Year 7: 50 Recommended Reads

When Life Gives You Mangoes is set in the Jamaica of Kereen Getten’s childhood; as such the book is evocatively full of sunshine, lush vegetation, and laid back freedom to roam through long summer days.

Clara, the protagonist, is touchingly honest, feisty and wild, but can’t abide being near water. As the story goes on, we realise that something happened last summer that Clara cannot or will not remember. In trying to push everyone away, including her patient and wise father, she runs straight into the arms of her uncle, an exile from the village about whom rumours roam and mistrust hangs.

The book deals with Clara’s amnesia and anxiety with gentleness and kindness, and it’s a great story for exploring mental health and the ways in which we protect ourselves from trauma. In the end it is Clara’s uncle who helps her come to terms with her past, and this beautiful twist leads both to Clara’s healing, and the restoration of her uncle to the village community.

I really enjoyed the themes of redemption and forgiveness, friendship, community and kindness that run through this story, and the taste of another place and culture that it gives the reader. For all these reasons, it’s definitely earns its place on a KS3 library bookshelf!

A gripping mystery adventure that young readers love to pick up, with powerful historical insight into nineteenth-century colonialism.

Anushka is the princess of an Indian kingdom. To her anger and frustration, the British East India Company has taken not only her land but also her family’s most precious emerald. Along with her father, Nush travels to Buckingham Palace to visit Queen Victoria. There, Nush employs all of her determination and resourcefulness to reclaim the jewel to where it belongs and bring restoration to her country. At the same time, she finds herself caught up in a royal mystery involving the British royal children and the Queen herself.

Year 7 readers will love this pacey Victorian story that provides plenty to think about as well as a highly likeable feisty female lead.

New York Times bestselling author Renée Watson brings a heart-warming story about discovering the places that make us who we are.

Amara is 12 and lives in Oregon. She longs to visit New York so that she can find out about her heritage and see where her Dad grew up. Her Mum doesn’t have any family left, her Dad doesn’t talk about his, and with a new sibling on the way Amara is feeling a bit lost. She eventually persuades her Mum and Dad to take her to New York for her birthday and she is incredibly excited to meet her Grandpa Earl and her two cousins.

However, New York is busier than she imagined, Dad and Grandpa Earl are not talking to each other, and one of her cousins is not particularly welcoming. Dad spends most of the time working which makes it hard for her to work on the secret mission her Mum has given her: to bring her Dad and Grandpa Earl back together.

Things start to look up when Grandpa Earl arranges for Amara’s cousins Nina and Ava to take her sightseeing. While Nina is happy to show her around, Ava can’t understand why she is so fascinated by New York and rushes her past everything. Can Amara discover more about her heritage and bring her family back together?

I absolutely loved reading this heart-warming book, with its fascinating themes of identity, belonging, black culture and family running through the plot. It would make a brilliant book to read in Y7 as it raises many discussion points throughout, such as how Amara’s family treat her, how Amara behaves when she is in New York, the value of cultural heritage and the importance of family.

Originally published in 2001, but sadly still relevant, The Breadwinner is the story of a young girl called Parvana growing up in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. Her mother and older sister never go outside, as even covered from head to toe in a restrictive burqa and whilst accompanied by her father, it is still risky. Parvana is lucky, as she gets to accompany her father to the market where he earns a living reading and writing letters. But she misses going to school and seeing her friends since the Taliban decreed that girls could no longer attend. She even misses doing homework!

However, one day everything changes when Parvana’s father is arrested and taken away by the Taliban. No one knows where he is, why he has been taken or if they will ever see him again. All of a sudden, Parvana becomes the family breadwinner. But it’s too dangerous for Parvana to go out and about dressed as a girl so, overnight, she becomes a visiting male cousin called Kaseem. Dressed as a boy she needs to find ways to earn enough money to feed the family and keep a roof over their heads. But even for boys, life isn’t easy. Can she earn enough money to feed her family and will she ever see her father again?

