At Habitat Press, we publish fiction with purpose, stories with solutions. Our aim is to inspire change through compelling storytelling, and we publish stories for both adults and children. This includes free educational resources for schools and book clubs interested in introducing purpose-driven outcomes in a positive way.
We regularly place free books in school libraries, and will be publishing a new YA novel in 2026.
Dirt by award-nominated author, Laura Baggaley, for 11-14 year-olds
Dirt is set in a future world where everyone has to grow their own food. One hot day, a strange girl rides into town wearing a sunhat as big as a bicycle wheel. Local boy Sam is fascinated by her. Where has she come from and why is she so curious about his way of life?
The book reveals the difference between living soil and dead dirt, and tells the story of two very different communities finding common ground. It deals with themes of friendship and first love, regenerative agriculture and climate change, and connects with the science curriculum in its exploration of plants and microorganisms.
Free teaching resources
To download your free activity pack to accompany the book Dirt, with information on soil, creative writing prompts, discussion questions and more, enter your email address below:
We also recommend the educational resources provided by the British Society of Soil Science, which include science experiments and posters, and can be found below:
Win a free author visit!
We would love to hear from the children at your school! What do they think about our fiction and the world we all live in?
To enter our prize draw, send us your pupils’ work. We’d love to see reviews of Dirt, stories, poems, drawings or descriptions inspired by the themes of the book. Every piece of work could win your school a free author visit from Laura Baggaley!
To enquire about author visits, email laura@laurabaggaley.co.uk
Discounts for schools
Educational establishments and home-schooling parents are eligible for discounted copies of Dirt. Please email info@habitatpress.com to request a discount code.
Teachers and librarians who wish to read the book before ordering paperbacks can request a free eBook by emailing info@habitatpress.com.
Author Laura Baggaley
Laura is a former theatre director who writes novels for young people and teaches acting, writing and literature at City Lit adult education college. She was one of three finalists in the Mslexia Children’s Novel Competition and her books have been long-listed for the Times / Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition and the Yeovil Literary prize.
Visit Laura’s website to find out more and sign up to receive monthly book recommendations, writing updates and eco tips: