Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Christopher Lloyd (born 1 April 1968) is a British author, historian, and publisher, renowned for his innovative approach to children’s non-fiction. His work focuses on presenting interconnected knowledge through engaging narratives and visual storytelling.
Raised in Dorking, Surrey, Lloyd earned a double first in history from Peterhouse, Cambridge, in 1990. He began his career as a journalist, serving as Technology Correspondent for The Sunday Times. In 2000, he became CEO of Immersive Education, an Oxford-based educational software company co-founded by Demis Hassabis turn0search10.
In 2006, inspired by home-educating his daughters, Lloyd authored What on Earth Happened?: The Complete Story of the Planet, Life and People from the Big Bang to the Present Day. The book has sold over 500,000 copies and been translated into 15 languages turn0search0.
In 2010, he co-founded What on Earth Publishing with illustrator Andy Forshaw, producing the Wallbook series—fold-out timelines covering subjects like history, nature, science, and Shakespeare. These publications aim to help young readers understand the interconnectedness of knowledge turn0search2.
In 2019, What on Earth Publishing partnered with Encyclopædia Britannica to launch Britannica Books. Lloyd edited the flagship title, The Britannica All New Children’s Encyclopedia: What We Know and What We Don’t, published in 2020 turn0search3.
His other notable works include Absolutely Everything!: A History of Earth, Dinosaurs, Rulers, Robots and Other Things Too Numerous to Mention (2018), Humanimal: Incredible Ways Animals Are Just Like Us! (2019), and It’s Up to Us: Building a Brighter Future for Nature, People & Planet (2021) turn0search11.
Lloyd is a sought-after speaker, delivering lectures and workshops at schools, museums, and literary festivals worldwide, including the Royal Institution and the Hay Festival turn0search2. He resides near Sevenoaks, Kent, with his wife and two daughters turn0search10.
Children’s books for school prize giving awards with titles by Michael Rosen, William Shakespeare, David Olusoga, Jenny Broom, Clotilde Perrin, Andrew Pettie, Ziggy Hanaor, Sally Symes, & Bob and Roberta Smith.
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.
Season 1, Episode 30 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for May 2025 and Investing in Your School Library Can Boost Your School Inspection Grade.
Our 20 great children’s books for Christmas – spectacular picture books to surprise, bewitch and survive longer than one holiday season.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Summer 2025. These reading recommendations include picture books, poetry, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
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.
The Britannica All New Children’s Encyclopedia is a stunning achievement. The blend of high-quality imagery with thought-provoking chunks of history, science, and culture will challenge and inspire young readers.
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 bored children! This list of unusually interesting books for children and teens aged 5-14 includes titles by Andy Seed, Robert Muchamore, Colin Furze, Liz Pichon, Jo Simmons and Enid Blyton.
Encyclopedias for children in primary and early secondary school with titles by Kate Hale, Christopher Lloyd, Paige Towler, DK, Andrew Pettie, Julie Beer, John Woodward and Jane Wilsher.
Absolutely Everything is an ambitious concept and a stunningly realised achievement. This book is highly recommended for children aged 10-13 in years 6, 7 and 8 classrooms, and school libraries in Key Stages 2 and 3.
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.
Each month, the School Reading List compiles a list of recommended books and on this page, we feature an archive of recommendations for picture books, fiction, and nonfiction from previous years.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out this Autumn. 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
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