Year 7 recommended reading list for children aged 11-12

The Beck by Anthony McGowan

Kyle teams up with his quirky grandad to save a local stream, or “beck,” from being destroyed by a new development. With the beck brimming with wildlife, Kyle faces bullies, security guards, and personal challenges to save his favourite place after his grandad falls ill. This adventure, aimed at less confident secondary school aged readers, combines environmental themes with McGowan’s signature humour and heart. Highly recommended.

Contemporary

Fight Back by A. M. Dassu

13-year-old Aaliyah faces discrimination and bullying after a terrorist attack at a nearby concert changes how people see her. Choosing not to hide, she wears a hijab with pride and challenges stereotypes and misconceptions where she sees them. But when her resolve is tested, she has a decision to make – to lay low or ‘Fight Back’. This gripping young adult novel explores themes of identity, resilience, and unity in the face of Islamophobia. A powerful call to positive action, it’s ideal to discuss in book clubs.

Racism | Family

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.

Shakespeare

Can You See Me? by Libby Scott & Rebecca Westcott

Follow 11-year-old Tally’s journey as she navigates the challenges of school, friendship, and self-discovery, providing readers with a unique and empathetic perspective on autism. Can You See Me is an empowering read and an excellent book choice for book clubs in lower KS3.

Autobiography | Autism

The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton

Magic school pupil Ella finds herself the prime suspect for a crime she didn’t commit in this immersive and original dystopian magical fantasy. Uniquely thrilling and suspenseful, readers will be gripped by the richly imagined world in The Marvellers. This fast-paced first-in-a-series novel is perfect for students in Year 7. Highly recommended for fantasy lovers.

Fantasy

Glowrushes by Roberto Piumini

When young noble Madurer is struck down by a strange illness that leaves him unable to go outside, his father commissions an amazing artist to paint the world his son cannot experience. An incredible friendship develops. Translated from the Italian classic, Glowrushes is unforgettable and unputdownable and ideal for less confident readers who enjoy shorter texts.

Classic

Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm by Ash Bond

Follow twelve-year-old Peregrine on a thrilling adventure as she discovers her godfather’s immortal tales are true. When portals between realms close, Daedalus disappears, prompting Peregrine and her new ally Rowan to search mystical places for him. The fast-paced middle-grade novel features relatable characters and offers valuable lessons on honesty and secrecy, making it useful for PSHE discussions. An accessible and page-turning book, it will appeal to readers in Year 7 who enjoy fantasy, mystery and adventure. Highly recommended. Read our full review.

Fantasy | Adventure

When I See Blue by Lily Bailey

12-year-old Ben is struggling with a new school, a complicated home life and OCD. With a brain that bullies him with intrusive thoughts, he finds himself counting to four and performing rituals to stop things from going wrong. But when he makes friends with April, he begins to see the world in new ways. This #ownvoices story offers an authentic portrayal of OCD and explores themes of family, friendship, and mental health. A moving read for middle-grade audiences, it encourages readers to empathise with the challenges of living with OCD.

Empathy

Freedom (1783) by Catherine Johnson

Nathaniel doesn’t want to go on a ship and leave his family behind in Jamaica. But this is 1783 and he doesn’t have a choice. He is a slave, and his master has decided for him. But there’s a sliver of hope that Nathaniel clings to – a chance of freedom once he reaches England. An emotive and passionate story about slavery and one child’s real experience, this novel is highly recommended for year 7 book clubs.

Historical fiction | Slavery

Artichoke Hearts by Sita Brahmachari

A spectacular coming-of-age story where different cultures collide and combine. Through evocative and lyrical prose, the reader will see Mira’s unlikely friendship with Jide, learn of tightly guarded secrets, and empathise with Mira’s awakening despite a difficult home life. An excellent book to create discussion, Artichoke Hearts is a great choice for a Year 7 teaching text or class reader.

Diverse | Coming of age

Kick by Mitch Johnson

Set in Jakarta, when Budi’s dreams of escaping poverty through football stardom abruptly end, his life spirals as he finds himself owing money to a very dangerous man. But through sheer force of will and determination, he resolves to put everything right. This fast-paced and gripping novel is an uplifting and inspirational story that will leave Year seven pupils believing that anything is possible.

Sport | Thriller

Watership Down by Richard Adams

Possibly the best and most well-known animal adventure. Fiver has a sixth sense for danger and he persuades Hazel to lead a group of rabbits to escape an impending disaster and search for a new home. This is an ideal book for more advanced readers in Year 7.

