Developing Reading Comprehension Skills: Classic Poetry - Kate Heap

Poetry can be a tricky thing to understand and can be a can be a difficult to answer questions on so Kate's Developing Reading Comprehension Skills Classic Poetry is a brilliant addition to the classroom.  The book contains twelve poems that are perfect for Year 5 and 6; some are well-know, whilst others less so, which I like as a great way to widen children's repertoire.  

The book begins with a comprehensive introduction that includes a list of the poems, when they were published and their themes (something I found useful).  This is followed by information on how to use the book and a section with ideas on how to use poetry in the classroom (perfect for both experienced and early career teachers).  The Reading Content Domain section breaks down the different genres of questions, explaining the skills being developed as well as a sample question.

Within the main section of the book, each poem is clearly displayed on a dedicated page in an easy to read format.  The question and answer sections are separated according to the genre of question with the skill titled at the top so the children know they type of question they are tackling.  Questions are clearly set out with space for children's answers, and each category has its own dedicated page for each poem so teachers can decide to complete all categories or focus on a particular type of question (I really like this).

Finally, there is an answer section at the back of the book which made my heart sing as there is nothing worse than finding a great comprehension and then having to work out the answers yourself!

All in all, the book is a great way to introduce classic poetry to children in Year 5 & 6 whilst also developing key comprehension skills, and will make the perfect addition to any classroom.

Onyeka And The Heroes Of The Dawn - TolÀ Okogwu

 

Solari - children with superpowers - have always operated in Nigeria, but Onyeka and her friends have been alerted to someone hiding in England.  The new Solari's identity and superpower remain a mystery, until a trail leads Onyeka to the truth.  But someone else has uncovered the secret, and they are up to no good... Can our superheroes save the day one again?

I have been a big fan of the Onyeka series since I received a proof copy of Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun back in February 2022 (that proof copy has been well-loved by the children at school since then and remains a favourite read) and I was thrilled to hear TolÁ discussing the series at the recent Simon & Schuster brunch.  She talked about the fact that we all have the power to impact the world and it's up to us whether we use that power for good or bad.  Having finished the final book in the trilogy, Onyeka And The Heroes Of The Dawn, I now see that those words are reflected within the book.

There are several threads that run through the book and one of those is that Onyeka's Aunt Naomi, who leads the academy decides the team needs an Olórí, a leader, which causes some unrest.  Not only does the question of what it takes to be a leader come up but there is also the exploration of why people may choose to step-up to leadership and it certainly makes Onyeka think about her choices, actions and responsibilities.

The question of righting wrongs also comes up; old foes re-enter the picture and we are introduced to new characters.  Tobi makes a wonderful addition and his doubts and fears of being alone were well explored.  He was desperate to discover his ike and reminded Onyeka of how she felt when she first arrived at the academy.  I enjoyed getting to know him.

The final instalment of the trilogy is a gripping read and a race against time to prevent the energy crisis.  With friendships, identity and battling for good all major themes, Onyeka And The Heroes Of The Dawn feels like a fitting ending for the characters we have come to know and love.

FCBG The Children's Book Award

 

The Children’s Book Award is the only national award for children’s books that is voted for entirely by children. It is owned and coordinated by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups and is highly respected by teachers, parents and librarians. It has brought acclaim and strong sales to past winners such as J.K. Rowling, Patrick Ness, Andy Stanton, Malorie Blackman, Anthony Horowitz and Michael Morpurgo, who has won a record four times. The award has often been the first to recognise the future stars of children’s fiction and has the ability to turn popular authors into bestsellers.

Marv is an ordinary boy who loves spending time with Grandpa and reading comics with his best friend Joe. But everything changes when he discovers a mysterious superhero suit hidden in the attic . . . To his amazement, Marv learns that he is next in a long line of superheroes. Now the time has come to meet his destiny!

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Writing on the inspiration behind the Marv series, Alex Falase-Koya says: “I’ve always wanted to be a superhero. I think that’s what drew me to writing Marv. You can find countless pictures of me as a child dressed up in superhero costumes. Superhero movies are pretty common now, but when I was growing up there weren’t Marvel superhero movies coming out every month – I had to make do with comics and cartoons.

One of those cartoons was called Static Shock. Its superhero was Static, a young black kid with electric powers who spouted cheesy one-loners as he zapped bad guys. Watching that show was the first time I had ever seen a young black boy be the hero of anything I’d ever watched or read.

Quite a few years have passed since I was a kid watching Static Shock, and unfortunately, we still don’t have that many more prominent black superheroes. By writing Marv and detailing his adventures, the laughs, and the struggles, I hope I might give kids today the feeling that I had all those years ago when I watched Static Shock: Marv is a superhero, and he looks like us and that’s really cool. He’s one of us.”

Speaking more about the inspiration behind Marv and the Killer Plants, Alex wrote: “I began writing Marv and the Killer Plants when I moved to a home with a garden. It’s not a very big garden but it’s mine now, so I have to look after it. When I moved, the garden was overgrown with weeds and the earth was filled with rocks, so I thought it would be a cool project to try and fix it.

Was it hard? Yes. I had to spend hours clearing the weeds and rocks, then I had to plant new grass seeds, and after all of that, I had to water the grass twice a day to get it to grow. 

However, transforming the garden was one of the best things I’ve done all year. I think that’s because gardening gives you a very visual reminder of something essential. When you work really hard at something, magical things can happen. The world itself can change around you. It may not happen all at once, but it does happen day by day, minute by minute, step by step.”

Marv’s super suit is powered by kindness, and we hope that through reading Marv young readers will see that they can transform the world around them through small acts of kindness as well!

