Diverse Children's Books
One of our goals when working with local schools and organisations, is to ensure any donations from us include a diverse selection of books, especially when we’re building or restocking a library.
Our carefully compiled list of books is made up of titles that celebrate the wonderfully diverse world we live in. In these books children will be able to see their personal circumstances and lives reflected in the literature and learn and understand more about the challenges and experiences their friends may face.
Inclusive content is not enough; we only select books which also show excellence in storyline and artwork. We often choose titles by less popular authors from smaller publishing houses ensuring children get as wide a selection of books to choose from as possible.
If you’d like to buy any of the following books for your school, or your child, we have provided Amazon links below for your convenience.
Please note: As an Amazon affiliate we earn a small fee from qualifying purchases. This monies goes directly into the charity and does not cost you as a purchaser any more than using another link.
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Llama Out Loud!
Annabelle Sami
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Yasmin Shah is a ten-year-old girl who is part of a big, noisy family and doesn't ever speak. Levi is a rude, sassy toy llama, who talks A LOT and has come to wreak havoc in Yasmin’s life. Yasmin tries everything she can to escape Levi, but she can’t help being dragged along on his crazy antics – and every day brings a new surprise, whether that’s an erupting bin, a flying tuna fish, or a hat made from knickers. Life is never boring with Levi around – and could it be that he has a secret plan to help Yasmin find her voice?
A Good Kind of Trouble
Lisa Moore Ramee
Ages 8-12
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Twelve-year-old Shayla avoids trouble and strives to maintain friendships while following rules. Junior high disrupts her world: friendships shift, racial identity is questioned, and societal issues like Black Lives Matter come to the fore. After an impactful protest, Shay finds the courage to support the movement, leading to division and tough decisions. A story of overcoming fear and making a stand.
New Kid
Jerry Craft
Ages 8-12
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"Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade. As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself?"
The Doughnut Fix
Jessie Janowitz
Ages 8-12
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Tristan finds contentment in his cookie-making skills and vibrant city life, unlike his Gifted sister Jeanine. However, their move to quiet Petersville disrupts his world. Deceived about legendary doughnuts, he embarks on a mission to revive the town with his own doughnut stand. Despite his determination, Tristan learns that business demands more than he imagined.
Sam Wu Is Not Afraid of the Ghosts
Sam Wu Is Not Afraid of the Ghosts
Ages 8-12
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Sam Wu may say he's not scared, but he truly is. A Space Museum visit gone awry prompts him to prove his courage against bullies. With ghost hunts, snakes, and a mischievous cat named Butterbutt, this madcap story is uproariously funny, ideal for young readers aged six and up who enjoy Tom Gates and Barry Loser. Sam's next adventure, "Sam Wu is Not Afraid of Sharks!" follows. Co-authors Katie and Kevin Tsang, having met in Hong Kong, bring their global experiences to this lively tale. Kevin's own childhood contributes to Sam's escapades.
The Last Last-Day-Of-Summer
Lamar Giles
Ages 8-12
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In a quirky Virginia town, young sleuths Otto and Sheed relish their deduction skills. As summer ends, they clash over leisure but unite when a stranger gifts them a time-freezing camera. To rescue their town and themselves, they must collaborate with odd characters and creatures before time halts forever.
Pie In The Sky
Pie In The Sky
Ages 8-12
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When Jingwen moves to Australia, he feels like he’s landed on Mars. School is torture, making friends is impossible, since he doesn’t speak English, and he's stuck looking after his (extremely irritating) little brother, Yanghao. To distract himself from the loneliness, Jingwen daydreams about making all the cakes on the menu of the bakery his father had planned to open before he unexpectedly passed away. The only problem is his mother's rule: no using the oven while she's at work. As Jingwen and Yanghao bake more elaborate cakes, they'll have to cook up more elaborate excuses to keep their baking a secret – and continue the dream their father started.
Sister of the Neversea
Cynthia Smith
Ages 8-12
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"Lily and Wendy have been best friends since they became stepsisters. But with their feuding parents planning to spend the summer apart, what will become of their family—and their friendship? Little do they know that a mysterious boy has been watching them from the oak tree outside their window. A boy who intends to take them away from home for good, to an island of wild animals, Merfolk, Fairies, and kidnapped children, to a sea of merfolk, pirates, and a giant crocodile."
Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge
Erica Armstrong Dunbar
Ages 8-12
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"Born into a life of slavery, Ona Judge eventually grew up to be George and Martha Washington’s “favored” dower slave. When she was told that she was going to be given as a wedding gift to Martha Washington’s granddaughter, Ona made the bold and brave decision to flee to the north, where she would be a fugitive. From her childhood, to her time with the Washingtons and living in the slave quarters, to her escape to New Hampshire, Erica Armstrong Dunbar, along with Kathleen Van Cleve, shares an intimate glimpse into the life of a little-known, but powerful figure in history, and her brave journey as she fled the most powerful couple in the country."
Dear Sweet Pea
Julie Murphy
Ages 8-12
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Patricia, nicknamed Sweet Pea, faces unexpected changes when her parents divorce and live in neighboring houses. Eccentric Miss Flora Mae, advice columnist, resides between them. Navigating school next to her ex-friend Kiera, Sweet Pea finds solace in her cat, Cheese, and new friend Oscar. When asked to manage Flora's advice letters, a discovery sets off a transformative chain of events in her life.
A Single Shard
Linda Sue Bark
Ages 8-12
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"13-year-old Tree-ear lives in a Korean village famous for its ceramics. He doesn’t have much but he loves to watch master potter Min at work and dreams of learning the craft one day. Reluctantly Min agrees to let Tree-ear help him. Determined to do whatever it takes to prove himself, Tree-ear embarks on a dangerous journey to present his master’s work to the king, unaware it will change his life forever."
