Summer Reading Challenge
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.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Brian Moses is a British poet and anthologist, known for his extensive work in children’s poetry. He has published over 200 books for young readers, including poetry collections, anthologies, and picture books. His poetry often explores themes such as school life, animals, and the natural world.
Moses began writing for children in the 1980s. His first collection, A Cat Called Elvis, was published in 1989. He has since released numerous titles, including Behind the Staffroom Door, Lost Magic: The Very Best of Brian Moses, and Walking with My Iguana. His poem “Walking with My Iguana” was featured in the National Poetry Archive and has been widely performed in schools.
In addition to his own poetry, Moses has edited several anthologies, such as The Secret Lives of Teachers and Poems About the Seaside. He has collaborated with other poets, including Roger Stevens, on collections like What Are We Fighting For? New Poems About War.
Moses has worked as a National Poetry Day Ambassador and has performed at festivals, schools, and libraries across the UK. His books have been published by Macmillan Children’s Books, Hachette Children’s Group, and Frances Lincoln Children’s Books.
In 2015, Lost Magic: The Very Best of Brian Moses was published, marking a significant milestone in his career.

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.
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.
Suggested reading books for Year 4 children, aged 8-9. A selection of exciting titles aimed at boys and girls of all abilities in lower KS2. Featured authors include Michael Rosen, Helen Cresswell, Andy Griffiths, Pamela Butchart and Malorie Blackman.
Children’s poetry for 7-11-year-olds with collections and anthologies by Michael Rosen, Joseph Coelho, Carol Ann Duffy, Brian Moses, Benjamin Zephaniah, Zaro Weil, Kate Wakeling, Neal Zetter, John Agard, T.S Eliot, Maya Angelou, Kaye Webb and more.
Children’s and teen books about World War 1 with titles by Terry Deary, Hilary Robinson and Martin Impey, Michaela Morgan, Berlie Doherty, Dominic Sandbrook, Theresa Breslin, Tom Palmer, Michael Morpurgo and Hilary McKay.
Suggested reading books for Year 6 children, aged 10-11. A selection of exciting titles aimed at boys and girls of all abilities in upper KS2. Highlighted authors include David Almond, Malorie Blackman, Nina Bawden and Charlie Higson.
Season 1, Episode 40 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for April 2026 and How to spot which books will appeal to 14-16+ year olds.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in spring 2026. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
What Are We Fighting For? is a thought provoking collection of war poems for children that challenges heroic myths, sows seeds of doubt about conflict and asks what truly causes peace.
Remembrance and war topic books for children in KS1 and KS2 suitable for literacy, research, and cross-curricular topics. Including titles by Michael Rosen, Lois Lowry, Tom Palmer, Kate Saunders, Martin Impey, Bali Rai, and Judith Loske.
Children’s, young adult and teen books about Halloween, trick or treating, ghosts, unexplained events, and dark spooky nights. With books by Oliver Jeffers, Julia Donaldson, Eric Carle, Harriet Muncaster, Roald Dahl, Susan Hill, Neil Gaiman, Rainbow Rowell and more.
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 2024. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
Season 1, Episode 6 of the School Reading List podcast. With new book post, 30 great books for January 2023, a look at our year 1 book list and why we shouldn’t ban books.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Spring 2023. These 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 2021. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
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