May 2025 book club picks
May 2025’s book club recommendations feature titles by Sally Gardner, Aoife Dooley, Frann Preston-Gannon, Lizzie Huxley-Jones, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Ravena Guron, Tamsin Winter, and Amie Jordan.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Paul Ian Cross is a British author and scientist known for writing children’s books that often explore science themes. He holds a PhD in science and works in clinical research, according to his official website and publisher information. Cross has written both fiction and non-fiction for young readers, aiming to make science accessible and engaging.
His works include the Praxx and the Ringing Robot series, which introduces children to scientific concepts through adventure stories. The first book in the series, Praxx and the Ringing Robot, was published in 2017. He has also written The Magic in the Tin and How to Vanquish a Virus, the latter of which was published by Welbeck Children’s Books in 2021. How to Vanquish a Virus explains viruses and pandemics to children, drawing on Cross’s scientific background.
Paul Ian Cross has contributed to science communication through his writing and public engagement activities. He has appeared at events such as the Edinburgh International Book Festival, where he has discussed science and storytelling with young audiences.
In 2021, his book How to Vanquish a Virus was published by Welbeck Children’s Books.
May 2025’s book club recommendations feature titles by Sally Gardner, Aoife Dooley, Frann Preston-Gannon, Lizzie Huxley-Jones, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Ravena Guron, Tamsin Winter, and Amie Jordan.
Disclosure: If you buy books linked to our site, we may earn a commission from Bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookshops, or Waterstones.com, or Blackwells.co.uk.
Keep up to date with our email newsletter and our latest social media posts about reading, children's books and literacy.
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