August 2026‘s set of recommendations for book clubs features poetry, humour, woodland journeys, environmental fantasy, school stories, African history, revolution, magical quests, superhero action, war, sporting ambition, romance, mental health, folklore, horror, murder mystery, disability, resilience and family drama. August 2026’s picks features books by Jess Mountfield, Kate Wakeling, Stephanie Stansbie, Michael Catchpool, Alexi Francis, Julie Sykes, Love Ssega, Rose Robbins, Sarah Ziman, Michael Rosen, Onyinye Iwu, Katie Haworth, Carlos Sánchez, Katherine Rundell, Kate Olesin, Joan Lennon, Isaac Hamilton-McKenzie, Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin, Freddie Kölsch, Fernanda Frick H, Siren Knight, Lize Meddings, Alyssa Hollingsworth, Lex Croucher, A.F. Harrold, Lucy Strange, Angelica Cheng, Sue H. Cunningham, Clare Edge, Alan Carrigan, and Randy Ribay.
August 2026 book club recommendations
Jam is for Eating! by Jess Mountfield
Benny the bat proudly wheels out the finest batch of jam he has ever made, expecting his friends to tuck in. Instead, they find a succession of strange and ingenious uses for it, none of which involves eating a single spoonful. EYFS children will enjoy the escalating sticky silliness, Benny’s growing frustration and the vibrant visual jokes that make this picture book particularly entertaining to read aloud. Highly recommended.
3+ year-olds | Author’s website
The Flying Machine of Dreams: Come Aboard for a Magical Poetry Ride! by Kate Wakeling, illustrated by Viviane Schwarz
Frog on roller-skates, zebra on a scooter, a morning moon and six ways to look at a leaf all appear in this picture-book poetry collection. An imaginative and thought-provoking choice for 3+ year olds, it invites sharing, deduction and retrieval skills, with Viviane Schwarz’s intricate and fun-packed illustrations helping the poems evoke awe, wonder and imaginative wordplay. Highly recommended.
3+ year-olds | Author’s website
I Am Going To Jump This Log by Stephanie Stansbie, illustrated by Jack Viant
Frog is certain he can leap over a log, even though each feeble attempt falls short. Bright, expressive pictures and some unforgettable sportswear make his rising frustration especially funny for 3-6 year olds, while the satisfying final twist carefully exposes his misplaced arrogance. It’s ideal to read and explore with groups in EYFS.
3-6 year-olds | Author’s website
The Bear Who Wanted to Dance by Stephanie Stansbie, illustrated by Wendy J. Warren
Rita is a bear with big ballet dreams. She trains with her friend Wanda but starts to lose confidence when she compares herself to the ballerinas in glossy magazines. With gentle support from her teacher and friends, she discovers her own inner strength and keeps dancing. Illustrated by Wendy J Warren, this thought-provoking and charming picture book sets a ballet story against themes of self-belief, representation and the joy of seeing yourself reflected in what you love. It is perfect to read and discuss with 3–6 year olds in EYFS and KS1. Now available in paperback.
3-6 year-olds | Author’s website
Jake Takes Charge by Michael Catchpool, illustrated by Shanarama
Everyday family life brings Jake another set of situations in this second book in the Maple Street series, balancing relatable moments with warmth, humour and excitement. Ideal for emerging independent readers, the short illustrated stories offer an accessible return to Jake’s world and the lively relationships within his Black British extended family. The realistic contemporary situations and familiar format make this a great choice for children moving on to first chapter books in KS1.
5+ year-olds | Author’s website
The Waking Wood by Alexi Francis
As night falls around an ancient oak, a young badger follows the old woodland paths and then loses his way in the dark. A striking and beautifully realised hardback picture book for 5+ year olds, Alexi Francis uses delicate pen-and-ink woodland scenes and immaculate papercut pages to follow the badger’s journey from darkness towards dawn. It’s a beautiful gift book for early independent readers. Highly recommended.