Animal story | Classic

The Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson

Matthew finds it almost impossible to leave his room and venture into the outside world due to his OCD and constant worries. But when a small child in the neighbourhood vanishes, he finds his heightened attention to detail an ideal tool when he turns detective to try and solve the mystery. Brilliantly written. A great book to promote discussion, this book would be ideal for year 7 reading groups.

Inclusive | Mystery

The Island at the End of Everything by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

A thought-provoking and atmospheric story about Amihan, who lives on an island affected by a leprosy outbreak. Forced to leave, she finds some unlikely allies in her quest to return home. An atmospheric book for year 7 readers, and one which is ideal for more confident readers.

Adventure

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken

In an alternative reality, King James III rules in 1832, and the country is plagued by wolves from the Channel Tunnel. But for Sylvia and Bonnie, it isn’t clear whether it’s the wolves or their governess, Miss Slighcarp, they should be more afraid of.

Classic | Adventure

Robin Hood: Jet Skis, Swamps & Smugglers by Robert Muchamore

The third book in Robert Muchamore’s hit series for young teens sees a crack team of special forces hitmen sent to deal with Robin. Will our hero survive in the swamplands, or will the hi-tech surveillance and search teams prove to be his downfall? Another cracking page-turner for pupils in KS3. Read our review of Piracy, Paintballs and Zebras, the second book in the Robin Hood series.

Adventure

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

The timeless classic story of the boy who never grew up, Wendy and her brothers, and Neverland, where the Lost Boys are in constant danger from Captain Hook.

Classic | Adventure

Role model by Elle McNicoll

13-year-old Aeriel Sharpe is thrust into the spotlight when her mum becomes the nation’s top political figure. Suddenly expected to speak for others like her, Aeriel, an autistic teenager, must deal with shifting friendships, intense media attention, and the pressure to define herself. Compelling, original and heartfelt, this middle-grade story is a sharp insight into identity, visibility, and holding onto who you are when if feels like the whole world is watching. Highly recommended for Year 7.

Contemporary | Diverse

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper

Just prior to his 11th birthday, Will discovers he’s the last person left with the power of the Old Ones, and his mission is to guard the Light and drive out the Dark. A gripping and imaginative story. The best-known (and stand-alone) book of The Dark is Rising Sequence is actually the second book in the series chronology of a captivating series of titles for year 7 readers interested in fantasy and mystery. Read the first book, Over Sea Under Stone, if you want to begin the sequence at the start.

Fantasy

Wolf by Gillian Cross

A haunting story of terrorism, impending doom, confusion and not really knowing your closest family members as well as you thought you did. Cassy finds some questions are best left unasked.

Mystery | Family

Some Places More Than Others by Renée Watson

Almost 12-year-old Amara desperately wants to visit family in New York and find out more about her father’s roots. But when she finally gets there, the family relationships and situations are far from her idealised expectations. A great book to discuss in book clubs and study in classes for characterisation and dialogue.

Family

The Seeing Stone by Kevin Crossley-Holland

The stories of a young King Arthur are told in 100 short chapters. Ideal for reluctant readers in Year 7.

Legend | Fantasy

Boy by Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl’s hilarious autobiographies – Boy, charting his childhood and school days, and Going Solo, chronicling his early adult life.

Autobiography

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

Anne Frank’s diary was written when she was 13-15 and living in hiding above an Amsterdam warehouse during World War 2. ‘One of the greatest books of the century’ – Guardian.

Autobiography | Classic

Escape! by Sophie McKenzie, illustrated by Melania Badosa

Bernice’s school visit to a sea life sanctuary turns frightening when she and her friends are swept into the cold water of Shark Bay. Drawing on what she knows about marine creatures, she has to steady her nerves and guide everyone to safety. Set within the aquarium’s tunnels and tanks, this highly accessible story blends risk, friendship and speed of thought. Short, pacey and unforgettable, it’s bound to grab even the most reluctant readers in Year 7.

Adventure

The Weirdstone of Brisingamen by Alan Garner

Colin and Susan are saved from mysterious creatures by a wizard who has been searching for a lost magic stone for over 100 years. Can the two children defeat the dark forces at work?

Fantasy

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

Charles Wallace Murry’s father has disappeared, and Charles sets out to find a wrinkle in time – a gateway to a parallel universe – to try and save him. A captivating and imaginative story. The first in a series of great novels for year 7 pupils interested in science.

Science fiction

Across the Barricades by Joan Lingard

Kevin and Sade live in Belfast, and the two of them being seen together isn’t an option. A gritty story of religious divide and distrust.

Romance

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo

A gripping description of the horrors of war, told from the perspective of Joey, a horse, who sees the senselessness of war and the importance of friendships more clearly than the soldiers around him. An ideal class novel for pupils in Year 7.