Dragons In A Bag
Zetta Elliott
Ages 8-12
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"The dragon's out of the bag in this diverse, young urban fantasy from an award-winning author! When Jaxon is sent to spend the day with a mean old lady his mother calls Ma, he finds out she's not his grandmother--but she is a witch! She needs his help delivering baby dragons to a magical world where they'll be safe. There are two rules when it comes to the dragons: don't let them out of the bag, and don't feed them anything sweet. Before he knows it, Jax and his friends Vikram and Kavita have broken both rules! Will Jax get the baby dragons delivered safe and sound? Or will they be lost in Brooklyn forever?"
Melissa
Alex Gino
Ages 8-12
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"When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl. George thinks she'll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte's Web. George really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can't even try out for the part . . . because she's a boy."
Blended
Sharon Draper
Ages 8-12
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Eleven-year-old Isabella navigates a divided life due to her divorced parents. Switching weekly between her black father's upscale household and her white mother's modest one, Isabella grapples with identity and belonging. Amid her parents' clashes, she's torn between races and cultures, questioning her place and wholeness. A poignant exploration of mixed heritage and the struggle to find oneself.
Amina's Voice
Hena Khan
Ages 8-12
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"A Pakistani-American Muslim girl struggles to stay true to her family’s vibrant culture while simultaneously blending in at school after tragedy strikes her community in this “compassionate, timely novel” (Booklist, starred review) from the award-winning author of It’s Ramadan, Curious George and Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns. Amina has never been comfortable in the spotlight. She is happy just hanging out with her best friend, Soojin. Except now that she’s in middle school everything feels different. Soojin is suddenly hanging out with Emily, one of the “cool” girls in the class, and even talking about changing her name to something more “American.” Does Amina need to start changing too? Or hiding who she is to fit in? While Amina grapples with these questions, she is devastated when her local mosque is vandalized."
Starfish
Akemi Dawn Bowman
Ages 8-12
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"Kiko Himura has always had a hard time saying exactly what she's thinking. With a mother who makes her feel unremarkable and a half-Japanese heritage she doesn't quite understand, Kiko prefers to keep her head down, certain that once she makes it into her dream art school, Prism, her real life will begin. But then Kiko doesn't get into Prism, at the same time as her abusive uncle moves back in with her family. So when she receives an invitation from her childhood friend to leave her small town and tour art schools on the West Coast, Kiko jumps at the opportunity in spite of the anxieties and fears that attempt to hold her back. And now that she is finally free to be her own person outside the constricting walls of her home life, Kiko learns transformative truths about herself, her past, and how to be brave."
Rolling Warrior: The Incredible, Sometimes Awkward, True Story of a Rebel Girl on Wheels Who Helped Spark a Revolution
Judith Heumann
Ages 8-12
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Paralyzed from polio and raised by her Holocaust-surviving parents, Judy had a drive for equality that was instilled early in her life. She takes readers inside her fight to attend grade school after being described as a "fire hazard" and her legal battle against the New York City school system for denying her a teacher's license because of her disability. Through bravery, persistence, and her signature rebellious streak, Judy battled inequality from the school system to the government, working alongside her friends to organize the longest sit-in protest in US history to protect the rights of all people with disabilities.
Ways to Make Sunshine
Renee Watson
Ages 8-12
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Ryan Hart and her family live in Portland, Oregon, and her dad lost his job a while ago. He finally got a new one, but it pays less, and he'll have to work nights. And so they're selling the second car and moving to an (old) new house. The Harts are an everyfamily - a family with siblings who bicker, parents who don't always get it right, but a family that loves. A family working hard to make it in tough economic times, a family with traditions and culture, a family that tries new things. This is a black family growing up in middle class America. And Ryan is a girl who has much on her mind - school, family, friends, self-image - but who knows how to make sunshine out of setbacks.
One Crazy Summer
Rita Williams-Garcia
Ages 8-12
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In One Crazy Summer, eleven-year-old Delphine is like a mother to her two younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern. She's had to be, ever since their mother, Cecile, left them seven years ago for a radical new life in California. But when the sisters arrive from Brooklyn to spend the summer with their mother, Cecile is nothing like they imagined. While the girls hope to go to Disneyland and meet Tinker Bell, their mother sends them to a day camp run by the Black Panthers. Unexpectedly, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern learn much about their family, their country, and themselves during one truly crazy summer.
Bold Words from Black Women
Tamara Pizzoli
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This incredible volume honors fifty modern women, presented with their own words, who have dared to raise their voices and persevere through hardship and injustice to become revolutionaries and dreamers, artists and creators. Featuring women like musical powerhouse Beyoncé Knowles; tennis star Serena Williams; Meghan, Duchess of Sussex; and activist Angela Davis, this stylish book is perfect for any reader who is seeking grace, courage, strength, and self-love.
My Skin, Your Skin
Laura Henry-Allain
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"My Skin Your Skin is a powerful book to help children and adults have meaningful discussions about race and anti-racism. Most importantly, the book empowers children to be the best versions of themselves; to have self-love, self-esteem and self-worth, irrespective of their skin colour. This book was specifically written by producer, educator and consultant, Laura Henry-Allain MBE, to support parents, teachers and carers to explain what racism is, why it is wrong, and what children can do if they see it or experience it. It also explores how important it is for children to celebrate their achievements and greatness."
Timelines From Black History: Leaders, Legends, Legacies
DK
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This DK children's book boasts more than 30 visual timelines, which explore the biographies of the famous and the not-so-famous - from royalty to activists, and writers to scientists, and much, much more. Stunning thematic timelines also explain the development of Black history - from the experiences of black people in the US, to the story of postcolonial Africa.
Coming to England
Floella Benjamin
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"When she was ten years old, Floella Benjamin, along with her older sister and two younger brothers, set sail from Trinidad to London, to be reunited with the rest of their family. Alone on a huge ship for two weeks, then tumbled into a cold and unfriendly London, coming to England wasn't at all what Floella had expected. Coming to England is both deeply personal and universally relevant – Floella's experiences of moving home and making friends will resonate with young children, who will be inspired by her trademark optimism and joy. This is a true story with a powerful message: that courage and determination can always overcome adversity."
