Resources
The Reading Agency’s November booklist – 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/illustrators of 2023. From beautifully illustrated picture books, thrilling middle grade, YA titles to escape with and a mixture of non-fiction and fiction adult titles. Dive in today and don’t forget to tell us what you thought of any of the books on the list. You can buy the books from Bookshop.org. Looking to share the magic of reading with young...
Everyday Action, Everyday Change by Natalie and Noami Evans
Making changes that help make the world a fairer place can feel overwhelming. Where do you even start? Well… Small actions really can make a big difference! In this inspiring guide, changemakers, sisters and founders of Everyday Racism, Natalie and Naomi Evans, give readers empowering advice for dealing with the issues we see, hear about and face every day, from racism and sexism to homophobia and ableism, providing you with achievable everyday actions to create change! Tips for...
Percy Jackson series - digital activity pack and social media
HALF BOY – HALF GOD – ALL HERO. Now with a new cover look, read the story that launched Percy Jackson into the stratosphere, before the Disney+ series comes out! Look, I never asked to be the son of a Greek god. I was just a normal kid… until I accidentally vaporized my maths teacher. Percy Jackson is having a bad week. His life has gone from totally normal to monsters-from-Greek-mythology-randomly-appearing kind of strange. Worse still, the king of the gods thinks Percy has stolen his...
The Myth Keeper by Jasmine Richards Activity Sheets
Magic and myth collide in this fast-paced middle-grade fantasy, a sequel to The Unmorrow Curse. Download these free children’s activity sheets.
A Memoir of My Former Self by Hilary Mantel - digital resources
The magnificent final book from one of our greatest contemporary writers. As well as her celebrated career as a novelist, Hilary Mantel long contributed to newspapers and journals, unspooling stories from her own life and illuminating the world as she found it. This strand of her writing was an integral part of how she thought of herself. ‘Ink is a generative fluid,’ she explains. ‘If you don’t mean your words to breed consequences, don’t write at all.’ A Memoir of My Former Self collects the...
Magic Faces by Esi Merleh Activity Pack
Open the magic face paints and adventure awaits . . . Twins Alanna and Austin find an old face-painting kit in their Aunty Kessie’s studio, and inside is a magic paintbrush! The paintbrush asks them to choose a story world, and then transforms them into characters, ready for adventure! Together, the twins explore a whole series of different worlds, and discover more about themselves and their sibling bond along the way. Download these fabulous free activity sheets.
Reader Reviews October 2023 - what readers thought about books this month!
Did you know that we offer free reading group sets of books for groups every month? All we ask for in return are reviews. If you’d like to find out more you can sign up to our newsletters. Every month we will be sharing reviews from our readers who have received copies of the latest books from our publisher partners. Books reviewed in October include: Children’s The Stories Grandma Forgot Questions and Answers about Refugees Adults The Favour A Tidy Ending The Good Servant The Bookbinder of...
You Could Be So Pretty by Holly Bourne Reading Group Questions
Reading group questions for You Could Be So Pretty by Holly Bourne. Change the rules. Reclaim your power. If you can… What would you choose? “Razor-sharp and compelling, it is essential reading for every teenage girl.” The Observer “This book is brilliant, brutal and beautiful. A spectacular must-read that manages to put into words all the things that can be so hard to say about the world today.” Beth Reekles “The Doctrine exists to make us believe we are less than, so we don’t have the...
The Train of Dark Wonders Activity Pack
Jump aboard for a journey to strange and spectacular lands. Following the death of her grandfather, Bess is handed the keys to his most prized possession – his Odditorium. She has always loved the strange and magical wonders within. But unless she can come up with a plan to draw in the crowds, she will have to close its doors for good. When a mysterious train pulls into town heading for the Land of Halloween Sweets, it looks like this might be her chance to save the Odditorium. So Bess sneaks...
You Can't Let An Elephant Pull Santa's Sleigh
‘Fantastic festive fun from a superbly silly series!’ Caryl Hart, bestselling picture book author An alpaca pulling your cracker? Penguins carol singing? A buffalo under the mistletoe? Oh no . . . that just won’t do! Join in the fun as a band of crazy creatures try to get into the festive spirit in this brilliantly bonkers new book from the creators of You Can’t Take an Elephant on the Bus. Download your digital pack which includes colouring and activity sheets, social media assets and a...
Reading Power: Communications Toolkit
Support our fundraising campaign focused on improving adult reading confidence across the UK.
