Education books

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Educational Bio

As well as writing mainstream YA and children's fiction, Phillip also freelances as an education writer.

Elementary (primary) teacher with over ten years’ experience teaching kindergarten – 5th grade (years 1-6)
  • Writer of educational resources and fiction for children and young adults. Over 50 books published, both fiction and non-fiction along with numerous articles, teacher notes and guides.
  • Publishers include Macmillan, Penguin, Pearson, Oxford University Press, Cengage, Essential Resources, Raintree (UK), Lift Education and Iversen.
  • Currently working towards his Doctorate in Education focussing on motivating childrens' writing
  
 Qualifications
  • Master of Creative Writing (1st class Hons)
  • Post Graduate Certificate in Education and Professional Development
  • Master of Arts Degree (Hons) in Anthropology
  • Bachelor of Arts (Ancient History and Archaeology)
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary)
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Museum Studies

Chapter books

Medieval Mayhem

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Medieval Mayhem


Published: 20/06/2014
ISBN : 9781458644145
RRP:
Type: Paperback 
Pages:  
Imprint: Macmillan Education

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Alien Artefact

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Alien Artefact


Published: 20/06/2014
ISBN : 9781458644077

RRP:
Type: Paperback 
Pages:  
Imprint: Macmillan Education

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Skate Park Survival

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Skate Park Survival

Published: 11/06/2014
ISBN : 
RRP:
Type: Paperback 
Pages:  
Imprint: Pearson


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The City of the Dulucs

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The City of the Dulucs

Published: 11/06/2014
ISBN : 9781486007974 
RRP:
Type: Paperback 
Pages:  
Imprint: Pearson


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Raintree UK (Young Explorer: Text Structures Series, July 2014)

Click here to go to Raintree's website

Camp Rocks

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Camp Rocks

Published: 09/01/2012
ISBN : 9781442537651 
RRP:
Type: Paperback 
Pages:  
Imprint: Pearson


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Trouble at the sandpit

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Trouble at the Sandpit

Published: 09/01/2012
ISBN : 9781442537590 
RRP:
Type: Paperback 
Pages:  
Imprint: Pearson


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Hamsterboy - the birth of a hero

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Series: Sprints - Reading Levels 12-19 Green


Harry's new pet hamster, Sid, looks cute and adorable but under that chubby, fluffy exterior are incredible superpowers. Unknown to Harry, Sid is about to change his life forever...Meet Hamsterboy - a new breed of superhero!

Published: 2011
ISBN : 9781420292268 
RRP: $9.95
Type: 
Pages:  
Imprint: Macmillan


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Hamsterboy and the case of the trapped kitty

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Series: Sprints - Reading Levels 28-30 Purple


There's a commotion on Rabbit Hill. Something terrible has happeneded to Cuddles, the school cat. Who can we call? Who can save Cuddles? Only one name springs to mind - Hamsterboy!


Published: 2011
ISBN : 9781420292404 
RRP: $10.95
Type: 
Pages: 
Imprint: Macmillan


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Hamsterboy and the case of the missing lunchbox

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Hamsterboy and the agents from SHAC

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Hamsterboy and the interschool vegetable-growing competition

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apollo 13

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Literacy Network
Middle Primary Level
Published: 2010
ISBN : 9781420290561 
RRP: $10.90
Type: 
Pages:  
Imprint: MacMillan

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Tutankhamen

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Literacy Network
Middle Primary Level
Published: 2010
ISBN : 9781420290639 
RRP: $10.90
Type: 
Pages:  
Imprint: MacMillan

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K-9 spies

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Literacy Network
Upper Primary Level
Published: Feb 2010
ISBN : 9781420290691 
RRP: $10.90
Type: 
Pages:  
Imprint: MacMillan

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Asteroid Attack

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Published: 15 Oct 2007
ISBN-10: 1420262033
ISBN: 9781420262032
RRP: $10.95 
Type: PAPERBACK (PB)  
Pages:  56
Publisher: MacMillan

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Rogue Robot

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In this science fiction story Joshua wakes up to find himself on a spaceship, hurtling through space. He's just been defrosted - only 74 years too soon!
Reading Age: 9.5 - 10.5 years
Genre: Science Fiction


Published: 15 Oct 2007
ISBN-10: 1420262017
ISBN:9781420262018 
RRP: $10.95 
Type: PAPERBACK (PB)  
Pages: 48
Publisher: MacMillan 

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Jed and the master robot

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Ever had a crazy uncle? Jed has, and he likes to hang out with him. Trouble is, he is not allowed to anymore. They always end up in some sort of adventure - like the one they are in right now with the master robot!
Reading Age: 9.4 years
Genre: Action Adventure
Subject: Physical Science - Batteries and Circuits
Published: 03 May 2007

