August 2024’s set of recommendations for book clubs features soothing picture books, laugh-out-loud read-alouds, eye-catching illustrated titles, an engrossing fantasy, needy vampires, a possessive ghost, a misunderstood demon and a super creepy mansion. August 2024’s picks include titles by Candy Bee, Steve Smallman, Ben Sanders, Steve Webb, Paige Towler, Janelle McCurdy, Jo Simmons, Jess Popplewell, Kara A. Kennedy and Maureen Johnson.
August 2024 book club recommendations
Countdown to Bedtime Sleepy Dragon by Candy Bee
Countdown to Bedtime Sleepy Dragon by Candy Bee helps children count down from ten to bedtime with Little Dragon. Ideal for 2+ year olds, this picture book provides a calming bedtime routine through a brightly illustrated and magical narrative. The lullaby-like rhythmic text and captivating illustrations will make bedtime a dream.
2+ year-olds | Author’s website
Poo in the Zoo: The Super Pooper Road Race by Steve Smallman, illustrated by Ada Grey
The Super Pooper Road Race follows zookeeper Bob McGrew and zoo animals as they build poo-powered race cars for a wild race. But amidst the excitement, a mysterious saboteur threatens the race. This laugh-out-loud picture book is perfect for young readers who love toilet humour and vehicle-themed stories. With bright, funny pictures and catchy text, it’s perfect for reading aloud over and over again. Read our full review.
3-6 year-olds | Author’s website
One Up by Ben Sanders
In One Up, friends Green and Blue engage in a humorous competition, each trying to outdo the other with bigger and better shells. This lively picture book explores the pitfalls of comparison, highlighting why it’s not a good idea to try to one-up each other. With vibrant illustrations and sharply focused situational storytelling, it’s designed to entertain while teaching a valuable lesson about friendship and rivalry. Ideal for preschool and early years children, it encourages children to reflect on the consequences of competitiveness. Read our full review.
3-6 year-olds | Author’s website
Peng and Spanners: When Pigs Go Bad! by Steve Webb
When Pigs Go Bad features the superhero penguin and a clever cat with a toolbelt as they face the villainous Mr. Big, a pig aiming to frame them and steal Peng’s gadgets. This graphic novel will appeal to children aged 7-10 who enjoy fun and fast-paced adventure. Ideal for KS2 libraries, it also promotes problem-solving and teamwork skills.
7-10 year-olds | Author’s website
Secret FACTopia! by Paige Towler, illustrated by Andy Smith
Secret FACTopia! by Paige Towler presents 400 interconnected facts about diverse topics such as spy gadgets, deadly poisons, secret recipes, and escape artists. It will appeal to curious 8+ year-olds, offering bright and engaging illustrations, little-known details, and exciting anecdotes children will love to share with friends. Verified by Encyclopaedia Britannica, the book includes interactive elements and search-and-find activities. The latest in the FACT series, Secret FACTopia! is the perfect gift for less confident readers who enjoy immersive nonfiction.
8+ year-olds | Author’s website
Mia and the Secrets of Lunis by Janelle McCurdy, illustrated by Ana Latese
In the final instalment of the Umbra Tales series, Mia McKenna faces the ultimate battle against the Reaper King. As Nubis recovers from the attack, Mia grapples with personal loss and the pressing need to unlock her full lightcaster powers. Driven by revenge, Mia and her umbra fight to restore light to their moonlit kingdom. Ideal for 9-12-year-olds, Mia and the Secrets of Lunis is convincing, action-packed, and imaginative.
9-12 year-olds | Author’s website
The Reluctant Vampire Queen Finds Her Fangs by Jo Simmons
Mo Merrydrew, an unlikely human leader of vampires, returns in the third of Jo Simmons’ funny series for 11+ year-olds. Despite achieving relative harmony between humans and vampires, Mo faces new challenges when a celebrity is attacked and rumours spread, reigniting tensions. Targeted at readers aged 11-14, this feisty feminist novel combines laugh-out-loud moments with biting themes of leadership and mediation. It’s perfect for summer holiday reading with an Insta-worthy cover.
11+ year-olds | Author’s website
The Dark Within Us by Jess Popplewell
Hell isn’t how you imagined it in this highly original debut contemporary YA novel. Jenny, a troubled girl, and Luc, a demon from a ruling family in Hell, begin a journey through the underworld to recover Jenny’s stolen soul. Perfect for teens who enjoy dark humour and dark fantasy, it explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and overcoming adversity. This superb, convincing, and memorable story is highly recommended for KS4.
14+ year-olds | Author’s website
I Will Never Leave You by Kara A. Kennedy
I Will Never Leave You is a tautly woven YA thriller about Maya, a teenager haunted by the ghost of her ex-girlfriend Alana, who demands Maya’s help with possessing another girl. It’s ideal for teens interested in psychological and paranormal themes. Addressing emotional abuse and personal recovery, it offers relatable character insights into mental health and resilience. A powerful and spooky read.
14+ year-olds | Author’s website
Death At Morning House by Maureen Johnson
When Marlowe Wexler stumbles upon deadly secrets while working as a tour guide, she cannot imagine what awaits her in this compelling, deliciously paced summer binge-read. Seeking redemption after an accident, Marlowe’s new job at Morning House, a mansion with a disturbing past, leads her into a web of danger. Expertly weaving dual timelines and atmospheric creepiness, Maureen Johnson delivers a winning YA thriller.
14+ year-olds | Author’s website
Themed day / social media opportunities for August 2024
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.
- #NationalBookloversday is celebrated on August 9th and is a great excuse to buy a lot of books, organise a reading challenge, share your favourite authors on social media or arrange your paperback spines into a visible colour spectrum sequence.
- As part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, the Baillie Gifford Schools Programme runs during the last week of August. More details are on our children’s book festivals page.
- The Wainwright Prize for nature writing shortlist is announced mid-way through August. More details are on our children’s literature awards page.
- #LefthandersDay on August 13th is a great opportunity to celebrate the superpower that is left-handedness. There’s a comprehensive website devoted to everything left-handed, including activities and biographies of amazing lefthanded people.
- #NationalDogDay takes place on August 26th and there are lots of details and activity ideas on the National Dog Day website.
- PoetryBearsPicnic is celebrated on 20th August in libraries across the UK – find an event near you – and #PoetsDay is held on 21st August.
- World Rutabaga Day takes place in the last week of August. Events include rutabaga curling, rutabaga hurling, and best rutabaga unfurling.
- #ToothFairy Day takes place on August 22nd. The British Dental Association has a great article on the history and legend behind the tooth fairy.
- #InternationalCatDay takes place on August 8th to raise awareness for the protection of cats.
Extension activities:
- Have a look at our writing competitions for August 2024.
Other recently released titles to have a look at:
- Our latest August 2024 books of the month.
- Our rundown of the best books released this summer 2024.
- Our August 2024 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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