Year 8: 50 Recommended Reads

This is a gripping story by Jewell Parker Rhodes, dealing with the complexities of racism, prejudice and bullying. Most suitable for children aged 11-15, the book brings to the surface some hard but real-world experiences faced by generations of young people.

This important story is about a 12-year-old boy called Jerome, who is killed by a policeman mistaking his toy gun for a real one. In the narrative, Jerome’s ghost lives on to watch the aftermath of the events – including the pain of his grieving family and the police officer’s hearing. Jerome begins to encounter other ghost boys, and makes a connection with their stories.

Hope is offered in the form of the police officer’s daughter, Sarah, who although alive can still interact with the ghost of Jerome. Sarah seeks empathy and hard truths, and provides a thread of light and hope through the story. Sarah represents a new generation of children looking for change in the status quo when it comes to race and equality, and perhaps young readers today will find inspiration or connection with this character amid a heavy but important storyline.

Highly recommended for KS3 readers!

A short but harrowing account of how one boy makes the journey to freedom and ultimately safety. Eye opening to anyone who is new to the subject and a must share in classrooms, this is the kind of book that you will find quick to read but slow to forget.

Boy 87 delivers a stark portrayal of a young refugee’s perilous journey through unembellished, first-person narrative. The narrative demands mature engagement, making it a good choice for exploring complex themes like migration and empathy with Key Stage 3 students.

The story is thought-provoking and offers a raw glimpse into displacement. Mature readers able to engage with the book’s themes will also pick up on the sense of empowerment offered through the book. Boy 87 encourages critical thinking about human rights and global citizenship.

Ideal for Year 8, this book’s concise format, relevant themes and relatable protagonist make a quick and powerful impact.

Wink is a remarkable book with a story that masterfully balances weighty themes with humour, making it a highly engaging read for older children and younger teens.

Ross’s seventh-grade year takes an unexpected turn when he receives a diagnosis of a rare eye cancer, instantly making his desire to be ‘normal’ a distant dream. Navigating the challenges of hair loss, a required hat and the awkward silence of friends unsure how to react, he feels like nothing more than the ‘cancer kid’. Readers follow Ross and his family grappling with this significant life event, discovering strength and laughter through friends, art and music amidst the hardship – not to mention the imagined antics of his comic creation, Batpig, offering a unique and relatable perspective.

Alongside the cancer plotline inspired by the author’s own experiences, this recommended read also explores themes of friendship dynamics, family bonds, peer judgement, identity and cyberbullying. The cast of characters – not least Ross’s friends and supporting adults – highly enrich the story, from Abby’s sharp wit to Frank’s musical passion and Jimmy’s surprising depth.

Relatable, funny and highly recommended.

‘The Bone Sparrow’ is a poignant and beautifully written book that is hard to put down.

The story follows Subhi, who is a refugee born in an immigration detention centre. As explained in the afterword of the story, Subhi and his family are Rohingya, and there are traditional tales woven into the book. The afterword is very informative and clearly explains different aspects of the characters, history and what is happening in Australia and around the world.

This book is raw – not an easy read for children, but an emotionally rewarding one. Readers will find themselves fully invested in the story and better educated about the lives of others.

Al lives in a council flat with his Mum until she is sent back to prison. Al’s Dad is absent, so his gran enlists the help of his half sister Plum to prevent him from returning into care. Al wants to get his revenge on the neighbour whom he believes sent her there. The only friends he feels he can rely on are Venom and Vulture, his pet rats, but with their help, he thinks he has the perfect plan…

Award winning author, Patrice Lawrence, has once again woven a story that brilliantly brings together characters, that each pull at your heart, while artfully introducing threads to the plot that further enrich those deep complex relationships and mean you can’t put the book down as you will Al to find happiness of his own.

This is a story that feels full of pain and loss, but equally full of love, joy, hope and understanding sometimes from the most unlikely of sources. Space is given in the book for young readers to further independently explore the book with guided questions and additional information about some of the topics and words used.

Benjamin Zephaniah’s Refugee Boy is poignant and memorable. Lower secondary school readers looking for the next step on after Windrush Child or The Boy at the Back of the Class will feel drawn to this moving account of one boy’s refugee experience.

The story follows a boy called Alem. With war raging in his parents’ homelands of Ethiopia and Eritrea, Alem’s father takes him to London to seek asylum. Suddenly alone in a strange land, Alem faces the daunting task of building a new life. Zephaniah’s narrative vividly captures Alem’s challenges and the difficult realities faced by child refugees, as well as warmly capturing the grit and courage of the central character’s personality as he adapts to a new culture while seeking safety.

