Summer Reading Challenge
Summer reading challenge – A good reading challenge will not only promote reading and encourage reading for pleasure, but it will encourage a reading culture to spread like a virus throughout your school.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Laura Dockrill is a British author, illustrator, scriptwriter, and performance poet known for her diverse contributions to children’s and young adult literature. Born on 28 May 1986 in Brixton, South London, she attended the BRIT School and later graduated from Middlesex University. Her early career encompassed poetry and performance, leading to a multifaceted presence in the literary and arts communities.
Dockrill’s debut children’s novel, Darcy Burdock (2013), introduced a spirited protagonist and was shortlisted for both the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and the Carnegie Medal. She continued the series with subsequent titles, establishing a distinctive voice in children’s fiction. Her young adult works include Lorali (2015) and its sequel Aurabel (2017), which blend contemporary themes with fantastical elements. Other notable titles are Big Bones (2018) and My Ideal Boyfriend is a Croissant (2019), both addressing issues of body image and self-acceptance.
In addition to fiction, Dockrill has authored poetry collections for children, such as My Mum’s Growing Down (2017) and My Mum and Other Poems (2023), showcasing her flair for rhythm and humour. Her picture books, including Angry Cookie (2018) and The Lipstick (2021), are recognised for their engaging narratives and illustrations. The 2024 picture book Grey, illustrated by Lauren Child, was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Illustration, reflecting its impact in children’s literature.
Beyond writing, Dockrill has contributed to theatre and broadcasting. She co-wrote the short film Goldfish, nominated for a BAFTA in 2020, and her plays have been performed at venues such as the Bush Theatre and the Young Vic. She has served as a poet-in-residence for BBC Radio 1 and has judged literary awards including the BBC National Short Story Prize and the BAFTA Children’s Prize.
In 2020, Dockrill published her memoir What Have I Done?, detailing her experience with postpartum psychosis following the birth of her son. The book has been praised for its candid exploration of maternal mental health and is being adapted for television. Her first adult novel, I Love You, I Love You, I Love You, was released in 2024, marking her expansion into adult fiction.
Summer reading challenge – A good reading challenge will not only promote reading and encourage reading for pleasure, but it will encourage a reading culture to spread like a virus throughout your school.
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.
Season 1, Episode 30 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for May 2025 and Investing in Your School Library Can Boost Your School Inspection Grade.
I Am Strong Just Being Me is a must-have book for social and emotional development for children aged 3 and up. It encourages life skills about dealing with failure, asking for help, courage and forgiveness.
Children’s books about resilience, perseverance, and grit, including titles suitable for KS1 and KS2 by David Long, Cece Bell, Matthew Syed, Julie Murphy, Esther Pia Cordova, and Barney Salzberg.
April 2025’s book club recommendations feature titles by Tracy Curren, Laura Dockrill, Maudie Powell-Tuck & Duncan Beedie, Dan Abdo & Jason Patterson, Ben Garrod, Helen Rutter, Matt Goodfellow, Eve Wersocki Morris, Graci Kim, Alexia Casale, Grainne O’Brien, & Patrice Caldwell.
Kindness, empathy and love children’s books for students aged 3-12+ including titles by Laura Dockrill, Malcolm Duffy, Dan Smith, Alice Oseman, Jess McGeachin, Michael Rosen, Catherine Rayner, Satoshi Kitamura, Suma Subramaniam, Benjamin Dean, R J Palacio & more.
Grief and loss themed books for children and teens with titles by Britta Teckentrup, Samuel Langley-Swain, Judith Kerr, Harry Woodgate, Laura Dockrill, Oliver Jeffers, Kereen Getten, Michael Rosen and Joseph Coelho.
Shortlists for the Carnegie Medal 2025 and Kate Greenaway award 2025 – recommended for children and young adults in primary and secondary schools.
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.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Summer 2024. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
Season 1, Episode 10 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for May 2023, book picks for Pride Month and how how to avoid the summer slide by encouraging reading.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Summer 2023. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Autumn 2021. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in autumn 2020. These children’s 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