A beautifully written book about life in Afghanistan. Not always an easy read, but a worthwhile one, especially for KS3. The first book in a series about Parvana, I’m looking forward to reading the next one.

The Skylarks’ War by Hilary McKay is a lovely story set in the midst of the First World War. We know how harrowing this war was and how tough it was on the men sent to the front lines, but also for those at home. Clarry is a wonderful main character who has boundless hope. She shows true determination throughout the story of her, her brother Peter and her cousin Rupert.

Most suitable for ages 10-13, this is such a beautiful story of love and hope in the face of adversity. I was laughing in places with the stories from Rupert and had tears streaming down my face in others. The author captures some intense moments of battle, fear and agony in such a way as to make it understandable for children reading the book. I was captivated throughout the whole book. I loved the characters, the storyline and the ending!

This masterpiece is written by Benjamin Zephaniah, and it delivers a powerful story about what it was like to be part of the Windrush Generation.

Based on real events of the time, this fictional story features Leonard, a boy who was born in Jamaica and grew up in England. The women in Leonard’s life have instilled a deep sense of his Caribbean heritage and history, teaching him the stories that have been handed down through generations… not the history and songs that have been taught in his school.

Looking for a brighter future for them all, his family respond to the post-war plea from Great Britain for workers from the Empire to relocate to rebuild a broken country. In 1958, on a cold April morning, they arrive in Southampton – the reception they receive is frosty, in more ways than one. And so begins Leonard’s life in England, and we see how he is treated at school, at work, socially and in his later years too.

At times, this is a difficult read. How can society continually undervalue people who have given it so much? But it is also an important and powerful read, endorsed by Amnesty International, and would be well-placed in the hands of readers aged 10-14.

A moving and heartfelt story about the relationship between an orphan and a pit pony in 1950s Yorkshire.

Reminiscent of classics like Black Beauty and Goodnight Mr Tom, Birdie is both a heart-warming animal story and a powerful exploration of belonging and bravery. A must-read for young readers, teachers and anyone who cherishes stories about finding hope in the face of adversity. Timeless, heartbreaking and ultimately uplifting, Birdie is destined to become a classic.

Catherine Johnson scooped the Little Rebels Award in 2019 with this short, middle-grade chapter book about the historical horrors of slavery.

The story follows a young boy called Nat, who is enslaved on a Jamaican plantation. When Nat is brought to England in the 1700s, he hopes to finally find freedom from bondage. Instead, Nat discovers the disappointing truth that slavery is still very much alive in England, and he witnesses the heavy role that Britain plays in operating the slave trade.

Little Rebels Judge Darren Chetty comments that the story “explores the humanity of those whose humanity was denied through chattel slavery. It subtly examines the similarities and the differences between class oppression and a system of slavery rooted in racism. It tells a story of Britain that continues to be neglected.”

While the main character is fictional, the details of the story are very much rooted in historical events and features real-life people and places. We recommend this book as a go-to for pupils learning about Britain’s role in the slave trade. Teachers are likely to find helpful the informative historical notes at the end of the book.

Safiyyah’s War is a gripping story of heroic defiance set in World War II Paris, all the more gripping for being based on underknown real-life events. It invites the reader to reflect on our shared humanity and the importance of community and compassion.

The story focuses on the central mosque, where a small team of devout North Africans see it as their moral duty to help endangered Jews escape to safety, despite the massive risks. Safiyyah’s Baba is among them. He does what he can to keep his actions secret from his daughter to protect her, but reckons without her strength of character and purpose. Unafraid to break a few rules in the process, Safiyyah insists on being trusted with the truth and allowed to make her own contribution. There is plenty of tension, but Safiyyah’s nerve holds in the face of her fear of the Nazis, leading her to a triumphant act of heroism.

