Summer 2026 new children’s books – here’s our selection of top new titles coming out during the Summer term 2026 and available to buy or preorder in April, May, June and July 2026. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels, poetry and non-fiction for children aged 3-17+. The titles below are books that (at the time of writing) are now due to be released during this summer term in UK schools and in time to pre-order for the new school year. These books have been chosen with classroom teaching, school libraries, home learning and reading for pleasure in mind.
Summer 2026 new children’s books – our recommendations
New picture books for Summer 2026
A Holiday for Bear by Duncan Beedie. 
Waffles and Julius: No Hugs Please by Ed Vere. 
Mahitha and the Dragon by Sunita Nahar and Jake Alexander. Moon’s Lullaby by Júlia Moscardó
Five goslings are not ready for bed, so Mama Goose tells them a soothing story about Moon’s journey gliding across the atmospheric night sky. As rabbits, bees, grasshoppers, frogs and other pond creatures appear in her tale, the goslings copy what they hear and gradually begin to settle. Júlia Moscardó’s evocative illustrations effortlessly track the light from sunset to darkness, making this a calming, perfectly paced bedtime picture book for 3 to 6 year olds.
Bart is Different by Barroux. 
Are You Looking At Me by Philip Ardagh and Enrico Lorenzi. 
The Fluffy Futon by Yuichi Kasano. The Ice-Cream Crocodile by Mariesa Dulak and Rebecca Cobb
Elvis wants to perform in the circus, but Sidney the penguin only lets fluffy and feathery animals into the ring. While the scaled animals stay behind the scenes, Elvis keeps practising his ice-cream act, with his family behind him. Told in rhyme, the plot builds towards Elvis’s chance to perform, and the lively circus illustrations give infants plenty to look at, including the delicious ice-cream flavours. It’s a clever yet gentle picture book story for 3-6 year olds to prompt discussion about prejudice and inclusion. Highly recommended.
Little Flow by Katie Sahota and Christine Cuddihy. 
We Are All One by Britta Teckentrup. 
Pyramid Boy by Satoshi Kitamura. Nico the Donkey’s New Home by Elena Mannion and Erin Brown
Nico the donkey lives with Mrs Anderson, who adopted him years earlier. But when he needs more care than she can provide, a local sanctuary offers him a home with other donkeys. Mrs Anderson continues to visit every week, keeping their bond part of his routine in this heart-warming story that explores animal welfare, companionship, making practical choices and embracing change. Ideal for 4+ year olds, this beautifully illustrated and thought-provoking picture book is perfect for reading and sharing with preschool and EYFS classes.
Now I See Summer by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen. 
Max and the Haircut by Samareh Azadi. 
AGAIN! said Rabbit by Marjoke Henrichs. The Dream by Gideon Sterer and Nik Henderson
When a girl sees hunters and a factory releasing pollution, she follows a mysterious wolf into the woods and, as she does so, glorious night scenes turn blue and the animals grow and grow in scale. But by morning, she is back with classmates and neighbours to confront the factory. Told without words, this spectacular and highly imaginative wordless picture book invites 5-10 year olds to follow the visual clues and link together the themes of environmental damage and protest. It’s perfect for shared reading and discussion in KS2.
Us and Them by James Carter and James Munro. 
Different by Eva Eland. 
The Mud Princess by Beatrice Alemagna. We Can Be Mermaids by Lanisha Butterfield, illustrated by Raissa Figueroa
Silver loves swimming and dreams of becoming a mermaid, but her dad can’t swim and always stays at the side of the pool. At home, Silver loves her mermaid world of stories, games and cupcakes, but she starts to worry that following her swimming dreams will mean leaving her dad behind. In this outstanding picture book for 3+ year olds, Lanisha Butterfield turns that worry into a warm-hearted story about family support, swimming accessibility and a love of the water. The illustrations by Raissa Figueroa are a particular highlight. Perfect for reading and sharing in EYFS classes.
Welcome to the Rabbit Residence by Haluka Nohana. 
Seahorse Is Furious by Morag Hood. 
The Magic Feather by Julia Donaldson and Catherine Rayner. 
In the Theatre by Tove Jansson. 
Reach In! by Hervé Tullet. 
The Blue Tomato by Amber Aü. 
Letters to a Giant by Patricia Forde and Sarah Warburton. 
Dave, Don’t Give Up! by Olaf Falafel. 
Maya & Marley and the New Friend by Laura Henry-Allain and Yabaewah Scott. 
The Glamorous Grandmas by Jodie Lancet-Grant and Rose Gerrard. 
Ray by Marianna Coppo. 
The Sound of a Smile by Louise Greig and David Litchfield. 
A Day Off School by Oliver Jeffers and Kevin Waldron. 
The Line by Swapna Haddow and Farah Shah. 
I Want by Ziggy Hanaor and Charlotte Ager. 
