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Books > Children's & Educational > Fiction > True stories
Uncover the lives of 20 real-life spies who made it their mission to uncover the truth and collect secret information from their enemies... This book presents personal accounts and testimonies from spies all over the world and throughout history and brings key moments in history to life for young readers. This book journeys around the world and delves back and forth in time to introduce readers to a host of incredible spies who dedicated their lives to world of espionage. Meet Alan Turing whose work cracking the Enigma code helped shorten World War II by a number of years and save countless lives, and let Hedy Lamarr prove to you that looks can be deceiving as she put her Hollywood glamour on hold to help advance radio technology. With accounts told through first person narrative, readers will feel like they're meeting some of the most infamous spies of all time. From those involved in reconnaissance, planning and logistics, espionage and development of new technology, this authentic retelling uncovers the secret life of spies in a unique and engaging way. With stylish illustrations from the wonderfully talented Alexander Mostov and informative and compelling text from Michael Noble, this is the secret life of spies.
My Story: Noor-un-Nissa Inayat Khan is the thrilling story of British-Indian World War Two heroine, Noor-un-Nissa Inayat Khan. It's 1940 and hundreds of families are being forced to flee Nazi-occupied France. Noor refuses to stand by while Nazi forces invade her home and terrorise her people, so she travels to England and signs up to join the war efforts, despite her mother's wishes. It isn't long before her talents are noticed and she is chosen by Winston Churchill to sneak back into France as an undercover agent. Noor returns home - but this time, as a secret agent... Can Noor keep her true identity hidden, report her findings back to London and help the Allies win the war? Perfect for any child wanting to learn more about history's untold stories Great background reading for Key Stage 2 & 3 My Story: exciting stories with reliable and accurate historical detail Experience history first-hand with My Story.
In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Lewis Hamilton, Formula One champion. Little Lewis's childhood was filled with cars, motorcycles and watching Formula One with his dad. On his fifth birthday, he received a remote-controlled racing car and joined a local club. It was hard being the only black child there, but he listened to his dad's words: 'Let your results speak for you.' His hobby led him to go-kart racing, and at the age of 10 he became the youngest ever winner of the British cadet go-karting competition. Shortly after, he began training as a racing driving with McLaren, rising through the ranks to compete at Formula One's Grand Prix. Despite his amazing successes, from breaking the record for the most triumphs in Formula One to his knighthood, Lewis has never forgotten where he came from. Today he is a campaigner for racial justice and racial diversity in sport, as well as an advocate for positive mental health as well as environmental issues. This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the incredible young poet and activist's life so far. Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream. This empowering series offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardback versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. Boxed gift sets allow you to collect a selection of the books by theme. Paper dolls, learning cards, matching games and other fun learning tools provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children. Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!
Michael Morpurgo’s children’s classic is now a major movie animation starring Cillian Murphy, Sally Hawkins and Ken Watanabe. With screen play by Frank Cottrell-Boyce. From the award-winning author of War Horse. ‘A dazzling adventure’ – The Times ‘I heard the wind above me in the sails. I remember thinking, this is silly, you haven’t got your safety harness on, you haven’t got your lifejacket on. You shouldn’t be doing this … I was in the cold of the sea before I could even open my mouth to scream.’ Washed up on an island in the Pacific, Michael struggles to survive on his own. With no food and no water, he curls up and closes his eyes ready for the end. When he wakes, there is a plate beside him of fish, of fruit, and a bowl of fresh water. He is not alone … Kensuke's Kingdom is a gripping adventure of survival and true friendship from the author of War Horse. Michael Morpurgo has written more than one hundred books for children and won the Whitbread Award, the Smarties Award, the Circle of Gold Award, the Children’s Book Award and has been short-listed for the Carnegie Medal four times. Kensuke’s Kingdom was shortlisted for the Whitbread Prize and won the FCB Award.
