journey stories year 2

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This wonderful book follows a little girl who draws a magic door on her bedroom wall. Through it she escapes into a world where wonder, adventure and danger abound. Red marker pen in hand, she creates a boat, a balloon and a flying carpet which carry her on a spectacular journey … who knows where?

Teaching Ideas and Resources:

• Use the title as the starting point for your own story. What might your own story about a ‘Journey’ include?
• Look at the illustrations on the front, back and inside covers. Discuss what you think it might be about.
• As you explore the illustrations in the book, try to find features that might be clues about the rest of the story.
• Think of your own captions, speech / thought bubbles to add to the illustrations.
• Make a word bank that includes words you could use to describe the people, places and events in the story.
• Create a narrative version of the story. Could you turn it into a playscript?
• Imagine that you had a pen that could be used to draw (and create) real objects. What would you draw? Could you write a new story based on this concept?
• Write a character profile about the girl. What do you know about her? How would you describe her?
• Retell the story from the girl’s point of view. Could you write a diary entry for her?
• Write a prequel to this story that explains where the magic red pen came from. Who owned it before the girl? Who made it? Why does it have special powers?
• Choose one of the settings in the story. How would you describe it?
• Write a newspaper article about a girl who goes missing through a magical doorway in her bedroom.
• Write a newspaper article about the girl who arrived in the city in a red boat.
• Stop reading when the girl first arrives at the city. Should she go in? Why (not)? Share your thoughts with others and vote on what you think should happen next.
• Why is the purple bird being hunted by the people?

• Create a game in which a girl has to rescue a special purple bird.
• Create a video that shows the illustrations in the book and is accompanied by your own narration / speech.
• Watch this trailer for the book. Could you use multimedia software to create your own book trailer?

Design Technology

• Create a model of one of the airships in the illustrations.
• Imagine that you could draw a magic door from your classroom / bedroom wall into another world. Draw the view to the other side.
• Create a picture that shows what the girl can see at your favourite point in the story.
• Could you create an additional page (or group of pages) that tells a different part of the story? Could you draw a sequel to this book?
• The illustrations were created using watercolour paints. Can you try to paint using a similar style?
• Look at the different characters in the story. Can you create your own illustrations of them? This video has some tips from the author / illustrator:

• Compose a theme tune to accompany a movie version of this story.
• Draw a map of the city the girl encounters.
• How many different forms of transport can you find in the book?
• Imagine that you had a flying carpet. Where would you travel to? Why?
• Plan your own ‘Journey’. Where will you go? How will you get there? What will you need to take?
• Find out about famous journeys, explorers and expeditions from history.

Religious education

• Why do people sometimes go on special journeys as part of their religion? Can you find out more about these?
• Look at the body language of the characters in the illustrations. What might they be thinking / feeling? How can you tell?

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TEACHING RESOURCES

Journey by aaron becker 7 - 9.

A beautiful wordless picture filled with adventure and wonder.  Our protagonist feels alone in the grey city that surrounds her and traps her.  She wishes to travel and to see the world and for this to happen she will have to do it for herself.  With just a swipe of chalk and a lot of imagination she travels to far away lands filled with wonder and mystery; beauty and danger.

Writing Outcomes

• Setting description
• narrative sequel

Topic Links

• Quest by Aaron Becker
• Return by Aaron Becker
• Little Boat on Literacy Shed
• Loteria De Navidad Literacy Shed

Buy This Book

Lesson Planning

Teacher resources.

Writing Root Back to List

Resource written by

Pippa mcgeoch.

Senior Consultant

Resource Preview

A writing root for journey.

KS: Lower KS2, R & KS1, Upper KS2

Year Group: Reception, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6

Literary Theme: Coming together & community

Author(s): Aaron Becker

"The most fantastic way to launch the year: our whole primary school is excited to write."

Anna Chidzey, whole school, British International School Riyadh

• Description

Main Outcome(s):

Predictions, retellings in role, maps, posters, a travel diary, instructions and a story sequel.

10+ sessions, 2+ weeks

Overview and Outcomes:

This is a two-week Whole School Writing Root for Journey by Aaron Becker. The resource has been designed to be used by an entire school to foster a shared learning experience around one text and to engender written outcomes – some with the same audiences and purposes, some not – that are ‘at pitch’ for each phase/stage but that will also aid revision, catch-up and extension where (and in whichever form) needed. We have planned for activities at 3 stages: Reception with Year 1; Year 2 with Year 3 and then Year 4 to Year 6. The resource is intended to form the basis upon which schools and teachers can create and shape a sequence of learning that will work within their context.  The sessions could be added to with art activities and through further learning in PSHE, Science, Geography and History.

Synopsis of Text:

The winner of the prestigious Caldecott Honor, and described by the New York Times as 'a masterwork', Aaron Becker's stunning, wordless picture book debut about self-determination and unexpected friendship follows a little girl who draws a magic door on her bedroom wall. Through it she escapes into a world where wonder, adventure and danger abound. Red marker pen in hand, she creates a boat, a balloon and a flying carpet which carry her on a spectacular journey ... who knows where? When she is captured by a sinister emperor, only an act of tremendous courage and kindness can set her free. Can it also guide her home and to happiness? In this exquisitely illustrated book, an ordinary child is launched on an extraordinary, magical journey towards her greatest and most rewarding adventure of all...

Wordless, fantasy worlds, loneliness, companionship

A Literary Leaf for The Undefeated

KS: Lower KS2

Year Group: Year 4

A Literary Leaf for The Listeners

KS: Upper KS2

Year Group: Year 5

A Literary Leaf for Starbird

Year Group: Year 3

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• Journey By Aaron Becker Inference And Visual Storytelling For Ks2 In This W

Journey by Aaron Becker – KS2 cross-curricular planning

Three-page PDF featuring KS2 cross-curricular activity ideas

Art & Design , English

If a picture paints a thousand words, it’s easy to see why picture book Journey by Aaron Becker tells such a fantastical, epic tale.

With so much to look at and think about, Journey by Aaron Becker is a book that you can read on many levels. As Becker says in a mini-documentary on his website : “Each page has to answer questions from the previous spread as well as introducing whatever might be happening next”.

Taken as a whole, his illustrations provide a rich and memorable reading experience that will inspire much in the way of thinking and talking , and make a wonderful starting point for creative projects of all kinds.

What is Journey by Aaron Becker about?

A lonely girl draws a door on her bedroom wall and steps into another world. Aided by her magic crayon she travels through this strange, new place. Shifting landscapes give way to a remarkable city where there’s a villain to confront, and the girl needs all her courage and resourcefulness in order to survive.

She does, of course, and goes home with the greatest treasure of all – a friend.

In this glorious – and completely wordless – picture book, the timeless appeal of Aaron Becker’s story is more than matched by his illustrations, which crackle with so much expressive energy that readers barely notice the absence of text.

Becker worked as a designer in the film industry before creating Journey. His experience is evident in the book’s grandly conceived, yet intimately detailed, spreads.

Executed in watercolour, a demanding medium that requires a delicate balance between control and ‘letting go’, the resulting artwork is gently memorable yet utterly compelling.

Carey Fluker Hunt is Creative Projects Manager at Seven Stories , the National Centre for Children’s Books in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

Similar resources

• The Girl at the Front of the Class – Teaching resources for KS1/2
• Tier 2 vocabulary – Free Year 6 activities pack
• Enid Blyton books – English resources for KS1 teachers
• Narrative poem – Zero-prep poetry lesson with video prompt
• The Frog King – KS1/2 English lesson about Grimms’ Fairy Tales

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Great Picture Books About Journeys for Kids

Great Picture Books About Journeys for Kids . Wonderful picture books featuring different types of journeys that kids will love teachers and parents reading with them.

Some links on this site are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you!  Learn more .

What You'll Find on This Page

Journeys are a common theme in picture books, and these three titles that I recently received to review reflect that theme beautifully. I’ve included one of my all-time favorite journey-themed picture books as a bonus.

