Cruise Ship Kid: Thief At Sea! by Emma Swan
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.
Children’s & YA book reviews
Children’s and YA book reviews
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.
Our latest new children’s book reviews
Evie and Maryam’s Family Tree by Janeen Hayat
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 by Rory Power
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 by Jessica S. Olsen
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 by Bethan Clarke, illustrated by Nicholas Ilie
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 by Charlotte Ingham
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 by Josh Silver
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 by Laura Dockrill, illustrated by Kip Alizadeh
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 by Darren Chetty, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat
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.
The Tractor Has a Wobbly Wheel by Tim Saunders, illustrated by Carla Martell
The Tractor Has a Wobbly Wheel is a fun, rhyming and witty story for 3-6 year olds. The quirky, colourful illustrations carry the story along and encourage a few giggles with eye-popping animal characters and funky, stylish little hats.
Little Rhino Lost by Candy Gourlay, illustrated by Jamie Bauza
Little Rhino Lost is a warm story of kindness about being lost and finding the way home, suitable for ages 3 and up. It’s ideal for children who are learning about kindness, community, resilience, and the comfort of nature in unfamiliar situations.
The Blockbusters! by Frank Cottrell-Boyce
The Blockbusters! is a heart-warming adventure. While Rafa’s new school classmates experience some of the deprivation suffered by school-aged children in this country every day, the ending, which has a major curveball, is satisfyingly right.
Britannica All New Children’s Encyclopedia edited by Christopher Lloyd
The Britannica All New Children’s Encyclopedia is a stunning achievement. The blend of high-quality imagery with thought-provoking chunks of history, science, and culture will challenge and inspire young readers.
The Truths We Hold – An American Journey by Kamala Harris
The Truths We Hold – An American Journey by Kamala Harris. This inspiring and lively autobiography is an honest account of how she dealt with her struggles and battles, never descending to rancour or resentment.
Taylor Before and After by Jennie Englund
Taylor Before and After explores the turmoil experienced by teens in a way that will captivate not just YA readers, but their teachers, parents, and younger siblings. It’s perfect to read in one sitting during the summer holiday and ideal for book club discussion when schools return.
Build a Castle by Paul Farrell
Build a Castle has great potential as a classroom resource in KS1, KS2, and KS3. With imagination and lateral thinking, this kit can be used to help form ideas for stories, build description and in KS3 there’s a great opportunity to link the graphic art and pop art style to medieval realms units in history.
The Princess and the Pea illustrated by Emma Martinez
The Princess and the Pea – with colourful and intriguing illustrations and push, slide and turn mechanisms which reveal new characters, this charming book can be read again and again without exhausting its possibilities.
Metropolis by Benoit Tardif
Metropolis – a visually compelling picture book that transports the reader to 32 exciting and diverse cities around the world. Let your child build a bucket list of dream destinations to visit during their lifetime!
Shark Super Powers by Jillian Morris & Duncan Brake
Shark Super Powers is ideal for reluctant readers and cross-curricular teaching. It’s well-suited to literacy lessons and topic work in years 3&4, home-learning projects, and as a fun-packed reference text for KS2 libraries.
Dante N. Ferno is NOT a Loser by Brian Gordon
Dante N. Ferno is NOT a Loser offers a more light-hearted look at the problem of friendship and bullying. It’s also ideal for beginning a discussion about moving schools and all the differences to be discovered.
Little Lim and the Golden Treasure by Frann Preston-Gannon
Little Lim and the Golden Treasure is a lovely book to hold and a pleasure to read. With just 92 pages and short chapter, the illustrations are just right, and the story is ideal for younger readers to enjoy.
Normal Women by Philippa Gregory
Normal Women is both an informative and entertaining read – an ingenious way of imparting valuable, insightful, yet often delightfully irreverent knowledge to a younger audience.
Ella Jones vs the Sun Stealer by Lucy Edwards
Ella Jones vs the Sun Stealer presents a fresh take on the adventure quest novel. Ella and her young companions are excellent role models for young readers. There’s a wholesomeness to the characters and an uplifting resolution.
Blue Jelly and Strawberries by Attie Lime
Blue Jelly and Strawberries: Poems to Tickle Your Tastebuds is a funny, accessible poetry collection that will appeal to fans of Michael Rosen and Joseph Coelho. The poems include free verses, formal rhyming schemes and shape poems.
Something More by Jackie Khalilieh
Something More is a charming and affirmative teen romance that will appeal to fans of Aoife Dooley’s Finding My Voice and Abigail Balfe’s A Different Sort of Normal.
