Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Kate Weston is a British author known for her work in young adult fiction. She has a background in stand-up comedy and has performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Weston’s writing often draws on her comedic experience, and she has contributed to various publications and projects aimed at young people.
Her debut novel, Diary of a Confused Feminist, was published by Hodder Children’s Books in 2020. The book explores themes of feminism, adolescence, and mental health through the diary format of its teenage protagonist. Weston’s approach combines humour with discussions of serious topics relevant to young readers.
In 2022, she published You May Now Kill the Bride, also with Hodder Children’s Books. This novel continues her focus on contemporary issues faced by teenagers, using wit and relatable characters to engage her audience.
Kate Weston’s Diary of a Confused Feminist was published by Hodder Children’s Books in 2020.
Mystery stories for children and teens with titles by Julia Donaldson, Richard Osman, Marcus Rashford, Marissa Meyer, David Wiesner, Abiola Bello, Patrice Lawrence, Konnie Huq, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, and Maureen Johnson.
Books for detentions with titles by Kate DiCamillo, David Baddiel, Liz Pichon, Jeff Kinney, Michael Rosen, Roald Dahl, Enid Blyton, Ravena Guron, Holly Jackson, and Karen M. McManus.
Crime fiction for teens including titles by Tia Fisher, Robert Muchamore, Ashley Hickson-Lovence, Maureen Johnson, Ben Oliver, Karen M. McManus, Cynthia Murphy and Holly Jackson.
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.
Keep your teen reading over the summer holidays with books by Abiola Bello, Simon James Green, Cynthia Murphy, Oskar Kroon, Meredith Adamo, E Lockhart, Angeline Boulley, Tess Sharpe, John Schu and more.
Season 1, Episode 12 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for July 2023 and using the power of children’s and teen book series to kickstart reading for pleasure.
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