Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Sharna Jackson is a British author and curator known for her children’s mystery novels. She is the author of the High-Rise Mystery series, published by Knights Of. The first book, High-Rise Mystery, was released in 2019 and features sibling detectives Nik and Norva investigating crimes in a London tower block. The sequel, Mic Drop, was published in 2020.
Jackson’s debut novel, High-Rise Mystery, was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in 2020 and the Jhalak Children’s & YA Prize in 2020. Mic Drop was shortlisted for the CrimeFest Best Crime Novel for Children in 2021. Her books have been recognised for their contemporary urban settings and focus on young Black protagonists.
In addition to her writing, Jackson has worked as a curator and creative producer, collaborating with institutions such as Tate, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Design Museum. She has developed digital projects and learning programmes for children and young people.
Jackson’s third children’s novel, The Good Turn, was published by Puffin in 2022. The book was shortlisted for the 2023 Diverse Book Awards. Her work continues to receive recognition for its contribution to children’s literature in the UK.
Books to help teach diversity to children in KS1 and KS2 in primary schools – with characters and settings to introduce age-appropriate discussions of the diversity of culture, race, ethnicity, gender, education, disability, identity, nationality, religion, sexuality, neurodiversity, social background, and beliefs.
KS2 crime and punishment books with titles by Malorie Blackman, Louis Sachar, Terry Deary, Jon Scieszka, Elle McNicoll, M. G. Leonard, Sam Sedgman, Sharna Jackson, Serena Patel, and Philip Ardagh.
Books for 9-year-olds – favourites chosen by children including titles by Rob Biddulph, David Walliams, Terry Deary, Maz Evans, Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo, Matt Haig, Roald Dahl, Joanna Nadin, R.L. Stine, Sharna Jackson, David Baddiel & Kate Pankhurst.
Children’s book news for February 2026: CLiPPA opens, Carnegies longlists land, BBC screens Lord of the Flies, plus Information Book Award and ALCS Education Writers’ shortlist updates.
Children’s book news for December 2025: award longlists and winners, a library card proposal, Book Nooks, bookshop plans, an MPs inquiry, and exhibitions in Chelmsford and Bedford.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in spring 2026. 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.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Summer 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 Spring 2020. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
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