Though it doesn’t shy away from the harsh truths, Refugee Boy is ultimately a story of resilience and human kindness. In places the narrative is witty and wry – in others emotional and raw – and many readers will enjoy this balance.

This powerful book offers a moving insight into the refugee experience, drawing readers’ attention to the courage needed to navigate life’s losses and forge a new future.

Kiran Millwood Hargrave’s The Island at the End of Everything is a lyrical and moving story that explores themes of love and courage as one girl journeys to overcome injustice and reunite with her mother.

The story immerses readers in the world of Amihan, living on the island of Culion where many of the islanders have leprosy. Ami’s love for her home is disrupted by a harsh official who forces any undiseased islanders to leave. Banished and desperate to return to her mother, Ami finds a fragile hope in a colony of butterflies.

Hargrave’s masterful storytelling, evocative writing and memorable characters bring Ami’s journey to life. The symbolic butterflies underscore the themes of hope and transformation in this beautiful tale of resilience, belonging and the enduring power of family bonds.

‘The Bubble Wrap Boy’ is a coming-of-age novel which will make you howl with laughter and cry with heartache. Phil Earl tells the story of a teenage boy Charlie, who feels lost and isolated, until he finds his passion: skateboarding. The only issue is his overprotective mother, who will do everything in her power to ruin his fun and consequently, all chances of being popular at school. Interweaved within hilarious plot twists and teenage angst, is a powerful message of friendship, loyalty and resilience.

The story is told with utter brilliance as Earl manages to capture the point of view of a misunderstood young boy, who shows that anything can be achieved if you put your mind to it. This novel is undoubtedly a modern classic, which conveys some important messages for young people today.

There are many things to love about Chinglish! It’s written very accessibly in the form of the diary of Jo Kwan and set in the 1980s. Jo lives with her eccentric mum and dad, her sister Bonny in a cramped flat over their Chinese takeaway and her diary captures the rollercoaster of teenage emotions in an entertaining way.

Many of the episodes are very funny; some are dramatic; others are poignant in the manner of any good coming of age story. What adds an extra dimension is the emotional perspective of being perceived to own two identities. As Jo puts it, “I always feel Chinese when I’m with English people and English when I’m with Chinese people. It’s never one or the other.” This serious theme is so deftly handled that it never tips into preachiness. Jo overcomes difficulties through sheer force of character and by laughing at the human comedy wherever she can. Her narrative, though, does force the reader to confront the contradictory way we approach racial identity and make a powerful argument for greater sensitivity and tolerance in our discourse.

The humorous line drawings that accompany some of the diary entries add to overall sense of light-heartedness and develop Jo’s character as someone who can satirise the darkly funny side of almost everything. Despite the Wimpy Kid style appearance of the diary entries, this is a sophisticated narrative covering deep and thought-provoking themes that will offer a suitable level of challenge for KS3 readers. It tackles, gently, the problems caused by gambling addictions (Jo’s father is a compulsive gambler), racial aggression and domestic violence and there is some strong language. It would be great for building empathy around the challenges of immigration and cultural assimilation as well as discussions about identity, racial aggression and inclusion. Even with these deeper themes – the experience of reading this is nonetheless a fun one.

Sarah Crossan never fails in addressing the more gritty issues that reflect the realities of some teenagers’ lives. Crossan does for the young teen what Jacqueline Wilson did for the pre-teen reader.

The story of Apple and Rain touches on a wide range of themes: friendship, bullying, family, love, attachment and mental health, to name a few. The reader is pulled through the story, empathising with different characters through the book and in particular with Apple, the main character, whose mother re-enters her life after nearly 15 years. The English teacher at school and the poetry that he introduces Apple to provide a sanctuary and opportunity for her to express the complex feelings that accompany the return of her mother and the deep desire for it all to work out for them as a family. In addition, poetry provides Apple with a chance to express the loss of her best friend to another girl in the class and the beginnings of her feelings for the boy Del, a neighbour.

Crossan is fabulous at showing how the unusual or ‘outcast’ characters have the greatest depth, care and charm, and this is evident in the behaviours of Apple’s new stepsister and the home-schooled ‘boy next door’, Del. All the characters are carefully crafted by Crossan, including Nana, who has looked after Apple since birth.

This is a super read for any teen.

