Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Kelly McCaughrain is a Northern Irish author known for her work in children’s and young adult fiction. She studied Creative Writing at Queen’s University Belfast. Her debut novel, Flying Tips for Flightless Birds, was published by Walker Books in 2018. The book explores themes of family, friendship, and identity, and is set against the backdrop of a circus school in Northern Ireland.
Flying Tips for Flightless Birds received recognition in the UK literary community. In 2019, the novel won the Children’s Books Ireland Book of the Year Award. The same year, it was also awarded the Children’s Books Ireland Eilís Dillon Award for a first children’s book. Additionally, the book was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in 2019.
Kelly McCaughrain has contributed to the promotion of reading and writing among young people in Northern Ireland. She has participated in school visits and literary events, encouraging engagement with literature. Her work is published by Walker Books.
In 2019, Flying Tips for Flightless Birds won the Children’s Books Ireland Book of the Year Award.
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.
A selection of reading books to challenge and interest Year 11 pupils – aged 15-16 – in KS4 secondary schools. Authors include Ray Bradbury and John Steinbeck.
Shortlists for the Carnegie Medal 2025 and Kate Greenaway award 2025 – recommended for children and young adults in primary and secondary schools.