June 2024’s set of recommendations for book clubs features problem solving illustrated books, love and inclusivity, compelling stories, strong female characters, laugh out loud fun and empowering poetry. June 2024’s picks include titles by Sean Taylor, Rachel Plummer and Forrest Burdett, Nicola Colton, Jim Smith, Polly Ho-Yen, Joseph Elliott, Jake R. Wilson, Jeffrey Boakye and Koleka Putuma.
June 2024 book club recommendations
Natterjack Toad Can’t Believe It! by Sean Taylor
Whenever Natterjack Toad tries to eat his cookies someone always interrupts! A heron, a vole, and a weasel all stop him mid-bite. But is it the chocolate they want a bite of, or something else? The patient read-aloud build-up, inference problem-solving and engaging illustrations make this a fun book to read aloud and share.
3+ year-olds | Author’s website
The Big Day by Rachel Plummer and Forrest Burdett
The Big Day is a vibrant celebration of love and inclusivity. Following a tiny human attending a magical wedding of giant grooms, witches, elves, and unicorns, 3-6-year-olds can lift flaps to reveal exquisite details. Ideal for fans of Grandad’s Camper and Julian is a Mermaid, The Big Day stresses that love is universal. Highly recommended. Read our full review.
3-6 year-olds | Author’s website
Bertha and Blink: Rumble in the Jungle by Nicola Colton
Intrepid inventor Bertha and her robo-bird companion, Blink investigate mysterious noises in the jungle in this STEM-themed adventure story for 5-8 year olds. Blending friendship, science, and nature, Rumble in the Jungle is an accessible text that newly independent readers will enjoy. Bertha’s creative problem-solving and Blink’s addictive curiosity make this series ideal for children interested in STEM and the natural world.
5-8 year-olds | Author’s website
How to be a Genius Kid by Jim Smith
This super accessible and super funny guide to getting super brainy is bound to be a hit with children in years 2-4. Through a laugh-out-loud graphic novel format, children will pick up fascinating facts including answers to questions like why bad spelling is a sign of intelligence, what the hours in the day have to do with finger bones, and why rain on a pavement smells nice. It’s perfect for less confident readers who need stimulating reading material. Also included are Waldo Pancake’s drawing tips. Highly recommended for KS1 and LKS2 classroom libraries. Read our full review.
5-8 year-olds | Author’s website
The Last Dragon by Polly Ho-Yen
When Yara discovers the last dragon egg, she soon realises she’s become its protector. Exploring themes of responsibility, bravery, self-belief, and conservation, this compelling story set in a lightly parallel world is highly convincing. Perfect for 7+ year-olds who enjoy strong female characters who fight for justice, this illustrated story is perfect for independent readers in LKS2, or for using as a group text with less confident readers in UKS2. Highly recommended. Read our full review.
7+ year-olds | Author’s website
Nora and the Map of Mayhem by Joseph Elliott
Siblings Atticus and Autumn are staying with their strange great-grandmother Nora in this thrilling and funny adventure from Joseph Elliott. Expecting a quiet weekend, they instead face sea monsters, electrosquibs, and a flappy goose after a mysterious stranger pins a nasty note to the front door. 8-12-year-olds will enjoy the fast-paced fun, roller-coaster excitement, and larger-than-life characters.
8-12 year-olds | Author’s website
Sar Wylda and the Legendary Goldbreaker by Jake R. Wilson
Twelve-year-old Sar Wylda dreams of becoming a Dinobeast racer in the fascinating prehistoric realm of Pangeum. But since she lost her sight she’s been stuck on her family’s farm. Will she find a way to realise her dream against all the odds? This unique middle-grade adventure blends a page-turning plot with historical insight, strong relatable characters and themes of perseverance and determination. It’s a winning formula. Read our full review.
9-12 year-olds | Author’s X
Kofi and the Secret Radio Station by Jeffrey Boakye
KS2 children will enjoy this fast-paced, humorous, character-driven, music-filled sequel. When Kofi discovers a hidden radio station, he and his friends start working on a dream radio show for Clipper FM. But when the station disappears and Kofi’s friend is accused of stealing, it’s up to Kofi to unravel the mystery. It’s warm-hearted Delbert Wilkins reminiscent fun for 2020s 10-12-year-olds.
10-12 year-olds | Author’s website
We Have Everything We Need to Start Again by Koleka Putuma
Late childhood to adulthood is brilliantly captured through 50 scintillating poems by Koleka Putuma. Mental health, sexuality, body image, family, social media and finding a place in the world are explored in this empowering and memorable collection. Accessible and contemporary, Putuma’s words will resonate with 12+ year-olds in KS3 and KS4. With an eye-catching flapped paperback cover by Adriana Bellet, We Have Everything We Need to Start Again will demand attention in the school library.
12+ year-olds | Author’s website
Themed day / social media opportunities for June 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.
- Pride Month. Have a look at BBC Newsround’s comprehensive guide to the history and culture behind this event. #pride. There’s also School Diversity Week which offers free lesson plans and activities for primary and secondary educators.
- Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month. This website includes teaching resources, books, media and Holocaust studies material for primary and secondary schools. #GRTHM
- World Oceans Day, run by Unesco, promotes sustainability and highlights human impact on world oceans. The website includes lots of resources, stories and videos for educators; and there’s also a photography competition.
- Butterfly Education and Awareness Day There’s a useful link to a community resource which could spark ideas for incorporating this day into your school calendar. #butterflyawarenessday
- World Environment Day There are lots of ideas for participation and engagement. Register your school via the website! #WorldEnvironmentDay & #OnlyOneEarth
- Empathy Day, run by Empathy Lab, is an annual event that shows how books can make the world a better place through kindness, empathy, and understanding. The website includes a goldmine of book suggestions, engagement ideas and a programme for teachers. #EmpathyDay
- Healthy Eating Week. Register to receive updates and resource materials. #HealthyEatingWeek
- World Refugee Week. The website includes lots of ideas for schools who want to take part, including ‘simple acts’ and downloadable resources. #RefugeeWeek
- National School Sport Week. Register to receive “free resources, lesson plans, classroom activities co-designed by young people for young people”. #NSSW2024
- National Writing Day is an “annual celebration of writing for pleasure and self-expression”. The organisers invite teachers to share writing online using the hashtag #NationalWritingDay.
- The Big Green Week is “the UK’s biggest ever celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature.”. The website includes activities for schools and local communities. There’s also a rundown of local events.
- Windrush Day commemorates the anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush on 22 June 1948. The National Maritime Museum details events, workshops, talks and resources on its website.
Extension activities:
- Have a look at our writing competitions for June 2024.
Other recently released titles to have a look at:
- Our latest June 2024 books of the month.
- Our rundown of the best books coming out in summer 2024.
- Our June 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, which 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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