Reading a book is just magical, isn’t it? Whether it is 10 pages, or 200 pages, the power of reading is phenomenal for a child’s development.
Let their imagination run wild with a fiction book, or educate them about a subject to instil passion with a non-fiction book.
Keep their passion and engagement alive during this pandemic and check out the 10 best educational books for primary school children below.
Fiction
The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Rauf
Told with heart and humour, The Boy at the Back of the Class is a child’s perspective on the refugee crisis, highlighting the importance of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn’t always make sense.
There used to be an empty chair at the back of my class, but now a new boy called Ahmet is sitting in it.
He’s nine years old (just like me), but he’s very strange. He never talks and never smiles and doesn’t like sweets – not even lemon sherbets, which are my favourite!
But then I learned the truth: Ahmet really isn’t very strange at all. He’s a refugee who’s run away from a War. A real one. With bombs and fires and bullies that hurt people. And the more I find out about him, the more I want to help.
That’s where my best friends Josie, Michael and Tom come in. Because you see, together we’ve come up with a plan.
Buy this book here.
Illegal by Eoin Colfer
This is a powerful and timely story about one boy’s epic journey across Africa to Europe, a graphic novel for all children with glorious colour artwork throughout. From Eoin Colfer, previously Irish Children’s Laureate, and the team behind his bestselling Artemis Fowl graphic novels.
Ebo: alone.
His sister left months ago. Now his brother has disappeared too, and Ebo knows it can only be to make the hazardous journey to Europe.
Ebo’s epic journey takes him across the Sahara Desert to the dangerous streets of Tripoli, and finally out to the merciless sea. But with every step, he holds on to his hope for a new life, and a reunion with his sister.
Buy this book here.
Armistice Runner by Tom Palmer
Lily has lots of worries. She’s struggling to compete in her fell-running races and, worse, she’s losing her gran to Alzheimer’s. But then she discovers her great-great-grandfather’s diaries from the First World War. Could his incredible story of bravery help her reconnect with her gran and even give her the inspiration she needs to push through and win?
Buy this book here.
Brightstorm by Vashti Hardy
Twins Arthur and Maudie Brightstorm receive word in Longtown that their famous explorer father has died in a failed attempt to reach the southernmost point in the world. Not only that, but he has been accused of stealing fuel before he died!
The twins don’t believe the news, and they answer an ad to join a new attempt to reach South Polaris. It’s their only hope of learning the truth … and salvaging their family’s reputation.
As the winged ship Aurora sets sail, the twins must keep their wits about them and prove themselves worthy of the rest of the crew. But will Arthur and Maudie find the answers they seek?
Buy the book here.
The Train to Impossible Places by P.G Bell
When Suzy hears a strange noise in the middle of the night, she creeps downstairs to find a train roaring through her house. But this is no ordinary train. This is the magical delivery express for the Union of Impossible Places.
Whisked on board by a troll-boy, Suzy’s world is turned upside down when she’s asked to deliver a cursed package to a fearsome sorceress. And quite suddenly, Suzy realizes the fate of the Impossible Places is in her hands…
Buy the book here.
Tom Gates Epic Adventure by Liz Pichon
The brand new hilarious and fully-illustrated instalment of the bestselling Tom Gates series! Having two sets of grandparents is turning out to be very good for me. The Wrinklies are keen on giving presents AND they’re planning a family outing which is going to be EPIC! Even Delia wants to come (I can ignore her).
Buy the book here.
Non-Fiction
These are the books for football lovers everywhere…
Sallah by Matt and Tom Oldfield
Mohamed Salah is Liverpool’s superstar forward, and he is on a mission to become the best player in the world. This exciting book follows his adventures across the world – from the heat of Egypt to the magic of Rome, the roar of Anfield stadium and his big chance in a Champions League Final.
Ultimate Football Heroes is a series of biographies telling the life-stories of the biggest and best footballers in the world and their incredible journeys from childhood fan to super-star professional player. Written in fast-paced, action-packed style these books are perfect for all the family to collect and share.
Buy this book here
Pickford by Matt and Tom Olfield
Jordan Pickford is the hero goalkeeper whose super-save won England their first-ever World Cup penalty shootout, and whose will to win inspired England to battle all the way to the semi-finals. This is the story of how a young boy with a big dream became Everton’s number-one keeper and England’s star player at the 2018 World Cup.
Buy this book here
Suarez by Tom and Matt Oldfield
‘None of the defenders had a chance. Luis was too quick. Before they could move, he had pounced on the ball and fired a shot into the top corner.’
Suarez follows the Uruguayan’s winding path from love-struck youngster to Liverpool hero to Barcelona star. Grabbing goals and headlines along the way, this is the inspiring story of how the world’s deadliest striker made his mark.
Buy this book here.
Maguire by Matt and Tom Oldfield
Harry Maguire is the boy from Sheffield who battled heroically in the Premier League with Hull City before becoming a lion-hearted defender for Leicester City. But it was with England at the 2018 World Cup that Harry proved his talent once and for all. With determination, courage and passion, Harry Maguire’s performances at the heart of England’s defence will be remembered for years to come.
Buy this book here.