‘Talking to Alaska’ will take its readers on an incredible journey of friendship in the most unlikely of places. The story is cleverly told from two differing perspectives.

We are introduced to Sven, a quiet and quirky loner, who had to give her dog Alaska away last summer. We are then introduced to Parker, a new boy at school, who suffers from epilepsy and feels more alone the worse his seizures become. Both teenagers take an instant dislike to each other, and both feel equally misunderstood. Following a series of unusual events, both main characters find their paths crossing, despite their desire to avoid each other.

Readers are given an honest insight into the struggles of living with epilepsy, and the impact this can have on someone’s daily life. We learn how first impressions do not always tell us everything and that the bonds we make with each other, and with animals, can be life-changing! Told most beautifully, this is a must-read for any young adult who is feeling lost or misunderstood!

This popular and thoroughly gripping series mixes high-stakes action with thought-provoking themes of social injustice and the cost of conflict – making it a modern must-read for young adults.

In the first book in the series, readers are first introduced to the brutal world of Panem, where the chilling Hunger Games force teenagers from twelve districts to fight to the death in a televised spectacle. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen steps up to volunteer as a tribute in the Games in order to protect her younger sister. For Katniss, this becomes the start of a desperate fight for survival that results in the beginnings of a movement of rebellion against the oppressive Capitol.

With a resilient female lead in Katniss and a relentlessly paced plot, The Hunger Games and its subsequent books offer a thrilling dystopian adventure that are a proven hit with teen readers and have subsequently been made into hit films.

Highly recommended, this series is perfect for fans of action-packed stories with strong characters, a dose of brutality and meaningful themes.

This is an award-winning and profoundly evocative tale by Patrick Ness. Filled with pathos, this is not a story for the faint-hearted. In equal parts emotionally challenging and rewarding, the narrative also offers a profound exploration of love, loss and hope found in unexpected places.

Conor has experienced the same terrifying nightmare since his mother’s illness began. One night, a different kind of visitor arrives at his window – an ancient, elemental monster. As Conor grapples with his mother’s worsening condition, bullies at school and worries about family relationships, the monster’s nightly visits and enigmatic stories force him to confront his deepest fears and the painful realities he struggles to acknowledge.

This powerful novel explores themes of grief, loss and fear while also highlighting the courage required to confront troubling truths and raw human emotions. Ness doesn’t shy away from the deep sadness of Conor’s situation, but at the same time weaves in elements of light and dark and points the reader towards the slow but hopeful process of healing.

A Monster Calls is a poignant and unforgettable modern classic, best suited for mature readers in Key Stages 3 and 4.

This is a brilliantly inspiring collection of short stories about women’s roles during the First World War by an impressive array of writers, including Adele Geras, Berlie Doherty and Sufiya Ahmed.

From a story about an ambulance driver risking her life to rescue wounded soldiers on the front line, a grieving singer entertaining and giving hope to the troops at the Front to a young nurse caring for injured and dying soldiers in a field hospital, this book covers a wide range of women’s experiences during the war, whether at home or in foreign fields. As can be expected from stories about wartime, they do not always make for easy reading and the stories take the reader through a full spectrum of emotions whilst reading, from grief and despair at the horrors of war through to hope and gratitude for all the people who worked so hard to make other’s lives better.

A great read for any pupils studying the First World War or at the changing roles and expectations of women.

The Coram Man travels around the country and collects the newborn babies from desperate mothers who are promised that their children will be delivered safely to a foundling hospital. Unbeknownst to them, Otis kills and deposits the infants along the side of the road.

Otis is the Coram Man and has his son Meshak to help him with his business, as well as collecting and selling unwanted children. They find themselves entwined with a wealthy family, the Ashbrooks, after Meshak decides to save one of the babies, Aaron. Aaron grows up with his guardian angel ‘Mish’ watching over him in the foundling hospital. Aaron finds himself being pulled closer to his real family through his talent in music; however, just as things are starting to look up, the Coram man reappears and is back to his evil ways.

This book is a gothic novel split into two parts. It highlights some of the horrors of life during the 18th century – the hardships, the poverty and the importance of wealthy women being seen as proper at all times. The prologue starts the book’s theme off by sharing a story about a wealthy woman abandoning six of her children and keeping only one by asking her midwife to drown the other six.

The story has historic themes and is suitable for mature readers who can handle sensitive topics. This is a dark story with some difficult parts, but also one that will reward readers with its gripping and thought-stirring narrative.