The story illustrates how extreme circumstances can lead ordinary people to do extraordinary things and raises the old question of justice: can it sometimes be right to break the law? A beautiful, hope-affirming book for young people.

Comedy, family and school life – does this sound familiar to you? Of course, we’ve all been the butt or punchline to someone else’s joke, or wondered how far we would go to achieve viral fame.

Laugh-out-loud moments weave between the warmth of family and friendship to bring a classic page-turner for lower KS3. Here is a fusion of thirteen-year-old Carmichael Taylor, who finds life one big joke because his dream is to be a comedian. But it is when his stand-up routine at the school talent show goes viral that fame and fortune come to his doorstep. Only then is it up to Car to decide what or who he’s willing to risk to pursue his comedy career. Will he risk his family for laughs or his friends for fans?

Ben Bailey Smith has written a hugely funny and highly relatable story perfect for Y7+ readers and fans of Frank Cottrell-Boyce and Louie Stowell. Witty, charming and gorgeously heart-warming, comes a blazingly funny, big-hearted story about family, friendship and how far one boy will go to get a laugh. You won’t regret it and neither will your belly-laughing ribs!

A popular and humorous choice from the award-winning author Frank Cottrell Boyce.

This novel tells the story of Liam, an incredibly tall twelve-year-old who attempts to pass as an adult in order to accompany his friend Florida on a trip to space that she won in a competition.

It has been likened to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in a space setting, and contains discussion questions and bonus material for use in class.

This is the first book in Philip Reeve’s award-winning sci-fi quartet, Mortal Engines, in which entire cities are motorised on wheels and frequently fight each other for survival.

Set in a distant, dystopian future, the predatory traction city of London is a terrible place, with the richest living in luxury on the top tiers and the poorest living in squalor far down below. But there is another, more hopeful city in Reeve’s book. Batmunkh Gompa is beautiful, carved from rock with tiers of terraces and balconies, sparkling lakes, lush gardens, and brightly coloured taxi balloons. With its slogan ‘we shall make the world green again’, this is the utopian dream – and definitely the one readers would prefer to live in.

This gripping, post-apocalyptic thriller will have young sci-fi lovers in Year 7 and above on the edge of their seats.

First published in 1995, Philip Pullman’s ‘His Dark Materials’ has become a modern classic. Drawing on mythology, philosophy and literature, Pullman offers a deeply satisfying and multi-layered fantasy narrative. With some darker themes, this series is most suitable for the ages of 12 and above.

Lyra Belacqua’s journey through the frozen Arctic in Philip Pullman’s Northern Lights is a thrilling quest filled with magic, mystery, and the fight for freedom. This is a stunning fantasy, packed full of adventure and intrigue and very big family secrets. Who is Lyra’s mother and where has Will’s father gone? Readers will love the TV dramatization just as much as the books.

This is an atmospheric story set in an alternative near-future London. The city is a dangerous place for many, dominated by strict social rules, a system of racial superiority and un-abolished slavery that developed from colonialism. In this London, Adam and Zadie are both children who have been made to feel like outsiders. The story centres on their discovery of a mythical creature – a Tyger who is hiding after being hunted and wounded. Adam helps the injured Tyger and a friendship blossoms. Soon, the Tyger teaches Adam a renewed philosophical outlook on life and helps him tap into his hidden gifts. The children set about to protect and save the Tyger, and as fear and oppression rage in the city of London, the children’s courage to save the Tyger makes wider ripples than they could ever imagine.

There’s something timelessly alluring about tigers in children’s books, especially those that have time to sit down and talk with you. This Tyger has a mystical quality that will no doubt entice and intrigue young readers anew. Readers familiar with the work of William Blake won’t fail to notice the allusions to Blakean mythology that filter through text, illustrations and that striking cover. The Tyger in SF Said’s book offers Adam and Zadie something of the mystical and spiritual encounter that Blake hoped to offer his readers; a temporary liberation from the ‘mind-forged manacles’ of the material world and a hope-filled reminder of the power of the human spirit. Nothing is lost however for those unfamiliar with Blake as the book’s inspiration, and the fantasy story stands on its own feet (or paws) perfectly well.