Steppin Out: Everyday Journeys for Kids

In Steppin’ Out , poetry follows children through everyday journeys. Children visit grandparents, ride elevators, go to the beach, dance class, and more in this sweet collection of nineteen poems. Written by Lin Oliver and illustrated by Tomie dePaola.

Adventures in Asian Art: A Family Outing Journey for Kids

Adventures in Asian Art follows a mother and her three children as they journey through the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. My preschooler especially LOVED the illustrations in this book. We live pretty close to this museum, and we clearly need to journey there ourselves soon!

The Road Home: Animal Journeys

The Road Home features different animal journeys to their homes. This book is unique in its empathy for the hungry wolves while featuring bunnies fleeing from their jaws. I love author Katie Cotton’s final line in this picture book: “This road is hard, this road is long, but we are not alone. For you are here, and I’m with you… and so this road is home.” Sarah Jacoby’s illustrations are beautiful.

A Wordless Picture Book About a Journey

Journey was published back in 2013, but I couldn’t publish a post on picture books about journeys without including this exquisite wordless picture book. Children will pore over Aaron Becker’s vibrant illustrations in this award-winning book.

Do you have any favorite picture books about journeys that we should read? Please share your suggestions on my Facebook page , or tag me on Instagram .

MaryAnne Kochenderfer

MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.

4 thoughts on “Great Picture Books About Journeys for Kids”

I love wordless books for the stories they inspire in your head. I should have the kids do a writing assignment for one.

The art museum book sounds like it’d be fun to read.

We loved Journey. It actually has sequels – Quest and Return

What a fun list! Your family has taken some wonderful trips so I’m glad these picture books foster travel! Where are you going next?

Middle of nowhere, Idaho for a family reunion this summer. You have to get pretty remote to find a place that fits our entire family that is within our budget!

Comments are closed.

School Reading List

Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK

Home » Books for KS1 and EYFS school pupils - our reading lists » Year 2 recommended reading list for children aged 6-7

Year 2 recommended reading list for children aged 6-7

Books for Year 2 . Our reading list of 45 books, chosen by our children’s literary expert team of experienced and highly qualified school teachers and librarians, is designed to promote an early love of reading in Year 2. Children will enjoy a wide range of titles, including picture books, poetry, first readers, and chapter novels. This diverse selection contains both contemporary and classic books that teachers and school librarians have thoroughly tested with youngsters. Our Year 2 reading list includes works that will appeal to all skill levels, including the less able, the more able, reluctant readers, and struggling readers; these stories can be utilised for individual reading, reading with siblings, and whole class reading. This list of Year 2 reading books is reviewed each term and includes stories by Mac Bennett, Anete Melece, Joseph Coelho, Louise Fatio, Michael Rosen, Anthony Browne, Clotilde Perrin, Raymond Briggs, Wendy Orr, and more.

Books for Year 2 – our recommendations

Illustrated books for year 2, the star whale by nicola davies, illustrated by petr horáček.

The Star Whale is a visually stunning large format hardback collection of 40 poems, each beautifully paired with Petr Horáček’s vibrant illustrations. Celebrating the wonders of the natural world, from pangolins and bats to lions and a Titanosaurus, The Star Whale invites both enchanting imagination and deep contemplation. This inspirational book is a delightful read for young naturalists and a fantastic resource of nature poems for Year 2 teachers. An astoundingly beautiful book. Read our full review .

The Panda’s Child by Jackie Morris and Cathy Fisher

Only a boy and the spirit of the forest can save a panda’s child in this generational tale of nature, empathy and conservation. This large-format hardback would make the ideal gift book for Christmas or a glittering gem to read to groups of children at the end of a long day at school. Inside the gold foil-adorned cover there’s sumptuous artwork with full-colour double-page spreads. With a lyrical verse story, The Panda’s Child is a joy to read to children in Year 2 and one that will inspire children to consider and discuss how people and animals can live together.

Our Tower by Joseph Coelho & Richard Johnson

Three children escape from their tower block into a fantasy land of magic and adventure in this compelling illustrated modern fable. With a memorable story, interesting wordplay and spellbinding illustrations, this is a great text both to read and share and use to spark children’s writing about their own lives and homes.

Beti and the Little Round House by Atinuke

This exquisitely presented hardback collection of diverse short stories celebrates friendship, the wonders of the seasons and the power of nature. Through Beti’s escapades with her family and friends, including her goat Naughty, young readers will be enchanted by the masterful storytelling and delightful illustrations. Beti and the Little Round House is the perfect short story book children who are interested in the countryside.

The Lost Homework by Richard O’Neill, illustrated by Kirsti Beautyman

Sonny has lost his homework book and is worried about how his teacher will react. As he searches for the missing book, the reader learns about Sonny’s life as a Traveller, which includes going to a traditional wedding, helping his neighbours, and repairing one of the caravans they live in. A good picture book to show children how all of our lives are different, this text includes wonderful illustrations and a clever twist.

The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey

Two boys hypnotise their headteacher and create an alter ego – Captain Underpants – with wedgie power – fighting for good against evil. With eye-catching and cartoon-like illustrations, this book is sure to be a hit with reluctant readers, and with many other titles in the series, could be a springboard for getting your Year 2 pupils hooked on reading for pleasure.

Soren’s Seventh Song by Dave Eggers

6+ year olds will love this immersive picture book which tale blends fiction and nonfiction. Humpback whale Soren takes the reader of a journey of perseverance, friendship, and imagination. Weaving, laugh out load moments and scientific facts, it’s an ideal book for both home and school. Luna Valentine’s gorgeous illustrations will appeal to teachers looking for texts to support undersea worlds topics.

First chapter books for Year 2

Nikhil and jay: flying high by chitra soundar.

British Asian brothers Nikhil and Jay embark on four enjoyable escapades, including a spirited game of Dayan, park litter-picking with friends, kite crafting on a breezy day, and a playful approach to tidying up. Tailored for youngsters transitioning from picture books, this series captivates with relatable narratives. Ideal for children ready to embrace longer storybooks, it fosters a sense of fun within educational themes, making learning an immersive and enjoyable experience for early readers.

Isadora Moon Goes to School by Harriet Muncaster

Isadora loves the dark, bats, and wearing black. But she also likes playing outside, waving her magic wand and the colour pink. Perhaps it’s because her mum is a fairy and her dad is a vampire! The illustrated short chapter Isadora Moon books are perfect to get children in Year 2 hooked on reading for pleasure.

Big Sky Mountain by Alex Milway

Grandma Nan is no ordinary Grandma – she goes on adventures, canoes and lives in a log cabin – and Big Sky Mountain is beyond anything Rosa, a young city girl, could fathom. With immersive short descriptions, maps and illustrations, this is an exciting and easy-to-read nature story that will appeal to children reading chapter books for the first time. Read our full review .

Pirate School: Just a Bit of Wind by Jeremy Strong

Pirate school is a little different to an ordinary school. Lessons include learning how to walk the plank and hand-to-hand fighting. A funny story that will appeal to reluctant readers, this is a useful book for year two targeted group reading and catch-up reading strategies.

SuperQuesters – The Case of the Stolen Sun by Lisa Moss & Dr Thomas Bernard

A unique and innovative concept, with superhero STEM characters, sees Leo Zoom and Bea Bumble seeking out the reader’s help to solve a series of exciting challenges. An interactive, reader-led story that takes the characters on a quest where STEM skills, such as coding, problem-solving, spatial perception and algorithms must be mastered along the way. Featuring stickers, gameplay, and vibrant illustration, this series is bound to improve confidence and inspire interest in STEM. A great activity book for children interested in problem solving.