Questions and Feelings About… Racism
Anita Ganeri
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"Racism is a hard subject to approach and i think it scares a lot of people who are afraid to even mention it for fear of being racist. This book is a very good way to approach a potentially delicate subject with young children. Each page of this book has an illustration relevent to the aspect of racism that is being laid out on that page. The book is littered with questions to make little ones think around the subject, or point to occasions when they may have felt similar."
How To Change The World
Rashmi Sirdeshpande
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"Could you and your friends change the world? This book will inspire you with 15 true stories of groups of amazing humans who've changed the world. Discover the astonishing things humans can achieve: from the campaign for women's votes, to the efforts to heal the ozone layer. Or travel back to the start of democracy in Ancient Greece, and into space to see the incredible teamwork on the international space station. Above all, uncover just some of the MANY ways we can work together to change our world - all brought to life with astonishing story-telling and illustration."
Fantastically Great Women Artists and Their
Catherine Pankhurst
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"Over half of all the visual artists working today are women, but the paintings and sculptures shown in many galleries and museums tell a different story because they're usually the work of men. In this book Kate Pankhurst, descendent of Emmeline Pankhurst, tells the fascinating stories of some of history's most talented female artists."
To Liberty! The Adventures of Thomas-Alexandre Dumas
Catherine Johnson
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"An exciting adventure set in revolutionary France which tells the true story of a swashbuckling hero Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, whose mother was an enslaved African woman and whose father was a French noble. Alex is happy living with his brothers and sister on his father's farm on Haiti but his father wants to go back to France and can't afford to take his mixed-race children with him. Soon, Alex must fight for his freedom... and that of France."
Diver's Daughter
Patrice lawrence
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"When they hear from a Mary Rose survivor that one of the African free-divers who was sent to salvage its treasures is alive and well and living in Southampton, mother and daughter agree to try to find him and attempt to dive the wreck of another ship, rumoured to be rich with treasures. But will the pair survive when the man arrives to claim his 'share'? Will Eve overcome her fear of the water to help rescue her mother?"
Fly High Crew: The Green Glow
Ashley Banjo
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Brothers Trey and Jax spend after-school hours rehearsing with their street dance collective the Fly High Crew, until the evening they see a green beam of light flash out of the sky and are thrown into an out-of-this-world adventure! Aliens have landed and are mind-controlling all the teachers and adults: can the Fly High Crew work together as a team and save the day?
The Distance Between Me and the Cherry Tree
The Distance Between Me and the Cherry Tree
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"Mafalda is a nine-year-old girl who knows one thing: some time in the next six months her sight will fail completely. Can Mafalda find a way through a seemingly dark future and still go to school, play football and look after her beloved cat? With the help of her family, and her friends, Mafalda needs to discover the things that will be important to her when her sight has failed."
Girl with the Shark's Teeth
Girl with the Shark's Teeth
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Minnow is different from the other girls in her town and there's plenty to set her apart: the blossom of pale scars which lie beneath Minnow's delicate ears, the fact that she has an affinity with the water which leaves people speechless, and that once - she is sure - in deep, deep water, her body began to glow like a sunken star. When her mum gets into trouble and is taken from their boat in the dead of night, Minnow is alone with one instruction: sail to Reykjavik to find your grandmother, she will keep you safe. Minnow has never sailed on her own before, but the call of the deep is a call she's been waiting to answer her whole young life. Perhaps a girl who is lost on land can be found in the Wild Deep.
You Must Be Layla
Yassmin Abdel-Magied
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Layla believes she was right to stand up for herself against a bully, but it's landed her a suspension - not the way she (or her parents) would have wished to begin her time at her fancy new school! This is just a setback though, and she's determined to prove that she does deserve her scholarship by making new friends and setting her sights on inventing something that could win the big robotics competition. But where to begin?
The Lion Above the Door
The Lion Above the Door
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"Leo and his best friend Sangeeta are the odd ones out in their school. But as Leo's dad is always telling him, it's because they're special. Only thing is, if they're so special, how come they never see anyone who looks like them in their school history books? Then, on a class trip to a nearby cathedral, Leo's attention is drawn to a large marble slab high above the doors of the hall. Right there, bang in the middle of a list of war heroes, Leo finds himself staring at something incredible: his own name. Desperate to know who this other Leo was, the two friends embark on a search. And together, they begin to uncover missing stories from the past, ones which they are determined to put back into their rightful place in the pages of history."
Rumaysa
Radiya Hafiza
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"For as long as she can remember Rumaysa has been locked away in her tower, forced to spin straw into gold for the evil Witch, unable to leave. Until one day, after dropping a hijab out of her small tower-window, Rumaysa realizes how she might be able to escape . . . Join Rumaysa as she adventures through enchanted forests and into dragon's lairs, discovers her own incredible magical powers and teams up with Cinderayla and Sleeping Sara!"
The Secret of Haven Point
The Secret of Haven Point
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In Haven Point, Alpha Lux is the first Wreckling, part of a group raised by mermaids. They live at a lighthouse, surviving by looting ships and seeking adventure. When Alpha senses danger from Outsiders, the Wrecklings face a choice: protect their way of life or adapt for a new future. A tale of belonging and tough decisions unfolds.
Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom
Sangu Mandanna
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"Kiki Kallira has always been a worrier. Did she lock the front door? Is there a terrible reason her mum is late? Recently her anxiety has been getting out of control, but one thing that has always soothed her is drawing. Kiki's sketchbook is full of fantastical doodles of the Hindu myths and legends her mother has told her since she was tiny. One day, her sketchbook's calming effect is broken when her mythological characters begin springing to life and Kiki is pulled into the mystical world she drew. There, she discovers the band of rebel kids who protect the kingdom, as well as an ancient, monstrous god bent on total destruction. Kiki must overcome her fear and anxiety to save both worlds - the real and the imagined - from his wrath. But how can a girl armed with only a pencil defeat something so powerful?"
