August 2025’s set of recommendations for book clubs features imaginative and thought-provoking picture books, a spectacular graphic novel retelling of a children’s classic, page-turning first chapter books, mesmerising science fiction and fantasy and a dark magic YA thriller. August 2025’s picks include titles by Forest Xiao, Ted Hughes, Joaquin Camp, Enomwoyi Damali, Ruthine Burton, Julie Sykes, Rebecca Lewis-Oakes, Anastasiya Kanavaliuk, Gary Panton, Radhika Sanghani, Anna Ciddor, Brían Dungan, Sally Gales, and E. V. Woods.
August 2025 book club recommendations
How to Catch an Idea by Forest Xiao
A curious girl wants to know where ideas come from, so she goes looking. Along the way, she meets a mathematician, a farmer, and even a stork, each with a surprising answer. Bright, playful illustrations pull readers in, while the story gently opens the door to big thoughts about imagination and creativity. The kind of book that invites questions: the more it’s read, the more it reveals. It’s ideal for sparking thoughtful chats with 0-5-year-olds in nursery and EYFS. Highly recommended.
0-5 year-olds | Author’s website
The Coming of the Iron Man by Ted Hughes
Ted Hughes’ tale introduces the Iron Man, a mysterious metal giant who snacks on farm machinery and causes quite a stir among the locals. Young Hogarth steps in, helping the Iron Man settle in the scrapyard. With gorgeous illustrations from Mini Grey, this edition makes the classic story accessible for younger readers and perfect for discussing with KS1 and KS2 readers. Published by Faber, it celebrates 57 years since The Iron Man first appeared on shelves. It’s a charming and immersive reimagining for a new generation. Highly recommended.
0-6 year-olds | Author’s website
My Brother Is a Tiger by Joaquin Camp
Teresa’s little brother, Thomas, suddenly turns into a tiger, with claws, stripes, roars and all! Life gets tricky with a wild sibling in tow, especially at school and around the neighbourhood. But as Teresa tries to manage the chaos, she also learns to see things a little differently. Packed with humour and lively illustrations, this fun-filled picture book for 3-6 year olds explores sibling dynamics and the magic of imagination, with a fun twist that’s sure to keep young readers grinning. Highly recommended and now available in paperback.
3-6 year-olds | Author’s website
Amber Class Making Friends by Enomwoyi Damali and Ruthine Burton
This illustrated first chapter book series for 5+ year olds invites young readers into Amber Class, where Mrs Adisa leads a lively group of pupils, each with their own passions, be it books, bugs, music, or sport. As they tackle everyday ups and downs, the children learn about friendship, confidence, and working together. Enomwoyi Damali and Ruthine Burton’s story celebrates individuality and teamwork in a warm, diverse classroom setting. It’s a warm-hearted, relatable read for KS1 independent readers.
4+ year-olds | Author’s website
Luna Grace: Girl from Outer Space by Julie Sykes
Luna Grace has just landed on Earth from the planet Starbright, and blending in isn’t exactly easy, especially with rainbow hair and telekinetic powers. Her first day at school is a bit of a whirlwind, but as nerves give way to curiosity, Luna starts finding her place. With lively illustrations capturing every emotional twist, this story gently encourages kids to celebrate what makes them different. It’s a good first chapter book pick for fans of Isadora Moon or Hotel Flamingo.
5+ year-olds | Author’s website
Dream Keepers: Map to Starlight Hollow by Rebecca Lewis-Oakes and Anastasiya Kanavaliuk
In the second Dream Keepers adventure, Paisley and her friends set out to update the map of Moon Wood, but trouble brews as she learns her family might be moving away. As her worries grow, strange shadows tied to the Queen of Nightmares creep into their magical world. Blending fantasy with real-life feelings, this story explores friendship, change, and courage. It’s a heartfelt short chapter page-turner for 6+ year olds.
6+ year-olds | Author’s website
The Notwitches: Prison Break by Gary Panton
Melanda and Mitch Notwitch are back, this time trying to break into a high-security witch prison by getting themselves arrested. It’s a bold plan, and naturally, things don’t go quite as expected. Along the way, they meet a bunch of new faces and tangle with some very odd magic. Dotty Sutton’s lively illustrations keep the chaos charming. A fun, slightly bonkers read for ages 7 to 11.
7+ year-olds | Author’s website
How to Get Magically Popular by Radhika Sanghani
Sabina Patel starts at a new school and finds it hard to fit in. Things change when she realises she can see the future, and her classmates begin seeking out her predictions. As she tries to handle the pressure, the impact of her ability becomes harder to control. The story blends school life with a fantasy twist, while looking at how young people deal with friendship, fitting in, and learning to feel comfortable with who they are. This imaginative and confidence-inspiring story is one that 9+ year olds will find highly relatable. Read our full review.
9+ year-olds | Author’s website
Moonboy by Anna Ciddor
When Charlotte finds a box of keepsakes, she’s pulled back to 1969 and into her grandfather Keith’s childhood during the Apollo 11 moon landing. Through a series of time-slips, she becomes part of his world, discovering a new way to connect with him as he faces dementia in the present. Moving between past and present, Charlotte gently shifts small moments to help her family. Blending history with heart, this cracking sci-fi historical story for 9-12 year olds explores memory, change, and the ties that hold us together.
8-13 year-olds | Author’s website
Wintour’s Fate by Brían Dungan
Alex is pulled into the dark, twisting depths of the Temporal underworld to rescue Christine, someone she thought was lost to her past. Hunted by relentless Acolytes and grappling with powers she barely understands, Alex is forced to decide who she can truly trust. As tensions rise and her friends start doubting her choices, the clock is ticking on both her future and the fate of the Temporal world. The second book in a sharp, fast-paced trilogy, it’s perfect for fans of Artemis Fowl, Alex Rider, and Lockwood & Co.
12+ year-olds | Author’s website
iNSiDE by Sally Gales
Naya’s been training her whole life to serve the NSDE – loyalty in, questions out. But when she’s sent Outside to spy on the so-called enemy, things stop adding up. Meeting Zayn and Anice cracks open everything she thought was true. iNSiDE drops readers into a gritty, ever-changing cityscape where trust is slippery and control runs deep. A sharp, pacey read for KS3 children who like their sci-fi with a side of rebellion. Read our full review.
12+ year-olds | Author’s website
Girls of Dark Divine by E. V. Woods
Girls of Dark Divine follows Emberlyn, a ballet dancer cursed to live under the control of a Puppet Master. As she delves into the secrets of the curse, she risks everything to free herself and her sisters. Dark magic and tangled relationships set the stage for a story about freedom, control, and sacrifice. With its gothic vibes and the driving pressure of performance, it’s a distinctively spooky and suspenseful read that will keep 14+ year olds hooked. Highly recommended.
14+ year-olds | Author’s website
Themed day / social media opportunities for August 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.
- #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 – 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. Forbes 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 2025.
Other recently released titles to have a look at:
- Our latest August 2025 books of the month.
- Our rundown of the best books released this summer 2025.
- Our August 2025 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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