book review for year 3

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Year 3 recommended reading list for children aged 7-8

Books for Year 3 . The following list, compiled by highly experienced and qualified teachers and librarians with extensive understanding of children’s literature, includes over 40 short chapter books as well as more advanced picture book titles. The broad selection of books on our Year 3 reading list below has been tested by students and educators to ensure that they will appeal to children aged 7-8.

This diverse selection caters to different ability levels in this age group and includes books for both hesitant and independent readers. All of our hand-picked lists include books that will appeal to a wide range of interests and scenarios, such as classroom reading corners, school libraries, book clubs, learning at home, reading buddies and newly independent readers. This list of Year 3 books is reviewed termly and includes stories by Lara Hawthorne, John Steptoe, Liz Flanagan, Roald Dahl, Zanib Mian, Dick King-Smith, Derek Keilty, Jon Scieszka, Andy Shepherd, Helen Cresswell and many more.

Books for Year 3 – our recommendations

Wildsmith: into the dark forest by liz flanagan, illustrated by joe todd-stanton.

When war forces Rowan and her mother to escape their city home and seek refuge in the Dark Forest, little can she imagine the incredible new life with her Grandpa and his white wolf Arlo that will follow. Can she help to save baby dragons from dangerous poachers? With magic, excitement, adventure and a page-turning plot, this engrossing adventure will spark every child’s imagination.

Kate on the Case by Hannah Peck

Kate, a wannabe journalist, and her mouse companion Rupert set out to find out who is behind a sequence of bizarre happenings aboard a train. Can they find the thief before the train reaches the Arctic? This fast-paced, illustrated chapter book is suitable for independent readers or to group-read and discuss. It will also encourage children who are interested in writing and finding things out. Previously featured as a fiction book of the month.

Big Tree by Brian Selznick

Every page oozes awe and wonder in this illustrated hardback full of pictures and thought-provoking bursts of text. Louise and Merwin are two sycamore seeds searching for a new safe place. Their epic journey of adventure is a quest through Earth’s history, science and culture. This fast-paced, accessible and award-winning stunner is perfect for children interested in the natural world and how to change the world.

The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd

A funny, heart-warming and captivating adventure about a boy whose dragon fruit from the tree in his garden begins hatching. He soon finds that caring for a small dragon is no easy task. And then more and more dragon fruits start to hatch… It’s perfect to read to your child or use as a Year 3 class reader.

Accidental Trouble Magnet by Zanib Mian

Omar is a boy with a vivid imagination, but he also worries about school, bullies and what his parents think of him. With ingenious ideas and creative thinking, he manages to make the best of every situation. According to the publisher’s blurb, you will laugh so loud that ‘snot will come out of your nose’. Just saying that might be enough to ensure your year 3 children will want to read it.

The Nothing to See Here Hotel by Steven Butler

Young Frankie, and his family who run a hotel, are plunged into frantic action when they find out a particularly awkward guest is coming to stay. Nothing is quite good enough for the goblin prince Grogbah in this laugh-out-loud and magical page-turner that’s perfect for independent readers in year 3.

Angel on the Roof by Shirley Hughes

When a young boy called Lewis looks out of his window at Christmas, hoping someone will see him, he notices a strange feather floating from the sky. When he looks up he sees an angel on the roof who takes him on an incredible and heart-warming adventure. A timeless, magical and enchanting story that’s perfect to read at the end of the autumn term.

You’re a Bad Man, Mr Gum! by Andy Stanton

Mr Gum is a delightfully nasty character who hates children, lives with a cantankerous fairy and maintains a perfect garden. The madcap, unlikely and achingly funny adventures will grab young readers’ attention. With short chapters, colourful descriptions and memorable language, this text is ideal for reluctant readers. Perfect for group reading, this is an excellent text to help year three pupils develop reading confidence.

Football Crazy by Tony Bradman

When a football legend arrives to coach Danny’s team, he and his friends Jamil and Lewis imagine record scorelines, endless winning streaks and football heaven. But the new coach doesn’t turn out to be exactly what they hoped for…

The Accidental Prime Minister by Tom McLaughlin

When schoolboy Joe’s video about how he would make the world a better place goes viral, he becomes very popular and very famous and ends up being – Prime Minister! Follow Joe’s funny journey in which he makes buses banana-shaped, cats have hats and trains have swimming pools. A great chapter book for more confident 7-year-old readers.

Flyntlock Bones – The Eye of Mogdrod by Derek Keilty

In the second Flyntlock Bones pirate escapade, the Black Hound’s crew faces dangerous northern pirates and a cat monster called Mogdrod in a fast-paced dialogue-driven illustrated adventure. With Norse-sounding characters such as Grethel and Egfart, and evocative locations such as Bog Island, Mugger’s Marsh and Lake Squelch, this is bound to be a hit with pupils in lower KS2.

This Bee is not Afraid of Me edited by Fran Long and Isabel Galleymore

This anthology of more than 40 poems suitable for KS2 children explores a myriad of different insects and how and where they live. Ants, beetles, butterflies, moths and ladybirds are featured. Cafe Six is a highlight – a perfect impetus for teaching poetry in lower KS2 – if you can stomach the edible creepy crawlies. For schools teaching minibeasts, or classes with access to outside space or a Forest School, this collection of poems will be a useful resource for cross-curricular topic teaching.