ISBN-10: 1420218980
ISBN : 9781420218985
RRP: $10.95 
Type: PAPERBACK (PB)  
Pages:  72
Publisher: MacMillan

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The Miners and the Morkoths

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John and Anna get to accompany their dad on a tour of the mines. When an explosion occurs, it seems there is no escape until strange creatures offer them help. But what will the creatures want in return?
Reading Age: 10.9 years
Genre: Fantasy
Subject: Physical Science - Fossil Fuels

Published: 03 May 2007
ISBN-10: 1420219162
ISBN: 9781420219166
RRP: $10.95 
Type: PAPERBACK (PB)  
Pages:80
Publisher: MacMillan
Want to buy this book? 
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Slimy s;lug planet

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It looked like a nice planet to explore. That was, until the giant slugs captured everyone except Bree and her robot ,Sam. Can they possibly save the day?
Reading Age: 9.0 years
Genre: Science Fiction
Subject: Life Science - Recycling

Published: 03 May 2007
ISBN-10: 1420218921
ISBN:9781420218923
RRP: $10.95 
Type: PAPERBACK (PB)  
Pages:  Publisher: MacMillan

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Houdini

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Published: 07 Dec 2009
ISBN :9781420277807  
RRP: $9.00
Type: 
Pages:  
Imprint: MacMillan

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The best animal in the forest

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The PM Story Books from Purple level feature a range of different activities and sports that attract children at this age. Wolf, Snake, Dragonfly, Frog and Eagle each think that they are the best animal in the forest. They all try to prove they can do something that the others can't do. Will Owl be able to help them?

Format Paperback
Publication date 29 Dec 2014
Publisher Cengage Learning Australia
Publication City/Country South Melbourne, Australia
Edition New edition
Edition statement New edition
ISBN10 017035427X
ISBN13 9780170354271​

What is soil?

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The PM Story Books from Purple level feature a range of different activities and sports that attract children at this age. Soil is very important. We use it to grow plants and food. Find out about the different types of soil, how soil is formed and what soil is used for.

Format Paperback
Publication date 29 Dec 2014
Publisher Cengage Learning Australia
Publication City/Country South Melbourne, Australia
Edition New edition
Edition statement New edition
ISBN10 017035444X
ISBN13 9780170354448​

All about spiders

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Spiders are animals with eight legs. They spin webs to catch their food. Spiders live all around the world. Find out more about spiders in this book.

Format Paperback
Publication date 03 Jan 2015
Publisher Cengage Learning Australia
Publication City/Country South Melbourne, Australia
Edition New edition
Edition statement New edition
ISBN10 0170358747
ISBN13 9780170358743​

Space holiday

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Anna, Jake and their parents are flying through space in a spaceship, on their way to Planet Fun for a holiday. They are all very excited ' until they see a big object in their path! Will they make it to Planet Fun?

Format Paperback
Publication date 03 Jan 2015
Publisher Cengage Learning Australia
Publication City/Country South Melbourne, Australia
Edition New edition
Edition statement New edition
ISBN10 0170358798
ISBN13 9780170358798​

The great rainbow hill council debate

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Published:07 Dec 2009
ISBN :9781420277678 
RRP: $9.00
Type: 
Pages:  
Imprint: MacMillan

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Natural disasters

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Natural disasters can cause people pain and suffering. They can also damage roads and buildings. This book looks at some of the most recent natural disasters around the world and how people can better control their impact.

Series: Springboard Into Comprehension 4

Reading age 8.5 - 9.5 years
Published:
ISBN : 9781420276121  
RRP: $9.00
Type: PAPERBACK (PB)  
Pages:  
Imprint: MacMillan

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Educational resources for teachers

Springboard B Multiple Intelligence Black Line Masters Levels 9-16

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Published: 23 April 2008
ISBN : 9781420267587 
RRP: $43.70
Type: 
Pages: 128
Imprint: Macmillan

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Springboard Level 1-8 Multiple Intelligence BLMs Set A Pack

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Published: 23 April 2008
ISBN : 9780732994792 
RRP: $34.95
Type: 
Pages:  
Imprint: Macmillan


Want to buy this book? 
Click here to go to the publishers website.

Non-fiction writing for Years 3-4

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Book 1 Years 3–4. 
Code 5721. 
ISBN 978-1-927190-97-5
Publisher: Essential Resources

Each book in this series:

·         focuses on both surface and deeper features of students’ writing
·         describes the features of non-fiction text types
·         includes levelled writing exemplars for student analysis and group or class discussion
·         models how to use exemplars to stimulate and develop students’ writing.

