Fiction
Douglas Adams The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Arthur’s Friday doesn’t start well when his house is demolished. The Earth is obliterated soon after, to make way for a bypass and then he finds out his best friend is an alien. Can things get any worse?
Richard Adams Watership Down – as Watership Down is not far from the School, this book is a must for all Downe House girls. It follows the adventures of a group of rabbits searching for a new home. Compelling and exciting with a good sprinkling of not-so-cute bunny rabbits!
Louisa M Alcott
Little Women – Christmas won’t be the same this year for Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, as their father is away fighting the Civil war, and the family has fallen on hard times. But though they may be poor, life for the four March sisters is rich with colour, as they play games, put on wild theatricals, make new friends, argue, grapple with their vices, learn from their mistakes, nurse each other through sickness and disappointments, and get into all sorts of trouble. (Recommended by the Art Dept)
Kwame Alexander The Crossover – Josh and JB are basketball legends at their school. They also happen to be identical twins, but it’s easy to tell them apart if you know how to look. As the boys build up to one of the most important matches of their lives, tensions grow between them and things at home and at school also add to the pressure. The only time they feel truly themselves is on the court. But is basketball enough to help them navigate the tricky transition to young adulthood when they have a major falling-out and it seems that Dad is hiding something? A powerful and energetic story told in verse. EDI
Isabel Allende
City of the Beasts (rainforest) – the first young adult novel by ChileanAmerican writer Isabel Allende. Published in 2002, the story is set in the Amazon rainforest. (Recommended by the Geography Department)
David Almond A Song for Ella Grey – a modern twist on an authentic Greek love story. (Recommended by the Learning Skills Department)
Katya Balen
October, October – winner of the Yoto Carnegie Medal 2022. October and her dad live in the woods and they are wild. Until the year that she turns eleven – the year that October rescues a baby owl, her dad falls out of the biggest tree in their woods and the woman that calls herself October’s mother returns. A beautiful book that deserves to become a classic.
TheLightinEverything – shortlisted for the 2023 Carnegie Medal, this is a story about learning to trust, trying to let go and diving into the unknown with hope in your heart – another uplifting read.
Julie Berry All The Truth That’s In Me – a mysterious American fiction with a powerful heroine and religious overtones that will keep you reading. (Recommended by the Learning Skills Department)
Malorie Blackman
John Boyne
Sita Brahmachari
Noughts and Crosses – in a dystopian London, Sephy and Callum fall in love despite the odds. Can they breach the divide between the black elite and the white underclass? An amazing story that has become a modern classic. EDI
Pig Heart Boy – thirteen-year-old Cameron is dying of heart disease. His only option is an experimental transplant operation using the heart of a pig. A powerful story about friendship and family in unusual circumstances.
TheBoy in theStripedPyjamas – when his father gets a new job Bruno’s family move to the middle of nowhere, the only people around are in a strange fenced-in area and wear striped pyjamas. Bruno sets out to find out why.
Artichoke Hearts , sequel Jasmine Skies, and Tender Earth – share Mira’s life as she experiences grief then plunges into adventure as she visits her relatives in India and uncovers a family secret. Laila adjusts to life as Mira leaves home and she starts secondary school EDI
Catherine Bruton
Meg Cabot
Soman Chainani
Jerry Craft
Susan Cooper
We Can Be Heroes – Ben’s father was killed in the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre. Ten years on, he spends the summer with his Granny and his cousin Jed. They get to know Priti, the daughter of the Muslim family next door and they get pulled into her adventures. (Recommended by the Geography Department)
NoBalletShoesinSyria – Aya is a Syrian asylum seeker looking after her mother and baby brother in the cold, unfamiliar city of Manchester. She had loved dancing before she fled her home and now finds a ballet class led by the elegant Miss Helena. Aya begins to find new friends and learns to depend on the “kindness of strangers”. EDI
The Princess Diaries – a coming of age series about a high school girl dealing with the fact she is the crown princess of Genovia whilst juggling school, heartbreak, and selfactualisation.
The School for Good and Evil – a hexalogy of books, now a major motion picture from Netflix. A dark and enchanting fantasy adventure for those who prefer fairytales with a twist.
New Kid – New Kid is a timely, honest graphic novel about starting over at a new school where diversity is low and the struggle to fit in is real, from award-winning author-illustrator Jerry Craft. 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 enrol him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of colour in his entire grade EDI
The Dark is Rising – a modern classic tale of an English boy caught in a battle between light and dark.
Gillian Cross After Tomorrow – a dystopic tale where survival is threatened and adventures await. (Recommended by the Learning Skills Department)
Sarah Crossan
One – (2016 Carnegie Medal winner) Grace and Tippi don’t like being stared and sneered at, but they’re used to it. They’re conjoined twins. They want to be seen as two separate people and they face a life-changing decision. Written in verse, this is an incredibly moving story about identity and sisterhood. EDI
Charles Dickens
Berlie Doherty
Daphne du Maurier
Gerald Durrell
Great Expectations – the narrator, Pip recounts his life story from his childhood to how he matures and becomes a young man.
