August 16, 2022
“Reading for pleasure is the single biggest factor in success later in life outside of education. Study after study has shown that those children who read for pleasure are the ones most likely to fulfil their ambitions” – Bali Rai
Books are a pathway to escapism. They can take you to any time, place, or culture. From the medieval era to queer relationships; friendships, mental health, dystopian themes and the origins of cultural festivities like Diwali and Kwanza, the possibilities are endless.
Whether paperback or eBook, literature has played a crucial role in preserving cultures, educating children and adults across the globe, and storytelling. Our team have worked extremely hard over the last year to include more non-fiction titles and culturally diverse books in Accelerated Reader so that not only can children read about themselves, but can also learn about the world around them and identify with their peers.
We are highlighting some of our favourite books that were nominated for this year’s WKAR Quiz Writers’ Choice Award. We believe all schools can benefit from adding these to their library shelves (if you don’t have them already, of course).
Our nominated authors talk to us about the inspiration behind their books and tell us exactly why these narratives are important for young readers.
Llama Out Loud by Annabelle Sami
In this incredible story we are introduced to Yasmin Shah. No one ever listens to her. She’s the only quiet one in her big, loud family. When Levi the chatty, rude llama pops into her life, he gets Yasmin into all sorts of trouble. But can he help Yasmin to find her voice?
Annabelle Sami tells us what inspired her to write Llama Out Loud and its importance for young readers.
Accelerated Reader quiz no. 238760
Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow by Benjamin Dean
Archie thinks his parents hate each other and suspects they are keeping a big secret from him. When a rainbow leaflet falls out of Dad’s pocket, Archie thinks he knows how to fix things for his family.
In this joy-filled debut, Benjamin Dean explains the inspiration behind Me, my Dad and the End of the Rainbow and its impact for young readers.
Accelerated Reader quiz no. 239836
Noor-un-Nissa Inayat Khan by Sufiya Ahmed
Based on the life of a real war hero, Noor-un-Nissa Inayat Khan is a story of heroism, espionage and resilience. Forced to flee to London when the Nazis invade France, Noor signs up to the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force against her mother’s wishes. Her talents quickly noticed, Noor soon joins the SOE and is sent back to France as a secret agent.
In this book, Sufiya Ahmed gives a bold voice to a unique hero whose incredible life will inspire generations to come.
Accelerated Reader quiz no. 239170
Windrush Child by Benjamin Zephaniah
Windrush Child tells the story of Leonard, who at 10 years old makes the journey with his mother from Jamaica to join his father in England. Shocked when he arrives in the Southampton port with his mum ,everything is different to home. Leonard is part of the Windrush generation, one of thousands of people and families who were persuaded by the government to help rebuild England after the Second World War and make a better life for themselves.
In this ground-breaking book, this year’s Outstanding Achievement award winner Benjamin Zephaniah (WKAR, 2022) shows us that history is a continuum, as the Windrush scandal continues today.
Accelerated Reader Quiz No. 239425
The Celts by John Farrelly
The Celts arrived in Ireland over 2,500 years ago and dominated the Bronze and Iron Ages, but were they more than just bold, bragging bullies? In this book, learn all kinds of interesting facts and stories about Celtic life.
Accelerated Reader Quiz No. 238698
Download a free copy of our What and How Kids Are Reading report 2022 and discover reading patterns of children across the UK and Ireland for the 2020/2021 academic year.
Find the Accelerated Reader quizzes to all books mentioned and more alike at AR Bookfinder.