Buy all the books on this list now from Browns Books For Students. Click the add to basket button to get started.
Almost Anything
Key Stage 1George the rabbit is the epitome of the timid child, but Bear cleverly empowers him to try. Wonderfully shows the the power of resilience and grit, the importance of self-belief and that we all have a bit of magic inside us if we give it a chance.
The Poet X
Key Stage 4UKLA Shortlist Book Awards - 2019 | THE WINNER OF THE 2018 National Book Award | Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2018 | Empoweringly and evocatively expressed in the verse that gives an unforgettable heroine her voice and a way of escape.
Speak Up!
Key Stage 3A step-by step practical toolkit for campaigning that is fun and accessible as well as empowering. The author is very upfront about what it takes to speak out and how to deal with your views being challenged.
On the Come Up
Key Stage 4February 2019 Book of the Month | Under-your-skin powerful novel about a talented young black woman who refuses to be silenced. Bri is a smart hip-hop writer from rough, tough Garden Heights, the same housing project that provided the setting for Thomas’s remarkable debut, The Hate U Give. Her underground rap legend dad was murdered twelve years ago, leading to her (now clean) mom seeking solace in drugs. Bri’s dad’s legacy means she has a hell of a lot of baggage when she performs at a big open mic event. While she chokes the first round after being goaded by her opponent in a scene that will have you desperately urging her on, Bri’s powerful lyrics and performance mark her out as something special. But as her hip-hop reputation is on the rise, so other aspects of her life take a downturn. There’s serious money trouble at home, and at school she’s unjustly suspended, the latter of which leads to her writing the track that further rockets her reputation, “On the Come Up”. But this brings further struggle. There’s the racism of black women being labeled “aggressive” for merely expressing their views. There’s a painful falling out with “tight since womb days” friend Malik. And there’s a cruel conflict between self-preservation (shutting up and putting up to avoid being wrongly locked up, or worse) in a racist society, and the heightened need to speak out precisely because of this situation. Impeccably plotted, with a multiple storylines woven to a pulse-pounding conclusion, this is an astoundingly affecting novel that shines a light on the struggles of young black women, and celebrates freedom of speech and making noise about who you are, as seen through unforgettable Bri, a 100% authentic character whom readers will root for, cry for, yell out loud for, and grin for joy with.
Jabari Jumps
Early YearsA beautifully illustrated story that reflects a reality we can all recognise. The need to overcome fears to achieve what you dream of.
Girls Can Do Anything!
Key Stage 1A gleeful, rhyming celebration of all things that are possible and potted herstories of those that made it!
Kind
Early YearsFeaturing top artists illustrating a host of examples of how children can be kind this is both timely and a charitable purchase.
Perfectly Norman
Strikingly illustrated this is a tale which inspires children to dare to be different and have the courage to stand out.
Think Big
Early YearsHumpty can be so much more than a boiled egg! An hilarious twist on many traditional tales with a lovely poistive message about working hard.
Reaching the Stars
Key Stage 2 Key Stage 3A collection with poetry as varied and extraordinary as the women it celebrates. New poems by three of our brightest and liveliest poets are gathered together in this anthology which celebrates women and girls, lots of them. The lives of the really famous – Malala, Frida Kahlo, Amy Johnson, Hillary Rodham Clinton – are discussed, the roles of women in fairy tales debated, and the achievements of women whose names we’ll never learn acknowledged too. The poem styles are as varied as the book’s subjects, and there are poems to make you laugh, to make you angry, to make you think. It’s a sparkling collection, inspiring and empowering. Buy copies for all the young people in your life.
She is Fierce Brave, Bold and Beautiful Poems by Women
Key Stage 3 Key Stage 4Encompassing works from ancient sages, classic poets, well-known thinkers and emerging contemporary innovators from all walks of life, this involving, inclusive collection inspires, entertains, enthrals and emboldens. Alongside enjoying the work of widely-esteemed names (including Sappho, George Eliot, Sylvia Plath, Carol Ann Duffy, Jackie Kay, Christina Rosetti, Maya Angelou, Emily Dickinson and Margaret Atwood), it was a pleasure to discover contemporary poets whose work I shall seek out, among them Ruth Awola and Remi Graves, and lesser-known names from the past, for example Edith Södergran and Astrid Hjertenaes Andersen. If the diversity of voices is rich, so too are the themes, with growing up, friendship, love, nature, body image and protest covered in staggering depth and diversity. This varied chorus of bold, incisive voices makes for a collection to be savoured and shared.
This Book Will (Help You) Change the World
Key Stage 4A fantastic witty and wise resource for politically-minded teens who want to improve the world for themselves and others.
You Are Awesome
Key Stage 2Table tennis champion Matthew Syed offers his very best advice on how all children can help themselves to become better at anything they put their hand to. Divided up into stories, visuals, charts and brief inspirational messages Matthew Syed is inspiring and uplifting as he address his readers. He stresses the importance of creating a confident mindset and argues that, armed with self-belief, anyone can achieve amazing things both mentally and physically. A book to browse and revisit again and again for the useful ways it exhorts and coaxes all readers to make the best of themselves.
The 57 Bus A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives
Key Stage 4A book that touches on many topics of interest today - and how one moment's action can result in a society struggling to deal with the aftermath - a gripping read.
