Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Zeshan Akhter is a children’s author with a background in zoology and over twenty years’ experience in nature conservation. Her work brings together a commitment to the natural world with stories that explore empathy and resilience.
Her debut picture book, Noah’s New Home, illustrated by Nabila Adani, was published by Templar Books in 2025. The story follows a young refugee, Noah, as he adjusts to life in a new place while coping with memories of his past. A fireworks display triggers both fear and hope, and with the support of his new community he begins to find comfort and courage.
100 picture books for EYFS to read before you are 5 years old. A selection of picture books which are ideal for children who are learning to read in Nursery, Early Years, infants and Pre-Prep schools.
Here’s our selection of books for year 1 to challenge and interest children aged 5-6 in UK primary schools. Handpicked recommendations from teachers and librarians, with titles by Michael Rosen, Julia Donaldson, Jon Klassen, Judith Kerr, Satoshi Kitamura, and more.
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.
Refugees and migration books for children and teens, featuring books by Erika Meza, Na’ima B. Robert, Brian Bilston, Eoin Colfer, Onjali Q. Raúf, Sita Brahmachari, Armin Greder, Michael Rosen, Ele Fountain and Malcolm Duffy.
Season 1, Episode 32 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for July 2025 and What are picture books, and why are they useful?
June 2025’s book club recommendations feature titles by Zaro Weil, Donette Williams-Harry, Julie Flett, Eirinn McGuiness, Jasbinder Bilan, Pari Thomson, Alexandra Sheppard, Abdi Nazemian, and Rory Power.
Season 1, Episode 26 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for January 2025 and Why Discount Book Packs are a Bad Deal for Schools.
December 2024’s set of book club recommendations features titles by Zeshan Akhter, Catherine Ard and Paul Daviz, Nicola Edwards and Pauline Gregory, Lucy Cochran, Ali Rutstein, Ewa Jozefkowicz, Fiona Katauskas, Candace Savage, and David Fenne.
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