“I hope you enjoy the book as much as I enjoyed writing it!" says Alex.

Who Will Win?? FCBG groups are voting within their group and non-members can vote online via the link at https://fcbg.org.uk/cba-2024/. The deadline for voting is Friday 18th May. The category winners and the author of the best children’s book published in 2024 will be announced at a ceremony in Birmingham on 8th June, attended by representatives from all our local groups.

Rules For Vampires: Ghosts Bite Back - Alex Foulkes

Leo is back and whilst her family are preparing to host the Blood Moon Banquet at Castle Motteberg, Leo has far bigger things to worry about when she is summoned to the ghost world to stand trial for the murder of the Orphanmaster.  With the whole of the vampire council attending the banquet, with strict instructions from her mother, it is imperative that Leo is on her best behaviour but with the trial scheduled for the same time, can Leo be in two places at once and can she keep her mother happy whilst also clearing her name?  what could possibly go wrong?

I always love a good spooky book, and I loved the different take on this with Rules For Vampires and the humour that is woven into the plot (you can read my review here) so it was wonderful to catch-up with Leo and Minna again.  I love the fact that Leo isn't afraid to be herself and her strong, resilient character shines through. Her friendship with Minna is strong, despite the fact that ghosts and vampires are sworn enemies.  Her determination to do what is right (unless that means wearing a very ruffly dress!) is evident and both her and Minna's sense of right shines through.

With suitably dark and gruesome touches woven through the book, Rules For Vampires Ghosts Bite Back is a deliciously delightful read with just the right amount of ghoulish fun and is going to make a popular addition to my office bookshelf in school tomorrow. 

Dragon Force Devourer's Attack - Katie & Kevin Tsang

Lance and his sister, Zoe, were thrilled when they were invited to Camp Claw in Infinity's Secret (you can read my review here) and with the end of the book leaving you with sooooo many questions, it's no surprise that Devourer's Attack gets right to the action.  With the Devourer having captured and frozen so many of the Dragon Force team, it's up to Lance, Zoe, Bea, Arthur and their bonded dragons to get to the bottom of what is going on and to save not only Dragon Force but quite possibly the New World as well.  However, facing such a dangerous creature is going to be the biggest challenge of their lives and, with very little training under their belts, will they be able to succeed?

Ok, I know I say this every time I write a review for this series, but I really am a HUGE fan of these books and I was really rather giddy when I finally met Katie at the Simon & Schuster brunch last weekend!  The arrival of Devourer's Attack on Friday was the perfect way to start my weekend and it zoomed straight to the top of my reading pile, giving me the perfect excuse for a lie-in on Saturday morning!

The book begins with a dark and ominous, short chapter that sets the scene, enticing readers in and letting them know that 'The Devourer is coming'.  I defy anybody to read it and not be gripped!  Chapter two wonderfully combines a recap of Infinity's Secret with the beginning of the next instalment, reacquainting you with Lance, Zoe, Bea and Arthur as well as their dragons, Infinity, Violet, Neon and Jaws.  The action is there from the start and, whilst discovering more about the main characters and their dragons, you are immersed in Camp Claw and the dangers that lie ahead for the team.

I love the individuality that Katie and Kevin have always brought to their characters and, whilst Lance feels the pressure to lead the group through this situation, it is clear that he is scared and uncertain (quite rightly - I would be too!).  With his erhu and his music to guide and help him, he shows readers that it's ok to be scared and I love that.  Zoe really captured me in this book with her constant optimism and positivity, but there is something that happens (I'm not giving away any spoilers but... 😲) that brings home the message about loving people for who they are that highlighted the bind the siblings have that melted my heart. 

Like the rest of the series, Devourer's Attack is full of imagination, fast-paced action, peril and tension that meant I found it hard to put the book down.  The world-building is again wonderfully immersive and the map at the beginning of the book is a real treat (I have a weakness for maps in books!). The book is a great reminder that we are all unique and have skills we should be proud of, whilst also showing us that we work better when we work as a team.  With additional messages about friendship and resilience, Devourer's Attack is joyous escapism and will leave you impatient for the next instalment as well as desperate to bond with a dragon. 

This book has been much anticipated in school and I know that I will be trampled in the stampede tomorrow morning when I take my copy in ahead of publication (28th March).  Wish me luck!

Interdimensional Explorers: Alien Apocalypse - Lorraine Gregory

 

We're back with Danny, Modge and Inaaya for their second adventure, and this time a star has been stolen from the vaults in their lost property office which could result in danger for the entire universe.  It's down to our intrepid trio to save the day.

I loved Interdimensional Explorers when I read it last year (you can read my review here) so I was thrilled to be able to head back to catch-up with Danny, Modge and his cousin Inaaya.  After their discoveries and adventures in book 1, the book begins with Danny's grandfather determined to enjoy the sudden offer of a cruise holiday, which means that Danny, Modge and Inaaya will, once again, be in charge of the IDLPO, with Danny oficially being made his grandfather's apprentice.  Danny is thrilled but Mrs Arbunkle (their supervisor) is concerned that they won't be able to cope with the upcoming Returns Day and offers them some support.  Then, when the star is stolen from their office, everything rests on the trios' heads.  

I absolutely adore the mix of science-fiction, adventure and humour that is woven into this book.  Lorraine manages the balance perfectly and creates the most magical adventure that you simply can't put down.  Having got to know Danny and co in book one, it is great to get to know more about them in Alien Apocalypse.  The book is pure escapism and the creativity Lorraine brings is a joy to read.  Combine that with Jo Lindley's art work and I promise you are in for a real treat.  The book publishes on the 14th March and I sincerely hope there will be a book 3 to follow.