My Life on Fire
by Cath Howe
Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 8+
Published by Nosy Crow, 2023
About this book
Ren’s house has burned down and she’s lost everything. Her parents keep saying they’re lucky to still have each other, Ren and her little brother Petie. But Ren doesn’t feel very lucky. They have to live with Gran on the other side of town, crammed into a tiny room and not allowed to run or shout in the house. Ren misses her bedroom and her own precious things. So when her class are asked to create a ‘Life in a Box’ project, to sum up who they are, she decides that perhaps other people don’t deserve to have nice things either…
Meanwhile, Caspar asks lots of questions all the time and wants to make sure he’s doing the right thing. He can’t believe there might be a thief in the class. But what will he do when he finds out who it is?
Told in alternating voices, this moving story is about worry and sadness and understanding how sometimes people don’t mean to do bad things. Caspar is a shining example of compassion and honesty – and of a good friend. This would be a thought-provoking book to read in class as it provides many good moments for discussion around empathy, in particular.
More books like this
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The Insiders
by Cath Howe
9 to 14 years
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Call the Puffins!
by Cath Howe, illustrated by Ella Okstad
5 to 9 years
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Ella on the Outside
by Cath Howe
9 to 14 years
-
Game Over!
by Serena Patel, illustrated by Louise Forshaw
9 to 14 years
Lists of recommended reads
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Suggested reading for years 5 & 6: Autumn term
Here are some of our favourite books that are perfect for pupils in Year 5 and 6 to read during the Autumn term.
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Books featuring homelessness
We have curated a list of books for mixed ages which explore themes of homelessness, offering readers a window into the lives of those who confront poverty and uncertainty every day yet who are all too often overlooked. These stories sensitively explore the complex situations that may lead to homelessness and shine a light on the extraordinary resilience, empathy and sense of community shown by those who find themselves in such challenging circumstances.
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Books to support mental health awareness for ages 8 and over
Books that acknowledge or explore mental health issues can help to increase awareness, encourage dialogue, reduce stigma and develop real understanding. The following suggestions offer a spectrum of different perspectives and are well worth seeking out.