same way I was obsessed with Harry Potter. I don't know why I didn't even pick this up then, but I'm glad I have as an adult! There are plenty of books aimed at kids that are saccharinely sweet, and yes there's a place for that. But these are dark yet still somehow enjoyable. They feel more mature to read than lots of other books targeted for kids the same age. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I was really only

Having read WeirDo not too long ago, I was keen to check out Do's more recent series. This felt very much like a set-up book, and that there will be more actual adventure in the following novels. Rating: 4 our of 5 stars. Age Suggestion: Ages 7-12 Ability Range: This is more complex than Do's previous WeirDo books - it's much longer, although not necessarily more advanced in terms of vocabulary. I think if you've got kids who have read the WeirDo books and enjoyed them, then

I know so many girls who are obsessed with this series. There are 16 books so far! I had high hopes, which may have been my downfall but also maybe this just isn't very good. My main issue with this book is that it is ridiculously unbelievable. And I don't mean in the sense of fantasy or mystery - I would have loved that. But the story is about a 7 year old who, despite being incredibly annoying and pretentious, manages to befriend everyone she meets in a matter of minutes t

My first experience with Michael Morpurgo was reading War Horse with some of my extension reading group. The Butterfly Lion is definitely more accessible, but no less beautifully written. Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. I easily read it in one session, but it didn't stick in my mind for long after. Age suggestion: 8+ Ability level: From Grade 3 upwards for competent readers. More advanced readers will be able to pick up on some of the more old fashioned references and symbolism.

If you ask teachers of upper primary school, or librarians, for a book recommendation for a 10+ year old who's a good reader, chances are they recommended this. A few kids I was teaching were reading this one year, so I picked up a copy for myself so that I knew what they were talking about. What a brilliant decision! Rating: 5 out of 5 stars Age suggestion: At least 10+ unless you know your kids really well / have parent consent. Ability range: Grade 5+ Content notes: "Excus

I simply adored this movie when I was a kid. It was one of those films I would watch when I was home sick from school. I saw a copy of the book in a Scholastic Book Club one year, for something ridiculous like $5, so we ordered 6. I read this as a book club with a few of my class members, and it was such a beautiful novel to share together. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. I loved every moment of it! Age Suggestion: This is a tricky one. In terms of the story line, there's no reason