Fantasy books for children and teens
Fantasy books for children and teens with titles by Katherine Rundell, B. B. Alston, A. F. Steadman, Tolá Okogwu, Frances Hardinge, Tomi Adeyemi, Tracy Deonn, R. F. Kuang, Samantha Shannon, and Katherine Arden.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Struan Murray is a British author known for his work in children’s literature. He is the author of the Orphans of the Tide series, which has garnered attention for its imaginative storytelling and intricate world-building. The first book in the series, Orphans of the Tide, was published by Puffin Books in February 2020. It received critical acclaim and was awarded the Branford Boase Award in 2021, an accolade recognising outstanding debut novels for children.
Murray’s background includes a PhD in genetics, which he completed at the University of Oxford. His scientific training influences his writing, often incorporating elements of mystery and discovery. Before becoming a full-time author, he worked as a lecturer in biochemistry.
The second book in the series, Shipwreck Island, was released in 2021, continuing the adventures of the characters introduced in the first novel. The third instalment, The Edge of the Ocean, followed in 2022, further expanding the narrative and exploring new themes.
Struan Murray’s work is published by Puffin Books, a division of Penguin Random House, which is known for its extensive catalogue of children’s literature. His books have been translated into multiple languages, reaching a wide audience of young readers around the world.
His contributions to children’s literature continue to be recognised, with his debut novel being shortlisted for several awards, including the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize.

Fantasy books for children and teens with titles by Katherine Rundell, B. B. Alston, A. F. Steadman, Tolá Okogwu, Frances Hardinge, Tomi Adeyemi, Tracy Deonn, R. F. Kuang, Samantha Shannon, and Katherine Arden.
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.
Books for year 7 – our reading recommendation for 11 year olds at the start of secondary school in Year 7, including titles by A.M Dassu, Mitch Johnson, Lisa Thompson, Gillian Cross, Malorie Blackman, R.J. Palacio, Philip Pullman, Catherine Johnson & Michael Rosen.
Season 1, Episode 42 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for June 2026 and how to unlock reading through things children and teens already love.
May 2026’s book club includes titles by Duncan Beedie, Darren Chetty, Sandhya Prabhat, Zoey Allen, Harriet Muncaster, Paul Ian Cross, Jamie Hammond, Jordan Ifueko, Nathanael Lessore, Ravena Guron, Sarah Beth Durst and Tig Wallace.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Summer 2026. These reading recommendations include picture books, poetry, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
Season 1, Episode 40 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for April 2026 and How to spot which books will appeal to 14-16+ year olds.
March 2026’s book club includes titles by Ruth Brown, Julie Sykes, Emily Jones, Claire Powell, Love Ssega, Erika Meza, Jenny Jacoby, Emma Swan, Ramzee, Kimberly Whittam, Robert Muchamore, Billy Ray, and Alexis Henderson.
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 Summer 2025. These reading recommendations include picture books, poetry, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
Storybooks online – here’s our curated collection of video online stories read by authors including Cressida Cowell, Aisha Bushby, Alex Wheatle, Catherine Bruton, Sita Brahmachari, Malorie Blackman, Michael Rosen and more.
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.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Spring 2021. 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.
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.
Keep up to date with our email newsletter and our latest social media posts about reading, children's books and literacy.
Home »