Small Worlds: Earth by Lara Hawthorne and Camilla De La Bedoyere

This spectacularly realised illustrated non-fiction guide to the micro-world of undergrowth, meadows, foliage, forest floors, caves and more, features eye-catching graphics and precise natural history and ecological observations. The language is refreshingly not dumbed down and there are over 70 card flaps with information on the creatures displayed. Lifting them reveals what they get up to and how they interact with the ecosystem. This book would make a wonderful present for a KS2 child interested in the natural world. Also in the series is Small Worlds: Water .

King Kong by Anthony Browne

The classic tale of the giant ape who falls in love with the beautiful Ann Darrow but finds himself locked up and held in captivity. When he escapes, chaos ensues in New York. This large-format book for year 3 pupils includes lots of stunning illustrations and will appeal to both able and reluctant readers in year three. There are lots of opportunities to ask questions and check whether readers can predict what might happen next. It is also ideal to read with your child at home.

Beast Quest by Adam Blade

A fast-paced and exciting series of books that are ideal for 7-year-old readers in lower KS2. Set in a fantasy land with dragons, wizards, good vs evil and strong heroes and heroines, these stories feature lots of twists and turns and will appeal to reluctant readers and they are a good starting point for encouraging children to read classic myths and legends in year 3.

Leon and the Place Between by Angela McAllister and Grahame Baker-Smith

Perfect for group reading and ideas for creative writing, this lavishly illustrated picture book for older readers will stretch the creativity and language of year 3 readers. Leon finds out what happens to the rabbit which appears from a hat and where the magician’s assistant disappears – but can he find his way back from the ‘place between’?

The Abominables by Eva Ibbotson

A funny take on the abominable snowman legend. A boy and a girl hatch a plan to save a family of yetis from hunters, by hiding them in a bridal suite and a giant freezer lorry. A real page-turner with numerous twists, turns and cliffhangers, this is the perfect classroom year 3 book to read aloud.

Adventure | Funny

Ice Palace by Robert Swindells

An extremely fast-paced adventure that won’t leave the reader bored for a second. When the evil King of Winter kidnaps his younger brother, Ivan sets out on an epic and dangerous quest to get him back. A useful story for modelling action in creative writing. Ice Palace is a popular year thee class reading book, and ideal to spark creative writing ideas and character hot seating discussion.

Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale by John Steptoe

A thoughtful picture book retelling of an African folk tale, set to dazzling illustrations. When the king decides to pick a new wife, Mufaro’s two daughters behave in very different ways – one unreasonable and aggressive, and the other with kindness and humility. A classic moral tale that is useful to discuss with year 3 pupils.

Folk tale | Diverse

Voices in the Park by Anthony Browne

A clever book that looks at the same story from different perspectives, this picture book is ideal to provoke discussion and debate. There are few words and complex, vibrant illustrations with lots of talking points, making it ideal for less confident 7 and 8-year-old readers.

The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney

The hilarious adventures of Humphrey the Hamster, told by Humphrey and including Og the Frog and the bully Mean Martin Bean. This is a fun and engaging class reader for seven-year-olds that is particularly well-suited to mixed-ability classes.

Harry the poisonous centipede by Lynne Reid Banks

Harry is a centipede who likes to eat things that wriggle and crackle. At the start of the story, he’s shy, but increasingly he becomes braver. Will his bravery get the better of him and lead him into danger? A good text for group reading to help challenge less able seven-year-olds, and one of a series of enjoyable year 3 books.

StoryWorlds: A Moment in Time: A Perpetual Picture Atlas by Thomas Hegbrook

A picture book with few words, this book will appeal to imaginative but reluctant readers. This book explores one single moment in time across many strikingly different locations and situations so the reader can compare what is happening in the world all at the same time. The book folds out to allow a child to read any part without having to start at the beginning or reach the end.

The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig

A clever picture book that will appeal to both reluctant and more able readers. Examining thought-provoking and complex themes of bullying and loneliness, this text is ideal for PSHE lessons and Y3 book group discussions.

Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown

When a pinboard falls on top of Stanley he is left completely flattened. Sent to America in an envelope will he be able to unflatten himself? A good story for dyslexic readers and an ideal book for year 3 pupils.

The Secret World of Polly Flint by Helen Cresswell

The imaginative story of Polly Flint who can see things other children cannot, including a village and its inhabitants which disappeared long ago. The rich language and ghostly atmospheric settings are ideal for teachers to model and help children develop and explore their own creative writing.

Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl

The timeless story of Mr Fox and how he cunningly outwits the nasty farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean. This is a fun, and engaging text for seven-year-olds that is well-suited for helping develop inference and prediction skills. It’s also a good choice to read with your year three-aged child or use for guided reading with small groups where greater depth children can discuss and ask questions about the vivid and unforgettable characters.

The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl

When Lucy gets upset she uses her “Magic Finger” and points it at the person who has upset her. Real magic turns her teacher into a cat and Lucy swears never to use her finger again. Until… An ideal book for class reading in year three.

Willa and Old Miss Annie by Berlie Doherty

When she moves with her parents to a new home, Willa thinks she’ll never have friends again. That is until she meets Old Miss Annie, a lonely goat, a forgotten pony, and an orphaned fox. This is an ideal text for seven-year-olds who are interested in animals.