Nightweaver by R.M Gray
Nightweaver is an immersive tale of mystery and magic that will appeal to fans of Kalynn Bayron’s Cinderella is Dead and Amie Kaufman’s Isle of the Gods. It is a highly topical tale that is sure to find a devoted readership.
Circle of Liars by Kate Francis
Circle of Liars is a nail-biting thriller of confessions, guilt, and friendship. With dramatic twists and turns, and a swiftly increasing number of sniper victims, the truth about the fire, the students’ guilt from that day, and their true colours will be exposed.
What Happens Online by Nathanael Lessore
What Happens Online is a heart-warming read that combines high school drama with video game chats. It offers a realistic portrayal of the stresses of being a teenager, includes gamer lingo, and features a fight-back against bullies.
The Girl Who Raced the World by Nat Harrison
The Girl Who Raced the World is very well written, the narrative flows beautifully, and even if you haven’t read the original – as is likely for most children in the suggested age group – it is still full of drama and jeopardy.
How Not to Share a Pizza! by Tracy Curran and Lauren Beard
How Not to Share a Pizza! is a powerful message for children to reflect on their behaviour, how it affects others, and how it makes them feel in return. Promoting positive life skills with guinea pigs galore, the illustrations are fun!
Mrs Owl’s Forest School: The Wet Welly Day by Ruth Symons, illustrated by Sebastien Braun
Mrs Owl’s Forest School: The Wet Welly Day is ideal for children aged 2–8 and would be a great addition to homes, nurseries, schools, and of course, forest schools. A must-have for libraries and for encouraging children to get outdoors, play, and explore.
Oh No, Flo!: A funny farmyard fiasco! by Catherine Cawthorne and Mike Byrne
Oh No, Flo!: A funny farmyard fiasco! is aimed at preschool children and it’s a book they’re sure to want to read again and again. The ludicrous antics will have readers in fits of laughter as they try to recall what Flo should be doing.
The Girl With Gills by Becca Rogers
The Girl With Gills is an original and exciting novel that features a likeable main protagonist who will hold the reader’s attention throughout. The world-building here is so seamless it’s almost unnoticeable – rich with mental imagery.
Jack Jack: Return of the Chickens by Ben Garrod
Jack Jack: Return of the Chickens is a very satisfying read, which sees the world from a dog’s point of view and is written in a humorous way that will appeal to most readers aged ten and under.
Under a Fire-Red Sky by Geraldine McCaughrean
Under a Fire-Red Sky is an emotional adventure that blends a coming-of-age tale with WWII historical fiction, reminiscent of The Famous Five. There is childhood romance, powerful friendship, and a very scruffy mutt.
The Wilderness of Girls by Madeline Claire Franklin
The Wilderness of Girls is a dark, emotional journey through anxiety, depression, and sisterhood. Though heart breaking at times, this novel is a powerful portrayal of female strength and resilience.
The Other Girl by Emily Barr
The Other Girl is an intriguing yet unsettling read, packed with relentless plot twists that keep the reader on edge. With references to adult themes such as drug and alcohol use, this is definitely a book for older teens.
Valley of the Vikings by Liz Kessler
Valley of the Vikings is an excellent middle-grade fantasy novel starting point for discussions about the dangers facing our planet. It is action-packed throughout and undeniably fun to read.
Wild Magic: The Legend of the Black Lion by Abiola Bello, Illustrated by Emma McCann
Wild Magic: The Legend of the Black Lion delivers a positive message and remains hopeful throughout. The illustrations are excellent, adding depth to the storyline, and there is great potential for class activities.
Dadbot by Jack Noel
Dadbot is a quick read, with lots happening in each chapter. The main protagonists – who appear to be bears and possibly twins, although neither is explicitly stated – are instantly relatable.
Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel) by Suzanne Collins
Sunrise on the Reaping expands the Hunger Games universe with a gripping look at Haymitch’s past. Between its layered storytelling, sharp political undertones, and compelling character arcs, this is a deliciously dark and dystopian addition to the Hunger Games world.
The Wood Where Magic Grows by Andy Shepherd
The Wood Where Magic Grows is a brilliant story that uses the trees alongside the newly forming relationships within Iggy’s family as metaphors for the changes we all face as we navigate our ever-evolving daily lives.
Sandy Fin: Operation Splash Landing by Martin Stewart
Sandy Fin: Operation Splash Landing is a light-hearted, fantasy-based, and easy read, with no reference to the Internet, mobile phones, or social media. There is plenty of scope for future books, and the two main protagonists are relatable and likeable.
My Big Fat Smelly Poo Diary Tight Squeeze by Jim Smith
My Big Fat Smelly Poo Diary Tight Squeeze is a quick, humorous read that could easily serve as a template for a class activity suitable for all levels and abilities. The stories carry underlying messages, including learning to admit your fears and dealing with disappointment.