Animal story | War

Unstoppable by Dan Freedman

Kaine and Roxy are twins with different ambitions: he has a football trial ahead, while she is training for tennis with Wimbledon in view. At home, both feel let down by their dad, and both are keeping secrets that increase the pressure. As their plans begin to come apart, Dan Freedman expertly uses sport to drive an accessible story about rivalry and family strain that will appeal to less confident readers in Year 7. Highly recommended.

Football

Stone Cold by Robert Swindells

There’s a serial killer targeting the young and homeless, and Deb, an intrepid undercover journalist, is determined to catch the killer – using herself as bait. A thrilling book for year 7 pupils to read – ideal for book clubs.

Crime | Thriller

Fallout by Lesley Parr

Set in 1980s Cold War Britain, Fallout follows Marcus Pritchard, a boy desperate to escape his family’s shady reputation. When a mysterious accident leaves a man hospitalised, Marcus takes the blame – except his new friend Emma isn’t so sure. As they dig for the truth, they confront prejudice, loyalty, and the weight of personal choices. With nuclear war fears and protests simmering in the background, this gripping story explores what it takes to rewrite your future. Perfect for 11+ year olds.

Thriller

His Dark Materials series by Philip Pullman

Northern Lights: Lyra finds out there’s an expedition to find other worlds very different to her own, and a chain of events catapults her into several perilous journeys and a search for the truth. The Subtle Knife: Will has killed a man and is on the run in a parallel world. When he meets Lyra, with her cunning and his determination, they set out to find Will’s long-lost father. The Amber Spyglass: Will and Lyra have become separated but must find each other to prevent dark forces from taking over their worlds, and every other world. A stunning conclusion to the trilogy. A highly recommended alternative reality series to get year 7 pupils hooked on reading at the start of secondary school.

Magical realism

The Indian in the Cupboard Trilogy by Lynne Reid Banks

Omri is disappointed with his birthday present – a little red plastic Indian figure – until it comes alive and becomes a real person. An easier read for students in Year 7.

Classic

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 11+ year olds. Addictively readable, Lily Trip is highly recommended for readers in Year 7.

Science fiction | Funny

The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff

Thousands of Roman Soldiers marched into the mist and were never seen again. Young Marcus Aquilla sets out to find out what happened to them. An engaging historical saga. Ideal for Year 7 children interested in historical fiction, this is also a useful text to spark creative writing ideas.

Historical fiction

The Cay by Theodore Taylor

When World War II breaks out, 12-year-old Phillip and his mother embark on the S.S. Hato for a long voyage. But the ship is torpedoed, and Phillip is blinded by a blow on the head and left stranded on an island with a man named Timothy.

Historical fiction | Classic

Tickets for Murder by Niyla Farook

Twin sisters Ani and Riri meet up in Los Angeles for a family visit to Deadwood Manor theme park. But when their tour guide is found dead, the trip turns into a page-turning crime investigation. Ani has ADHD and Riri is autistic with OCD, and the story is refreshing in how it shows how they think and work differently. A great LKS3 book club option, this second book in the Tariq Twins series presents classic murder mystery twists in a modern, accessible story for Year 7s.

Mystery | Crime

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4 by Sue Townsend

A fictional diary charting the teenage angst and dreams of Adrian Mole. Very funny.

Diary

Ghost Boys Graphic Novel by Jewell Parker Rhodes

After being shot by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real one, twelve-year-old Jerome becomes a ghost watching what follows. He sees the effect of his death on his family, his community and the officer involved. Along the way he meets Emmett Till, whose harrowing story echoes his own. Illustrated by Setor Fiadzigbey and told here as an emotive, powerful graphic novel, this adaptation looks directly and unflinchingly at racism, justice and loss. It’s a moving and thought-provoking read for Year 7 students.

Mystery | Racism

Cue for Treason by Geoffrey Trease

Two young runaways become actors in London, where they meet William Shakespeare. They then help foil a plot to kill the Queen. An ideal book for year seven pupils interested in history.

Adventure | Historical fiction

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer have made lots of money, but all Huck wants is to escape from his guardian, Miss Sawyer. A great American novel and a more challenging read for pupils in Year 7.

Classic

Cold Turkey by Simon James Green, illustrated by Tosin Akinkunmi

Two ex-friends, Kit and Hamza, end up delivering a cooked turkey across London for a cash reward, and the trip unravels fast. Police, a bomb-squad scare and a gang all get in the way as the pair try to finish the job. The story uses quick-fire humour and page-turning action to examine friendship and trust. Short chapters, a dyslexia-friendly layout and lively illustrations by Tosin Akinkunmi make this an accessible and fast-paced read for Year 7s.