My Naughty Little Sister by Dorothy Edwards

A story about possibly the naughtiest little sister in the world. She digs up the garden, eats all of the trifle, doesn’t like Father Christmas and causes chaos all around her. This is an anarchic and fun book for year three children to read over the holiday period.

The Diary of a Killer Cat by Anne Fine

Ellie is shocked to find out her pet cat is a killer. Tuffy brings home a dead bird, then a mouse, and then more victims. Can Ellie stop him? A very funny story. A must-read chapter book for seven-year-olds and a great introduction to Anne Fine’s short chapter novels.

The Reluctant Dragon by Kenneth Grahame

A boy finds a dragon in a cave and he believes it is harmless and friendly, but how can he convince the frightened villagers and, St. George, the famous dragon killer? A great fun storybook to read around the class in year 3.

The Charlie Moon Collection by Shirley Hughes

Charlie manages to get himself into all sorts of trouble. His seaside summer trip turns into a missing jewellery mystery with burglars. A ripping yarn for seven-year-olds, this is a perfect text for taking on holiday.

All Because of Jackson by Dick King-Smith

Jackson is an odd rabbit. He stands most days watching ships sail by and he longs to be on one of those ships. One day he boards one of the ships and sets out on an adventure. A modern classic, and a great introduction for seven-year-olds to the extensive canon of Dick King-Smith children’s books.

The Orchard Book of First Greek Myths by Saviour Pirotta

A perfect illustrated primer of Greek Myths. This book includes Theseus and the Minotaur, Odysseus, Pandora, King Midas and more. The year 3 book of myths is a perfect age-appropriate introduction to these classic stories, and also serves as a useful impetus for creative writing.

Winnie-the-Pooh Collection by A. A. Milne

Classic stories about perhaps the world’s most famous fictional bear. Including what happens when Pooh goes visiting and Piglet meets a Heffalump, the story of when Eeyore loses his tail and Pooh finds one, and many others.

Mrs Pepperpot Stories by Alf Proysen

Mrs Pepperpot has a secret – she can shrink to the size of a pepperpot – and when she does she can talk to animals. This imaginative text can provide a good starting point for creative writing, particularly when looking at settings and character descriptions with younger children.

The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark by Jill Tomlinson

A young owl, called Plop, is afraid of the dark – something which makes his life more than a little difficult. An ideal text for less able and reluctant readers – and a good choice for focused year 3 book groups.

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

Fearless Pippi Longstocking is scared of nothing. She’ll wrestle a circus strongman, dance the polka with burglars, and tug a bull’s tail! A great story to help challenge stereotypes, this is a highly recommended book for year 3 children to read aloud.

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka

If you thought you knew the story of the Three Little Pigs, think again! This is the real story, told by the Wolf himself. A great year 3 book option to encourage children’s thinking skills and help children to develop more interesting plots, twists and cliffhangers in their creative writing.

It Was a Dark and Stormy Night by Janet Ahlberg

A young boy has been kidnapped by thieves. He stays alive by telling them incredible stories while planning his escape from a cave. An atmospheric book for reading at home with your year 3 child or for exploring fears and anxiety in PSHE lessons, this is a book to treasure.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

A clever and emotive story about a boy who takes too much from a tree that gives too much. With sparse language and clever wordplay, this is a good text to explore in lower KS2 literacy lessons. Very useful for discussing the concepts of giving and sharing, this is an ideal book to use in PSHE with Year 3.

Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

A tale of love and belonging. Max – eight – decides to dress up as a wolf, and enters a world of wild things in which he becomes the ruler. A good year 3 book choice to inspire imaginative writing.

Oxford Primary Dictionary by Susan Rennie

Ideal for children new to Key Stage 2, this dictionary includes 608 pages packed with age-appropriate definitions. It also features children’s book settings and character quotes, cross-curricular words and plenty of practical help with learning dictionary skills. At the back of the book are links to internet-based and downloadable curriculum activities on the publisher’s website that teachers and parents will find useful.

Click the buttons below to purchase all of the books in this Year 3 book list, as well as class sets of any of these books and many more, from Bookshop.org UK. Or buy the 20 most popular titles from this list from Amazon – ideal for gifts or your classroom library.

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Books for year 3 video

Below is a video featuring all our Year 3 book choices in a quick-to-view five-minute-long movie which can be used in CPD training, class assemblies, parent/teacher meetings, and shared for online learning or social and professional networks.

How many Year 3 books have you read?

Here’s a free background wallpaper of our recommended year 3 books list to use on your classroom computer.

Schools & teachers: please respect copyright and don’t copy our Year 3 book list. If you find our book recommendations useful, please consider sharing on social media or linking to this page instead. Thanks .

Books for Year 3 – what titles to recommend to children

In year 3, most children begin the school year aged seven and turn eight before the beginning of the next school year the following September.

Year three is the start of Key Stage 2 , which might also be known as juniors in some primary schools, or ‘prep’ in some independent schools. This is the start of the final four years of primary education. In year 3 pupils will be introduced to more discrete academic subjects which might be taught by subject specialists, for example in music or PE.

What books should children be reading in year 3?