5-7 year-olds | Author’s website
Luna Grace: Girl from Outer Space – Monster Mix Up by Julie Sykes, illustrated by Emily Jones
Luna cannot wait to prove how grown-up she has become when her grandparents visit Earth from Starbright. Showing them around her school’s Halloween fair seems the perfect plan, until her efforts lead to a succession of monster-sized mistakes. Colourful illustrations and a gentle story about managing feelings make this an accessible and enjoyable read for 5-9-year-olds, with plenty of space-themed fun as Luna tries to repair the mix-ups before the celebration goes completely wrong.
5-9 year-olds | Author’s website
The Elementals: Peo Saves the Trees by Love Ssega, illustrated by Erika Meza
When Peo discovers that she can talk to trees, a call for help from a nearby island sends the Elementals racing into a gripping new mystery. They arrive to find every tree gone and must combine their powers to work out what happened and save them. Magic and teamwork meet environmental concern in this, the second in a compelling illustrated fantasy first-chapter adventure series for 6-8 year olds.
6-8 year-olds | Author’s website
Cat School: Odd Cat Out! by Rose Robbins
A first day at Cat School brings nerves, new routines and a classroom full of curious kittens learning how to become confident cats. Tangle and Eno are settling in when they meet Pelly, a neurodivergent kitten who feels different and tries to hide parts of herself so she can fit in. It’s warm, funny and very accessible for 7-9 year olds, and this graphic novel offers a kind-hearted school story about friendship, anxiety, understanding and making room for different ways of being. It’s ideal for reading and discussing with KS2 groups.
7+ year-olds | Author’s website
Bison Rule, OK! by Sarah Ziman, illustrated by Nia Havilliard
Teacher’s pet Hamish, a distracted Aidan, Forest School, job-hunting snakes, a thunder-roaring dragon and mint-choc-chipmunk ice cream are all perfectly at home in this vibrant and fun poetry collection for seven-year-olds. KS2 children will love the riddles, wordplay, funny observations and thought-provoking moments, including a comforting ‘cwtch’ from Nana Jean! Nia Havilliard’s lively illustrations complement Sarah Ziman’s wide-ranging poems, making this a great book for reading aloud, sharing in class or using as an impetus for creative writing. Highly recommended.
7+ year-olds | Author’s website
The Weirdest Thing of All by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Ed Vere
Michael Rosen draws on stories, experiences and memories from his own childhood in this substantial collection of funny, thoughtful and moving new poems. Illustrated throughout by Ed Vere, the book explores the people we meet, the things we pass on and the connections linking one generation with the next. At 304 pages, it offers plenty for 7+ year olds to dip into, share aloud and revisit, making it a great choice for KS2 poetry shelves and classroom discussion. Highly recommended.
7+ year-olds | Author’s website
African Queens: Incredible Stories of Africa’s Legendary Women Leaders by Onyinye Iwu
Across 2,000 years of African history, twelve women leaders take centre stage, including Hatshepsut, Amanirenas, Sayyida Al-Hurra, Yaa Asantewaa and the warrior women of Dahomey. Ideal for LKS2, the accessible and highly engaging short profiles combine bold illustrations with bite-sized and memorable facts about rulers who defended kingdoms, challenged empires and led their people through turbulent times. This visually stunning introduction offers primary children an illuminating starting point for exploring the breadth and variety of African history. Highly recommended.
7+ year-olds | Author’s website
Aesop’s Fables by Katie Haworth, illustrated by Lara Hawthorne
Over twenty animal fables gather foxes, frogs, mice, lions and more into short, thoughtful tales where pride, kindness, cleverness and foolishness all have consequences. A stunning gift collection for 7+ year-olds, it includes classic favourites such as The Hare and the Tortoise, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse, The Lion and the Mouse and The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing, with Lara Hawthorne’s richly decorative artwork giving the ancient stories a fresh, contemporary feel. Highly recommended.
