Football books for children and teens
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.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Phil Earle (born 1974) is a British author acclaimed for his contributions to children’s and young adult literature. His works often explore themes of resilience, family, and friendship, resonating with readers through authentic storytelling.
Born and raised in Hull, East Yorkshire, Earle studied English and Drama at the University of Hull. His early career included roles as a care worker in a children’s home and as a drama therapist working with traumatised adolescents in London. These experiences significantly influenced his writing, particularly in novels such as Being Billy and Saving Daisy.
Earle’s transition into the literary world began with a position in a children’s bookshop, where he developed a passion for children’s fiction. He later held roles in publishing, including as a sales director at Simon & Schuster Children’s Books, while continuing to write.
His bibliography encompasses a range of genres and age groups. Notable titles include Heroic, The Bubble Wrap Boy, and the Storey Street series. His 2021 novel, When the Sky Falls, set during the Second World War, received critical acclaim, winning the 2022 British Book Award for Children’s Fiction and being shortlisted for the Yoto Carnegie Medal. The follow-up, While the Storm Rages (2022), continued to explore wartime narratives through the eyes of young protagonists.
Beyond writing, Earle is active in promoting literacy, frequently engaging with schools and literary festivals to inspire young readers and writers. He served as the 13th online Writer in Residence for BookTrust in 2016, contributing to the organisation’s mission of encouraging children’s reading.
Phil Earle resides in West Yorkshire with his wife, Lou, their five children, and two dogs. His diverse experiences and dedication to storytelling continue to impact the landscape of children’s literature in the UK.
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.
Superhero stories for 3-11-year-olds – our recommendations. This list features picture books and short chapter books by writers and illustrators including Julia Donaldson, Dav Pilkey, Neal Zetter, Phil Earle, Mini Grey, Cynthia Leonor Garza, Sue Hendra and more.
Suggested reading books for Year 6 children, 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.
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.
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 Summer 2025. These reading recommendations include picture books, poetry, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
Children’s books to read over the weekend including picture books by Sophy Henn, Josh Lacey, Maz Evans, Ben Miller, Zillah Bethell, Emily Critchley, Eliza Berkowitz, Phil Earle 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.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Spring 2024. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
Season 1, Episode 11 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for June 2023, adventure book picks and transitioning from picture books to short chapter books.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Summer 2023. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
Shortlists for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2022 and Kate Greenaway award 2022 – recommended for children and young adults in primary and secondary schools.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Spring 2022. 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 2021. 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