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.
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 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.
Described on the cover as ‘A hopeful story about climate anxiety’, Butterfly Wings is a unique, lyrical tale that will appeal to a wide readership of concerned readers and future climate activists.
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 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 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 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 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.
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 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 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 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 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!
The Fantastic Electric Mash-up Machines: Obstacle Attack! is a fast-paced, action-packed racing story. The cartoon-style drawings, large print and off-white paper make the book particularly accessible for emergent and struggling readers.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
Indiana Bones and the Invisible City is an exciting novel for ages seven and up which has thrilling discoveries to be made in each chapter. The humour works well as a tension breaker on more than one occasion.
The drawings are straightforward and direct, but also subtle. We were able to discuss how a slight change of shape or direction of the characters’ eyes made a difference to what they appeared to be thinking. And we are both now experts in drawing rain!
One Chance Dance is a wonderful book that carries the reader along on a tide of positivity. Jomi is a sympathetically written main protagonist who is easy to cheer for as he and his bushbaby face life head on.
In the 20 years since it was first published, the How To Train Your Dragon series has grown to 12 volumes with 14 million copies sold. There are also three blockbuster film, three TV series adaptations and more live action planned for 2025.
Super Small: Miniature Marvels of the Natural World is a picture book bursting with jaw-dropping facts. Fifteen poems introduce the reader to a variety of tiny creatures whose amazing powers belie their small stature.
A Head Full of Magic is a positive, fun read that will particularly appeal to those who, like Fleur, are approaching the end of primary school and facing their own life changes.
Nowhere Island is a fast-paced, survivalist adventure story. A modern story that will appeal to fans of Katherine Rundell and Eva Ibbotson, the descriptions of the island make this an immersive tale.
Overemotional by David Fenne is an endearing and wholesome LGBTQ+ read that fans of Simon James Green, Tola Okogwu and Alice Oseman will enjoy. Combining the awkwardness of crushes with X-Men-style action sequences, teenagers will find it hard to put it down.
Last Girl In by Cheryl Diane Parkinson is a feel-good book with a positive message highlighting the advantages of believing in yourself. Sports-loving and less confident readers will enjoy this satisfying story with short chapters.
Sing If You Can’t Dance is a moving story of finding a new path when life has taken a cruel twist. It gives much needed representation to those affected by chronic health problems, without resorting to mawkishness or ‘heroic suffering’ tropes.
Holly-Mei suffers regret, anxiety, misapprehension, jealousy and paranoia, all of it unnecessary and, thankfully, short-lived, in this fast-moving account of her journey towards self-knowledge and emotional balance.
Forwards Always by Matthew Hodson is a fun, engaging poetry collection for fans of Benjamin Zephaniah and Joseph Coelho. With lively and accessible poetry this is a collection to be read out loud and shared around in KS1 and KS2.
Growing Up Powerful is a positive, relevant guide to the early teenage years that will appeal to fans of Judy Blume and the Rebel Girls books. There is a strong emphasis on individuality and self-expression, of living life on your terms rather than comparing yourself to others.
Call of the Titanic is a great mix of factual and fictional with a mythological twist, exploring what happened and what could have been. It leaves readers in no doubt as to how catastrophic and initially unbelievable the whole event was.
My Family and Other Romans is a fun and funny journey through the Roman Empire and some of its better and lesser-known gods and goddesses, catapulting the reader into the enthusiastic world of modern-day historical re-enactment.
The Wall Between Us is a beautiful book that invites the reader to walk in the shoes of its characters. It prompts them to consider how they might respond in the same situation and raises the question of whether a person’s character can always be judged by their actions.
The Isles of the Gods is a rich, swash-buckling adventure that will appeal to fans of Tamora Pierce and Kalynn Bayron. The diversity of the characters, as well as their complicated personalities, is refreshing and adds to the immersive nature of the tale.
Circus Maximus: Rider of the Storm is a compelling David and Goliath story of a young woman who dreams of justice and strives for a fairer world. In the words of Dido’s grandfather Muttambaal: “Fight, Dido, fight. Fear is just another opponent.”
The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School is a bold, warm and funny YA novel that will appeal to fans of Rainbow Rowell and Alice Osman. There’s a freshness about the story with the diverse characters, hearty doses of sarcasm and the focus on strong family ties.
Ajay and the Jaipur Moon is an exciting and beautifully written and illustrated book for children aged eight upwards. It could be the starting point for discussions about what friendship means to them and how they relate to each other’s varying interests and future plans.
An Anthology of Aesop’s Animal Fables is a timeless edition of these beloved stories that will appeal to readers young and old. It’s a beautifully presented collection that is sure to inspire a love of both reading and nature in children of all ages.
Suitable for Year 4 and above Son of the Sea is a gentle look at the things which make us unique that could be used in class discussions on friendship, family, feeling different, and having something to aim for.