Most children will be reading a mixture of short chapter books, more detailed and thought-provoking picture books, and a range of non-fiction and reference. Teachers will often introduce poetry anthologies and playscripts in year three literacy lessons. By the end of year three, most pupils will have moved away from structured reading schemes, although some will still benefit from the support and repetition these books can provide.

How to pick books for year 3 children

Many children at this age are more likely to read a book if they have chosen it themselves. Exposing children to reading material and encouraging them to explore books is often a good strategy to maintain reading motivation. A well-curated Year 3 reading list will prove beneficial. Libraries, both at school and at home, bookshops, book tokens, children’s literature events, book signings, book fairs at school and talking about which books you liked to read as a child are all good places to start.

What level or reading age are children in year 3?

Most children should be looking at books banded by publishers for ‘7-9-year-olds’. While some children might be able to decode the text in stories written for older children, the subject matter and themes might not be appropriate for empathy or understanding. At the beginning of KS2, children should be exploring which books interest them, by choosing books independently and developing a love of literature. Helpful and encouraging reading suggestions, and exposing children to new material which they can pick from is often more effective than dictating which books must be read.

How can I help my 7-year-old child to improve their reading?

A daily routine of reading at home during term time and the holidays is essential for seven and eight-year-old children. 15-20 minutes spent reading with your child, or to your child, or listening to your child read will pay huge dividends in the long term. Some children respond well to a structure and timetable for reading, but for others, a set block of time might not be productive. Try to take advantage of reading opportunities as they arise. This might be reading a leaflet, letter or children’s magazine , it could be reading and explaining a sign or notice or a recipe, or it might be helping read a bedtime story to a younger sibling. When you listen to your child read, ask them questions about what has happened, how they feel about the story and characters, and what they think will happen next.

It’s best to encourage your child to read for pleasure and help them find books that interest them. Try to avoid logging the exact time spent reading, or how many pages have been read each day – reading logs and journals can be demoralizing for children, particularly if they find reading a challenge. Instead try to focus on finding new and exciting authors, and texts about subjects they find interesting or which can be explored further by visiting places, researching online, or engaging in hobbies or activities.

What do children learn about in Year 3?

Many pupils will study the Stone Age, the ancient worlds of the Romans , Ancient Greeks and Egyptians ; and in science, minibeasts, rocks, earthquakes & volcanoes , light, sound, healthy eating and the human body are often taught as topics in lessons. Children will begin to plan and build projects in design and create artwork using different techniques and media. In maths, they will be introduced to geometry and data, including different shapes, areas and perimeters, collecting data and creating simple graphs and charts. Developing personalised Year 3 booklists that explore these topics can help boost your child’s confidence and learning at school.

Can a 7-year-old read Harry Potter?

This is a very popular question! While some seven and eight-year-olds may well be able to read the words aloud, most children in year 3 will find comprehending the characters and storyline too challenging. We think Harry Potter is better suited for children aged 9+.

Click for more children’s reading book recommendations – Picture books to read before you are 5 years old |  Reception books | Year 1 books | Year 2 books | Year 3 books (this page) | Year 4 books | Year 5 books | Year 6 books | Topic books | KS3 books

For less challenging year 3 books, see our books for Year 2 reading list , and for even more books for seven-year-olds see this list .

For more challenging reading material, try our books for Year 4 reading list .

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50 Recommended Reads for Year 3

Grab 50 fabulous books that have been thoughtfully curated and are age-appropriate, highly recommended, super-reads for the book corner. We think this ready-made book corner will really get readers buzzing and inspire reading for pleasure in Year 3 and for the long term.

Picked by our team of experienced book experts, who collectively have over 25 years’ experience of selecting books for schools, classrooms and libraries, there is a range of book types and genres; award-winners and tested favourites; highlights from the most recently published; all-time must-read classics; engaging non-fiction books; poetry and graphic novels. From rich lyrical writing to fun page-turners, shorter reads and longer, the 50 books will be a great starting point upon which to build on in the future, adding favourite series’ or the latest high-quality publishing.

Every book IS worth reading and will help pupils to put in the reading miles. Across the 50 recommended books there is a good representation of characters, settings and events that will mirror the background of pupils in the school or represent the wider society.

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Read Aloud Choices for Year 3

Chosen by our experts for 7 and 8 year olds..

Last updated January 11th, 2024

Recommended books to read aloud in year 3 list includes more complex traditional stories, particularly those drawn from myth and legend and reflecting diverse cultures. The shared read-aloud session is the perfect opportunity to share longer fiction that children may not yet have the stamina to read independently. It is hugely important that children at the transition have opportunities to envisage their future reading selves, which reading aloud supports so well. Books with complex themes benefit from discussion and guidance from an adult. This can help build empathy and understanding of others as well as broaden children’s knowledge of the world.

Humour is often a preference for children at this age. Funny books have many benefits, not least a bonding effect, which helps to create a community of readers. They can also help to relieve stress and create a sense of well-being.

Picture book biographies are an excellent choice for this year group too. Through reading the life stories of people who have achieved excellence or recognition in their field, children learn about the qualities that lead to success, for instance, resilience, persistence and overcoming adversity. These stories can be inspirational and develop children’s general knowledge.

