Our reading spine

Reading Corner

Amazing books included in our curriculum

At the heart of our Reading Curriculum are our book choices.

The books experienced by our children have been especially selected to ignite an excitement around reading whilst simultaneously ensuring our children are exposed to rich variety of texts which challenge and open doors to new worlds.

Our children are to read for pleasure daily during DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) time which has a dedicated time slot on all of our timetables from Nursery to Year 6.

Our books are selected with the following criteria in mind to ensure a broad, balanced choice of simply amazing texts are offered to our pupils:

World-Renowned Authors and Poets
Prize-Winning Books
The 5 Plagues of Reading (archaic language, non-linear time sequences, a complex narrative, resistant text and figurative/symbolic text)
Diversity,
Inclusivity
Cultural Capital

Our book choices are carefully mapped out in our reading spine which runs from Nursery right through to Year 6.

Books from our reading spine

The Crocodile Who Didn't Like Water

By Gemma Merino
Nursery
A book with an important message about acceptance and love.
Pink is for Boys

By Robb Pearlman
Nursery
This book features a diverse group of relatable characters and an important message which reframes stereotypes.
Oi Frog!

By Kes Gray & Jim Field
Nursery
A hilarious storyline which leaves our children rolling around in laughter and its great use of rhyme which our children love to join in with!
The Tale of Peter Rabbit

By Beatrix Potter
Year 1
A well-loved, classic text. The children get to experience several texts from the series.
The Storm Whale

By Benji Davies
Year 1
A book with a rich vocabulary and imagery. This sensitive tale allows our children t talk openly abut feelings of loneliness and saying goodbye.
Sulwe

By Lupita Nyong’o
Year 1
This book carries an important message about self-esteem, acceptance and knowing we are all beautiful and perfect just as we are!
Pippi Longstocking

By Astrid Lindgren
Year 3
First published in the 1940’s, this book is one of the archaic text on our spine. Packed full of adventure and fun, it is a firm favourite!
Cloud Blasting

By Malorie Blackman
Year 3
This prize-winning novel allows our children to experience written verse, with each chapter written in a different type of poetry. A moving novel about extraordinary friendship.
The Butterfly Lion

By Michael Morpurgo
Year 3
An award-winning book with a touching storyline about a boy ho befriends a lion. It s a story about friendship, loyalty and perseverance.
Wonder

By R J Palacio
Year 5
This powerful book examines physical differences and emotions. It is a superb read our children love!
The Boy at the Back of the Class

By Onjali Q Raúf
Year 5
This book has central themes of friendship and kindness. It promotes acceptance and empathy for others.
Skellig

By David Almond
Year 5
A Carnegie medal winning book with themes around loss, friendship and the power of kindness. It is packed with emotions, love and magic.