Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Author & Illustrators

Luna Valentine Books

A funny and fantastical adventure from Olympian Tom Daley all about perseverance, friendship and positivity. Written in collaboration with children’s author, Simon James Green. With gorgeous illustrations by Luna Valentine. Jack really wants to impress his diving coach dad … there’s just one problem. Jack is the worst diver in the worst diving team in Damp Bottom, England. But when a new kid starts at school with magic swimming skills and an eagerness to share tips, Jack’s luck might be about to change.

But when Jack’s new friend gets into trouble – and the fate of a secret world hangs in the balance – it’s up to Jack and the rest of his diving crew to save the day. Sometimes it’s not about winning, it’s about helping your friends when they need it the most, it’s about team work…

A not to be missed hilarious adventure story

Bringing together the most decorated British diver of all time Tom Daley – and acclaimed children’s and YA-and Carnegie-nominated author Simon James Green, whose latest middle-grade book Finn Jones Was Here was Indie Book of the Month in May

With gorgeous illustrations throughout from Luna Valentine that bring the humour and adventure to life

Facing up to fears of bullying, Eva finds the courage to take to the field in this heartwarming tale from acclaimed author Eve Ainsworth.

Eva’s football skills make her stand out while playing at break-time at school, so her friends can’t understand why she’s reluctant to join them in playing for their local team, the Lightmoor Lionesses.

Horribly bullied at her last school due to a painful skin condition, Eva is terrified that the same thing will happen again if her new friends find out. Her instinct is to hide away, but can she find the courage to take to the field and play the game she loves?

Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Chapter bookDyslexia-friendly
dyslexia-friendly

Lily has always felt she’s on the edge. On the edge of friendship groups and the edge of her own life, looking in. Until one day a teacher inspires her to join the local girls’ football team. Lily usually finds school difficult because she’s shy and anxious, but now begins to find her feet, quite literally, playing football. Her confidence soars, and finally she feels she’s part of a team. Despite a teammate and her inner demons putting her progress in jeopardy, she overcomes the mental challenges and succeeds.

This is a fantastic and well-crafted book. I especially enjoyed the history of women’s football, which was referred to after each chapter. Each chapter had a subchapter on icons of women’s football as well as the journey women have had to go through to be taken more seriously, but not yet as seriously as men, on the pitch.

This inspiring book is accessible from age 7 upwards, written in a dyslexia-friendly format with easy vocabulary for all to comprehend. This is a book to be read independently or with their families and one that will inspire future footballers, whether girls or boys, for a long time to come.

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