Sir Michael Morpurgo is a legend in children’s literature – but what should you try when you’ve read all of his stories? We’ve got some ideas, and we want to hear your thoughts too…
Anna McKerrow
One of the UK’s most successful and prolific children’s authors – as well as being a former Waterstones Children’s Laureate and current BookTrust President – Sir Michael Morpurgo is a master of writing gripping adventures which are nonetheless full of sensitivity and great kindness.
Whether it’s a story about war, football, friendship or animal conservation and environmentalism, children (and adults) know that they’re going to get a great story when they open a Morpurgo book.
Young history fans could try Holly Webb’s World War Two sequel to the original classic, Return to The Secret Garden, or Catherine Johnson’s Freedom (1783), which tells the story of a young slave boy on a sugar plantation.
And then there’s Jacqueline Wilson’s Dancing The Charleston, which takes readers back to the roaring 20s.
Olive and her brother have been evacuated to Devon, but big sister Sukie is still missing from the night of the bombs. Emma Carroll is a natural storyteller: there’s a good twist towards the end that even the most wily readers won’t see coming.
This is a glorious historical adventure with a nimble, thrilling 1920s tale, as well as a wonderful subplot set back in Ancient Egyptian times. Somehow that all does work perfectly, due to artful weaving by Emma Carroll. A totally thrilling read.
The story of The Secret Garden is continued, moving forwards in time to the Second World War. Another lonely orphan arrives at Misselthwaite Manor, only to find another sickly child and to again find solace in the gardens.
This is a brilliant adventure story that manages to give young readers a really important insight into slavery without being so upsetting that it’s impossible to read: a very fine balance, masterfully achieved.
by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
2019 9 to 14 years
Coming-of-age
Historical
A fabulous journey back in time to the 1920s to meet Mona, whose life is turned upside down when someone new inherits the grand Somerset Estate upon which she lives. Delicious descriptions and Dame Jacqueline’s trademark humour make this a delight.
For some classic-feeling animal adventure…
Jane Kerr’s books The Great Animal Escapade and The Elephant Thiefare excellent period pieces, while Kerr Thomson’s theme of animal conservation in The Rise of Wolves will delight young animal lovers.
Kerry Hyndman and David Long – who won the Blue Peter Book Award for Survivors – teamed up again for Heroes: Incredible True Stories of Courageous Animals. It’s a perfect read for non-fiction fans, who can dip in and out of accounts of animals that saved the day.
Finally, inspired by War Horse, Morris Gleitzman’s Loyal Creatures explores the story of an Australian horse in World War One.
This is a fast-paced story, based loosely on a man’s real-life journey from Edinburgh to Manchester, while riding an elephant – an event that captivated even Queen Victoria.
When Innis spots a large, black wolf on his island home, he thinks he must be hallucinating. Wolves became extinct in Scotland centuries ago – didn’t they? A multi-layered mystery adventure with a gripping plot.
For as long as there have been wars, animals have been saving lives. So begins the short preface to this fascinating and heartwarming book, featuring 33 true stories of heroic animals in wartime.
For middle grade novels featuring friendship as a theme…
The Unicorn Academy series is great for younger readers getting the hang of chapter books, or, for older readers,The Boy at the Back of the Class is a modern classic in the making, in which a gang of primary school kids take a refugee boy under their wing.
Alternatively, in A Moon Girl Stole My Friend, Lyla may live in 2099 with all its expandable breakfast cereal, but friendship is still as tricky as ever.
Magic, sparkle and unicorns are sprinkled throughout this book, but it’s essentially about what many primary school children struggle with: jealousy, bullying and friendships. A bite-sized chapter book that’s ideal for a quick read.
This is the story about how four classmates have a massive impact on the life of Ahmet, a boy that comes to their school as a refugee from Syria. An inspiring and sweet tale that should help children be the best they can be and realise the power of kindness.
by Humza Arshad and Henry White, illustrated by Aleksei Bitskoff
2019 9 to 14 years
Funny
Humza Khan is an 11-year-old who devotes most of his energy into trying to be a cool rapper, AKA Little Badman. A perfect read for Tom Gates fans: prepare for big belly laughs and great advice on how to be yourself.
Join in!
You’ve heard our recommendations – now, we would love to hear which stories you would recommend to fans of Sir Michael Morpurgo! Do you know titles that really worked for Morpurgo devotees? Are there any books that you think really fit the bill?
For example, Miss Harrhy on Twitter suggested The Silver Sword by Ian Serralier, saying: ‘When I was young this book really got me thinking about the impact war had on children. Expertly written, the author pens from an angle that lets children gently (and safely) explore this contentious era.’
So what would you recommend?
Let us know by messaging us on social media @BookTrust using the hashtag #WhatToReadAfter
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