I felt very still and empty, the way the eye of a tornado must feel, moving dully along in the middle of the surrounding hullabaloo. Sylvia Plath's groundbreaking semi-autobiographical novel offers an intimate, honest and often wrenching glimpse into mental illness. The Bell Jar broke the boundaries between fiction and reality and helped cement Sylvia Plath's place as an enduring feminist icon. Celebrated for its darkly humorous, razor sharp portrait of 1950s society, it continues to resonate with readers today as testament to the universal human struggle to claim one's rightful place in the world. A special illustrated edition - the second book in our collection of illustrated Faber classics.
The second book in the thrilling middle grade mystery series, perfect for fans of Robin Steven's Murder Most Unladylike. Set in eighteenth-century London, with all the fun and zest of Hamilton and inspired by real Black British historical figures. Agents of history. Partners in Mystery. Sisters in solving crime. Twelve-year-olds Lizzie Sancho and Dido Belle are from different worlds - Lizzie lives in Westminster in her dad's tea shop, while Belle is an heiress being brought up by her aunt and uncle at grand Kenwood House - but they both share a love of solving mysteries. And after saving Lizzie's father from attempted murder surely there is no threat too dangerous for the detective duo? It's the summer of 1777, the night of the grand unveiling of the Sancho-Mansfields family portrait - a groundbreaking step towards representing friendship, family, and freedom. But soon enough things take a chaotic turn - the painting has been stolen! This theft is only the start, revealing a much bigger, more terrifying secret that haunts the cobbled streets of London. A conspiracy is underway, one that has links to the kidnapping of Lizzie's friend Mercury, and leads all the way to a series of attempted poisonings, all at the hands of an ominous organisation pulling the strings from the shadows. These villains lurk everywhere, even in the very homes they call safe. And their desire for power is only growing. When anyone could be involved in this Brotherhood of Masters, who can Lizzie and Belle trust? Once again it is up to the two girls to unveil the truth and put an end to the corruption that plagues the city.
A cat's-eye view of history! Discover secrets, stories and facts about history’s most fascinating felines! Young historians may never look at the past - or cats! - in quite the same way again. Cats have prowled Earth for millennia, yet the history of the world has always been told through the eyes of humans. But now it's time to - finally! - set the record straight and uncover the key role that cats have played in shaping the course of history. Did you know that ancient Egyptians loved cats so much that they had special laws to protect them? Or that Isaac Newton's cat helped him develop the theory of gravity? How about that Féliette, a French street cat, was the first cat to go into space in 1963? A History of the World (According to Cats!) introduces us to fur-raising facts and adventures from around the world and across the centuries. Discover unknown stories about real-life felines, including WWII heroes, courageous adventurers and even an astrocat that travelled in space (and made it back to Earth to tell the tale), this book places cats as the heroes of their own stories. Full of real-life stories, with all the boring stuff left out, this book takes a look at the world's history through feline eyes.
From the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Tenzing Norgay, one of the first two people to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953. When Tenzing was young, he spent much of his childhood tending to the family's yaks and gazing up at the Himalaya mountains, dreaming of the day he would reach the top. Once he grew up, he joined many other Sherpas who were offering to take Europeans up the highest mountain of all - Chomolungma or Everest. It was the chance he needed to make his childhood dream a reality. He went on many expeditions, some more dangerous than others, but Tenzing never gave up his dream to reach the top of the highest peak. He was 39 when he was joined by Edmund Hilary and they became the first two people to reach the summit of Chomolungma. Tenzing came back down the mountain as one of the most respected mountain climbers and a hero across the world. This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the iconic mountain climber's life. Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream.