Broken by X. Fang. 
You Be You by Chitra Soundar. 
A River Running Through You by Amy-Jane Beer, illustrated by Elin Manon. 
The Island of the Bees by Patricia Forde and Paddy Donnelly. 
Dylan’s Park by Helen Docherty. 
What If?: Grow Your Imagination by Tom Schamp. 
Whale Song by Nicola Davies and Britta Teckentrup. 
Pandora by Miles Kelly and Héloïse Mab. 
King School by Alexis Deacon. 
It’s Swing Time by Abi Bi. 
Once Upon a Time in the Woods by Anthony Browne. 
Uprooted! by Philippa Rice. 
Is This a Plum? by Dan Ojari and Finn Ojari. 
The Boy with Big, Big Energy by Britney Winn Lee and Jacob Souva. 
Lucie and the Wind by Grégoire Laforce and Yvan Duque. Camping in the Wild by Nicholas Oldland
Bear, Moose and Beaver head off on a camping trip but immediately ignore all the advice in their guide. Unsurprisingly, nothing goes to plan, and each error leads to an argument or mishap. As the problems pile up, they are forced to work together to get through it. Told with wicked humour and expressive illustrations, this cracking picture book explores preparation, cooperation and how we can ultimately learn from our mistakes. It’s the eighth book in the popular Life in the Wild series for 3+ year olds.
I, Rock by Eoin McLaughlin and Mark Chambers. 
The Dangerous Pet Lover’s Guide to Sea Monsters by Lindsay Hirst and Alice McKinley. 
What a Night! by Guilherme Karsten. New fiction 5-7 for Summer 2026
Blue, Barry and Pancakes: Mayhem on Wheels by Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson. 
Captain Danger and the Time Ghost by Victor Engbers. 
The Old Man and the Penguin by Julie Abery and Pierre Pratt. 
Blue, Barry and Pancakes: Big Time Trouble by Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson. 
Squid Squad: Shrimply the Best by Aoife Dooley. 
Wigglesbottom Primary: Guinea Pig Rescue by Pamela Butchart and Becka Moore. Glam & Beardy: Volume I by Ruby Clyde and Rachel WD, illustrated by Vincent Batignole
On Kin Isle, every child is meant to meet a Familiar at ten and receive the Mark that places them in one of five Kindoms. But Glam’s meeting does not happen when it should, and when Beardy finally appears, the two discover the system is not as perfect as they have been led to believe. Told as a hilarious shared diary in a heavily illustrated cartoon style, this fun-filled story for 5-9 year olds explores discoveries, secrets and unexpected turns of events. It’s bound to be popular with KS1 and LKS2 readers.
Jolly Monster Town: The Party Pickle by Rong Rong. 
Ivy and Bearlock Holmes: The Mystery of the Dinosaur Bones: 15 Puzzles for Sleuths to Solve by Kristyna Litten. 
Myths and Magic by Esther Moonstomp. 
Escape of the Sea Turtle by Abiola Bello. 
Tuck and Tina and the Dinosaur Thief by Jess Brallier and Jack Keely. 
Amelia Cheeseheart Investigates: Ice Age Alarm! by Cat Weldon and Nene Lonergan. Mirabelle and the Enchanted Sea Globe by Harriet Muncaster
A week at the seaside gives Mirabelle time away with her family, along with one clear rule: no magic. But she breaks it almost at once! When she creates a sea creature for one night, the routine holiday quickly takes a different turn. Set against an exciting coastal backdrop, this instalment in the popular illustrated first chapter book series for 5+ year olds blends family rules, seaside scenes and magical mayhem. Highly recommended.
The Spark by Julien Arnal, Loïc Clément and Julien Arnal. 
Monsieur Mustard: The Disappearance of Fabio Fangtooth by Charley Rabbit. 
Captain Sunshine by Alex Milway. New fiction 7-9 for Summer 2026
Robots Stole My Mum! by Alex Kirk, illustrated by Tim Wilson. 
Mighty Mega Pets: Freaky Food Fiasco! by Gary Northfield. 
Cat and Cat Adventures: the Lair of the Owl King by Susie Yi. Tales of the Cobb Street Commandos by Tony Bradman, illustrated by Aleksei Bitskoff
London’s East End, 1941. With the war closing in, Jimmy and his mates form a secret outfit called the Cobb Street Commandos, turning empty houses into HQs and warehouses into training grounds. Cobbling together helmets and kit from whatever they can scrounge, their missions start with wartime jobs around the city, including raising money for Spitfire planes and training alongside soldiers. Eventually, they build towards a trip to see Prime Minister Winston Churchill! It’s a pacey, satisfying-to-read, highly illustrated series opener that will inspire less confident readers to learn more about WW2. Highly recommended and ideal for group reading in KS2.