The Infinite
Patrice Agbabi
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"Leaplings, children born on the 29th of February, are very rare. Rarer still are Leaplings with The Gift - the ability to leap through time. Elle Bíbi-Imbelé Ifíè has The Gift, but she's never used it. Until now. On her twelfth birthday, Elle and her best friend Big Ben travel to the Time Squad Centre in 2048. Elle has received a mysterious warning from the future. Other Leaplings are disappearing in time - and not everyone at the centre can be trusted. Soon Elle's adventure becomes more than a race through time. It's a race against time. She must fight to save the world as she knows it - before it ceases to exist . . ."
The Dream Team: Jaz Santos vs. the World
Pricilla Mante
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Olá! I'm Jasmina Santos-Campbell (but you can call me Jaz). You've probably heard of me and my football team the Bramrock Stars before. No? Well, you will soon because we're almost famous! Forming the Stars was my genius idea - you see I need to prove to Mãe (that's my mum!) that I'm a football star so she'll want to come back home. The idea was the easy part, though. Now I've got a team of seven very different girls and we need to work together, to be taken seriously as footballers. We are the DREAM TEAM and we're going to show the world that girls CAN play football!
Girls Rule
Alesha Dixon
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"Pearl moves into 10 Downing Street when her mum Patrice becomes the UK's first Black female Prime Minister. A chance meeting with Patrice's childhood sweetheart Jackson and suddenly Pearl's glam new life has an unexpected gatecrasher: Jackson's daughter Izzy. Pearl and Izzy loathe each other on sight and have only one thing in common: a desire to split their parents up. They play loud music which interrupts important meetings, swap confidential documents for silly notes and skateboard through Number Ten knocking over the President of the United States. But as Patrice's popularity in the polls begins to decline as a result of the girls' out-of-control sabotaging, will they realise that they are stronger as team?"
Basically Famous
Jen Carney
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Not only is Billie's class learning how to P.E.E. in the classroom (seriously - don't ask), they now have some very important contacts in the TV world. Plus Billie's mums are keeping a HUGE secret and Billie is determined to figure it out! But, Billie isn't going to be distracted, it's time for B.U.G. to make it BIG!
A Dinosaur Ate My Sister
Pooja Puri
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"Esha Verma, her snotty apprentice Broccoli and his cunning pet tortoise have a dream. They are going to win the legendary Brain Trophy – the ultimate inventing prize. This year's entry: A TIME MACHINE. But the day before the competition, Esha's IGNORAMUS big sister hijacks the time machine and is lost in the Cretaceous age. With help from a new recruit for The Office of Time, Esha and Broccoli will have to face hungry dinosaurs, mysterious black holes and malfunctioning inventions to get them back in time."
Space Detectives
Mark Powers
Ages 5-9
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Connor and Ethan are spending their summer holidays aboard the world's first orbiting city, Starville (basically Beverley Hills in space!). The amazing space station is bursting with celebrities and the mega-rich. But Connor and Ethan are too busy selling ice cream to see the sights. However, neither of our heroes can resist a mystery and when they discover the space station is hurtling on a collision course with the moon (eep!) they know they need to step in. This is a case for the SPACE DETECTIVES! Can Connor and Ethan find the culprit and save Starville from its impending doom?
Mike Falls Up
Candy Gourlay
Ages 5-9
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Mike and his dog Bowow are relaxing in the Chocolate Hills when the ground starts to tremble and the next moment a gaping hole appears. Before Mike can stop him, Bowow jumps into the hole. Then a note floats up… Party. Come now. Just fall up. There’s no time to wonder what it means – Mike jumps in and falls into the most topsy-turvy of adventures.
Nikhil and Jay: The Star Birthday
Chitra Soundar
Ages 5-9
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n these four interlinked stories about Nikhil and Jay and their family: Grandad and Granny come to visit from India; there's a Star Birthday with a special Indian feast; the family go for a banana picnic in the park; and the time comes for Grandad and Granny to go home. The Nikhil and Jay stories are perfect for children moving on from picture books to longer stories, helped by Soofiya's lively and characterful illustrations.
An ABC of Democracy
Nancy Shapiro
Ages 3-5
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A is for Activism, B is for Ballots, C is for Country. An ABC of Democracy introduces complicated concepts surrounding politics and government to the youngest of children. Everyone has the right to be treated fairly, no matter who they are, what they look like, or where they come from. From A to Z, simple explanations accompanied by engaging artwork teach children about the world we live in and how to navigate our way through it.
It's A No-Money Day
Kate Milner
Ages 3-5
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Mum works really hard, but today there is no money left and no food in the cupboards. Forced to visit the local foodbank, Mum feels ashamed that they have to rely on the kindness of others, but her young daughter can still see all the good in her day like reading and drawing, and even the foodbank. Maybe one day things will be different but for now together they brighten up even the darkest of days. A moving insight into the sad rise and necessity of foodbanks from the perspective of society's most vulnerable, and an essential book to help develop empathy in younger readers.
All The Ways To Be Smart
Davina Bell
Ages 3-5
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The international bestseller that celebrates the myriad talents that each child brings to the world. Smart is not just ticks and crosses, smart is building boats from boxes. Painting patterns, wheeling wagons, being mermaids, riding dragons…
I Talk Like A River
Jordan Scott
Ages 3-5
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What if words got stuck in the back of your mouth whenever you tried to speak? After a day of being unable to speak when asked, and of being stared at, a boy and his father go to the river for some quiet time. "It's just a bad speech day," says Dad. But the boy can't stop thinking about all the eyes watching his lips twisting and twirling. When his father points to the river bubbling, churning, whirling and crashing, the boy finds a way to think about how he speaks. Even the river stutters. Like him. "I talk like a river," he says.