In this series, Phillip Simpson shares his expertise in teaching writing with teachers. He provides a clear and concise account of writing pedagogy followed by sections on each of the non-fiction text types – recounts, reports, explanations, expositions and procedures. These sections include descriptions of the structure, text features, and purpose of each text type. An engaging collection of carefully-chosen texts is included as exemplars of each text type. Discussion points that support students to analyse the text structures enhance the teaching value of these exemplars. Non-fiction Writing will support teachers to teach the details of writing with clarity while inspiring students to write with confidence.

Non-fiction writing for years 5-6

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Book 2 Years 5–6. 
Code 5722. 
ISBN 978-1-927190-98-2
Publisher: Essential Resources

Each book in this series:

·         focuses on both surface and deeper features of students’ writing
·         describes the features of non-fiction text types
·         includes levelled writing exemplars for student analysis and group or class discussion
·         models how to use exemplars to stimulate and develop students’ writing.

In this series, Phillip Simpson shares his expertise in teaching writing with teachers. He provides a clear and concise account of writing pedagogy followed by sections on each of the non-fiction text types – recounts, reports, explanations, expositions and procedures. These sections include descriptions of the structure, text features, and purpose of each text type. An engaging collection of carefully-chosen texts is included as exemplars of each text type. Discussion points that support students to analyse the text structures enhance the teaching value of these exemplars. Non-fiction Writing will support teachers to teach the details of writing with clarity while inspiring students to write with confidence.

Non-fiction writing for years 7-8

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Book 3 Years 7–8. 
Code 5723. 
ISBN 978-1-927190-99-9
Publisher: Essential resources

Each book in this series:

·         focuses on both surface and deeper features of students’ writing
·         describes the features of non-fiction text types
·         includes levelled writing exemplars for student analysis and group or class discussion
·         models how to use exemplars to stimulate and develop students’ writing.

In this series, Phillip Simpson shares his expertise in teaching writing with teachers. He provides a clear and concise account of writing pedagogy followed by sections on each of the non-fiction text types – recounts, reports, explanations, expositions and procedures. These sections include descriptions of the structure, text features, and purpose of each text type. An engaging collection of carefully-chosen texts is included as exemplars of each text type. Discussion points that support students to analyse the text structures enhance the teaching value of these exemplars. Non-fiction Writing will support teachers to teach the details of writing with clarity while inspiring students to write with confidence.

Narrative Fiction writing for Years 7-9

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Years 7–9. 
Code 5843. 
ISBN
Publisher: Essential resources

This series supports teachers to teach the details of how to write clearly while inspiring students to write with confidence. After giving a clear and concise account of writing pedagogy and the structure of narratives, the book describes the structure, text features and purpose of some of the most popular text types - action and adventure, crime and mystery, folk tales, science fiction and fantasy. An engaging collection of carefully chosen texts is also included as exemplars of each text type. Discussion points that support students to analyse the text structures enhance the teaching value of these exemplars. Authored by an expert in teaching writing, this book will help guide students to write clear, compelling narrative fiction.

More Narrative Fiction writing for Years 7-9

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Years 7–9. 
Code 5905. 
ISBN 
Publisher: Essential resources

This series supports teachers to teach the details of how to write clearly while inspiring students to write with confidence. After giving a clear and concise account of writing pedagogy and the structure of narratives, the book describes the structure, text features and purpose of some of the most popular text types - action and adventure, crime and mystery, folk tales, science fiction and fantasy. An engaging collection of carefully chosen texts is also included as exemplars of each text type. Discussion points that support students to analyse the text structures enhance the teaching value of these exemplars. Authored by an expert in teaching writing, this book will help guide students to write clear, compelling narrative fiction.
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This book, authored by a specialist writing teacher, concisely summarises the problems associated with motivating boys to write and identifies clear ways to help. The writing tasks and prompts have been carefully chosen to appeal to boys, focusing on fun and action-packed topics. The follow-up activities include discussion points to enhance boys’ learning of this vital skill.
Ages: 8-12 years

Publisher: Essential Resources
ISBN: 9781776553839
Code: 51006
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Educational series, articles and Short stories

  • PM reading texts for levels 19-22 (Purple-gold), Cengage Publishing (2014). 

  • A variety of fiction and non-fiction texts for Oxford University Press. (2013). 