Into The Ice: Reflection On Antarctica by Alison Lester & Coral Tulloch
Into The Ice: Reflection On Antarctica is a stunningly creative book that will appeal to future adventures and anyone who is curious about this unique continent.
Growing Up by Sam Baer
Growing Up is a positive, relevant guide that will be highly beneficial to young readers who want the facts about puberty rather than the playground rumours. Growing Up presents an inclusive, positive guide.
Please Don’t Read the Footnotes Please by Rob Walton
Please Don’t Read the Footnotes Please is perfect for reluctant readers. It will also appeal to more confident readers who want something short to dip into. It is a charming and unique collection that will appeal to fans of Terry Pratchett’s short fiction.
The Secret of the Bush by Grazia Caleo and Kremena Dimitrova
The Secret of the Bush is an informative resource for KS2 teachers and young readers – particularly those aged seven and above – as it introduces them to the realities of the Ebola outbreak through a child’s perspective.
Rebel Heart by Ally Sherrick
Rebel Heart is an excellent resource concentrating on the English Civil War. It’s so full of facts you don’t even realise you are assimilating them as you follow Merriweather over the course of six days in June 1645.
Wink, Murder by Rhian Tracey
Wink, Murder excels at portraying how some older children played an important role in extraordinary wartime circumstances. Book three in this excellent series allows Mary Clark to take centre stage.
The Wycherleys by Annaliese Avery
The Wycherleys is a gripping read with an intriguing plot, urging the reader to solve its mysteries, empathise with Aurelia, and witness the budding relationship between the main characters.
Bingsu for Two by Sujin Witherspoon
Bingsu for Two is an amusing romcom that most young adults will find relatable. The story is a smouldering yet chaotic journey with enthralling twists and turns, topped off with a trickle of solace, providing hope to young adults.
After Life by Gayle Forman
After Life is a story capturing a poignant moment in time in the lives of a grieving family and those connected to them. It is an enthralling tale that keeps you guessing until almost the very last page.
Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson
Shrapnel Boys skilfully combines an entertaining storyline and immediately likeable protagonists with historically accurate details, resulting in a gripping read. Seeing the war through Ronnie’s eyes it focuses on how families experience the realities of war.
Hi From Outer Space by Fiona Katauskas
Hi From Outer Space is a welcome addition to any KS2 and KS3 bookshelf. Katauskas swaps political cartooning for comical illustrations in this book, with short, manageable chapters for young fans of the paranormal.
The First Year by Matt Goodfellow, illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton
The First Year is a powerful and engaging novel, particularly relevant for Year 6 pupils facing their own imminent move to secondary school, as well as those who may be struggling to fit in once they reach Year 7.
Not That Kind of Hero by Alexia Casale
Not That Kind of Hero is an engrossing tale of finding your own path in the world and staying true to yourself. Orla is an engaging and relatable protagonist whom readers will quickly root for.
Myths, Mummies and Magic in Ancient Egypt by Stephen Davies, illustrated by Núria Tamarit
Myths, Mummies and Magic in Ancient Egypt is a high-quality non-fiction text that will appeal to both existing history enthusiasts and those keen to learn more about the subject.
The Greatest Gift by Emma Dodd
The Greatest Gift is my new favourite. The combination of lovely illustrations and a thoughtful, rhyming journey really captures the unbreakable bond we share with our children, putting love and belonging into words.
Squeak! Squawk! Roar!: Amazing Animal Poems by Kate Williams, illustrated by Hannah Asen
Squeak! Squawk! Roar!: Amazing Animal Poems is a brilliant resource for schools but equally fun for bookcases at home and bedtime reading. Each poem is unique, offering different perspectives, styles, and playful uses of language, including wordplay and alliteration.
The Notwitches by Gary Panton, illustrated by Dotty Sutton
The Notwitches is a fun read, with imaginative characters, interesting backstories, and two main protagonists you can easily root for. It’s a book that focuses on what you can achieve with an extremely positive, though not overly so, message.
School for Fireflies by Erica Gomez
School for Fireflies has a fast-moving and engaging mystery storyline which I think is best suited to readers aged 11 to 13. There is definite scope for this to become a successful series.
Vanya and the Wild Hunt by Sangu Mandanna, illustrated by Kristina Kister
Vanya and the Wild Hunt is a brilliant book – the first in a series that is sure to be hugely popular. A fantasy filled with magic, incredible locations, and believable characters, it introduces readers to Vanya Vallen.
