Our recommended KS2 reads for have been selected by our Destination Reader and Daily Supported Reading teams, partners and libraries across Hackney. Stay tuned for regular top-picks to find new and interesting books for Year 3 to 6 students.
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KS2 book recommendations
Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow, by Benjamin Dean
Year group
Year 5 and Year 6
Perfect for...
A whole class text to read and discuss together.
Publisher
Simon and Schuster
Why this book?
My first book review was inspired by Pride Month. The development of teaching and learning about LGBTQ+ has been a really welcome change. Stonewall have developed research and resources for an inclusive primary curriculum, stating:
“When schools don’t represent LGBTQ+ people in the curriculum, they send children the message that LGBTQ+ people are not to be spoken about. ..To be properly prepared for life in a diverse society, children need to develop an understanding of difference and of the importance of treating others with respect.”
Having books that reflect the LGBTQ+ community and families is a great way to develop that understanding in children and young people.
About the author
Benjamin Dean is a LGBTQ+ author and celebrity journalist who has been writing since childhood. ‘Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow’ was his first novel, based on a short story he wrote for a competition. When asked about why he wanted to write a book based on the LGBTQ+ community, he refers to feeling lonely as a child, yearning to feel a sense of identity, and to see himself reflected in the books and stories around him.
Synopsis
Archie Albright has noticed that things around his house have been weird for a while. His dad had moved out and his parents were getting a divorce. After a series of events, including a mysterious phone call and a disastrous parents' evening, Archie knew things were only getting worse between his parents, and the tension was causing him and his dad to argue. When he found the colourful flyer for the London Pride Parade that fell out of his dad’s pocket, he thinks he may have found the answer. With the support of his friends, Bell and Seb, a plan was hatched to try and fix his family. So Archie, Seb and Bell head off on an adventure, and we go along for the ride.
Style
The story is told from Archie’s perspective and the chatty, informal style hooks you in from the offset. You feel as if you are part of the gang, experiencing their worries and excitement, and develop a sense of empathy for Archie and his friends - from the embarrassment of your first crush to the knot in your stomach tummy when you know things aren’t right.
Themes
The book deals with complex themes including the breakdown of a relationship and family group, as well as gender and sexual identity. The book’s central themes also include compassion, acceptance, kindness and love. It'll make you laugh, cry, and feel uplifted.
Rosie Condon, Associate Deputy Head
Rosie has over 20 years experience in primary education and currently works as an Associate Deputy Head and consultant for Hackney Education. She is part of our Destination Reader and Daily Supported Reading Team where she develops, trains and supports leaders to build effective teaching and primary reading in schools in Hackney and beyond.