All of our schools that are connected to the emPSN network, have free access to Listening books which is updated on a monthly basis. Below are the newest titles available to schools this month, with more coming soon. If you would like to know more or how to access Listening Books, please contact emPSN at empsn@empsn.org.uk or call 01604 879869 and we can supply your school with login details.
Title: Looking After Your Mental Health
Author: Alice James and Louie Stowell
Keystage: KS3
Subject: PSHE
Synopsis: We talk about our physical health – but not so much about how we’re feeling. With lots of practical advice, this lively, accessible guide explains why we have emotions, and what can influence them. Covering everything from friendships, social media and bullying to divorce, depression and eating disorders, this is an essential book for young people.
Title: Murderous Maths: The Brain-Bending Basics
Author: Kjartan Poskitt
Keystage: KS2
Subject: Maths
Synopsis: Learn maths and let out your inner rebel! From the Horrible camp (where else?) this is maths gone wickedly funny. And nuttier than a jar of Sunpat. Meet a crew of yucky villains who would happily slit your throat, but are much too busy making you die of laughter. Killer sums, prime suspects, sneaky signs. Maths according to Professor Fiendish, Chainsaw Charlie and the gang.
Title: The Ghosts and Jamal
Author: Bridget Blankley
Keystage: KS4
Subject: PSHE
Synopsis: The Ghosts and Jamal is an intriguing story, touching on religion, terrorism and Nigeria s internal conflicts, following a young orphan who is negotiating an unforgiving society. Waking up in the aftermath of a terrorist attack, 13-year-old Jamal tries to piece together what has happened whilst simultaneously trying to evade capture by the attackers. It soon becomes clear that he has been living in a separate outhouse from his family on account of the bad spirits or rather his epilepsy that plagues him. As he wanders around his family s compound, he comes across red canisters leaking yellow gas, which he works out were the weapon that killed his family. With his family dead, he begins to search for his grandfather who he hardly knows; when his grandfather turns him away Jamal keeps walking. On the way he meets prejudice, exploitation and friendship, before finally discovering that it is people, not ghosts, that have killed his family, and they have plans to keep on killing.
Title: The Good Guys
Author: Rob Kemp
Keystage: KS2
Subject: PSHE
Synopsis: What if we celebrated boys for their kindness as well their strength? For their generosity as well as their success? For their loyal friendship as well as their charm? The Good Guys introduces us to 50 heroes who have showed that changing the world doesn’t require a sword or a corporate jet. Readers will find stories of extraordinary men including Muhammad Ali, Professor Green, Patrick Stewart and Lionel Messi, as well as unsung heroes such as James Harrison, who has spent fifty years donating his rare blood to save millions of babies. There’s even a section celebrating ten boys who didn’t let their young age stop them from helping others, such as Matthew Kaplan, who responded to his brother’s bullies by setting up an anti-bullying programme for schools. The Good Guys celebrates the feats of heroes and everyday men, and will show kids that it really is cool to be kind.
Title: The Horrible Science of Everything
Author: Nick Arnold
Keystage: KS2
Subject: Science
Synopsis: Bored of biology classes? Totally fed up of physics? Couldn’t care less about chemistry? Hmmmm. Dare you discover. Why you’re breathing in dinosaur burps? What poos in your bed 20 times a day? What happens when you drop a rabbit through the centre of the earth? If you’re sick to death of science, you need THIS BOOK! From the dizzy science of daydreaming to the stunning science of skyrockets, and from the deadly science of dinosaurs to the Ugly Bug Olympics, this whirlwind whistle-stop tour of science shows you the world as you’ve never seen it before (i.e. VERY FOUL!). Best of all, it’s stuffed with the WEIRD and INTERESTING science that you never ever get to learn at school
Title: What is Gender? How Does it Define Us? And Other Big Questions for Kids?
Author: Juno Dawson
Keystage: KS2
Subject: PSHE
Synopsis: A highly topical look at the concept of gender, encouraging children to think for themselves about the issues involved. What’s the difference between sex and gender? What does it mean to be defined by your gender? Are there only two genders? This informative book helps kids to explore these questions and many more. It explains how you gender can have an impact on your life, what it means to choose your own gender identity and the importance of gender equality. Topics covered include gender stereotypes, why there are different toys for boys and girls, being intersex and transgender, cross-dressing and gender around the world. You will also hear from a range of people who share their personal gender philosophies.