A Tale of Two Cities – Paris and London in the shadow of the French Revolution.
Dombey & Son – Dombey is a powerful man whose neglect of his family triggers his professional and personal downfall.
Oliver Twist – a gripping portrayal of London’s dark criminal underbelly, following the story of the orphan, Oliver Twist. (Classic Literature)
Treason – Will Montague is a page to Prince Edward, son of King Henry VIII. As the King's favourite, Will gains many enemies in Court. His enemies convince the King that Will's father has committed treason and he is thrown into Newgate Prison. Will flees Hampton Court and embarks on a great adventure to set his father free. (Recommended by the History Department)
Rebecca – this is a must if you are spending any time in Cornwall over the summer! (Classic Literature)
My Family and Other Animals – a delightful account of the eccentric Durrell family and their adventures on the island of Corfu. This involves a never ending procession of local wildlife moving in with them, thanks to Gerald’s obsession with the natural world. (Recommended by the Biology Department)
Maz Evans Who Let the Gods Out? – Elliot's mum is ill and his home is under threat, but a shooting star crashes to earth and changes his life forever. The star is Virgo - a young Zodiac goddess on a mission. But the pair accidentally release Thanatos, a wicked death daemon imprisoned beneath Stonehenge, and must then turn to the old Olympian gods for help. After centuries of cushy retirement on earth, are Zeus and his crew up to the task of saving the world - and solving Elliot's problems too? (Recommended by the Classics Department)
Zana Fraillon The Bone Sparrow – born in an Australian Immigration Detention Centre, Subhi has never known freedom. A member of the Rohingya tribe, his mother fled Myanmar to save her family only to find more persecution. A heart-breaking tale of survival, friendship and hope. Ideal reading for LIV Geography.
Cordelia Funke
Inkheart, Inkspell, and Inkdeath (trilogy) – excellent fantasy reading, with very appealing characters
Jostein Gaarder
Neil Gaiman
ThroughaGlassDarkly,TheChristmasMysteryand Sophie’sWorld– three clever mixes of fiction and philosophy.
The Graveyard Book – ghosts and adventures abound in this fantastical creation. (Recommended by the Learning Skills Department)
TheOceanattheEndoftheLane– a modern fantasy story following a man who returns to his home for a funeral and remembers his childhood forty years earlier when, as a 7-year-old boy, he becomes entangled in a magical conflict with a malevolent force.
Jamila Gavin Coram Boy – set in the 1700s, this is the story of Toby, saved from an African ship as a child, and Aaron, the illegitimate son of the heir to a great estate. (Recommended by the Music Department)
Stacy Gregg The Island of Lost Horses – a book which combines ponies with History – perfect! (Recommended by the History Department)
Mark Haddon
Sarah Hagger Holt
TheCuriousIncidentoftheDogintheNight-Time – a murder mystery novel like no other. The detective, and narrator, is Chris Boone. (Recommended by the Drama Department) EDI
Nothing Ever Happens Here – an honest and touching portrayal of a family in crisis, approaching issues of gender and sexuality with sensitivity and humour. EDI
Frances Hardinge CuckooSong– a fantasy suspense story set in the 1920s. Triss wakes after an accident sure something is terribly wrong. What she finds is terrifying and she has seven days to sort things before it is too late.
Lucy & Stephen Hawking
Frances Hodgson
George and the Unbreakable Code – George and his best friend Annie haven't had any space adventures for a while and they're missing the excitement. But not for long… Seriously strange things start happening. Banks are handing out free money; supermarkets can’t charge for their produce so people are getting free food; and aircraft are refusing to fly. It looks like the world's biggest and best computers have all been hacked. George and Annie will travel further into space than ever before in order to find out who is behind it. (Recommended by the Maths Department)
The Secret Garden – lonely orphan Mary discovers Misselthwaite Burnett Manor’s secrets and finds a place to belong. Classic children’s literature. and Holly Webb ReturntotheSecretGarden – in Holly Webb’s sequel, it is Emmie’s turn to discover the secret garden and solve the mystery of who wrote the diary she finds
Ted Hughes
The Iron Man – a modern fairy tale. A giant metal man of unknown origin arrives in England and destroys all in his sight. After some time he becomes more a part of the community and even fights to protect the human race. (Recommended by the Languages Department)
Eva Ibbotson
Sharma Jackson
Catherine Johnson
Judith Kerr
Rudyard Kipling
Elizabeth Laird
Journey to the River Sea – it is 1910 and Maia, tragically orphaned at thirteen, has been sent from England to start a new life with distant relatives in Manaus, hundreds of miles up the Amazon. She is accompanied by an eccentric and mysterious governess who has secret reasons of her own for making the journey. Both soon discover an exotic world bursting with new experiences in Eva Ibbotson's highly colourful, joyous adventure. (Recommended by the Geography Department)
HighRiseMystery – the detective duo everyone is dying to meet! Summer in London is hot, the hottest on record, and there's been a murder in THE TRI: the high-rise home to resident know-it-alls, Nik and Norva. Who better to solve the case? Armed with curiosity, home-turf knowledge and unlimited time - until the end of the summer holidays anyway. EDI
Freedom – an action-packed and pacey story about a boy's experience of slavery in Britain. EDI
WhenHitler StolePinkRabbit– this semi-autobiographical classic tells the unforgettable story of a Jewish family escaping Germany in the days before the Second World War.