I Am Brown
Ashok Banker
Ages 3-5
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I am brown. I am beautiful. I am perfect. I designed this computer. I ran this race. I won this prize. I wrote this book. A joyful celebration of the skin you're in - of being brown, of being amazing, of being you!
I Am Every Good Thing
Derrick Barnes
Ages 3-5
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I am a non-stop ball of energy. Powerful and full of light. I am a go-getter. A difference-maker. A leader. Step inside the mind of the confident narrator of this book. He is proud of everything that makes him who he is. He's got big plans, and will see them through. He's creative, adventurous, smart, funny. A good friend. A superhero. Sometimes he falls, but he always gets back up. And other times he's afraid, because he's often misunderstood. So, slow down, look and listen as he shows you who he really is …
Amara and The Bats
Emma Reynolds
Ages 3-5
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Amara loves bats! Her favourite thing to do is to collect bat facts and watch the amazing mammals fly at night by her house. But when Amara moves to a new town, she learns that her beloved bats no longer roost nearby because they are losing their habitat. Amara is upset. What can she do to help? She’s just one person, and the problem feels so much bigger than her. But after doing some research, she discovers that there are many young people making big changes all around the world. Inspired to take action, Amara gathers her new friends to help save the bats. Together, she knows they can make a difference!
If I Had A Unicorn
Gabby Dawnay
Ages 3-5
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Have you ever imagined what it would be like to have a unicorn for a pet? Besides being much less angry than a troll and far more conveniently sized than a giant, unicorns only ever eat ice-cream for breakfast AND... every time you get upset they feed you candyfloss! In this humorous, energetically rhyming tale, a little girl experiences exactly what life would be like with a magical creature for a pet – from sprinkling stardust on grumpy parents to sliding into football practice on a rainbow. This book, the latest in the bestselling 'If I Had…' series, celebrates the magic of unicorns in a way that will appeal to children who are allergic to pink.
Who Are You?
Smriti Halls
Ages 3-5
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How do you do! Have you come far? WHO DO YOU ACTUALLY THINK THAT YOU ARE? What’s going on? What’s this about? Just turn the page, we’re going to find out!
Vampire Peter
Ben Manley
Ages 3-5
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Everyone says Peter is the baddest boy in school. He likes strange food, wears strange clothes and does strange things. In fact, Peter isn’t like anyone the other children have ever met. So when the class gerbil goes missing, Lucy lets Peter take the blame, even though she knows it wasn’t anything to do with him... An insightful story about prejudice, friendship and redemption during one truly unforgettable Halloween.
Uncle Bobby's Wedding
Sarah Brannen
Ages 3-5
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Chloe loves, loves, LOVES her special uncle Bobby. So when she learns that Uncle Bobby is going to be getting married to his boyfriend Jamie she's not at all pleased. What if Uncle Bobby doesn't have time to play with Chloe anymore? But after spending a fun-filled day with Bobby and Jamie, she soon realises she's not losing an uncle, but gaining a whole new one! An uplifting celebration of love in all its forms, this book is perfect for any child who has a special grown-up in their life.
Ravi's Roar
Tom Percival
Ages 3-5
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Most of the time Ravi can control his temper but, one day, he lets out the tiger within . Being a tiger is great fun at first - tigers can do ANYTHING they want! But who wants to play with a growling, roaring, noisy, wild tiger who won't share or play nicely? Ravi is about to discover something very important about expressing his feelings and making amends.
I'll Go And Come Back
Rajani LaRocca
Ages 3-5
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In this tender tale, a girl and her Indian grandmother bridge cultures and continents. Despite initial differences, they connect through shared activities like book reading, sand designs, and market visits. Language barriers don't hinder their bond. A visit exchange ensures their reunification, leaving lasting memories. A heartwarming cross-cultural story of love and understanding.
Look Up!
Nathan Byron
Ages 3-5
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Meet hilarious, science-mad chatterbox, Rocket - she's going to be the greatest astronaut, star-catcher, space-traveller that has ever lived! But... can she convince her big brother to stop looking down at his phone and start LOOKING UP at the stars? Bursting with energy and passion about science and space, this heart-warming, inspirational picture book will have readers turning off their screens and switching on to the outside world.
The Spots and The Dots
Helen Baugh
Ages 3-5
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An amazing reversible picture book that celebrates community and acceptance with artwork from award-winning artist Marion Deuchars. Choose to read from the perspective of the Spots or the Dots by turning this picture book upside down. Find the similarities in others and celebrate their differences. The Spots live on one side of the hill. The Dots live on the other. Both are fearful and suspicious of the other, but are they really all that different? When a young Spot and a young Dot meet at the top of the hill, they are about to find out... Flip the book upside down and choose whether to read from the perspective of the Spots or the Dots, right up until the middle, where the two communities collide.
Julian Is A Mermaid
Jessica Love
Ages 3-5
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A glimpse of three women dressed as mermaids leaves one boy filled with wonder and ready to dazzle the world. "Every choice Jessica Love makes imbues the story with charm, tenderness and humor" New York TImes Book Review While riding the subway home with his Nana one day, Julian notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train carriage. When Julian gets home, daydreaming of the magic he’s seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies and making his own fabulous mermaid costume. But what will Nana think about the mess he makes – and even more importantly – what will she think about how Julian sees himself?
Jabari Tries
Gaia Cornwall
Ages 3-5
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Jabari is inventing a machine that will fly all the way across the yard! But making it go from CRASH to WHOOSH will take grit, patience, and maybe even a little help from his sister. Jabari is making a flying machine in his backyard! “It’ll be easy. I don’t need any help,” he declares. But it doesn’t work! Jabari is frustrated. Good thing Dad is there for a pep talk and his little sister, Nika, is there to assist, fairy wings and all. With the endearing father-child dynamic of Jabari Jumps and engaging mixed-media illustrations, Gaia Cornwall’s tale shows that through perseverance and flexibility, an inventive thought can become a brilliant reality.
