The Boy in the Suit by James Fox

The Boy in the Suit by James Fox

The Boy in the Suit is a book with heart and a likeable main protagonist whose experiences encompass the problems far too many families are currently struggling with.

I Really, Really Don’t Like Parties by Angie Morgan

I Really, Really Don’t Like Parties by Angie Morgan

I Really, Really Don’t Like Parties is a perfect title for supporting the very young with their first explorations into the world of children’s parties, or indeed any example of attending their first events without an adult.

The Big Day by Rachel Plummer

The Big Day by Rachel Plummer

The Big Day would be a useful addition to classroom collections to promote inclusivity of all relationships. It could also be used as a discussion support text in PSHE.

Jawsome: Licence to Rock by R.J. Timmis

Jawsome: Licence to Rock by R.J. Timmis

Jawsome: Licence to Rock is a fun, funny book, and could just as easily be read aloud as a great way to end the school day. Suitable for both confident and reluctant readers it has just enough jeopardy to hold a child’s interest.

Sunny Side Up by Clare Helen Welsh and Ana Sanfelippo

Sunny Side Up by Clare Helen Welsh and Ana Sanfelippo

Sunny Side Up provides a healthy dose of positivity and a sensitive approach to the big feelings that little ones can often experience. It’s a great book for toddlers and primary-age children (and their adults!).

Dads Are Incredible by Simon Phillip and Dawn Lo

Dads Are Incredible by Simon Phillip and Dawn Lo

Dads Are Incredible is a celebration of all the wonderful dads out there. Heart-warming and funny, this book is a lovely read and a beautiful book that celebrates the love between a father and child and is sure to be a favourite on every bookshelf.

When the Wild Calls by Nicola Penfold

When the Wild Calls by Nicola Penfold

When the Wild Calls is a thrilling journey of adventure that leaves the reader wanting more and more. Expect 9-12-year-olds to get hooked on Juniper and Bear’s compelling ecological story. Highly recommended.

How to be a Genius Kid by Waldo Pancake

How to be a Genius Kid by Waldo Pancake

How to be a Genius Kid is an effective high-low option for children who feel intimidated by ‘older’ books, and although technically a chapter book, it doesn’t feel like a chapter book!

Solstice: Around the world on the longest, shortest day by Jen Breach

Solstice: Around the World on the Longest, Shortest Day by Jen Breach

Solstice: Around the World on the Longest, Shortest Day is an ideal KS2 non-fiction title for supporting Geography, Maths and PSHE units. Much more than this though, it is an essential leisure non-fiction title for its ability to quench the thirst of all hungry young fact finders!

Moving Up by Christian Foley

Moving Up by Christian Foley

Moving Up is a useful addition to the bookshelves of upper KS2 classrooms and Y7 form rooms, either as a text for supporting citizenship time discussions or for pupils to dip into independently.

The Last Dragon by Polly Ho-Yen

The Last Dragon by Polly Ho-Yen

The Last Dragon is an ideal class reader for upper KS2 pupils (Years 5 & 6 in primary school), either as a text for reading lessons or as a stimulus for book talk in PSHE time.

Goodnight Sun by Eoin McLaughlin

Goodnight Sun by Eoin McLaughlin

Goodnight Sun is a wonderful text to support families struggling with bedtime routines. This story is certain to raise a smile and some giggles from children and adults alike.

Knowing the Score by Ros Roberts

Knowing the Score by Ros Roberts

Knowing the Score is a lovely, positive book. You don’t need to be hooked on tennis to enjoy this as everything is explained clearly. Gemma is a mature, instantly relatable, main protagonist.

Sar Wylda & The Legendary Goldbreaker by Jake R Wilson

Sar Wylda & The Legendary Goldbreaker by Jake R Wilson

Sar Wylda and the Legendary Goldbreaker is a feast for the imagination. With inspirational characters, a touch of science, fast-paced life-and-death situations and bags of adventure for children aged 8 years and up.

Beti and the Little Round House by Atinuke

Beti and the Little Round House by Atinuke

Beti and the Little Round House is a lovely book which has the potential to enchant. There are four stories contained in this charming book, one for each season. It’s a book to treasure!

Big Ideas From Literature by The School of Life

Big Ideas From Literature by The School of Life

Big Ideas From Literature is an original non-fiction text that would be a great resource for school libraries and classrooms. The book provides both adults and children with a greater insight into the power of stories and how books can change our world.