Set in the wake of the Chernobyl disaster of 1986, this fictional story of the dogs left behind to fend for themselves is both powerful and upsetting, yet exciting and inspiring.

Anthony McGowan weaves together the story of a young girl who is forced to flee from her home with that of pups Misha and Bratan, brothers who also live a life running away. The characters of the dogs and the other animals they encounter throughout the book are brought to life with vivid descriptions and wonderful storytelling. We are made to care about them as much as we do about the greatest human fictional characters.

The villains of the story, the predators, are menacing and fierce, and the fights between the dogs and them are told in a manner that is not for the faint-hearted. However, the reality of the battle for survival in the wild is not a story of fiction and is, therefore, a story that needs to be told. As such, I would recommend this book to readers of lower secondary school age, best suited to Year 8.

This book will pull at your heartstrings, make your heart skip a beat and leave you in awe of McGowen’s wonderful storytelling.

An award-winning children’s classic first published in 1976, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry remains a powerful and essential read today, offering a powerful exploration of racism and resilience and set in 1930s Mississippi during the American Depression.

The narrative is told through the experiences of Cassie Logan and explores the Logan family’s unwavering fight for dignity in the face of public racial prejudice. The story addresses key themes such as family loyalty and the pursuit of justice.  Students unfamiliar with the historical context will learn about the harshness of growing up as an African American in the American South during the 1930s –  a period of enforced racial segregation, Jim Crow laws, nightly Ku Klux Klan rides and the struggle for economic independence.

Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry is a highly recommended classic book for tween and younger teen readers and one that will encourage empathy and critical thinking.

This book follows Eden’s battle to stay true to herself. A battle that I am sure after reading we would not want to find ourselves fighting. Eden finds herself on the wrong side of the Glossies – a vicious trio of girls who use social media to huge effect to assert their authority over their peers.

Eden wakes up to new running trainers on her birthday. She checks the group chat (Woodford Whispers) assuming it is another post about how great Mikki (one of the trio is). In school, utter humiliation by the Glossies follows those victim to it onto the world of social media.

Sports Day sparks a vendetta against Eden as she draws attention to herself (not intended – but being pushed into running the track race will do that to a character). Now on the Glossies’ radar, Eden finds herself presented with a test by them – a test that involves being unkind to one of the other girls – and refuses to undertake it, leading to her being subjected to the unkindness instead. As she is presented with further tests, Eden resolves not to join in with the bullying of others. However, it continues online. Eden begins a battle for survival but holds firm to her values. Hiding is not an option and she holds her own. There is a very clear message that even if you are not directly involved in the bullying, if you sit by and watch it happen without doing anything to counteract it, you are contributing to it – a message that may be painful for some to hear.

This is an important, thought-provoking and contemporary read that will grip ages 11-14.

‘No Fixed Address’ is a wonderfully written story about Felix Knutsson and his mother, Astrid. The story follows Felix’s journey of living in a Volkswagen Westfalia with no fixed address.

The story, written from Felix’s perspective, is complex, funny and relatable. There are themes of friendships running throughout the book, and as a reader, you feel connected to the characters. The way Felix’s friends support him but also must make tough decisions when they are concerned about his wellbeing is something children may experience themselves. Felix’s struggles throughout the book are relatable, and I feel that some children could resonate with Felix and what he is going through. The themes of a mother and son bond and the day-to-day problems Felix must try and solve add depth to the story.

I would recommend this book to children who are in the early years of KS3 or any children who might be amid moving to or from a new school. There is a game show that Felix gets to be a part of, creating hope and an aspect of fun, and you feel as if you want Felix to achieve his dreams to better his life.

No Fixed Address’ is a great book that creates discussions about sensitive topics which could be discussed during KS3 PSHE lessons or form time. The book is highly recommended and was one I struggled to put down until I had finished reading it.

Tall Story is a humorous and moving novel about Andi, a teen who finally meets her half-brother, Bernardo, from the Philippines.

Andi deeply wishes to play on the school basketball team but despite her passion, her shorter-than-average height is an obstacle to her success. Meanwhile, when half-brother Bernardo arrives from the Philippines, he turns out to be extremely tall – in fact, giant size!

This dual narrative is told from both Andi and Bernardo’s perspectives and the story explores the ups and downs of their sibling relationship and the merging of their cultures.

