Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Patrick Gallagher is a children’s author whose work explores science, environment and identity for middle-grade readers. A primary school teacher by profession, he studied English and American Literature with Creative Writing in Kent and at Maynooth.
Gallagher’s debut novel, Transcendent, launched a high-stakes science-fiction series following twin prodigies Jacob and Kira. Set between Uganda and London, the story blends space research with questions about climate change and trust in powerful organisations.
Transcendent was published by Orion Children’s Books – an imprint of Hachette Children’s Group – on 6 June 2024. A sequel, Transcendent: Dark Swarm, followed in June 2025.
Books for year 7 – our reading recommendation for 11 year olds at the start of secondary school in Year 7, including titles by A.M Dassu, Mitch Johnson, Lisa Thompson, Gillian Cross, Malorie Blackman, R.J. Palacio, Philip Pullman, Catherine Johnson & Michael Rosen.
June 2026’s book club includes titles by Marjoke Henrichs, Philip Ardagh, Ian Eagleton, Hayley Wells, Mary Hoffman, Ros Asquith, Tony Bradman, Bec Manser, Clare Pollard, Patrick Gallagher, Jamie Gregory, Mitch Johnson & Matt Goodfellow.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Summer 2026. 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 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 Summer 2024. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
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