Philosophical young readers will be thrilled to read this adventure – laced with danger, edged with fantasy and packed to the core with thinking and discussion points that link to very real issues in society. Despite the serious themes explored, Said writes with optimism and hope, showing how joy and light can always be found in the darkest of times. This story will no doubt find a home in the hearts of Year 7 readers who love mythology, quest stories and an encounter with something deeper.

Fans of Brightstorm will be delighted to see a more challenging offering from Vashti Hardy. I just loved being immersed in the world of Wildspark, with imaginary worlds that are as inventive as they are thrilling.

Prue Haywood is an inventive and curious girl who lives on a remote farm. Her aptitude for engineering gains her entry into the exciting world of Medlock and its secretive guild of inventors – but only because she poses as her brother, who really passed away not too long before. I loved following Prue’s journey on the Gigantrak train into the great metal city of Medlock and I read on with wide eyes, as Prue – a farm girl – acclimatises to the bright amber lights and towering structures of the city and the advanced systems and technologies waiting for her at the guild. With the brightest minds developing ways of placing human spirits into animal-like machines, the work of the guild is completely alluring for budding young inventors like Prue.

Prue is driven by a desire to bring her brother to life again, but it’s her warm nature, natural creativity and loyalty to friends and family that really help her the most as she navigates the complex issues of using technology responsibly. The narrative provides plenty to think about; many of the issues raised will resonate with readers growing up in the current generation that’s used to the pace of technologies advancing faster than the Gigantrak itself. I’m sure the book will raise fascinating discussions in many classrooms.

This is the first book in a hugely popular series of fantasy novels. The books follow the adventures of magical skeleton detective Skulduggery Pleasant and his niece and mentee, 12-year-old Stephanie. Together with other friends and comrades, Skulduggery and Stephanie (who is also known as Valkyrie Cain) fight against evil forces threatening the world.

Readers who love getting stuck into a fantasy series will find plenty to keep them hooked on in this series – mystery, action and adventure as well as an imaginative cast of characters and a host of cool fantasy settings.

This is the story of a young Ethiopian boy called Solomon, who has a passion for running. He dreams of becoming a medal-winning athlete. Little does he know that soon he will need to run with all his might in a race to save his grandfather’s life. This inspiring story was shortlisted for the prestigious Carnegie Medal.

This moving and evocative novel has won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award. Goodnight Mister Tom tells the story of a young boy called Willie Beech, who is evacuated to the countryside during World War II, and the relationship he develops with his new carer Mr Tom. There is also a very good film version available .

Black Brother, Black Brother is a powerful story of a boy’s path to finding his voice against racism and discovering who he is.

The Ellison family have moved to Boston from New York and brothers Donte and Trey are new arrivals at Middlefied Prep, a private school. Trey is immediately popular – however, Donte struggles to fit in. As sons of a biracial family, Donte soon finds out that having a different colour skin from his brother means that he is treated differently. The pupils view him with suspicion and it is not long before Donte is the focus of taunts and jibes of ‘Black Brother’ called his way, fuelled by ‘king’ Alan. After a seemingly trivial incident during which Donte is wrongly accused, events quickly escalate and he is arrested and suspended from school. Wanting others to see him for who he is and tired of feeling invisible, Donte decides to try and beat Alan at his own game: fencing. Donte journeys to inner city Boston – a world away from the rich white suburbs where he currently lives – to enlist the help of a once Olympic fencer. But will he help Donte? Will the children and headmaster at his school ever accept him? Will Donte find out who he is inside?