Extraordinary Gardener
Sam Boughton
Ages 3-5
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A charming story about the important of nature and community, teaching us that if we work hard enough our dreams really can come true! Joe is a boy just like any other, but Joe loves to imagine. Joe lives in a pretty ordinary tower block, in a rather ordinary city. His world is rather grey. However, he spends his time imagining a wonderful world filled with exotic plants and unusual animals. Once day Joe decides to plant a seed on his balcony, he waits and waits but nothing happens! Joe gives up and goes back to his daily life, but one day when he least expects it he spots that the seed has turned into the most beautiful tree. Joe begins caring for the tree and growing lots of other plants on his balcony and soon everyone in the neighbourhood is getting involved.
The Story of the Windrush
K N Chimbiri
Ages 8-12
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In June 1948, hundreds of Caribbean men, women and children arrived in London on a ship called the HMT Empire Windrush. Although there were already Black people living in Britain at the time, this event marks the beginning of modern Black Britain.
Holes
Louis Sacher
Ages 8-12
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Stanley Yelnats' family has a history of bad luck, so when a miscarriage of justice sends him to Camp Green Lake Juvenile Detention Centre (which isn't green and doesn't have a lake) he is not surprised. Every day he and the other inmates are told to dig a hole, five foot wide by five foot deep, reporting anything they find. Why? The evil warden claims that it's character building, but this is a lie. It's up to Stanley to dig up the truth.
Nowhere Boy
Katherine Marsh
Ages 8-12
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A timely, poignant tale of family, sacrifice and the friendship between a young Syrian refugee and an American boy living in Brussels.
Free Lunch
Rex Ogle
Ages 8-12
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Free Lunch is the story of Rex Ogle’s first term in Year 7. Rex and his baby brother often went hungry, wore second-hand clothes and were short of school supplies, and Ogle was on his school’s free lunch programme. Grounded in the immediacy of physical hunger and the humiliation of having to announce it every day in the school lunch line, Ogle’s is a compelling story of a more profound hunger ? that of a child for his parents’ love and care. Compulsively readable, beautifully crafted and authentically told with the voice and point of view of an eleven-year-old child
Amal Unbound
Aisha Saeed
Ages 8-12
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Life in Amal's Pakistani village is simple, with her teaching dreams intact. Forced to care for siblings, she persists in learning. A clash with the landlord's son binds her to servitude, revealing corruption. Amal also faces a rival and uncovers the Khans' sinister actions. To fight back and realize her aspirations, she must collaborate for change.
Wink
Rob Harell
Ages 8-12
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oss Molloy just wants to be normal. He doesn't want to lose his hair, or wear a weird hat, or deal with the disappearing friends who don't know what to say to 'the cancer kid'. But with his recent diagnosis of a rare eye cancer, simply blending in is no longer an option. Ross - and his friends and his family - all need to work out how to deal with this devastating challenge that Life has thrown down. Maybe Batpig can come to the rescue?
Harriet Versus The Galaxy
Samantha Baines
Ages 8-12
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A hilarious and heartfelt debut from multi-award winning, hearing aid wearing, comedian, actor and author Samantha Baines. The intergalactic adventure starts at home with Harriet, who discovers that her hearing-aid can do more than she ever bargained for when she finds an alien in her room. Discovering that her family secretly work for an intergalactic agency, Harriet becomes the Earth's first line of defence as the only one who can understand the invaders. Sure, her hearing aid helps her understand aliens from across the universe, if only she could understand her own feelings.
My Laugh-Out-Loud Life: Mayhem Mission
Burhana Islam
Ages 8-12
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Yusuf's older sister is getting married. He's ready for the delicious food, the fun with his cousins and the many presents but he s NOT ready to take her place as the responsible one. His only option: cause some chaos and ruin the wedding. The first book in the hysterically funny MY LAUGH-OUT-LOUD LIFE series will have you crying with laughter!
Front Desk
Kelly Yang
Ages 8-12
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Mia Tang has a lot of secrets: 1. She lives in a motel, not a big house. 2. Her parents hide immigrants. 3. She wants to be a writer. It will take all of Mia's courage, kindness, and hard work to get through this year. Will she be able to hold on to her job, help the immigrants and guests, and go for her dreams?
The Magic In Changing Your Stars
Leah Henderson
Ages 8-12
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Eleven-year-old Ailey Benjamin Lane can dance—so he’s certain that he'll land the role of the Scarecrow in his school’s production of The Wiz. Unfortunately, a talented classmate and a serious attack of nerves derail his audition: he just stands there, frozen. Deflated and defeated, Ailey confides in his Grampa that he’s ready to quit. But Grampa believes in Ailey, and, to encourage him, shares a childhood story. As a boy, Grampa dreamed of becoming a tap dancer; he was so good that the Hollywood star and unofficial Mayor of Harlem, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, even gave him a special pair of tap shoes. Curious, Ailey tries on the shoes . . . and instantly finds himself transported to 1930s Harlem. There he meets a young street tapper and realizes that it’s his own grandfather! Can Ailey help the 12-year-old version of Grampa face his fears? And, if Ailey changes the past, will he still be able to get home again?
Rolling Warrior: The Incredible, Sometimes Awkward, True Story of a Rebel Girl on Wheels Who Helped Spark a Revolution
Judith Heumann
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Paralyzed from polio and raised by her Holocaust-surviving parents, Judy had a drive for equality that was instilled early in her life. She takes readers inside her fight to attend grade school after being described as a "fire hazard" and her legal battle against the New York City school system for denying her a teacher's license because of her disability. Through bravery, persistence, and her signature rebellious streak, Judy battled inequality from the school system to the government, working alongside her friends to organize the longest sit-in protest in US history to protect the rights of all people with disabilities.