Frank the Monster by Mats Strandberg and Sofia Falkenhem. 
Agents of S. U. I. T. : Sew Much Trouble by John Patrick Green with Christopher Hastings and Pat Lewis. 
Fiddlehead Forest by Jana Curll. 
Gordon Saves the Day by Alex Latimer. 
Puzzle Slug and the Cosmic Stench of Doom by Candice Whatmore. 
Squirrel and Duck: Quack to the Future by Tom Percival. 
Goal Squad: Win the Cup! by Scott Allen, illustrated by Lidia Fernandez. 
The Unchosen One by Amy Sparkes. 
The Boy, the Father, and the Bear by Per Gustavsson. 
Kid Potato: Fry and Stop Me by Neil Coslett. 
How to Train Your Dragon School: Fight of the Flamestrike by Cressida Cowel. 
InvestiGators: Weather or Not by John Patrick Green. 
The Diary of Wiska Wildflower: the Crystal Cave by Harriet Muncaster. 
Pablo and Splash: Viking Voyage by Sheena Dempsey. 
When I Was a Wolf by Liz Flanagan, illustrated by Nikola Aronova. 
The Wood Where Stories Sing by Andy Shepherd, illustrated by Ellie Snowdon. 
Peanut, Butter & Crackers: Kitty Capers by Paige Braddock. 
My Big Fat Smelly Poo Diary: The Phantom Pooper by Jim Smith. Superquesters Mission: Desert Danger by Paul Ian Cross, illustrated by Katarina Gasko
After finding a message in a bottle, Lilli, Leo and Bea head back to Questland for a desert mission. With Arid the Sand Sprite and Skitter the scarab beetle, they try to stop Professor Vortec using an ancient spell to claim buried treasure. This unceasingly engaging, illustrated, STEM-driven book for 6–9 year olds also includes puzzles, facts, activities, a map and a glossary, with links to Key Stage 1 and 2 learning. Highly recommended.
Hupo and the Doom Lagoon by Billy Partridge. 
A Mermaid’s Rescue by Chris Riddell. 
Unfairies: Death by Toad by Huw Aaron. Koroba: The Case of the Missing Kolo by Àlàbá Ònájìn
When Saidat’s wooden money box goes missing just before Breaking Day, Korobá steps in to investigate. As she, Saidat and Joba question suspects while helping at home and in the market, the case unfolds against the vibrant stilt houses, piers, canoes and seafood sellers of Makoko, Nigeria. The impending harvest festival deadline gives this pacey, uplifting and immersive mystery graphic novel for 7-9 year olds real momentum. Highly recommended.
Captain Underpants: the First Epic Manga by Dav Pilkey and Motojiro. 
Rex Dinosaur in Disguise: Jurassic Baby by Elys Dolan. 
Bridge Beyond the Stars by Cornelia Funke, illustrated by Manuel Šumberac. 
Chicken Hill: Frozen Squirrel Rescue Mission by Beccy Blake. 
Riley Wright Is Always Wrong by Mel Taylor-Bessent. 
Magic Tree House: Afternoon on the Amazon by Mary Pope Osborne and Jenny Laird, illustrated by Kelly Matthews and Nichole Matthews. New fiction 9-12 for Summer 2026
A Sister Like You by Sarah Hagger-Holt. 
Tadpole Summer by Catherine Bruton. 
Birdlands by Anthony McGowan, illustrated by Keith Robinson. Peregrine Quinn and the Battle for Olympus by Ash Bond
Olympus is close to collapse. The Mountain is unstable, Olympus Inc. is struggling to keep control after the Cosmic Games, and Hekate’s new powers complicate everything. When Peregrine’s volatile magic catches the attention of Hades, she is pulled into a conflict between gods and mortals. With her friends beside her, she attempts a risky heist at the centre of Olympus, facing epic politics and growing danger in this stunning finale to the myth-tinged fantasy adventure series for 9+ year olds. Highly recommended.
The Seriously Epic Holiday of Lottie by Katie Kirby. 
Izzy Dobson is Definitely Different by Abigail Balfe. 
Lennox Dean is Living the Dream by Rebecca Patterson. Dragonflare by Jamie Hammond
Intrepid 8+ year old readers are pulled headlong into the Wingrider Trials, where humans and dragons team up to solve puzzles inside a dangerous labyrinth. Flynn, an unlikely competitor, must rely on his dragon partner to stay ahead of rivals and avoid the traps closing in. Progress depends on readers helping to crack puzzles along the way. Illustrated by Jamie Hammond, this innovative, addictive and exciting interactive adventure blends humour, teamwork and action, with bravery and trust at the heart of the plot. Highly recommended for KS2. Read our full review.
Welcome to Weird Street by Stephen Mangan, ilustrated by Anita Mangan. 
The Ministry of Manners by David Solomons. 
