Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Matt Ralphs is a British author known for his work in children’s and young adult literature. He has a background in publishing, having worked as an editor before transitioning to writing full-time. Ralphs is particularly recognised for his series Witch Hunter, which includes the books Witch Hunter and Sorcerer to the Crown. These novels are set in a fantastical world where magic and adventure intertwine, appealing to a young audience with their engaging narratives and imaginative settings.
In addition to his fiction work, Ralphs has contributed to non-fiction titles aimed at younger readers. His book Fire! The Battle of the Blitz is part of the Voices series, which provides historical insights through the eyes of fictional characters. This work reflects his ability to blend educational content with compelling storytelling.
Ralphs’ writing is published by Macmillan Children’s Books, a division of Pan Macmillan, which is one of the largest general book publishers in the UK. His books have been well-received for their creativity and ability to engage young readers.
100 picture books for EYFS to read before you are 5 years old. A selection of picture books which are ideal for children who are learning to read in Nursery, Early Years, infants and Pre-Prep schools.
Fables for children with titles by Satoshi Kitamura, Joseph Coelho, Sophie Anderson, Petr Horáček, Helen Ward, Poonam Mistry, Sita Brahmachari, Onjali Q. Rauf, Yuval Zommer, and Yaba Badoe.
Books for Reception – a collection of great picture books for EYFS children aged 4-5 in UK primary schools. Picked by teachers and librarians, this reading list contains stories and poems by Michael Rosen, Steve Weatherill, Jeanne Willis, Oliver Jeffers, Julie Fulton, and more.
Transport topic books for children aged 5-11 in KS1 and KS2. This list includes nonfiction books and stories by Uijung Kim, Emily Hawkins, Giles Chapman, Vivian French, Vashti Hardy, and Ian Fleming.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in spring 2026. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
Children’s, young adult and teen books about Halloween, trick or treating, ghosts, unexplained events, and dark spooky nights. With books by Oliver Jeffers, Julia Donaldson, Eric Carle, Harriet Muncaster, Roald Dahl, Susan Hill, Neil Gaiman, Rainbow Rowell and more.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Summer 2025. These reading recommendations include picture books, poetry, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Spring 2024. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
Season 1, Episode 9 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for April 2023, a look at our summer term children’s book picks and how Chat GPT could affect English teaching.
Season 1, Episode 3 of the School Reading List podcast. With new book post, 30 great books for September 2022, a step back in time to the historical fiction of Rosemary Sutcliff and ‘Does reading decline in secondary schools?’
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Autumn 2022. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
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