Funny

The Sword in the Stone by T.H. White

An entertaining fantasy adventure set in medieval England, following the life of King Arthur. A great book for pupils interested in history.

Classic | Adventure

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

One person from each district in the country is selected to fight to the death in a reality TV lottery. Katniss vows to win. A more mature series of novels for year 7 pupils to get hooked on.

Dystopia | Adventure

Pig Heart Boy by Malorie Blackman

13-year-old Cameron is dying, and his only hope is a heart transplant. When there are no human hearts available, his father finds a doctor willing to use a pig’s heart. This is a great book to promote debate and consider ethics in Year 7.

Friendship | STEM

Glow Up, Lara Bloom by Dee Benson

Dee Benson takes readers on a wild teenage ride with Lara Bloom, captain of the school’s football team. When Lara meets Caiden, the new boy, she wants to impress him with a ‘glow up’. Through the private pages of Lara’s diary, readers will relate to her desire for self-improvement, her empowerment, and her experience growing up. Set in Liverpool, Glow Up, Lara Bloom is a hilarious and poignant story about self-image, friendship, and the pressures of fitting in.

Friendship | School story

Framed by Frank Cottrell Boyce

Framed tells the story of how paintings moved from the National Gallery in London to a cave in North Wales, altering the lives of the village folk, especially Dylan.

Adventure | Art

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Jack murders every member of a family except a child upstairs. When the child crawls to a graveyard nearby, Mr and Mrs Owens, both ghosts, decide to bring him up.

Ghost story

I Dare You by Tamsin Winter

Two best friends start filming dares to grow their online following. It’s fun at first, until things get out of hand. As the risks ramp up, so do the cracks in their friendship. This sharply-paced story digs into the darker side of viral fame, showing how quickly likes can turn into pressure. A pointed look at peer influence and digital choices, it’s a perspicuous read for 12+ year olds that deftly unpicks the blurred lines between real life and life online. Highly recommended.

Contemporary

The Garbage King by Elizabeth Laird

Mamo is from a very poor family where everyone has died except for him and his sister, Tiggist. Then a slave trader, who claims to be his uncle, kidnaps Mamo…

Friendship | Adventure

Always Angel by Kimberly Whittam

Angel is a Year 8 pupil who finds school hard and is often in trouble. With her mum unwell and unable to care for her properly, Angel’s life feels unstable and she struggles to fit in. She wants to do better, make friends and enter the school baking contest, but expectations based on her past behaviour are stacked against her. This powerful and ultimately uplifting contemporary story for Year 7s explores friendship, foster care, second chances and learning how to change your life for the better. It’s ideal for book club discussion.

Contemporary

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Augie wants to be like every other ten-year-old. But whenever anyone looks at him, they treat him differently because of a terrible facial abnormality. Can he convince everyone that he’s just like them inside? Perfect to provoke discussion in Year 7 book clubs.

Inclusive

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Narrated by Death, this book tells the story of a young girl in Nazi Germany hiding for safety during World War 2.

Historical fiction | Adventure

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Percy is a twelve-year-old boy who has been expelled from every school he has ever attended. When his class takes a field trip to the art gallery, his Maths teacher, Mrs Dodds, attacks him.

Myth | Adventure

Windrush Child by Benjamin Zephaniah

Facing cold weather, bland food, and racial abuse, Leonard struggles to adapt to moving with his mother from Jamaica to England in 1958 to join his father. The book spans his life from childhood through the Windrush scandal in 2018, highlighting the ongoing impact of historical injustices. Zephaniah uses captivating dialogue and nuanced historical context to illustrate Leonard’s challenges and resilience. Highly recommended.

Historical | Empathy

Anya and the Light Above the Ocean by Amelia Giudici

Anya’s search for her missing mum begins in the middle of a fierce sea storm. When she spots a strange window of light and wakes to an unsettling silence, nothing feels real anymore. Sent to live with a couple she barely knows, Anya starts to piece together a secret that reshapes everything she thought she understood about her family and herself. A haunting story of mystery, science fiction, and identity, the plot is wrapped in sparkling writing, swirling storms, and quiet revelations. Anya and the Light Above the Ocean is an outstandingly original and imaginative middle grade novel for imaginative Year 7 students. The ultimate book club read, it will provoke endless discussion – highly recommended.

Science fiction | Mystery

The Box of Delights by John Masefield

In this classic fantasy novel, Kay Harker receives a box from an old man called Cole which has magic powers, letting him shrink, fly and travel back in time. But Cole is followed… A more challenging novel for children in Year 7.