The Just So Stories – perfect for dipping in and out of over the summer. Follow this up with TheManWhoWouldBeKing and Other Stories. (Classic Literature)
The Garbage King – set in Ethiopia and inspired by the true story of an African childhood lived on the edge of destitution, award-winning Elizabeth Laird's The Garbage King takes readers on an unforgettable emotional journey. When Mamo's mother dies, he is abandoned in the shanties of Addis Ababa. Stolen by a child-trafficker and sold to a farmer, he is cruelly treated. Escaping back to the city, he meets another, very different runaway. Dani is rich, educated - and fleeing his tyrannical father. Together they join a gang of homeless street boys who survive only by mutual bonds of trust and total dependence on each other. (Recommended by the Geography Department)
Crusade – this is a richly detailed historical adventure by the Carnegie shortlisted author about two boys, two faiths and one unholy war. (Recommended by the History Department)
Tanya Landman Buffalo Soldier (2015 Carnegie Medal Winner) – this heart-breaking story asks, ‘what does it mean to be free?’ The American Civil War frees Charley and her fellow slaves, but left on her own, Charley’s only way to survive is to disguise herself as a man and enrol in the army. EDI
Caroline Lawrence Roman Mysteries Series – set in the ancient Roman Empire during the reign of the Emperor Titus. They detail the adventures of four children who solve mysteries and have adventures in Ostia, Rome, Greece, and beyond: Flavia, a Roman girl who lives in Ostia; Nubia, a slave girl from Africa; Jonathan, a Jewish boy; and Lupus, a mute beggar boy. (Recommended by the Classics Department)
Madeleine L’Engle
M.G.Leonard
CS Lewis
A Wrinkle in Time – categorised as ‘Science Fantasy’ by the author, this is a book you will not want to put down. Much better than the Disney film. An exciting tale of space and time travel and a race to save first Meg’s scientist father and then her brother who have become prisoners of the evil It. (Recommended by the Maths Department)
TheBattleoftheBeetles:BeetleBoy(Bk1),BeetleQueen(Bk2),Battleof theBeetles(Bk3),BeetleBoy:TheCollector’sHandbook – a trilogy about a brilliant boy, his loyal friends and some amazingly intelligent beetles that brings together adventure, humour and real science! (Recommended by the Biology Department)
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe – the first of the Narnia series. Four children travel to the land beyond the wardrobe in another time and place. Many religious overtones, including the power of sacrifice. (Recommended by the RS Department)
Gill Lewis Sky Hawk – with tragic elements and warm friendships celebrated, this makes a tempting read. (Recommended by the Learning Skills Department)
Rebecca Lim Tiger Daughter Wen Zhou is the only child of Chinese immigrants whose move to the lucky country has proven to be not so lucky. Wen and her friend, Henry Xiao, both dream of escape and form a plan to sit an entrance exam to a selective high school far from home. But when tragedy strikes, it will take all of Wen’s resilience and resourcefulness to get herself and Henry through the storm that follows. EDI
Penelope Lively
Jack London
Marie Lu
G. McCaughrean
Anthony McGowan
The Ghost of Thomas Kempe – a charming tale of a young boy and the ghost of a sorcerer in Tudor England. (Recommended by the History Department)
The Call of theWild – an American saga about a sled dog. Worth a read. (Recommended by the Learning Skills Department)
TheKingdomofBack– this fantasy novel is inspired by the life of composer Wolfgang Mozart’s exceptional but overshadowed sister, Nannerl. According to her father, she was the foremost keyboard player in Europe at just 12 years of age, but as she was not the only musical talent in the family, she was soon surpassed by her brilliant younger brother. This magical story spins a tale of how she ensures that her name will not be forgotten. (Recommended by the Music Department)
Where theWorld Ends (2018 Carnegie Medal Winner) – based on a true story. In the summer of 1724, a group of men and boys are put ashore on a remote sea stack to hunt birds, but this year is different no one comes to take them home. Can Quill and his friends survive? A tale of courage and friendship.