Agent Harrier: This Book Will Self Destruct by Ben Sanders

Agent Harrier: This Book Will Self Destruct by Ben Sanders

This Book Will Self Destruct is a funny, action-packed graphic novel that will appeal to fans of the Agent 9 and Peng and Spanner series. The second book in the series – Agent Harrier: You Only Spy Twice – is due to be published in October 2024.

Bringing Back Kay-Kay by Dev Kothari

Bringing Back Kay-Kay by Dev Kothari

Bringing Back Kay-Kay is a special book which explores a missing boy and how his family, friends, and the police view things differently. It’s an excellent story which will draw students in.

The Island at the Edge of Night by Lucy Strange

The Island at the Edge of Night by Lucy Strange

The Island at the Edge of Night both confirms and surprises in equal measure. Faye is an excellent main protagonist, who is conflicted but strong-willed and absolutely not about to go down without a fight!

Outside In by Daniel Thompson

Outside In by Daniel Thompson

Outside In is a beautiful, accessible poetry collection that will appeal to fans of Michael Rosen and Joseph Coelho. It’s beautifully presented, with full-colour illustrations on each page by Julia Murray.

The Heart of the World by Amie Kaufman

The Heart of the World by Amie Kaufman

The Heart of the World is a fantastically rich, swashbuckling adventure that will appeal to fans of Tamora Pierce and Kalynn Bayron. Themes of love, sacrifice, family and destiny are woven together in this intricately plotted and epic tale.

Aya and the Star Chaser by Radiya Hafiza

Aya and the Star Chaser by Radiya Hafiza

Aya and the Star Chaser is beautifully entwined with traditional Bengali folklore. This gothic fairy tale explores good versus evil, the love of family and conquering the darkest of enemies.

High Top: Sole Mates by Tom Lacey

High Top: Sole Mates by Tom Lacey

High Top: Sole Mates is a persuasively positive and bright using colourful illustrations. It’s a brilliant model for young children to understand the concept of being considerate of others and most importantly, to spread love.

Skylar and the K-Pop Headteacher by Luan Goldie

Skylar and the K-pop Headteacher by Luan Goldie

Skylar and the K-pop Headteacher is a joyful tale of friendship, being a super K-pop fan and chasing your dreams. It’s a highly enjoyable read with a great twist at the end.

Pink Trucks by Sam Clarke and Cory Reid

Pink Trucks by Sam Clarke and Cory Reid

Pink Trucks is an engaging read-aloud book that will surely capture the attention and imagination of young children – especially those who are fond of vehicles!

Aliya to the Infinite City by Laila Rifaat

Aliya to the Infinite City by Laila Rifaat

Aliya to the Infinite City is an exciting, fast-moving fantasy for confident readers who enjoy longer books. It has an exciting storyline with enticing cliffhangers which could be suitable for reading aloud.

Bad Panda: Mites, Camera, Action! by Swapna Haddow

Bad Panda: Mites, Camera, Action! by Swapna Haddow

Bad Panda: Mites, Camera, Action is a hilarious stand-alone story in itself but, there are others in the series. So, don’t be surprised if your child wants to read the rest of the series after they have finished!

Tourmaline and the Museum of Marvels by Ruth Lauren

Tourmaline and the Museum of Marvels by Ruth Lauren

Tourmaline and the Museum of Marvels is an excellent follow-up to Tourmaline and the Island of Elsewhere and once again I thoroughly enjoyed the reading experience. The strongest message throughout is that friendship matters.

Those We Drown by Amy Goldsmith

Those We Drown by Amy Goldsmith

Those We Drown is an immersive tale of mystery and hidden depths that will appeal to fans of Kalynn Bayron’s This Poison Heart. It is not recommended for anyone about to go on a cruise!

Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

Where Sleeping Girls Lie is an intricately plotted tale of loyalty and the quest for justice. It will appeal to older readers who enjoyed This Book Kills and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.

Soulmates and Other Ways To Die by Melissa Welliver

Soulmates and Other Ways To Die by Melissa Welliver

Readers will quickly become immersed in this near-future, scarily real dystopia. Soulmates And Other Ways To Die is an original tale of destiny and independence that will appeal to fans of You & Me at the End Of The World.

