April 2025’s set of recommendations for book clubs features stories of kindness, empathy, sharing, humour, adventure, tough choices, mystery, fantasy, self-discovery and vampires. April 2025’s picks include titles by Tracy Curren, Laura Dockrill, Maudie Powell-Tuck and Duncan Beedie, Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson, Ben Garrod, Helen Rutter, Matt Goodfellow, Eve Wersocki Morris, Graci Kim, Alexia Casale, Grainne O’Brien, and Patrice Caldwell.
April 2025 book club recommendations
How Not to Share a Pizza by Tracy Curren, illustrated by Lauren Beard
Otto and Ali are excited to try Papa Panther’s new pizzeria – until sharing turns into a battle. Otto wants equal slices, but Ali keeps sneaking extra bites. Annoyed, Otto tries to buy his own, only to realise neither of them has enough pebbles. Just when things seem hopeless, a small mishap leads to a clever solution – and a mended friendship. How Not to Share a Pizza is a light-hearted tale about problem-solving, teamwork, and the tricky business of fair pizza-sharing!
5+ year-olds | Author’s website
I Am Strong Just Being Me by Laura Dockrill and Kip Alizadeh
When Bean asks Nanna what it means to be strong, the answer isn’t as simple as they expect. Is strength about winning? Speaking the loudest? Always being right? Or could it be something quieter – kindness, resilience, or knowing when to listen? With gentle, thoughtful storytelling and expressive illustrations, this book flips the usual idea of strength on its head, inviting children to see power in unexpected places – and in themselves. A beautifully written, warm, reflective read that lingers long after the last page.
3-6 year-olds | Author’s website
Hank Goes Honk by Maudie Powell-Tuck and Duncan Beedie
Hank, a loud and disruptive goose, struggles with his behaviour and its impact on others in this picture book for children aged 3–6. His disruptive actions – such as interrupting conversations and causing chaos – lead him to realise the value of being considerate. This book addresses themes of friendship and empathy, offering a light-hearted approach to understanding and improving social interactions. It’s perfect for discussing with EYFS children.
3-6 year-olds | Author’s website
Blue, Barry and Pancakes 2 by Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson
Blue, Barry, and Pancakes are back, and this time, Pancakes has built a balloon rocket – and an entire planet. Naturally, she talks her friends into checking it out. But their fun detour takes a turn when they run into Balloon Kong, and suddenly, escaping becomes priority number one. Packed with humour and fast-paced action, this graphic novel from Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson delivers another wild ride that 5+ year-olds and less confident readers will love.
5+ year-olds | Author’s website
Jack-Jack and the Return of the Chickens by Ben Garrod, illustrated by Charli Vince
Jack-Jack, a dog with a heroic past helping baby chimps in Africa, isn’t so sure about his latest challenge – chickens. Especially Ronnie the rooster, who seems to have it out for him. Between dodging feathery foes, digging for fossils at a mammoth graveyard, and an unexpected TV appearance, life is anything but quiet. Told from Jack-Jack’s perspective, this lively, illustrated adventure is packed with humour, heart, and short, snappy chapters perfect for young readers.
7+ year-olds | Author’s website
The Boy with Big Decisions by Helen Rutter
Fred’s never been great at making decisions, always going along with what his parents pick. When he ends up at a school he doesn’t like, he spots a bus to one he’d actually enjoy. This interactive book reflects real-life and school-based situations that 8-12-year-olds will experience and empathise with. The narrative lets readers guide Fred through his choices, offering a chance to explore decisions and their consequences. It’s perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson and Lisa Thompson, and I think The Boy with Big Decisions will be hugely popular with children in UKS2.
8-12 year-olds | Author’s website
The First Year by Matt Goodfellow, illustrated by Joe Todd Stanton
Now in Year 7, Nate tackles the ups and downs of secondary school, alongside family struggles and his battle to control his emotions. Life seems to be looking up after his brother recovers, but a surprise shakes Nate’s newfound stability and his anger returns. This sequel to The Final Year continues in heartfelt free verse, exploring themes of hope and growth. Illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton, The First Year is powerful, real, and uplifting. Highly recommended. Read our full review.