People Like Stars by Patrice Lawrence
People Like Stars by Patrice Lawrence is a wonderful book, told from three different points of view. It has fast-moving, intertwined storylines, where strong emotions and childhood responsibilities are beautifully drawn.
Where Shadows Meet by Patrice Caldwell
Where Shadows Meet is a beautifully written quest novel that seamlessly blends LGBTQ+ romance with rich fantasy world-building. It will appeal to fans of The Vampire Diaries and Netflix’s Beautiful Creatures.
Ultimate Football Heroes 2025 by Matt & Tom Oldfield, Emily Stead, John Murray & Seth Burkett
Ultimate Football Heroes 2025 is a fast-paced, easy read that blends football statistics with witty commentary.
Speedwheels 3000: The Race Against Crime by Jenny Pearson, illustrated by Katie Kear and Nick East
Speedwheels 3000: The Race Against Crime is a fast-moving, feel-good, madcap adventure journey for Evie and her dad. There’s a strong message at the end about how winning isn’t everything and the importance of good sportsmanship.
Sammy and the Stolen Paintings by Charlie P. Brooks, illustrated by Steve May
Sammy and the Stolen Paintings is an amusing read for children who enjoy detective stories, dogs, or simply have a great sense of humour. The chapters are short, and the text is easy to read.
Alex Neptune: Dragon Champion by David Owen
Alex Neptune: Dragon Champion is perfect for fans of the Alex Neptune series and for teachers interested in looking at the destruction of the oceans in a way that can appeal to all learners..
Damien Ike and the Fallen House of Draven by Dee Benson and David Arlo
Damien Ike and the Fallen House of Draven is a story about a young person discovering his identity within a world veiled by deception. The narrative interweaves a passion for suspenseful adventure with detailed fantasy world-building.
We Do Not Welcome Our Ten-Year-Old Overlord by Garth Nix
We Do Not Welcome Our Ten-Year-Old Overlord offers a refreshing twist on both the child with extraordinary powers and resistance against authority themes common in science fiction.
So Over This by David Fenne
So Over This is a fantastic combination of real-life relationships and political issues, blended with imaginative preterhuman powers and the social dilemmas that accompany them.
BLITZ: One Family’s War by Martin Impey
Blitz: One Family’s War is a masterpiece of visual storytelling that will bring to life WW2 history lessons in KS2. Perfect for readers aged nine and up, it blends personal stories with historical context, making it engaging and accessible.
Ballet Besties: Indu’s Time to Shine by Yasmine Naghdi with Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Paula Franco
Ballet Besties: Indu’s Time to Shine is an inspirational story about anxiety, friendship, compassion, and acceptance. It builds on themes of responsibility, hard work, belonging, and gratitude.
The Bold Kitten by Holly Webb, illustrated by Sophy Williams
The Bold Kitten is an easy read for children aged 6+ and will especially appeal to animal lovers. The Bold Kitten explores themes of diversity, different cultures, kindness, and acceptance. Prepare for a few tears – both sad and happy.
The Zombie Project by Alice Nuttall
The Zombie Project has a serious message contained in this story, centred around the long-term problems caused by the use of pesticides and the corruption of big business when it is allowed to operate in secrecy.
Guardians of the Moon: Ming and Miaow’s Great Race by Eric Huang, illustrated by Phung Nguyen Quang
Guardians of the Moon: Ming and Miaow’s Great Race is a fun and engaging introduction to the lunar calendar and Chinese New Year celebrations. At just 142 pages, it’s a quick read, complete with a glossary.
Guardians of the Moon: The Year of the Rat by Eric Huang, illustrated by Phung Nguyen Quang
Guardians of the Moon: The Year of the Rat delves into the strengths of three friends, as they begin to realise that their differences make them stronger as a team.
Mondays Are Murder by Ravena Guron
Mondays are Murder is an absorbing, fast-paced thriller that will appeal to fans of Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and classic Agatha Christie mysteries. A large-scale marketing and publicity campaign is planned for the book’s launch.
Waiting for Santa by Lucy Cochran, illustrated by Heidi McKinnon
Waiting for Santa is a charming Christmas picture book. The simple story of a wait-to-see Santa is enlightened by the antics of the adventurous feline Moloko, who gives Judith Kerr’s Mog a run for her money.
A Symphony of Stories by James Mayhew
A Symphony of Stories: Musical Myths and Tuneful Tales will appeal to both established classical music fans and those entirely new to the genre who appreciate well-written stories and beautifully presented picture books.
Mission: Manta Ray by Philip Kavvadias, illustrated by Euan Cook
Mission: Manta Ray has a storyline filled with positivity, and even when uncertainty looms, there is always someone to offer a kind word or a helping hand. It’s a great book for readers who need to see the good in others.