Prehistoric Beasts by Dr Dean Lomax. There is a lot for a child and adult, sitting together, to digest and elaborate upon. The pop-ups are sturdy and will withstand a lot of yanking about by enthusiastic young hands!
Kofi and the Rap Battle Summer is a joyous read, filled with characters that you want to spend more time with. Happily for the reader, this is just the beginning of Kofi and his adventures.
The Thief of Farrowfell is the first in a new series of fast-paced children’s books by YA author Ravena Guron. The action is fast-paced and the side characters well developed. The ending is satisfying while leaving room for further books in the series.
Suitable for confident readers in the lower half of the 9-12 age bracket, it will also strike a chord with older middle-grade students who struggle to find the good in themselves that others already see.
Gwen and Art Are Not in Love is an engaging read that will appeal to fans of Rainbow Rowell and Alice Oseman who are looking to stretch their reading tastes into the realms of historical fiction.
The Way of Dog is a engrossing, touching and beautifully told verse tale of friendship, loyalty and finding your true home. It will appeal to fans of Eva Ibbotson’s One Dog and His Boy and C.C. Harrington’s Wild Oak.
With I say Oh, You say No, John Kane has made a bold, colourful book centred around a word game. It can keep the giggles going for at least half an hour – definite thumbs-up from us!
The poetic text is simple and impactful, telling a story of healing and hope that will resonate with young readers who have lost someone they love. Corey’s Rock is a moving, magical tale that will appeal to fans of Sarah Crossan and Kiran Millwood Hargrave.
A Passing On Of Shells is the debut poetry collection by Scottish writer and performer Simon Lamb. The book contains 50 poems, each with exactly 50 words. It’s s a beautiful and accessible poetry collection that will appeal to fans of Michael Rosen and Joseph Coelho.
Tell me about the Human Body & Plants are rich in surprising facts and presented in a lively and engaging style. I would regard both these books as invaluable additions to home or school libraries, suitable for children aged four to eight.
Vita and the Gladiator is rich in detail, with the descriptions of Roman food, clothing and entertainment helping to bring to life this turning point in British history. Readers who are keen to move on from the Horrible Histories series will find a lot to enjoy in this book.
Crossing the line is a fast-paced, highly readable novel in verse. This an exciting and growing sub-genre of YA fiction that tends to particularly appeal to reluctant or disengaged readers. The post-covid setting is very relatable and the murky world of drug dealing makes for addictive reading.
You Think You Know Me by Ayaan Mohamud is highly suitable for students in KS4 and it would serve as a valuable text for reading groups where issues of identity, integration and loyalty could be discussed with older pupils.
Reading this brilliant book I found myself underlining whole passages, ticking repeatedly in the margins and inwardly cheering. Every school library should buy a copy. Every concerned parent should make sure their children have access to it.
Xanthe & the Ruby Crown is a touching family-focused story with a strong thread of magical realism. Real-life issues of family illness, friendship struggles and anxiety over starting a new school are dealt with sensitively.
In Scattered Showers, LGBTQ+ relationships are portrayed in a strong, positive light and five of the stories are set at Christmas time, giving a festive spin on the collection. A beautifully presented book.
Set in the Big Freeze of 1963, Wildoak tells of an unlikely friendship between a young girl and a snow leopard, two outcasts trying to find their place in an often unfriendly world.
The Accidental Stowaway is an intricately woven and skilfully paced story which I’m sure will keep readers aged ten to twelve gripped to the end. Being set in 1910 it also provides many starting points for discussion.
This Book Kills would appeal to fans of Gossip Girl and Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, and without spoiling the reveal, the denouement is satisfying and does justice to the plot.
With evocative descriptions of the countryside, The Rescue of Ravenwood will reinforce the idea that all nature is valuable This novel will appeal to budding eco-warriors aged 9-12 and fans of Eva Ibbotson and Lauren St John.
Curse Breaker is a fast-paced and involving read. The interactive elements make it suitable for reading in pairs and it is likely to be of particular interest to gaming fans who will appreciate the play elements of the book.
The Boy Lost in the Maze is a clever and original tale that makes for an impressive start to Coelho’s tenure as Children’s Laureate. The poetic nature of the text makes it a quick and accessible read which is likely to appeal to reluctant readers, particularly boys given the male-dominated storylines.
No place for monsters is a perfect Halloween read for children who are not entirely convinced that monsters under the bed are all in their imagination. But beware – you may want to steer clear of ice cream vans after reading this…
The Silver Chain by Jion Sheibani is highly recommended for teens aged 14+. This lovely book will, I’m sure, delight and reassure anyone going through this difficult time in her or his life. It will also solve at least one Christmas-list problem for parents, aunts and uncles!
With a rich weaving of myths and folk tales ranging from Hades and the underworld to legends of the Green Man and Samhain, Stone is a rewarding read that is likely to appeal to fans of Sally Nicholls’ Season of Secrets and Patrick Ness’ A Monster Calls.
