How Book Censorship Creeps into UK Schools and How to Respond | Series 1, Episode 38
Season 1, Episode 38 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for February 2026 and how book censorship is creeping into UK schools.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Smriti Halls is a British author known for her work in children’s literature. She has written numerous picture books and stories for young readers, often exploring themes of friendship, emotions, and resilience. Halls has collaborated with a range of illustrators, including Steve Small, David Litchfield, and Alison Brown.
Her debut picture book, Don’t Call Me Sweet, was published in 2013. Since then, she has authored a variety of titles, such as I’m Sticking With You, illustrated by Steve Small, and Rain Before Rainbows, illustrated by David Litchfield. I’m Sticking With You was shortlisted for the 2021 Oscar’s Book Prize. Halls has also written The Little Island, illustrated by Robert Starling, and Elephant in My Kitchen, illustrated by Ella Okstad.
Smriti Halls’ books have been published by several major publishers, including Walker Books, Simon & Schuster, and Andersen Press. Her stories are frequently used in schools and libraries across the UK. In addition to her picture books, Halls has contributed to anthologies and written texts for educational purposes.
In 2020, her book Rain Before Rainbows, illustrated by David Litchfield, was published by Walker Books.
Season 1, Episode 38 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for February 2026 and how book censorship is creeping into UK schools.
January 2026’s book club includes titles by Smriti Halls, Nicola Davies, Ella McLeod, Javi De Castro, Craig Steele, Rowan Foxwood, Sufiya Ahmed, Rebecca Orwin, Emma Green, C. M. Lewis, Steve Cole, Monique Turner, Katie Bernet, Sarah Brill, and Sam Prentice-Jones.
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.
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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