Recommended reading books for primary and secondary aged children in the UK
Katie Kirby is a British author and illustrator known for her work in children’s literature and humorous writing for parents. She is the creator of the popular blog “Hurrah for Gin,” which began in 2013 and features illustrated anecdotes about parenting and family life. Her distinctive stick-figure illustrations and candid writing style have attracted a wide readership.
Kirby has published several books, including Hurrah for Gin: A Book for Perfectly Imperfect Parents (2016) and The Daily Struggles of Archie Adams (Aged 2 ¼) (2017), both published by Coronet, an imprint of Hodder & Stoughton. These books expand on the themes of her blog, offering humorous takes on the everyday challenges of raising children.
In addition to her work for adults, Katie Kirby has written for children. Her middle-grade series, Lottie Brooks, is published by Puffin. The first book in the series, The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks, was released in 2021. The series follows the life of a pre-teen girl navigating school, friendships, and family, and is illustrated by Kirby herself. Subsequent titles in the series include Lottie Brooks’s Totally Disastrous School-Trip and Lottie Brooks’s Not-So-Secret Diary.
Kirby’s books have been featured in reading lists and recommended by educational resources such as schoolreadinglist.co.uk. Her work is recognised for its relatable humour and accessible illustrations, appealing to both children and adults.
In 2021, The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks was published by Puffin, marking her debut in children’s fiction.
Books for 11-year-olds – favourites chosen by children including titles by Phil Earle, Sophie McKenzie, Raina Telgemeier, Katie Kirby, Kazu Kibuishi, Louis Sachar, Robert Muchamore, Derek Landy, Simon Mugford, Roald Dahl, Jeff Kinney and Jerry Craft.
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.
Books for 9-year-olds – favourites chosen by children including titles by Rob Biddulph, Hannah Gold, Terry Deary, Maz Evans, Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo, Matt Haig, Roald Dahl, Joanna Nadin, R.L. Stine, Sharna Jackson, David Baddiel & Kate Pankhurst.
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.
Children’s book news for April 2026: Michael Rosen wins the Hans Christian Andersen Award, CLiPPA and UKLA shortlists arrive, and Puffin launches its new picture book list, Puffin Studio.
Books for 14-year-olds – favourites chosen by teens including titles by Stephenie Meyer, Jacqueline Wilson, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Holly Jackson, Terry Pratchett, Jordan Lees, Vivienne To, Katie Kirby, and Liz Pichon.
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.
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