October 2024’s set of recommendations for book clubs features magic, mystery, adventure, inspirational friendship, and touch decision-making in this collection of 10 new books to feed your hungry book clubs. Perfect for the run-up to half term, shorter days, longer reading sessions, and Halloween, October 2024’s picks include titles by Alexandra Strick, Ben Sanders, Dee Benson, Gaelle Almeras, Garth Nix, Hari Conner, Jon Agee, Louisa Reid, Michael Morpurgo and Rutendo Dione.
October 2024 book club recommendations
Milo’s Hat Trick by Jon Agee
Milo teeters on the edge of losing his job after a series of less-than-successful magic shows. In one last effort to find the right rabbit for his act, he discovers a clever bear who offers to help out by hiding in Milo’s hat. But a hilarious hat mix-up leads to chaos when the bear unexpectedly jumps out of the right hat in the wrong place at the wrong moment. Jon Agee’s clever storytelling and expressive illustrations encourage ingenuity and friendship as Milo learns valuable life lessons from the bear. Highly recommended.
3+ year-olds | Author’s website
We Can! by Alexandra Strick
This inspiring celebration of children’s voices encourages a positive vision for a better world. 15 children plan a vibrant festival and this book follows their story, highlighting themes of community, activism, and environmental stewardship. With activities such as mural-making and mindfulness, there’s a pervasive message of hope and collective action. This book not only encourages creativity but also empowers children to contribute to a kinder, greener planet. Highly recommended.
5+ year-olds | Author’s website
You Only Spy Twice by Ben Sanders
Agent Harrier digs up dirt on a file-stealing traitor within the secretive BARK spy agency. Taking an unexpected turn, the pages of this fast-paced graphic novel begin to repeat, and an ink-deleting weapon threatens to erase everything. This lively and innovative take on the spy genre combines bold graphics with catchy wordplay. It’s a perfect short text for readers moving from picture books to more complex stories.
6-9 year-olds | Author’s website
Super Ocean Weekend by Gaëlle Alméras
Castor, Squeak, Orni, and Echid take an unforgettable camping trip where they explore ocean life and conservation. This bite-sized, fact-packed, full-colour paperback with thick stock pages uses a graphic novel format to explain marine science, including tides, fish behaviour, and ocean ecosystems. It is perfect for children aged 7-12, KS2, and S3 libraries, and book clubs focusing on environmental issues. Highly recommended.
7-12 year-olds | Author’s website
Cobweb by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Michael Foreman
Cobweb follows a Welsh Corgi taken from a Welsh farm and his loving owner Bethen, who is set to work herding sheep on a dangerous journey to London. Set during the Napoleonic wars, the story reflects on war, humanity, and the magical bond between animals and humans. Will he ever find his way home? Cobweb combines Morpurgo’s sparkling storytelling with Michael Foreman’s timeless illustrations. The result is a warm, memorable and deeply satisfying story that is perfect to read to groups in KS2.
8+ year-olds | Author’s website
Presto! Magical Recovery Co. by Rutendo Dione
When 11-year-old Amber discovers her uncle is a thief who recovers stolen items and missing people from fairy tales, she realises that’s why the Big Bid Wolf is in her Brixton sitting room. Amber then embarks on a mission with her uncle to rescue Little Red Riding Hood, with help from Hansel and Gretel – deep in the mysterious world of Evadne. This distinctive and enchanting adventure effortlessesly merges familair fairy tales with twisty and thrilling adventures. It’s ideal for 9-12 year olds who want to read something completely different.
9-12 year-olds | Author’s website
We Do Not Welcome Our Ten-Year-Old Overlord by Garth Nix
When Eila finds a mysterious org in the woods, she discovers its powers can give her control over other people. But her older brother Kim worries about whether the orb has a more sinister nature. Set in an alternate 1975 Canberra, the narrative follows Kim and his friends as they confront the consequences of Eila’s new powers. This highly engaging middle-grade novel explores friendships, family dynamics, and ethics through a deliciously page-turning plot. Highly recommended for 10-12 year olds who love science fiction and Dungeons and Dragons.
