Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Author & Illustrators

Dee Benson Books

This is part of the popular Lara Bloom series. Told through Lara’s diary, the story offers a relatable glimpse into the life of a teen juggling football dreams, friendships and a school business contest. Readers will connect with Lara’s honest thoughts – which she shares through her intimately honest diary – on friendships, sports, inequality and the challenges of balancing passions with everyday pressures.

Whether football, fashion, entrepreneurship or friendships, readers will be drawn to Lara’s passions and find parallels with the joys and challenges of juggling their own interests and pursuits.

The diary format makes Lara’s observations accessible and engaging, exploring themes of relationships, ambitions and perseverance in a fun way. An appealing reading-for-pleasure choice for Year 8, this series resonates with young teens, making this a lighthearted yet insightful read about pursuing goals and navigating friendships

MY NAME IS LARA BLOOM AND THIS IS MY LIFE . . .

Meet Lara Bloom – the best friend you never knew you needed. This is her diary . . .

When Lara meets super-cute new boy Caiden, she begins to think that the way to his heart is to give herself a glow up. But her friends are not impressed. You should never glow up for a boy, only for yourself!

As Lara and her friends embark on their project of empowerment and self-love, Lara shares her innermost thoughts with her online journal. How can she keep her hair under control when she’s playing football? Why is she so fast on the pitch yet so uncoordinated off it? And how will she ever convince Caiden to take an interest in her?

With her worries safely locked in her top-secret journal, Lara is on track to unlock the glow-up of her dreams. Surely nothing could possibly go wrong . . .?!

A heart-warming story of friendship, crushes and learning to love yourself. Perfect for fans of GEEK GIRL, Louise Rennison and Alesha Dixon.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Your Review

Stone Girl Bone Girl

review

Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:

Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:

Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?

Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?

Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?

yes

Curriculum links (if relevant)

Curriculum links (if relevant)

Any other comments

Any other comments