april reading list

We have absolutely loved being part of the Children’s Book Awards through our partnership this year. It has been a fantastic opportunity to engage our students with a wide range of exciting and thought provoking texts.

We have now submitted our final votes in the longer novels category for older readers. 

We look forward to seeing if 

Fear Files: Hide and Seek by Christopher Edge is a gripping and fast paced adventure that draws readers into a world of mystery and the unexplained. The story follows best friends Adam and Sol, whose curiosity leads them to explore an abandoned ghost town filled with secrets.

What begins as an exciting discovery soon becomes something far more serious, as they realise they must solve the riddle of The Darkive, a top secret database of strange and unexplained events. As the mystery deepens, Adam and Sol face increasing danger and uncertainty, testing both their courage and their friendship.

Packed with suspense and unexpected twists, this novel keeps readers on edge while exploring themes of bravery, trust and the power of curiosity.

The Last Dragon on Mars by Scott Reintgen follows the adventures of Lunar Jones and his misfit crew of fellow orphans as they battle adversity and attempt to save the dying planet Mars from imminent destruction. Living in a harsh and uncertain world, the group must rely on their courage, loyalty and quick thinking as they face a series of dangerous challenges.

Their mission is a bold one. In order to succeed, they must find and enlist the help of a mythical dragon, a creature many believe may not even exist. As they journey across the fragile landscape of Mars, unexpected situations and difficult decisions begin to complicate their path.

Filled with action, tension and moments of humour, the story explores themes of friendship, resilience and hope, as Lunar and his crew fight to protect the only home they have ever known.

My Name is Samim by Fidan Meikle is a powerful and moving portrayal of one boy’s journey across Europe. The story follows Samim, a 13 year old refugee from Afghanistan, as he makes the long and dangerous journey to the UK. His route takes him through Iran, Turkey, Greece, Italy and France, a journey that lasts over three years and includes time spent in detention centres.

When Samim finally arrives in the UK, the uncertainty does not end. He faces new challenges as he waits to find out if he will be allowed to stay, while also carrying the memories of everything he has experienced along the way. A key question runs throughout the story. What happened to his best friend Zayn during their journey?

This is already an early favourite, with an intriguing and gripping storyline that sheds light on the realities faced by refugees. The novel highlights both the dangers of the journey and the prejudice encountered at every stage, making it a thought provoking and important read.