Resources
What the World Doesn't See Discussion Notes
Discussion notes for the powerful and insightful novel about grief, disability and first love; a story about getting lost and finding yourself.
The Song Walker Teaching Notes
This Teachers’ Pack takes children on a journey of discovery as they step into the enchanting world of The Song Walker, an extraordinary new book by Zillah Bethell, author of The Shark Caller.
A Beginner’s Guide to Ruling the Galaxy - Resources for libraries
A brilliantly funny story of what happens when a galactic princess moves in next door and almost brings about the end of the world. Exciting new fiction from the bestselling, award-winning author of My Brother is a Superhero. Gavin’s got a new neighbour and she’s really annoying. Niki follows him everywhere, bosses him about, and doesn’t care that her parents will obliterate Earth with their galactic warships if she doesn’t stop running away from them. Can Niki and Gavin sort out the alien...
Food Fight Colouring Sheet
Colour in the fruits and vegetables on our Food Fight activity sheet.
How to Make a Story Activity Sheet
When Milo decides he’s going to tell a story, it seems like a great idea. The only problem is that he’s not sure how to start… what to put in the middle… or how to end it. With a little help from his family, some real-life inspiration, and a lot of imagination, Milo’s story is soon off to a flying start. If only his little brother and sister weren’t getting in the way. But then Milo learns the most important lesson of all about stories – that they are made to be shared.
The Reading Agency’s February booklist for Adults – Translated Books
On 21 February it is Mother Language Day so this month we have created a booklist of some terrific, translated books to enjoy. Each book has been translated from their original language or are available in translation. Don’t forget to tell us what you thought of any of the books on the list by tagging us on social media using #booklist and tagging @readingagency!
The Reading Agency’s February booklist for Children and Young People – Translated Books
On 21 February it is Mother Language Day so this month we have created a booklist of some terrific, translated books for children and young people to enjoy. Each book has been translated from their original language or are available in translation. From picture books to poetry to graphic novels, there’s something for young readers of all ages from across the globe. Don’t forget to tell us what you thought of any of the books on the list by tagging us on social media using #booklist and...
Trying Times for Sebastian Scattergood by Keith Rylands-Bolton - digital pack
Set in a small village in the Lincolnshire Wolds, Trying Times for Sebastian Scattergood is a chronicle of a horrendous year, narrated by an earnest and pompous man who lacks any sense of self-irony. Part disaster diary, part social satire, it is a novel of literary fiction which is both humorous and moving in equal measure. The digital pack includes: • Downloadable/printable letters from Sebastian to the reader • Downloadable selection of photos of the author that are relevant to the book,...
All About Us from Usborne - Teaching Resources
The All About Set is perfect for helping little children learn about and navigate through confusing topics. The wonderfully illustrated books offer a reassuring and friendly take on these complex matters, making this set a must have for every child. This set includes the following titles: All About Feelings All About Families All About Diversity All About Friends Find out more about the series here.
The Tiger Who Sleeps Under My Chair by Hannah Foley - Teachers' Resources
Steeped in the natural history of Mary Anning’s Jurassic Coast, a powerful dual-timeline story about friendship, mental health and hidden stories. Emma Linden dreams of following in the footsteps of the famous fossil-hunter, Mary Anning. But when her brother James becomes obsessed with a tiger at the museum, Emma’s world begins to spiral… After Rosie falls ill, she discovers family secrets buried like layers of rock in the Jurassic Coast. With her new friend Jude, they must sift the past to...
A Better Day by Dr Alex George - downloadable resources
What if we could think of mental health in a positive way? In this empowering and hopeful handbook, Youth Mental Health Ambassador Dr Alex George is here to show us how. A Better Day is a positive, accessible and practical toolkit guiding young readers in how they can care for their mental health with confidence. This book provides all the scaffolding and practical techniques to help children deal with everything from peer pressure to exam stress to online trolls, and help them look toward...
