Recommended Reads for Year 6: New Additions for 2026-27

About Time is a fascinating book about the history and science of time. The book covers lots of different ways of thinking about time, including how animals and plants react to the passing of time. It also looks at the way in which time is divided into hours, days, weeks etc. and how units of time have been divided differently by different civilisations. There is a section on how to tell the time without using a clock e.g. using the phases of the moon or the position of the sun in the sky.

Scattered throughout the book are instructions for how to make various instruments for telling the time such as a sundial and a sand timer. The colourful illustrations by Lucy Rose will really help children to understand the concepts included in the book.

So much interesting information is covered in this gem of a book, from how watches and clocks are made to time zones on earth and on other planets. This is a lovely addition to any Y6 classroom!

Avalanche by Simon Fox is an exciting children’s adventure novel that combines danger, teamwork, and the power of quick thinking. The story is set around a boy called Tom, who is hoping to spend the holidays with his mum in a luxury ski chalet. Unfortunately, his mum is working, protecting an eminent scientist from those wishing to steal his research at any cost. Tom starts the novel lonely and bored, dropped into ski school and ignored by those around him. This dramatically changes when villains come to call, endangering those at the chalet and triggering an enormous avalanche, cutting off the chalet from any help.

This is a great adventure book which would appeal to those who enjoy the Alex Rider or Bear Grylls mission survival series. The mixture of action and survival against the elements will hook in those children who like adventure or spy novels. It’s relatively short, fast-paced and quite an easy read, so would appeal to more reluctant readers.

Avalanche is an engaging and thrilling read that will appeal to children who enjoy adventure and survival stories. Simon Fox successfully balances excitement with meaningful lessons, making the book both exciting and educational. It is a great choice for readers looking for a short but memorable adventure!

Most children will be more familiar than I with the trials and temptations of vlogging: seeking to present perfection; aiming for maximum likes; transitioning from hobby to business while simultaneously upping the fun factor and the revenue; not to mention losing sight of life’s priorities.

Y5 Ethan seems to have a better handle on what really matters in life (families, friends and wellbeing) than Mum, with her million followers, Dad, with his ‘Dad on the Rocks’ channel, or older brother, Mason, who kickstarts his own YouTube ambitions by recording and publishing the meanest possible pranks on his Little Loser Bro. When the perfect influencer family is actually tearing itself apart, when the smiles are forced, and the offline chat fractious and hate-filled, the grown-up plan is ‘fake it’ and keep shtum. No wonder chilling with his good mates, Arlo and Omar, brings Ethan welcome relief; no wonder he goes to Grandad and Colin the Dog for sanctuary and solace. Because confiding in and collaborating with true friends and, eventually, accepting professional counselling and moving towards reconciliation, is surely the better way.

What makes this book a winner is its contemporary and engrossing storyline, for sure. But it is also to be recommended for its humour, the Gen Z/Gen Alpha slang (for those in the know), and even the laying bare of Ethan’s ‘sticky thoughts’, helping real kids to see they’re not alone or ‘weird’. At 373 pages, Boy Vs Reality is a satisfyingly chunky volume: too long probably for a class read, but definitely one to have in the UKS2 library or classroom.

This story is a fresh, new addition to the popular magical world genre and stands out within this with its brilliant world building, dream magic and loyal protagonist.

When Crow is rescued by Victor, the Dreamcatcher, his underworld life with The Reavers seems to be over. Victor teaches him to harness Dream Magic, to create dreams and to develop his own magical abilities. But when Crow finds out his two best friends are alive and he receives a mysterious warning, he is unsure who to trust.

The story is set under the atmospheric countdown to the comet Oros being at its strongest, heightening all things magical and potentially enabling the devastating nightmare, ‘The Mara’ to unleash it’s devastation and despair across the city. This combination of fear and mistrust creates great tension, suspense and pace in the storytelling. Key themes include: friendship, courage, loyalty, magic, the balance between light and dark and moral choices. I particularly like the portrayal and duality of the flawed characters and the relationship between Crow and the sorcerer’s cat Nakima. A superb read aloud.

