Here’s our selection of children’s and young adult eBooks that are great value or free to download during the lockdown period. This list of reading suggestions includes stories by Angie Thomas, Akemi Dawn Bowman, Adam Blade, Kevin Tsang, Darren Shan, and Fiona Danks and there are some great stories and nonfiction to read for home-learning; or during isolation, holidays or long days spent indoors. (Please note, although these titles are in our opinion great value, or free at the time of writing, prices may change in the future.)
Our recommended great value and free eBooks for children and young adults in lockdown
Archibald Lox and the Bridge Between Worlds: Archibald Lox series, Volume 1, book 1 of 3 by Darren Shan
A captivating new fantasy adventure series by bestselling writer Darren Shan. Archibald Lox finds himself able to unlock portals and cross into new worlds to experience danger, plots, and thrilling intrigue. Available as a free eBook download, this will appeal to children aged 10+. Read Darren Shan’s piece for the School Reading List on his motivation for Archibald Lox, here.
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
A cracking young adult story about fighting for your principles and overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Bri wants to be big in the rap and hip-hop world – but when she becomes successful and well known, her life changes in ways she could never imagine. An award-winning modern classic.
Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman
A dazzling and award-winning young adult novel that explores dark themes, this is an empowering book that can inspire teens at a low ebb. Our book of the month from March 2018.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
An ideal download for Y9-11 pupils who are studying this text for GCSE. Presented in a convenient eBook format this unabridged version of the classic novel is ideal for reading devices, iPads, and smartphones.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
Has your Year 10 child left their copy at school? Fear not… there an eBook version to download! Regardless of AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC, or Eduqas requirements, this is a cracking classic novel with atmosphere, twists, turns, and subplots.
Komodo the Lizard King: by Adam Blade
A highly engaging fantasy series – popular with reluctant readers aged 7-12. Several Beast Quest titles have been offered as free downloads by the publisher during the lockdown.
Off With Their Heads! by Martin Oliver
Fun, easy to read, and highly illustrated, this is a great book to dip into. Ideal for primary aged children, and highly immersive on a tablet or laptop.
My Mum is a Loser by Barry Loser
A great series for reluctant readers and fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Tom Gates – and it’s now available as an eBook. In this story, the plot includes a giant octopus and an unlikely event with a tea towel.
The Stick Book (Going Wild) by Fiona Danks
Ideal for children who like to explore the garden or walking in the great outdoors, this book is packed with practical ideas and activities. It also looks great in the downloadable format which makes for easy reference.
New KS2 Discover & Learn: History – Mayan Civilisation Study Book by CGP Books
A useful, thorough, and informative series of history texts by CGP – all available to download. This book would make a great starting point for home learning and independent homework projects.
Actually Factually eBook by Guy Campbell
A clever and informative book of facts and amazing statistics that will appeal to children aged 9-12. Great to dip into, this book may well inspire further reading or internet research.
Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar for KS3 – Study Guide
A great resource for Year 7,8 & 9 pupils. If you know your school is planning annual tests when school returns, this is a great revision guide eBook for your tablet, phone, or reading device.
The Places I’ve Cried in Public by Holly Bourne
A distinctive novel where the narrator painstakingly retraces a painful breakup to work out what went wrong – by revisiting all the places her boyfriend made her cry. A moving, yet uplifting, young adult novel that is perfect for older teens.
When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr
A classic must-read children’s novel that’s ideal for Y6 pupils to read independently. Judith Kerr’s semi-autobiographical story about a family fleeing 1930s Germany is a captivating story of upheaval, change, and hope.
The Girl Who Speaks Bear by Sophie Anderson
12-year-old Yanka wakes up one day with the legs of a bear, which isn’t as strange as it seems since she was discovered in a bear cave as a baby. She embarks on a spellbinding journey to find out who she is and where she came from. An atmospheric and compelling middle-grade read.
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
An award-winning coming of age story for children aged 9-12 set in a fantasy world. As Luna turns 13, she realises that she has spectacular, and powerful, magical powers. Can she make sure her powers are used for good and not exploited?
Coronavirus: A Book for Children by Kate Wilson
A well presented and useful guide to Coronavirus for younger children. A good book to help allay fears, the text is equally suited to reading to your child or presenting to a class on an interactive whiteboard or panel. Nosy Crow has made this book available for free download, and there’s a preview version included in the book cover link. (Click the button in the middle of the book page to view full-screen or on a classroom whiteboard).
To find more free eBooks books for children, why not try your local library digital services.
Looking for more topic books? Try our books for topics in KS1 and KS2 page.
We also have lists of recommended reading books for primary aged children from books for year 1 through to great year 6 books.
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