by Karen Moncrieffe
This page provides an overview of fiction, non-fiction and teacher resources books written by Karen Moncrieffe, the founder of this website. She has worked for a variety of publishers producing materials to support the teaching of reading and writing.
All books can be purchased directly from the publishers - simply click the product images for more details. Most books are available on Amazon or can be located online in book stores such as Waterstones and Whsmith.
Wow Fiction
These two books for the WOW! Fiction range of books by Badger Learning have a dyslexia friendly design and are accessible for reluctant, struggling, and dyslexic readers or any pupil who would enjoy a short, fast-paced read. Each book in this series is paired with a non-fiction counterpart on the same theme from the companion series WOW! Facts.
Pompeii
This non-fiction book details the fascinating true story of the city of Pompeii which was destroyed by a volcanic eruption during Roman times and later discovered practically intact. This book is part of the Wow Facts series by Badger Publishing. This series targets struggling and reluctant readers using high interest engaging materials.
Enjoy Guided Reading
The Enjoy Guided Reading range by Badger Learning features ‘real’ books rather than scheme books. The series includes some of the most popular books by some of the most popular authors. Chosen texts are high interest, stimulating and appealing to pupils. The range includes a mix of classic literature and more modern titles. Karen has written several teacher resource books to accompany the texts in this series. The teacher resource books include a synopsis of texts used, comprehension questions, activities and monitoring and assessment materials linked to National Curriculum for English objectives. For examples of two teacher books written by Karen as part of this range see below:
Enjoy Guided Reading Book Band – Blue to Green Complete Pack
Enjoy Guided Reading KS2 Book Bands: Year 6 Dark Blue, Dark Red & Black Complete Pack
Click the links below to access free resources from the Enjoy Guided Reading range for the following books:
Two Sides Books for Teenage Reluctant Readers
Karen is proud to have written three books for the Two Sides series published by Badger Learning. These short books are suitable for teenagers who are reluctant readers. The books explore challenging experiences such as racism, homelessness and mental health from two different perspectives. Click the image to find out more about the Two Sides series.
Wasted
Wasted is a part of a series of Young Adult reads for struggling or reluctant readers produced by Badger Learning. It explores the perils of teenage drinking. Jade and Layla have been best friends for years, but then something comes between them. Alcohol. When Jade discovers drinking, she begins to lose interest in anything other than boozing, partying and meeting guys. She becomes more reckless and wild. She can’t see that she might be in danger. As Jade’s passion for drinking spins out of control, Layla is forced to make a difficult choice to keep her safe.
Understanding Myths and Legends (KS2)
Although there have been many changes to the primary curriculum for English throughout the years, the recommendation that pupils become acquainted with a range of myths and legends from remains constant. Understanding Myths and Legends contains a range of stories from around the world. The stories in Understanding Myths and Legends will help children to have a true glimpse into life in ancient times and grasp a natural understanding of people, cultures and places. In addition to myths and legends from around the globe, the book contains comprehension activities for each story and suggestions for follow-up activities. Each story is also has an associated speaking and listening activity. Click below for samples from the book:
Understanding Traditional Stories (KS1)
Although there have been many changes to the primary curriculum for English throughout the years, the recommendation that pupils become acquainted with a range of traditional stories remains constant. Understanding Traditional Stories contains a range of fairy tales, fables and folk stories from around the world. In addition to traditional stories from around the globe, the book contains differentiated comprehension activities for each story and suggestions for follow-up activities. Each story is also accompanied by an associated speaking and listening activity. This book is a flexible resource suitable for work in literacy lessons and shared and guided reading. Teachers may also find some of the stories useful for assemblies. Click below for samples from the book.
The Ant and the Grasshopper story and Activity suggestions: Free teaching resource
The Ant and the Grasshopper comprehension tasks: Free teaching resource
Model Texts for the Primary Classroom 2 (YR 5/6)
Model Texts for the Primary Classroom 2 contains a comprehensive selection of fiction and non-fiction texts, designed to provide models for childrens own writing. Included are lists of success criteria. These enable children to identify features common to different text types so that they can try to include these features in their own writing. In addition, there are self/peer assessment sheets so the children can assess their own attainment and identify specific ways in which they can improve their work.
Click here to download a sample from the book.
Model Texts for the Primary Classroom Book 1 (YR 3/4)
Model Texts for the Primary Classroom 1 contains a comprehensive selection of fiction and non-fiction texts, designed to provide models for children’s own writing. Included are lists of success criteria. These enable children to identify features common to different text types so that they can try to include these features in their own writing. In addition, there are self/peer assessment sheets so the children can assess their own attainment and identify specific ways in which they can improve their work.
Click here to download a sample from the book