Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Fiona Lumbers is a British author and illustrator known for her work in children’s picture books. She studied art and completed a degree in Fine Art before pursuing a career in illustration. Lumbers has illustrated several books, including the Luna Loves… series written by Joseph Coelho, which features titles such as Luna Loves Library Day and Luna Loves Art, both published by Andersen Press. In addition to her collaborations, she has written and illustrated her own books, including Clem and Crab and Oliver and Patch. Her illustrations are recognised for their expressive style and vibrant use of colour. Lumbers’ book Clem and Crab was published by Andersen Press in 2019.
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.
Dance books for children with titles by Giles Andreae, Guy Parker-Rees, Joseph Coelho, Noel Streatfeild, Eva Ibbotson, Anna Kemp, Johannes Radebe, Chitra Soundar, Katherine Woodfine, and Efua Traore.
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.
Season 1, Episode 13 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for August 2023 and the DfE’s reading framework updates.
Disclosure: If you buy books linked to our site, we may earn a commission from Bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookshops, or Waterstones.com.
Keep up to date with our email newsletter and our latest social media posts about reading, children's books and literacy.
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
© 2026 School Reading List. All Rights Reserved | As an Amazon Associate schoolreadinglist.co.uk earns from qualifying purchases | Policies and Terms of Use