While picture books remain an essential part of children’s reading repertoire, reading stories with few or no illustrations are also recommended, encouraging the children to develop imagery in their mind’s eye. Some of the books on this list are less heavily illustrated with black-and-white line illustrations that can be shared using a visualiser.

Throughout the year, you will want to read stories requested by the children, offer guided choices, and expand their reading horizons.

Our recommended poetry lists have plenty of suggestions for each year group too.

Roy Moss has written a useful blog about choosing read-alouds. for your class.

Find out which books our reviewers enjoy reading with their classes in this video, Choosing Books for the Classroom; Read Alouds.

Sonia Thompson and Ben Harris join Nikki Gamble to talk about why reading aloud to your class is so important and to advise on choosing books to read aloud

Our top picks from recent titles

Me and mister p.

By Maria Farrer . Illustrated by Daniel Rieley . Published by Oxford University Press .

“All I want is a normal family but no, I’ve ended up with the brother from Weirdsville. Liam is so embarrassing, but Mum and Dad can’t see that and give him all the attention. Leaving me with zero! Zilch! A big fat NOTHING! And I’m not really sure how an enormous, funny, clumsy polar bear is going to help with all this, but he was standing on the doorstep, so I had to invite him to stay, didn’t I?

Flyntlock Bones: The Eye of Mogdrod

By Derek Kielty . Illustrated by Mark Elvins . Published by Scallywag Press .

A priceless golden chalice has been stolen from Fergus McSwaggers, fearsome chief of the squelchy Bog Islands … and he wants it back! Can Flynn and the crew of the Black Hound solve their most dangerous case yet, battling deadly ice pirates, outsmarting squabbling clans, and facing the scariest beast of all the Seven Seas, the monstrous, cat-like MogdrodOur reviewer, Lucy Timmons writes. ‘It is full of silly, fun, stinky humour which will leave this age range both falling off their seats and gripped by the adventurous plot.’

Read the full review

Flyntlock Bones The Eye of Mogdrod

Arthur who wrote sherlock.

By Linda Bailey . Illustrated by Isabelle Follath . Published by Andersen Press .

he fascinating true story of the inspiring writer Arthur Conan Doyle, and how he created the world’s most famous detective,

Arthur Who Wrote Sherlock : The True Story of Arthur Conan Doyle

The fire of stars.

By Kirsten W. Larson . Illustrated by Katherine Roy . Published by Chronicle books .

A poetic picture book celebrating the life and scientific discoveries of groundbreaking astronomer Cecilia Payne! Astronomer and astrophysicist Cecilia Payne was the first person to discover what burns at the heart of stars. Our reviewer, Tracy Parvin, writes,’ The Fire of Stars is a beautifully structured book that could be shared as a read-aloud, or explored as a class text, with KS1 and lower KS2, especially if studying women’s achievements.’

The Fog Catcher's Daughter

By Marianne McShane . Illustrated by Alan Marks . Published by Walker Books .

A brave young girl rows out to meet her destiny in a lavishly illustrated original tale steeped in fairy lore, from a traditional Irish storyteller.  Our reviewer writes, ‘An absolute treat for reading aloud to young children and for older readers too who can appreciate the quality of the illustrations and explore these in detail.’

The Broken Dragon

By Karen McCombie . Published by Barrington Stoke .

Tyra gets off to a tough start at her new school. She’s loud and different and nobody seems to be particularly friendly. So when her nan gives her a beautiful china snow dragon, Tyra decides to take it to school, hoping that people will think it’s interesting and talk to her. But disaster strikes and the beautiful dragon is smashed.

Our reviewer, Stephen Connor writes, ‘There are many books set in schools that put the protagonist in Tyra’s position, and often a ringleader is pushing back against the newcomer. What I really liked about this book was that this character didn’t exist: instead, children asked questions (why do you live with your nan?), and there are titters when Tyra’s jokes don’t quite work, but there is an absolute absence of cruelty.’ The themes in this book are pertinent to the lives of all children and it’s highly recommended opening for class discussion.

Blanksy the Street Cat

By Gavin Puckett . Illustrated by Allen Fatimaharan . Published by Faber .

A short rhyming story that works well as a read-aloud in either year 2 or year 3. Our reviewer, Imogen Maund says, ‘It is refreshing to read a book for children with characters who are homeless but are portrayed positively. There is certainly not a victim narrative in this story and it clearly communicates why Pete likes his lifestyle – and that it is a conscious choice. Therefore, it provides an opportunity for discussion with children about homes and how different people may choose to live.

Stories of Peace and Kindness

By Elizabeth Laird . Illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini . Published by Otter-Barry Books .

A collection of stories from around the world to promote thought and discussion about peace and kindness. Our reviewer, Kate Hitchings, writes ‘The pacey and dramatic stories are perfect for reading aloud.  The Woodcutter and the Lion  is perhaps the best of all for a classroom rendition. Children unaccustomed to the diverse conventions of folktales will benefit from hearing them read and discussing the messages and themes of each one. ‘

Stories of Peace and Kindness : For a Better World

Teachers' treasures.

Classic and established favourites

The Diary of a Killer Cat

By Anne Fine . Published by Puffin .

The first book in Anne Fine’s Killer Cat series has great characterisation. There’s an opportunity here to engage children with an expressive read-aloud with character voices and good pacing to emphasize the humour. There are other books in the series that children can enjoy independently.