The 'Luis Ortega' Survival Club by Sonora Reyes

The ‘Luis Ortega’ Survival Club by Sonora Reyes

The ‘Luis Ortega’ Survival Club is a powerful, uplifting story of bravery, friendship and standing up for the truth. It celebrates female empowerment and will appeal to fans of You Think You Know Me and Moxie.

The Shape of Rainbows by Neal Zetter

The Shape of Rainbows by Neal Zetter, illustrated by Will Hughes

If I were asked now to make up a package of ten collections of poetry to be shipped out to every primary school in the country, then this would be one of them. Neal Zetter’s poems are funny, surprising, liberating, clever and thought-provoking.

SATs Like a Ninja by Andrew Jennings

SATs Like a Ninja by Andrew Jennings

Whether used independently by students or as part of a structured revision program designed by teachers or parents, SATs Like a Ninja stands out as a highly accessible and useful revision guide to help build your Year 6 child’s confidence.

Hide and Seek by Rhian Tracey

Hide and Seek by Rhian Tracey

Hide and Seek is an absolutely brilliant book which shows how secrecy, rumour, and paranoia became interwoven with everyday life during WW2. It is sympathetic and informative in a way which means most readers in the designated age range will be able to access.

Grimwood: Attack of the Stink Monster by Nadia Shireen

Grimwood: Attack of the Stink Monster by Nadia Shireen

Aimed at children aged 7+, Grimwood: Attack of the Stink Monster is ideal for reading aloud to the class. The unpredictable humour will engage and further motivate pupils to read independently. ‘Awooga!’

Bird is Dead by Tiny Fisscher and Herma Starreveld

Bird is Dead by Tiny Fisscher and Herma Starreveld

Bird is Dead is a great book for adults to share with a child and explore this important subject. There are amusing moments mixed with the colourful illustrations that give the subject a lighter note.

Elki Is Not My Dog by Elena Arevalo Mellville

Elki Is Not My Dog by Elena Arevalo Mellville, illustrated by Tonka Uzu

Elki Is Not My Dog will encourage children to consider things from an animal’s point of view and consider compassion and the care a dog needs. The expressions of the characters enhance the empathy and kindness theme which, runs through the book.

Hotel for Cats by Marie Pavlenko

Hotel for Cats by Marie Pavlenko, illustrated by Marie Voyelle

Hotel for Cats is a fun read, with humour aimed directly at younger readers with pawful puns aplenty but the simple storyline also contains a serious message. It’s ideal for reading aloud, especially with all the cat puns contained here!

A Cure Ever After by Angharad Walker

A Cure Ever After by Angharad Walker

A Cure Ever After is a clever, immersive tale of friendship, deceit and finding your own place in the world. It will appeal to fans of Philip Pullman and Rainbow Rowell as well as readers who appreciate a well-crafted fantasy.

Stich Head the Graphic Novel by Guy Bass and Pete Williamson

Stitch Head: the Graphic Novel by Guy Bass and Pete Williamson

Stitch Head is an action-packed graphic novel that will appeal to fans of the Amelia Fang and Grimwood series. The graphic novel format makes for a lively and accessible read, even for reluctant readers.

Alyssa and the Spell Garden by Alexandra Sheppard

Alyssa and the Spell Garden by Alexandra Sheppard

Alyssa and the Spell Garden is a good book to discuss the importance of community, whether that is where you live, where you go to school, or where you spend your leisure time, and how easily that can change.

The Grimmelings by Rachael King

The Grimmelings by Rachael King

The Grimmelings is an atmospheric, well-written, standalone novel where the majesty of New Zealand’s stunningly beautiful landscape leaps off the page. The lives of Ella and her family draw you straight in.

I Really, Really Need a Poo by Karl Newson and Duncan Beedie

I Really, Really Need a Poo by Karl Newson and Duncan Beedie

I Really, Really Need a Poo by Karl Newson and Duncan Beedie is a great talking point for PSED topics and animal studies. Children may want to join in with the gassy sound effects. Expect many re-readings.

Time Travellers: Adventure Calling by Sufiya Ahmed

Time Travellers: Adventure Calling by Sufiya Ahmed

Time Travellers: Adventure Calling is a brilliant book for those who love or loathe history as it is written in such an informative and engaging way that it should appeal to everyone.

Peng and Spanners by Steve Webb

Peng and Spanners by Steve Webb

Peng and Spanners is a funny, action-packed graphic novel. The bold layouts and large speech bubbles will appeal to reluctant readers, making this a highly accessible and fun read. Further books in the series are planned.