Free Kid to Good Home is easily accessible for newly-independent readers or for younger children to read with support and will appeal to young readers who have secretly (or not so secretly) resented the arrival of a potato-faced baby to the family.
Ready for Spaghetti by Michael Rosen and Polly Dunbar visits every corner of the small child’s sensory-world – the bathroom, the swings in the park, boiled eggs for breakfast, clouds, sucking up spaghetti & hugging teddy.
Pops by Gavin Bishop is a very stimulating, very special book which will appeal to children aged between two and four, with illustrations that are bold, direct and strangely primitive, simple and at the same time holding within them a lot to point at and talk about.
Unraveller will appeal to readers of Patrick Ness and Amanda Hocking. Weaving in strands from the darker side of fairy tales – including human to animal transformation and unhealthy family relationships – it is a powerful and immersive tale.
The Cartoons that Saved the World is a light, fast paced story that is perfect for comic book fans who are looking for a more substantial read. The inventive characters and made up words add humor to the madcap story and encourage reading aloud.
Once Upon a Fever is an absorbing read with well-developed strong female characters, an immersive fantasy setting and a fast-paced plot. It is highly recommended for fans of intelligent dystopian fiction who like to be challenged in their expectations and assumptions.
Alte Zachen: Old Things by Ziggy Hanaor is a witty, moving and illuminating story which has much to say about the big events of the last hundred years, and about how different generations can absorb lessons from each other’s viewpoints.
I’m More Than A Sheep by Bethany Christou is a busy, dramatic tale, illustrated with boldly colourful pictures. It carries an important sub-text about individuality, friendship and the need sometimes to rely on others.
More urgently than ever now, we need the coming generation to hear the warnings hammering on the door. Hayley Wells has produced a brilliant book that is bound to spark serious questions in the minds of any youngster who reads it.
And are you looking for the perfect book to read with children and encourage them in their new enthusiasm? When Creature Met Creature by John Agard is a portal into a deeper understanding of the child’s everyday world, and the crucial role played in it by language.
Alexander the Great By Dominic Sandbrook is a beautifully produced book. With its marvellous illustrations by Edward Bettison, it’s full of fascinating facts and valuable life lessons and, perhaps most important, it is hugely enjoyable to read.
The Butterfly Lion by Michael Morpurgo – this edition will enchant a watching class as the teacher reads and shares; and at home, the story itself will be a gift to treasure.
Minecraft Official Workbooks – 12 exciting new Minecraft themes workbooks for English and Maths, ideal for children in years 1-6 and covering all aspects of National Curriculum strands in KS1 and KS2.
By Rowan and Yew by Melissa Harrison – the parallels with our disappearing environment are powerfully obvious and the reader is never in doubt that we have to work together to save the world that we share with nature.
Old Toffer’s Book of Consequential Dogs by Christopher Reid is a captivating and inventive creation that can hardly fail to excite and enchant readers of any age from seven upwards.
The Bear Who Sailed the Ocean on an Iceberg by Emily Critchley – the witty and playful use of language delivered mainly through Monty, and the humour that runs throughout the book will appeal to both young and adult readers.
The Little Thing by Nick Cave features vibrant and ultra-high colour contrast illustrations that will intrigue children aged 3+. The hardback format with large print and each character’s dialogue on facing pages lends itself to shared reading or possibly as a thought-provoking bedtime story.
Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats – the lively, dramatic versions of Eliot’s cat-worlds will capture and sustain the interest of new readers and, for those already familiar with its charms, help confirm its status as a classic.
Rita Wong and the Jade Mask by Mark Jones has a dreamlike, almost hypnotic quality that works brilliantly and the cover and illustrations by Seamus Jennings capture the shadowy mystery and warm humour beautifully. I read the book in two sittings.
The Week at World’s End is rich in period detail and all the characters are vivid and entirely believable. We care about what happens to them, and to the world they live in. I would recommend it for pupils in Years 6, 7 or 8.
The Sister Who Ate Her Brothers by Jen Campbell is a deliciously dark selection of peculiarly modern and relevant traditional tales. This collection will appeal to years children in years five and six who like short stories with danger, excitement and mystery.
National Geographic Kids Everything KS2 history books – four superb new non-fiction texts suitable for children in KS2, covering the Stone Age to the Iron Age period, Romans in Britain, the Anglo Saxons, and World War II.
When Shadows Fall by Sita Brahmachari does much more than just describe people and locations; it examines deep human impulses. The failures of a systems-driven society that so often neglects and then ignores young people are laid bare.
Book of Numbers – this enchanting book teems with pictures and ideas which cannot fail to engage a curious child aged between three and seven. This is an ideal book to read and share and discuss with nursery aged children.
Our Beautiful Game by Lou Kuenzler is about learning from and being inspired by others. It’s a gripping read full of fascinating facts and valuable life lessons. A hugely enjoyable book.
The Ash House by Angharad Walker is a great work of imagination that grips the reader from the first page. It is not an ‘easy read’ but it is refreshingly original and vividly powerful.
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