Lark (2020 Carnegie Medal Winner) – things are getting tense at home for Nicky and Kenny as they wait for a visit from their estranged mum. To escape, they go for a walk on the moors, taking their little Jack Russell terrier with them. But what should have been a laugh, a lark, turns deadly
Adeline Yen Mah
when the weather changes and they are caught in a blizzard. Nothing will ever be quite the same again. This is the final book in McGowan’s quartet of novellas about Nicky and his learning-disabled brother Kenny – a story that reminds us of the power of nature and the even more powerful bond that can exist between siblings.
K Millwood Hargrave
L M Montgomery
Michael Morpurgo
Patrick Ness
Hiba Noor Khan
R.J. Palacio
Annabel Pitcher
Philip Pullman
Chinese Cinderella – an autobiography for children based on the bestselling Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Mah. Jung-ling's family considers her bad luck because her mother died giving birth to her. They discriminate against her and make her feel unwanted yet she yearns and continuously strives for her parents' love. Her stepmother is vindictive and cruel and her father dismissive. Jung-ling grows up to be an academic child, with a natural ability for writing. Only her aunt and grandfather offer her any love and kindness. EDI
TheGirlofInkandStars– a beautifully written story of friendship, discovery, myths and magic “reminiscent of fantasy greats such as Philip Pullman and Neil Gaiman” London Times.
TheIslandattheEndofEverything – rooted in real events but with a twist of magic, this is a tale of friendship and finding your way home.
Anne of Green Gables – Marilla and Mathew Cuthbert are expecting a young orphan boy to help them with farm work at Green Gables. But when a skinny red–haired girl turns up instead, immediately she is at home, they get more than they bargained for. (Recommended by the Art Department)
War Horse – a stunning wartime classic. In the deadly chaos of the First World War, one horse witnesses the reality of battle from both sides of the trenches. (Recommended by the Drama Department)
AMonsterCalls– a haunting tale of a boy coming to terms with his mother’s cancer. Conor is plagued by a nightmare where a monster comes, demanding to know the truth. An extraordinarily moving novel of coming to terms with loss.
Safiyyah’sWar (2024 Carnegie Medal shortlist) - inspired by the true story of how the Grand Mosque of Paris saved the lives of hundreds of Jews during World War II.
Wonder – Auggie, ten, born with a terrible facial abnormality, is starting school for the first time. A story to make you think about society’s stress on looks and how we react to people who look different, a moving story about acceptance, friendship and courage EDI
My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece – Jamie’s parents split up after his sister was killed in a terrorist attack; with his dad and sister he moves to start a new life but Jamie dreams of his mum coming back EDI
His Dark Materials trilogy (Northern Lights, The Subtle Knife and The AmberSpyglass) – these thrilling adventures tell the story of Lyra and Will
– two children on a perilous journey through shimmering haunted other worlds. These books have won awards, topped bestseller lists and captivated readers for more than twenty years.
TheSallyLockhartSeries(TheRubyintheSmoke,TheShadow in the North, The Tiger in the Well, The Tin Princess) – set in Victorian London, this gripping series follows 16-year-old sleuth, Sally Lockhart, as she investigates the curious circumstances behind her father’s death and other crimes.
Onjali Rauf The Boy at the Back of the Class – 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. EDI
Jason Reynolds Look Both Ways – (2021 Carnegie Medal Winner) intertwines ten short stories told from the perspectives of ten different pupils on their way home from the same school There is slapstick humour and quiet reflection, grief and compassion. This is a wonderful celebration of diversity and humanity. EDI
Jewell Parker Rhodes Ghost Boys – twelve-year-old Jerome doesn't get into trouble. He goes to school. He does his homework. He takes care of his little sister. Then Jerome is shot by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real threat. As a ghost, watching his family trying to cope with his death, Jerome begins to notice other ghost boys. Each boy has a story and they all have something in common... EDI
Rick Riordan Percy JacksonandtheLightning Thief – twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is on the most dangerous quest of his life. With the help of a satyr and a daughter of Athena, Percy must journey across the United States to catch a thief who has stolen the original weapon of mass destruction Zeus’ master bolt. Along the way, he must face a host of mythological enemies determined to stop him. Most of all, he must come to terms with a father he has never known, and an Oracle that has warned him of betrayal by a friend. (Recommended by the Classics Department)
Ellen Risbridger
Katherine Rundell
Louis Sachar
Marcus Sedgwick
The Secret Detectives – a gripping murder mystery in an historical setting, perfect for fans of Robin Stephens and Katherine Rundell.
TheExplorer – a riveting story of adventure, friendship and survival in the Amazon jungle. Four children are on their way back to England from Manaus when their plane crashes and the pilot dies on landing. How will they survive?
Holes – Stanley Yelnats is sent to a juvenile detention centre in the Texan desert when he is falsely accused of stealing. Every day, he must dig a hole, five foot wide and five foot deep, reporting anything he finds. But what could be buried under a dried-up lake? A darkly humorous take of crime, punishment and redemption.