You're a Bad Man Mr Gum

By Andy Stanton . Illustrated by David Tazzyman . Published by HarperCollins .

Mr Gum is a complete horror who hates children, animals, fun and corn on the cob. This book’s all about him. Anarchic humour that will have children laughing their heads off

You're a Bad Man, Mr. Gum!

A necklace of raindrops.

By Joan Aiken . Illustrated by Jan Pienkoski . Published by Penguin Randhom House .

A collection of eight literary fairy stories with Jan Pienkowski’s trademark silhouette illustrations. The classic storyteller voice makes this a good collection for reading aloud.

This post was written by Nikki Gamble

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Book Review Writing Examples

Examples: learn from the efforts of others.

Learning how to write strong reviews takes time and not a little effort. Reading the reviews others have done can help you get a feel for the flow and flavor of reviews.

If I Never Forever Endeavor Review by Hayden, age 4, Southeast Michigan Mensa

This book was about a bird who didn't yet know how to fly.

The bird has to decide if it will try to fly, but it was not sure if it wants to. The bird thought, "If I never forever endeavor" then I won't ever learn. On one wing, he worries he might fail and on the other wing he thinks of how he may succeed. He worries that if he tries, he may get lost in the world. That makes him want to stay in his nest where he's safe.

I think this book would help other children to learn that trying new things can be scary, but sometimes when we try, we can find things that make us happy too. And this book will help others know that mistakes are okay and part of learning.

My favorite part is that the bird tried and learned that she could fly. I also liked that I read this book because it gave me a chance to talk to mom about making mistakes and how I don't like making them. Then I learned they are good and part of learning.

Boys and girls who are 3 to 8 years old would like this book because it teaches about trying a new thing and how it's important to get past being scared so you can learn new things.

I give the book 5 stars since I think it's important for other children to learn about courage.

Flesh & Blood So Cheap Review by Umar B., age 8, Central New Jersy Mensa

I liked this book. People who are interested in national disasters and US history as well as immigration will most probably be interested in reading this book.

Readers can gain knowledge of what it was like to work in New York City in the early 1900s. One of the things that was especially interesting was that there were no safety laws at work. Also, there was a big contrast between the rich and the poor. Some people may not like this book because it is very depressing, but it is an important event in history to remember.

This book was very well written. It has black and white photos along with descriptions of the photos. These photos give us a better idea of what people's lives were like. This book is suitable for 9-20 year olds.

I give this book 5 stars.

Galaxy Zach: Journey to Juno Review by Young Mensan Connor C., age 6, Boston Mensa

Journey To Juno is the second book of the Galaxy Zack series. It is just as good as the first one. It's awesome!

Zack joins the Sprockets Academy Explorers Club at school. They fly on a special trip to Juno, a new planet no one has ever visited. Zack gets paired up with Seth, the class bully, and that's dreadful but Zack is excited when he finds a huge galaxy gemmite. A gemmite that large had not been found in 100 years! Kids will love this book!

Boys and girls will both like it. It's an easy chapter book with pictures on every page. I love the illustrations. I think ages 6-8 would like this but younger kids would like the story being read to them.

My favorite parts are the galactic blast game (it is similar to baseball except there are robots playing), recess at Zack's school where everything is 3-D holographic images, the rainbow river in a crystal cave on Juno, and the galaxy gemmite that Zack finds on Juno. I also loved when a life-size holographic image of his Earth friend appears in Zack's room because he calls him on a hyperphone. I give this book one hundred stars! There is a "to be continued" at the end so you have to read the next book see what's in store. I can't wait to find out what happens!!!

I Capture the Castle Review by Lauren W., age 17, Mensa in Georgia

Dodie Smith's novel I Capture the Castle is a journey through the mind of a young writer as she attempts to chronicle her daily life. Seventeen-year-old Cassandra Mortmain has recently learned to speed-write, and she decides to work on her writing skills by describing the actions and conversations of those around her.

Cassandra lives in a fourteenth-century English castle with an interesting cast of characters: her beautiful older sister, Rose; her rather unsociable author father and his second wife, artist-model Topaz; Stephen, the garden boy; a cat and a bull terrier; and sometimes her brother Thomas when he is home from school. One fateful day they make the acquaintance of the Cotton family, including the two sons, and a web of tangled relationships ensues.

While I definitely recommend this book to other readers, I would recommend it to older teenagers, mainly because it will resonate better with them. The writing is tame enough that younger teens could also read it, but most of the characters are adults or on the verge of adulthood. Older readers would take the most from it since they can not only relate, but they may also better pick up on and appreciate Cassandra's sometimes subtle humor.

Over the course of the novel, Cassandra undergoes a definite transformation from child to mature young adult, even though it's only over the course of several months. I love that I could see into her mindset and read exactly what she was feeling when she thought out situations. Her thoughts flowed well and moved the book along very quickly.

Cassandra's narrative voice is wonderful. She is serious at times, but also very witty, which makes for an engaging read. It feels absolutely real, as though I'm reading someone's actual journal. Sometimes I forget that I am reading a story and not a real-life account. Her emotions and the dialogue are so genuine, and they are spot-on for a seventeen-year-old girl in her situation.

