Books for bored children
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.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
James Carter is a British author, poet, and musician, recognised for his innovative approach to children’s literature that blends poetry with scientific themes. His work aims to make complex concepts accessible and engaging for young readers.
With a background in music and education, Carter began his writing career over two decades ago. He has since authored numerous books, including the acclaimed ‘Once Upon a…’ series, which combines poetic storytelling with factual content. Notable titles in this series include Once Upon a Star: A Poetic Journey Through Space and Once Upon a Big Idea, both published by Little Tiger Press.
In addition to his writing, Carter is an active performer and educator. He has visited over 1,500 schools across the UK and abroad, delivering dynamic poetry and music workshops. His performances often feature his melodica, affectionately named ‘Steve,’ and his ukulele, ‘Erik’ or ‘Derek,’ to engage audiences and inspire creativity in young minds.
Carter is also an ambassador for National Poetry Day, advocating for the promotion and appreciation of poetry among children and educators.
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.
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.
Ocean and sea life books for children with titles by Alex Bell, Lauren James, Jess McGeachin, Nicola Davies, Michael Morpurgo, Yuval Zommer, Britta Teckentrup and Ken Wilson-Max.
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.
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.
Books for Reception – a collection of great picture books for EYFS children aged 4-5 in UK primary schools. Picked by teachers and librarians, this reading list contains stories and poems by Michael Rosen, Steve Weatherill, Jeanne Willis, Oliver Jeffers, Julie Fulton, and more.
A list of must have, go-to, life-saving, instant lesson idea resources for English teachers including links to curriculum, assessment, creative writing, extra-curricular, enrichment and motivational ideas.
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.
Weather books for children with titles by David McKee, Debi Gliori, Hannah Pang, Sam Usher, Maggie Li, Grahame Baker-Smith, Dianne Hofmeyr and Carol Thompson, James Carter, Tamsin Mori and more.
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 Summer 2024. 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.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Autumn 2023. 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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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