Historical fiction for children and teens
Historical fiction for children and teens with titles by Ian McEwan, Tom Palmer, Satoshi Kitamura, Kieran Larwood, Ruta Sepetys, Malinda Lo, Yaa Gyasi, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Min Jin Lee, and Andrea Levy.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Judith Eagle is a British author known for her historical mystery novels for children. Her debut novel, The Secret Starling, was published by Faber & Faber in 2019. The book was shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award in 2020. Eagle’s second novel, The Pear Affair, was released in 2020, also by Faber & Faber. In 2021, she published The Accidental Stowaway, followed by The Stolen Songbird in 2023, both with the same publisher. Eagle’s works are set in various historical periods and are noted for their detailed settings and mystery-driven plots. Before becoming an author, she worked as a stylist and fashion editor. Her books have been translated into several languages. The Secret Starling was recognised by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups as a Children’s Book Award nominee in 2020.

Historical fiction for children and teens with titles by Ian McEwan, Tom Palmer, Satoshi Kitamura, Kieran Larwood, Ruta Sepetys, Malinda Lo, Yaa Gyasi, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Min Jin Lee, and Andrea Levy.
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.
The Blitz Sisters is an excellent resource to use to look at a pivotal part of our history through the eyes of children. Well-written and sympathetically described, it’s ideal for children learning about WW2.
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.
August 2023’s set of book club recommendations features adventure, mystery and fun from Britta Teckentrup, Andy Jones, N.S. Blackman, Janelle McCurdy, Judith Eagle, Jo Simmons, Kieran Larwood and Sophie McKenzie.
The Accidental Stowaway is an intricately woven and skilfully paced story which I’m sure will keep readers aged ten to twelve gripped to the end. Being set in 1910 it also provides many starting points for discussion.
August 2022’s set of book club recommendations features a diverse and exciting collection of titles by Dougie Poynter, Tom Ellen, Anna James, Maz Evans, John Hegley, Judith Eagle, Lauren Wolk and Intisar Khanani.
The phrase ‘a rollicking good yarn’ appears to have dropped out of fashion in recent years, but if any book warrants its re-introduction, it’s this one. The Pear Affair is an ideal class reader for years 5&6 in KS2.
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