Floodland– winner of the Branford Boase Award 2001, Marcus Sedgwick's powerful debut novel about surviving in a sinking world marks the beginning of the author's multi-award-winning career. Imagine that a few
Russell Stannard
Rebecca Stead
years from now England is covered by water, and Norwich is an island. (Recommended by the Geography Department)
The Time and Space of Uncle Albert – famous scientist Uncle Albert and his niece Gedanken enter the dangerous and unknown world of a thought bubble. Their mission: to unlock the deep mysteries of Time and Space... Discover why you can't break the ultimate speed barrier, find out how to become older than your mother, how to put on weight without getting fat, and how to live forever without even knowing it.
BlackHolesandUncleAlbert – this is a companion to "The Time and Space of Uncle Albert". This book follows Uncle Albert and his niece Gedanken as they make more astonishing discoveries: the exploding universe, wonky jelly space, black holes, shrinking tape measures and how it is that we are made of stardust. (Recommended by the Maths Department)
John Steinbeck
Robin Stevens
Noel Streatfeild
Raina Telgemeier
Josephine Tey
TheListofThingsThatWillNotChange – when Bea's dad and his wonderful partner, Jesse, decide to marry, it looks as if Bea's biggest wish is coming true: she's finally (finally!) going to have a sister. They're both ten. They're both in fifth grade. Though they've never met, Bea knows that she and Sonia will be perfect sisters. Just like sisters anywhere, Bea thinks. But as the wedding day approaches, Bea makes discoveries that lead her to a possibly disastrous choice. Making a new family brings questions, surprises and joy in this brilliant modern classic by Newbery Medalist Rebecca Stead. EDI
The Red Pony and The Pearl – from one of America’s greatest novelists.
Murder Most Unladylike – an insight into boarding school but not as you know it. Murder and detectives are on the agenda. (Recommended by the Learning Skills Department.)
Ministry of Unladylike Activities – a must-read spinoff set during WW2 which follows the sister of Hazel Wong from the Murder Most Unladylike series.
Ballet Shoes – a story of three children on the stage. (Recommended by the Art Department)
Smile – a delightful autobiographical graphic novel. Raina just wants to be normal, but when she trips and severely damages her two front teeth, she ends up on a frustrating journey of braces, surgery and fake teeth that result in her being teased about her appearance. Despite its lightness and humour, this is a meaningful story of a teen’s journey to self-acceptance.
The DaughterofTime – Josephine Tey's classic novel about Richard III, the hunchback king, whose skeleton was discovered in a council carpark, and who was buried in March 2015 in state in Leicester Cathedral. The Daughter of Time investigates his role in the death of his
Mimi Thebo
Sandi Toksvig
nephews, the princes in the Tower, and his own death at the Battle of Bosworth. (Recommended by the History Department)
Dreaming the Bear – Darcy is recovering from an illness in an isolated cabin in Yellowstone National Park with her family when she encounters a wounded grizzly bear An unlikely friendship develops that is healing for them both.
Hitler’s Canary – a story, told through the eyes of a 12-yearold boy, about the Danish people and their part in saving the Jewish population of Denmark from the Nazi Occupiers. (Recommended by the Languages Department) EDI
J.R.R.Tolkein
Mark Twain
Alison Weatherby
Elizabeth Wein
The Hobbit – published in 1937, this is a timeless classic – the unforgettable story of Bilbo, a peace-loving hobbit, who embarks on a strange and magical adventure, encountering wizards, dwarves and, of course, Smaug the dragon. His life will never be the same again.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer have made lots of money, but all Huck wants is to escape from his guardian, Miss Sawyer. A great American novel and a more challenging read.
The Secrets Act – a thrilling, nail-biting YA mystery with themes of friendship, loyalty, secrets and a dash of romance, set at Bletchley Park in 1941.
TheEnigmaGame– an exciting story set in World War Two with three courageous young heroes, desperate to make a difference in a war that has decimated their families, friends and country. When the mean to change the course of history falls into their hands, how will they use it? When the enemy comes looking for them, will they have the courage to strike back?
Robert Westall
Rebecca Westcott
TheKingdombytheSea – when a bomb during an air raid destroys Harry's home and kills his family, he knows that he is all alone in the world and has only himself to rely on. Anxious that he will be sent to live with his fussy Cousin Elsie, he goes on the run across the war-battered land of North East England, his only friend in his journey a stray dog that he meets on the beach. (Recommended by the RS Department)
Dandelion Clocks – a bittersweet tale about bereavement and loss, with heart-warming and funny moments throughout.
Can You See Me? - a coming-of-age story about learning to celebrate yourself, this is a widely praised and realistic portrayal of autism The first in a trilogy, it is written in collaboration with Libby Scott who is autistic herself and only 11-years-old. Insightful and uplifting. EDI
T H White
The Sword in the Stone – an entertaining fantasy adventure set in medieval England following the life of King Arthur (Recommended by the History Department)
Lauren Wolk BeyondtheBrightSea – moving and lyrical with a vivid sense of time and place, a tale of adventure, mystery and survival and what it means to be a family. Historical fiction set in 1925 in America amongst the Elizabeth Islands off Cape Cod. Crow washes up on a tiny island as a baby and begins to question who she really is when a fire appears on an abandoned island.