9+ year-olds | Author’s website
Clem Fatale Has Been Betrayed by Eve Wersocki Morris, illustrated by Honie Beam
Clem Fatale, London’s sharpest young crook, is on a mission to find her missing father, legendary jewel thief Jimmy Fatale. But he’s not the only one who’s vanished – the Fool’s Canary is gone too. Teaming up with the reluctant but resourceful Gilbert, Clem dives into the city’s underworld, dodging gangsters, cracking secrets, and sneaking through smoky nightclubs and shadowy alleys. Fast-paced and full of wit, this cracking illustrated adventure for 9-12-year-olds delivers mystery, mischief, and a heroine who never backs down. Highly recommended for UKS2.
9-12 year-olds | Author’s website
Dreamslinger by Graci Kim
Fourteen-year-old Aria Loveridge lives in a refuge for dreamslingers – children with a rare mutation that pulls them into a magical realm while they sleep. Viewed as a threat, they’re constantly watched. When the Kingdom of Royal Hanguk invites teenage dreamslingers to compete in its trials, Aria enters with a secret plan: take down the ruling League from the inside. But as the competition unfolds, so do shocking truths about her past and powers. Dreamslinger is a compelling high-stakes mythical adventure where dreams hold real power – and a price. Highly recommended.
9-12 year-olds | Author’s website
Not That Kind Of Hero by Alexia Casale
When Orla earns a spot on a prestigious drama course, she soon finds herself struggling to juggle her new passion with family responsibilities. Surrounded by more experienced peers, Her journey gets even trickier when she starts to develop feelings for fellow student Cass. This heartfelt story explores self-discovery, the universal challenges of teen life, and balancing relationships, personal growth and ambition. Highly recommended for KS3 and KS4 students. Read our full review.
12+ year-olds | Author’s website
Solo by Grainne O’Brien
Daisy’s life revolves around music – until heartbreak and family struggles throw her off key. Drifting from her twin brothers and reeling from a breakup, she loses her creative spark. Then comes Flora, a new friend who helps her find harmony again. But with her father’s illness weighing heavy, Daisy has to face what’s ahead. Told in absorbing verse with a rhythm that mirrors her journey, Solo is a sparkling story of friendship, loss, and finding your way back to yourself. Highly recommended for KS4.
14+ year-olds | Author’s website
Where Shadows Meet by Patrice Caldwell
Set in a world of gods, vampires, and humans, Where Shadows Meet follows Leyla, a Malichora princess, on a dangerous quest to save her friend after their capital is attacked. With the help of a seer, Najja, she faces ancient forces that test love, power, and identity. Blending dark fantasy with romance, this gripping tale dives into destiny and sacrifice, perfect for anyone who loves an edgy, otherworldly adventure. Read our full review.
14+ year-olds | Author’s website
Themed day / social media opportunities for April 2025
These hashtag days might provide current and relevant talking points for secondary-aged pupils aged 13+ in KS3, KS4 and KS5, especially when linked to related literature.
- Stress Awareness Month is celebrated in April. Mentally Healthy Schools offers free toolkits for primary and secondary schools that will be helpful in the run-up to SATs, GCSE and Level exams.
- EarthDay is held each 22nd of April. The official website hosts a variety of free projects and toolkits suitable for schools, including packs on climate literacy, individual action and civics.
- Lesbian Visibility Week – held in the last week of April. Stonewall’s Lesbian Hub offers a range of articles and information that will be useful for secondary schools.
- World Autism Awareness Day – UK Autism offers a free learning resources pack which schools can sign up for.
- International Children’s Book Day – the IBBY website features a series of links and downloads that will be useful to educators.
- Shakespeare’s Birthday – April 23 – can be celebrated by taking part in ‘Talk Like Shakespeare‘ day. Try dismissing your class at the end of a lesson with such lines as “Out of my sight! Thou dost infect mine eyes!“
- International Haiku Poetry Day – the Haiku Foundations has a great range of free resources for teachers.
- Finally, April hosts ‘Say Hello with Jazz Hands Day” to celebrate Jazz Day at the end of the month. A great idea to introduce in assemblies – students, staff and parents can greet each other with Jazz Hands all day.
Extension activities:
- Have a look at our writing competitions for April 2025.
Other recently released titles to have a look at:
- Our latest April 2025 books of the month.
- Our rundown of the best books released this spring 2025.
- Our April 2025 books of the day on Twitter. These can also be viewed on uk.Bookshop.org.
- Our guide on how to run a school book club covers both primary school book clubs and secondary school book clubs.
Click one of the buttons below to buy all this month’s recommended book club titles, or class sets of any of these books, from Bookshop.org UK or Amazon.co.uk. As an Amazon Associate schoolreadinglist.co.uk earns from qualifying purchases.
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