Marv and the Dino Attack by Alex Falase-Koya, illustrated by Paula Bowles

A class visit to the Natural History Museum is more exciting than Marvin and Joe could have imagined when a supervillain brings the dinosaur exhibits back to life. Can Marvin and his super-intelligent robot Pixel stop the prehistoric reptiles before it is too late? A gripping, fast-paced and fun first short chapter book.

Read alouds for Year 2

When dad’s hair took off by joerg muhle.

When Dad’s hair gets tired of being combed it takes off and begins a rollercoaster journey around the world, sending postcards from far-flung places. But one day, in an unexpected twist, Dad’s hair returns! With laugh-out-loud illustrations and memorable wordplay, younger children will request this catchy tale again and again.

Uncle Gobb and the Dread Shed by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Neal Layton

Malcolm is a normal boy, but all those around him a slightly strange. There’s a school that tries hard to make everything boring, a genie who appears if you rub your nose, and a city called Ponky. The first of a series, this is an ideal book for Year 2 children to read out loud.

Fungus the Bogeyman by Raymond Briggs

Full of snot, slime, smells, and much revoltingness, this book is bound to appeal to reluctant readers in year 2. The cracking illustrations make this a hit read and one that’s ideal for paired or buddy reading with siblings or older year groups. It’s also a useful classic text to use when exploring vivid descriptions that use the senses.

Bug Belly Froggy Rescue by Paul Morton

The second in the Bug Belly series, Froggy Rescue is a clever adventure for 5-7-year-olds that blends laugh-out-loud moments and a fast pace with eye-catching diagrams and illustrations. The highly engaging text will appeal to both emerging and reluctant readers, and the punchy dialogue is ideal to read aloud in a classroom. Add in some poo monsters and these books are sure-fire winners that provide a good option for children moving away from reading schemes in Year 2.

Mrs Wobble the Waitress by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

Mrs Wobble has her dream job – as a waitress – with one small problem. Her wobble. Faced with a jelly, she wibbles and wobbles and mayhem ensues. The sheer fun and great use of alliteration, onomatopoeia, and rhyme make this a great book to read around the class or for the teacher to perform in front of a class of 6-7-year-olds.

Clarice Bean, That’s Me by Lauren Child

At home, Clarice has to put up with her annoying younger brother, a really moody older brother, and a grandfather who pours soup on his cornflakes. A very funny story about Clarice, who just wants peace and quiet. One of a series of great books for Year 2 that are suitable for more independent readers.

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

The four Penderwicks sisters are all very different. When their father takes them on holiday to a huge country house, they embark on adventures none of them will ever forget. A great series of books for year 2 reading spaces, and ideal for teachers to read aloud with year 2 classes.

Fluff the Farting Fish by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Tony Ross

Elvie desperately wants a puppy and isn’t that impressed when Mum returns from the pet shop with a fish. The fish won’t do tricks or bark or sit up, but it does have one special talent… A fun book to read aloud, this text will work well as a whole class reader, or a story for the teacher to read aloud at the end of the day.

Whole class reading books for Year 2

The giraffe and the pelly and me by roald dahl, illustrated by quentin blake.

A crazy story about Billy, who wants to own a sweet shop, and the Ladderless Window Cleaning Company run by a giraffe, a Pelly and a monkey. A good introduction to Roald Dahl books for year 2 readers on the verge of moving away from structured reading schemes, this is a high-interest text that uses vibrant language to keep children interested. It’s also ideal for shared reading at home.

I Was a Rat!: Or, the Scarlet Slippers by Philip Pullman

A little boy turns up on the doorstep of Old Bob and his wife Joan, and when asked where he came from, says: “I was a rat!” An enthralling story with a clever twist and atmospheric writing, it’s ideal to read and discuss with your child in Year 2.

Gobbolino the Witch’s Cat by Ursula Williams

Gobbolino is a witch’s cat who longs to be someone’s pet. His search for a new home doesn’t start well as mysterious and strange things seem to happen all around him. This is a more advanced short chapter book for independent and greater-depth readers in year 2, and also a captivating and page-turning choice for a teacher to read aloud to the class.

The Dunderheads by Paul Fleischman, illustrated by David Roberts

Possibly the most evil teacher in the world gets her comeuppance in style thanks to Junkyard, Pencil and Spider, who come up with a cunning plan. This fun story with short chapters and rich language works well as a year 2 class reader or a read-aloud for the end of the day.

The Dragonsitter by Josh Lacey, illustrated by Garry Parsons

Young Edward has been asked to look after his uncle’s pet while he goes on holiday. But it’s no ordinary pet, it’s a dragon – who eats Jemima! Presented as a series of emails, this story is easy to read and very funny. A good book to inspire classroom penpals, non-fiction writing and ICT-related activities, this is also a well-paced and accessible text that will work well as a class reader in Year 2.

Books for less confident readers in Year 2

Dr xargle’s book of earthlets by jeanne willis and tony ross.

Human life is told through the unique perspective of Dr Xargle, an alien David Attenborough writing an observational travel guide. There are some hysterically funny descriptions of eating and babies. It’s ideal to read to your child in Year 2 and this book is guaranteed to cause fits of the giggles.

The Story of Babar by Jean De Brunhoff

Babar, an elephant, escapes from hunters by travelling to the city, where he learns a lot. On his return to the forest, he is crowned King of the Elephants. A great easy reader book for Year 2 pupils.

Salty Dogs by Matty Long

The Salty Dogs are a band of pirates constantly on the lookout for riches and treasure. Along the way, they meet outrageous sea monsters and a ship full of monkeys. The illustrations are filled with clever details and speech bubbles which are ideal for helping develop imagination. This is an ideal book for Year 2 children who are enthralled by pirate stories.

Hattie and Olaf by Frida Nilsson, illustrated by Stina Wirsén

When Hilda decides that she must have a horse to compete with her friend Ellen, who already has three, she thinks she’s finally persuaded her father to buy her one when a horse box pulls up. However, she’s beyond disappointed to meet its inhabitant – Olaf – who is definitely not a horse. With fast-paced dialogue, strong female characters, and lots of action, this bestselling story from Sweden is a fun read for children in Year 2 who are beginning to tackle chapter books independently.

Don’t Look in this Book by Samuel Langley-Swain

With an eye-catching cover and provocative title, this book is bound to appeal to reluctant readers in Year 2. The artwork is stunning, taking the reader on an imaginative journey through fantastical places including outer space and a luminous green sewer – all told in rhythmic rhyming couplets which will encourage reading out loud. There’s also an encouraging twist at the end which should inspire creative ideas for the classroom.

Rhyming picture book

Books for more advanced readers in Year 2

Beaver towers by nigel hinton.

Philip flies to a magical island with his enchanted kite and meets a world of Beavers. But all is not well – many of the beavers have been imprisoned by the evil Oyin, and only Philip can save them. A cracking page-turner for more confident six-year-old readers.

Mr Majeika by Humphrey Carpenter

Mr Majeika is no run-of-the-mill teacher. Amongst other things, he glides in each day by magic carpet and turns the class clown into a frog. School life will never be the same again! This imaginative short-chapter book is a good starting point for encouraging children to try longer and more complex texts in Year 2.

Unusual Day by Sandi Toksvig

Jessica brings her granny to school because she can spin plates. Told to come back next week, Jessica’s granny leaves—only to surprise everyone by returning later as a firefighter. A great group reading text for more advanced Year 2 readers.

Rescue on Nim’s Island by Wendy Orr

A stunning adventure story about Nym, who lives on a beautiful desert island with her friends Jack, Fred, Selkie and Chica. However, disaster strikes when Jack vanishes, and suddenly Nym needs all the help she can get. The book is best suited to independent 6-7-year-old readers who are looking for more challenging and adventurous chapter books.

