Janina Ramirez's Reading List

"An obvious choice for me, but truly a staggeringly important book for anyone interested in the myths of the Vikings. I have studied all these texts in the original Old Norse, but Gaiman has done something superb with them: he was woven them into compelling narratives for a Marvel-book comic-loving generation, who can find fun, drama and excitement in these thousand year old stories. “A staggeringly important book for anyone interested in the myths of the Vikings” Neil is a personal friend and has been a huge support with the launch of Riddle of the Runes . We share a fascination with the imaginative world of the Vikings. My kids have also adored listening to this on audiobook – his voice is so calming, while the adventures are so wacky!"

"This can be read as a counter to Riddle of the Runes . While I went for historical context and a compelling mystery with a female lead, Bradman has more fantasy/supernatural elements and a male protagonist. Sign up here for our newsletter featuring the best children’s and young adult books, as recommended by authors, teachers, librarians and, of course, kids. But it is couched in excellent research on the period and brings the Viking world to life in a vivid and dramatic way."

"This child’s laureate knows how to tell a tale for children. I’ve been obsessed with the original Beowulf and have poured over every line for nearly two decades. But Morpurgo manages to maintain the magic, monsters and military might of the original, while creating a story that modern day children can connect with. “ This book will bring many new young readers to the original English epic” Despite being a serious Anglo-Saxon scholar, I am passionate about sharing and communicating the things I love with wider audiences. This book manages that beautifully and will bring many new young readers to the original English epic."

"As well as an Anglo-Saxonist, I’m also an art historian. The subject can sometimes be held at a distance for children, but the wonderful Cottrell-Boyce breaks down that divide in this brilliant book. Frank is a fabulous man, with a kind heart, who has helped me no end. “This excellent story allows children to connect with the beauty and significance of art” That he writes incredibly well for children just makes me love him all the more. Framed returns to historical accounts of masterpieces stored in Welsh mines as the source for inspiration for this excellent story, and it allows children to connect with the beauty and significance of art. While bodies, spirits, voices of individuals die and decay, the artworks they leave behind are traces that can still speak to us across the centuries. When an artist sits in front of a canvas and paints they are leaving behind a wealth of information about the time they live in and the person they are for later generations to decode. Art is as rewarding as literature for revealing insights into lost imaginations, but the fact that it involves all our senses, and is a physical object that has beaten the tides of time and survived while the individuals that made it have long perished, to me that makes art works actual witnesses of the past. What could be more exciting than having a chat with someone from history? Art allows us to do that!"

"I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t give special mention to the Horrible Histories books. These short, accessible, illustrated wonders have exposed my children to characters from across history and the world. The Vikings book is especially good since it plays on the myths surrounding these ‘vicious’ barbarians, while exposing readers to the complex and fascinating world of travel, trade and tradition that underline these misconceptions. Laugh out loud funny at times, I salute the Horrible Histories team for all they have done for this upcoming generation of history lovers."