Katherine Woodfine The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow – set in Edwardian times this delightful book contains both mystery and adventure. (Recommended by the Learning Skills Department)
Benjamin Zephaniah Face – this is the moving and compelling story of Martin, a young man whose life is completely changed when his face is badly scarred in a joyriding accident.
RefugeeBoy – Alem is on holiday with his father in London – his first trip outside Ethiopia. They have a great few days together until he wakes up one morning to find a letter explaining that his father has left him because he would be safer in London than back at home. A powerful and moving story. EDI
Marcus Zusak
The Book Thief – set in Nazi Germany during World War II, 9year-old Liesel’s life is changed forever when she picks up a book abandoned in the snow. So begins her love affair with books and words, and soon she is stealing from Nazi bookburnings, the mayor’s wife’s library…wherever books can be found. But these are dangerous times and when Liesel’s foster family hides a Jew in their basement, nothing will ever be the same again. A modern masterpiece – thought-provoking and life-affirming.
Non-Fiction
Recommendations from the Computing Department
Andrew Hodges
Jeremy Kubica
Rebel Girls
Margaret Shetterly
Laura Wallmark
Alan Turing: The Enigma – explores the life of the mathematician, revealing the character of the man behind such concepts as the universal machine, and discusses his pioneering role in electronic computer design.
Computational Fairy Tales – computer science concepts presented in the form of fairy tales
AdaLovelaceCrackstheCode– growing up in nineteenth century London, Ada is curious about everything. She is obsessed with machines and creatures that fly. This is the story of a pioneer in computer sciences and a testament to women’s invaluable contribution to STEM throughout history.
Hidden Figures – the remarkable true story of NASA’s AfricanAmerican female mathematicians who played a crucial role in America’s Space Programme
Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code – Grace Hopper was an inventor and ground breaker who transformed the world of computer science. This book tells us her inspirational story.
Recommendations from the Drama Department Plays
Alan Ayckbourn
Alan Ayckbourn
Sam Holcroft
Fin Kennedy
Lizzie Nunnery
Philip Ridley
Ernie’sIncredibleIllucinations– a fun comedy that follows Ernie, a boy with a vivid imagination. (Remove)
TheBoyWhoFellIntoaBook– this inventive and hilarious script follows Kevin as he quite literally falls into a book with his detective partner Rockfist Slim. (Remove)
TheWardrobe – a script that can be performed by 2 - 28 people. It explores British History and how as a country we are directly linked to our past. (LIV)
The Domino Effect – an ensemble play for teenage performers exploring how small actions can lead to big consequences. (LIV)
The Sum – an ensemble play for teenage performers exploring how small actions can lead to big consequences. (LIV)
Sparkleshark – fourteen-year-old Jake takes refuge on the roof of a tower block in order to write his stories. Before long, he is discovered by eight other kids who begin to tease and taunt him. Jake starts to fight back in the only way he knows how - through storytelling. Soon the whole group is enmeshed in the story, enacting a fantastic tale which resonates with the dynamic of their own friendships and enmities. (LIV)
Willy Russell
Charles Way
OurDayOut – a chaotic and lively musical that is written about a remedial class out for the day on a school trip. (LIV)
Sleeping Beauty – the musical retelling of a classic story, with touches of modern day humour. (Remove)
Charles Way et al Red Red Shoes – this script has been developed by the Unicorn Theatre and specially adapted for a younger audience. It follows the Han Christian Anderson story of a traumatised child fleeing war in Europe. (Remove)
Recommendations from the Geography Department
Bill Bryson
Zlata Filipovic
Malala Yousafzai
Yusra Mardini
NeitherHereNorThere;NotesFromaSmallIsland and African Diary – Bill Bryson’s first travel book, The Lost Continent, was unanimously acclaimed as one of the funniest books in years. In Neither Here nor There he brings his unique brand of humour to bear on Europe as he shoulders his backpack, keeps a tight hold on his wallet, and journeys from Hammerfest, the northernmost town on the continent, to Istanbul on the cusp of Asia. Fluent in, oh, at least one language, he retraces his travels as a student twenty years before.