This is an important story that highlights the discrimination and inequalities that many face due to the colour of their skin, bringing it into sharp focus in a way that is accessible for middle grade children. This is a story demanding to be read and I found it difficult to put down until it had reached its conclusion. I was both shocked and moved by the sheer unjustness of Donte’s situation. This is truly a children’s story for our times. A thought-provoking and important book for ages 11 and above.

Wow! This book is hugely powerful and packs a punch. It will stay with you for a very long time. The author shares a moving account of the experience of being displaced from one’s home country and the refugee experience.

The fact that Sami’s family are wealthy and educated in Damascus in some ways makes the story even more impactful as their experience could be considered ‘better’ than many also attempting to make the journey. The characters are very well drawn throughout, each battling their own struggles, whilst trying to do what is best for their family in the most challenging of situations. It is a book with huge depth that will generate a lot of important conversations and one that is filled with empathy and small kindness amongst the turmoil and fear.

Best suited for mature readers in the lower years of KS3, this story is a harrowing read. The narrative references bombing, casualties, the journey of a refugee and the conditions and danger they might be forced to endure, the perilous journey over the sea with boats capsising, internment in an immigration centre and an assault, as well as family rejection and the feeling of not belonging and being undervalued in a new country. The emotional turmoil of all members of the family also makes this a necessary and powerful, yet challenging read that will be remembered for a long time after reading.

When new girl Nadima arrives at school speaking very little English she struggles to make friends until Jas reaches out a hand of friendship by sharing her chocolate. Nadima’s experiences as a refugee are incredibly difficult for her friends to relate to, they can never truly understand what her life was like in Syria. This thoughtful story cleverly captures the fear and brutality she has experienced in a powerful and moving way.

Focusing on events caused by global warming, this gripping book is relevant to current topics including climate change and environmental studies.

Told through the eyes of a 10-year-old girl, Zoe, the earth’s sea levels have risen and flooded coastal areas the world over, including Zoe‘s town in the Fens in England.

As her family is being evacuated, she is separated from them. Forced to set out on her own to find them, Zoe is faced with many challenges that threatened her survival.

This book is perfect for older primary and younger secondary children, who will see it as a massive adventure. It’s a brilliant premise.

In a time when the bees have long gone and artificial pollination prevails, two children must risk everything to expose the truth. The freedom of a nation and the future of the natural world depend on it …

A powerful and timely story of hope, love, friendship and the importance of protecting our natural world. Shifa’s life changes completely when she finds out the dark secret about where she comes from. At the same time, her hometown is falling apart and drying up. She and her brother are taken away by a powerful group that controls everything and uses children to help keep their world running. But Shifa does not give up. As she tries to get back home, she faces big dangers—but also makes new friends, learns who she really is, and finds the courage to stand up and protect our world.

Once I started reading, I could not put this book down. I have read many of Sita Brahmachari’s novels, and this is my favourite by far. It is beautifully written and very relevant to current conversations around climate change. This book will appeal to children and adults and is ideally suited to mature KS2 and early KS3. My daughter was as hooked as I was, and the story provided lots of opportunities for some quite thought-provoking discussions.

This is a powerful story exploring the question of how children can turn into criminals. Tulip, who has experienced deep cruelty at home, makes herself unpopular by skiving school, back talking the teachers and telling awful lies. Drawn in by Tulip’s strange actions, a girl called Natalie witnesses Tulip becoming increasingly sinister and wonders exactly how far Tulip will go. This is a mesmerising book that grapples with sensitive and complex issues and is most suitable for 10-14-year-olds ready to handle tough topics.

Any child who has loved Phil Earle’s war stories or Sheila Burnford’s ‘The Incredible Journey’ will love ‘I am Rebel’.

Ross Montgomery tells the story of Tom, a restless and idealistic farm boy, who makes the dangerous decision to join a civil rebellion against an oppressive and heartless king, and Rebel, his brave and faithful dog. Rebel, determined to track Tom down, sets out on a journey to find him and makes friends along the way. What begins as one dog’s search for his boy turns into an epic animal odyssey.