Cassandra has many wonderful insights on life, on topics ranging from writing to faith to matters of the heart. I personally have had some of the same thoughts as Cassandra, except Ms. Smith was able to put them into words.

Capture the Castle should be essential reading for aspiring writers, those looking for historical fiction or romance, or anyone who loves reading amazing classic books. Dodie Smith is an exceptional writer, and I Capture the Castle is a book that will never become obsolete.

Frankenstein's Cat Review by Zander H., age 12, Mid-America Mensa

I appreciated Frankenstein's Cat for its fascinating explanation about the often baffling subject of bioengineering and its sister sciences. Emily Anthes explains the many sides of today's modern technology, such as gene modification, cloning, pharmaceutical products (from the farm), prosthesis, animal tag and tracking and gene cryogenics. This book provides a well-rounded summary of these complicated sciences without being boring or simply factual. Her real world examples take us on a journey from the farm, to the pet store and then from the pharmacy to the frozen arc.

Have you ever wondered if the neighborhood cat is spying on you? Read about Operation Acoustic Kitty and find out if this feline fantasy fiction or fact. Do you think bugs are creepy? What about a zombified cyborg beetle? Is Fido so special that you want two of him? Money can buy you an almost exact copy of your pooch BUT don't expect the same personality. Emily Anthes makes you crave more information. She makes you want to know the future of Earth's flora and fauna, as well as humanity itself.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who desires a guide to the future of biological science and technology. Frankenstein's Cat is best read by the light of a glow-in-the-dark fish, while cuddling your favorite cloned dog and drinking a glass of genetically modified milk.

About Marsupials Review by Connor C., age 6, Boston Mensa

About Marsupials is the title so the book is about...marsupials, of course. It's non-fiction. I really think everyone would like the book. I think someone who likes animals would especially like to read it.

The glossary of facts in the back of About Marsupials is the most useful part. I thought the most interesting parts were that some marsupials have their pouch at their back legs and one marsupial, the Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby, is very small but can jump 13 feet wide!

Kids in the 4-8 age range would like this book. Even though it's not a story book, 4 year olds would like the few words on each page and they would love the beautiful pictures. But older kids would like it because of all the facts in the back of the book. There's a lot of information for each animal. I think boys and girls (and parents) would enjoy reading it. This book is very interesting. I give it 4 stars.

Mapping the World Review by Umar A., age 10, Central New Jersey Mensa

Every day, people around the world use maps. Whether it is an airplane pilot or businessman, housewife or museum group, maps have always and will continue to provide useful information for all.

Mapping the World talks about the uses of maps, as well as how to differentiate between the type of map projection and type of map.

In this series, we travel to the past and learn about historical mapmakers, from Claudius Ptolemy (who stated the idea that the Earth is at the center of the universe) to Gerardus Mercator (who created one of the most widely used map projections) and more. This series goes into tremendous detail on the cartographer's life and maps. We then journey to the present era to learn about map projections and the diverse types of maps used today. You might ask, "What is the difference between the two? They sound the same to me." No map projection is perfect, because you cannot really flatten a sphere into a rectangle. An uncolored projection could be used in many ways. We could use it for population concentration, highways, land elevation, and so many other things!

For example, we could make a topographic map of the U.S., which shows land elevation. We could make it a colorful map that shows the amount of pollution in different areas, or it could be a population map, or it could even be a map that shows the 50 states, their capitals and borders! Our last step in this amazing excursion is the near future, where we see some hypothetical solutions as to what maps will be used for. Currently, we are working on better virtual map technology.

Now, scientists have been able to put maps on phones. Back in the early 1900s, people had to lug a lot of maps around to find your way from place to place, or just keep asking for directions. Now, all the information is on a phone or global positioning system (GPS). It is amazing how much maps have changed technology and the world in this century.

The Mapping the World 8-book set goes into amazing levels of detail. It is a long read, but it gives an immense range and amount of information that you would not find in any other book or series on maps. The flowing way the chapters and books are organized makes it easy to link passages from different books in this series together. Mapping the World is a treasure box, filled with the seeds of cartography. Collect and plant them, and you soon will have the fruits of cartography, beneficial to those who want to be cartographers. Use this series to the utmost, then the fruits of mapping will be sweet for all who endeavor to succeed in cartography.

This series of lessons was designed to meet the needs of gifted children for extension beyond the standard curriculum with the greatest ease of use for the educator. The lessons may be given to the students for individual self-guided work, or they may be taught in a classroom or a home-school setting. Assessment strategies and rubrics are included at the end of each section. The rubrics often include a column for "scholar points," which are invitations for students to extend their efforts beyond that which is required, incorporating creativity or higher level technical skills.

Top 100 recommended Year 3 books

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The Reader Teacher has chosen 100 recommended reads for Year 3 pupils, aged 7 to 8 years old. In the selection you will find: novels for blossoming independent readers, poetry collections to share and enjoy, fact-filled information texts and picture books to share and discuss.

The Reader Teacher Top 100 Recommended Reads Book Packs contain all of the titles from the relevant Reader Teacher list as displayed on their website. From time to time, a book in the list will be unavailable. When this happens, we will select a suitable replacement to complete your book pack. A full list of the books is shown below or you can download it from The Reader Teacher website .

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We're halfway through 2024. Here are the 10 best movies of the year (so far).

