April 2026’s set of recommendations for book clubs features camping, nature, dreams, aspirations, resilience, high-stakes adventure, fantasy magic, dystopia and family drama. April 2026’s picks include titles by Nicholas Oldland, Lanisha Butterfield, Júlia Moscardó, Elena Mannion, Erin Brown, Ruby Clyde, Rachel WD, Jodie Ounsley, Patti Wheeler, Keith Hemstreet, David Solomons, Sophie Anderson, Ash Bond, Victor Kloss, Patrick Ness, A. B. Poranek, Lucas Maxwell, Stephen Daly, Marissa Meyer, and Tamara Moss.
April 2026 book club recommendations
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.
3+ year-olds | Author’s website
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.
3+ year-olds | Author’s website
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.
3-6 year-olds | Author’s website
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.
4+ year-olds | Author’s website
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.
5-9 year-olds | Author’s website
Strong Girls by Jodie Ounsley
Aimed at 8-11 year olds, Strong Girls by Jodie Ounsley, with Becky Grey, is a practical guide to building strength in sport, mindset and everyday life while supporting others. Ounsley draws on her experiences as Gladiator Fury and an England rugby player, and includes personal reflections on deaf identity. It mixes short life stories with high-interest profiles of people she admires, plus bite-sized steps for handling setbacks and helping others through challenges. A useful read for KS2 students.
8-11 year-olds | Author’s website
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.
8-12 year-olds | Author’s website
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.
9+ year-olds | Author’s website
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.
9+ year-olds | Author’s website
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.
9+ year-olds | Author’s website
The Protectors (Royal Institute of Magic, Book 3) 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.
9+ year-olds | Author’s website
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.
12-18 year-olds | Author’s website
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.
12-17 year-olds | Author’s website
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.
14+ year-olds | Author’s website
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.
14+ year-olds | Author’s website
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.
16+ year-olds | Author’s website
Themed day / social media opportunities for April 2026
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 2026.
Other recently released titles to have a look at:
- Our latest April 2026 books of the month.
- Our rundown of the best books released this spring 2026.
- Our April 2026 books of the day on X. 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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