Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Children’s book reviews: below are our latest reviews of recent children’s and young adult fiction, poetry and non-fiction releases. We listen to recommendations from our readers, teachers, librarians, parents, grandparents, children and authors to decide which new books to review and recommend.
Our team of experienced educators, parents and librarians looks at new picture books for toddlers, early chapter books, first independent readers, middle-grade stories, poetry, teen & young adult, non-fiction and much, much more.
With over two million visitors each year since 2011, the School Reading List is one of the most read and established sources of UK reading recommendations for children’s and YA literature.
We’re committed to being a subscription-free resource for parents, schools, teachers and librarians and we hope that our reviews help to engender and embed a reading-for-pleasure ethos in classrooms and homes all over the country.
We also feature regular round-ups of new books – both fiction and non-fiction – to help support the start of autumn, spring and summer terms in schools; and a monthly ‘book of the month‘ covering new fiction, nonfiction and picture books.
Each review contains a five-word summary, the genre, the ISBN, further information about the author, illustrator and publisher; the publication date; the recommended reading age for the text, and some pointers to indicate which children we think will really enjoy the book.
For each book reviewed there’s also a useful ‘if you liked this book you might also like‘ section, to help teachers and librarians develop each child’s reading interests. Readers can also have a look at each author’s profile page, which includes information about each author, reviews of books by that author, links to teaching resources and contact details for author visits.
Many thanks to the children’s and YA book publishers, publicists and authors for sending review copies.
Small Poems for Big Imaginations is a collection of short poems built around whimsy, puns, alphabet play and acrostics, with illustrations from Will Hughes throughout the 80 pages.
Strike is a football story where a scout signs Owen and Teddy, but a note in new boots leads Owen to Budi and a protest about factory workers linked to the game, as the internet listens.
Wishbound is a West Country and London adventure where Leonie, a wishgiver, flees her captors with Cress. Their friendship, sign language and stubborn hope drive them to safety.
Dragonflare is an interactive adventure where Flynn, a young thief, is forced into the Wingrider Trials, solving puzzles with River and learning teamwork, trust and bravery to win.
The Heirs is a unique and gripping plot about five prodigy siblings, told through a jumping timeline that reveals clues, secrets and moral dilemmas after their father is murdered.
The Wycherleys, Love and Other Curses is a seamless sequel where a new coven forms, secrets surface, dark magic closes in, and the romance keeps readers spellbound right to the end.
The Day of Now is an exceptional, unflinching apocalypse novel. Dayna and Pax flee poisonous mist and infected hunters, quickly learning that no one is to be trusted as hope runs out.
The Overthinkers’ Club: Happy List is a diary-style story with doodles, following Birdie as she overthinks school, friends and a new blended family, and grieves for her hamster.
Dead Straight Line is a perfectly pitched and unerringly relevant story for 12+ year olds that explores trust and responsibility. Every Year 8 and Year 9 student should read it.
The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away follows Marinka, Benjamin and Jack as they chase a living house after the Gate of Stars breaks, and the house grows frail without the Guiding.
Nadia Islam, on the Record is a very informative story about Ramadan and climate change in Bangladesh, seen through the eyes of an 8-year-old who wants to be a journalist and loves a challenge.
Dragon Cat is a great children’s poetry collection that keeps eyes and emotions clear and sharp, with poems about owls, unicorns and fast food that will reward lively classroom reading.
Happy Hills: Cheesy Bob Strikes! is a bright graphic novel where Cheesy Bob the monkey plots revenge in bite-sized chapters, with World of Pants jokes and step-by-step drawing pages at the end.
Burn the Water is a YA dystopian Romeo and Juliet as rival soldiers fall in love in drowned London, risking execution while strange vessels arrive and centuries of hatred threaten everything.
We Three Witches is a spellbinding supernatural mystery set in interwar York, as Viola hunts the truth behind Edie’s death while stolen bones and child ghosts expose deeper corruption.
Magpie Girl is a myth rich quest where Lavender, who grows feathers and speaks to birds, must help Kit find his missing father without freeing a wish granting firebird at all costs.
Ella Jones vs the Battle Noise is a second quest where Ella is protected from battle noise and must stop Homados, while tensions with Poppy and Finn grow and new pupil River raises questions.