Tall Story is Candy Gourlay’s debut novel and makes for a memorable read about family in its extraordinary forms. This is a great text for Y8 readers who will appreciate humour alongside deeper themes of identity, belonging and accepting differences.

Shaun, aka MC Growls, and his best mate, fellow MC Shanks, is heading for global stardom as a rap star and raptology is just the first step in making that happen… at least that is what Growls likes to convince himself.

Then, after a cataclysmic failed attempt at live streaming, Growls’ life goes from bad to worse, and it seems even his “insane rap skills” can’t save him. Thankfully, his teacher Mr Rix, counsellor Karen, unlikely new friend Siobhan and even his brother (never his biggest fan) help him believe in himself again – but will even that be enough?

“Steady for this” is Nathanael Lessore’s debut novel, and has been multiple-award-shortlisted, including for a Carnegie award and won the Branford Boase Award 2024. Set in Peckham, and written in the broad dialect many living in that part of London, the novel brings out the joy and pain that can be found in living in a close knit community, the dangers and impact of putting your life online for all to see and the importance in never giving up hope even when things seem impossible.

Often “snort out loud” funny (read it in public at your peril), Lessore envelopes you in a world seen from the eyes of Growls, his touching naivety helps mask some of the pain that life is dealing him but when reality destroys even his optimism then faith in human nature is masterfully restored with a wake up call that all of us can make a big difference in someone’s life (good and bad) through what can seem the smallest of gestures.

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

Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles is a well-loved Sherlock Holmes mystery that delivers a blend of detective work and chilling Gothic suspense. Readers are thrown into a mystery surrounding Sir Charles Baskerville’s death and the terrifying legend of a spectral hound haunting the moors. This classic offers students an ideal introduction to the conventions of the mystery genre and key Gothic themes like suspense and the supernatural, meaning that it remains an engaging and popular choice of an older text.

First published in 1902, this is a story for adults that is often also read in secondary schools, providing an introduction to classic literature. The language offers a challenge to stretch stronger readers in KS3 while the narrative remains accessible enough for enjoyable comprehension and the chilling tropes of mysteries, curses and hauntings offer as much stimulation to the modern teen audience as they did to the original readership.

Following the inimitable Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion Dr Watson as they unravel the secrets behind the Baskerville curse, young readers will enjoy trying to stay one step ahead of Sherlock- and whether they solve the case or not, they will finish with a significant and iconic literary work under their reading belt.

First published in 1937, J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit has become known as a classic book for children and one that remains highly recommended today, particularly for secondary school students.

The story follows the magical adventure of one of the best-loved characters in fantasy literature – peace-loving hobbit Bilbo Baggins.

This book’s engaging narrative and accessible language make it an ideal introduction to longer-form storytelling and the wild and imaginative cast of characters (like the wizard Gandalf, the band of dwarves and Smaug the dragon) familiarise a variety of key tropes of the fantasy genre. It also lays a foundation for appreciating the broader world of Tolkien’s Middle-earth, should readers wish to explore further.

Exciting, strange, magical, adventurous and gripping!

Lois Lowry’s award-winning book The Giver has become known as a modern classic for secondary school pupils.

This engaging novel is a fantastic introduction to dystopian fiction, exploring conformity versus individuality and the vital role of memory and choice. The book introduces readers to Jonas’s seemingly perfect community, where everything is controlled. Jonas becomes selected as the Receiver of Memory uncovers a hidden past filled with emotions and experiences deliberately suppressed. This eye-opening role forces Jonas to question the value of societal rules and the human cost of their so-called utopia.

Jonas’s journey of discovery encourages students to think critically about societal control and the importance of freedom and emotion, making it a powerful and thought-provoking narrative for this age group. A must-read!

This is the definitive edition of The Diary of a Young Girl, which details the experiences of Anne Frank as a Jewish girl whose family fled Nazi occupation during World War II. 

Anne’s story is written in diary format and provides details of the months leading up to her time in hiding, background about her family and the political situation in Germany and then the Netherlands. The diary depicts Anne’s short life from her hiding place in the Annexe until she was discovered in 1944. It also gives details about those she was in hiding with and the very brave people who kept them safe.

The book is now considered a classic and is accessible for secondary school children – with language and themes appropriate for children in Key Stage. The book could be used in schools in a wider teaching context or for children to read in their own time, although discussion around the events of the book is always recommended. Anne’s is no ordinary diary and the gravity of the historical and political context needs to be keenly felt, particularly as our children grow up in an age where it would seem they need to be alert to hate crimes, extreme political movements and discrimination in various forms.

