I am currently Director of Programmes at the National Literacy Trust, an independent charity working to give disadvantaged children the literacy skills they need to succeed in life. It has been my privilege to be part of the reading journey of hundreds of children as a teacher, a primary consultant and through my roles within reading and literacy charities.
Top Texts for August
Great read aloud choices here for older readers, our top texts for August have been chosen by Fiona Evans, who is Director of Programmes at the National Literacy Trust.
Unstoppable
by Dan Freedman
A great upper KS2 or KS3 read aloud about a brother and sister who are both talented at sports – one at football , the other at tennis. It is a powerful and inspiring read that pulls no punches but is ultimately hopeful and hugely positive.
Black Flamingo
by Dean Atta
A bold, coming of age story that celebrates difference as it charts one young man’s journey to be true to himself from coming to terms with his identity as a mixed-race, gay teen to finding his wings as a drag artist, The Black Flamingo, at university. The book and its characters are full of honesty, warmth and charm. It is a verse novel with illustrations, discrete poems and text messages with emojis but it also works surprisingly well read out loud or listened to as an audio book. KS3/4.
Lark
by Anthony McGowan
This will be familiar to many as the winner of this year’s CILIP Carnegie Medal. It is the story of one life-changing day, full of suspense. when two brothers become stranded on the moors in snow. It is short enough to read out loud in a few sessions. An outstanding piece of writing, published by Barrington Stoke. This is one in the series of four books which are accessible reads that pack a huge emotional punch. KS2-4.