The Game Changers by Helen Rutter. The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away by Sophie Anderson, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli
Without warning, Marinka’s house pulls itself to pieces and escapes, dragging her into a chase across strange and hostile places. With Benjamin and the crow Jack close behind, she is forced to keep moving in spite of the rising risks. Every step tests her resolve and her loyalty to the people she cares about. Set in the immersive fairy-tale world of The House with Chicken Legs, with internal illustrations by Elisa Paganelli, this marvellous story is a thrill from start to finish. Read our full review.
Bobby Bains Ain’t Playing by Bali Rai, illustrated by Daniel Duncan. 
The Children of Wolf Rock by Natasha Farrant. 
The Odyssey by Liv Albert. Strike by Mitch Johnson
Owen Sharp is on the brink of joining a Premier League club when a note hidden in his new boots makes him stop and think. The desperate message leads him to the factory workers who made his kit and the harsh conditions they work under. Suddenly, Owen has to choose between pushing ahead with his dream or speaking up for people he has never met. The story blends football with themes of justice, responsibility and difficult life choices. It’s a brilliant book for 10+ year olds to read in the run-up to the World Cup. Highly recommended. Read our full review.
The Silver Dwarf by Victor Kloss. 
Bone Head: Guardian of the Underworld by Jamie Gregory. 
Death at the Museum by Janice Hallett. 
Transcendent: Forgotten Earth by Patrick Gallagher. 
Demon Hunters by Jennfier Killick, illustrated by Marina Vidal. 
Voice in the Flames by Mike Edwards. 
Finn’s Epic Fails: Downhill From Here by Phil Earle. 
Mayowa and the Fire of Speech by Chibundu Onuzo. 
Cecily Sawyer: How to Crack a Code by Iona Rangeley, illustrated by David Tazzyman. 
Help! Aliens Stole My Grandad by Hannah Moffatt, illustrated by Rory Walker. 
Bim Blake’s Hot Takes: My Pencil Case Doesn’t Define Me by Tolá Okogwu. 
Nina Peanut: Major Drama Alert by Sarah Bowie. 
Wide Eye by Jennifer Liss. ![Alex Abbott Is [Un]dead by Louise Austin, illustrated by Katie Kear](https://media.schoolreadinglist.co.uk/summer-2026/9781035065752.jpg)
Alex Abbott Is [Un]dead by Louise Austin, illustrated by Katie Kear. 
Clock Hands by Marieke Nijkamp and Sylvia Bi. 
The Whisperwicks: The Vanished Key by Jordan Lees. 
Witch Light by Zohra Nabi. 
The Hound of the Baskervilles: A Sherlock Holmes Graphic Novel by Arthur Conan Doyle and Nick Moffatt. Dragonborn 2: The Twilight Child by Struan Murray
Alex arrives in Dundarrak, a city where humans and dragons still stand side by side against a long-dormant threat. With Drak Midna stirring and the alliance beginning to fracture, she must master her own dragon abilities and trust that her mother can help keep the city from falling apart. Familiar faces return, new enemies emerge, and this sensational next chapter of the Dragonborn series dramatically raises the stakes for everyone involved. Perfect for adventure fantasy fans in KS2 and KS3.
The Thing about Giants by Christopher Galvin. 
The Case of the Disappearing Double by Brian Gallagher. 
Detectograms® by Tim Collins. Wishbound by Clemency Brown
Leonie has the power to grant wishes, but every spell comes with a cost. Fleeing her old life, she finds a new home and friendship with Cress, who is deaf and uses British Sign Language. As Leonie learns what her magic demands, the compelling plot explores choice, responsibility and found family. Set across a series of striking locations, Leonie must think about friendship, trust and deciding when not to use her power at all. A satisfying and inclusive read for UKS2 children. Read our full review.
Rise of the Goblin Queen by Francesco Bedini and Stefano Tambellini. 
When Skeletons Rise by Coral Rumble. 
Creepy Araminta by Anne Fine, illustrated by Emily Jones. The Othernauts by Clare Pollard, illustrated by Macha Yao
Eleven-year-old Phoebe is bored of her island, so she sneaks aboard the Argo and straight into Jason’s quest for the Golden Fleece. Travelling with a ragtag group of children, she faces monsters, gods and danger alongside the famous heroes. Told from Phoebe’s point of view, this reimagined story for 8–13 year olds plays with Greek myth, adding humour and sharp twists that give a familiar adventure a contemporary and original feel. Read our full review.
Nine Times I Nearly Died by Benedict Allen. 
The Seeker and the Shade by Ellen Osborne. 