Nonetheless, her story is a remarkable and eye-opening one that – despite its dark historical context – also celebrates acts of courage in the face of adversity, making it a key text for readers in Key Stage 3.

A thrilling and fast-paced fantasy full of twists and turns!

I’m always amazed by the sheer scale of Philip Reeve’s imagination. Having created giant mobile cities in the Mortal Engines books, he turned to interstellar sci-fi for this story set in a multi-planetary universe linked by the Great Network, a web of wormholes travelled by huge, hyper-intelligent trains.

Railhead introduces an exciting sci-fi world and is a good book for Year 8 children looking to engage with fantasy stories and thrillers. The plot is wildly complicated yet super exciting, drawing in everything from god-like computer brains to swarms of sentient insects, and Reeve’s writing is, as always, very sharp and funny.

Ann Sei Lin’s Rebel Skies is a thrilling and imaginative fantasy story with a unique world inspired by Asian mysticism and a fast-paced adventure plot. It is recommended for Y8 readers and above.

Set among flying ships and sky cities, the story follows Kurara, an ordinary servant who discovers she is a Crafter, able to bring paper to life. This newfound ability draws her into a world of powerful paper spirits, imperial intrigue, mysterious creatures and a quest to uncover the truth, making for a fast-paced and engaging fantasy read. Any readers who have enjoyed the creative pursuit of origami will never quite see it in the same way again!

The novel’s original concept, blending fantasy with elements reminiscent of steampunk and Japanese mythology, provides a refreshing and exciting experience. Two further adventures follow in the same series.

An exciting novel set in the snowy northern forests of a prehistoric world. This fantastic adventure story is an exciting read and could be a great hook into a new series for children who love fantasy and adventure!

Twelve is a fierce hunter, and she has given up her name to train in the art of fighting monsters, and she won’t choose a new one until she has earned it. As her friend is taken, Twelve sets off on a dangerous journey to rescue her. Teaming up with Dog, the stone Guardian of the Hunting Lodge, Twelve ends up on an epic adventure that will change her life, her name – and her entire world.

Hark and his best friend Jelt live on the island of Lady’s Crave where they scavenge, scam and sell their finds.

The land they live in is shadowed in the past where people worshipped the Undersea Gods who thrived on the fear of the people. Hark finds himself indentured to Dr Vyne after being caught as part of one of Jelt’s plans with a local gang. He is given the task of looking after the ancient priests and finding out their secrets to be able to find out the secrets of the past Gods. Dr Vyne is trying to unravel the secrets of the gods, how they disappeared, what they looked like and how to best use god glass (old parts of the gods recovered from the Undersea).

Hark and Jelt quickly find themselves in possession of a most valuable piece of god glass, but it is not as lucky as they first think and they are soon in a very dangerous situation. What does this mean for the best friends, the people of Lady’s Crave and the surrounding islands?

‘Deeplight’ is a story full of imagination, mythological themes and adventures in the sea, which focuses on the importance of friendship and also treachery. The main characters are complex, but as the story unfolds, you feel that you really get to know them. It also includes a deaf character who lost her hearing after a diving incident. She gains her title of being ‘Sea-kissed’ and has to learn to communicate with her gang members by sign. It is refreshing to see a main character who signs.

An intriguing fantasy story recommended for secondary school children.

A stunning, unusual and very moving contemporary fairy tale which, like all the best fairy tales, is as scary as it is compelling. This is a great thriller with an underlying ecological message for KS3.

Very few land-dwellers know the real reason for the mistrust that exists between them and those who make their homes on the water. But the water-dwellers, the silvermen, have a secret. They are amphibious humans; they can swim like fish and breathe underwater through their skin.

Kelda’s little sister Isla, however, is different. When, as the Lore dictates, she was thrown into the river at seven days old, she couldn’t breathe and almost died. Since then, the family has protected Isla’s secret because her very existence is a crime. Now, the river is sickening, survival is becoming harder, and Isla could be blamed. When a dreadful betrayal happens, Kelda and Isla must go on the run, but the whole family is in danger and their love for Isla is so great they are willing to brave ordeals, terrifying monsters and even death to save her.

This stunning fantasy adventure explores the traditions and ancient wisdom by which a marginalised community live their lives and encourages readers to think about whether certain beliefs should be challenged. It also asks what we would be prepared to do for those we love.

