Here at Amethyst Education we thought it would be a great opportunity to put together an October reading list covering a variety of topics and events happening this month!
For ADHD awareness month
“Mrs. Gorski I think I have the wiggle fidgets”
Author: Barbara Esham
Reading age: 4-8 years
A great read for primary school children around the subject of ADHD. This award-winning story is about a young boy called David and how he struggles to stay focused in the classroom, often distracting the other pupils, and resuting in getting told off by his teacher. After making a particularly big mistake in the classroom, David comes up with his own solution to help manage what he describes as the ‘wiggle fidgets”.
This story by Barbara Esham is a great introduction to ADHD and ADD for primary school children.
“Lights, camera, disaster”
Author: Erin Dionne
Reading age: Teens
‘Lights, camera, disaster’ follows main character Hester who is a budding film maker facing the challenges of living with an executive function disorder. When her camera is in hand Hester is able to focus, have control and make decisions – all things which she would usually struggle to do in everyday life.
For Black History month
“Little leaders: Bold women in Black History”
Author: Vashti Harrison
Reading age: 8-11 years
A book to educate and inspire the younger generation featuring 40 trailblazing black females who have made history. From singer Shirley Bassey to nurse Mary Seacole, the stories featured within this book explore both iconic and lesser-known female figures.
“The hate u give”
Author: Angie Thomas
Reading age: Teens
The story follows 16 year old Starr Carter who witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood friend, Khalil, by a police officer. Khalil’s death becomes a national headline with everyone wanting to know what actually happened that night, and Starr being the only person with answers.
Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and Goodreads Choice Winner 2017, the book by Angie Thomas was made into a film adaptation in 2018.
For walk to school month
“I’ll walk with you”
Author: Carol Lynn Peardon
Reading age: 3-8 years
A story with a sweet and sentimental message about loving and accepting others no matter what they look like, where they come from or their abilities. A fantastic way to introduce vital talking points to primary school children.
For Halloween
“Stumpkin”
Author: Lucy Ruth Cummins
Reading age: 4-8 years
Stumpkin is a unique Halloween story about a stemless pumpkin who dreams of becoming a jack-o-lantern. As Halloween gets closer Stumpkin watches more and more of his fellow Pumpkin friends leave to become jack-o-lanterns in people’s homes. Will anyone ever pick Stumpkin?!
A great story to get into the Halloween spirit which covers ideas around being different and how everyone is different.
“The penguin book of Witches”
Author: Katherine Howe
Reading age: Teens
The Penguin Book of Witches is a treasury of historical accounts of accused witches that sheds light on the reality behind the legends. A great insight into the history of Witchcraft for your classroom to learn more about this Halloween!
