The Day Death Died
by Tanya Landman, illustrated by Cynthia Álvarez
Interest age: 11+
Reading age: 6+
Published by Barrington Stoke, 2025
About this book
Jack and his mum live happily in a house by the sea. Then Jack’s mum falls ill. She gets worse and worse until at last Death comes to take her away. But Jack refuses to let her go. He confronts Death and traps it in a jar. With Death now locked away, Jack’s mum recovers. But as Jack explores this new world, he begins to realise that a life without death is no life at all.
The themes of this thought-provoking book are suitable for readers of 11+ but it has an accessible dyslexia-friendly format and a much younger reading age of around 6. It is illustrated throughout to further engage readers and support comprehension.
Jack’s story introduces an interesting philosophical dilemma and would definitely stimulate conversations and wider reading activities based on its themes. The cover is well-designed and would appeal to readers in Key Stage 2 or 3 who require books with a younger reading age.
About the author
More books like this
-
Cold Turkey
by Simon James Green, illustrated by Tosin Akinkunmi
9 to 14 years
-
Blitzers
by Alastair Chisholm, illustrated by Francesca Ficorelli
9 to 11 years
-
Meg and Merlin: Making Friends
by Tanya Landman, illustrated by Sònia Albert
5 to 9 years
-
Jane Eyre
by Tanya Landman
11 to 14 years
Lists of recommended reads
-
Suggested reading for Years 7 & 8: Spring term
Here are some of our favourite books that are perfect for pupils in Year 7 and 8 to read during the Spring term.