If you're looking for the next book to buy the kids or grand children, then look no further than the latest graphic novel from Philip Pullman - 'The Adventures of John Blake: Mystery of the Ghost Ship'.

Read 2 very different reviews - 1 by Rachel Cooke in the Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/may/23/adventures-of-john-blake-philip-pullman-graphic-novel-review and the other a review by the School Library Journal (SLJ) - http://www.slj.com/2017/05/reviews/mystery-of-the-ghost-ship-by-philip-pullman-slj-review/ .

Many of us have the privilege of being able to play a small part in the education and knowledge of our children. A lot of us will do this as parents and will take on this enormous responsibility as best as we are able. Some of us are lucky enough to have an influence on a wider audience as part of the work we do. Having seen this programme, I absolutely know that we must not waiver in our attempts to move and inspire our children (our, as in a global context) to become better, more informed young people.

I am delighted to report that you will now find some Dan Freedman books on the site in the form of most of the Jamie Johnson football-themed series.

Finally got more books on the site for the teens - Divurgent Series, Alex Rider, Darren Shan, the Morganville Vampires and lots more.

Gary Wilson shares some ideas with schools and teachers about how to get boys reading........

Here are four practical ways to help engage parents in supporting their boy’s development in literacy.

1. Hold a parent evening
Parent meetings are still a simple and effective way to engage parents in their children’s learning. They allow you to give background on why boys might underachieve and practical advice on how to help.

• Since some of the parents you want to see are the ones that never come, rethink how you might approach them. For example, hold your meeting twice on the same day (before they pick up their child and when they’ve had chance to go home and return). This also helps send out the message that you have 100% expectation that they will attend.
• Face to face invitations or invitations over the phone are always more effective.
• Consider a change of venue.
• Ask parents beforehand what questions they want answers to.