Grief and loss books for children
Grief and loss themed books for children and teens with titles by Britta Teckentrup, Samuel Langley-Swain, Judith Kerr, Harry Woodgate, Laura Dockrill, Oliver Jeffers, Kereen Getten, Michael Rosen and Joseph Coelho.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Sophie Cameron is a Scottish author known for her contributions to young adult literature. She grew up in the Scottish Highlands and later studied French and Comparative Literature at the University of Edinburgh. Her debut novel, Out of the Blue, was published in 2018 by Macmillan Children’s Books. The story explores themes of grief and acceptance, set against the backdrop of a world where angels fall from the sky.
Her second novel, Last Bus to Everland, was released in 2019. This book follows the journey of a young boy who discovers a magical world, offering a unique take on the concept of escapism and belonging. Cameron’s work often features elements of magical realism, combined with contemporary issues faced by young adults.
In addition to her novels, Cameron has contributed short stories to various anthologies. Her writing has been recognised for its emotional depth and imaginative storytelling. She continues to engage with readers through events and literary festivals, sharing insights into her creative process and the themes that inspire her work.
Sophie Cameron’s novels have been translated into multiple languages, reaching a diverse international audience. Her work has been praised for its originality and the way it addresses complex emotional landscapes. Out of the Blue was shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award in 2019, highlighting her as a notable voice in young adult fiction.
Grief and loss themed books for children and teens with titles by Britta Teckentrup, Samuel Langley-Swain, Judith Kerr, Harry Woodgate, Laura Dockrill, Oliver Jeffers, Kereen Getten, Michael Rosen and Joseph Coelho.
Books for year 7 – our reading recommendation for 11 year olds at the start of secondary school in Year 7. There’s a selection of choices including classics, well-known authors, new titles, cult fiction and short stories. This recommended Year 7 reading list is aimed at all ability ranges.
The School Reading List compiles this list of recommended books monthly. This children’s and YA books of the month list highlights new releases and editions of fiction and non-fiction books suitable for children and young adults aged 2-16.
Children’s books of the year 2025 – our team has picked a shortlist of great children’s and teen titles published in the last 12 months, with fiction, non-fiction and picture books for 3-18 years and a diverse range of prose, poetry and graphic novels. Vote now!
Edgy stories for 11-14 year olds with titles by Kwame Alexander, Malorie Blackman, Hilary McKay, Jason Rohan, Ele Fountain, Christopher Edge, Catherine Bruton, Derek Landy, Simon James Green, Robert Muchamore, Anne Cassidy & more.
A Flash of Neon is a charming, affirmative story that will appeal to fans of Rainbow Rowell and Elle McNicoll. It focuses on the power of the imagination and how we have the right and the ability to create our own stories.
Season 1, Episode 31 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for June 2025 and how reading can help teens get better jobs.
Summer reading challenge – A good reading challenge will not only promote reading and encourage reading for pleasure, but it will encourage a reading culture to spread like a virus throughout your school.
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.
Shortlists for the Yoto Carnegie Medal 2024 and Kate Greenaway award 2024 – recommended for children and young adults in primary and secondary schools.
Season 1, Episode 10 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for May 2023, book picks for Pride Month and how how to avoid the summer slide by encouraging reading.
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.
May 2022’s set of book club recommendations features a diverse range of titles by Claire Mulligan, Casey McQuiston, Alex Barclay, Sophie Cameron, Eloise Smith, Yomi Adegoke, Elizabeth Uviebinené , Hafiza Radiya and Yarrow Townsend.
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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