Zlata’s Diary (modern day conflicts) – Zlata Filipovic was given a diary shortly before her tenth birthday and began to write in it regularly. She was an ordinary, if unusually intelligent and articulate little girl, and her preoccupations include whether or not to join the Madonna fan club, her piano lessons, her friends and her new skis. But the distant murmur of war draws closer to her Sarajevo home. Her father starts to wear military uniform and her friends begin to leave the city. One day, school is closed and the next day bombardments begin. EDI
IamMalala:HowOneGirlStoodUpforEducationandChanged the World – written by Malala in collaboration with acclaimed author, Patricia McCormick, this children’s edition tells the remarkable story of a girl who knew from a young age that she wanted to change the world – and did. Her journey will open your eyes to another world and will make you believe in hope, truth, miracles and the determination of one person to inspire change. EDI
Butterfly: From Refugee to Olympian – My Story of Rescue, Hope and Triumph – this is the story of a remarkable woman whose journey started in a war-torn suburb of Damascus and took her through Europe to Berlin and, from there, to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. Yusra is an athlete, one of People Magazine’s 25 women changing the world, a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and one of Time Magazine’s 30 most influential teens of 2016. EDI
Recommendations from the History Department
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E.H. Gombrich A Little History of the World – in forty concise chapters, Gombrich tells the story of man from the stone age to the atomic bomb. In between emerges a colourful picture of wars and conquests, grand works of art, and the spread and limitations of science.
LIV
Adam Hart-Davis WhattheTudorsandStuartsdidforus– a lively and well-written account of how the world we live in was shaped in the Tudor period.
S Willis & J Daybell HistoriesoftheUnexpected:TheTudors – a quirky and original book of Tudor trivia.
Recommendations from the Languages Department
Cauvin Monsieur Papa – a story that is at once funny and moving. 10-year-old Laurent doesn’t want to spend the holidays in Paris with his mum while his father goes on holiday to Bangkok and sets about trying to get his own way.
Fabio Geda In the Sea there are Crocodiles – based on a true story, we read about young Enaiatollah's remarkable five-year journey from Afghanistan to Italy where he finally managed to claim political asylum. EDI
René Goscinny Asterix The Gaul – in French of course! & Albert Uderzo
St Exupéry Le Petit Prince – one of the most-translated books in the world and voted the best book of the 20th century in France. A moving tale of loneliness, friendship, love and loss in the form or a young prince fallen to Earth.
Goscinny Sempé LePetitNicolas– a collection of short stories depicting an idealized version of childhood in 1950s France. Funny, charming and easy to read for beginners of French.
Recommendations from the Maths Department
Alex Bellos Alex’s Adventures in Numberland – mathematical ideas underpin just about everything in our lives: from the surprising geometry of the 50p piece to how probability can help you win in any casino. In search of weird and wonderful mathematical phenomena, the author travels the globe and meets the world's fastest mental calculators and a startlingly numerate chimpanzee in Japan.
A Gardiner DiscoveringMathematics:TheArtofInvestigation – with puzzles involving coins, postage stamps, and other commonplace items, this book challenges readers to account for perplexing mathematical phenomena.
Boris A Kordernsky
TheMoscowPuzzles – possibly the most popular Russian puzzle book ever published. Marvellously varied puzzles ranging from simple "catch" riddles to difficult problems.
H.M. Enzensburger The Number Devil – A Mathematical Adventure. Twelve-year-old Robert hates his maths teacher. He sets his class boring problems and won't let them use their calculators. Then in his dreams Robert meets the Number Devil who brings the subject magically to life
Recommendations from the Music Department
Helena Attlee Lev’s Violin: An Italian Adventure – a story of luthiers and scientists, princes and orphans, musicians, composers, travellers and raconteurs that swells to a poignant meditation on the power of objects, stories and music to shape individual lives and to craft entire cultures.
Howard Goodall Big Bangs: Five Musical Revolutions – composer and presenter Howard Goodall traces the major developments in music history, including the invention of recorded sound. Enjoy this resource either as a printed book or through the DVD episodes, which are available on the DH media server.
Barry Green The Inner Game of Music – this book tackles the battle that all musicians must fight against, including nervousness, self-doubt and fear of failure Through a series of tailored exercises, this demonstrates the ways in which musicians can achieve exact intonations, artistic phrasing and improved technique. There are also chapters on ensemble playing, improvisation, composition and creativity, as well as listening skills.
Elaine Gould Behind Bars: The Definitive Guide to Music Notation – an indispensable reference book for composers, editors and music processors. In the most thorough and painstakingly researched book to be published since the 1980s, specialist music editor, Elaine Gould, provides a comprehensive grounding in notational principles.
Donald Passman All You Need to Know About the Music Business: 10th Edition – written by the veteran music lawyer, Don Passman – dubbed ‘the industry bible’ by the Los Angeles Times – this book has now been updated to address the biggest transformation of the music industry yet – streaming. For more than 25 years, this has been universally regarded as the definitive guide to the music industry.
Alex Ross Listen To This – explore the importance of the individual musical voice in all genres of music, from classical to recent pop music. Alex Ross, the music critic for the New Yorker, looks backwards and forwards in time, capturing essential figures and ideas in classical music history, as well as giving an alternative view of recent pop music that emphasises the power of the individual musical voice.
