Children’s Literature News March 2026
Children’s book news for March 2026: Carnegies shortlists, London Book Fair inclusion work, new school library awards, big festival changes, plus prize winners and World Book Day reading events.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Alice Oseman is a British author and illustrator known for her work in young adult fiction. She was born in Kent, England. Oseman attended Durham University, where she studied English Literature. Her debut novel, Solitaire, was published in 2014 when she was 19 years old. The book follows the story of Tori Spring, a teenager dealing with the challenges of adolescence and mental health.
Oseman is also the creator of the Heartstopper series, a graphic novel series that began as a webcomic in 2016. The series focuses on the relationship between two boys, Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson, and has gained a significant following. The first volume of Heartstopper was published in 2019, followed by subsequent volumes.
In addition to Solitaire and Heartstopper, Oseman has written several other novels, including Radio Silence (2016), I Was Born for This (2018), and Loveless (2020). Her work often explores themes of identity, friendship, and the complexities of modern life.
Alice Oseman has received recognition for her contributions to literature. Her novel Radio Silence won the Silver Inky Award in 2017. The Heartstopper series has been adapted into a television series by Netflix, further expanding its reach and popularity.
Children’s book news for March 2026: Carnegies shortlists, London Book Fair inclusion work, new school library awards, big festival changes, plus prize winners and World Book Day reading events.
Our recommended graphic novels for teens and young adults aged 12-16 to appeal to reluctant readers and able readers alike. This list includes works by Tony Medina, Stephen Collins, Terri Libenson, Raina Telgemeier, Meg-John Barker and Neil Gaiman.
Kindness, empathy and love children’s books for students aged 3-12+ including titles by Laura Dockrill, Malcolm Duffy, Dan Smith, Alice Oseman, Jess McGeachin, Michael Rosen, Catherine Rayner, Satoshi Kitamura, Suma Subramaniam, Benjamin Dean, R J Palacio & more.
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.
LGBTQIA+ themed books for secondary schools, featuring titles by Simon James Green, Alice Oseman, David Levithan, Phil Stamper, Rainbow Rowell, Dean Atta, Meg Grehan, Juno Dawson, Kalynn Bayron, William Hussey and Erin Ekins.
Our YA summer reads for 2020 list includes a healthy mix of thrillers, prescient CLI-FI, atmospheric coming of age stories, empathy novels, adventures, teen romances, and fantasy for 12-16 years olds – and maybe parents as well.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in autumn 2020. These children’s reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Summer 2020. 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