Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Dr Jess French is a British veterinarian, zoologist, author, and television presenter, known for her work in children’s science communication and environmental education. She holds a first-class degree in Zoology from University College London and a degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery from the University of Nottingham. French has worked as a small animal and zoo veterinarian and is fluent in Spanish and proficient in British Sign Language.
French presents the CBeebies series Minibeast Adventure with Jess, which encourages children to explore the world of invertebrates. She has also appeared on programmes such as Live ‘n’ Deadly (CBBC), Springwatch (BBC), and The Pets Factor. Additionally, she co-presents the BBC Radio 4 series Wild Inside, focusing on post-mortem examinations of exotic species.
As an author, French has written over twenty children’s books, primarily focusing on animals, nature, and conservation. Her titles include What a Waste, The Book of Brilliant Bugs, Earth’s Incredible Oceans, and Protect the Planet. She was one of the 2021 World Book Day authors, contributing the title Protect the Planet. Her middle-grade fantasy series, Beastlands, was developed into an immersive experience at Chester Zoo.
French’s contributions to conservation education have been recognised with several awards. In 2010, she received the Jane Goodall Global Youth Leadership Award for her environmental education initiatives. In 2015, BBC Wildlife magazine named her one of Britain’s top 50 conservation heroes. Her book Fluttering Minibeast Adventures was nominated for the 2017 Educational Writers’ Award.
Raised in Norfolk, French spent her childhood assisting her father with his exotic invertebrate-breeding business, fostering her early interest in minibeasts. She has participated in conservation projects worldwide, including work at a gibbon rescue centre in Thailand, a monkey sanctuary in Bolivia, and a dog shelter in India.
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.
Children’s books about minibeasts, including titles by Britta Teckentrup, David McKee, Sharon King-Chai, Eric Carle, Libby Walden, Steve Jenkins, Giles Andreae, M.G. Leonard, Lynne Reid Banks and Isabel Thomas.
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.
Environment, climate change and eco topic books for EYFS, KS1, KS2 & KS3 with titles by Emma Shevah, Neal Layton, Jess French, Karen Swann, Piers Torday, Gemma Fowler, Isabel Thomas & Zillah Bethell.
Animals nonfiction books for children with wildlife, behaviour, conservation, endangered species, animal diversity and evolution titles by Mike Barfield, Julie Beer, Ed J Brown, Dieter Braun, Susan Martineau, Brooke Barker and Moira Butterfield.
Season 1, Episode 29 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for April 2025 and Do Children Read More Than We Think?
March 2025’s book club recommendations feature titles by Enomwoyi Damali, Swapna Haddow, Jamie Hammond, Nathanael Lessore, Tony Russell, Ally Sherrick, Sarah Harrison, Jess French, Robert Muchamore, Anthony Kessel, Philippa Gregory & R.M. Gray.
Children’s books of the year 2024 – our team has picked a shortlist of great children’s and teen titles published in the last 12 months, with fiction, non-fiction and picture books for 3-18 years and a diverse range of prose, poetry and graphic novels. Vote now!
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.
Season 1, Episode 17 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for February 2024 and why school libraries are so important to children’s learning.
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.
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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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