Watts and Whiskerton: The Great Glacier Hotel Heist (Book 03) is a whodunit where Watts and Pearl clear his parents after jewels vanish at a snowy hotel, with illustration clues for young readers
The Blitz Sisters is an excellent resource to use to look at a pivotal part of our history through the eyes of children. Well-written and sympathetically described, it’s ideal for children learning about WW2.
Tiny Hercules is a laugh-out-loud graphic novel where a jam jar sized hero is banished to Earth to complete twelve tasks, starting with a lion that turns out to be a cat.
My Big Fat Christmas Poo Diary is a festive novel of three linked stories, where Pedro, Olga and Ozzy – the Poopies – meet Rubbish Santa, try a reindeer poo scheme, and keep the poo jokes coming.
What Are We Fighting For? is a thought provoking collection of war poems for children that challenges heroic myths, sows seeds of doubt about conflict and asks what truly causes peace.
Silent Night is a fast-paced, dark and spooky Christmas mystery that keeps readers guessing while exploring grief, anxiety, family and the complicated emotions of growing up.
Anya and the Light Above the Ocean is a cleverly worked middle grade science fiction story that stays engaging and morally questioning, inviting readers to think about the ethics of scientific experiments.
The Bluest Sky is a refugee and migration novel that follows a boy who splits public and private selves as his family weighs departure, faces repudiation, and documents a step-by-step path from decision to crossing.
The Topsy-Turvies is a bright, joke-packed early reader that flips normal rules on their head and invites children to spot, predict, and laugh while building confidence across short, lively chapters.
Duckling is a modern fairytale retelling that follows a duckling who rejects surface approval, claims the right to be different, and chooses trust and belonging across groups and changing places.
The Dot is a bright, simple invitation to make a mark. It shows how a single try can unlock confidence, spark curiosity, and turn doubt into creative momentum that grows page by page.
The Not-So Great Escape is two stories in one – a runaway alpaca caper and a sensitive exploration of grief, bullying, counselling and the fragile friendship between Hedley and Aiden.
Escape from the Child Snatchers is an exciting first-person 1860s adventure that tackles homelessness, racial discrimination, poverty and inequality without overwhelming younger readers.
Beth Is Dead will be published in January 2026 and I highly recommend that any curious classics lovers give it a go. You might just surprise yourself with how well you will love these characters in a modern setting.
The Moonhaven Chronicles: The Last Wolf is an exciting, fast-moving adventure that combines friendship, mystery, and danger while exploring themes of trust, freedom, and responsibility with care and respect.
My Cat is Called Odin is a gripping Norse myth retelling where frightened Aldo, brave Petra, and their telepathic cat face dark forces and discover the courage to save each other and their world.
Wild Journey is a beautifully illustrated set of five stories linking children across continents through courage, kindness, and a murmuration that reminds us of the families we’re born into and those we find.
The Book of Heartbreak is a magical read filled with love, loss and destiny, as Sare and Leon’s story explores grief, trust and the peril of a heart cursed to break one time too many.
Sad Girl Hours is a raw, relatable story of friendship, love and self-discovery, as two young women face the complexities of mental health, identity and belonging with honesty and courage.
The Snowy Penguin is a heart-warming and educational Antarctic adventure that highlights the value of wildlife research, courage in harsh environments, and the wonder of discovering something truly rare.
Lydia Marmalade and the Christmas Wish is a magical, heart-warming Christmas story about belonging, courage, and love, gently exploring grief and new beginnings with warmth and festive spirit.
Classic Fairy Tales is a beautiful, authentic take on Andersen and Grimm – not the Disney versions – with colour plates and line drawings sparking comparisons, debate, and classroom activities.
Quill and the Last Generation is a thrilling page-turner, following twelve-year-old Quill as he discovers his destiny, faces dragons, and must restore light and warmth to a world lost to perpetual winter.
Ghost is a story of survival and magic, set in mysterious woods where three girls, bound by fate and danger, must unite their strength and determination to overcome a looming force.
Astrosaurs Mission to Infinity is a bold, fast-paced graphic novel adventure packed with dino-fights, chaos, and irreverent humour—perfect for attracting new fans and encouraging reluctant readers to join the fun.
Up Above the City is a moving adventure where Jake and Laine uncover invisible lives in hidden places, helping readers see refugees and homeless families differently while searching for hope and friendship.
Nina Peanut: Epic World Tour Era is a vibrant, accessible read, brimming with relatable characters and laugh-out-loud moments. It is perfectly suited to reluctant readers and makes an ideal choice for end-of-year classroom reading.