10+ year-olds | Author’s website
Damien Ike and the Fallen House of Draven by Dee Benson and David Arlo
As the child of a powerful mage, Damien worries his lack of magic skills will damage his family’s reputation as he grapples with the pressures of legacy and identity. But everything changes when he discovers a disturbing secret that throws his entire future into doubt. Fear, prejudice and expectation will be talking points when discussing this thought-provoking fantasy.
13+ year-olds | Author’s website
Handle With Care by Louisa Reid
After Ruby unexpectedly gives birth during a GCSE history lesson. she faces rumours and isolation when friendships and loyalties are tested to the limit. Told through alternating prose and verse, the story highlights themes of secrecy, responsibility, and emotional turmoil. Ruby’s decision to place her child for adoption does not bring the expected resolution, and the unflinching exploration of the characters and situations is one KS4 students are bound to be sucked into. The visceral and often startling novel examines complex teenage lives with a laser focus. Highly recommended, we think Handle With Care will be a breakout hit with 14+ year-olds.
14+ year-olds | Author’s website
I Shall Never Fall in Love by Hari Conner
Set in Regency-era England, I Shall Never Fall in Love follows George, who hides their gender identity while managing the family estate, and Eleanor, their best friend who’s facing pressure to find a husband. The close-knit friendships come under strain as George and Eleanor struggle with unspoken feelings in the face of an unaccepting society. This compelling graphic novel with detailed illustrations and nuanced characters includes themes of love, identity, empathy and history. Inspired by Jane Austen, this fresh, queer, slow-burn graphic novel romance is Bridgerton meets swoonworthy Gentleman Jack for 2020s teens.
14+ year-olds | Author’s website
Themed day / social media opportunities for October 2024
These hashtag days might provide ideas for primary and secondary teachers and current and relevant talking points for secondary-aged pupils aged 13+ in KS3, KS4 and KS5, especially when linked to related literature.
- October is Black History Month. There are some invaluable resources from National Geographic Kids for 5-11-year-olds, videos and interactive resources for KS2, KS3 and KS4 from BBC Teach, free lesson plans for secondary schools from Stonewall, a collection of resources from the NEU, and this selection of articles and columns from The Guardian for sixth formers.
- International Walk to School Month takes place in October. There’s a wealth of information on the ‘Living Streets‘ website.
- Also, October-wide is International School Library Month. There are lots of ideas on the IASL website.
- During the first week of October, Dyslexia Awareness Week takes place. The BDA has lots of ideas on its website to help schools get involved.
- The Literature for Schools programme at Cheltenham Literature Festival runs from the first week through to the second week of October. The programme includes a vast programme of author events covering all primary and secondary age groups.
- World Teachers Day on October 5th is probably best celebrated by giving hardworking staff the day off. But let’s face it, in most schools that will never happen. UNESCO has a history of the event and participation ideas on its website.
- And there’s National Poetry Day! Held on October 3rd it’s “the UK’s biggest mass-participation celebration of poetry” There are lots of ideas for schools on the official website, including a trove of resources.
- Word Smile Day on the first Friday of October asks everyone to commit to an act of kindness. For pastoral coordinators concerned about potential smile shaming, the Young Minds website has useful resources for schools about all forms of body image.
- World Mental Health Day on the 10th of the month is celebrated on the mentalhealth.org.uk website, which features posts to download and free podcasts.
- Harry Potter Day is held on October 17th. It’s “a chance for fans around the globe to celebrate J.K. Rowling’s iconic series with events”. Teachers can register for a free event kit and there’s an introductory video on the website.
- And finally, there’s Halloween on October 31st. Have a look at our Halloween books list! There are some great resources for primary and secondary schools on BBC Teach, and STEM.org.uk has some great ideas for integrating spooky themes into maths and science lessons.
Extension activities:
- Have a look at our writing competitions for October 2024.
Other recently released titles to have a look at:
- Our latest October 2024 books of the month.
- Our rundown of the best books released this autumn 2024.
- Our October 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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