The Bookshop Sisters by Sarah Webb. SPYGLASS: Mastermind of Mayhem by David Solomons
When Adam and his friends accidentally reveal the location of retired MI6 quartermaster Professor Goodspeed’s hideout, they land themselves in serious trouble. Dr Toe and a band of supervillains are soon chasing the Professor’s latest invention, and Adam’s crew have to act fast. With gadgets like flying bikes, robot-shark shields and glitter glue grenades, there’s a frantic race to rescue the Professor and stop a global disaster. This high-paced illustrated rollercoaster launches David Solomons’ unputdownable adventure series for 8+ year olds. It’s great fun, and we think SPYGLASS will be very popular with KS2 children! Read our full review.
Feather Vane by Beth O’Brien. 
The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly. 
Hidden Treasure by Jessie Burton. Max and Ella, Stuck Together by Kristina Rahim
Max is bruised by bullying at secondary school and his confidence in music has taken a hit, which is awkward timing with a charity concert coming up. He starts thinking about meeting Hari, his donor parent. But Ella, Hari’s daughter, is not thrilled, especially with her mum abroad and her best friend moving schools. When Max turns up at Ella’s family weekend anyway, the first meeting lands hard and nothing feels simple afterwards. A poignant, thought-provoking read for 9-12 year olds, and one that’s perfect for book club discussion. Highly recommended. Read our full review.
Legacy: the Shadow Rises by Will Fickling, Tom Fickling and Zak Simmonds-Hurn. 
Two is a Crowd by Cath Howe. 
We Are Dragon by Alastair Chisholm. The Protectors by Victor Kloss
Second grade at the Royal Institute of Magic should keep Ben busy enough, but a dark elf invasion is getting closer and his search for Elizabeth’s Helm has become urgent. Working from a black-and-white photo clue, Ben balances lessons with the quest, helped by his friends. This cracking story, the third in the Royal Institute of Magic series, adds Protectors, a helm Guardian and a new student, Aran, whose arrival raises fresh questions about where he belongs. It’s relentless fantasy fun for 9+ year olds.
Crow: Thief of Magic by Fiona Dixon. 
The Time Engine by Lindsay Galvin, illustrated by Kristina Kister. 
Youngest Faircrest and the Search for a Sorcerer by Ollie George Clark, illustrated by Tom Knight. Lily Tripp: Diary of an Accidental Time Traveller by Amelia Tait
Every New Year’s Day, Lily wakes up in a different century. She has no control over where or when she lands, and has to cope with unfamiliar rules, clothes and customs while keeping her secret. Told through punchy and accessible diary entries, this stunning debut story mixes laugh-out-loud humour with contemporary friendship worries, family life and a quiet crush. Each jump brings a new historical setting to life, launching a spectacular time-slip series for 10+ year old readers. Addictively readable, Lily Trip is highly recommended for UKS2 and KS3 readers.
And Now Run by Nicola Penfold. 
Zero Override by Steve Blackman. 
Allies – If the Invader Comes by Tom Palmer. 
The Common Criminals’ Club: Death Before Detention by Alison Weatherby. 
The Ocean and the Bones by Genevieve Carver. 
Letty and the Mystery of the Word Thieves by Penny Boxall. New 12-16 young adult novels for Summer 2026
Just Another Dead Boy by Kelly McCaughrain. 
I Knew You Were Trouble by J L Simmonds. 
My Ex and Other Monsters by Molly Morris. Augusta Pine Does Not Exist by Emily Lloyd-Jones
In a near future world where biometric tattoos have replaced paper ID, Augusta Pine works as a government wraith, an operative who officially does not exist. After a hacking accident at fifteen, she chose undercover service over prison. Now eighteen, she expects a rare weekend off, only for her apartment block to be taken over by cyber criminals. Using her hacking skills and help from her handler Prefect and AI Edgar, can Augusta free the trapped residents? It’s a distinctively cool and fast-paced thriller that 12+ year olds will devour. Highly recommended for KS3 libraries.
How to Lose Yourself Completely by Peter Bognanni. 
The Last Piece of His Heart by Emma Scott. 
Bad Queer by Gayathiri Kamalakanthan. Shadow Reaper by Lynette Noni
In the city of Aravell, deadly blackmist and reapers shape everyday life. Seventeen-year-old Viridia Solace hunts reapers, driven by the loss of her parents and a single target: the Reaper Priest. But when she captures his lieutenant, Reeve Ashton, he offers her a route to revenge that comes with serious consequences. Action, shifting loyalties and sharp dialogue drive this stunning opening book of a YA fantasy duology for 14+ year olds, built on danger, tension and uneasy alliances. Highly recommended.
Coterie of Liars by Kate Weston. 
Burn the Kingdom Down by Addie Thorley. 
Paint Me Like Your Dead Girls by Cynthia Murphy. Stormbringer by Tig Wallace
Supernatural storms are tearing the world apart, and society is split between magic and science. When Amelio uncovers a power he did not know he had, he is pulled into a dangerous quest to bring rival provinces together. With Paige and Vintane, he faces an apocalyptic storm that could change everything. This powerful and distinctive teen romantasy adventure for 14+ year olds explores survival, divided loyalties and risky choices. Highly recommended.
