Why author visits are so important for schools | Series 1, Episode 37
Season 1, Episode 37 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for January 2026 and why author visits are so important for schools.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Natasha Preston is a British author known for writing young adult fiction, particularly in the thriller and suspense genres. She began her writing career by publishing stories online before moving into traditional publishing. Her debut novel, The Cellar, was first published in 2014 by Sourcebooks Fire. The book follows the story of a teenage girl who is kidnapped and held captive, and it has been noted for its tense and gripping narrative.
Preston has written several other novels for young readers, including Awake, The Cabin, You Will Be Mine, and The Lost. Her works often explore themes of mystery, danger, and psychological suspense, appealing to a teenage audience. Many of her books are published by Sourcebooks Fire, an imprint specialising in young adult literature.
In addition to her standalone novels, Preston has continued to engage readers with stories that focus on high-stakes situations and complex characters. Her book The Twin was published by Sourcebooks Fire in 2020, further establishing her presence in the young adult thriller market.
Season 1, Episode 37 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for January 2026 and why author visits are so important for schools.
December 2025’s book club includes titles by Monika Singh Gangotra, Sam Hutchinson, Jim Smith, Isabella Harcourt, Serena Patel, Sophie Anderson, Serena Holly, Lucy Edwards, S.A. Reyhani, Denise Brown, Natalie Lucy, B Wheeler & Natasha Preston.
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.
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.
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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