The Untameables by Clare Pollard

The Untameables by Clare Pollard

The Untameables is a charming tale of friendship and bravery. Themes of independence, respecting others and standing up for your own truth run throughout the book, giving young readers a powerful story of tolerance and inner strength.

Frank the Uniform Alpaca by Gavin Puckett

Frank the Unicorn Alpaca by Gavin Puckett

Frank the Unicorn Alpaca is a fun story with an easy rhythm, which is humorous, joyful, and great to read aloud. Frank is an unlikely hero and at the beginning. everyone can sympathise with his dilemma.

A Drop of Golden Sun by Kate Saunders

A Drop of Golden Sun by Kate Saunders

A Drop of Golden Sun is a lovely, feel-good, novel where problems are revealed and then solved without too much angst. There are interweaving storylines covering loneliness, bullying, alcohol abuse, fragmented families, and mental health issues.

Winner Takes Gold by Eloise Smith

Winner Takes Gold by Eloise Smith

Winner Takes Gold is is an enjoyable read. As an adventure story for someone who enjoys reading anything sport-related, this could very well hit the spot. The lengths some will go to in pursuit of perfection were scarily detailed.

Diamond Jack: Your Magic or Your Life by Anna Rainbow

Diamond Jack: Your Magic or Your Life by Anna Rainbow

Diamond Jack is excellent book is a fast-moving and action-packed read, with great main protagonists to cheer for. There are plenty of surprises, many of which I didn’t see coming at all!

Old Bear by Jane Hissey

Old Bear by Jane Hissey

Old Bear is a charmingly nostalgic tale that will appeal to young readers and their parents. It would be ideal for bedtime reading or group storytime sessions. The text is beautifully illustrated, with a full-page picture on each spread.

Ultrawild by Steve Mushin

Ultrawild by Steve Mushin

Ultrawild’s large-scale format and shiny cover will give it instant shelf appeal. The intricate line drawings, multiple speech bubbles and graphic-novel-style presentation will grab the attention.

Evolution by Sarah Darwin & Eva-Maria Sadowski

Evolution by Sarah Darwin and Eva-Maria Sadowski

Evolution is a high-quality, fascinating insight into our amazing natural world, perfect for both classroom and school library usage. It will appeal to confident readers with an interest in nature who are looking to be inspired by scientific pioneers.

I Want a Dog by Jon Agee

I Want a Dog by Jon Agee

I Want a Dog is a lovely book, using straightforward language in just the right amount and at the right register, clearly and economically illustrated and revealing an important insight, which I have for some time now tried to ensure that my grandson can absorb.

Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm by Ash Bond

Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm by Ash Bond

Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm is a fast-moving middle-grade novel which draws the reader into an exciting dual-realm adventure. Readers will relate to the characters and the mythical Cosmic Realm.

Growing Up Powerful Journal by Nona Willis Aronowitz

Growing Up Powerful Journal by Nona Willis Aronowitz

Growing Up Powerful Journal is a positive, interactive resource for the early teenage years that will appeal to fans of Judy Blume and the Rebel Girls books. Each section has a multi-choice personality-style quiz and real-life stories of inspiring girls and young women.

A Bear Called Paddington: 65th Anniversary gift edition by Michael Bond

A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond, illustrated by Peggy Fortnum

A Bear Called Paddington is a delightful collection that will appeal to readers of all ages and will be a particular delight for story time sessions. In this edition, the marmalade-loving bear from Darkest Peru is as charming today as ever.

Ancient Love Stories by Emily Hauser

Ancient Love Stories by Emily Hauser

Ancient Love Stories will appeal to both history and romance fans and to all readers longing for their own epic love story. Written by classical scholar Emily Hauser and illustrated by Swedish designer Sander Berg, this is a highly visually appealing book.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis, illustrated by Joey Chou

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe board book is a gentle way to introduce very young readers to a more sophisticated series of children’s stories. This version brings that magical world to life for younger children.

The Memory Thieves (The Marvellers 2) by Dhonielle Clayton

The Memory Thieves (The Marvellers 2) by Dhonielle Clayton

The Memory Thieves is fast-moving and exciting throughout and could easily be enjoyed as a whole class experience or as private reading for those at the higher end of the suggested reading ages and abilities.