Jack-Jack: A Dog with a Job is a heartwarming, funny and thoughtful story where every misstep leads to discovery, showing that being yourself can be the best job of all.
Bigg School: Selfie Queen is a lively and relatable story about Cleo Bayford, who learns that true popularity and identity come not from selfies but from friendships, family and seeing life differently.
Dead Yard: Seeds of Doom is a brilliant read for Halloween and beyond, blending spooky adventure with family bonds and traditions in a story that entertains while quietly educating readers.
Witchlore is a fresh and intriguing fantasy filled with jeopardy and rebellion, where a non-binary shapeshifter navigates grief, identity and magic while confronting family, tradition and modern values.
Luna Grace: Girl from Outer Space is a fun and cheerful read that explores fitting in, finding acceptance, and the positive side of adapting to new places and situations.
Love on Sight is a gritty portrayal of a London love story. This novel is a heart-warming story of becoming an adult in a difficult world and seeking to improve your life.
All Together Now is a funny, accessible poetry collection that will appeal to fans of Michael Rosen and Joseph Coelho. As well as the frequent illustrations, variations in font and layout choices enhance the visual appeal of the collection.
The Big Bad Wolf Murder is a gripping children’s mystery where Ruby and Fillan face danger, red herrings, and betrayal as they uncover the truth and learn the value of trust and resilience.
Role Model is a moving story of Aeriel Sharpe, who struggles with life in the spotlight yet learns, with resilience and honesty, how to find acceptance, friendship and a way to belong.
Adventures in Lylaland is a thoughtful and imaginative story showing how children balance escapism, family struggles, friendships, and inventions, while learning that facing reality is the only lasting solution.
Not Going to Plan is a powerful verse novel that explores consent, peer pressure, and friendship, tackling taboo issues with honesty and sensitivity while offering comfort in shared struggles.
Owl King is a genuinely unsettling fairy tale that celebrates sisterhood, wit over power, and the magic of storytelling, blending classic folklore with a modern heart and deeper meaning.
Pets Tell Tales: Ancient Egypt tells the story of Ancient Egypt from the perspective of its animals and makes the topic immediately engaging and accessible for younger students.
Dragon Girl and the Awakened Flames is an excellent read; the relationships explored are realistic and relevant to the storyline, especially between Emba and Odolf.
Unfairies is a bright, action-packed, and funny graphic novel that moves along at a very fast pace and there are plenty of characters to meet, especially Pip, the main protagonist, who is on nearly every page.
Time Lions and the Chrono-Loop is just a brilliant book, exciting and informative with an entertaining storyline pretty much guaranteed to pique the interest of even the most reluctant readers in this age range.
Mat o’ Shanter is a layered verse tale mixing Scottish literary roots with contemporary storytelling and dramatic artwork. This poetic reworking of Burns’ classic blends betrayal, identity, and transformation for KS2/3 readers.
Poems from a Witch’s Pocket is a quirky, engaging poetry collection for readers 10+, exploring identity, nature, magic and transformation through playful verse, spells and imaginative voice.
Everything Amplified is a raw and fast-paced YA graphic novel that captures the emotional overload of growing up with music, social media, and identity all competing for space.
Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe is a charming romantic tale of chasing your dreams and the power of love to conquer all – or at least to help with dragon-fighting.
Dangerous Girls is a gripping, unpredictable gothic fantasy that effortlessly blends believable magic with a slow-burn romance and keeps you guessing until the very end.
Domain is gripping page-turner and engaging sci-fi adventure that balances cutting-edge concepts with readable storytelling, making complex ideas accessible to young adult readers.
Gloam is a genuinely terrifying tale for 10+ year olds where siblings face horrors from their nightmares, learning that fear and grief can shape courage and bring families closer together.
How to Get Magically Popular is a warm and thoughtful story that explores what happens when popularity, friendship and magical powers collide with the need to stay true to yourself.
Rayleigh Mann and the Quest of Misfits is a fast-moving sequel full of twists, evolving friendships, magical peril and monster heroes in a world where nothing and no one are quite as they seem.
Solving Crimes Is Not My Superpower is fun, illustrated story about bravery, friendship and finding strength even when you feel powerless – perfect for 7-12 year old mystery fans.
Mission: Monster Mind asks serious questions about social media, AI and how tech can be misused to influence what we believe and how we behave in the digital world.