The Kiosk by Anete Melece

This fascinating and unusual picture book story tells the story of Olga, a kiosk owner who spends so long in her workplace she becomes part of it. When two shoplifters strike, to the surprise of passers-by Olga uproots and makes chase – still attached to her kiosk. An unfortunate encounter with a dog on a bridge leads to a surprisingly happy ending. Quite unlike anything else you will read, this highly illustrated story is one of those books where children will spot or realise something new each time they reread it. It’s also an excellent Year 2 book to help illustrate three-act story structure in KS1&2 literacy lessons.

The Legend of Spud Murphy by Eoin Colfer

Not only does Will struggle to get any attention with four other brothers in the house, but his mother decides to send them all to the library – in the holidays! The librarian, Spud Murphy, is Will’s worst nightmare. But unexpectedly, things take a sharp turn for the better. A more challenging addition to your class library of books for Year 2 and a great book for teachers or parents to read aloud.

Classroom library books for Year 2

Britannica first big book of why by sally symes and stephanie warren drimmer.

Perfectly pitched for inquisitive children in Year 2, this is a wonderful book to keep children occupied, interested, and asking questions. With big, bold graphics, eye-catching photography, and accessible larger print text, this book will be at home in every primary school library – and will appeal to readers age 6+ as well as older reluctant readers. There’s also a quiz section that could be useful for group reading and informal comprehension tasks. Highly recommended.

Oxford Illustrated Children’s Dictionary by Oxford Dictionaries

With over 50,000 words and intuitive illustrations and photographs, this is the ideal first dictionary for children aged 6+. Age-appropriate definitions, colour-coded sections, a user-friendly margin alphabet index, clear concise usage examples and pronunciation guides make this dictionary a great choice both for school and home learning. The fun games and vocabulary puzzles are useful for stretching the more able.

Mog Time Treasury: Six Stories About Mog the Forgetful Cat by Judith Kerr

A collection of Judith Kerr’s Mog stories, including Mog the Forgetful Cat, Mog and Bunny, Mog and Baby, Mog on Fox Night, Mog’s Bad Thing and Mog’s Christmas. A brilliant collection of books for year 2 children to read in school or share at home, these stories will appeal to children who love animals and pets.

The Problem with Pierre by C.K. Smouha and Suzanna Hubbard

A charming and heart-warming story about Alan and Bertram, who live next door to each other. Both seem to have something missing in their lives and are brought together in a clever ending – despite their different personalities – through Bertram’s cat Pierre. There are lots of discussion points for KS1&2 PSHE – how to compromise, how to respect each other’s differences, and how to find happiness; and the simple and effective character descriptions are ideal to explore in KS1 literacy lessons. Art teachers will see lots of opportunities to inspire pastel work using illustrations as an impetus.

Classic Fairy Tales: The Illustrated Collection by Berlie Doherty and Jane Ray

Including retellings of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, Beauty and the Beast, Rumpelstiltskin, Aladdin and Snow White, the rich language and gorgeous illustrations will provide much inspiration for art ideas and creative writing. Ideal for class reading in Year 2.

The Happy Lion by Louise Fatio and Roger Duviosin

A fun and engaging story about a lion who just wants to thank the villagers for feeding him – only for chaos to ensue. Beautifully illustrated in pen and ink. A classic picture book, and ideal for independent or paired reading in year 2.

Texts to inspire teaching in Year 2

Triangle by mac barnett.

Ideal for reluctant readers to read aloud and discuss. Triangle is looking to get one up on his friend Square. But Square has other ideas. Clever and engaging with memorable illustrations. A useful book to explore in Year 2 PHSE lessons, this book will help teachers and pupils decide what to do when practical jokes go wrong, and how to avoid situations where neither person is prepared to lose face.

The Tear Thief by Carol Ann Duffy and Nicoletta Ceccoli

Each night, the mysterious Tear Thief takes away all the tears from every unhappy child. Where does the Tear Thief go, and what happens to all the tears? This is a useful book to help discuss feelings and emotions with infant pupils – especially during circle time. Atmospheric and poignant, and with rich and poetic language, this is an excellent text to build a year 2 literacy unit around.

Inside the Villains by Clotilde Perrin

This fantastically illustrated and highly original hardback presents fairy tale villains in forensic and scientific detail! The wolf, witch, and giant are dissected with a series of clues, strengths, weaknesses, personality traits, and physical attributes. The flaps to lift, ‘diabolical thoughts’, and even the stomach contents are a delight. A spectacular and interactive book like no other, this is a great text to inspire children to create monstrous characters in KS1 and KS2 creative writing.

Gorilla by Anthony Browne

A classic picture book for younger readers. When Hannah asks for a Gorilla for her birthday, she gets more than she bargained for – a real gorilla appears and takes her on a mesmerising and unexpected journey. This is a good book to help spark imaginative ideas from Year 2 pupils to then discuss, model and use in creative writing.

How To Live Forever by Colin Thompson

A unique and imaginative book about Peter, who lives in a magical library and is on the search for a very special book entitled: “How To Live Forever”. This book will provoke lots of questions from year 2 children, and it’s a useful text to spark discussion and ideas for creative writing and story starters.

The Day The Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

When Duncan opens his box of crayons, instead of colours, he sees letters spelling “We Quit!”. A very funny story which will appeal to all abilities. The concept and bright illustrations make this an ideal book for Year 2 pupils to provoke discussion in class and help model ideas for pupils’ writing.

Tuesday by David Wiesner

A magical picture book, with few words, where naughty frogs fly on magic lily pads to surprise people in all sorts of unexpected ways. Incredible artwork makes this an ideal Year 2 book for imaginative storytelling, especially with emerging readers.

Weslandia by Paul Fleischman, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

Mr Wolf’s Pancakes by Jan Fearnley

Traditional fairy tales, such as Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs are reworked in these extremely funny stories about a wolf who has some trouble making pancakes. A good source of ideas for creative writing story starters, this book is a useful text to build a short year 2 literacy teaching unit around.

The Enchanted Wood by Enid Blyton

Could you choose between the Land of Birthdays and the Land of Toys? This is a classic and captivating story set in a magical land. Suitable for very independent year 2 readers, or perfect to read aloud to a class in storytime over a couple of weeks, this is a useful book to inspire imaginative ideas for writing.

Click the buttons below to purchase all of the books in this Year 2 reading list, as well as class sets of any of these books and many more, from Bookshop.org UK. Or buy the 20 most popular titles from this list from Amazon – ideal for gifts or your classroom library.

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Books for year 2 video

Below is a video containing all our year 2 book ideas as a quick-fire video – suitable for classrooms, projectors, wall panel displays, school libraries and sharing on school websites and social media.

How many Year 2 books have you read?

Here’s a free background wallpaper of our recommended year 2 books list to use on your classroom computer.

Schools & teachers: please respect copyright and don’t copy our Year 2 book list. If you find our book recommendations useful, please consider sharing on social media or linking to this page instead. Thanks .

Books for Year 2 – what titles to recommend to children

In Year 2, the transition from picture books to books with longer text and short chapter books plays a crucial role in advancing children’s reading skills. It’s an opportune time to introduce them to narratives with more extended storylines and basic chapters, fostering the development of sustained focus and comprehension. Consider recommending books and collating a booklist for Year 2 students that strikes a balance between engaging illustrations and increased text complexity, gradually challenging them to follow more intricate plots. This transition allows Year 2 readers to experience a sense of accomplishment as they navigate through slightly more extended narratives, preparing them for the broader literary landscape they’ll encounter in the subsequent years of their reading journey.

What reading age should a Year 2 child be?

Year 2 children are generally expected to have a reading age ranging from 6 to 7 years old. It’s important to recognise the diversity in children’s developmental trajectories, acknowledging that some may surpass this average while others may require additional support. A well-curated year 2 booklist can help with this. National Curriculum guidelines ensure teachers can offer targeted assistance, provide suitable reading materials and create an enriching reading environment. Regular assessments and open communication between educators and parents contribute to a comprehensive understanding of each child’s progress, enabling personalised support tailored to their literacy development.