The Bird Singers and The Wildstorm Curse by Eve Wersocki Morris - school resources
A fabled witch. A powerful curse. A monster out for revenge. Kallie dreams of becoming a playwright and is determined that her dyslexia won’t hold her back. But when rehearsals begin at Wildstorm Theatre Summer Camp and strange, scary things start happening to her and her new friends, Kallie will discover that stories are more powerful than she’d ever imagined… A thrilling supernatural mystery about the power of storytelling from the author of The Bird Singers, Eve Wersocki Morris
The Reading Agency’s January booklist for Adults – Books to Make you Laugh
January marks the beginning of a new year and we want to kick 2023 with lots of laughter. Escape into a world of humour and don’t forget to tell us what you thought of any of the books on the list by tagging us on social media using #booklist and tagging @readingagency!
The Shop of Impossible Ice Creams by Shane Hegarty and Jeff Crowther - activities
One of the funniest books you’ll read this year, perfect for fans of Roald Dahl’s George’s Marvellous Medicine. Welcome to the Shop of Impossible Ice Creams! Step inside to discover a delicious world of magical adventure, from bestselling author Shane Hegarty. First in a comic, heart-warming illustrated series, for 7+ readers. Limpet’s mum is opening an ice-cream shop, full of her favourite new flavours: mushroom and tuna ice cream, anyone? Roast parsnip and gravy? Limpet’s not sure about...
Henry Eliot's Book of Bookish Lists - digital asset pack
Who had birds called Death, Wigs and Spinach? How do you spell the noise of a door slamming? Whose working title was The Chronic Argonauts? Henry Eliot – author, editor and insatiable bookworm – has ransacked the libraries and archives of world literature, compiling hundreds of bookish lists. This eclectic gallimaufry showcases his favourites: we witness the tragic ends of the Ancient Greek tragedians, learn the name of George Orwell’s pet cockerel and rummage through Joan Didion’s travelling...
The Reading Agency’s January booklist for Children and Young People – Books to Make you Laugh Out Loud
January marks the beginning of a new year and we want to kick 2023 with lots of laughter. From picture books to graphic novels, there’s something for young readers of all ages. Escape into a world of LOL moments and don’t forget to tell us what you thought of any of the books on the list by tagging us on social media using #booklist and tagging @readingagency!
The Marvellers by by Dhonielle Clayton - Extract
‘The Marvellers deserves the highest compliment I can give a book: I want to live in this world’ – Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson series. Eleven-year-old Ella Durand is the first Conjuror to attend the Arcanum Training Institute for Magical and Uncanny Endeavors. At this magical school in the clouds Ella discovers that being the first isn’t easy, but she finds friendship in fellow misfits Brigit, a girl who hates magic, and Jason, a boy with a fondness for magical...
Albi: the Glowing Cow Boy - reading notes and activities
These activities and notes are suitable for kids’ book clubs, home learning or in the classroom. About the book On a quiet farm in a frosty England, under the glowing light of a magical milk moon, a boy calf is born. His name is Albi, and he has no idea how extraordinary he is going to be. Several miles away lives a human boy called Rufus. Rufus is extraordinary in his own way, but he has no friends and no one to love him. Rufus seeks the family he never had, and he’ll go to any lengths to...
All Four Quarters of the Moon by Shirley Marr Teacher Notes
All Four Quarters of the Moon is a beautiful, heartwarming story about one family’s move from Singapore to Australia. This teaching pack explores some of the important themes within the book using spotlight extracts, discussion questions, cross-curricular activities and ideas aimed at 9+/KS2 readers.
All Four Quarters of the Moon by Shirley Marr Discussion Notes
All Four Quarters of the Moon is a beautiful, heartwarming story about one family’s move from Singapore to Australia. These discussion notes explore some of the important themes within the book.
'Foster' and 'Small Things Like These' Reading Group Guides
A Reading Guide to ‘Foster’ and ‘Small Things Like These’ (shortlisted for The Booker Prize 2022) by Claire Keegan.
