Children’s Literature News July 2025
Children’s book news for July 2025: winners from Carnegie and UKLA awards, shortlisted titles, summer literacy initiatives, poetry competitions, and reading schemes for schools across the UK.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Nathanael Lessore is a British author acclaimed for his contemporary young adult fiction that captures the vibrancy and challenges of teenage life. His narratives often draw from his upbringing in South East London, offering readers authentic and relatable stories.
Born in Camberwell, South East London, Lessore is one of eight children to French and Madagascan parents. He spent much of his life in Peckham and has also lived in Paris, Strasbourg, and Singapore. After graduating from the University of East London with a degree in Creative Writing, he initially pursued a career in marketing before turning to writing full-time.
Lessore’s debut novel, Steady For This, was published in 2023 and received critical acclaim. It was shortlisted for the 2024 Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing and won the Branford Boase Award the same year. His second novel, King of Nothing, continued his success, being shortlisted for the 2025 Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize for Older Readers.
His works are known for their humour, emotional depth, and exploration of themes such as identity, friendship, and societal expectations. Lessore aims to portray his South East London childhood as a warm and adventurous world, providing representation that he felt was lacking during his youth.
In addition to his novels, Lessore engages with young readers through school visits and literary events, encouraging a love for reading and storytelling. He continues to write stories that resonate with teenagers, reflecting their experiences and challenges with authenticity and compassion.
Children’s book news for July 2025: winners from Carnegie and UKLA awards, shortlisted titles, summer literacy initiatives, poetry competitions, and reading schemes for schools across the UK.
Books for Year 9 – a selection of reading books to challenge and interest pupils aged 13-14 in KS3 secondary schools. Authors include Gary Paulsen and Judy Blume.
Solving Crimes Is Not My Superpower is fun, illustrated story about bravery, friendship and finding strength even when you feel powerless – perfect for 7-12 year old mystery fans.
Toxic masculinity themed books for children and teens with titles by Ziggy Hanaor, Keith Negley, Jason Reynolds, Jeffrey Boakye & Darren Chetty, Susie Day, Nathanael Lessore, Luke Palmer, James Goodhand, Louise Finch and Alan Bissett.
Football books for children with titles by Michael Rosen, Tom Palmer, Mal Peet, Michaela Morgan, Priscilla Mante, Alex Wheatle, Dan Freedman, Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Bali Rai and Michelle Robinson.
Season 1, Episode 29 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for April 2025 and Do Children Read More Than We Think?
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.
What Happens Online is a heart-warming read that combines high school drama with video game chats. It offers a realistic portrayal of the stresses of being a teenager, includes gamer lingo, and features a fight-back against bullies.
Shortlists for the Carnegie Medal 2025 and Kate Greenaway award 2025 – recommended for children and young adults in primary and secondary schools.
March 2025’s book club recommendations feature titles by Enomwoyi Damali, Swapna Haddow, Jamie Hammond, Nathanael Lessore, Tony Russell, Ally Sherrick, Sarah Harrison, Jess French, Robert Muchamore, Anthony Kessel, Philippa Gregory & R.M. Gray.
Children’s books of the year 2024 – our team has picked a shortlist of great children’s and teen titles published in the last 12 months, with fiction, non-fiction and picture books for 3-18 years and a diverse range of prose, poetry and graphic novels. Vote now!
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.
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.
Shortlists for the Yoto Carnegie Medal 2024 and Kate Greenaway award 2024 – recommended for children and young adults in primary and secondary schools.
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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