Pia’s Pet Club: Puppy Problem by Serena Patel, illustrated by Emma McCann
Pia’s Pet Club: Puppy Problem is a story full of mayhem, doggy destruction, and heartfelt conversations between Pia and her mum about her fears. The first three chapters are very enjoyable and it’s difficult to fully grasp what will happen next.
Blue, Barry & Pancakes: Beach Ball Bedlam by Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson
Blue, Barry & Pancakes: Beach Ball Bedlam by is the perfect book for younger reluctant readers. As a graphic novel, most pages feature just one illustration and very few words, yet it delivers a strong and engaging story with a meaningful message.
The Raven’s Eye Runaways by Claire Mabey
The Raven’s Eye Runaways is centred in Spitchwick and the surrounding countryside, where reading and writing are forbidden to all but a select few. Only influential families, society members, scribes, and those who regulate their activities are permitted to learn.
We Can! Make a Difference by Alexandra Strick and Steve Antony
We Can! Make a Difference is both for and by children. The actions depicted in the book are practical and achievable – focusing on equal rights, the environment, and respect for others. The literacy message is also highly relevant.
Nature Tales: An Anthology of Seasonal Stories from Around the World by Dawn Casey
Nature Tales: An Anthology of Seasonal Stories from Around the World is a beautifully presented collection of fables that will appeal to young nature lovers. This is a truly global collection, including tales from Mexico, Finland & Ukraine.
Phantom Hearts by Rosie Talbot and Sarah Maxwell
Phantom Hearts is a gripping graphic novel of love and loss. The story explores themes of found family, being true to yourself, and fighting for the truth amidst rumours and social media hype.
All Aboard the Bedtime Bus by Karl Newson and Tim Budgen
All Aboard The Bedtime Bus is an ideal read for preschoolers before nap time or bedtime, helping their eyes grow droopy and guiding them into a tranquil slumber.
A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Perfect Pet by Ali Rutstein and Tommy Doyle
A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Perfect Pet includes snippets of clever, playful scenarios, such as a child playing hide and seek with a tiger—after all, most of us would hide from a tiger!
Ethel the Penguin by Ursula Dubosarsky and Christopher Nielsen
Ethel the Penguin has a familiar, repetitive, rhythmic feel that young children aged 3–6 will enjoy. Who wouldn’t want a wild, fun penguin living next door in an iceberg semi-detached?
Land of the Last Wildcat by Lui Sit
Land of the Last Wildcat weaves an environmental message through an adventure story that also covers challenging subjects such as the loss of a parent, workplace bullying, and the struggles associated with single parenthood.
Shiver Point: Under A Howling Moon by Gabriel Dylan
Shiver Point: Under A Howling Moon is part of a series worth investing in – not just for its chilly theme, but also its writing. Dylan’s horroresque analogies are great starting points for scary storytelling activities.
Your Time is Up by Sarah Naughton
Your Time is Up is a great story to recommend to GCSE and above pupils who love action-filled murder mysteries with the added depth of complicated teenage relationships. Will Zaina ever finish her final Maths exam?
Jakub’s Otter by Coral Rumble
Jakub’s Otter is a lovely book that tells an all-too-common, sad story in a way that is uplifting rather than depressing or preachy. Jakub, a young carer, has the sole responsibility of looking after his mum.
The Skeleton in the Cupboard: and other stories by Lilija Berzinska
The Skeleton in the Cupboard: and other stories create a pleasant and positive atmosphere where nature and creativity flourish. It is a beautifully written, dreamlike storybook that I would recommend for Key Stage 2 children.
Nina Peanut: Mega Mystery Solver by Sarah Bowie
Nina Peanut: Mega Mystery Solver is an entertaining and enjoyable read for older children. It’s perfect for fans of Wimpy Kid and Lottie Brooks. This comic-style book is hilarious, with bright, humorous illustrations that make it hugely engaging.
The River Thief by Hannah Peck
The River Thief should suit confident readers from Year 5 onwards. There are plenty of discussion points in this thought-provoking book, which, once started, should encourage most children to finish it.
The Time Travellers: Secrets and Spies by Sufiya Ahmed, illustrated by Alessia Trunfio
Time Travellers – Secrets and Spies is an exciting, gripping adventure story that educates through curiosity and excitement and could inspire the next generation to avoid past mistakes and consider ethical behaviours.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
The Wild Robot is a charming story of artificial intelligence, an orphaned goose, wildlife, and climate change storms entwining to show loss, disaster, growth. This spirited story explores the possibilities when robot and nature collide and grow together.
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