Oracy books for children and teens
Oracy books for children and teens with titles by Joseph Coelho, Elizabeth Acevedo, Angie Thomas, Dean Atta, Manjeet Mann, Helen Rutter, Laurie Halse Anderson, Matt Goodfellow, Ben Brooks, and Jennifer Mathieu.
Recommended reading books for primary and secondary aged children in the UK
Manjeet Mann is a British author and playwright known for her work in children’s and young adult literature. She has written novels as well as plays, and her writing often explores themes of identity, migration, and social justice. Mann’s debut novel, Run, Rebel, was published by Penguin in 2020. The book is written in verse and follows the story of a young girl navigating family expectations and her own ambitions.
In addition to her writing, Mann is the founder of Run the World, a not-for-profit organisation that uses sport and theatre to empower women and girls. Her background in theatre includes acting and playwriting, and she has worked on various community projects that combine storytelling with social impact.
Mann’s second novel, The Crossing, was published by Penguin in 2021. This book, also written in verse, tells the story of two teenagers from different backgrounds whose lives intersect as they each face significant challenges. The Crossing was shortlisted for the 2022 Carnegie Medal.

Oracy books for children and teens with titles by Joseph Coelho, Elizabeth Acevedo, Angie Thomas, Dean Atta, Manjeet Mann, Helen Rutter, Laurie Halse Anderson, Matt Goodfellow, Ben Brooks, and Jennifer Mathieu.
Children’s book news for October 2026: new research on reading wellbeing and representation, UKLA and Week Junior award announcements, Gruffalo Granny, free school support and literacy schemes.
Contemporary fiction for children and teens with titles by Jacqueline Wilson, Alice Oseman, Angie Thomas, R. J. Palacio, Onjali Q. Raúf, Elizabeth Acevedo, Patrice Lawrence, Juno Dawson, Benjamin Dean, and Dean Atta.
Verse novels for children and teens with titles by Sarah Crossan, Kwame Alexander, Manjeet Mann, Elizabeth Acevedo, Jason Reynolds, Sharon Creech, Dean Atta, Jacqueline Woodson, Joseph Coelho, and Ibi Zoboi.
A selection of reading books to challenge and interest Year 8 pupils – aged 12-13 – in KS3 secondary schools. Authors include Michael Morpurgo and Anne Fine.
Children’s book news for August 2026: MPs call for a National Reading Guarantee, Matilda joins the National Year of Reading, and awards, Michael Rosen GWR station libraries and a Lowry exhibition make news.
Books for 13-year-olds – favourites chosen by teens including titles by Anne Frank, Colleen Hoover, Juno Dawson, Holly Black, Holly Jackson, Kathleen Glasgow, Leigh Bardugo, Suzanne Collins, Holly Jackson and Adam Silvera.
Books for teens to read before they leave school including titles by Malala Yousafzai, Alice Oseman, Suzanne Collins, Philip Pullman, Jason Reynolds, Elizabeth Acevedo, Juno Dawson, Dean Atta, Patrice Lawrence, and George Orwell.
Children’s book news for June 2026: reading enjoyment rises but gaps widen, with IBC book boxes, Bookstart picks, AI findings, awards, festivals and new inclusive school resources.
Children’s book news for May 2026: Reading Rights, the Children’s Booker, Michael Rosen at 80, the Klaus Flugge and Branford Boase shortlists, BookTrust winners, LitUp results and shared reading data.
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.
Shortlists for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2022 and Kate Greenaway award 2022 – recommended for children and young adults in primary and secondary schools.
Shortlists for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2021 and Kate Greenaway award 2021 – recommended for children and young adults in primary and secondary schools.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Summer 2021. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
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