This is part of the wildly madcap Donut Squad series, which features collections of short comic sketches, each 1-2 pages long, that will have huge appeal to fans of series such as Bunny vs Monkey.

The short nature of these sketches will make them call out to reluctant readers as well as graphic novel fans, and the sections at the end featuring drawing tips will appeal to keen illustrators too. This will be a popular title on bookshelves – visual, jammy and perfectly wacky.

This is the start of a new gothic adventure series, in which three cousins who are descendants of Dracula form a vampire healing company.

In true Emma Carroll fashion, this story has the reader on tenterhooks throughout, with chases through the dark streets of Temstown, the spine-tingling threat of attack from vengeful creatures and the need for the three brave heroines to complete their dangerous mission before the new moon deadline.

It’s all the more gripping because the identity of trustworthy good guys and shifty villains is obscured. What’s more, as the plot thickens, the readers’ perception only gradually clears, spotting connections between different characters. The way Carroll weaves numerous strands together is extremely satisfying: there’s the scene-setting, which has the reader picturing London in the late 19th Century; the kinship felt by the main characters; the power plays of ambitious, dangerous men; and the knowledge that might lead to both cure and restoration for the wronged.

This is a book that will be devoured by those with an appetite for gruesome fantasy with a historical flavour. Librarians will not need to recommend it for copies to quickly fly off the ‘horror’ shelf.

There is having a bad day, and then there is Finn’s life. Starting ‘big school’ can be a whole challenge in itself, but Finn seems to be inundated with problems. Embarrassment after embarrassment, failure after failure and mishap after mishap! Finn’s siblings (as well as his divorced parents) are not too far away from the root of all his problems.

Finn’s Fails include losing his swimming trunks in a school swimming lesson, his brother pinning him to the floor and all whilst filming, country dancing in PE and his dad’s daily cycling outfits! Luckily for Finn, he has some knights in shining armour in the form of his best mates. There is also a surprise to enter his life, and it was exactly what he needed in so many ways – with some wins for Finns finally starting to appear.

Through Finn’s first-hand account, the author captures the vulnerability and anxieties of secondary transition (where everything, from the uncomfortable uniform to whether or not to play up for a supply teacher, can feel mortifying one way or another…) with a huge dose of humour and heart.

What another superb book from Phil Earle. A light-hearted and hilarious book that would gain the attention of children in upper KS2 and lower KS3, with a particular appeal to boys, reluctant readers or lovers of funny, diary-style stories.

‘Force of Nature’ is a biography of Harriet Tubman, but told through a series of short poems.

They span her entire life and cleverly tell her journey. There is a glossary at the back of some of the words children may be less familiar with as well as a map showing all the places Harriet lived during her life. The illustrations are what make this book truly special – collages using paper, natural objects and photos and then being coloured with various media. They depict what is in the poems perfectly and are really interesting to look at.

This would be a fantastic book for KS2 children either as a class read or an independent read.

Con’s in trouble . . . again. Since his dad left, he doesn’t seem to be able to control his temper and this time someone has been hurt. Suspended from school for three days and in danger of losing his best friend, something has to change.

After accidentally locking himself out of his flat, Con is invited to the Upside, a rooftop garden he didn’t know existed, by old Mr Williams. And there’s a further surprise – Mr Williams’ pigeons. Con quickly develops a love for these gentle, intelligent birds. So much so that Mr Williams leaves him in charge of them for a few days. But then, disaster strikes . . . Will Con let his anger continue to burn and consume him and everything around him? Or will he find the true Upside to life?

This book is, at times, difficult to read. Con is lost and confused, and burning with an inner rage. Watching the impact of a kind neighbour and his beloved birds on him is heart-warming, as is seeing the power of positive action on a whole community. As you would expect from Katya Balen, another beautifully written, well-told story.

Banished from Asgard to Earth in disgrace, the trickster god Loki has been given one final chance to show moral improvement, or face a pit of angry snakes. Much to his disgust, he has been transformed into an 11-year-old boy and sent to school. Unfortunately, trickery is second nature to him, and his clumsy attempts at doing good land him in all sorts of scrapes – all recorded in a hilarious talking diary that forces him to tell the truth.