Click for more children’s reading book recommendations – Picture books to read before you are 5 years old |  Reception books | Year 1 books | Year 2 books (this page) | Year 3 books | Year 4 books | Year 5 books | Year 6 books | Topic books | KS3 books

If you liked our year 2 book list, why not try our Books for Year 1 reading list  or our list of recommended picture books ? We also have a great list of pirate-themed books for topics in year 2.

For even more books for 6-year-olds, see this list .

For more difficult titles, try our Books for Year 3 reading list .

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Journey Stories, Humphry’s Pebbles - KS1 Text Types: Writing Planners and Model Texts

Resource Collection WAGOLL: text types writing packs

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Explore a journey story in KS1 using this text type resource pack. Young writers will learn a simple story structure by reading the model text 'Humphry's Pebbles' - a short journey story where a young penguin goes in search of a new pebble to add to his collection. This simple narrative can be retold by pupils in KS1, acting out ideas to help sequence the story. The resources are based on a model text, with planning sheets to support pupils to retell or write their own version of a warning tale.

There are also opportunities to teach or revisit how apostrophes are used to show possession, and how sentences can be joined using the conjunctions 'and' and 'but'.

This WAGOLL journey story resource pack includes:

• Model text: Humphry's Pebbles - this model text is a simple journey tale where a character goes on a journey to find a new pebble. The model text can be used to learn the structure of a journey tale. A list of features to look for is included at the bottom of the page.
• Journey story writing sheet - this contains a success criteria list as well as information on how apostrophes are used to show singular possession and how the coordinating conjunctions 'and' or 'but' can be used.
• Story idea cards - pupils can use the image cards to help orally tell stories, choosing an object that a character might go on a journey to collect.
• Journey story planning sheet - this worksheet allows pupils to plan their own stories, sequencing events for their stories.
• Writing paper - the themed writing paper can be used for pupils to present their work.

National Curriculum English programme of study links:

• Pupils should be taught to write sentences by saying out loud what they are going to write about
• Pupils should be taught to write sentences by composing sentences orally before writing
• Pupils should be taught to write sentences by sequencing stories to form short narratives
• Pupils should be taught to develop their understanding of the concepts set out in Appendix 2 by ... joining words and joining clauses using and
• Pupils should be taught to develop positive attitudes and stamina for writing by writing narratives ...
• Pupils should be taught to develop positive attitudes and stamina for writing by considering what they are going to write before beginning by planning or saying out loud what they are going to write about
• Pupils should be taught to develop positive attitudes and stamina for writing by writing down ideas and / or key words, including new vocabulary
• Pupils should be taught to develop their understanding of the concepts set out in Appendix 2 by learning how to use ... apostrophes for the possessive (singular)
• Pupils should be taught to learn how to use ... co-ordination (using or, and, or but)

This resource is part of the WAGOLL: text types writing packs collection. View more from this collection

• Model text: Humphry's Pebbles
• Journey story writing sheet
• Story idea cards
• Journey story planning sheet
• Writing paper

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50 Recommended Reads for Year 2

This is our ultimate 50 books for children in Year 2 this year and our recommendations for a captivating book corner that encourages children to start clocking up the reading miles at this crucial stage of the reading journey. Lots of page-turners and short chapters to really build stamina and fluency as well as promote the sheer pleasure of reading stories, poems, picture books and non-fiction books when independence is opening doors to a breadth of reading material and learning.

Perfect for teachers to read aloud, this selection exudes quality and makes for a sound base of core books for sharing, re-reading and for children to take home and read for themselves. Selected books might inspire a book-led curriculum or with extra copies make a great class text?

As with our previous 50 Recommended Reads packs for Reception and Year 1 – the Year 2 pack includes a selection of: firm favourites; award-winning authors and illustrators; brand new highlights of the last year that we think stand out; books with a great range of characters to include diverse backgrounds and experiences; twisted fairy tales; rhyming stories and poetry anthologies; picture books with “something special” and outstanding non-fiction books to broaden children’s knowledge of the world. The Year 2 pack specifically includes very short and short page-turners as discussed in the Reading Framework 2023.

The selection is picked by our team of experienced book experts who collectively have over 25 years’ experience of buying books for schools, classrooms and family.

• Meet the Requirements of the new Reading Framework with Badger Learning

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Handa's Surprise: A Journey Story

• HANDAs surprise story final.pdf

Handa's Surprise Text Map

Unfortunately not the ones with chocolate chips.

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Summaries, Analysis & Lists

Stories About Journeys: Short Stories About Quests or Journeys

In these stories about journeys, characters make some sort of physical trip or quest and sometimes have a psychological journey as well. See also:

• Time Travel

Stories About Journeys

The Outcasts of Poker Flat | Bret Harte

In an effort to improve their town, the citizens of Poker Flat expel a group of undesirables from their midst. They set out for the next settlement, making a difficult mountain journey. On the way, they meet up with a couple headed for Poker Flat, who share some provisions and direct them to a cabin to rest.

This is the first story in the preview of  Big Book of Best Short Stories: Western .

“The Story of a Letter” by Carlos Bulosan

A man receive a letter from his son Berto who left home eight years prior. It’s in English, so neither he nor his younger son, the narrator, can read it. He has some ideas on how to get it translated. ( Summary )

Read “The Story of a Letter”

“At the Fall” by Alec Nevala-Lee

Eunice, a robotic hexapod, is deep under water along with her toroid companion, Wagner. They discover a fallen gray whale. They use it to recharge. Eunice was part of a five member crew that were mapping, analyzing and observing the underwater ecosystem and bringing their data to the surface. Now they’re on a dangerous journey.

This story can be read in the preview of  The Year’s Top Hard Science Fiction Stories 4 .  (46% into preview)

“The Golden Apples of the Sun” by Ray Bradbury

A rocket ship is nearing the sun and the temperature outside reaches a thousand degrees. Inside, the temperature is a thousand degrees below zero, maintained by many refrigeration units. The crew wears protective suits. They plan to fly right up to the sun. ( Summary )

“Precious Cargo” by C. H. Hung

The  USS Marilyn Barton  is a bioship, carrying a large human delegation. One of Marilyn’s rooms is sagging and has turned a sickly yellow. Doctor Thrasher is working to fix the problem. The life of the ship and the passengers are at risk. Normally, a bioship knows what is wrong with it, but the deterioration happened too quickly in this case. Marilyn needs to be healthy enough to get everyone to Aurigae Prime.

This story can be read in the preview of  Beyond the Stars: Infinite Expanse . (23% into preview)

“20/20” by Linda Brewer

Bill and Ruthie are on a road trip. Bill finds her conversation simplistic; she refuses to argue anything. She says what she sees along the way. ( Summary & Analysis )

Blue Winds Dancing | Tom Whitecloud

A young American Indian man, lonely and disillusioned with school, leaves for home to be with his own people again. ( Summary )

A Forward Movement | Louisa May Alcott

Miss Tribulation’s quest to become an army nurse continues as she boards a night-train in New York. Afterward, she reaches a boat in New London. She relates her interactions with other passengers and the difficulties of the trip.

This story can be read in the preview of  100 Great American Short Stories .  (25% into preview)

“Man and Woman” by Erskine Caldwell

A dejected and exhausted man and woman are walking at dawn. When they see a farmhouse in the distance, Ruth believes they’ll be able to get something to eat there.

This story can be read in the preview of The Stories of Erskine Caldwell .  (29% into preview)

“A Little Journey” by Ray Bradbury

Mrs. Bellowes is on Mars staying at Mr. Thirkell’s Restorium in preparation for a rocket trip to heaven which will bring her closer to God. She’s been there a week now, and it’s almost time for take off. ( Summary )

“A Journey” by Edith Wharton

A married couple are taking a train back home to New York. They have been away for the husband’s health, but he hasn’t improved. His wife still loves him, but she feels constrained by the situation. She wants her old life back. ( Summary )

Read “A Journey”

“The Walk Up Nameless Ridge” by Hugh Howey

Over sixty thousand feet up Mount Mallory on the planet Eno, one of the three climbing teams rests. The narrator is ashamed to admit he doesn’t want either of the other teams to make it. He wants the glory of being the first to summit this mountain. Governments and alpine clubs gave up conquering it long ago. Now, individuals who have climbed the highest peaks on their own worlds try to immortalize themselves on Mount Mallory.

