Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Best known for her WHO LET THE GODS OUT? series, Evans has etched her name in the annals of children’s literature with sales exceeding half a million copies across 22 countries.
Maz Evans has garnered acclaim with over 30 award nominations, including prestigious honours like the Carnegie Medal, Branford Boase, and Waterstone’s Children’s Book of the Year. Her literary prowess extends beyond writing, as she narrates the audiobooks for her series, bringing her stories to life in a unique and engaging manner.
Her career, which began in the fast-paced world of TV journalism, took a literary turn, and she hasn’t looked back since. Contributing to publications like The Daily Telegraph and TV Times magazine, Evans transitioned seamlessly into the realm of children’s literature.
But Evans is more than just an author; she’s a multifaceted creative force. Her debut adult novel, OVER MY DEAD BODY, is set to grace the shelves in August 2023. As a scriptwriter, Evans achieved success with her original musical, H. R. HAITCH, produced at the Union Theatre, London, in 2018.
Evans’s creative journey doesn’t stop with prose. She has had shows produced at notable venues like the Actors’ Church Covent Garden and Southend Palace Theatre. Her prowess as a songwriter is evident in winning the Iris Theatre songwriting award three years in a row, with her cabaret songs finding a home in the West End and beyond.
Beyond her literary and creative achievements, Maz Evans is the founder of Book Buddy and spearheads an initiative aimed at enriching school libraries with a diverse array of books, fostering a love for reading among young minds.
Evans’s work has not gone unnoticed. The Times hailed her work, specifically Oh Maya Gods!, as a “perfectly crafted comedy” in October 2023. Shortlisted for various awards, including the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and Indie Book Award, Evans continues to leave an indelible mark on the literary landscape.
Residing in Dorset with her family, she balances her creative endeavors with a commitment to broadcasting her views on BBC Radio 2, touching on topics ranging from politics to parenthood.
This suggested reading list offers lots of books choices for 9 and 10 year olds. From fantasy to animal stories and mysteries to science fiction adventure, there’s something for every upper primary child. These books for Year 5 include titles suitable for inspiring both able and reluctant readers.
Suggested reading books for Year 6 children, aged 10-11. A selection of exciting titles aimed at boys and girls of all abilities in upper KS2. Highlighted authors include David Almond, Malorie Blackman, Nina Bawden and Charlie Higson.
Books for 9-year-olds – favourites chosen by children including titles by Rob Biddulph, David Walliams, Terry Deary, Maz Evans, Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo, Matt Haig, Roald Dahl, Joanna Nadin, R.L. Stine, Sharna Jackson, David Baddiel & Kate Pankhurst.
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.
Book series for children and teens to encourage reading for pleasure, including titles by Dominic Sandbrook, Liz Pichon, Harriet Muncaster, Kevin & Katie Tsang, Marie Lu Robert Muchamore and Jason Reynolds.
Ancient Greece children’s books for KS2 with titles by Sue and Steve Weatherill, Chae Strathie, James Davies, Dominic Sandbrook, Maz Evans, Saviour Pirotta, Caroline Lawrence, Marcia Williams and more.
Codes, puzzles, secrets and spies books for children with titles by Martin Handford, Soledad Romero, Ben Sanders, Clotilde Perrin, Gareth Moore, Maz Evans, Paul Westmoreland, Paige Towler, Christopher Edge, Sam Fern and more.
Children’s books to read over the weekend including picture books by Sophy Henn, Josh Lacey, Maz Evans, Ben Miller, Zillah Bethell, Emily Critchley, Eliza Berkowitz, Phil Earle and more.
Adventure stories for children and teens, including modern and classic titles by Maz Evans, Cressida Cowell, Dom Conlon, Lucy Brandt, Sufiya Ahmed, Varsha Shah, A.F. Steadman, Wilbur Smith, Robert Muchamore, Robert Louis Stevenson and more.
Maya civilisation books for children including fiction and nonfiction titles by Maz Evans, Katherine Rundell, Alex Scarrow, Alastair Humphreys, Clare Hibbert, Davide Domenici, Jerome Martin and Rupert Matthews.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Autumn 2024. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels, poetry and non-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.
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 14 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for September 2023 and how to organise quiet reading time.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Autumn 2023. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
August 2022’s set of book club recommendations features a diverse and exciting collection of titles by Dougie Poynter, Tom Ellen, Anna James, Maz Evans, John Hegley, Judith Eagle, Lauren Wolk and Intisar Khanani.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Spring 2021. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
Each month, the School Reading List compiles a list of recommended books and on this page, we feature an archive of recommendations for picture books, fiction, and nonfiction from previous years.
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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
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