Traitors’ Nest by Frances Hardinge. 
She’s a Knockout by Britney Brouwer. 
The Unexpected Mess of It All by Gabrielle Tozer. The Heirs by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Five gifted siblings, raised under the ruthless Button Method, are thrown into chaos when their billionaire father is murdered during his own Prodigy Ball. Trapped inside the family mansion, Octavius, Fola, Bilal, Perdita and Romeo turn on each other as secrets surface and old grudges resurface. This character-driven YA thriller for 14+ year olds blends claustrophobic mystery with dagger-sharp family tension. Exploring themes of ambition, trauma and the cost of being shaped into something you never chose, it’s a thrilling ride for KS4 readers. Highly recommended. Read our full review.
Texts We Never Sent by G. Forsyth-Read. 
Evie in Venice by Bruna De Luca. 
The Swarm by Anna February. Dead Straight Line by Malcolm Duffy
It’s simple. Wherever you are, you have to get home in a Dead Straight Line. Never mind what’s in the way or which rules you have to break, the game 16-year-old Rory concocts is as enticing in the story as it is thought-provoking in real life. But what Rory cannot foresee it how it will change his world and wreck his friend Elliot’s life. After the accident, consequences hit hard at home and at school, and an angry Rory is sent to volunteer in a care home. There he meets Tanker, an outspoken war veteran who provides hope – slowly reshaping how Rory sees himself and his actions. Incredibly powerful, perfectly pitched and unerringly relevant, Dead Straight Line is an outstanding, sharp and pacey story for 12+ year olds that explores trust, responsibility and real lived experience. Every secondary-aged student should read it. Read our full review.
Survival Show by Juno Dawson. 
Wonderland by Patience Agbabi. 
The Silver Kingdom by Radiya Hafiza. The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss
Contestants on a reality show think they are signing up for a tough set of escape room challenges, but the game turns darker when they learn a former player has been murdered. Each new puzzle comes with higher stakes, and clues about the crime begin to surface. As secrets slip out and anxiety rises, the group must work together to uncover what really happened, knowing their own lives depend on it. It’s a fascinating, twisty and super-tense read for 16+ year old mystery fans. Highly recommended. Read our full review.
The Ocean Would Paint Me Blue: From the Author of Global Sensation as Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh. 
The One by Isabella Galbraith. 
Sentinel of the Sun by Eira Morgan-Jones. A Million Tiny Missiles All At Once by Lucas Maxwell
Elias’s family is coming undone. His brother’s caught up with the wrong crowd, and the pressure at home keeps building. Determined to put things right, Elias takes a risky leap – but his plan quickly unravels. Set against the bleak, wintry backdrop of Nova Scotia, this gripping debut from Lucas Maxwell explores addiction, family and neurodiversity with honesty and heart. Winner of the Times/Chicken House Competition 2024, it’s a powerful read for 14+ year olds.
Tom Burne Has Left the Chat by Seán Farrelly. 
Where the Tide Lines Lead by Sophie Cameron. 
Alecto Gray Will Hunt You Down by Laura Eve. 
Your Murder Next by Ravena Guron. 
Goldenborn by Ama Ofosua Lieb. 
Like A Brother by Nathanael Lessore. 
Drop Dead Famous by Jennifer Pearson. 
Runaway Road by Sue Divin. 
Young World by Soman Chainani. 
The Beckett Effect by Nashae Jones. 
Boy Friends by Kai Spellmeier. 
Lies We Told This Summer by Emily Barr. Piper at the Gates of Dusk by Patrick Ness
Two decades after Chaos Walking, New World is unsettled again. Teen brothers Ben and Max live on a remote farm while their mother, Viola, works in the city. Nightmares hint at the return of Noise, a vast shape hangs in the sky, and burning gods step out of the woods. Told through both brothers’ perspectives, this outstanding science fiction novel for 12+ year olds examines family strain, identity, misinformation, xenophobia, disability and the ongoing tension between settlers and the Land. Dystopian, with likely prescient contemporary parallels, it’s a must-read for students in KS3 and KS4. Highly recommended. Read our full review.
This Boy I Hardly Know by Lisa Heathfield. 
The Victors by Wren James. 
The Between-Worlds B&B by Amy Mae Baxter. A Treachery of Swans by A. B. Poranek
Set in Auréal, where magic exists beyond the law, this retelling of Swan Lake centres on Odile rather than Odette. Using forbidden sorcery, she impersonates Marie d’Odette to infiltrate the royal court and steal a crown tied to the restoration of magic. When her brother is accused of murder, Odile’s scheme unravels, forcing her into an uneasy alliance with Marie and Prince Aimé. Deception, power, obsession and a sapphic romance drive this dark and delicious reimagining for teen readers. Highly recommended for KS4.