_______________ 'A very touching and honest story ... Rico and Nick make a great team!' - Jacqueline Wilson _______________ An empowering adoption story by eleven-year-old Premier League Young Writer of the Year Rico Hinson-King, illustrated by the award-winning Nick Sharratt There is a kid. Let's call him Charlie. On the outside he looks like every other football-mad boy of his age. But he isn't ... A story of hope and resilience, this gentle, inspiring picture book tells the tale of Charlie, a little boy who was taken into care when he was very small. Charlie dreams of finding his forever home to share with his sisters. Sometimes he feels scared. Sometimes he wants to scream and cry (and he does, just a little). But he is strong. He is tough. Strong and Tough is by the amazingly talented ten-year-old Rico Hinson-King. Rico, like Charlie, found strength and resilience along the journey to find his forever family (and played lots of football along the way!). Rico is a Junior Premier League footballer with a knack for words too, who wrote his story so that other children going through similar circumstances can feel less alone, and to encourage empathy in others. His moving and powerful words are paired with warm, friendly illustrations by the award-winning Nick Sharratt, who famously illustrated many of Jacqueline Wilson's books including the Tracy Beaker series.
In this book from the highly acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of J. R. R. Tolkien, author and forefather of the fantasy genre. Little John experienced lots of change in his life from a young age. Moving from South Africa to a big city in England, he longed for the nature he grew up around. After the death of both of his parents, John found comfort in telling stories and building imaginary worlds with his friends. And he continued to tell stories for the rest of his life, creating epic tales of hobbits, dwarves, elves and wizards as J. R. R. Tolkien. This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the writer's life. Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream. This empowering series offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardback versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. Boxed gift sets allow you to collect a selection of the books by theme. Paper dolls, learning cards, matching games and other fun learning tools provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children. Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!
In this heart-stopping adventure, Benjamin Zephaniah shows us what it was like to be a child of the Windrush generation. Leonard is shocked when he arrives with his mother in the port of Southampton. His father is a stranger to him, it's cold and even the Jamaican food doesn't taste the same as it did back home in Maroon Town. But his parents have brought him here to try to make a better life, so Leonard does his best not to complain, to make new friends, to do well at school - even when people hurt him with their words and with their fists. How can a boy so far from home learn to enjoy his new life when so many things count against him? 'Zephaniah pulls no punches in his depictions of the racism that Leonard suffers both at school and in the streets in a powerful, moving account of family and fitting in' iNews 'An invaluable story for any young readers who enjoy adventure and want to learn more about the Windrush generation's experience. Essential reading' Alex Wheatle ABOUT THE SERIES: VOICES A thrilling series showcasing some of the UK's finest writers for young people. Voices reflects the authentic, unsung stories of our past. Each shows that, even in times of great upheaval, a myriad of people have arrived on this island and made a home for themselves - from Roman times to the present day. Perfect for teaching children about inclusivity and diversity
In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the true story of Helen Keller. Little Helen was curious and eager to learn about the world. After contracting an illness during childhood, she became deaf and blind at the age of one and was unable to talk. Helen and her family found ways to connect with each other, such as hand-signing. But when Anne Sullivan, a teacher, came into her life, Helen discovered more ways to communicate with the wider world, learning finger-spelling and how to talk. This saw her become the first deaf-blind person to earn a university degree, and led her to tour the world advocating for the rights of disabled people. This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of this amazing woman's life. Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream. This empowering series offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardback versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. Boxed gift sets allow you to collect a selection of the books by theme. Matching games and other fun learning tools provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children . Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!
Hello! I am Daisy the History Doll and I have been lucky enough to live with some very clever and determined girls and boys and to help them FIND A WAY to do great things. ! By helping them to do what they wanted, I often found myself 'the first doll' to have ever done certain things! In this story I live with Elizabeth who grew up to be the first qualified and registered doctor in Britain in the 19th century. She had quite a battle to achieve her aim - but together we FOUND A WAY! This book will appeal to all children who wonder what they might do in the world and how they can reach their goal. It is written in language simple enough for a young child to understand if it is read to them, but with a story that is suitable for an older reader to enjoy. Parents should find this an interesting story to share with their children and explore the idea of history and how it has led to the world of today.