Storm Dragon by Dianne Hofmeyr and Carol Thompson

Storm Dragon by Dianne Hofmeyr and Carol Thompson

Storm Dragon is a beautifully illustrated book which, according to my six-year-old grandson, had nothing in it he didn’t like! The grandpa and his grandchild tackle everything with an enthusiasm that leaps off the page.

Santa's New Reindeer by Caroline Crowe and Jess Pauwels

Santa’s New Reindeer by Caroline Crowe and Jess Pauwels

Santa’s New Reindeer all children will enjoy and I think will result in it becoming a favourite Christmas read. It is a pleasure to read aloud to a young audience who I have no doubt will enjoy it enormously, especially as the reader has to say ‘poop’!

Merry Whatmas? Eoin McLaughlin and Polly Dunbar

Merry Whatmas? by Eoin McLaughlin and Polly Dunbar

Merry Whatmas? is a lovely book about what Christmas should be about seen through the eyes of Hedgehog, Tortoise, and their friends. Each page covers a different friend and their favourite part of the preparations for the big day.

Last-Place Lin by Wai Chim, illustrated by Freda Chiu

Last-Place Lin by Wai Chim, illustrated by Freda Chiu

Last-Place Lin is a positive and highly relevant tale of determination that will appeal to fans of Charlie and Lola and Julia Donaldson. The bright illustrations and minimal text make for an accessible read and children will identify with the Sports Day theme.

Super Space Weekend: Adventures in Astronomy by Gaëlle Alméras

Super Space Weekend: Adventures in Astronomy by Gaëlle Alméras

Super Space Weekend is a high-quality non-fiction text that will appeal to both existing space enthusiasts and those who want to learn more about the subject. The graphic novel style format makes it accessible for both confident and reluctant readers.

I Loved You In Another Life by David Arnold

I Loved You In Another Life by David Arnold

I Loved You In Another Life is a beautiful tale that will have even hardened cynics believing in true love and soul mates. This tender tale will appeal to fans of Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper and Lauren James’ The Next Together.

Absolutely Everything by Christopher Lloyd

Absolutely Everything is an ambitious concept and a stunningly realised achievement. This book is highly recommended for children aged 10-13 in years 6, 7 and 8 classrooms, and school libraries in Key Stages 2 and 3.

Best Friends Forever by Lisa Williamson

Best Friends Forever by Lisa Williamson

Lola is literally starting big school, because she’s going to Henry Bigg Academy! Best Friends Forever is a relatable, empathetic book, whose main protagonists are great characters with realistic problems they need to solve.

Man-man and the Tree of Memories by Yaba Badoe

Man-Man and the Tree of Memories by Yaba Badoe

Man-Man and the Tree of Memories is a beautiful book and the work of illustrator, Joelle Avelino, compliments Yaba Badoe’s story perfectly. It is a joyous story with bright, multi layered illustrations which add depth to every page.

The Star Whale by Nicola Davies

The Star Whale by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Petr Horáček

The Star Whale is a delightful poetry collection that will appeal to fans of Michael Morpurgo and budding David Attenboroughs. The collection includes blank verses and strong rhyming patterns, tongue twisters and songs.

The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow

The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow, illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton

The Final Year is a highly relevant book that would serve as a great support for year five and six pupils who are facing their own imminent move to secondary school. The verse format makes for an accessible read and the illustrations enhance the realistic setting.

The Taming of the Cat by Helen Cooper

The Taming of the Cat by Helen Cooper

The Taming of the Cat is a highly relatable story for 9-12-year-olds who will love this tale of Brie, who really isn’t your everyday mouse! Illustrated by the author, the animal drawings are beautifully done.

The Wolf Twins by Ewa Jozefkowicz

The Wolf Twins by Ewa Jozefkowicz

The Wolf Twins will give readers on the outside looking in an understanding of what it’s like to be a twin, especially when your sibling looks exactly like you! It will also appeal to those with siblings very close in age.

Nikhil and Jay: Off to India by Chitra Soundar

Nikhil and Jay: Off to India by Chitra Soundar

Nikhil and Jay: Off to India is an accessible read for newly independent readers who want more realistic and representative stories than those often found in prescriptive reading schemes.

The Silver Road by Sinéad O’Hart

The Silver Road by Sinéad O’Hart

The Silver Road is an immersive read that will appeal to fans of Catherine Doyle and the Percy Jackson books. The twisting plot is reminiscent of oral storytelling traditions and classic fantasy tales such as The Wizard of Earthsea.