This story can be read in the preview of  Machine Learning: New and Collected Stories .  (30% in)

“Tower of Babylon” by Ted Chiang

The Babylonians are building a tower to heaven. Hillalum arrives from Elam as part of the mining crew who will dig through at the top into the vault of heaven. On the ascent, Hillalum learns how the construction of the tower takes place, and what the plans are when the top is reached. There are many workers as well as people who live at various points on the tower.

A lot of this story can be read in the preview of  Stories of Your Life and Others . 

“A Newspaper Story” by O. Henry

The movement of a daily newspaper is tracked, along with the uses it’s put to. ( Summary ) It’s the newspaper that goes on a “journey” in this story.

Read “A Newspaper Story”

“Wild Honey” by Horacio Quiroga

Gabriel Benincasa, an accountant, feels a need to leave city life for a while to test himself in the jungle. His godfather warns him that he won’t last in the jungle and tries to discourage him from going off himself. ( Summary )

Read “Wild Honey”

“That Feeling, You Can Only Say What It Is In French” by Stephen King

Carol and Bill, married twenty-five years, are on their second honeymoon, driving to their destination. Carol experiences déjà vu; voices and images keep coming to her mind. Their drive comes to an end and she finds herself at an earlier point in their trip.

“Che Ti Dice La Patria?” by Ernest Hemingway

Two men travel near Savona. They let a man ride on the outside of their car with them into Spezia. They stop to eat at a restaurant where the waitresses are very friendly. They continue through the suburbs of Genoa.

Paul’s Case | Willa Cather

Paul gets suspended from his Pittsburgh High School. His father wants him to be a responsible wage-earning family man when he grows up, but Paul is drawn to a life of wealth and glamour, so he decides to go to New York.

Read “Paul’s Case”

Journey Stories, Cont’d

Here’s Your Hat What’s Your Hurry | Elizabeth McCracken

Aunt Helen Beck, a woman in her eighties, outspoken and eccentric, travels around to all her relative’s homes to stay for a while.

The Train | Flannery O’Connor

Haze, nineteen, is travelling by train to Taulkinham. The porter reminds him strongly of a man he used to know; he might even be the man’s son. He tries to find a way to talk to him.

Read “The Train”

Falling in Love | Sandra Birdsell

Lureen’s boyfriend leaves her as he’s done several times before. She tries to go back to her family by bus, but misses her connection, and has to walk thirty miles in the heat.

A Worn Path | Eudora Welty

An elderly African-American woman, Phoenix Jackson, walks through the Mississippi forest to get into town. She encounters many obstacles along the way.

The Swimmer | John Cheever

While relaxing at a friend’s pool, an affluent man decides to make his way home by swimming the length of the pools in his neighborhood.

The Furnished Room | O. Henry

A young man searches boarding houses looking for the woman he loves, a small-town girl trying to break in to show business.

Read “The Furnished Room”

Greyhound People | Alice Adams

The narrator boards a greyhound express bus to San Francisco with the feeling that she’s in the wrong place. On the way, a man angrily demands her seat, a woman tells a boy to be quiet and the boy’s mother confronts her, she listens to conversations, and has other interactions.

The Ultimate Safari | Nadine Gordimer

The narrator, a young girl, tells us that her mother and father left one day and never came back. Her village has been targeted by bandits who have taken everything. Fearing for their lives, the girl and her extended family set out on a long and difficult trek through South Africa to a refugee camp.

What I Have Been Doing Lately | Jamaica Kincaid

An unidentified and unnamed narrator answers the door but doesn’t find anyone there. After having a look around, the narrator goes on a dreamlike walk.

Stalking | Joyce Carol Oates

A thirteen-year-old girl, Gretchen, is pursuing her Invisible Adversary through the suburbs. She follows it through fields and across roads, and eventually into a shopping center.

Tears of Autumn | Yoshiko Uchida

Hana Omiya is on a ship going from Japan to the United States. She is seasick and nervous; she has some regret about the trip. She’s going to America to marry a man she has never met.

The Ugliest Pilgrim | Doris Betts

Violet Karl is traveling to Tulsa, Oklahoma to get healed by a televangelist—she was struck by an axe head as a child which disfigured her face. As she travels by bus, she meets several people who react to her in different ways.

The Facts of Life | Somerset Maugham

Nicky Garnet is a well liked young man who’s never given his parents any trouble. An opportunity arises for him to play in a tennis tournament in Monte Carlo. Nicky’s father doesn’t want him to go unsupervised.

The Hiltons’ Holiday | Sarah Orne Jewett

After a long day of hard work, John Hilton talks to his wife about their lives and daughters. He has the idea of taking his daughters on a small trip so they can see the world off the farm.

The Blue Jar | Isak Dinesen

A rich Englishman who only cares about collecting rare China is sailing with his daughter when the ship catches fire. His daughter is left behind in the confusion. She is rescued by a young sailor, and they float in the lifeboat for nine days before being picked up.

“The Blue Jar”

By the Waters of Babylon | Stephen Vincent Benet

The narrator, a young man, is the son of a priest, and will one day be a priest himself. The people are forbidden to go east to the Dead Places, or to cross the river to the Place of the Gods, except for a priest. There is another more primitive group called the Forest People. He sets out to the east on a journey.

Read “By the Waters of Babylon”

The Sun-Dog Trail | Jack London

Sitka Charley is relaxing after a day on the Alaskan trail. He and the narrator start talking about a painting, which reminds Sitka of an arduous journey he once made. When he was a letter carrier on Lake Linderman, a young woman hired him to take her to Dawson. Then she hires him to travel with her. She is desperately looking for something but doesn’t tell him what.

Read “The Sun-Dog Trail”

The Other Side of the Hedge | E. M. Forster

A man stops to rest on the side of the road. He is passed by some people, and also thinks of his brother whom he left behind. He notices a small opening in the hedge that lines the road. He pushes his way through it.

The Town of Cats | Hagiwara Sakutaro

The narrator used to take many drug-induced voyages. They had a bad effect on his health. He starts taking long walks, ending up in an unfamiliar, charming town. He relates one such walk he took while staying at a resort.

Identities | W. D. Valgardson

Moved by childhood memories, a man leaves his own affluent neighborhood and goes exploring. He ends up in a seedy area. He can’t blend in because he’s driving a Mercedes.

The Greatest Thing in the World | Norman Mailer

Al Groot, a young adult, enters a lunch wagon and tries to get a deal on a doughnut and coffee. He has been walking and hitch-hiking, trying to get to Chicago. When three men come in for a meal, Al tries to get a ride with them.

The Wisdom of the Trail | Jack London

Sitka Charley is an Indian who has left his own people to learn the white man’s sense of honor and the law. He’s a member of a traveling party led by Captain Effingwell. Only Sitka and the Captain are armed. Sitka warns two other Indians with their crew to carry out their duties properly.

Read “The Wisdom of the Trail”

Bitter Grounds | Neil Gaiman

The narrator is dead in every way that counts. He starts driving. He throws away his cell phone and withdraws all the money he can. After staying over at a motel, he meets a man in the lobby who’s waiting for a cab. He offers the man a ride.

Read “Bitter Grounds”

The White Silence | Jack London

Mason, Ruth (his wife), and the Malamute Kid are on the Yukon trail, low on food, with a long trip in front of them. They know they will have to eat some of the dogs. They reach a high bank that proves difficult for the weakened dogs to climb.

