This month’s theme: ‘Stories from History’. Interview with Stephen Murgatroyd, Head of Libraries What is one of your fondest or most favourite reading memories?

When I first thought about this, I was not sure I could pin down a favourite. In the end, I managed to narrow it down to three:

• Reading to my three boys before bedtime, when they were younger. We are now doing the same with our two granddaughters.
• Reading when I shouldn’t … late night shifts to finish books I just could not put down, reading when I should be doing something else, reading when I should be listening to a conversation!
• When I read, I get ‘lost’ in the book. A good book is completely different to a great film – when I am reading I can completely zone out and forget about everything, except what is going on in the pages I am turning.

Which fictional character would most like/least like to meet in real life and why?

Often this would be the character in the book I am currently reading, as they are the ones that I am invested in at that time. Thinking back over the books I have read, there are three who come to mind:

• Scythe Faraday; an ethical scythe from the book ‘Scythe’ and one who lived exactly as a scythe in the book should. I would love to talk to him about how he is able to resist the power he has been given, yet continues to be both humble and honest – not many people in positions of great power seem able to do this.
• Kenneth Moore; the principal in ‘Promise Boys’. Almost the exact opposite of Scythe Faraday and someone I would want to ask the question ‘why?’ Why did an idea and a belief that started off so brightly, and for all the right reasons, turn into something where abuse of power and unnecessarily bad treatment of students led to his untimely murder.
• Celestine North; the main character from the book ‘Flawed’. I would love to talk to her about how she managed to get the mental strength to survive all the issues she had to deal with once her perfect life fell apart, and all because of an act of compassion. People who deal with adversity in this way are those I admire greatly.

Why is it important we read ‘stories from history’? Do you have any book suggestions for this theme?

History is one of my favourite subjects – I love learning about the past and there are many examples of great books, which can exist on their own both as a story, as well as helping you learn about a period of history you may not have lived through – this gives you insight and knowledge to aid your understanding of today.

FS/KS1: ‘The Crayon Man’ by Natascha Biebow – about the invention of the first affordable coloured wax crayons, called ‘Crayola’, which are still made today.

Young Adult: ‘A Moment Comes’ by Jennifer Bradbury – a story set around the partition of India in 1947, when the country gained its independence from the British. The story centres around the interrelationship of the main characters, who are Muslim, Sikh and British and how decisions made in a land far away (Britain) had devastating and unforeseen consequences.

Senior Fiction: ‘The Pillars of the Earth’ by Ken Follett – a book set in 12th century England, in the fictional city of Kingsbridge where a cathedral is being built. The story revolves around the feudal system that existed at the time, along with the power the Church wielded, and follows the lives of people involved. It is a great story and gives wonderful insight into the characters’ views and perspectives of what was going on in the story.

FS and KS1 – Recommendations by Carol Ashworth

Patana Page Turners: Stories from History

History is full of incredible stories—and picture books are a wonderful way to bring the past to life for children. This month, we’re turning the pages of beautifully illustrated books that make history engaging, inspiring, and accessible for young readers.

For our youngest readers (ages 2–5)

Little People, BIG DREAMS (Board Book series)
By Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara

Meet extraordinary people from history—scientists, artists, explorers, and activists—through simple, lyrical text and bold, stylish illustrations. Each board book tells the story of a real person’s childhood, showing that big dreams can start small. Perfect for sparking curiosity in even the youngest historians.

Here are some photos of children enjoying a book about Georgia O’Keefe and her big dreams. She was an artist who took inspiration from the beautiful world around her. Children in FS2H were inspired to explore watercolours.

Key Stage 1 Reccomendation (ages 5–7)

Dorothy Vaughan loved things that made sense – especially numbers.

In Computer Decoder: Dorothy Vaughan, Computer Scientist, you can follow Dorothy’s path from math teacher to human computer to computer programmer. But it was not easy for her, because she was an African American woman working during a time of segregation. Find out how she kept working for fairness!

Why these books?

Both choices combine gorgeous illustrations, simple storytelling, and real historical themes. They show children that history isn’t just about dates and facts—it’s full of people, places, and adventures that shape our world. From small beginnings come great things!

Key Stage 2 – Recommendation by Mr Murgatroyd

Any book, set in a historical context, by Michael Morpurgo. He brings the past alive and weaves wonderful stories about times in history, an example of which would be ‘Running Wild’, about the tsunami in December of 2004.

Key Stage 3 – Recommendations by Hannah Lim 7C

The book ’60-Second Genius’ is a history book written by Jon Richards. The captivating bite-size facts, and dynamic, fact packed guide makes exploring history way more fun, accessible by both young and old. In just 60 seconds, readers can learn about the turning points in human civilization. Designed for readers who crave for clarity without sacrificing depth, the book simplifies centuries of global history into one-minute reads.                                                                                                  

Recommended by Prompt Vijakkhana Year 7

 In Sapiens, Yuval Noah Harari takes us on a journey through the story of humans, showing how we went from simple animals to the most powerful species on Earth. The book explains how things like stories, money, and religions helped people work together and build societies. It’s not just about facts or dates, but about the big ideas that shaped our past. Reading Sapiens makes you think about where we come from and how those old choices still affect us today. It’s an amazing way to learn about history because it helps us understand why the world is the way it is

Key stage 4 and 5 – Recommended by Scarlett Sloane:

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is emotionally powerful and creatively written. The book is set in Nazi Germany during World War II, and what makes it stand out is that it’s narrated by Death. Death’s perspective gives the story a haunting, reflective tone, and it adds depth to the way we see the characters and the events around them. 

One thing I really liked was how the book plays with time. It skips around a bit. Sometimes you’re told something will happen before it actually does, and then you see it unfold later from a different perspective. It’s clever without being confusing, and it keeps you engaged as you piece things together. 

The writing is accessible, but still poetic in places, and the emotional impact is huge. It’s sad, yes, but also heartwarming and full of moments that make you think. For KS5 students, The Book Thief offers more than just a historical setting. It’s a chance to explore themes like mortality, memory, and the power of words. It’s one of those books that stays with you. 

Key Stage 5 – Recommended by Ms Newman:

Pachinko is a powerful multi-generational novel set between 1910 and the 1980s, beginning with Japan’s annexation of Korea and following a Korean family’s journey through war, migration, and identity. What I found most compelling was the way Lee explores the lives of different family members, each shaped by the historical forces around them. I knew very little about this period before reading the novel, and it opened my eyes to the long-lasting impact of colonialism and discrimination in East Asia. It’s a brilliant choice for KS5 students interested in how personal stories can illuminate broader historical truths. I’m travelling to Seoul over half term, which feels especially exciting after reading Pachinko. Literature like this encourages us to look beyond our own context and consider the stories that history often overlooks.