Recommendations from the PE Department
Tom Daley
Rachel Ignotofsky
Phil Knight
Jessica Ennis
James Milner
Matthew Syed
Jamie Vardy
My Story – In 2012, at the age of eighteen, Tom Daley had the whole country behind him when he won a bronze medal at the London Olympic Games. But behind his rise to sporting stardom, there is also the heartbreaking and inspiring story of a young man coping with the death of his father under the glare of the world’s media spotlight.
WomeninSport:Fifty FearlessAthletesWhoPlayedtoWin –celebrates the success of tough, bold and fearless women who paved the way for the next generation of athletes.
ShoeDog – the inside story of how Phil Knight started Nike from his car boot and built it into a global brand. An inspirational memoir
Unbelievable – on 4 August, 2012, Jessica Ennis kicked off what some describe as the greatest night in British sporting history. For her, it was the end of a long, winding and sometimes harrowing road. Hers is an inspiring tale of following your dreams no matter what life throws at you. From the unique pressures facing her, to behind-the-scenes glimpses into the greatest show on earth and a revealing account of her love-hate relationship with her coach, Jessica reveals the truth behind the smiles.
Ask a Footballer – ever wondered what it’s really like to be a Premier League footballer? This is a captivating read that provides an insight into how a footballer prepares from week to week; the inner workings of club and international football; and much more.
You Are Awesome: Find Your Confidence and be Brilliant at Almost Anything – a positive and empowering guide to help you build your resilience, fulfil your potential and be successful.
From Nowhere – an ordinary lad from Sheffield, Jamie Vardy has become known as an against-the-odds footballing hero the world over Defying all expectations, this is the story of the boy from nowhere who reached the top in his own unflinching, honest words.
Recommendations from the Science Department
Biology Department
David Attenborough AdventuresofaYoungNaturalist:SirDavidAttenborough’sZoo QuestExpeditions – a great book, describing the adventures of our National Treasure which gives a fantastic insight into our natural world.
Miriam Darlington Otter Country: In Search of the Wild Otter – a stunningly beautiful and poetic book describing the world of the otter.
Rachel Ignotofsky Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World – a wonderfully compelling book with which shows the achievements of intrepid women who followed their dreams and were undeterred in reaching their goals. A beautiful book to dip into and discover a world of ‘girl power’ in Science. EDI
New Scientist Why Do Boys Have Nipples? And 73 Other Weird Questions that only Science Can Answer – a book full of gross stuff and weird facts along with some excellent scientific explanations – what’s not to like?
Alice Roberts
Human Anatomy – a beautifully illustrated book on human anatomy –fantastic pictures and lots to learn about your body and how it works!
Chemistry Department
Adrian Dingle
ThePeriodicTable:Elementswithstyle!– introduces budding chemists to the world of elements as you’ve never seen them before!
John Farndon The Great Scientists – the men and women who appear in The Great Scientists have all excelled in their chosen field of science; some have excelled across a range of scientific areas, while still others can, with some justification, claim to be the founders of their own disciplines. The road into the light of reason has not always been an easy one: scepticism, mockery, threats and worse have often been the lot of the experimental scientist who has dared to challenge the accepted 'truths'. Yet they have persevered, and in doing so have provided a shining example for the rest of humanity.
Dan Green Chemistry:Gettingabigreaction! – discover the secrets of chemistry and learn about the properties of matter and the ways they interact, combine and change.
Sam Kean
Robert Winston
The Disappearing Spoon – why did Ghandi hate iodine (I,53)? How did radium (Ra, 88) nearly ruin Marie Curie’s reputation? The Disappearing Spoon has the answers to this and many other elemental mysteries.
AllAboutChemistry (Big Questions) – takes an amazing look at the what, why and how of science. From the geeky Greeks to explosive elements kids
can enter a world of discovery as they find out the extraordinary way our world works.
Physics Department
Edwin Abbott
Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions – an adventure in satirical mathematics, making us ponder the difference between operating in different numbers of dimensions.
Lewis Carroll Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – we are taken in beautifully presented episodes through challenges to our ideas of logic and identity and time and perspective and social convention and…
Richard Dawkins The Magic of Reality – working through ten key questions addressed by Science, Richard Dawkins makes a brilliant series of connections and pushes the reader to re-evaluate some basic views they may have.
Richard Hammond
Teresa Robeson
Stobbart & Firth
AllAboutPhysics – featuring discoveries of Ancient Greece to Einstein via Galileo and Newton, this book takes you on a journey through time, space and beyond to find out about the physical forces that make our world.
Queen of Physics: How Wu Cien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom – when Wu Chien Shiung was born in China 100 years ago, girls did not attend school, but her parents believed differently. This engaging biography follows Wu Chien as she battles sexism at home and racism in the USA to become what Newsweek magazine called the Queen of Physics for her work on how atoms split.
PhysicsforBeginners– brings to life the wide world of physics, focusing on the different branches of physics, how we know about them and what mysteries remain to be uncovered.