Montgomery draws in all kinds of issues to his narrative; the desire of a young boy to rebel and follow the promise of a dream in defiance of his parents, his misguided trust in an unknown adult, and, more positively, the power of love and faithfulness in friendships and family.

It is often said of new releases that they read like classics – but this one truly does. Ross Montgomery’s vivid and emotive storytelling paired with simple language make it a must for school libraries. It’s timeless, touching, and thrilling throughout.

As many Y7s know, starting a new school can be very stressful for any child, but 12-year-old Ben is dealing with more than your average person. Issues at home have exacerbated his OCD to the point that he is struggling to deal with things without turning to his compulsions, which in turn he is trying to hide from his new schoolmates, adding more to the pressure he is feeling. It turns into an ongoing struggle for him, until April reaches out to him and a new connection is made.

This book manages to tell a beautiful story of friendship and bravery, while also educating sensitively about what it is like to live with OCD. The descriptions of Ben’s struggles are heartrending, but ultimately it is an inspiring and uplifting story that says so much about the life-affirming importance of friendship.

Informative and a warm evocation of a young boy’s struggles growing up in a difficult situation, it is a perfect book for our troubled times. A great read for children in Years 6, 7 or 8.

Check Mates weaves together the stories of 11-year-old Felix and his lonely grandad in a heartwarming read full of empathy, humour and an encouragement to look beyond the unusual behaviour of others in order to connect with the human stories that lie beneath.

Readers of Stewart Foster’s previous books will have come to expect gritty real-life issues to be unpacked in a hugely compassionate and accessible way through the eyes of a likeable young narrator. This story is narrated by Felix, who struggles to concentrate at school and home because of his ADHD. The early chapters offer stirring insights into Felix’s thought processes and the sense of hopelessness that he feels at his own failure to stay out of trouble at school, ending up in an isolation room time and time again.

Mum organises for Felix to spend more time with his grandad, whose own eccentric behaviour has been increasingly concerning since Grandma died. Felix wonders whether he will ever connect with Grandad, who is often grumpy and likes to sit in the dark at home with the curtains closed. As they spend time together, Grandad teaches Felix how to play chess and the pair forms a bond that brings blessings to each of them in surprising ways.

Stewart Foster is skilled at bringing just the right amount of warmth and humour to his narratives in order to draw the reader to the heart of the issues explored without taking away their serious nature. Young readers will easily identify with Felix and his friend Jake, whose interests and mannerisms are typical of many young people their age. I liked the way in which digital technology was a very natural part of Felix’s lifestyle and was present throughout the story in a very relatable way. A less familiar historical element is also woven in too, with interesting threads about Cold War history that bring with them a number of pleasing plot twists and turns along the way.

Check Mates is a thoroughly enjoyable and thought-provoking read that will strike a chord with readers in the 10-13 age bracket.

This is a brilliant, gritty novel from Malorie Blackman aimed at older children or younger teens.

The dual narrative follows the stories of Gemma and Mike, who are both struggling to deal with past trauma and difficult family dynamics. Mike, the new boy at school is (on the surface) sociable, popular and seems to have it all, whereas Gemma feels unnoticed and invisible to her family and her peers. Their worlds collide when Gemma realises she has seen Mike in a newspaper clipping and endeavours to find out more about his past – especially why he has told everyone his mum has died when Gemma knows this not to be true.

A brilliant, compelling tale exposes themes that some children will be familiar with, others less so. The story explores themes of friendship, bullying, trauma, parents in prison, death, separation, mental health, domestic abuse and family relationships. As often, Malorie Blackman weaves a tale with a moral message and shows her readers how mistakes can be rectified through honesty and a good support network.

Mexikid is a wonderfully illustrated graphic memoir.

