Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Derek Landy is an Irish author and screenwriter, best known for his work in children’s and young adult fiction. He is the creator of the Skulduggery Pleasant series, which follows the adventures of a wise-cracking skeleton detective and his partner, Valkyrie Cain. The first book in the series, Skulduggery Pleasant, was published by HarperCollins in 2007.
Landy has written multiple novels within the Skulduggery Pleasant universe, expanding the series with sequels and spin-offs. His writing is characterised by a blend of fantasy, mystery, and humour. In addition to his work as a novelist, Landy has written screenplays for film and television.
He has received recognition for his contributions to children’s literature, including winning the Red House Children’s Book Award in 2008 for Skulduggery Pleasant. The series has continued to grow, with Until the End published by HarperCollins in 2022 as part of the Skulduggery Pleasant series.
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.
Books for 11-year-olds – favourites chosen by children including titles by Phil Earle, Sophie McKenzie, Raina Telgemeier, Katie Kirby, Kazu Kibuishi, Louis Sachar, Robert Muchamore, Derek Landy, Simon Mugford, Roald Dahl, Jeff Kinney and Jerry Craft.
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.
Audiobooks for teens with titles by Sarah J. Maas, Holly Black, Cassandra Clare, Jenny Han, Veronica Roth, Stephenie Meyer, Rainbow Rowell, Suzanne Collins, Derek Landy, and Leigh Bardugo.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Spring 2025. 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 Spring 2024. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
Season 1, Episode 8 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for March 2023, a look at our poetry for 7-11-year-olds list and how the cost of living crisis is impacting children’s reading.
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.
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