Read “The White Silence”

The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains | Neil Gaiman

The narrator, an unusually small man, is looking for a cave on the Misty Isle. He wants to hire Calum MacInnes as a guide. MacInnes is reluctant to go because of the legends about those who take gold from the cave. It is a long journey.

Read “The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains”

Passage | Kevin Jared Hosein

The narrator was drinking at a pub, The Tricky Jester. One of the regulars, Stew, told a story of when he hiked El Tucuche. He claims to have come across a house in the middle of the mountain, and to have seen a young woman there. The narrator works for the Forestry Division, and knows the wilderness well. He has doubts about Stew’s story. He decides to check for himself.

The Road from Colonus | E. M. Forster

Mr. Lucas is getting old—slowing down and losing interest in things. A forty year dream of his has been to go to Greece, and now he’s there. While traveling with his party on muleback, he pulls ahead of them and arrives at a small inn. It’s surrounded by plane trees, including one that is hollowed out and hanging over it, with water flowing from it. Mr. Lucas is struck by the scene.

Read “The Road from Colonus”

Rock Springs | Richard Ford

Earl is getting out of Montana—he’s had trouble with the law and with women. He leaves in a stolen car with his girlfriend, Edna, and his daughter, Cheryl. He hopes for a new start, but he seems to attract trouble.

Read “Rock Springs” (Pg. 48)

I’ll keep adding short stories about journeys or quests as I find more.

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New Wayne County Criminal Justice Center unveiled in Detroit, capping long 10-year journey

New wayne county criminal justice center opens its doors.

The center holds a new adult detention facility, juvenile detention facility, criminal court building, prosecutor’s office, and sheriff's office in about a million square feet.

DETROIT (FOX 2) - The new Wayne County Criminal Justice Center at 5301 Russell Street in Detroit was officially unveiled on Tuesday.

The center holds a new adult detention facility, juvenile detention facility, criminal court building, prosecutor’s office, and sheriff's office in about a million square feet.

"It's taken 10 years to get here," said Warren County Executive Warren Evans. "I think we’re on the right track."

In 2011, construction on a new jail started near the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice. But a few years later, construction on a partially built jail was halted and slapped with the "jail fail" nickname because it went way over budget and lawsuits ensued.

A new plan materialized and now the Criminal Justice Center is a reality and open to the public. One added component - it meant prisoners had to be transported there.

"It was so quiet in doing it that the residents didn’t know," said Wayne County Sheriff Raphael Washington. "Nobody was upset they were safe. Our inmates didn’t cause a problem."

But there were still concerns, and some residents like Patricia who live near the new center have concerns about prisoners being lodged there.

She took a tour of the site on Tuesday and says her fears have subsided.

"I feel more secure being inside seeing it and you have security outside too," she said.

Parking will be free an improvement over Frank Murphy Hall of Justice and the Third Judicial Circuit Criminal Division at the Wayne County Criminal Justice Center will include nearly 30 courtrooms. Public Wi-Fi access is available throughout the building.

There are also video cameras adding extra security.

"We have cameras all over the building and all over the complex some 2,000 cameras or so," Washington said.

Attorneys are also weighing in on the new center.

"Overall I think it’s fantastic," said Darnell Barton. "I started out at Frank Murphy (Hall of Justice) and to come over here is like a graduation moment."

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year 2 journey story talk for writing little charlie and the lighthouse keeper

Subject: English

Age range: 5-7

Resource type: Unit of work

Last updated

22 May 2023

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Talk for writing planning for Year 2. Journey story- Little Charlie and the Lighthouse Keeper. This took a 6 week term to teach with 30-45 minute lessons. Includes all flipchart paper examples, innovation text and model text with story map. Explores: -settings -verbs (past and present) -irregular verbs -adverbs -structure of a journey story -paragraphs -time phrases -expanded noun phrases -synonyms for said

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5 Key Lessons We Can Learn From a 32-Year-Old Who Earns 500k a Year

M arcus Gram's journey from earning $17 an hour to building a $500,000-a-year business is a remarkable example of determination and strategic thinking.

At 32, Marcus runs Joyner Vending, a successful vending machine company that operates in six states.

Just five years ago, he was living with his mom in Rochester, New York, and now he’s leading a thriving business.

Here’s how he made it happen, and the key lessons he learned along the way.

Invest in Your Online Presence

When Marcus decided to grow his business, one of his first steps was to invest in his online presence.

He knew that to attract more clients, Joyner Vending needed to be easily found online.

He spent $2,000 on a website overhaul, focusing on search engine optimization and improving the user experience.

This investment paid off as the newly optimized site brought in a steady stream of inquiries from businesses looking for reliable vending solutions.

By ensuring his company was visible and accessible online, Marcus opened the door to new opportunities and steady growth.

The takeaway? A strong online presence is crucial for business success.

2. Expand Your Clientele with New Opportunities

Initially, Marcus’s vending machines were primarily placed in schools and office buildings.

However, he recognized the potential for growth by tapping into different markets.

In 2022, he ventured into serving manufacturing companies, which offered unique benefits like subsidized employee pricing.

This move proved to be a game-changer, as the new client base provided consistent, high-volume sales.

By exploring different industries and adapting his offerings to meet their needs, Marcus was able to significantly boost his revenue.

The lesson? Don’t limit yourself—seek out new opportunities and be ready to adapt.

3. Build a Team to Support Your Growth

As Joyner Vending expanded, Marcus faced the challenge of managing operations across multiple states, with some locations running around the clock.

To keep up with the demand, he had to quickly scale his team.

Hiring the right people was crucial to maintaining the quality and reliability that Joyner Vending promised its clients.

Despite the initial struggle of managing everything himself, Marcus eventually assembled a dedicated team that now handles the daily operations.

This allowed him to focus on strategic growth.

The key insight? Surround yourself with a capable team to support your expansion.

4. Learn from Setbacks and Move On

Not every venture will be a success, and Marcus experienced this firsthand.

In 2022, he invested heavily in placing vending machines at two colleges in Pennsylvania.

Unfortunately, the return on investment was far lower than expected.

Rather than clinging to a failing investment, Marcus made the tough call to remove the machines after just five months, redirecting his resources to more profitable ventures.

This decision saved his business from a prolonged financial drain.

The lesson? Be willing to pivot quickly when things don’t go as planned, and use setbacks as learning opportunities.

5. Share Your Success with Others

Marcus believes that true success is about lifting others up along the way.

A key priority for him has been helping his employees start their own vending machine businesses.

He’s also supported his mother by gifting her a vending machine in her hometown, giving her the tools to start her own venture.

By empowering others to achieve their goals, Marcus is not only growing his business but also creating a community of entrepreneurs.

His goal for 2023 is to reach $1 million in sales, and his generous spirit is a big part of what drives his success.

The takeaway? Success is most fulfilling when it’s shared.

Final Thoughts: Dream Big and Stay Agile

Marcus Gram’s story is a powerful example of what can be achieved with vision, resilience, and a willingness to learn.

His journey from earning $17 an hour to running a $500,000 business is filled with valuable lessons for anyone looking to turn a side hustle into a thriving enterprise.

By dreaming big, staying agile, and lifting others as you rise, success is within reach.

• This 32-year-old was making $17/hour—now his side hustle brings in $500,000 a year. His top 5 business lessons
• How this 31-year-old turned his side hustle into a $300,000 vending machine business: ‘I only work 4 hours a week’
• 'I'm Really About To Retire In Like A Year' — At Age 31, Marcus Gram Has Inked His Biggest Contract Yet Thanks To Vending Machines
• Marcus Gram Says He Went From 'Living In Poverty' To Projected To Earn $500K In 2022 From His Vending Machine Business

A First-Year’s Journey to the ER Started with A Gift of Ice Cream

“Every time I read about Duke, I find something new I want to do,” says Rosie Smolowitz. “I can totally see myself going to all of those jewelry-making nights and going to the wellness center and just sitting in the mindfulness garden.”

