Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Michael Morpurgo is a renowned British author who has captivated readers of all ages with his heartfelt and thought-provoking stories. Born on October 5, 1943, in St Albans, Hertfordshire, Morpurgo’s passion for storytelling began at a young age.
Morpurgo grew up in a military family, with his father serving in the army. This upbringing greatly influenced his later works, as themes of war and its impact on individuals and communities are prevalent in many of his books. He attended schools in London and Canterbury before studying English and French at King’s College, London.
After completing his education, Morpurgo embarked on a teaching career. He taught at various schools in England, including primary schools in Kent. It was during his time as a teacher that he discovered his talent for storytelling and began writing his own children’s books.
One of Morpurgo’s most famous works is “War Horse,” which was published in 1982. The book tells the story of a horse named Joey and his journey through the horrors of World War I. “War Horse” was later adapted into a successful stage play and a critically acclaimed film directed by Steven Spielberg.
Another notable work by Morpurgo is “Private Peaceful,” published in 2003. This novel explores the experiences of two brothers during World War I and delves into themes of love, loyalty, and the futility of war. The book has been praised for its emotional depth and powerful storytelling.
Throughout his career, Morpurgo has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to children’s literature. In 2003, he was appointed as the Children’s Laureate, a prestigious position that recognizes outstanding authors and illustrators of children’s books. He has also been awarded the Whitbread Children’s Book Award and the Blue Peter Book Award, among others.
In addition to his writing, Morpurgo is actively involved in philanthropic work. He co-founded the charity Farms for City Children, which provides urban children with the opportunity to experience life on a farm. The charity aims to inspire a love for nature and the countryside while promoting personal and social development.
Author image by Georges Seguin
If you like this author, why not try: Betsy Byers, Judith Kerr, Philippa Pearce, Lauren St John, John Boyne, Gillian Cross, Mal Peet, Robert Westall or Markus Zusak.
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 25 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for November 2024 and What Are We Reading For? – A spectrum of reading cultures in schools.
Our 20 great children’s books for Christmas – spectacular picture books to surprise, bewitch and survive longer than one holiday season.
Suggested reading books for Year 6 pupils, 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.
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 4 pupils, aged 8-9. A selection of exciting titles aimed at boys and girls of all abilities in lower KS2. Featured authors include Michael Rosen, Helen Cresswell, Andy Griffiths, Pamela Butchart and Malorie Blackman.
Books for 10-year-olds – favourites chosen by children including titles by J.K. Rowling, Marcus Rashford, Adam Kay, Jacqueline Wilson, David Walliams, R.J. Palacio, Michael Morpurgo, Matthew Syed, Nick Arnold, Jason Reynolds & B.B. Alston.
Books for year 7 – our reading recommendation for 11 year olds at the start of secondary school in Year 7. There’s a selection of choices including classics, well-known authors, new titles, cult fiction and short stories. This recommended Year 7 reading list is aimed at all ability ranges.
Looking for a travel destination to engage your children? How about a location from a favourite children’s book, or an actual landmark or building which inspired a magical or legendary setting from a story? Here’s a list of top holiday spots with literary themes.
Our World Book Day costume recommendations and suggestions for cracking book character outfits for your child. We’ve picked out fancy dress kits based on book characters by authors including Roald Dahl, Beatix Potter, J.K. Rowling, J.M. Barrie and Lewis Carroll.
A festive online advent calendar of classic and modern children’s Christmas picture books. Including cracking yuletide tales by Michael Morpurgo, Judith Kerr, Delia Huddy, Raymond Briggs, David McKee, Rod Campbell, Kes Gray, and Janet & Allan Ahlberg.
Vikings topic books for children aged 7-11 in KS2. This list includes nonfiction books and stories by Tony Bradman, Jane Chisholm, Michael Morpurgo, Cressida Cowell, Terry Deary, and Neil Gaiman.
Remembrance and war topic books for children in KS1 and KS2 suitable for literacy, research, and cross-curricular topics. Including titles by Michael Rosen, Lois Lowry, Tom Palmer, Kate Saunders, Martin Impey, Bali Rai, and Judith Loske.
Australia topic books by a diverse range of Australian children’s authors and illustrators, including books by Margaret Wild, Armin Greder, Lian Tanner, Dianne Bates, Aunty Joy Murphy, Kate Grenville and Paul Jennings.
Children’s and teen books about World War 2 with fiction, nonfiction, true stories, picture books, graphic novels, poetry and diaries, with titles by Michael Rosen, Bali Rai, Tom Palmer, Sufiya Ahmed, Michael Morpurgo, Ruta Sepetys and Anne Frank.
Winter themed books for children and teens with titles by Chitra Soundar, Walter De la Mare, Dawn Casey, i-Spy, Abi Elphinstone, Sam Usher, Sue Hendra, Michael Morpurgo, Melissa Albert and Michael Rosen.
Seaside themed stories for EYFS, KS1, KS2 and KS3 with titles by Michael Rosen, Mairi Hedderwick, Shirley Hughes, Sam Usher, Atinuke, Richard Pickard, Michael Morpurgo, Lauren St John, Liz Kessler and more.
Biographies and autobiographies for children with titles by Mick Manning, Brita Granström, Michael Rosen, Vashti Harrison, Floella Benjamin, John Agard, Jacqueline Wilson, Alastair Humphreys, Malala Yousafzai, David Long, William Grill and Linda Sue Park.
Tudor and Stuart books for children including titles by Patrice Lawrence, Terry Deary, Gillian Clements, Michael Rosen, Lindsay Galvin, Philip Ardagh, Lucy Worsley, Michael Morpurgo, Ally Sherrick and Tony Bradman.
Children’s and teen books about World War 1 with titles by Terry Deary, Hilary Robinson and Martin Impey, Michaela Morgan, Berlie Doherty, Dominic Sandbrook, John Boyne, Theresa Breslin, Tom Palmer, Michael Morpurgo and Hilary McKay.
October 2024’s set of book club recommendations features titles by Alexandra Strick, Ben Sanders, Dee Benson, Gaelle Almeras, Garth Nix, Hari Conner, Jon Agee, Louisa Reid, Michael Morpurgo and Rutendo Dione.
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 15 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for October 2023 and how to use Lego to encourage reading skills
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.
The Butterfly Lion by Michael Morpurgo – this edition will enchant a watching class as the teacher reads and shares; and at home, the story itself will be a gift to treasure.
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.
A 100 question quiz with a festive Christmas round for children aged 7-11 in KS2. Genres include fantasy, historical, mystery, adventure and picture books. This literacy quiz is ideal for end of term school activities, family fun in the holiday, or something for your children to do at your local library.
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.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in summer 2019. These 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
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