I Dare You is a gripping, contemporary cautionary tale that today’s teens will find both thrilling and uncomfortably familiar. The story is a tense, escalating journey as Winter builds tension from the very first page.
Rock Band: Music and Misfits is an entertaining, music-focused story that younger teens will easily connect with. The story is a smart, funny journey with engaging friendship drama.
Words Can Fly is a beautifully presented book that would make an ideal present as well as a highly visually appealing addition to classrooms and libraries.
Dracula & Daughters is a thrilling adventure where Mina, Buffy, and Bella must trust each other to save their friend, reveal family secrets, and outwit vampires – all before the next new moon.
The Odyssey of Phoebe Quilliam is a thoughtful journey where art, myth, and illness intertwine, and two children discover hope, acceptance, and confidence through adventure, friendship, and family challenges.
When the Storm Comes is an exceptional book. The writing is brilliant and the tension, adventure, and jeopardy work well with the stories each student has to tell.
iNSiDE is a gripping dystopian tale that urges teens to connect with others, question inherited beliefs, and explore what it means to be human in an unnatural and fearful society.
The Museum of Lost Umbrellas is a gripping magical fantasy where Dilly, Callum and friends must outwit a sinister stranger and uncover secrets to save their island, discovering friendship and courage along the way.
The Lucky House Detective Agency is a fun mystery that will keep children guessing, while immersing them in Chinese culture and encouraging them to think about friendships, rules, and risks.
Nate Yu’s Blast from the Past follows Nate’s journey through change and friendship as he uncovers family history and learns acceptance with the help of a ghost from WWI and his new friends.
Alyssa and the Enchanted Forest is a magical journey exploring friendship, family secrets, and personal growth as Alyssa navigates real struggles alongside enchanting adventures.
Run Away with Me is a fast-paced, romantic thriller. Readers will be gripped from the first page and will root for both the romance and freedom that Mouse and Brooke are searching for.
Things I Learned While I Was Dead is a thrilling and scarily real dystopian adventure that will appeal to fans of Lauren James’ The Quiet at the End of the World and Gemma Malley’s The Declaration.
A Flash of Neon is a charming, affirmative story that will appeal to fans of Rainbow Rowell and Elle McNicoll. It focuses on the power of the imagination and how we have the right and the ability to create our own stories.
Naeli and the Secret Song is a compelling historical adventure where danger lurks and only courage and perseverance can uncover the truth and prevent a grave miscarriage of justice.
The Shell Keepers is a lovely book to read, especially aloud, as the Democonch speak a slightly different version of our language! Kauri adds a layer of fantasy and originality to themes we all recognise.
Cruise Ship Kid: Thief At Sea! is a lively, enjoyable read, cleverly addressing friendship, fairness, and self-worth, teaching readers that we should never change ourselves for others.
Evie and Maryam’s Family Tree seamlessly weaves relatable modern-day issues into the historical narratives of two seemingly unconnected families. It highlights that differences can be challenging, positive and rewarding.
Kill Creatures is a must-read for those who appreciate psychological depth, unreliable narrators, and stories that refuse to provide easy moral answers. It’s is an essential addition to your reading list.
Den of Liars offers a reading experience that will leave you questioning everything and everyone until the very last page – and even then, the reader may not get the resolution they are seeking.
Snarky Sharky is an absolute winner as a bedtime story or EYFS read-aloud. It’s a visually engaging and entertaining choice for younger children, offering a fun way to explore important life lessons.
A Match Made in Hell is a slow-burn romantasy that combines demon-slaying with lusting after the bad boy. It will appeal to fans of Netflix’s Lucifer and A Court of Thorns and Roses.
Traumaland is a dark psychological thriller that blends horror culture references with a coming-of-age story, set in a modern, dystopian future. It will appeal to fans of The Housemaid and Netflix’s Black Mirror.
I Am Strong Just Being Me is a must-have book for social and emotional development for children aged 3 and up. It encourages life skills about dealing with failure, asking for help, courage and forgiveness.
I’m Going To Make A Friend is a great resource aimed at children aged 3 and over, for home use or child settings to promote social skills. It’s not just for a new child but to inspire children to make a new child feel welcome.
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Picture books for the under 5s | Books for Reception | Books for Year 1 | Books for Year 2 | Books for Year 3 | Books for Year 4 | Books for Year 5 | Books for Year 6 | Books for Year 7 | Books for Year 8 | Books for Year 9 | Books for Year 10 | Books for Year 11
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