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Parrot Street Book Club Blog - Books & Literature
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9 brilliant reads from the 2025 Read for Empathy Collection | Parrot Street Book Club
Reading books which delve into diverse perspectives and experiences can significantly help children and young people cultivate empathy and understanding, becoming more compassionate, inclusive members of society as a result. Here we share our top 9 picks from the 2025 Reading for Empathy Collection produced by Empathy Lab.
8 of the best children’s & teenage historical fiction | Parrot Street Book Club
Through historical fiction we learn that history isn’t just about dates and wars but about real humans who laughed, cried, made mistakes and stood up for things that mattered. We've shared 8 of our favourite reads for age 8 and up.
Picking titles for our children’s book subscription boxes | Parrot Street Book Club
Back in 2017 we launched our first test subscription box to a handful of enthusiastic readers. The book we chose was Spangles McNasty and the Fish of Gold by Steve Webb, illustrated by Chris Mould. We had spent a huge amount of time talking about how we should go about picking the perfect books for our boxes. We set ou
11 books for fans of The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow | Parrot Street Book Club
The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow, illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton, was a runaway hit after its publication in September 2023. It follows the journey of a boy named Nate as he navigates the ups and downs of his final year of primary school. Facing challenges at home and school, Nate grapples with friendships, self-doub
8 reasons why we’re looking forward to World Book Day 2025 | Parrot Street Book Club
We love the fact that children and adults come together to celebrate and discuss their favourite books and characters every World Book Day. These are the 8 World Book Day activities that we're most looking forward to getting stuck into this year.
Susan Brownrigg on historical books for kids | Parrot Street Book Club
Wrong Tracks has all the ingredients of the perfect middle grade read - an intriguing mystery with a fascinating historical backdrop and bags of contemporary relevance. Author Susan Brownrigg tells us about being inspired by the real life Rainhill Trials and which other historical novels for kids she recommends you read next.
Dee Benson & David Arlo on fantasy thrillers for teens | Parrot Street Book Club
Damien Ike and the Fallen House of Draven is a magical sci-fi thriller for early teen readers that had us gripped from page one. Here the authors tell us about what inspired the book and which other fantasy thrillers for teens they recommend you turn to next.
Radhika Sanghani on contemporary fantasy novels for teens | Parrot Street Book Club
Here to Slay by Radhika Sanghani is an action-packed queer fantasy drama with a brilliant, diverse and hugely relatable cast of characters, plus romance, humour, magic and action all in equal measure. Here Radhika tells us about being inspired by the real goddess Kali and which other contemporary fantasy novels for teens she recommends you read next.
Matt Stephens on books with diverse disability representation | Parrot Street Book Club
Raz Beri is an inspiring contemporary drama that had us rooting for the lead character from page one. Author Matt Stephens tells us about what inspired the story and which other books with diverse disability representation he recommends you read next.
Anne Fine on books for newly independent readers | Parrot Street Book Club
Anne Fine is the author of over 70 books for children, a former Children's Laureate and winner of multiple awards, including the prestigious Carnegie Medal (twice!). Here Anne tells us what inspired her latest story and which other early chapter books she recommends for young readers.
Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin on historical books for teens | Parrot Street Book Club
The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin is a thrilling historical mystery for readers aged 12+. Here Ruta and Steve tell us about being history nerds, all the research they did for the book, and which other historical books for early teens they recommend you read next.
Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick on books about friendship | Parrot Street Book Club
Sisters of the Moon by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick is a wonderful blend of relatable contemporary drama and mystical intrigue that we think early teens will love. Here the author tells us about being inspired by her sixteen-year-old self and which other books about friendship for young people she recommends you read next.
Jacqueline Davies on ghost stories for kids | Parrot Street Book Club
The International House of Dereliction is a gently spooky, wonderfully quirky ghost story with a difference. Author Jacqueline Davies tells us all about what inspired the story and which spooky stories for kids she recommends you read next.
Susannah Lloyd on funny books for kids | Parrot Street Book Club
Badgers Are Go! by Susannah Lloyd is a quirky, fun-filled adventure packed with heart and humour, perfect for reading out loud as a family. Here Susannah tells us about being inspired by Hollywood film stars and her favourite funny book recommendations for newly independent readers.
7 books for kids who love David Walliams | Parrot Street Book Club
The big-name celebrity authors so often provide a gateway to a love of reading. But there’s a lot more to the world of funny books for kids than you might expect. Here’s our pick of 7 of the best new books for kids who love David Walliams.
9 of the best new children's books of 2024 | Parrot Street Book Club
There’s something special about reading and falling in love with a new children’s book. 2024 has been a bumper publishing year and it was tricky top pick just 9 books to share with you - whether you're a parent, relative, teacher or children’s book enthusiast we think you’ll find plenty to love in this list!
The best new Christmas books for kids in 2024 | Parrot Street Book Club
As the festive season approaches, there's nothing quite like the magic of a good Christmas book to spark joy and wonder in young readers. Here is our pick of six of the best new Christmas books for kids published in 2024 that are sure to become instant favourites!
7 great gifts for kids who love reading & books | Parrot Street Book Club
Are you on the hunt for the perfect gift for a little bookworm in your life? From imaginative book-inspired goodies to unique ways to encourage their reading habit, this list is packed with gift ideas that will celebrate kids' love of stories and books.
Ayaan Mohamud on contemporary family dramas for teens | Parrot Street Book Club
The Thread That Connects Us had us on the edge of our seats. Young readers will find much to relate to in lead characters, stepsisters Safiya and Halima. Author Ayaan Mohamud tells us what inspired the story and which other contemporary family dramas for early teens she recommends you read next.
Sinead O'Hart on books for kids inspired by mythology | Parrot Street Book Club
Sword of the Sun by Sinead O'Hart is a magical and atmospheric novel with a contemporary setting and relatable characters, all inspired by ancient Irish mythology. Here Sinead tells us about being inspired by her childhood love of Irish mythology and her favourite children's books based around myth and folklore.
Kieran Larwood on fantasy books for younger readers | Parrot Street Book Club
Dungeon Runners: Hero Trial is the first in a brand new illustrated fantasy series that is perfect for newly independent readers. Here author Kieran Larwood tells us about what inspired him to create the series and his favourite fantasy books for younger readers.
12 last minute gift ideas for age 3 and up | Parrot Street Book Club
2020 definitely isn’t making it easy for those that like to shop at the last minute, so we’ve come up with a few really thoughtful ideas, for both adults and children, which can be sorted out quickly and easily from home. You just need access to a computer and printer!
Great gifts for tweens and early teens | Parrot Street Book Club
Finding the perfect Christmas gift for the discerning teen or tween in your life is one of the biggest challenges of the festive season! But don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here’s our pick of the best gifts from our go-to brands for 12 to 14-year-olds.