Resources
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!
What the Ladybird Heard at Christmas by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks - activity sheets
Unwrap a brand new adventure from everyone’s favourite crime-fighting ladybird! We’re celebrating What the Ladybird Heard at Christmas, a brand new title in the bestselling What the Ladybird Heard series by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks. In a big old house, the ladybird is visiting her friend the spider for the festive season. But those two bad men, Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len, are up to no good again. They have a devious plan – to steal the children’s Christmas presents from their stockings!...
The Last Storyteller by Donna Barba Higuera - digital pack
An unforgettable journey through the stars, to the very heart of what makes us human. The incredible Newbery Medal-winning novel from Donna Barba Higuera. “Gripping in its twists and turns, and moving in its themes – truly a beautiful cuento.”- NEW YORK TIMES Había una vez… There lived a girl named Petra Peña, who wanted nothing more than to be a storyteller, like her abuelita. But Petra’s world is ending. Earth will soon be destroyed by a comet, and only a few hundred scientists and their...
Joseph Coelho - Rhymetime and Storytime digital pack
Blow a kiss, catch a kiss when we are apart. Blow a kiss, catch a kiss put it in your heart. From Eye Caterpillars to The Journey Game, and from Dancing Families to Dreamtime, Blow a Kiss, Catch a Kiss is beautifully illustrated collection of 44 fun and heart-warming poems from award-winning children’s poet Joseph Coelho, designed to be shared together. ‘The idea behind the book was to create a series of modern baby action poems. As much as I’m a fan of ‘ring a ring o roses’ and ‘the wheels...
The Reading Agency’s October booklist for Children and Young People – Poetry
Celebrate National Poetry Day on 6 October and share the magic of poetry. Take inspiration this autumn with some of the best poetry writing and who knows, maybe you’ll become inspired to write your own poem. Tell us what you thought of any of the books on the list by tagging us on social media using #booklist and tagging @readingagency!
October 2022 Children's and Young People booklist - Brilliant books by Black authors and illustrators
As October is Black History Month, we have created a booklist of 125 brilliant books created by Black authors and illustrators. There is something for everyone with fantastic poetry, graphic novels, fiction and non-fiction titles. You can join in with the conversation online using #BrilliantBooksBooklist and tagging us using @readingagency on Twitter and @SummerReadingChallengeUK on Facebook.
Critical Role: Vox Machina Kith and Kin Reading Guide
Explore the past of Critical Role’s daring half-elf twins, Vex’ahlia and Vax’ildan, in this original prequel novel to their adventures with Vox Machina. This reading group guide will help discussion, activity and further reading, inspired by this book.
Key Player: Room to Dream by Kelly Yang - Teaching Notes
’Mia is the compassionate, action-driven heroine today’s readers deserve’ Publishers Weekly MIA TANG IS PLAYING TO WIN! The Women’s World Cup is coming to California, and everyone has football fever ― especially Mia! But when her PE teacher gives her a C, Mia has to pull up her grade by scoring interviews with the championship teams. It’s not so easy when… 1. The two teams are hunkered down in secret hotels in Pasadena and not taking any media requests. 2. Mr Yao is back at the motel― as a...
Someday, Maybe by Onyi Nwabineli - reading guide
Stunningly honest and bursting with wit, Someday Maybe is the story of grief and resilience that you won’t be able to stop talking about. Eve is left heartbroken by her husband’s unexpected death, but everyone around her – her friends, her boisterous British-Nigerian family, her toxic mother-in-law – seems to be pushing her to move on. Unable to face the future, Eve begins looking back, delving through the history of her marriage in an attempt to understand where it went wrong. So begins an...
Bring Your Toy to School Day (12 October) - digital pack
Hachette Children’s Group have created an exciting resource pack to help you celebrate Bring Your Toy to School Day on 12 October. The downloadable digital pack includes: - Bring Your Toy to School Day instruction sheet for teachers - Downloadable poster to advertise Bring Your Toy to School Day - Downloadable activity sheets - Downloadable The Christmas Pig bookmarks The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling Jack loves his childhood toy, Dur Pig. DP has always been there for him, through good and...
Oh No, George! - special poster for Libraries Week
Our friends at Walker Books want to help you celebrate Libraries Week with a special themed poster featuring illustrations from Oh No, George! It’s hard work being good all the time – and it’s especially hard for a dog like George! Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, Oh No, George! is a laugh-out-loud, visual romp from the acclaimed author-illustrator, Chris Haughton. We would love to see you enjoying the pack and celebrating Libraries Week using #LibrariesWeek and tagging WalkerBooksUK and...
Game Changer: A Rocky of the Rovers Novel by Tom Palmer - Activity Pack
Kick-off your reading with Roy of the Rovers, and his sister, Rocky Race! Roy of the Rovers is the action-packed football series that spans both illustrated fiction titles and graphic novels across sixteen exciting books! Roy and his sister Rocky are ordinary teenagers, but with big dreams for playing for their local team, The Melchester Rovers! But making the cut is the first hurdle to the top, as the footballing siblings have to deal with a whole heap of problems both on the pitch and off...
Treacle Walker Reading Group Guide - The Booker Prize 2022
A Reading Guide to ‘Treacle Walker’ by Alan Garner, shortlisted for The Booker Prize 2022. Includes information about the book, the author, what the Booker judges said and questions and discussion points.
The Trees Reading Group Guide - The Booker Prize 2022
A Reading Guide to ‘The Trees’ by Percival Everett, shortlisted for The Booker Prize 2022. Includes information about the book, the author, what the Booker judges said and questions and discussion points.
Small Things Like These Reading Group Guide - The Booker Prize 2022
A Reading Guide to ‘Small Things Like These’ by Claire Keegan, shortlisted for The Booker Prize 2022. Includes information about the book, the author, what the Booker judges said and questions and discussion points.