The Good Guys 50 Heroes Who Changed the World with Kindness
Key Stage 2Full of well known names but avoiding macho stereotypes Instead it celebrates qualities of the individuals that make them worthy of respect, such as kindness and compassion. Well written, and very positive throughout.
Resisters 52 Young Women Making Herstory Right Now
Key Stage 4Featuring the stories and achievements of 52 women and girls across the world currently fighting to impove the lives of others.
It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime
Key Stage 3An unforgettabl, inspiring and powerful memoir of surviving apartheid that is fast paced, accessible and funny too!
Don't Cross the Line!
Key Stage 1Never too young to learn the importance of political actions .This striking book is all about standing up to those in power and peacefully creating change.
I Am Malala The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban
Key Stage 3Adapted for younger readers the astonishing and inspiring story of the youngest ever winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Boy 87
Key Stage 3UKLA Longlist Book Awards - 2019 | Moving, grippingand important novel about a journey to survival for a resilient, inspirational young boy driven from his home.
The People Awards
Key Stage 1 Key Stage 2A diverting and stylish awards show format to present biographies of the great, the good and the quirky.
Super Scientists
Key Stage 240 Icons is great series introducing role models across different themes with attractively illustrated very readable vignettes.
Muhammad Ali
Key Stage 1With stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, this empowering series celebrates the important life stories of wonderful people of the world. From designers and artists to scientists, all of them went on to achieve incredible things, yet all of them began life as a little child with a dream. These books make the lives of these role models accessible for children, providing a powerful message to inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world! Little People, Big Dreams series include: Ada Lovelace Agatha Christie Amelia Earhart Anne Frank Audrey Hepburn Coco Chanel Ella Fitzgerald Emmeline Pankhurst Frida Kahlo Georgia O’Keeffe Harriet Tubman Jane Austen Jane Goodall Josephine Baker Lucy Maud Montgomery Maria Montesorri Marie Curie Maya Angelou Mother Teresa Muhammed Ali Rosa Parks Simone de Beauvoir Stephen Hawking Vivienne Westwood We have a special category for the Little People, Big Dreams series. Click here to view them all.
Errol's Garden
Early YearsA green - fingered and resourceful young boy inspires community action to create a wonderful roof garden. Beautifully inclusive.
Stories for Boys Who Dare to be Different
Key Stage 2WINNER OF THE CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR AT THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARDS 2018 & THE SUNDAY TIMES NUMBER 1 BESTSELLER | Inspiring and entirely non- stereotypical mini-biographies.
HerStory: 50 Women and Girls Who Shook the World
Key Stage 2Impressive, beautiful book which actually provides lots of information about genuine game changers.
Make More Noise! New stories in honour of the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage
Key Stage 3Some of the best female writers have produced fabulously entertaining short stories to inspire and motivate the next generation of female activists.
It's Your World Now!
Key Stage 1This bright, busy book – the text delivered via an irresistible bouncy rhyme – presents children with lots to look at, and lots to think about too. The story is told by a parent, who excitedly details all the world has to offer, and all the potential for children to find happiness and fulfilment as they grow up. There are warnings too that it’s not always easy, but that’s followed by the reassuring reminder that whatever happens, one thing won’t change: from your head down to you toe, no matter what/ I love you so. The artwork is contemporary but the message is timeless and it’s an excellent book for parent and child to share.
Beyond the Fence
Early YearsA very special delicately illustrated and empowering tale of freedom, bravery and independence.
A Change Is Gonna Come
Key Stage 4WINNER OF THE YA BOOK PRIZE SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2018 | Not only exciting, consistently good short stories on the theme of change but authored by established and debut BAME authors, allowing every young adult to see themselves as writers.
DARE
Early YearsA delightful poem that encourages all children to dare to dream , to help others and speak out for what is right and to love themselves is right, but also to take time for simple joys and to be comfortable in their own skin.
All the Ways to be Smart
Key Stage 1The third project from this dynamic partnership that celebrates the myriad talents that each child brings to the world.
Ghost
Key Stage 2 Key Stage 3Pitch perfect characterisation in a powerful story that shows how talent and support can turn a life around. This first book in the four part Run series is a world class middle grade story with all the witty tenderness of Louis Sachar and a whole lot of heart, humour and edge-of-your-seat action. Castle Cranshaw (better known as Ghost) discovered his talent for running the night he and his mom fled his violent dad. “Running isn’t anything I ever had to practice. It’s just something I knew how to do”, he explains. Hassled at school for his Mom-made haircuts, and constantly trying to avoid “altercations” that wind up making his school file bulge, Ghost’s life takes an upward turn when he spontaneously races a budding elite sprinter at a training session and wins. The coach, a former Olympic gold medalist, immediately invites him to join the team and they form a heart-melting bond fuelled by friendly sparring. Coach is exactly the mentor Ghost and his diverse bunch of talented teammates need. Ghost’s voice is endearingly authentic, honest and funny - pitch-perfect for his age and the novel’s readership. His “No! Don’t do it!” decisions and ensuing scrapes are evoked with intensity and humour (just wait for the “silver bullet” incident). Truly I cannot wait to spend more time in the company of Coach, Ghost and his teammates, each of whom will feature in future books in the series.
For Every One
Key Stage 4Short, accessible, wonderfully empowering poems to remind you to keep fighting for your dreams