Classic | Fantasy

A Flash of Neon by Sophie Cameron

Laurie lives above her mums’ bookshop, happily tucked away in a Scottish town, scribbling stories in her notebook. But when Neon – a boy she made up – shows up in real life, things get weird fast. As more pieces of her imagination start slipping into the real world, Laurie’s left to figure out what’s going on, and what it all means for her. For Year 7s, it’s a compelling, original and thoughtful mix of reality, fantasy and the magic of making stuff up. Highly recommended.

Contemporary | Fantasy

The Call of the Wild by Jack London

Buck is stolen from his California home and shipped north to the Klondike to become a sled dog. Can he survive the cold, the work and the lead dog Spitz? A more challenging book for pupils to study in year 7.

Animal story | Classic

The Line They Drew Through Us by Hiba Noor Khan

Three friends, Jahan, Ravi and Lakshmi, are caught up in the upheaval of the Partition of India as borders are drawn and communities are torn apart. Told from the children’s point of view, this beautifully written and moving story shows how colonial rule and sudden independence lead to fear, violence and loss. Family ties and friendship help hold them together as everything changes. Accessible historical notes and a glossary support Year 7 readers in understanding the period and its lasting impact.

Historical

Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo

The emotive story of Thomas “Tommo” Peaceful, who is looking back on his life in the trenches of World War I in Belgium. Each chapter brings the reader closer to the present.

War | Historical fiction

Owl King by Bex Hogan

Ilsette and Lyla are drawn into the faery court, where the Owl King is choosing a new bride. While Lyla slips under his spell, Ilsette hunts for a stolen talisman that could tip the balance of power. Their journey takes them through perilous realms steeped in faery lore, old magic, and treacherous bargains. Owl King is a brilliantly written and highly immersive standalone fantasy set in the world of Nettle, weaving folklore and courtly intrigue into a tale of survival and shifting loyalties. It’s a perfect book for more advanced Year 7 readers. Highly recommended.

Fantasy

Holes by Louis Sachar

Stanley Yelnats IV’s family has been cursed since his great-great-grandfather’s time, and Stanley has been wrongly accused of stealing the shoes of Clyde “Sweet Feet” Livingston, a star basketball player. An ideal class study option for Year 7 pupils.

Friendship | Mystery

Dragonborn by Struan Murray

Alex Evans is dealing with grief, anger and an overprotective mother when something impossible happens – she breathes fire. Taken to the island of Skralla by Oliphos, Alex discovers she is a dragon and begins training with others like her. As tensions rise and Drak Midna moves towards war with humans, Alex has to learn control, loyalty and where she belongs in a world she never knew existed, in this spectacular and epic fantasy novel for readers in Year 7.

Fantasy

Twelve Minutes to Midnight by Christopher Edge

Penelope Tredwell, aged 13, is the heiress to the bestselling magazine, The Penny Dreadful. But no one knows that she is the real author of the deathly stories.

Historical fiction

Ghost by Finbar Hawkins

Three lives intertwine across time in Ghost. In 60 AD, Aine breaks free from Roman masters and stirs an ancient force. In 1783, Sarah senses restless spirits in the woods. In the present day, Marie leaves art school and begins to hear voices that pull her into the same battle. Bound to one place and one dark power, their stories collide in a gripping mix of history, survival and other-wordly strangeness. Year 7 readers will be gripped by this unusually atmospheric and magical novel. Highly recommended.

Horror | Historical

A Rag, a Bone and a Hank of Hair by Nicholas Fisk

Set in the future when the birth rate has dropped after a nuclear disaster, the human race has started recycling people. 12-year-old Brin observes a family of ‘reborn’ people who originally lived during WW2. Easy to read, this book has a stunning and unexpected ending and is ideal for reluctant readers and fans of The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner. A more challenging read for pupils in Year 7.

Science fiction

Oxford English Dictionary for Schools by Oxford Dictionaries

Specifically tailored to the KS3 curriculum, this 928-page dictionary is ideal for the first three years of secondary school. It also features a useful writing guide explaining how to use language effectively, with advice from top writers including David Almond, Philip Pullman, William Golding, Anthony Horowitz and Beverley Naidoo. With synonyms, antonyms, usage tips and etymology, there’s also plenty to keep students interested.

Dictionary

Year 7 Book Shelf Poster

This poster recommends 40 books, and it will look great in your classroom or library space.

Year 7 Reading List PDF

This reading challenge card PDF version of our Year 7 Reading List is free to download. For more downloadables, see our free reading resources page.