Reaching readers comprehension cards for years 3-6 (2013), Pearson 

Earthquake, the gardening plan, furry rescue 

  • Reading cards (2011-2014), Nelson Literary Directions, Cengage Publishing

 Nelson Literacy Directions is a core literacy series for mainstream students in Years 3 to 6 (i.e. 8- to 12-year-olds). The teaching and learning of literacy skills are embedded across the curriculum, therefore the series aims to provide comprehensive literacy materials across the following general subject areas such as the the Arts, Humanities and the Sciences. Fiction and non-fiction titles written by me:

How the body works, Maui and the sun, Unauthorised artists, Mechanics of movement, Author pseudonyms, Cyclones, Animal welfare, Growing pains, In character, Space systems, Gaming, the golf course, irrigation, night and day, the fish of maui, hobbit review, communication codes, earth movers, mythical creatures, plastics, stars, how to write a class blog.

  •  Rev up science cards (2010), Iversen Publishing:

Rev Up Reading is a set of high-interest, low-readability Science cards primarily for independent reading. Short, exciting stories are followed by questions for the students to answer on vocabulary, comprehension, writing and further research. Fiction and non-fiction titles written by me:

Did you know that you’re an animal?, Baby Dinosaur’s Big Jump, Water, water everywhere, Downriver drama, Why do you have ears? Sally superhero, I’m a smart plant, Treeman, Wind, heat, clouds, Tornado, Magnetic magnets, Top secret magnets, Your Brainy brain, The Hunter, Day and Night, Hunter attack, Motion, direction, speed, Down Hill Danger, A life cycle, Quingle vs Prock, Which rock would you be, Rock planet, Cool it down, heat it up, Yeti, You need me and I need you, Trapped, Milky way, Attacked, Simple machines, Sabotage

 Articles/short stories
  • Library trends in America, (in press), Education gazette
  • What makes a good e-resource?, (Feb, 2016) Education gazette
  • The Science of Rongoa, Connected (2015), Lift Education
  • The Christchurch Earthquakes, Connected (2014), Lift Education
  • The Leaves of the Manuka Tree (2013), In Aurealis magazine
  • Bizarre buddies (2011), Challenge magazine, Pearson
  • Cloning, (2011) Challenge magazine, Pearson
  • Light and dark (2011), Comet magazine, Issue 1, 2011, Pearson
  • Moustaches (2011), Comet magazine, Issue 2, 2011, Pearson
  • Going ape (2011), Explore, Issue 3, Pearson
  • Enter the dragon (2011), Explore, Issue 2, Pearson
  • King Kong (2010) Literacy Network magazine, Macmillan Education
  • Monster on the outside (2010) Literacy Network magazine, Macmillan Education
  • Salvage (2010) Literacy Network magazine, Macmillan Education
  • Alien story (2010) Literacy Network magazine, Macmillan Education
  • I, Aaron Ralston (2010) Literacy Network magazine, Macmillan Education
  • Joan Murry (2010) Literacy Network magazine, Macmillan Education
  • Tim Jarvis’s story (2010) Literacy Network magazine, Macmillan Education
  • Interview with a forensic scientist (2010) Literacy Network magazine, Macmillan Education
  • Forensic fire investigation, (2010) Literacy Network magazine, Macmillan Education
  • Problems building a runway in the Antarctic environment. (2010) Literacy Network magazine, Macmillan Education
  • Found at last (2010) Literacy Network magazine, Macmillan Education
  • Big Wave surfing (2010) Literacy Network magazine, Macmillan Education
  • Extreme BMX (2010) Literacy Network magazine, Macmillan Education
  • X-rays (2010) Literacy Network magazine, Macmillan Education
  • The Spartans (2010) Literacy Network magazine, Macmillan Education
  • The Hudson River Hero (2010) Literacy Network magazine, Macmillan Education
  • ‘Kipasso’ – the sleep-walking artist (2010) Literacy Network magazine, Macmillan Education.
  • The lowdown on spying (2010) Literacy Network magazine, Macmillan Education
  • Intelligence organisations (2010) Literacy Network magazine, Macmillan Education
  • Bethany Hamilton (2010) Literacy Network magazine, Macmillan Education
  • Simpson and his donkey (2010) Literacy Network magazine, Macmillan Education
  • Daredevil jet man flies the swiss alps (2010) Literacy Network magazine, Macmillan Education
  • Silly putty (2010) Literacy Network magazine, Macmillan Education
  • Nevado del Ruiz, Colombia volcano of 1985 (2010) Literacy Network magazine, Macmillan Education
  • Just Too Good to Be True (2010) Literacy Network magazine, Macmillan Education
  • Satellite Spies (2010) Literacy Network magazine, Macmillan Educatio