Louie Stowell’s laugh-out-loud, diary-style novel is full of witty doodles and clever illustrations that will engage readers from the very first page. Brilliantly capturing Loki’s anarchic personality and his perspective on the confusing human world, this highly visual story has earned its place as a popular favourite in Key Stage 2.

This split narrative story – dividing time between Samim’s current situation in foster care awaiting his asylum decision, and his narrated past of how he came to Britain from Afghanistan – is both moving and pacey, standing out as a powerful refugee story.

Pathos is built through Samim’s narrative of his horrific journey and those he lost along the way, but also through the present tense story in which he is bullied at school, and the guilt he feels that he has let down and lost his best friend, Zayn. Throughout the present tense narrative, Zayn appears to him as a ghost, giving witty insights into his situation at school and his endeavours in chess club.

When Samim narrates his journey to his caseworker, Zayn is both alive and a lively character – Samim’s best friend and the closest thing he has to family. Both boys are superbly rendered, their personalities clear and engaging, which invokes empathy and understanding.

This book deals with many topical issues, not just refugees, but also the importance of cultural heritage, hobbies, friendships and an understanding of identity and rights.

This is not just an ‘issue’ book, but an engaging read. The story contains references to medication, fighting, and gender identity, and also portrays death and a graphic journey across water. Most suitable for the very oldest in primary or KS3, and is compelling and powerful, sitting alongside Welcome to Nowhere by Elizabeth Laird or Boy Everywhere by AM Dassu.

My Soul, a Shining Tree is a short, powerful novel that looks at war through the eyes of different characters. By showing multiple perspectives, it helps readers understand the different ‘sides’ of the conflict and the very real impact on people’s lives. I also really enjoyed how the different perspectives interacted with each other. I found Ernst’s story, in particular, incredibly moving: his experiences really brought the experiences of young people who went into battle to the forefront. Because the book is short, teachers could easily use extracts from the different perspectives as writing prompts or as a stimulus to support lessons about World War I.

The shifting narratives also help children think about how perspective can shape a story, while encouraging discussion about courage, loss, and resilience. I also really liked the inclusion of Khudadad, an Indian gunner, highlighting the important role soldiers from across the Commonwealth played in supporting the war. My Soul, a Shining Tree is perfect for helping young readers connect with history and develop empathy.

A gripping graphic novel. For those who like true-to-life drama in their graphic novels rather than fantasy or whacky humour, this is a superb read that really packs a punch.

The story follows twelve-year-old Jordan as he tries to fit in at a new school. The challenges of blending in at an elite, non-diverse private school become quickly apparent. This insightful story is poignantly told through words and pictures, and explores themes of racism, fitting in, prejudice, moving schools and confidence.

A perfect choice for reflective Year 6 children who like to think about wider social themes and are getting ready to move schools for themselves.

One Day shares the true story of survival during the Holocaust. Michael Rosen may be well known for his funny verses and entertaining poetry performances, but here he showcases a different, more serious and thought-provoking depth, inspired by real experiences from family history.

This stark, accessible picture book features Benjamin Phillips’s sombre and expressive illustrations in muted watercolour and inks, to follow a young French Resistance fighter who is captured by the Nazis and placed on a convoy headed to Auschwitz, but refuses to give up hope and eventually plans an escape.

The book deals with the harsh realities of the Holocaust and therefore is one for older primary or younger secondary readers. Among the darker historical truths, light also shines through in the focus on human courage and acts of agency in the face of evil. A gentle way to introduce a tough historical topic to children, making it a highly recommended choice for Upper Key Stage 2 history shelves.

Designed to look a bit like a video game controller (which way up would you hold it?!), Press Start to Play is a poetry collection that offers a way to capture children’s interest in gaming. The book itself is there to be played with, with its fun interactive flick-book feature.

This playful collection gamifies poetry by hooking young players with zappy rhymes, puzzling riddles and gaming-themed wordplay that will appeal to fans of everything from video games like Minecraft to boardgames like Monopoly and outdoor games like playground football matches.