Pearl Beach by Beth Steiner. 
The Summer After the Night Before by Lisa Williamson. 
A Deadly Pledge by M. A. Bennett. The Last Death Poet by Stephen Daly
Michael is uprooted to Belfast and arrives with one question he cannot stop thinking about: why is his father missing? Then the visions start. Tied to the city’s past, he keeps them to himself until he meets Meg, who takes them seriously and helps him investigate where they are coming from. As Michael finds his feet at school and starts forming new friendships, the visions intensify and connect history, myth and his father’s disappearance, alongside a powerful coming-out storyline. A stunning debut YA novel. Highly recommended for KS4 readers.
Song I Wrote for Charlotte by Caitlin Devlin. 
Breakout by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk and Nicola Yoon. 
Camp Murder by Sophie McKenzie. New children’s poetry and drama books for Summer 2026
Benjamin Zephaniah’s What Stephen Lawrence Has Taught Us by Benjamin Zephaniah, with text by Rachael Davis-Featherstone, illustrated by Joelle Avelino. 
A Year of Animal Poems by Red Shed. 
Ridiculous Raps and Rhymes by Michael Rosen and M. C. Grammar. Aardvark Day by Victoria Gatehouse, illustrated by Kate Lucy Foster
Aardvark Day gathers poems about nature’s strangest creatures and quirkiest plants, mixing engaging verse with nuggets of zoological know-how. Armadillos, insects and mushrooms all get their moment, each introduced with a blend of humour and genuine curiosity. The illustrations add to the fun, and the collection is perfect for 8+ year olds who love to look closely at the fascinating quirks and surprises of the natural world.
Benjamin Zephaniah Poetry Collection by Benjamin Zephaniah. 
A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare. 
He, She, They, Us by Charlie Castelletti. Michael Rosen’s Pocket Shakespeare by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Chris Riddell
Shakespeare is introduced through highly accessible and fun chapters on love, plotting, insults, and more, with Michael Rosen selecting quotes and speeches and adding short notes on context and discussion. Useful glossaries are paired with each extract, and technical terms such as soliloquy and iambic pentameter are explained clearly. Chris Riddell’s lively illustrations, together with helpful first lines of plays, make the book easy to browse, dip into and use for looking up. Highly recommended.
A Poem in the Sky by Benjamin Zephaniah, illustrated by Nila Aye. 
Fresh by Rhiannon Oliver and Chris Riddell. 
They Sent a Cat to Saturn by Valerie Bloom, illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max. 
World Football Kings by Charles R Smith Jr. 
Six Weeks by Matt Goodfellow, illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton. 
Milk & Moon-water: Charm Poems by Milena Williamson. New nonfiction children’s books for Summer 2026
Survive in Time: The roman Empire by Dave Rear, illustrated by Adam Ming. 
Creative Writing Magic: 80 Tips and Tricks for Young Writers by Andy Jones, illustrated by Olaf Falafel. 
Granny Is a Hippie by Vivi John, Claire Philip and Carolina Amell. Made for Each Other by Georgina Taylor
This beautifully illustrated and typeset large format nonfiction nature book, now in paperback, studies the symbiotic relationships between interdependent species. Including the co-existences between Hawaiian Bobtail Squids and Vibrio Fisceri, Three-Toed Sloth and Algae, and Ruby Throated Hummingbirds and Cardinal Flowers; this book shows the reader that harmony and restraint are key to sustainability in the natural world. With considerable detail, this point – prescient more now than ever – transcends science and will help show children the values of working together, compromise and tolerance to aid survival. It’s ideal for 9-11 year olds and KS2 libraries.
Scream If You Wanna Go Faster by Peter Morris and Roozeboos. 
A Symphony of Sound: The Science Behind What We Hear by Trevor Cox and Sophie Escavy Lim. 
The Big Book of Useless History Knowledge by Liz Kay, Kay Wolfersperger, Lauren Radley and Neon Squid. How to Question Everything by Susan Martineau and Vicky Barker
This recently updated handbook helps children test what they read and watch, from fake news and loaded wording to the way numbers can be manipulated to shape a claim. It encourages 7-12-year-olds to check sources, dates and context, and to stop before accepting something as truth or sharing it. Bold graphics and well-written short sections of text keep the guidance accessible, while the highly relevant content supports work on media literacy and critical thinking. Highly recommended for KS2 and lower KS3.
Pen, Pad, Play!: Over 50 Amazing Ideas for Drawing and Designing by Elliot Ryan. 
Behind the Scenes: Airports by Anna Ridley and Maxim Usik. 
Marvolution by Claire Asher and Fiona Fogg. 
We Need to Talk about Cancer by Sanjay Juneja, Anna Shepeta and Neon Squid. 