7-9 year-olds | Author’s website
Rune: The Tale of the Winged Sorceress by Carlos Sánchez
Dai has vanished just as a gathering darkness begins building an army against the kingdom. Chiri must bring the adventurers together, evade a terrifying herald sent to hunt her and discover whether her own magic is strong enough to protect her friends. 7-9-year-olds will be engrossed by the immersive quest story, told through expressive and atmospheric artwork that evokes the danger, humour and urgency as Chiri searches for Dai. Highly recommended.
7-9 year-olds | Author’s website
The Neverfear by Katherine Rundell
Masked bandits are burning villages across the Archipelago, and an ambush leaves Christopher and Anya racing to rescue someone they love. Joined by Ratwin the ratatoska and Jacques the Jaculus dragon, they sail aboard the Neverfear in search of three treasures while giants and old enemies close in. This powerful third Impossible Creatures adventure is ideal for intrepid readers aged 9+ and sweeps through perilous sea voyages, dangerous contests and unforgettable encounters with remarkable beasts. Highly recommended.
8+ year-olds | Author’s website
The Palace of Facts by Kate Olesin, illustrated by Andy Smith
Pip, Alice and their dog Charley guide visitors through a vast palace where 400 facts are arranged room by room. Crystals glitter in the treasure room, dinosaurs fill the fossil hall, space opens above the observatory, and stranger knowledge waits in the dungeons. 8-12-year-old fact-finders can use the memory-palace structure to explore and recall information, while the vibrant large-scale illustrations reward slow browsing and repeated visits. A spectacular book – highly recommended for KS2.
8+ year-olds | Author’s website
Revolution! by Dr Joan Lennon, illustrated by Teo Georgiev
Twelve moments of upheaval show how ordinary people, new ideas and organised movements can change the course of history. From India’s struggle for independence to the Gay Liberation Movement to the digital revolution, the brilliantly illustrated and highly accessible chapters connect events across countries and generations. Perfect for 8-12-year-olds, this outstanding hardback encourages interested KS2 readers to look beyond dates and leaders and consider why revolutions begin, how they spread and what they leave behind. Highly recommended for primary school libraries.
8-12 year-olds | Author’s website
Jamaal Target: Phantom Agent by Isaac Hamilton-McKenzie
Jamaal Target thinks he is an ordinary 12-year-old who lives with his foster mum and plays games with his best friend Myla. When Myla is kidnapped, he is pulled into the secret organisation PHANTOM and learns he has inherited super strength, speed and heightened senses. For intrepid 9+ year-olds, this outstanding London-set superhero thriller blends high-octane action, friendship and a refreshingly positive brand of heroism. Read our full review.
9+ year-olds | Author’s website
War by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin
Kat, a fourteen-year-old graffiti artist, is living in an unnamed city when a sudden invasion changes everything. Her father is detained, and when her mother and sister flee, Kat stays behind to try to rescue him. A stunning and compelling graphic novel for 9+ year olds, with colour artwork by Giovanni Rigano, it also follows Adam, a young conscript, and includes contextual material with comic-style refugee interviews. It’s ideal to discuss in UKS2 and LKS3 book clubs.
9-11 year-olds | Author’s website
Spindlewood by Freddie Kölsch
Lilac Black is invited to a secret boarding school for children who can see and speak to spirits, despite one inconvenient fact: she has no supernatural gift at all. Rather than disappoint her proud uncles, she pretends she belongs, even as her lies multiply and something ancient stirs beneath the library. Perfect for 9-13-year-olds, this spooky school mystery combines outsider anxiety, humour and gripping, immersive clues linked to the disappearance of Lilac’s parents.