Jada Jones
Kelly Lyons
Ages 8-12
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When Jada Jones's best friend moves away, school feels like the last place she wants to be. She'd much rather wander outside looking for cool rocks to add to her collection, since finding rocks is much easier than finding friends. So when Jada's teacher announces a class project on rocks and minerals, Jada finally feels like she's in her element. The only problem: one of her teammates doesn't seem to like any of Jada's ideas. She doesn't seem to like Jada all that much, either. Can Jada figure out a way to make a winning science project and a new friend?
All About Diversity
Felicity Brookes
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This dynamic and joyous exploration of difference helps young children learn to respond in a kind and equal way to everyone, regardless of shape, size, age, physical and mental ability, gender, ethnicity, beliefs, language, culture, background, and so on. With topics ranging from clothes, music and food to homes, festivals and families, there is plenty for children to talk about as they find out about what makes people different and what makes them unique.
The Story of Afro Hair
K. N. Chimbiri
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From plaits to the Gibson Girl, cornrows to locks, the hi-top fade to funki dreds, The Story of Afro Hair is the ultimate book of Afro hairstories. Kicking off with an explanation of how Afro hair type grows and why, The Story of Afro Hair then takes us right back to the politics and fashion of Ancient Egypt. Speeding forwards to modern times we experience the Kingdom of Benin, Henry VIII's court, the enslavement of African peoples, the Harlem Renaissance, the beginnings of Rastafarianism, Britain in the 1980s – and much more.
Black and British
David Olusoga
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The essential starting place for anyone who wants to learn about Black British History. David Olusoga’s thought provoking text charts the forgotten histories of Black people in Britain from Roman times right through to the present day. From Roman Africans guarding Hadrian’s Wall, to an African trumpeter in the court of Henry the Eighth, Black Georgians fighting for the abolition of slavery, Black soldiers fighting for Britain in the First World War, Windrush and right up today. These are the stories that brought us all together in this country.
Life Stories: Nelson Mandela
Stephen Krensky
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In 1964, Nelson Mandela was sentenced to a lifetime in jail. His crime? Attempting to overthrow a government that openly discriminated against its black citizens. After spending 27 years behind bars, Mandela was released, allowing him to continue his struggle for equality in South Africa-and to become the country's first black president. In this biography book for kids ages 8-11, learn all about Mandela's incredible life, his fight against apartheid, and how he helped bring peace to his nation.
Boy, Everywhere
A.M Dassau
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This debut middle-grade novel chronicles the harrowing journey taken by Sami and his family from privilege to poverty, across countries and continents, from a comfortable life in Damascus, via a smuggler's den in Turkey, to a prison in Manchester. A story of survival, of family, of bravery ... In a world where we are told to see refugees as the 'other', this story will remind readers that 'they' are also 'us'.
Happy Here : 10 stories from Black British authors & illustrators
Dean Atta
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With an introduction from bestselling author Sharna Jackson, HAPPY HERE features stories and poems by 10 Black British authors for readers aged 7+. Exploring themes of joy, home and family through a wide range of genres and styles, each author has been paired with a different illustrator to spotlight Black British artistic talent.
Maddy Yip's Guide to Life
Sue Cheung
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Maddy Yip is perfectly happy in life, until she realises that everyone she knows has a talent – except for her! Maddy is determined to change that, with the help of her brothers, bewildered grandad and her best friend Dev. There are disastrous attempts at breakdancing and playing the recorder, revolting cakes, and a magic disappearing trick that ends up with an escaped guinea pig. Will Maddy ever find her true calling?
Dragon Mountain
Katie Tsang
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When 12-year-old Billy Chan finds out his parents are sending him to a summer camp in middle-of-nowhere China he doesn’t know what to expect. There he meets fellow campers Dylan, Charlotte and Ling-Fei and together they stumble upon an age-old secret: four powerful warrior dragons, hidden deep within the mountain behind the camp. They have been trapped since an epic battle with the Dragon of Death and need the children’s help to set them free before terrible evil is unleashed on the earth. Billy and his friends must set off on a dangerous adventure that will take them to the heart of the Dragon Realm. But can they save the dragon and human worlds from destruction?
Look Both Ways
Jason Reynolds
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When the bell rings and school is finished for the day, the walkers are finally set free. For ten blocks they have no-one telling them what to do; they can talk about bogies, skateboard, plan dramatic escapes, make jokes, face bullies, and hear about the school bus that fell from the sky… In ten stories (one per block), find out what really happens on the walk home from school, when there are no parents or teachers to supervise (or stop the fun!). From hilarious escapades to brave challenges, join the walkers for one journey and many, many detours…
Knights and Bikes
Gabrielle Kent
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Welcome to the sleepy island of Penfurzy, where nothing exciting ever really happens. OR DOES IT? Adventure awaits Demelza and her new best friend in the whole world, Nessa, as they explore the island and uncover the mysteries of the Penfurzy Knights. With a honking pet goose sidekick, quirky islanders and a legendary treasure to find, it's up to Nessa and Demelza to ride their bikes, solve the puzzles before them, and face down danger with frisbees, water-balloons, feathers .... and a toilet plunger. THEIR FRIENDSHIP WILL WARM YOUR HEART. THEIR BRAVERY WILL MAKE THEM LEGENDS.
The Boy Who Met a Whale
Nizrana Farook
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A thrilling adventure set in fictional Sri Lanka, jam-packed with peril and kidnap and a huge blue whale! Razi, a local fisherboy, is watching turtle eggs hatch when he sees a boat bobbing into view. With a chill, he notices a small, still hand hanging over the side... Inside is Zheng, who's escaped a shipwreck and is full of tales of sea monsters and missing treasure. But the villains who are after Zheng are soon after Razi and his sister, Shifa, too. And so begins an exhilarating adventure in the shadow of the biggest sea monster of them all...