This book is part of Jonathan Stroud’s brilliantly action-packed and suspenseful series about paranormal investigators Lockwood & Co – set in a witty world where ghosts and detectives collide.

Set in an alternate London plagued by terrifying supernatural forces, the book will send genuine shivers up your spine. In The Screaming Staircase, which is the first of the series, Lucy Carlyle finds a job at Lockwood & Co, a psychic detective agency run by the mysterious Anthony Lockwood. But can his ramshackle gang of young ghost-hunters survive the night in one of the most haunted houses in England?

Wildly popular and not for the faint hearted, this is a real page-turner best suited to readers aged 12 plus.

The Colour of the Sun is a complex novel by beloved author David Almond, who is well known for Skellig.

In the aftermath of a death, Davie goes in search of the killer following his mother’s advice that “the day is long, the world is wide, you’re young and free”. Along the way, he meets a host of characters through whom he learns about love, feuds, loss, friendships and growing up, while coming to terms with the death of his own father. At times, you are left wondering what is real and what might be imagined as the two merge into Davie’s narrative.

The story mixes themes of grief, adolescence, childhood and the supernatural. The themes within the book are challenging, but the text is accessible – making it a suitable and thought-provoking choice for KS3 readers.

This ambitious graphic novel highlights the devastating effects of climate change through the lives of two children on either side of the globe.

In the Bay of Bengal, Sami has lost his home, both his parents and the family’s lucky knife to a cyclone some years before. Now he and his grandfather are struggling to catch anything on their fishing trips and the cyclones are becoming fiercer and more frequent. Sami is set on recovering the knife, hoping that it will restore their good fortune, but doing so means disobeying his grandfather and taking risks that may threaten them all.

Meanwhil, Yuki lives north of the Arctic Circle where she too undertakes a dangerous mission. Setting off into the icy wilderness with her dog, Locky, she is determined to track a grolar bear – a cross-breed between a grizzly and a polar bear whose territories have collided as the climate has warmed. Soon it’s the grolar bear that is tracking Yuki and Locky. Can their close bond and indomitable spirit save them?

Subtly different colour palettes differentiate the two worlds and the switch from one to the other enables thrilling cliffhangers as each child in turn is flung into jeopardy. The pictures carry much of the emotional weight of the story too, conveying the impact of terrifying natural disasters on humans in marginalised communities. The greater the sense of panic, the more the reader has to look closely to make sense of the deliberately disordered illustrations.

Despite everything, the story never loses its faith in humanity. Sami’s grandfather is a model of how to behave with generosity and empathy no matter how bad things get and the story ends with a hope of connection, as a chance find puts the two children in touch with each other. It’s a gripping and emotional read that doesn’t shy away from its message and yet remains positive and uplifting – definitely a story not to miss!

Chris Mould’s War of the Worlds, inspired by the classic science-fiction story by H.G. Wells, is a stunning illustrated novel designed to introduce the younger generation to this timeless story of aliens and adventure.

War of the Worlds is set in the late 1800s, where our young hero, Leon, witnesses the arrival of strange extra-terrestrial pods from space. The excitement of the people swiftly turns to horror as giant metallic creatures emerge, wreaking havoc, destruction and death on anyone and anything that gets in their way. Leon records this invasion through jottings and sketches, whilst trying to find a way to stop the monsters and keep his loved ones safe.

The story is ‘inspired by’ Wells’ original tale and has been significantly reduced and simplified for a younger audience, but the essence of the story has been captured. Whilst this is described as a graphic novel, there is quite a lot of text among the graphic panels, and we might argue whether this is actually more of a heavily illustrated novel. Essentially,  Mould’s distinctive illustrative style suits the story beautifully and easily captures the imagination of even the most reluctant reader.

Similar to his Iron Man book, Mould has taken a beloved classic and stylistically brought it back to life. I would strongly recommend this to those introducing their pupils to some older classic novels, or reluctant readers who can have a break from reading text to study the incredible and detailed pictures.

Another gem of a book by Matt Goodfellow. This poetry collection will convince even the most reluctant about poetry that it might just be their thing.

This collection of poems is aimed at readers 11+ and tackles every day subjects: teachers, school days and making friends. The 66 poems will make you laugh, smile, cry, feel and think… there’s a perfect poem for everyone.

Set in the USA, Emmy and her family have just relocated to California from Wisconsin. In a leap of faith, to promote her father’s career as a pianist, Emmy’s family have left behind everything they know and love. Including her Mom’s career in opera.