Where Are You Really From? Teaching Resources
Who do you think you are? Have you ever thought about who you might be related to? What if we told you that you were related to EXTRAORDINARY EMPERORS, GREAT KINGS and MAGNIFICENT QUEENS? Well, your majesty, you are. In fact, everyone is. And geneticist Adam Rutherford is here to tell you how. Come on an extraordinary adventure through millions of years of human history where you will learn the story of our species from evolution to dinosaurs to YOU! You will meet kings and queens, pharaohs...
Storyland Teaching Resources
You will have heard of Thor, Medusa and Hercules. But what about the myths of the British landscape? The Trojan heroes who wrestled giants. The Syrian sisters who found refuge on our lands. The dragons who slept in hollow hills. And the kings who communed with the dead. In this vivid and beautifully illustrated mythology of Britain, children will discover enchanting tales of magic and adventure, giants and demons, princesses and prophecies. Travelling across the wildest of landscapes – as far...
The Earthshot Prize: A Handbook for Dreamers and Thinkers: Solutions to Repair our Planet Activity Sheets
In the Earthshot Handbook for Future Dreamers and Thinkers, young readers will travel round the world, celebrating the diverse and rich habitats, amazing animals and wonderful landscapes that make up our planet. They’ll learn about the problems and challenges facing those habitats. They will meet Earthshot innovators, entrepreneurs and game changers from the past and present from Wangari Maathai to David Attenborough. And importantly, they’ll discover how they can become the changemakers of...
All Bodies Are Beautiful - digital resources
A helpful handbook for talking about you! We know that bodies can be tricky to understand, and sometimes you might feel like your body is different. But being different is completely natural – it’s all just science! This comprehensive guide helps children learn and understand big feelings about bodies. From the atoms that make us to the things our bodies can do, ALL bodies are wonderful! Find out how amazing you truly are in this wonderful celebration of bodies. What librarians have...
The Reading Agency’s October booklist – Poetry
National Poetry Day (5 October) is a day to share, read and even write poetry. To celebrate, we’ve put together some of our favourite poetry picks. You can buy the books from Bookshop.org. Looking to share the magic of reading with young readers? Join us on 29 November at 10am where award-winning poet Joshua Seigal will be sharing the magic of poetry in a free digital workshop. Perfect for KS2 students. Book your place here We would love to hear what books you’d recommend for the theme on...
We Are All Astronauts - digital resources
Unlock your inner astronaut and learn all about space in We Are All Astronauts – the first book in a brand-new series from bestselling creator of the Fantastically Great Women series, Kate Pankhurst. Join Luna, Granny and Blast as they journey through the cosmos and discover what it takes to be a space explorer! Share online using #WeAreAllAstronauts and tag @kateisdrawing, @KidsBloomsbury (or @bloomsburychildrens on Instagram) and @readingagency.
Libraries Week 2023 - digital pack
Simon and Schuster are providing digital resources to support activity in your library for Libraries Week 2023. This includes videos from Love Your Libraries illustrators, activity sheets and Love Your Library/Libraries Week digital assets. COMPETITION To be in with a chance of winning a money-can’t-buy piece of original artwork from one of their illustrators, created for our 2019 “Love Your Library” campaign, post your photo on social media using the below handles/tags or email...
Until the Road Ends by Phil Earle - digital pack and author videos
Until the Road Ends is the eagerly awaited new novel from the bestselling author of When the Sky Falls: The Times Children’s Book of the Year, winner of a Books Are My Bag Readers Award, the British Book Award for Children’s Fiction and shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. When Peggy saves a stray dog from near-death, a beautiful friendship begins. Nothing can come between them – until war is declared. Peggy is evacuated to safety, but Beau is left behind in London, where he becomes the most...
The Spirit Snatcher by Cat Gray Activity sheets
Welcome to Elbow Alley, home of the most monstrous mystery… Pip was not expecting his new neighbours to be vampires, banshees and ghosts. Worst of all is the mysterious spirit snatcher, which appears out of nowhere and sucks away people’s personalities. Download these free activity sheets for The Spirit Snatcher by Cat Gray.