It’s not all high-energy though. Sam Gayton weaves in quieter, reflective verses that add depth. Complete with prompts to get children writing their own verses, this is a fantastic and high-interest choice for Key Stage 2.

Having earned its status as a contemporary classic, Rooftoppers is a breathtaking urban adventure from Katherine Rundell, one of the finest children’s authors writing today.

The story starts when Sophie is rescued after a shipwreck, discovered inside a floating cello case by an eccentric guardian. When authorities threaten to separate them, they flee to Paris. There, Sophie takes to the hidden rooftops to search for her missing mother, discovering a cool secret society of children living among the city’s skylights.

Full of wit, high-up adventure and deep kindness, this beautiful tale makes a top choice for a Year 5 or Year 6 class reader, and a standout addition to upper KS2 reading for pleasure shelves.

Kofi’s mum wants him to be ‘somebody’ – she has come to believe that because he’s black, he needs the best education to compete in the real world, and so she makes him do the exams to win a scholarship to a prestigious private school.

Kofi is successful and wins the scholarship, and his mum is overjoyed – in fact, the whole community is proud of him and keeps telling him so. Others keep telling him how fortunate he is, but the problem is he doesn’t feel very lucky – he didn’t want this, and now he just feels pressure from all around. The one good thing about his new school is the athletics club – the coach has spotted his potential, and he has a good chance of competing in the London Schools’ Championships. But Kofi’s mum doesn’t approve of him running (she wants him to focus on his studies), and the school bully will do anything to ruin his chances because he doesn’t want Kofi to outshine him. Kofi’s best friend says that he needs to start standing up for himself, but that’s easier said than done.

Running My Own Race is a book about learning to find your path and having the courage to speak up for what you want. With themes of sports, resilience and prejudice, the book is best suited to lower KS3 or mature KS2 readers. It is an engaging yet easy read from start to finish and will inspire young readers to stand up for what they want and to follow their dreams.

Perfect for lovers of books such as Percy Jackson, Harry Potter and Skandar, this new fantasy adventure is bound to be a hit with children.

Shadow Thieves follows the adventure of Tom Morgan, an orphan surviving on the streets of an alternative London with other children who are homeless. Set in an alternative timeline where the French Empire has expanded to include Britain, it provides an interesting backdrop to the story. Set at a school for thieves, con artists and criminals alike, children are able to follow Tom as he undertakes missions or challenges and begins his training.

Tom is a likeable character that children will root for, especially as he is often driven by looking after and protecting those he cares about. An exciting book to share with children.

Three sisters find their lives turned upside down as war is declared between Britain and Germany. Living in London, the sisters face evacuation, rationing, bombing and loss. Lydia, Peggy and Teddy navigate daily struggles as the war starts to change Britain. The sisters have to stick together as everything changes for them and their loved ones. They find new homes, new foes, new four-legged friends and each of them a passion that brings a spark back into their lives.

The story is split into three sections, and each section tells the story of the sisters in a different part of the war. Lydia (the eldest sister) starts the story in 1939 with the beginning of the war and being evacuated to the countryside to stay with Aunt Phoebe. She tells a story of loneliness and shares a first-hand account of the Blitz when she returns to London, running away. The next section is told by Peggy and narrates from 1943, when the family have relocated back to London. Peggy finds herself befriending a German refugee, and the family have to try and keep safe from the German Doodlebugs that cause major destruction and death. Finally, the last section describes the post-war years and how it is hard for the youngest sister, Teddy, to find a way in the world when all she has known is wartime London.

The story is beautifully and very cleverly written, as you find yourself getting to know the three sisters as you become entwined in their world. Each section is written in a way that shows you how different the sisters are. I really enjoyed reading this book, and it is perfect for a Y6 class when studying World War 2 and a character-driven historical fiction choice for reading for pleasure.

The Cartoonists Club is a fun, colourful and entertaining graphic novel.

A group of children get together and form ‘The Cartoonists Club’, bringing together a group of friends, harnessing their individual talents. The illustrations throughout are relatable, colourful and fun. The story is easy to follow and you want to keep on reading, not wanting to put the story down, with manageable chapters that help keep the story engaging.

