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Stephen Connor

@sconnor7.bsky.social

590 followers 510 following 480 posts

primary teacher • children’s literature • running • walking • poetry (The Toy & The Dirigible Balloon) • instagram @mr_connor_reads • UKLA • reading ‘The Fantasy of Grammar’

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Stephen Connor @sconnor7.bsky.social · Jan 6

Books read in 2025

1. I Who Have Never Known Men
Jacqueline Harpman

Forty women imprisoned and guarded by men. Solidarity, kinship and a lot of bleakness - dystopian and dark.

Cover of Jacqueline Harpman’s ‘I Who Have Never Known Men’

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Stephen Connor @sconnor7.bsky.social · 3d

Júlia Sardà is a genius.

Stephen Connor @sconnor7.bsky.social · 5d

Some wonderful books to review for Shelf here - very lucky and very happy!

Stephen Connor @sconnor7.bsky.social · 6d

Listening to Pie Corbett talk to Nikki Gamble @justimaginecentre.bsky.social lamenting the ‘knowledge-rich’ curriculum and its impact on the imagination of our children. Fully agree - poetry can unlock this in so many ways #NationalPoetryDay #NPD2025

Stephen Connor @sconnor7.bsky.social · 9d

September.

Reposted by Stephen Connor

Louie Stowell @louiestowell.bsky.social · 10d

This is my Lokifesto #KidsConf #UKkidlit #edusky lokibooks.com/lokifesto/

A poster of a manifesto about reading, by Loki, with 6 points on reading "bad" books, short books, comics, audioooks, webcomics and fanfic, plus not finishing bad books cos life is too short.

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Stephen Connor @sconnor7.bsky.social · 15d

117. Wildlands
Brogen Murphy

A really interesting premise - years into the future, part of the UK has been rewilded, and humans have moved out. The only way through the Wildlands is one train. When Astrid and Indie fall off the train, they have to survive with little more than instinct.

Reposted by Stephen Connor

Just Imagine @justimaginecentre.bsky.social · 18d

Does your class love graphic novels? We are thrilled that Mai K. Nguyen is joining us for a Children's Authors Live event on Friday, 26th September at 1:15
justimagine.co.uk/author-live/... @uklitassociation.bsky.social @sconnor7.bsky.social @samcreighton.bsky.social

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Stephen Connor @sconnor7.bsky.social · 22d

116. John the Skeleton
Triinu Laan & Marja-Liisa Plats

A very excellent and very entertaining tale of John, a former science lab skeleton who is adopted. A humorous picture book, showing how John’s presence brings joy to many - a visual treat.

Stephen Connor @sconnor7.bsky.social · 22d

115. Cardboard Kingdom: Snow and Sorcery
Chad Sell

This is such a brilliant series. A celebration of play and imagination, with some developed back stories too. Fantastic!

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Stephen Connor @sconnor7.bsky.social · 22d

114. Spirit Warriors
Ashley Thorpe

Jamaican history and beliefs come together in this magical, fast-moving fantasy.

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Reposted by Stephen Connor

UKLA @uklitassociation.bsky.social · 23d

Your 2026 UKLA Book Awards Longlists are here - the only national children’s book awards judged by teachers!

This year they feature books in translation, past winners, exciting debuts and a huge range of genres and themes.

Click here to see the full Longlists: ukla.org/ukla-book-aw...

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Reposted by Stephen Connor

UKLA @uklitassociation.bsky.social · 26d

#UKLALucky13th Discover the must-read narrative verse YA novel, Not Going to Plan by previous UKLA winner, Tia Fisher. An often hilarious, yet profoundly moving and beautiful novel that captures teenagehood, its pressures and its complexities. Members, RP for a chance to win 1/3 copies

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Stephen Connor @sconnor7.bsky.social · 29d

Love a map. Hate misspellings of place names 😭 @vocabularyninja.bsky.social @lockwoodcm.bsky.social

A map from a children’s book in which the town of Middlesbrough is misspelt.

Stephen Connor @sconnor7.bsky.social · 29d

113. My Friends
Fredrik Backman

Just beautiful. A piece of art brings two unlikely characters together, and the story of the art’s inspiration is revealed, piece by piece. A celebration of the power of art, but more the depth of love and friendship. Loved it.

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Stephen Connor @sconnor7.bsky.social · 29d

112. Running My Own Race
Abena Eyeson

A story about a Kofi, a boy who wants to be (and could be) a top runner, but finds social class and racism blocking his way. Powerfully written.

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Stephen Connor @sconnor7.bsky.social · Sep 6

Love it 😊

Stephen Connor @sconnor7.bsky.social · Sep 6

Love this. Will send a picture of mine next week if I remember. If I ever move schools I’ll have to hire a van.

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Reposted by Stephen Connor

Marina Purkiss @marina-purkiss.bsky.social · Sep 6

What utter dickheads we are…

Rayner fought for workers: sick pay, maternity rights, protection from unfair dismissal

Farage and his MPs voted it down

Rayner gets binned over £40k in stamp duty

Farage dodges £44k, shrugs & strolls on

The mega wealthy win again.

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Reposted by Stephen Connor

Dr. Mary Roche @marygtroche.bsky.social · Sep 5

The Wolf is an amazing book from Australia that still leaves me with questions. The others all come from the fantastic Book Island website. Gorgeous translated books, superbly illustrated.

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Reposted by Stephen Connor

Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · Sep 3

Nigel Farage looks uncomfortable as Jamie Raskin uses his opening statement to absolutely demolish him

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Stephen Connor @sconnor7.bsky.social · Sep 2

111. Strange Pictures
Uketsu

Three mysteries linked by unusual pictures. A great twist and very clever.

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Stephen Connor @sconnor7.bsky.social · Aug 31

August’s reading.

Stephen Connor @sconnor7.bsky.social · Aug 31

110. Tosh’s Island
Linda Sargent, Joe Brady & Leo Marcell
@dfbstoryhouse.bsky.social

First serialised in The Phoenix, Tosh’s story of a debilitating illness is told from beginning to end, exploring how it affects her friendships, family, and mental health. Gorgeous graphic novel.

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Stephen Connor @sconnor7.bsky.social · Aug 31

109. Conn of the Dead
Dave Rudden & Ali Al Amine

Irish mythology reawakens as the Abhartach comes to life. Can Conn make the right decisions? Humour, horror and a great representation of an ADHD child.

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Stephen Connor @sconnor7.bsky.social · Aug 31

108. Dungeon Runners Level 3: Ocean Chase
Kieran Larwood & Joe Todd-Stanton
@kieranlarwood.bsky.social

This brilliant series continues with the next quest for Triple Trouble - humour, action and friendship throughout, as well as excellent illustrations. But what are the Roost Raiders hiding?