Through the book, the author, Pedro Martin, provides readers with a unique, entertaining insight into his world – the world of children born in America to Mexican parents. The book is set in 1977 when superhero-loving Pedro is 10 years old. Pedro is part of a large family – he has 8 siblings some of whom were born in Mexico before their parents moved to the family to America – and he thinks his home is too crowded. Pedro does not feel connected to his Mexican heritage, so when he finds out that his Abualito, who lives in Mexico, is coming to live with them, he is concerned about how it will impact his life.

The whole family set out on what turns out to be a rather adventure-filled road trip to go and collect Pedro’s Abualito. What follows is a journey of discovery, unity and personal growth all wrapped up in plenty of humour. This is a great book to encourage conversation about heritage and culture.

This is a delightful read for children in early Key Stage 3, offering a treasure trove of fundamental life lessons wrapped up in engaging and humorous writing. The book effortlessly blends fun with wisdom, encouraging young readers to think for themselves and act with kindness, even in tricky situations.

The book helps in learning how to disagree politely—a skill that’s crucial for young people navigating school and social life. The tone is light-hearted and funny, ensuring that the lessons don’t feel preachy or heavy-handed, but rather like advice from a friendly mentor. The book is also visually appealing, with charming illustrations that complement the lively writing. These fun images add another layer of entertainment to the book, helping kids better understand and retain the lessons being taught

At its core, the book promotes individuality and encourages children to stand firm in their beliefs while respecting others’ perspectives. It shows that you can disagree without being rude or dismissive, which is an important skill for building healthy relationships. By the end, readers are not only entertained but also motivated to develop their voices and think critically.

Overall, this is a great tool for both parents and educators, helping young people develop social-emotional skills that will serve them well throughout life. The humour and illustrations keep things light, while the underlying messages are meaningful, making it an excellent choice for children eager to learn key life lessons in an entertaining way.

Medicine: A Magnificently Illustrated History is a visually stunning and fact-packed exploration of the world of medicine. Authored by pharmacy historian Briony Hudson and featuring dynamic artwork by Nick Taylor, this non-fiction title is an excellent resource for classrooms and libraries aiming to evoke curiosity about the history of health and healing.

This comprehensive book covers thousands of years of medical advancements, from ancient herbal remedies to modern breakthroughs, in an accessible and engaging manner. Its chronological structure allows readers to follow the timeline of medical progress while also enabling them to explore topics of interest at their own pace.

Hudson’s writing expertly balances informative content with digestibility, offering fascinating insights into medical practices across various cultures and time periods. The book highlights the strange and shocking aspects of medical history, appealing particularly to children in Year 7 and beyond.

Medicine: A Magnificently Illustrated History exemplifies what children’s non-fiction can be — accessible, beautifully designed, and genuinely fascinating, making it a must-have for any classroom exploring the human story through medicine. The book addresses darker chapters of medical history with sensitivity and appropriateness, inviting meaningful discussions.

Most fashion-conscious young people will have heard of the term sustainable fashion, but with such a sea of information available it can be hard to know which aspects are relevant to individuals. For young readers hitting the age where they are starting to make their own decisions about buying clothing, this is a practical and accessible guide to becoming a conscious consumer while developing an individual fashion sense.

The book educates readers on the life cycle of clothing, laying out the huge amount of labour involved in each stage from growing and harvesting cotton through to selling the garment in a shop. Typically a single t-shirt passes through at least 100 pairs of hands in production before even being tried on, and can often have travelled thousands of miles too.

While recognising the importance of fashion and the role it plays in individual expression, the authors explain the human and environmental ethical implications of the ‘fast fashion’ industry and then gives a toolkit of ethical ways to be fashion-conscious. Readers will learn how to make decisions when shopping, to check labels and fabrics, to wash clothes well and to ‘make do and mend’ or upcycle old clothing. There’s also a handy history of fashion to put modern consumer habits into context.

This is an informative and empowering non-fiction book for young people who are now old enough to take responsibility for their own decisions when choosing and buying clothes.