children

children's books for developing emotional intelligence - ages 9 to 11 years

The stories here are not only good reads, but they are also a great starting point for discussion about emotional, moral and social issues. They can be used as a starting point for group discussions, PHSE sessions, or circle time.

This list is updated regularly, so come back soon! We welcome suggestions for our list from practitioners, so feel free to email us with book title, author, and a brief review of any books that you find useful for the development of EQ.

	Hope for the Flowers by Trina Paulus Stripe, an ambitious young caterpillar, abandons his struggle to reach the top of the pillar when he meets a lovely yellow butterfly. A book that is as popular with adults as with children, with myriad meanings for individuals can take away from the story, about achieving success in life without stepping on other people. To purchase this book, click here.
	The Story of Tracy Beaker by Jacqueline Wilson Tracy Beaker's story, which is told in the first person by the infuriating and loveable 10-year-old Tracy, is a wonderfully funny and thought- provoking slice of life in a children's home. Tracy, as she herself tells us, has had a hard time. She's been fostered a number of times but it's never worked out. Now she dreams of her glamorous mother coming to fetch her and spends her time, when she's not quarrelling with the other children, writing her life story. And then one day, Cam, a real writer, visits the home and after a rocky start, she and Tracy really hit it off. This highly accomplished, prolific, prizewinning author is outstandingly successful in dealing with painful social and personal problems in a realistic, funny, touching and highly memorable way. The story is delightfully illustrated by Nick Sharratt and laid out in a genuinely user-friendly way. To purchase this book, click here.
	The Dare Game by Jacqueline Wilson The Dare Game picks up where The Story of Tracy Beaker left off, with Tracy firmly ensconced in the home of foster mother Cam, a creative sort who was instantly drawn to the troubled child and who fought to win the right to take care of her. The trouble is, Tracy thought things would be perfect with Cam but reality is tough. After all, it's hardly fair that Cam refuses to buy her foster daughter designer clothes and give her loads of money, now is it? So the petulant Tracy bunks off school and hides out in her secret place to avoid being teased by the other pupils and to stop herself from strangling Vomity Bagley, the English teacher. But one day her haven is disturbed by two very different boys, each dealing with their own problematic family lives, and the three form a friendship based on playing The Dare Game ... a game that gets more dangerous as Tracy's life becomes even more unsettled. To purchase this book, click here.
	"The Fib" and Other Stories by George Layton A collection of ten funny, poignant stories about growing up in a northern town in the 1950s. "The Fib" features an array of characters, some extremely awkward situations, and a host of memorable falsehoods. Lots to use as a basis for discussion and circle time. To purchase this book, click here.
	Journey to Jo'burg: A South African Story by Beverley Naidoo Frightened that their baby sister will die, 13-year-old Naledi and her younger brother Tiro run away from their grandmother to Johannesburg to find their mother. On their journey they encounter the realities of aparteid - the pass laws, Bantusans, racism and the breakdown of family life. A moving, inspiring story to spark discussion about issues such as equality, loyalty and justice. To purchase this book, click here.
	Refugee Boy by Benjamin Zephaniah Alem is on holiday with his father for a few days in London. He has never been out of Ethiopia before and is very excited. They have a great few days together until one morning when Alem wakes up in the bed and breakfast they are staying at to find the unthinkable. His father has left him. It is only when the owner of the bed and breakfast hands him a letter that Alem is given an explanation. Alem's father admits that because of the political problems in Ethiopia both he and Alem's mother felt Alem would be safer in London - even though it is breaking their hearts to do this. A powerful, gripping new novel from the popular Benjamin Zephaniah. To purchase this book, click here.
	Catch Minitales - Short Science Fiction Stories with a Sting! by Stephen Bowkett This book is part of StoryMaker Catch Pack, which uses fiction as a resource for learning. These stories are hugely popular with children.. What does Peeta do when aliens invade his planet? Why does Kane watch the skies every night of his life? How does Hector F. Payne save the world? Where can you find robots, giant rats, alien invaders, supercomputers...? To purchase this book, click here.
	The Allotment Ghost and Other Adventures - The Double Dare Gang by Stephen Bowkett The Double Dare Gang books are an integral part of ALPS StoryMaker. Extracts and examples from these books are used in the StoryMaker manual to exemplify many of the accelerated learning techniques. Live to Dare - Dare to live! Nige, Brian, Steve, Anna, Anthony, Kevin and Neil are the Double Dare Gang - a group of ordinary kids from an ordinary town who have the most wonderful adventures. What is the test that Steve must pass to join the DDG? What terrible monster lies in wait in Old Man Jones's allotment? Which member of the group can tell the scariest story one dark and chilly night? How does Anna prove herself to be braver and cleverer than the rest of the kids in the group? Do you love excitement and fun? Will you follow the DDG's Code of Honour? Then come on in... If you dare! To purchase this book, click here.
	The Frankenstein Steps and Other Adventures - The Double Dare Gang by Stephen Bowkett The Double Dare Gang books are an integral part of ALPS StoryMaker. Extracts and examples from these books are used in the StoryMaker manual to exemplify many of the accelerated learning techniques. Live to Dare - Dare to live! Nige, Brian, Steve, Anna, Anthony, Kevin and Neil are the Double Dare Gang - a group of ordinary kids from an ordinary town who have the most wonderful adventures. What is the test that Steve must pass to join the DDG? What terrible monster lies in wait in Old Man Jones's allotment? Which member of the group can tell the scariest story one dark and chilly night? How does Anna prove herself to be braver and cleverer than the rest of the kids in the group? Do you love excitement and fun? Will you follow the DDG's Code of Honour? Then come on in... If you dare! To purchase this book, click here.