Starting school books for children
Starting school books for children with titles by Mo Willems, Lauren Child, Allan Ahlberg, Ian Whybrow, Rosie Jones, Katie Kirby, Zanib Mian, Matt Goodfellow, Anna Llenas, and Helen Rutter.
Recommended reading books for primary and secondary aged children in the UK
Helen Rutter is a British author known for her work in children’s literature. She made her debut with the novel The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh, published by Scholastic in 2021. The book tells the story of a young boy with a stammer who dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian. It received positive reviews for its humour and sensitive handling of the subject matter.
Rutter’s background in acting and comedy has influenced her writing style, bringing a unique perspective to her storytelling. Before becoming an author, she worked as an actress and comedian, which provided her with insights into the themes she explores in her books.
Following her debut, Rutter published The Boy Whose Wishes Came True in 2022, also with Scholastic. This book continues her exploration of themes related to childhood challenges and resilience. Her work has been praised for its ability to engage young readers while addressing important topics.

Starting school books for children with titles by Mo Willems, Lauren Child, Allan Ahlberg, Ian Whybrow, Rosie Jones, Katie Kirby, Zanib Mian, Matt Goodfellow, Anna Llenas, and Helen Rutter.
Contemporary fiction for children and teens with titles by Jacqueline Wilson, Alice Oseman, Angie Thomas, R. J. Palacio, Onjali Q. Raúf, Elizabeth Acevedo, Patrice Lawrence, Juno Dawson, Benjamin Dean, and Dean Atta.
School stories including titles by Allan Ahlberg, Mo Willems, Lisa Thompson, Pamela Butchart, Matt Goodfellow, Onjali Rauf, Elle McNicoll, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, Alice Oseman, and Holly Bourne.
This suggested reading list offers lots of book choices for children aged 9 and 10. From fantasy and animal stories to mysteries and science fiction adventures, there’s something for every upper primary child. These books for Year 5 include titles suitable for inspiring both able and reluctant readers.
Football books for children with titles by Michael Rosen, Tom Palmer, Mal Peet, Michaela Morgan, Priscilla Mante, Alex Wheatle, Dan Freedman, Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Bali Rai and Michelle Robinson.
Adventure stories for children and teens, including modern and classic titles by Maz Evans, Cressida Cowell, Dom Conlon, Lucy Brandt, Sufiya Ahmed, Varsha Shah, A.F. Steadman, Wilbur Smith, Robert Muchamore, Robert Louis Stevenson and more.
Children’s book news for June 2026: reading enjoyment rises but gaps widen, with IBC book boxes, Bookstart picks, AI findings, awards, festivals and new inclusive school resources.
Primary to secondary school transition books including titles by Matt Goodfellow, Anne Fine, Katie Kirby, Rosie Jones, Lisa Williamson, Libby Scott, Rebecca Westcott, Jeffrey Boakye, Yassmin Abdel-Magied, and Tolá Okogwu.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Summer 2026. These reading recommendations include picture books, poetry, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
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.
Music books for children including titles by Giles Andreae, Rose Robbins, Jackie Morris, Brita Granström, Fiona Watt, Kes Gray, David Almond, James Mayhew, Jeffrey Boakye, and Jasbinder Bilan.
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.
Toxic masculinity themed books for children and teens with titles by Ziggy Hanaor, Keith Negley, Jason Reynolds, Jeffrey Boakye & Darren Chetty, Susie Day, Nathanael Lessore, Luke Palmer, James Goodhand, Louise Finch and Alan Bissett.
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.
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.
April 2025’s book club recommendations feature titles by Tracy Curran, Laura Dockrill, Maudie Powell-Tuck & Duncan Beedie, Dan Abdo & Jason Patterson, Ben Garrod, Helen Rutter, Matt Goodfellow, Eve Wersocki Morris, Graci Kim, Alexia Casale, Grainne O’Brien, & Patrice Caldwell.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Spring 2022. 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 2021. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
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