Airport Adventure by Mohammad Taher and Michael Parkin. 
FIFA World Cup 2026 Kids’ Handbook by Alex Rice. 
An Anthology of Beetles by Richard Jones. 
Woodlore: Discover the Seasons and Stories of the Forest by Kevin Parr and Anja Susanj. 
Buzz: A Child’s Guide to Bugs and Bees and How to Spot Them by Richard Jones. 
The Shipwreck Atlas by Jo Arnold and Philip Harris. 
Cute FACTopia!: Follow the Trail of 200 Super-sweet Facts by Kate Olesin and Andy Smith. 
The Weirdest Wonders on Earth: From Pirate Graveyards to Exploding Trees, Unicorn Skeletons and More! by Sophie Burrows. 
Forces of the Day by Samantha Lewis, illustrated by Hao Hao. 
Aviarium by Dominic Couzens and Teagan White. 
The Science of Art by Ruth Millington and Rose Blake. 
100 Things to Know about Time by Alice James, Tom Mumbray and Micaela Tapsell. 
Astrophysics for Supervillains: Mastering the Multiverse (and Other Secrets of Space and Time) by Matthew Bothwell, illustrated by Nathan Reed 
The World According to Sharks by Christian Talbot, illustrated by Sophie Hodge. 
Lost by Tom Adams and Daniela Martin Del Campo. 
Planet Earth: a 4. 5 Billion Year Story by Sam Falconer. 
How to Build a Chocolate Bridge by Roma Agrawal and Robert Spalding. 
Penicillin and Other Incredible Mistakes You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of by Natalie Labarre, illustrated by Gosia Herba. 
Once Upon a Planet by Pierrick Graviou, Érik Orsenna and Gallimard Jeunesse. 
Wild Footprints by Judy Wise, Kevin Howdeshell and Kristen Howdeshell. 
The Family Quiz by Robert Tregoning and Yasmeen Ismail. 
My Art Book of Peace by Shana Gozansky and Meagan Bennett. 
The World’s Last Mammoth and Other Missing Marvels by Mike Barfield and Franziska Höllbacher. 
Brilliant Sun, Luminous Moon by Agnes Monod-Gayraud and Elin Manon. 
The Playbook by Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes with Oscar Millar. 
An Egyptian Pyramid by Jacqueline Morley, illustrated by John James and Mark Bergin. Travels with Gannon and Wyatt: Ireland by Patti Wheeler and Keith Hemstreet
Gannon and Wyatt travel through Ireland, taking in places like the Cliffs of Moher and Newgrange. Their holiday shifts direction when a blight begins damaging local farmland and they decide to investigate what is causing it. Using teamwork and practical skills, the brothers follow clues while learning about the land and its history. Told through accessible journal entries and immersive photographs, the account blends mystery, action and environmental themes in a punchy format for 8–12 year olds.
Pop-Up Dinosaurium by Chris Wormell. 
The Little Cook’s Handbook by Lizzie Mabbott and Charlotte Dumortier. 
The Hospital for Mythological Creatures by Cathy Evans and Ed Brown. Nature is the Answer by Chris Packham
Aimed at 9-12 year olds, Nature is the Answer tackles eco-anxiety and climate breakdown in a direct, thought-provoking and practical way. Chris Packham explains what eco-anxiety is, why it happens and how it can be managed, combining climate facts with contemporary contributions from young people and specialists. Sections on activism, social media and spotting misinformation sit alongside Packham’s personal reflections from his work as a naturalist, with accessible illustrations by Conor Nolan throughout. This inspiring toolkit for action is highly recommended for KS2 libraries.
What It Was Like in Ancient Benin by David Long, illustrated by Stefano Tambellini. 
Curiositree: Natural World by A. J. Wood and Mike Jolley, illustrated by Owen Davey. 
My Teacher and Me: A Keepsake Book by Sam Hutchinson and Vicky Barker. Summer term 2026 reading resources
- Our free Take It As Read book-finder service – fill in your book requirements, and one of our expert team (a real human being, not AI) will get back to you with bespoke children’s or YA book suggestions.
- Summer Reading Challenge – this page is packed with ideas and resources, including an archive of activities from previous years.
- Free downloadable reading lists, cards, posters, year group challenges – you name it! Browse through our extension collection of resources to promote reading positivity.
- Reading for Pleasure – read our comprehensive collection of guides and resources for promoting and developing reading for pleasure in your whole school, classrooms and at home.
This page was first published on March 30th, 2026, and last updated on .
Summer 2026 new titles – bulk orders and class sets
Click the buttons below to purchase all of the books in this Summer 2026 book list, as well as class sets of any of these books and many more, from Bookshop.org UK. Or buy the 20 most popular pre-order titles from this list from Amazon – ideal for gifts or your classroom library.
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