9-13 year-olds | Author’s website
Raise The Bar by Fernanda Frick H
Sam Sanchez dreams of becoming Chile’s first weightlifting gold medallist, even without a coach or the equipment she needs. When a chance comes to train with Olympic champion Eva Dos Santos, she takes it, despite her parents’ doubts. For 10+ year olds, this inspirational graphic novel follows ambition, rivalry, resilience, friendship and the dream of trying to turn talent into sporting success. Highly recommended.
10+ year-olds | Author’s website
Princess (Apparently) by Siren Knight
When a viral video of London teenager Della protesting unexpectedly earns her an invitation to a Caribbean palace. Only weeks earlier she had been an ordinary teenager who felt out of place at her posh school; now romance and a secret capable of changing everything are waiting thousands of miles from home. Romance, family and social justice melt together in this deliciously contemporary royal romance story. It’s perfect summer holiday reading for 11+ year olds.
11+ year-olds | Author’s website
The Sad Ghost Club Volume 5 by Lize Meddings
A fundraiser should bring the Sad Ghost Club together, but one of its founding members is conspicuously absent. The remaining ghosts must take on the event while working out how best to help the friend who is missing. This concluding entry in the modern classic graphic novel series speaks directly to its 12+ year old readership about anxiety, loneliness and the fear of not belonging. It places compassion and practical support at the centre of the club’s final challenge.
12+ year-olds | Author’s website
All the Queens’ Curses by Alyssa Hollingsworth
Kit and Idris are bound by curses that cannot be broken without cost. Kit’s mother turns to the fae to save her daughter by switching Kit’s body with Catharine’s, while Idris agrees to atone for his family’s past, even though it means dancing to his death. For 12+ year old readers, this stunning and immersive YA fantasy retells the Orcadian folktale Kate Crackernuts in an unforgettable story of sisterhood, disability, danger and difficult choices. Highly recommended.
12+ year-olds | Author’s website
Bridget and Gabe Are Not Okay by Lex Croucher
Camelot has survived a battle but not the aftermath, with King Gabriel hiding panic attacks in cupboards and Bridget unable to find her confidence in the lists. A funny, addictive choice for 12+ year-olds, this fabulous sequel follows the fractured court onto a disastrous PR tour involving rumours of the Holy Grail, the Questing Beast and the Green Knight, while Gabriel and Bridget try to understand exactly what love and duty now ask of them. Highly recommended.
12+ year-olds | Author’s website
Thorn by A.F. Harrold, illustrated by Milly Chapple
Watching your own body carry on without you is a strange way to start the day, and fourteen-year-old Thorn has to piece together her life from the outside. A unique, imaginative and thought-provoking read for 12+ year-olds, this standout illustrated story moves through past, present and future as Thorn faces questions about love, resistance, identity and what still matters when everything has gone sideways. Thorn is quite unlike anything else you will read this year. Highly recommended. Read our full review.
12+ year-olds | Author’s website
Cut Him Out in Little Stars by Lucy Strange
After the death of her fighter pilot fiancé, Juliet is sent to Samphire House, where grief, wartime danger and family secrets close in around her. When a girl’s body is found on the beach, Juliet is pulled into a mystery that unsettles her and forces her to question what she thought she knew. For 12+ year-olds, this beautifully written, complex and atmospheric novel effortlessly blends Second World War atmosphere, romance and murder mystery. Highly recommended for KS3 readers.
12+ year-olds | Author’s website
The Fast Track by Angelica Cheng
Seventeen-year-old Justine Kwong is determined to become the first woman to win the Formula 1 championship, but securing a coveted place in Formula 3 leaves her battling prejudice, publicity and suspicions that she is merely a diversity hire. Her talented teammate Cameron is also her fiercest rival for the F2 seat that could transform her career, making their growing attraction especially complicated. This high-octane competition-fueled contemporary sports romance for 13+ year olds brings together the intense pressure of elite motor racing, rivals-to-lovers chemistry and a heroine fighting to be recognised for her ability. It’s pedal to the metal all the way!
