Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
A. M. Dassu, raised in England, developed a passion for writing and art from an early age. Despite doubting her ability to publish a book, she remained creative, establishing a club and assisting in her school library. As a teenager, her love for English literature grew, leading to her involvement in school productions.
However, her academic path diverged from writing, and she pursued management roles after studying Economics. Her passion for writing resurfaced after becoming a parent in 2006, sparking her journey into blogging and contributing to reputable platforms like The Huffington Post and the Times Education Supplement. A. M. Dassu’s literary career flourished, with her debut novel, “Boy, Everywhere,” earning critical acclaim and numerous awards. Living in the Midlands, she now dedicates her mornings to writing and continues to make her mark in the literary world, championing individuality and philanthropy.
The School Reading List compiles this list of recommended books monthly. This children’s and YA books of the month list highlights new releases and editions of fiction and non-fiction books suitable for children and young adults aged 2-16.
This suggested reading list offers lots of book choices for children aged 9 and 10. From fantasy and animal stories to mysteries and science fiction adventures, there’s something for every upper primary child. These books for Year 5 include titles suitable for inspiring both able and reluctant readers.
Books for Year 7 – our reading recommendation for 11-year-olds at the start of secondary school in Year 7, including titles by A.M Dassu, Mitch Johnson, Lisa Thompson, Gillian Cross, Malorie Blackman, R.J. Palacio, Philip Pullman, Catherine Johnson & Michael Rosen.
Islam books for children and teens with titles by Ibtihaj Muhammad, Hiba Noor Khan, Zanib Mian, Adiba Jaigirdar, S. K. Ali, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, Muhammad Khan, Samira Ahmed, Tahereh Mafi, and Sabaa Tahir.
Children’s books to combat hatred including titles by Michael Rosen, Malorie Blackman, Benjamin Zephaniah, Angie Thomas, Jason Reynolds, David Olusoga, R. J. Palacio, Lois Lowry, Elle McNicoll, and Nicola Davies.
Books for 13-year-olds – favourites chosen by teens including titles by Anne Frank, Colleen Hoover, Juno Dawson, Holly Black, Holly Jackson, Kathleen Glasgow, Leigh Bardugo, Suzanne Collins, Holly Jackson and Adam Silvera.
Summer reading challenge – A good reading challenge will not only promote reading and encourage reading for pleasure, but it will encourage a reading culture to spread like a virus throughout your school. Updated for 2026.
Edgy stories for 11-14 year olds with titles by Kwame Alexander, Malorie Blackman, Hilary McKay, Jason Rohan, Ele Fountain, Christopher Edge, Catherine Bruton, Derek Landy, Simon James Green, Robert Muchamore, Anne Cassidy & more.
Children’s book news for February 2026: CLiPPA opens, Carnegies longlists land, BBC screens Lord of the Flies, plus Information Book Award and ALCS Education Writers’ shortlist updates.
Children’s book news for January 2026: festivals, awards, school publishing, comics events, national reading policy, literacy campaigns and major competitions shaping children’s and YA books across the UK.
Children’s books of the year 2025 – our team has picked a shortlist of great children’s and teen titles published in the last 12 months, with fiction, non-fiction and picture books for 3-18 years and a diverse range of prose, poetry and graphic novels. Vote now!
Wild Journey is a beautifully illustrated set of five stories linking children across continents through courage, kindness, and a murmuration that reminds us of the families we’re born into and those we find.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Autumn 2025. These reading recommendations include picture books, poetry, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Summer 2022. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
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