Themes of friendship, creativity and believing in yourself run through the book adding depth to the story. There is a really informative behind the scenes chapter at the end which finished the book off perfectly. This book would inspire children to draw their own comics and inspires creativity, as well as being a quick and easy-to-finish read for Upper KS2.

Following on from The Children of Castle Rock, and yet easy to read as a standalone, Natasha Farrant revisits Stormy Loch Academy in this new adventure following three more adventurous, determined and sometimes damaged children.

Farrant isn’t afraid to address the relationship between adults and children in her novels, and this is no different. Although there are hints of the children’s friendships, it is really the fragmentation of families, and the misbehaviour of adults that garners the most attention and is deservedly punished, as children once again come out as righteous and brave, seeking justice and truth. Minna, Kass and Tom all have their different family reasons for staying on at Stormy Loch in the school holidays, but when they stumble across teenager Addie hiding out in a nearby valley, their holiday adventures really begin. Why has the teen run away, and what is she trying to draw attention to?

With music and dogs playing their part, and the wildness of Scotland contrasting with the bustle of London, Farrant has written another gripping adventure, with lovely allusions to her previous books’ characters, but also a cast of highly authentic and loveable new characters, from headstrong Minna to doubt-ridden Tom. Children will relish the escapades and freedom, as well as understanding the backgrounds of each character and the motivations for why they act as they do. References to coercive control and abuse resonate but are never too graphic. A fantastic modern quest to discover and reveal the truth.

Set in a fantastical and dystopian future, this engaging story takes place in a world where a conglomerate called the Trio Trust monopolises business and life in America. They control food and drink, health and beauty products and all technology. Having purchased all the natural water sources in the country, they therefore provide the only beverages that people can drink. Due to gases caused by overproduction, the sky is green, and there are hurricanes of slimy ‘snot rain’; the city is now so hot that skin allergies are rife, and people stay indoors.

In this toxic environment, we meet thirteen-year-old Valentine and her driven parents: they are hard-working immigrants focused on Valentine gaining a job with the Trio Trust to ensure her future. Due to memory modification by the Trio Trust, they have forgotten the existence of Valentine’s older sister Vanessa, who appears to have disappeared.

Then a surprise delivery from Vanessa on Valentine’s birthday rekindles her memories, leading her to boba café where she is tricked into making a wish and becomes embroiled in the mysterious Genie Realm. Energy from granted wishes powers this world and can only be stored in bottle buildings like the cafe – similar to a genie’s lamp. Not only does Valentine have to work out how to locate her sister in this bizarre world, but she has to participate in their wish-granting games in order to win her freedom.

There is much throughout about the real world damage caused by mega corporations, portraying inventive environmental issues e.g. technicolour wildfires caused by trapped gases and chemical pollution, as well as monsters that feed on human life force, leaving apathy in their wake. It cleverly introduces capitalism into a strong fantasy and family story and could be set for a sequel.

Fran lives and works in the grounds of Longbarrow House, where she makes a discovery that deeply unsettles her. The opening line of the book, ‘Fran found the bone in the potato patch’ is a sign of the intriguing story to come. When Leo, grandson of the owner of Longbarrow House, breaks his leg minutes after Fran’s garden fork breaks the bone in the potato patch, Fran is worried that the two incidents are connected. Further strange coincidences occur and Fran becomes increasingly concerned.

When Leo returns from hospital, Fran is tasked with keeping him company and the two children become friends. Leo is worried about the threat of impending war in Europe and Fran is concerned about the strange coincidences. Together, they explore Longbarrow House and discover the secrets the estate has been hiding. The story edges the reader along and brings tension and suspense with it.

The Ghost Garden is an insight into the lives of children on the eve of World War One. The story reveals details about the daily lives of both the privileged and not so privileged in 1914. We discover their anxieties about (and hopes for) the future and realise that the two children have more similarities than differences when it comes to facing the prospect of war. A short read with dyslexia-friendly text, this is another treat for those readers who enjoyed Letters from the Lighthouse and When We Were Warriors.