Hello! I am Daisy the History Doll and I have been lucky enough to live with some very clever and determined girls and boys and to help them FIND A WAY to do great things. ! By helping them to do what they wanted, I often found myself 'the first doll' to have ever done certain things! In this story I live with Elizabeth who grew up to be the first qualified and registered doctor in Britain in the 19th century. She had quite a battle to achieve her aim - but together we FOUND A WAY! This book will appeal to all children who wonder what they might do in the world and how they can reach their goal. It is written in language simple enough for a young child to understand if it is read to them, but with a story that is suitable for an older reader to enjoy. Parents should find this an interesting story to share with their children and explore the idea of history and how it has led to the world of today.
Hello! I am Daisy the History Doll, and I have been lucky enough to live with some very clever and determined girls and boys, and to help them FIND A WAY to do great things! By helping them do what they wanted, I often found myself 'the first doll' ever to have done certain things! In this story I live with Aleck, who grew up to invent something that has changed the world. He did not set out to do this, and the story of how and why he succeeded makes for a thought provoking read for all ages! This book will appeal to all children who wonder what they might do in the world and how they can reach their goal. It is written in language simple enough for a young child to understand if it is read to them, but with a story that is suitable for an older reader to enjoy. Parents should find this an interesting book to share with their children, to explore the idea of history, and how it has led to the world of today.
The story before the scandal. A book to celebrate the inspiring legacy of the Windrush pioneers. In June 1948, hundreds of Caribbean men, women and children arrived in London on a ship called the HMT Empire Windrush. Although there were already Black people living in Britain at the time, this event marks the beginning of modern Black Britain. Combines historical fact with voices from the Windrush Generation Tells the inspiring story of the Windrush Generation pioneers for younger readers With full colour illustration
Until the Road Ends is the eagerly awaited new novel from the bestselling author of When the Sky Falls: The Times Children's Book of the Year, winner of a Books Are My Bag Readers Award, the British Book Award for Children’s Fiction and shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. When Peggy saves a stray dog from near-death, a beautiful friendship begins. Peggy and Beau are inseparable: the only thing that can ever come between them is war. Peggy is evacuated to the safety of the coast, but Beau is left behind in the city, where he becomes the most extraordinary and unlikely of war heroes. Night after night, as bombs rain down and communities are destroyed, Beau searches the streets, saving countless families. But then disaster strikes, changing Peggy’s life forever. With her parents killed, both she and Beau are left alone, hundreds of miles apart. But Beau has a plan to reunite them at long last . . .
This exquisitely illustrated treasury of narrative non fiction stories about the natural world, organised season by season and around the world, shows children the infinite beauty and variety of nature in every part of the planet. Arranged around the full cycle of a calendar year, each month chapter features four stories each from a different part of the world to show that while somewhere it is hot summer, somewhere else is in the middle of winter, while some are dry and others are rainy. 48 story spreads tell fascinating single stories of animals and nature from each month of the year, showing how the changing of the seasons takes place around the world, promoting an international sense of the weather, seasons and cycles of nature from very big, to ever-so-small. This captivating book will transport readers across the globe, teaching them about the different kinds of weather and wildlife all across the planet.
Experience the Titanic in full colour! An exciting graphic novel adventure, combining historical fact with high-action storytelling. Ten-year-old George Calder can't believe his luck - he and his little sister, Phoebe, are on the famous Titanic, crossing the ocean with their Aunt Daisy. The ship is full of exciting places to explore, but when George ventures into the first class storage cabin, a terrible boom shakes the entire boat. Suddenly, water is everywhere, and George's life changes forever... Vivid full-colour art Includes a non-fiction section at the back of the book Plus facts and photos about the real-life events Lauren Tarshis's New York Times-bestselling I Survived series takes on vivid new life in full-colour graphic novel editions.
