Finding your next great classroom read with Scottish Book Trust

We know how tough it is to keep on top of the wealth of amazing children’s fiction being published when you’re spending all your time in the classroom. It’s easy to stick with old favourites that you’ve read time and time again – because you know what to expect from them! Luckily, Scottish Book Trust are on hand with a whole host of free-to-access digital resources and events to help you and your young readers to find the perfect book.

 

Bookzilla

Bookzilla is Scottish Book Trust’s free book-finding app, developed by young people, for young people. It features thousands of the latest book titles for upper primary and early secondary school pupils, wherever they are on their reading journey.

The Bookzilla app helps children to take the reins on their reading for pleasure journey, allowing them to browse through extensive genre collections and featured lists of contemporary book titles. Children can track their reading, save favourites and take part in reading challenges and dares. The app also allows them to search for their closest libraries and bookshops to help them hunt down their next great read.

Head to Scottish Book Trust’s website to read more about using Bookzilla in your classroom to promote reading for pleasure and aid pupils in recognising their own reading preferences. 

Book lists

Among Scottish Book Trust’s carefully curated book lists, you can find up-to-date recommendations for all ages and stages. Whether you’re looking for something that covers a specific theme (like historical fiction, books with LGBTQ+ characters, stories that feature maths and science), or just searching for a spark of inspiration – there’s something for everyone to discover.

 

Events

Keep your eyes peeled for new broadcasts in on the Authors Live programme, run in partnership between Scottish Book Trust and BBC Scotland Learning. Every year Authors Live platforms eight of the finest authors writing for children and streams an event with them directly to your school.

You can from the last five years on demand – they’re a great introduction to an author and their work, giving you and your pupils access to information on fantastic new titles and inspirational figures from the world of books. The 2022/23 series featured with Sue Cheung, Rachel Bright, Phil Earle, Keith Gray, Manjeet Mann, Chae Strathie, and Jenny Pearson – whose fabulous books could be perfect for your next classroom read!

CLPL Sessions

Scottish Book Trust offers fully funded online and in-person sessions for teachers and learning professionals, including bi-annual Book Discovery sessions and accompanying Book Discovery Guides. These lay out some of the best contemporary children’s books from Scotland and beyond in an easy to digest format. You’ll find themed book lists, guest recommendations from librarians and booksellers, staff picks from Scottish Book Trust, and more!

Bringing relevant, contemporary fiction into the classroom can go a long way toward fostering a genuine love of reading for pleasure that will stay with young people for the rest of their lives. With these tools, you can be the one to give that gift to them.

If you are ever in doubt, or need a helping hand, you can reach out to the friendly Scottish Book Trust team any time at schools@scottishbooktrust.com.

 

Happy reading!