12+ year-olds | Author’s website
Neverlast by Sue H. Cunningham, illustrated by Zach Meyer
Gracie grows up among the Perpetuals, a hidden community of long-lived people who heal quickly, only to discover that she is mortal. After her immortal boyfriend Arty ends their relationship, one final international trip turns dangerous when his secret threatens the entire community. Neverlast is a great choice for 13+ year olds, and this pacey supernatural thriller catapults teens into a second-chance romance, blackmail and a heist with questions about time, vulnerability and mortality. Highly recommended.
13+ year-olds | Author’s website
Natural Selection by Clare Edge
Three friends in a remote Rocky Mountain town discover that the same boy has mistreated each of them, so they plan a devious revenge prank in the woods. But an accident, a snowstorm and the arrival of a grizzly bear leave them guarding a terrible secret, and then local men begin suffering bear attacks. This darkly funny and highly engaging thriller for readers aged 13+ explores anger, revenge, friendship and uneasy questions. Highly recommended.
13+ year-olds | Author’s website
Then We’ll Be Happy by Alan Carrigan
Seventeen-year-old Sam, who has cerebral palsy, wants more control over his own life. Being left out of yet another school trip, and then being forced to spend the day with his bully, pushes him over the edge and he decides to campaign for change. A hard-hitting and thought-provoking contemporary drama for 14+ year-olds, it examines disability, fairness, friendship and difficult decisions. It’s perfect for KS4 book club discussion. Highly recommended.
14+ year-olds | Author’s website
Nest of Tongues by Randy Ribay
Filipino American siblings Lily and Caleb Abadiano hide a dangerous secret: they are manananggals – winged vampires who hunt by night. When a legendary monster hunter kills one of their community and marks Caleb as the next victim, the pair must search for answers while deciding whether to flee or fight for their home. Told through their distinctive alternating voices, this fast-moving YA horror story blends Filipino folklore, family tensions and a fiercely protective sibling bond. It’s perfect for readers aged 14+ to get their teeth into.
14+ year-olds | Author’s website
Themed day / social media opportunities for August 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.
- #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.
- The Edinburgh International Book Festival takes place from August 15th to 30th, with a full programme of events for children, teenagers and families. More details are on our children’s book festivals page.
- The Wainwright Prize for nature writing shortlists are announced on August 5th. More details are on the Wainwright Prize website and our children’s literature awards page.
- #LeftHandersDay on August 13th is a great opportunity to celebrate the superpower that is left-handedness. The official website includes activities, facts and information about the everyday challenges faced by left-handed people.
- #InternationalYouthDay takes place on August 12th and is a useful starting point for book club discussions about youth voice, activism, political engagement and teenagers changing their communities.
- A-level results are released on August 13th and GCSE results follow on August 20th. The dates are confirmed by the Joint Council for Qualifications and provide opportunities to discuss exam pressure, achievement, disappointment and different routes into education and employment.
- #WorldHumanitarianDay takes place on August 19th and can be linked to books about refugees, displacement, conflict, international aid and people working to support communities during emergencies.
- #NationalDogDay takes place on August 26th and there are lots of details and activity ideas on the Dogs Trust National Dog Day page.
- Poetry Bears Picnic is celebrated on August 18th and #PoetsDay is held on August 21st. Both provide good excuses to read poetry aloud, share favourite poets or run a light-hearted poetry-writing challenge.
- World Rutabaga Day takes place in the last week of August. Events include rutabaga curling, rutabaga hurling and best rutabaga unfurling.
- #ToothFairyDay 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 of cat welfare and responsible ownership.
- UNESCO’s International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition takes place on August 23rd and provides an important opportunity to explore books about enslavement, resistance, abolition and the continuing legacy of the transatlantic slave trade.
Extension activities:
- Have a look at our writing competitions for August 2026.
Other recently released titles to have a look at:
- Our latest August 2026 books of the month.
- Our rundown of the best books released this summer 2026.
- Our August 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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