September Picks
We’re launching the Book Club with a theme close to our hearts — Curiosity & Wonder. These are the sparks that drive learning, inspire big questions, and open up new ways of thinking.
September's books invite our children to look more closely at the world around them — and within them. From magical trains and parallel universes to robot survival stories and ocean mysteries, there’s something here for every kind of reader.
We’ve chosen books for each age range that include:
- A core recommendation
- A challenge read
- A dyslexia-friendly title
- A non-fiction pick
- And one for parents too
Reading at Liberty Woodland is never just about ticking a box — it’s about opening doors.
| Book Picks | Why we chose this book |
|---|---|
| Core Book: Look Up! by Nathan Bryon | Chosen for its energy and message — curiosity starts with noticing the world around us. |
| Stretch Book: Tadpole’s Promise by Jeanne Willis | Encourages questions about growth, transformation, and the unexpected. |
| Dyslexia-Friendly: Luna Loves Library Day by Joseph Coelho (Little Gems) | Reminds us that books are where many adventures, and questions, begin. |
| Non-Fiction: A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies | Helps young readers see wonder in everyday details. |
| Book Picks | Why we chose this book |
|---|---|
| Core Book: The Wild Robot by Peter Brown | Combines technology and nature — and invites reflection on connection, identity and learning. |
| Stretch Book: The Train to Impossible Places by P.G. Bell | Imaginative and clever — perfect for readers who love puzzling things out. |
| Dyslexia-Friendly: The Secret of the Moonshard by Struan Murray (Barrington Stoke) | Builds curiosity through mystery and discovery. |
| Non-Fiction: Ocean: Secrets of the Deep by Sabrina Weiss | Opens the door to one of Earth’s most mysterious ecosystems. |
| Book Picks | Why we chose this book |
|---|---|
| Core Book: The Many Worlds of Albie Bright by Christopher Edge | Blends science and emotion to encourage big thinking and bold questions. |
| Stretch Book: Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell | An intellectual read - rich in language, full of imagination, and ideal for stretching confident readers. |
| Dyslexia-Friendly: The Ghost Garden by Emma Carroll (Barrington Stoke) | Invites reflection, observation, and wonder in a historical setting. |
| Non-Fiction: What a Waste by Jess French | Promotes curiosity about systems, change, and action. |
| Book Picks | Why we chose this book |
|---|---|
Core Book: The Last Bear by Hannah Gold | Inspires awe at the natural world and encourages children to act on their compassion. |
| Stretch Book: Where the World Ends by Geraldine McCaughrean | Asks profound questions about belief, truth, and resilience. |
Dyslexia-Friendly: The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle by Victoria Williamson (Barrington Stoke) | Explores empathy and identity with great emotional insight. |
| Non Fiction: University of Cambridge: Think Big: The Speed of Light by Simon Chapman | Introduces big scientific ideas with imagination. |
| *Parent Note | At Liberty Woodland School, we believe that books provide a safe and powerful way for children to explore new ideas, perspectives, and even challenging themes. Every reader’s journey is unique, and what resonates with one child may feel less suitable for another. We encourage parents to be actively involved in supporting and guiding their children’s reading choices, ensuring that each book is both engaging and age-appropriate for them. |
| Book Picks | Why we chose this book |
|---|---|
| Core Book: The Nowhere Emporium by Ross MacKenzie | Explores wonder, memory, and the power of storytelling itself. |
| Stretch Book: The Infinite by Patience Agbabi | Promotes curiosity about identity, justice, and the future. |
| Dyslexia-Friendly: White Eagles by Elizabeth Wein (Barrington Stoke) | A short but empowering read about bravery and seeing beyond limits. |
| Non-Fiction: How to Read a Tree by Tristan Gooley | This book teaches the art of close observation and invites students to rediscover the natural world with curiosity and wonder. |
| Parent Note | At Liberty Woodland School, we believe that books provide a safe and powerful way for children to explore new ideas, perspectives, and even challenging themes. Every reader’s journey is unique, and what resonates with one child may feel less suitable for another. We encourage parents to be actively involved in supporting and guiding their children’s reading choices, ensuring that each book is both engaging and age-appropriate for them. |
| The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt | A favourite book of Leanna's from the last 12 months. This powerful book invites us to think critically about the environments our children are growing up in and how we might respond with calm, informed action. |
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A book is a gift you can open again and again.
Garrison Keillor