All That it Ever Meant by Blessing Musariri

All That It Ever Meant by Blessing Musariri

With themes of identity and finding your own path in life, All That It Ever Meant is a clever, heartfelt tale that will appeal to confident older readers and fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Angie Thomas.

Channel Fear by Lisa Richardson

Channel Fear by Lisa Richardson

Channel Fear is a ghost story for the social-media generation. The plot is fast-paced, and the scares are satisfying without resorting to cliches. The rather toxic love triangle between Iris, Byron and Molly adds a dose of realism to the paranormal plotline.

Monster Stink by Anna Brooke

Monster Stink by Anna Brooke

Monster Stink would be a popular addition to any year 2 or 3 classroom. What child doesn’t relate to bogeys and farts? My 6 year old grandson loved it and found it funny as well as ‘ewww’, which was, I think, what the author was hoping for.

Animal Homes: Rainforest by Natasha Durley

Animal Homes: Rainforest by Natasha Durley

Animal Homes: Rainforest is a fresh and inspiring non-fiction read. It’s a perfect introduction to help inspire an interest and love for conservation and the natural world found outside our own countryside.

Peanut, Butter & Crackers: River Rescue by Paige Braddock

Peanut, Butter & Crackers: River Rescue by Paige Braddock

Peanut, Butter & Crackers: River Rescue is a fun book with lots going on. The story is a gentle way of showing what can happen when curiosity and impulsiveness take over. It also shows the power of friendship, especially when you have got yourself in a spot of bother!

Agent 9: Flood-a-geddon! by James Burks

Agent 9: Flood-a-geddon! by James Burks

Agent 9: Flood-a-geddon! is a full-colour, action-packed graphic novel. The serious ecological message of melting ice caps is nicely conveyed amidst the madcap adventure and James Bond-style gadget action.

Finding Wonder by Lauren St John

Finding Wonder by Lauren St John

Finding Wonder is an engrossing adventure story that will appeal to young horse fans. Best-selling author Lauren St John has a knack for weaving gripping plots with animal and conservation themes.

Mia and the Traitor of Nubis by Janelle McCurdy

Mia and the Traitor of Nubis by Janelle McCurdy

Mia and the Traitor of Nubis is a brilliant, fast-moving, adventure story with a likeable main protagonist who is easy to relate to. I will absolutely be on the lookout for the final instalment. I need to know how this concludes and at the moment I have no idea, which is an excellent place to be.

The Girl Who Grew Wings by Anna Waterworth

The Girl Who Grew Wings by Anna Waterworth

The Girl Who Grew Wings is an empowering feminist tale that definitely sits at the more mature end of the Young Adult spectrum. The book does not shy away from issues of misogyny and violence against women.

The Moon is a Ball by Ed Franck and Thé Tjong-Khing

The Moon is a Ball by Ed Franck and Thé Tjong-Khing

The Moon is a Ball is a sweet collection of tales that will appeal to fans of Julia Donaldson and A.A. Milne. The stories have simple plots that will appeal to young readers, but with deeper, more thoughtful messages that will also entice older children.

Against the Odds: The Incredible Struggles of 20 Great Adventurers by Alastair Humphreys, illustrated by Pola Mai

Against the Odds by Alastair Humphreys, illustrated by Pola Mai

Against the Odds is an inspiring collection that will appeal to fans of the Rebel Girls books and readers who prefer non-fiction. As well as being highly engaging for reading for pleasure, the book would also be inspiring for class activities and creative writing prompts.

Secret Sister by Sophie McKenzie

Secret Sister by Sophie McKenzie

Secret Sister is a gripping thriller that will appeal to readers who enjoy, but are perhaps now ready to move on from, Jacqueline Wilson and Cathy Cassidy. The two girls are strong and independent, battling an adult world of restrictions and secrets.

Thieves' Gambit by Kayvion Lewis

Thieves’ Gambit by Kayvion Lewis

Thieves’ Gambit is a fast-paced, intelligent thriller. Rosalyn is a highly capable, charismatic protagonist. She is smart, savvy and brave, fiercely loyal to her family even as she grows increasingly disillusioned.

Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shaman by Isi Hendrix

Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans by Isi Hendrix

Adia Kelbara is an exceptional read. With a brilliant main protagonist who leaps off the page, this book is alive with discussion points. The eminently satisfying conclusion leaves the reader wanting more.


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