It’s not surprising talk coming from the first-year student, given that she’s been part of so many projects over the years.

Smolowitz, a graduate of Myers Park High School in Charlotte, spent time volunteering at hospitals and the Ronald McDonald House. She co-founded the Sababa Jewish Culture Club at her high school and launched Pints 4 Providers, a project that, in collaboration with Ben & Jerry’s, delivered ice cream to more than 600 healthcare workers at hospitals and nursing homes to thank them for their hard work during the pandemic.

“I was trying to find a way to bring joy back into these hospitals and bring some sort of uplifting motivation. I realized that ice cream is what makes me smile,” she says.

Struggling with her Jewish identity led her to co-found Sababa. Not only did she want a safe space for other Jewish students, but she also wanted to educate non-Jews about Jewish culture, traditions and history.

“Education is the biggest way to combat antisemitism,” she says.

Smolowitz plans to double major in biological sciences and global health, with minors in psychology and Spanish. She aspires to become an emergency room doctor.

Her LinkedIn bio reads: “One of my biggest passions is helping others and making an impact, even if it just means making one person smile.” Now Smolowitz is smiling about her Duke journey. “I can't even explain the level of excitement that I feel. It’s just so homey. I love the campus so much,” she says.

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11-year-old boy confessed to killing former Louisiana mayor and his daughter, police say

An 11-year-old boy is in custody after he confessed to fatally shooting a former Louisiana mayor and his adult daughter, a police official said Monday.

Joe Cornelius Sr., 82, and Keisha Miles, 31, were found dead Sunday morning after officers were dispatched to the former official’s home in Minden, a city of nearly 12,000 east of Shreveport, the city’s police chief said.

Chief Jared McIver identified the boy as a relative of Cornelius’ but declined to provide additional details and said authorities have not determined a possible motive. He said the child’s age limited what information police could release about his relationship to the victims.

Police initially said the child was 10, but in an interview Tuesday, McIver said police had determined through his school system that he was 11.

He is being held on two counts of first-degree murder and his bond was set at $500,000, McIver said. He said it was unclear whether the child has a lawyer to speak on his behalf.

Reached by phone Tuesday, Miles’ mother declined to comment other than to say she was heartbroken and that she had been advised by police not to speak publicly.

The bodies of Cornelius and Miles were found with multiple gunshot wounds, said McIver, who said that two handguns were used and that their magazines were emptied. McIver said the handguns had been hidden on the property and that the calibers matched shell casings at the scene.

A 6-year-old child who was at the home at the time of the shooting was not injured, McIver said.

The older boy told responding officers “a story at first that just didn’t add up,” McIver said, but by Sunday afternoon had confessed to the shooting. He said police were called to the scene at 6:30 a.m. and by noon, the child had confessed.

His grandmother —  who is Miles’ mother —  was with him at the time of the confession, McIver said.

Asked how the 11-year-old had accessed the guns, McIver said: “We can’t divulge that just yet.”

McIver said the child did not appear remorseful when interviewed by police.

“What I would say would be remorseful — sadness, sorrowful, apology, crying — none of those things happened,” McIver said Tuesday, adding that he recognized that people grieve differently.

Cornelius was a well-known community activist, City Council member and deputy ward marshal for the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, NBC affiliate KTAL of Shreveport reported .

In 2013, while on the City Council, Cornelius was appointed interim mayor after the mayor died in office, the station reported.

In a statement Sunday, Minden Mayor Nick Cox said he was grateful for Cornelius’ friendship and “the many ways he supported me and others in our city.”

“Joe Cornelius’s years of service to Minden were marked by his commitment and dedication to the betterment of our community,” Cox said, adding: “Let us come together as a community to honor Joe’s memory and support one another through this time of grief.”

Tim Stelloh is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.

Janelle Griffith is a national reporter for NBC News focusing on issues of race and policing.

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Texas family’s beloved cat returns home after 2,000-mile adventure.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass.  – Only Shoto knows the true story of his incredible journey from Texas to Massachusetts. 

The skinny stray cat’s experiences and the encounters he made along the way are mysteries that will forever fascinate. Yet one thing is certain: The pet’s owners are sleeping better tonight, reunited with their first family cat after a two-year search.

Nearly 2,000 miles separated Shoto from his Texas family, who faced the unthinkable when their beloved cat disappeared during a brutal January cold snap.

Despite their best efforts, he was never found until the  Dakin Humane Society  in Springfield, Massachusetts, fulfilled their deepest wish.

Staff members at the shelter were left in disbelief recently after a good Samaritan brought in a frail cat who needed help. A microchip scanner chirped when it hovered over the feline’s implant. 

It was Shoto.

When Dakin’s Massachusetts area code came up on Shoto’s family’s phone, the cat’s owner almost shrugged it off as a telemarketer or other unwanted call. 

“Thankfully, we made contact,” the shelter said.

Without hesitation, the cat’s owner made plans to drive to Dakin, a 26-hour-each-way journey from Texas, to reunite with their beloved Shoto.

“No one except for Shoto will ever know how he got to Massachusetts,” the shelter said. “That adventure will forever remain his secret.”

Dakin Humane Society said it was honored to reunite the family after such a long time apart, thanks to the amazing power of a microchip.

Yet while microchips are invaluable for reuniting lost pets, the shelter said they are not a real-time tracking solution.

“Keeping your microchip contact information up to date is critical in the event the unthinkable happens; your pet goes missing,” the shelter notes on its  website .

You can visit the  American Animal Hospital Association’s microchip database  and start with your pet’s microchip number to locate the company it’s registered with. From there, you can contact that company to update a phone number, change in ownership or an address.

“Microchips are useful pieces of technology,” the shelter said. “(They) help keep people and pets together and have been the reason for reuniting countless families.”

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Police say 11-year-old used 2 guns to kill former Louisiana mayor and his daughter

Police say an 11-year-old boy is suspected of using two guns to fatally shoot a former Louisiana mayor and his daughter over the weekend

MINDEN, La. -- An 11-year-old boy is suspected of using two guns to fatally shoot a woman and her father, an 82-year-old man who once served as mayor, city council member and deputy sheriff in Louisiana, police said Tuesday.

A 911 caller told police on Sunday morning that there were two dead people in a house in the northern city of Minden, said Police Chief Jared McIver, who did not identify the caller. Responding officers found the bodies of Joe Cornelius Sr. and his daughter Keisha Miles, 31, at the residence. The 11-year-old was on the scene at the time, he said.

“The juvenile gave us a story at first that just didn’t add up,” McIver said Tuesday at a news conference. He said eventually the child confessed to the killings while being questioned with an adult relative present. But he said police are still uncertain about his motives. Police originally reported the child’s age as 10 but corrected that Tuesday.

“Who knows why someone would do something this malicious? And at that age,” McIver said.

McIver declined to identify the boy by name or detail his relationship to the victims, citing Louisiana law regarding juvenile suspects.

The child was being held Tuesday on a $500,000 bond for two counts of first-degree murder.

Louisiana law allows juveniles to be tried as adults for first-degree murder and other specified violent crimes, but not if they are under the age of 14. District Attorney Schuyler Marvin told KTBS-TV that conviction on the current charges could result in the child being held in a juvenile facility until he is 21.

Investigators found two hidden weapons of a caliber that matched shell casings found near the bodies, McIver said. He said investigators are doing more testing to confirm that both were used in the slayings. He declined to say what types of firearms were found.

Cornelius was a longtime member of the Minden city council who was appointed mayor for a time in 2013 after the previous mayor died. He was also a former sheriff’s deputy, ward marshal and former funeral home worker who had run programs for youth and helped launch local Black history events.

“Joe Cornelius’ years of service to Minden were marked by his commitment and dedication to the betterment of our community,” Minden Mayor Nick Cox said in a statement. “On a personal note, I am grateful for his friendship and the many ways he supported me and others in our city.”

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