Audiobooks for children
Audiobooks for children with titles by Jessica Townsend, Katherine Rundell, Michael Rosen, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Philip Pullman, Roald Dahl, Julia Donaldson, Michael Bond and Jeff Kinney.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
AF Steadman is a British author known for her work in children’s literature. She gained recognition with her debut novel, Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, which was published by Simon & Schuster in 2022. The book is the first in a planned series and has been well-received for its imaginative storytelling and unique take on the fantasy genre.
Steadman studied English at the University of Cambridge and later pursued a career in law before transitioning to writing. Her background in literature and law has influenced her approach to storytelling, providing a structured yet creative framework for her narratives.
The success of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief led to a significant publishing deal, with rights sold in multiple territories, highlighting the international appeal of her work. The book has been praised for its engaging plot and well-developed characters, contributing to its popularity among young readers.
Audiobooks for children with titles by Jessica Townsend, Katherine Rundell, Michael Rosen, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Philip Pullman, Roald Dahl, Julia Donaldson, Michael Bond and Jeff Kinney.
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 books choices for 9 and 10 year olds. From fantasy to animal stories and mysteries to science fiction adventure, 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 12-year-olds – favourites chosen by children including titles by Michael Grant, Sarah Crossan, Rick Riordan, Taran Matharu, A.F. Steadman, Erin Hunter, Malala Yousafzai, Faridah Abike-Iyimide, Christopher Edge, John Boyne and Alice Oseman.
Children’s book news for September 2025: Prizes, lists, roles, and dates crowd the calendar, with UKLA longlists, Wainwright and Klaus Flugge results, WBD 2026 titles, new roles, a City Lit exhibition, and a new charity drive.
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.
Adventure stories for children and teens, including modern and classic titles by Maz Evans, Cressida Cowell, Dom Conlon, Lucy Brandt, Sufiya Ahmed, Varsha Shah, A.F. Steadman, Wilbur Smith, Robert Muchamore, Robert Louis Stevenson and more.
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.
November 2024’s set of book club recommendations features titles by Oliver Jeffers, Jane Chapman, Sally Gardner, Nuria Gómez Benet, Coral Rumble, Hannah Peck, A.F Steadman, Marta Palazzesi, Frances Hardinge & Rosie Talbot.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Autumn 2024. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels, poetry and non-fiction.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Summer 2024. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
Season 1, Episode 9 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for April 2023, a look at our summer term children’s book picks and how Chat GPT could affect English teaching.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Spring 2022. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
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Our latest reading national curriculum year group recommended reading lists:
Picture books for the under 5s | Books for Reception | Books for Year 1 | Books for Year 2 | Books for Year 3 | Books for Year 4 | Books for Year 5 | Books for Year 6 | Books for Year 7 | Books for Year 8 | Books for Year 9 | Books for Year 10 | Books for Year 11