As an army private, Johnson Beharry served in Kosovo, Northern Ireland and Iraq. In Iraq in 2004, his actions in rescuing his wounded comrades while under heavy fire led to him becoming the youngest person ever to receive the Victoria Cross. Since then, Johnson has made hundreds of public appearances, speaking about his experiences with children and young people in schools, youth offenders' centres and prisons. He is currently working on setting up a charity - the JBVC Foundation - to help prevent young people becoming involved in crime and gang culture. He has even appeared in a series of Dancing on Ice (2011 series) reaching the semi-final stage.
This illustrated adaptation of Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai's bestselling memoir, I Am Malala, introduces readers of 7+ to the remarkable story of a teenage girl who risked her life for the right to go to school. Raised in a changing Pakistan by an enlightened father from a poor background and a beautiful, illiterate mother, Malala was taught to stand up for her beliefs. When terrorists took control of her region and declared that girls were forbidden from going to school, Malala refused to sacrifice her education. And on 9 October 2012, she nearly paid the ultimate price for her courage when she was shot on her way home from school. The book follows Malala's incredible journey to recovery in the aftermath of the attack, from the life-saving surgery she receives in a Birmingham hospital to her reunion with her family and their eventual relocation to England. Today Malala is a global symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest ever person to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Her story of bravery and determination in the face of extremism is more timely now than ever.
Chinese Cinderella is an autobiography for children based on the bestselling Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Mah. 'a unique story of triumph over adversity, told against the background of the Nationalist/Communist struggle for control of China.' LoveReading4Kids Jung-ling's family considers her bad luck because her mother died giving birth to her. They discriminate against her and make her feel unwanted yet she yearns and continuously strives for her parents' love. Her stepmother is vindictive and cruel and her father dismissive. Jung-ling grows up to be an academic child, with a natural ability for writing. Only her aunt and grandfather offer her any love and kindness. The story is of survival in the light of the mental and physical cruelty of her stepmother and the disloyalty of her siblings. Jung-ling blossoms in spite of everything and the story ends as her father agrees to let her study in England. This is a reissue in the 'A Puffin Book' series of Puffin children's modern classics.
For fans of A Streetcat Named Bob comes Finding Gobi, the heart-warming true story of a dog who captured the hearts of the world. Younger readers' edition. Finding Gobi is the ultimate story of hope and friendship - proving once again, that dogs really are 'man's best friend.' In 2016, Dion Leonard, an ultramarathon runner, stumbled across a little stray dog while competing in a gruelling 155 mile race across the Gobi Desert. The pup earned the name 'Gobi', as she went step for step with Dion, keeping pace with him for nearly 80 miles. What Gobi lacked in size, she made up for in heart. Dion had always focused on winning, but as he witnessed the incredible determination of this small animal, he felt something inside him change. This is a story of a life changing friendship between one man and a little stray dog called Gobi.
A story of survival, of love between mother and son and of enduring hope in the face of unspeakable hardship. An important read. The Boy Who Didn't Want to Die describes an extraordinary journey, made by Peter, a boy of five, through war-torn Europe in 1944 and 1945. Peter and his parents set out from a small Hungarian town, travelling through Austria and then Germany together. Along the way, unforgettable images of adventure flash one after another: sleeping in a tent and then under the sky, discovering a disused brick factory, catching butterflies in the meadows - and as Peter realises that this adventure is really a nightmare - watching bombs falling from the blue sky outside Vienna, learning maths from his mother in Belsen. All this is drawn against a background of terror, starvation, infection and, inevitably, death, before Peter and his mother can return home. Professor Peter Lantos is a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences and in his previous life was an internationally renowned clinical neuroscientist. His memoir, Parallel Lines (Arcadia Books, 2006) was translated into Hungarian, German and Italian. Closed Horizon (Arcadia, 2012) was his first novel. Peter was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2020 for 'services to Holocaust education and awareness'. He is one of the last of the generation of survivors and this - his first book for children - will serve as a testimony to his experience. Peter lives in London. |
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