I Kick and I Fly by Ruchira Gupta - Discussion Notes
AN UNFORGETTABLE STORY BASED ON REAL EVENTS ABOUT FINDING THE COURAGE TO CREATE YOUR OWN DESTINY. More about the book In the outskirts of Bihar’s Red Light District, fourteen-year-old Heera is living on borrowed time. Her father plans to sell her into the sex trade to pay off the family’s debts. But after watching her cousin suffer this fate, Heera is determined to find a way out. A chance encounter introduces her to the power of kung fu. Through martial arts, Heera learns to harness her own...
Sunshine Simpson Cooks Up a Storm - teacher notes and activity sheets
Meet Sunshine Simpson – a brand-new best friend for 9+readers! Perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson. More about the book Sunshine Simpson’s life has never been so busy! She feels like she’s on a ROLLERCOSTER. At school everyone is talking about preparing for the big move to SCARY secondary. Plus, there’s a Charity Bake Sale to plan for. But with Sunshine’s Dad travelling for work, Mum forgetting how to smile, a surprise family guest in the mix, and her BFFs and bake-sale classmate Riley...
Celebrate International Dot Day - downloadable resources
International Dot Day, a global celebration of creativity, courage and collaboration, began when teacher Terry Shay introduced his classroom to Peter H. Reynolds’ book The Dot on September 15, 2009. Now around the 15 September, more than 10 million teachers, librarians and children in 200 countries participate in International Dot Day getting busy with writing, drawing, painting, or other creative outlets and sharing their Dot Day inspiration with others. We’re inviting you to celebrate...
When You Lose it by Roxy and Gay Longworth Extract and Discussion Guide
A reading guide plus extract for When You Lose it by Gay Longworth. About the book Roxy was 13 years old when she was coerced then blackmailed into sending explicit photos, which were spread around her school. The shame led to self-loathing. The blame led to a psychotic breakdown. Roxy started hearing voices. Then she started seeing things… What happens when your teenager starts to lose it, and then you lose each other? What happens when you can’t tell your mother you desperately need help?...
The Reading Agency’s September booklist – STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
National Coding Week is an annual event that aims to help adults, young people and children with learning digital skills. National Coding Week will be happening from the 18-24 September so we are celebrating our favourite books that have strong themes to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). You can buy the books from Bookshop.org. We would love to hear what books you’d recommend for the theme on social media using #booklist and tagging @readingagency. You can see our past...
Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam - digital resources
Celebrating 10 years of cakes, crooks and canine capers! Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam are two hapless robber dogs who can never seem to fill their swag bags. But when they decide on a career change and open up a café, they realize that, although crime doesn’t pay, cupcakes certainly do! Together, they now solve mysteries, sniff out crime and make the best treats in town! In their new adventure, Train Trouble, our doggy duo board the Pawrient Express to solve a baffling series of...
Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam - digital resources
Celebrating 10 years of cakes, crooks and canine capers! Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam are two hapless robber dogs who can never seem to fill their swag bags. But when they decide on a career change and open up a café, they realize that, although crime doesn’t pay, cupcakes certainly do! Together, they now solve mysteries, sniff out crime and make the best treats in town! In their new adventure, Train Trouble, our doggy duo board the Pawrient Express to solve a baffling series of...
I Know It's You by Susan Lewis - digital resources
Don’t miss the next emotionally gripping thriller from Sunday Times bestseller Susan Lewis! THE STORY… The first chapter of a manuscript arrives on Publisher Marina’s desk. She assumes it’s just another novel by another aspiring writer… THE SECRET… As the chapters arrive one by one, Marina is convinced they are about her past. There’s only one person who can know everything about the scandal, the trial, and the trauma that nearly broke her. THE SILENCE… This is one story that should never be...
Worrybot by Simon Packham Digital Resources
In Simon Packham’s Worrybot, Josh has built a Worrybot of his own, a home-made cardboard robot to eat up his worst fears. He writes his worries on a piece of paper, posts them into Worrybot’s mouth and finds it helps his problems feel a little bit smaller. UCLan Publishing are encouraging schools and libraries across the UK to do the same to help children feel a bit less anxious. Build your own Worrybot and make it part of a Worrybot library display and you could be in with a chance of...
The Story of Now Activity Pack
Think the British Empire is ancient history? Think again. It’s time to tell you an unbelievable story. One that spans more than 400 years and influences the world as you know it. Instead of endless lists of Kings and Queens, battles and dates, this book introduces you to some of the hottest topics, ideas and experiences of real people. You will discover the forces behind the biggest empire of all time and you’ll answer some BIG questions. Like what does it MEAN to be British? What do people...