The Littlest Yak - digital resources and social media assets
Look for the perfect story time read? We have a sneak peek extract of The Littlest Yak: The New Arrival and a selection of social media assets to download for your library. More about the book ‘The heart-warming and hilarious sequel to Lu Fraser & Kate Hindley’s much-loved The Littlest Yak finds Gertie having a bit of a wobble when she becomes a big sister for the first time.’ Waterstones Gertie the yak is back! And she’s going to be a big sister! Gertie wants the new baby to feel right...
Lift-the-flap Questions and Answers about Money by Lara Bryan and Marie-Eve Tremblay - activity sheets and videos
Understanding money today is so much more than learning about notes and coins. Where does money come from? Why do I have to save? What happens if I click BUY NOW? Find answers to important money questions, and some silly ones too in this friendly and useful book. - The question and answer lift-the-flat format is a perfect reading tool for curious kids - Written in consultation with money management expert Bobby Seagull – TV and radio presenter, teacher and ambassador for the National Numeracy...
The Reading Agency’s December booklist - Books of the Year!
At The Reading Agency, we have read a lot of brilliant books over the past year; books that have made us laugh, cry and left us with a lot to discuss. Members of our team have picked the books that have stood out for them this year and shared a few words on why they loved it. We hope you find some inspiration for your next read, or perhaps spot a few titles you have enjoyed yourself! Tell us on social media by tagging readingagency and using #BooksOfTheYear. You can also find the booklists on...
Sadé and Her Shadow Beasts by Rachel Faturoti - digital resources, video and social media assets
Explore the themes of grief, family, poetry and creativity with these learning resources for Rachel Faturoti’s glorious debut, Sadé and Her Shadow Beasts. Suitable for Upper Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3. More about the book Grief let the monsters in. Finding her voice will banish them. Twelve-year-old Sadé has been escaping to an imaginary world ever since her mum passed away – with its candy-floss lilac sky, she goes on endless adventures atop her purple-winged bird, Nix. But soon she...
'Am I Made of Stardust?' Learning Resources
Explore the themes of space travel and curiosity with these learning resources for Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock’s ‘Am I Made of Stardust?’ Suitable for ages 9-11 (Year 4 to Year 6)
'Wolfbane' Teacher Resources
Explore the themes of Michelle Paver’s ‘Wolfbane’ through activities and discussion in this Teachers’ Pack. About the Book The grand finale to the prize-winning adventure series that’s changed the lives of millions of readers. Breathtaking world-building on an epic scale. Pure escapism at its best. It is early spring, a turbulent, perilous time of sudden storms, frozen river fractures and drifting ice. Fleeing from a demon intent on devouring his souls, Wolf is swept out to Sea far from the...
The Reading Agency’s November booklist for Adults – Debuts
November marks National Novel Writing Month or NaNoWriMo (as it’s more commonly known). We want to celebrate some of our favourite debut authors of 2022. From edge-of-your-seat thrillers to thought-provoking explorations of culture and belonging, there’s something for everyone! Dive in today and don’t forget to tell us what you thought of any of the books on the list by tagging us on social media using #booklist and tagging @readingagency!
Don't Ask the Dragon by Lemn Sissay - Activity Sheets
Don’t Ask the Dragon by Lemn Sissay is the story of a story of a little boy called Alem who goes on an adventure. It’s his birthday, but who knows where he can go to celebrate it? Maybe the bear, the fox, the treefrog or the bulldog know? But don’t ask the dragon… or he will EAT you! Download these activity sheets and colouring sheet to support children’s reading of Don’t Ask The Dragon.
The Reading Agency’s November booklist for Children and Young People – Debuts
November marks National Novel Writing Month or NaNoWriMo (as it’s more commonly known). We want to celebrate some of our favourite debut authors of 2022. From humorous tales of belonging and acceptance to sensational love stories (and everything in between!), there’s something for everyone. Dive in today and don’t forget to tell us what you thought of any of the books on the list by tagging us on social media using #booklist and tagging @readingagency!