12 year old Hedley likes life to be safe and predictable, especially as his own changed completely after the car crash a year ago.

As part of his therapy, he attends Bridlebank Activities Centre every weekend, where the thuggish Aiden takes delight in tormenting him. Things get worse when their support worker, Nic, insists that they both start a weekend job at Farmer Bert’s Petting Zoo. However, Aiden steals the farmer’s prize alpaca, Duke, hiding it at the activity centre, and convinces Hedley to embark on a quest to take Duke to a release site so that he can live free in the wild.

As you’d expect, disasters ensue, including wrecking a petrol station store, accidentally assisting in a robbery, causing a football match to be abandoned, and – of course – all their exploits going viral. With the latter, it will be an interesting lesson for readers to see how much the true course of events in the story differs from the online reports.

There are themes of family, friendship, grief, courage and stepping outside your comfort zone. This is writing at its best, with genuine laugh-out-loud moments (especially in the police station and the football stadium) and a well-crafted and emotional ending – a totally unforeseen one for me! I would highly recommend this for any fans of Jenny Pearson or anyone who enjoys fast-paced comedic adventures.

The Secret Lives of Women Spies by Charlotte Philby is a captivating read that brings to light the remarkable stories of female spies throughout history. The book features a series of short stories about real-life women spies, including figures like Edith Cavell, Elizebeth Friedman and Noor Inayat Khan.

Each story is accompanied by imagined newspaper articles and “top-secret” information, adding depth and context to the narratives. The illustrations further enrich the content, making it visually appealing and accessible to young readers. From an educational perspective, this book is a treasure trove of information. It sheds light on the courage and ingenuity of these women and also provides a platform for discussions on gender roles, history and the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping our understanding of the past.

The inclusion of a glossary and reference tools enhances its use as a research resource. For upper primary and early secondary students, The Secret Lives of Women Spies is perfect for sharing untold stories, enriching history knowledge and encouraging deeper thinking about gender in the world of espionage.

Based on real-life experiences, Tosh’s Island is a stunning graphic novel for Y6 or Y7, exploring identity, escapism and change.

Already dealing with shifting friendships and the big move to secondary school, Tosh’s world is turned upside down by the onset of a serious illness. To cope with the pain and confusion of her diagnosis, Tosh connects with a penpal, and together they create a beautiful, imaginary undersea fantasy world that becomes a space for escape and empowerment.

Leo Marcel’s vibrant artwork beautifully contrasts the harshness of medical appointments with stunning, double-page fantasy sequences. At times, Tosh’s water therapy sessions, which help with pain management, mirror the fantasy undersea scenes she uses as escapism. Tackling heavy themes like empathy, medical differences and the complexities of growing up, this poignant and deeply inspiring story is a superb choice of graphic novel for Upper Key Stage 2 or secondary school libraries.

Cath Howe has delivered another compelling book that will strongly resonate with pupils who have siblings and close family relationships. The story thoughtfully weaves together the themes of family dynamics, friendship and jealousy, offering a sensitive exploration of the ‘green-eyed monster’. The engaging narrative style draws readers in effortlessly, making this a highly immersive and difficult-to-put-down read. It is likely to connect with any child who has experienced feelings of jealousy or self-doubt, making it a valuable addition to classroom and library collections.

Hattie is ready for a summer of fun, including a trip to France with her family and the anticipation of starting secondary school with her bestie. Then Seren arrives! It ought to be everything she’s ever wanted, yet it feels entirely the opposite. Why is she so hard to talk to and be around? Everyone else seems to love her, so what is Hattie missing? Then school starts and Seren has to join too and everything falls apart.

This is a narrative that uses emotive language to allow the reader to fully empathise and understand the characters: ‘I was a patch of wintry snow in a sunny field.’ Hattie is a character many readers will recognise from their own school experiences. This is perfect for ages 8 through to pre-teens. Cath Howe is superb at writing about such prevalent topics within current school and home settings, understanding what children feel and go through as they navigate childhood, their families, friends and school. Utterly wonderful!