Book 1 - Shadow by Michael Morpurgo

This is a very moving story.  Although it is sad at times, it is also very beautiful and poignant.

Befriended by a brave and loyal stray dog (Shadow),  Aman, and his mother survive a treacherous trip across war-ravaged Afghanistan.  But now they are in danger again - can Shadow help them one more time?

Book 2 - The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q Rauf

This is the story about how one ordinary nine-year-old child and three classmates are full of empathy for Ahmet, a boy that comes to their school as a refugee from Syria (he is the boy at the back of the class).

Through their sensitivity, curiosity, ingenuity, bravery and innocent niceness, they make a massive impact on Ahmet’s life, friends, class, school, community, and the wider world. There’s a lovely lack of stereotyping on gender and backstory for the narrator, which adds to the message of not judging people before you know them.

An inspiring and sweet tale that will help children think about what it is to be a good person whatever your circumstances , and challenge prejudice and push for fairness, whenever possible.

Book 3 - Birdsong by Katya Balen

This is a delightful short story about friendship and perseverance.  After a devastating car crash, Annie is unable to play her flute and retreats from the music she's always loved.  She exists in a world of angry silence.  Then she meets Noah, who shows her the blackbirds' nest hidden in scrubland near their flats.  As their friendship grows, the blackbirds' glorious song reignites Annie's passion for music.  But when tragedy strikes again, will her fragile progress be put at risk?

Book 4 - The Last Bear by Hannah Gold

The Last Bear is a celebration of the love between a child and an animal, a battle cry for our world and an irresistible adventure with a heart as big as a bear's.  There are no polar bears left on Bear Island.  At least, that's what April's father tells her when his scientific research takes them to this remote Arctic outpost for six months.  But one endless summer night, April meets on.  He is starving, lonely and a long way from home.  Determined to save him, April begins the most important journey of her life...

Book 5 -  Crater Lake by Jennifer Killick

Crater Lake is a fast-paced story full of suspense, scares, twists and turns.  Who is the mysterious man who stops their coach? Why is no one around when Lance and the rest of Year 6 arrive at the brand-new Crater Lake activity centre?  This is just the beginning of a nightmare school trip; a fight for survival that sees five pupils join forces to save their classmates from an alien fate worse than death.  

Book 6 - The Outlaw Varjak Paw by S F Said

After Year 5 read Varjak Paw in the autumn term, this action-packed story continues his adventures. Having saved the city cats from a fate worse than death, Varjak Paw finds himself the elected and popular leader of a new gang - a gang that supports freedom and kindness for all.  But will the pressure take its toll on this brave yet sometimes naive cat? 

Book 7 - Born to Run by Michael Morpurgo

Joy and heartbreak combine in this bittersweet tale of a champion greyhound's journey through life:  from owner to owner... When Patrick saves a litter of greyhound puppies from the canal, he keeps a special one: Best Mate.  Best Mate can run like a speeding bullet.  When he is kidnapped and turned into a champion racer, what will happen when Best Mate can't run any more?

Book 8 - Race to the Frozen North: The Matthew Henson Story

Race to the Frozen North tells the remarkable true story of Matthew Henson.  When orphan Matthew Henson ran away from his violent stepmother to find a new life in the city, no one could have predicted that he would become the first man to reach the North Pole.  A little luck and a lot of hard work led to a life of adventure on the high seas and in the Arctic, but back home his achievements were ignored due to the colour of his skin.

 Book 9 - Dragon Mountain

This book is perfect for those who love fantasy, magic, adventure and, of course, DRAGONS!  This is the first book in the Dragon Realm series.  Billy Chan would rather spend his summer surfing than travelling to China for summer camp.  However, when he makes a new group of friends - nervous Dylan, kind-hearted Ling-Fei and confident Charlotte - they discover that nothing is as it seems on this particular trip...

Book 10 - Mysteries of the Universe: discover the best-kept secrets of space

Travel to the furthest reaches of the Universe and visit 100 remarkable objects along the way with this stunning book.  This space encyclopedia is packed with fascinating facts and detailed illustrations.   

Book 11 - Viper's Daughter by Michelle Paver

After reading Wolf Brother and other books in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series during spring term.  This is another story with an exciting storyline: full of adventure, peril, magic, and conflict. Viper's Daughter plunges you back into the Stone Age world of Torak, Renn, and Wolf: a world full of demons.