The sauciest tennis movie maybe ever. A queer bodybuilding revenge thriller. A very different Bible tale.

When it comes to the films of 2024, these are a few of our favorite things.

Last year was an amazing year for movies . This year, though, has been a little rough. People are freaking out over box-office receipts, and high-profile flicks – most recently, "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" and "The Garfield Movie" – aren't exactly raking in the cash; in fact, only five films in 2024 have cleared the $100 million bar domestically. And the movies themselves have been just OK on the whole. Usually, Hollywood backloads the really good stuff, and after " Madame Web ," "Argylle" and other rather middling fare, more quality is desperately needed.

Thankfully, there have also been some standouts. Here are 2024’s best movies so far, definitively ranked:

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10. 'The First Omen'

"The Omen" franchise receives a nice refresh with this prequel to the original 1976 movie. Nell Tiger Free stars as a young American novitiate at an Italian orphanage who becomes embroiled in a rogue Catholic Church conspiracy to birth the antichrist. There's plenty of nun horror and a jaw-droppingly gonzo finale, but feminist undertones and a timely take on religion bring depth and relevance to a demonically effective chiller.

Where to watch: Hulu , Disney+

9. 'The Book of Clarence'

Jeymes Samuel's thoughtful and subversive take on the biblical resurrection story stars LaKeith Stanfield as Clarence, a streetwise Jerusalem man in Jesus' time. Seeing the power and swagger Jesus has, Clarence proclaims himself "the new messiah," tries his hand at miracles and runs afoul of the Romans in a spiritually touching Everyman story anyone can relate to, whether you’re a believer or not.

Where to watch: Netflix

8. 'Late Night With the Devil'

David Dastmalchian makes everything he's in better, from the "Ant-Man" movies and "The Suicide Squad" to "Oppenheimer" and "The Boogeyman." He gets a hell of a lead role in this discomforting and mind-bending retro horror movie, starring as a 1970s late-night TV host who is tired of losing in the ratings to Johnny Carson and brings on a supposedly possessed girl in a Halloween gambit that spirals supernaturally out of control.

Where to watch: Shudder

7. 'Drive-Away Dolls'

Director Ethan Coen's goofball crime comedy is a playfully madcap turn on the “Thelma & Louise” model, with Geraldine Viswanathan and Margaret Qualley playing lesbian friends needing to get away from their everyday lives. Driving a rental car to Florida, they find something weird in the trunk and wind up on a campy, noir-spattered road trip. (Extra cool points for including a fun bit from cameo king Matt Damon.)

Where to watch: Peacock

6. 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga'

In the prequel to "Mad Max: Fury Road," Anya Taylor-Joy takes over Charlize Theron's title role as young Furiosa embarks upon an epic revenge quest that involves vehicular mayhem, explosive action sequences, rampant road rage and the weirdest villain Chris Hemsworth will probably ever play . It's no "Fury Road" but "Mad Max" mastermind George Miller again delivers a wild and worthy dystopian thrill ride through the Wasteland.

Where to watch: In theaters

5. 'Hit Man'

Glen Powell may be a rising star after "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Anyone But You," but the real talent scouts have been on board since his wise ballplayer in Richard Linklater's "Everybody Wants Some!!" They team again for an irresistible noir comedy and Powell's most wide-ranging role to date, a nerdy philosophy professor who moonlights as a fake assassin on cop crime stings and falls for a "client" (Adria Arjona) wanting to off her hubby.

Where to watch: In theaters now, on Netflix Friday

4. 'Challengers'

Just when you think sports movies are all the same, director Luca Guadagnino ("Call Me By Your Name") serves up an art-house topspin with his engaging, hot-blooded tennis melodrama . Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor star as young doubles partners and Zendaya is the teen singles sensation who creates an emotionally complicated love triangle that unfolds in fierce fashion on and off the court over several tumultuous years.

Where to watch: Apple TV , Fandango at Home , Amazon

3. 'Love Lies Bleeding'

Eyes lock between pumped-up Midwestern bodybuilder Jackie (Katy O'Brian) and introverted gym manager Lou (Kristen Stewart) and a love connection sparks. Then everything falls apart, and bodies start hitting the ground, in director Rose Glass' sultry, sweaty and sufficiently bizarre neo-noir thriller . Come for the bullets and barbells, stay for O'Brian's fantastic star-making turn, deftly capturing the troubled soul underneath Jackie’s muscles.

2. 'Civil War'

With his riveting cautionary tale , director Alex Garland takes our current political and cultural divide to a disturbing place and makes audiences confront what an actual modern civil war would look like. The thriller doubles as a journalism movie, too, with Kirsten Dunst turning in an outstanding performance as a world-weary photographer who takes a rookie (Cailee Spaeny) under her wing on the dangerous road to a scoop for the ages.

1. 'Dune: Part Two'

For a much-anticipated epic sci-fi movie, director Denis Villeneuve's 2021 "Dune: Part One" was aggressively average. (Heck, that David Lynch "Dune" was more enjoyable.) But all is forgiven now, Denis: "Part Two" is a sprawling, sandworm-filled triumph . Timothée Chalamet finally finds his way as the messianic Paul Atreides – plus digs into the thorny issues that come with being a savior figure – in a gripping, action-packed sequel exploring power, colonialism and religion.

Where to watch: Max