A Kind of Spark
Ellie McNicoll
Ages 8-12
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A Kind of Spark tells the story of 11-year-old Addie as she campaigns for a memorial in memory of the witch trials that took place in her Scottish hometown. Addie knows there's more to the story of these 'witches', just like there is more to hers. Can Addie challenge how the people in her town see her, and her autism, and make her voice heard?
Max Kowalksi Didn't Mean It
Susie Day
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Max wants to be just like his dad - fun, loud and strong.
Hurricane Child
Kacen Callender
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Being born during a hurricane is unlucky, and 12-year-old Caroline has had her share of bad luck lately. She's hated and bullied by everyone in her small school on St. Thomas of the US Virgin Islands, a spirit only she can see won't stop following her, and - worst of all - Caroline's mother left home one day and never came back. But when a new student named Kalinda arrives, Caroline's luck begins to turn around. Kalinda, a solemn girl from Barbados with a special smile for everyone, becomes Caroline's first and only friend -- and the person for whom Caroline has begun to develop a crush.
Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths
Maisie Chan
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But instead he's got to babysit Nai-Nai, taking her to bowls and bingo - where he soon discovers not everyone is as welcoming as he expected. Before long it becomes clear to Danny that there is more to Nai-Nai than meets the eye, and that they have more in common that he thought possible ...
Cookie!
Konnie Huq
Ages 5-9
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Cookie's life is basically over.Her best friend in the whole world is moving to Solihull because one of her dads has a new job there. Solihull?! Where even is that?! Cookie begs her parents for a pet to fill the void but they have given her an absolute NO. It would be way too expensive and way way too messy. But Cookie has never been a fan of the word 'no' so she visits the pet shop anyway and sets her heart on the sweetest cutest kitteniest kitten ever: Bluey. But then . . . DISASTER!
Toad Attack
Patrice Lawrence
Ages 5-9
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After a toad lands on his head as he leaves his house one morning, Leo is determined to find out where it has come from and why. Together with his friend Rosa, he needs to come up with some answers before the angry residents of Upper Dab take matters into their own hands and the toads become toast! A brilliantly quirky comedy caper with a diverse and inclusive cast of characters.
Cally and Jimmy: Twins Together
Zoe Antonaides
Ages 5-9
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There’s always double trouble when these two are about, so get ready for more mayhem as they look after the school hamster for half term, have a competition to build the best snowman, raise money with a yard sale, and have a rollercoaster of a time at the local theme park!
Sam Wu is Not Afraid of the Dark!
Katie Tsang
Ages 5-9
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Sam Wu is NOT afraid of anything. Except for quite a lot of things. Like ghosts. Sharks too. And also THE DARK! And so when Sam goes camping in the woods with his friends and cousin Stanley, who knows what scary kind of things they’ll face . . .?
Nikhil and Jay Save the Day
Chitra Soundar
Ages 5-9
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In Nikhil and Jay's family, there's always fun and mischief! Jay wants to do things by himself on his birthday, but sharing with Nikhil turns out to be more fun. Then they all go to visit Grandad and Nana - but where is the story dragon? On Pancake Day, Amma makes yummy dosa, Indian pancakes. And last but not least, Nikhil and Jay help to save their local library.
Sona Sharma, Looking After Planet Earth
Chitra Soundar
Ages 5-9
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When Sona learns about the climate crisis at school and is very worried that no one is doing enough to combat it, she takes up the challenge herself. But Appa isn't amused when Sona throws out her baby sister's nappies and Thatha isn't happy when she tells him to get rid of his colour-coded plastic files. When Sona learns that many of the kolams – the traditional art that people draw in front of their homes to celebrate the winter months and the festival season – are not organic, she sets out to make some big changes by getting everyone involved.
Mia Mayhem Is A Super Hero!
Kara West
Ages 5-9
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Mia Macarooney is a regular eight-year-old girl who finds out that she’s A SUPERHERO! Her life literally goes from totally ordinary to totally super when she’s invited to attend the afterschool Program for In-Training Superheroes a.k.a. THE PITS! And the crazy thing is, in a weird meant-to-be sort of way, all of this news somehow feels super right. Because all her life, Mia thought she was just super klutz...but it turns out, she’s just SUPER! So now, it’s up to Mia to balance her regular everyday life and maintain her secret identity as she learns how to be the world’s newest superhero!
Aziza's Secret Fairy Door
Lola Morayo
Ages 5-9
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A mysterious gift arrives on Aziza's birthday. It is a secret fairy door that will whisk her away to Shimmerton, a magical world with princesses, naughty fairies, shapeshifters, unicorn shopkeepers and mischief around every corner. But when the precious jewelled doorknob is taken, Aziza is trapped. Will she ever see her home and family again? Maybe her new friends, Peri and Tiko, can help . . .
Dollop of Ghee and a Pot of Wisdom
Chitra Soundar
Ages 5-9
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Four stories about young Prince Veera, who, along with his friend Suku, helps his father, the king, solve some of the problems he is having with his subjects. Trickster tales with lots of humour and colour, based on traditional Indian folktales.
My Name is Not Refugee
Kate Milner
Ages 3-5
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A young boy discusses the journey he is about to make with his mother. They will leave their town, she explains, and it will be sad but also a little bit exciting. They will have to say goodbye to friends and loved ones, and that will be difficult. They will have to walk and walk and walk, and although they will see many new and interesting things, it will be difficult at times too. A powerful and moving exploration that draws the young reader into each stage of the journey, inviting the chance to imagine the decisions he or she would make.
Lulu Gets A Cat
Anna McQuinn
Ages 3-5
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Lulu really wants a cat, but she has to find out how to care for them and show Mummy she can be responsible. Then off they go to the cat shelter where Lulu finds a perfect cat and a new friend.