September 2023’s set of recommendations for book clubs features eight titles to kick-start your book clubs at the start of the new school year. With outdoor adventure, practical activities, imaginative pictures, magic, gross-out comedy, graphic novel fun, and period mystery drama, there’s something for everyone. September 2023’s picks include titles by Britta Teckentrup, Wilbur Smith, Paige Braddock, Edouard Manceau, Alison D. Stegert, Seb Braun, and Anna Brooke.
September 2023 book club recommendations
Bing: Sparkle Magic
Today, Sula is looking fabulous with a magic wand resplendent with super-glittery sparkles! Soon she’s making magic all around with a flick of her wrist. But when Bing wants a go with the wand, will Sula be able to share? With immersive detailed pictures and funky typography, the story scenes, the characters, and their dialogue, leap from every page.
2-5 year-olds | Video
The Odd One Out by Britta Teckentrup
2-5-year-olds can listen to and read the rhythmic riddles and visual clues to spot which creature is the odd one out. With vibrant and engaging repeating patterns this clever picture book encourages observation skills, deduction and visual comprehension. It might also be the next go-to wall display art idea book for EYFS teachers. A cracking picture book, now out in paperback.
2-5 year-olds | Author website
Mrs Owl’s Forest School by Seb Braun
Mouse, Squirrel, Fox and Rabbit take readers on a journey through the woods in this fun exploration of wildlife and nature. Full of practical den-building advice, safety tips, nature projects and imaginative ideas. It’s the perfect child-centred picture book to read as part of your EYFS and KS1 Forest School.
2-7 year-olds | Author website
Fodo Dodo Goes Fishing by Edouard Manceau
When Fodo and Noodle decide to play, they go fishing in the bath, catch an ‘underguppy’ and decide to cook it in their play kitchen. But will their plans be thwarted? Fodo Dodo Goes Fishing is a colourful and fun peek into the mind of a child and the power of imaginative play. Packed with clever wordplay and interesting language, Fodo Dodo Goes Fishing is highly recommended for preschool children.
3-5 year-olds | Author website
River Rescue: A Peanut, Butter & Crackers Story by Paige Braddock
Exploring the wild world in a camper van doesn’t go to plan for Peanut, Butter and Crackers when they get lost and Peanut falls into a river. Can Crackers save the day? This bright, fun and fast-paced comedy adventure is perfect for pet-loving readers who enjoy early graphic novel series such as Dog Man and Captain Underpants. Also in the series are Peanut, Butter and Crackers: Puppy School and Peanut, Butter and Crackers: Doggy School. Read our full review.
5-9 year-olds | Author website
Monster Stink by Anna Brooke, illustrated by Owen Lindsay
There’s a sixty-foot monster, dastardly criminals, and a lingering fart pandemic in this pungent sequel to Monster Bogey. Will Snotland Yard solve the mystery before it’s too late? With short chapter titles such as ‘Oozing Lagoon’, ‘Schlop’ and ‘Special One’, and wordplay like ‘proper whopper squidgepea’, there will be no reluctance to read this epic story that’s perfect for lower KS2. Read our full review.
7+ year-olds | Author website
Her Majesty’s League of Remarkable Young Ladies by Alison D. Stegert
When 14-year-old Winnie’s father vanishes, she seizes an opportunity to help guard Queen Victoria to get close to the truth and develop much-needed spy-craft skills. But will this be enough to save her papa? An exciting mix of historical adventure, STEM mystery, and powerful female protagonists, Her Majesty’s League of Remarkable Young Ladies is highly recommended for reading in years 6-8.
11+ year-olds | Author website
Prey Zone: The Serpent’s Lair by Wilbur Smith and Keith Chapman
A deadly virus, dangerous poachers, and man-made ‘predasuars’ in wild South Africa fuel this gripping adventure sequel for secondary-aged children. Can Ralph and Robyn outwit their nemesis? A great reading choice for those who enjoy Robert Muchamore, Anthony Horowitz, and Mark Walden. Be sure to also check out the first in the Prey Zone series.
11+ year-olds | Author website
Themed day / social media opportunities for September 2023
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.
- September is #BackToSchoolMonth – the perfect opportunity for parents and classroom teachers to stock up on children’s books for the year ahead. Our most popular recommended book guides at the start of the school year are our lists of year 1 books, year 6 books and year 7 books.
- #WorldLetterWritingDay is held on September 1st and there are lots of ideas and sources of inspiration on the World Letter Writing Day website.
- September 15th is #OnlineLearningDay. We have a comprehensive online learning resource page with ideas and websites to support online learning.
- September 6th is #ReadABookDay and September 8th is UNESCO’s #InternationalLiteracyDay – both great opportunities to revitalise whole-school reading, set up a reading challenge or take part in a writing competition.
- Avast ye! Get your pirate books out and put on your best cod Cornish accents! It’s Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19th. Perhaps arrange a teacher-sponsored talk like a pirate for the entire school day!
- International Podcast Day is held on September 30th. Listen to our children’s literature podcast which features new book reviews and previews, ‘blast from the past’ author features, current themes in literacy and English teaching and much more.
- And finally, September is #NationalSewingMonth – ideal for kick-starting an extracurricular needlework club and reading The Spell Tailors by James Nicol with your KS2 class.
Extension activities:
- Have a look at our writing competitions for September 2023.
Other recently released titles to have a look at:
- Our latest September 2023 books of the month.
- Our rundown of the best books coming out in autumn 2023.
- Our September 2023 books of the day on Twitter.
- Our guide on how to run a school book club covers both primary school book clubs and secondary school book clubs.
Click the button below to buy all this month’s recommended book club titles, or class sets of any of these books, from Bookshop.org UK.
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