June 2025’s set of recommendations for book clubs features a paean to planet Earth, historical drama, fantastical adventure, gritty, contemporary YA, and sparklingly emotive picture books. June 2025’s picks include titles by Zaro Weil, Donette Williams-Harry, Julie Flett, Zeshan Akhter, Bear Grylls, Donna Ashworth, Eirinn McGuiness, Jasbinder Bilan, Pari Thomson, Alexandra Sheppard, J. L. Simmonds, Abdi Nazemian, and Rory Power.
June 2025 book club recommendations
I Hear the Trees by Zaro Weil
This sparkling poetry collection weaves together themes of nature and the planet we live on, including animals, plants, stars and storms, with expressive rhythm and imagery to tempt children in. Some poems are playful, others reflective, but all are designed to spark curiosity about the world around us. Backed by recommendations from the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education, it is an excellent choice to inspire KS1 and KS2 children in the classroom or at home. The clever mix of accessible language and thought-provoking ideas makes it perfect for a wide primary age range. Highly recommended.
5+ year-olds | Author’s website
Carnival Queen by Donette Williams-Harry, illustrated by Amelie-Anne Calmo
Kayla’s all set to dance in the carnival – until disaster strikes and her costume is ruined. But with a little help from her friends and neighbours, the show goes on. Set to the rhythm of Caribbean music and colour, this joyful picture book celebrates community spirit, creativity and the energy of carnival. Inspired by Notting Hill, it also includes a short section on global carnival traditions, adding extra background to the fun visuals and bursts of storyline.
3-6 year-olds | Author’s website
My Friend May by Julie Flett
My Friend May by Julie Flett tells the story of Margaux, a young Cree girl, and her cat May, who disappear from each other’s lives for a while. When May goes missing, Margaux embarks on a search. Meanwhile, her aunt Nitôsis is getting ready to move. The surprise ending reveals where May’s been. Flett weaves in Cree language, family insights, and a helpful glossary, while her illustrations add a quiet, emotional layer to the tale about family and pets. Moving and memorable, My Friend May is highly recommended for EYFS and KS1.
4-8 year-olds | Author’s website
Noah’s New Home by Zeshan Akhter, illustrated by Nabila Adani
Noah’s New Home by Zeshan Akhter follows a young refugee, Noah, as he adapts to life in a new country. While settling in, memories of his past and family resurface, and a fireworks display brings both joy and sorrow. With the support of his loved ones, Noah begins to heal. The book thoughtfully explores displacement, trauma, and the strength of community, beautifully brought to life through Nabila Adani’s expressive illustrations. Memorable and powerful, it’s ideal for discussion in KS1 classrooms.
5-7 year-olds | Author’s website
You Decide Your Adventure by Bear Grylls
This engaging interactive adventure lets young explorers call the shots alongside survival expert Bear Grylls. Kids tackle wilderness challenges, making choices that shape their journey – each decision flips to a different outcome. Handy survival tips and quirky nature facts add real-world flavour. It’s a clever way to nudge readers outdoors without screens, and each new read-through is refreshingly unpredictable. You Decide Your Adventure is perfect for ages 7+ who don’t usually read for fun, KS2 pupils who struggle with concentrating on books, and primary-aged children who love being outdoors. It’ll quickly become a favourite in your upper-primary classroom. Highly recommended.
7+ year-olds | Author’s website
Words Can Fly by Donna Ashworth and Eirinn McGuiness
Words Can Fly brings together poems about family, school, friendship and all the little things that make up a kid’s world. Donna Ashworth’s writing is warm and thoughtful, with Eirinn McGuiness’s illustrations adding a gentle charm. Some poems spark chats, others sit quietly and make you think. Whether read aloud or solo, it’s a lovely way to explore feelings with 7-11-year-olds without making a big fuss.
7-9 year-olds | Author’s website
Naeli and the Secret Song by Jasbinder Bilan
Set between Hyderabad and Victorian London, this breathtaking historical novel follows Naeli as she chases the faint trail of her missing father, armed only with a violin and a name. From crowded Indian streets to gaslit alleys, she unpicks family secrets and wrestles with questions of identity and belonging. Laced with music and mystery, this character-driven story whisks the reader across cultures and continents at breakneck speed. It’s a powerful, moving and memorable novel for 8+ year olds. Highly recommended.
8+ year-olds | Author’s website
Greenwild: The Forest in the Sky by Pari Thomson
Greenwild: The Forest in the Sky by Pari Thomson brings the Greenwild trilogy to a close. Daisy Thistledown and her friends, with a little help from the Iffenwilders’ water magic, set off to rescue the Botanists, including Daisy’s mother, from the Amazon. Along the way, they face tough choices, separations, and challenges. With Elisa Paganelli’s stunning illustrations, the book ties everything together in a heart-pounding, emotional finale that feels like the perfect send-off.
9+ year-olds | Author’s website
Alyssa and the Enchanted Forest by Alexandra Sheppard
Alyssa and her friends find themselves whisked away to Jamaica’s enchanting Golden Falls in this lively follow-up to Alyssa and the Spell Garden. Getting home isn’t straightforward, though – hostile plants, ancient magic, the works. Beautifully illustrated by Bex Glendining, the story blends adventure with deeper ideas about family roots and heritage, as Alyssa tackles the Bloom Trials to keep her garden safe. Magic with meaning, wrapped up in one sunny Jamaican summer. It’s perfect for KS2 children to read in the summer term.
9-11 year-olds | Author’s website
Run Away with Me by J. L. Simmonds
After finding her stepfather dead, Jessie bolts from Seattle and ends up on the run with Brooke, a classmate, a Mustang, and no clear plan. With the police on their tail, they tear across backroads and nowhere towns, dodging danger and finding unexpected kindness. As their connection deepens, so do the risks. It’s a memorable, fast and gritty debut that digs into identity, trust, and figuring out who you are when everything falls apart. For 12+ year olds. Highly recommended.
12+ year-olds | Author’s website
Like a Love Story by Abdi Nazemian
Set against the backdrop of 1989 New York, this powerful coming-of-age novel follows Reza, a closeted Iranian teen trying to make sense of who he is during the height of the AIDS crisis. While dating Judy, he finds himself drawn to her best friend Art, out, fearless, and the only openly gay student at school. As the three become involved in activism, the story explores friendship, identity, grief and hope at a time of fear and urgent change. Moving, unforgettable and highly recommended for 13+ year olds.
13+ year-olds | Author’s website
Kill Creatures by Rory Power
A year ago, Nan’s three best friends disappeared. Now, as the town gathers to remember them, one of them walks back into Saltcedar Canyon – very much alive. But Nan isn’t relieved. She knows they were dead. Because she’s the one who killed them. Bestselling author Rory Power (Wilder Girls) is back with a razor-sharp YA thriller packed with jealousy, secrets, and eerie twists. Kill Creatures is perfect for fans of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and Gone Girl.
14+ year-olds | Author’s website
Themed day / social media opportunities for June 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.
- 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 the world’s 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
- Access All Arts Week, from Sky Arts, offers free live lessons by artists and resources for primary schools. Grouped into Marks, Images, Words, Moves, and Sounds, the lessons range from rap to photography and poetry to drawing.
- 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
- World Refugee Week. The website includes lots of ideas for schools that want to take part, including ‘simple acts’ and downloadable resources. #RefugeeWeek
- #ThankATeacherDay – thank your teachers, especially the ones who recommend great books! There are some great ideas to help show your appreciation here.
- 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 2025.
Other recently released titles to have a look at:
- Our latest June 2025 books of the month.
- Our rundown of the best books released this summer 2025.
- Our June 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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