It is clear from the outset that Emmy is going to struggle to fit into her new school (culturally, a world away from her old one), so she decides to keep her head down and concentrate on her classwork. One of the electives that she has chosen is Computer Science. It is in this class that she meets a new friend: a girl who loves coding, yet hides her talents because it is not in keeping with her choir-girl image. Conscious that if her friends find out about her secret passion, she could be ostracised from the friendship group, Abigail’s internal struggles are real.

As the school term moves on, Emmy’s two worlds of coding and music begin to interweave making this ‘novel in verse’ a masterpiece, showing how notes and beats and rhythms overlap with code and language and algorithms. Among this runs a rich storyline of friendship. Can Emmy’s new friend accept her outside of the classroom? Will they be able to break through the prejudice of being girls who enjoy coding? And will they be able to support their teacher as she faces her health problems?

This is a joyous and accomplished piece of writing. The use of verse in the novel is powerful and captures the emotions exquisitely. A perfect book for children (and adults) who enjoy coding and/or music.

Kwame Alexander’s Booked is a sports-themed verse novel for readers aged 12 and above, all about growing up.

Told through verse, the story follows Nick as he learns to navigate bullies, family changes and first crushes with the same energy he brings to the football pitch. The dynamic style of the poetry makes Nick’s real-world challenges relatable and engaging for young teens.

The novel’s undaunting verse format and fast pace ensure accessibility, even for reluctant readers. Nick’s journey, guided by a librarian, spotlights the power of stories to navigate tough times. Booked tackles themes of family, friendship, resilience and the challenges of growing up, making it a relevant and appealing read for this age group.

This verse novel is an incredible read and sang to me the way the tree sang to Kai, the main character, in the story.

Written in verse, this style of writing is accessible to reluctant and struggling readers, enabling them to feel all the emotions of a wonderful story normally found in longer, chapter book form. It tells the story of a boy, growing up without privilege, where family and friendships are the most important thing in his life. The subtle plot is revealed gradually as the story develops, jumping forwards and backwards in time in an effective way. The vocabulary has been carefully chosen to be powerful and moving, whilst retaining simplicity. The layout of the text and words draws the eyes to the page and the stunning illustrations, also simple but beautiful, make this book a feast for the eyes.

Considering opposing themes of friendship and bullying, and family struggles and love, this book ultimately conveys the importance of acceptance, empathy and kindness. Suitable for reader aged 10-13, with a wide range of reading abilities, this book is a ‘must’ for pre-teen libraries and book corners.

What an amazing true-life story told by Malala Yousafzai herself: the youngest person ever to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize! This teen edition of Malala’s memoir, I am Malala, is presented in a form suitable for secondary school children and contains extra material, a Q&A and updated discussion notes for teens. These are extremely useful in helping the reader to understand the context of the events within the book.

Malala’s story is one of courage and determination – courage to continue the fight for girls’ rights, in particular, the right to go to school, even when faced with violence and extremism. It begins in the Swat valley of Northern Pakistan, a changing Pakistan, where Malala and her family lived a normal and peaceful life. Her father runs the local school, but life changes for the family when terrorists move into their region and forbid girls to go to school. Malala disagreed with this and so began her courageous battle for the right of education for all children. This fight almost cost her life. On October 9th 2012, on the way home from school, she was shot.

The book follows her story as she wakes up in a hospital in Birmingham and after life-saving surgery, continues her mission to speak out against intolerance and extremism.

It is a story full of hope and encouragement, where the reader cannot help but feel inspired by Malala’s words and unrelenting determination to stand up for what she believes in. 

Nicola Morgan’s Be Resilient is a helpful guide for teens, offering practical, science-backed ways to build mental strength.

The book is designed to empower readers to cope with challenges by developing skills for navigating adolescence and beyond, like building support and staying optimistic.

With its clear and accessible style, the book provides relatable advice and encourages self-reflection without patronising readers or downplaying life’s challenges. Morgan equips young teenagers with tools to manage stress and build resilience, making it a highly relevant and beneficial read for this age group and an always-popular choice in school libraries.

You Have the Power offers young readers inspiring insights on resilience and self-belief from the England Lioness Leah Williamson.

Sharing her journey, Williamson shows that leadership isn’t age-limited and encourages believing in yourself. The book tackles specific challenges faced by women in football while also addressing broader issues like self-doubt and the importance of believing in oneself, which will resonate with children and young teens navigating their own life journeys and aspirations.

Williamson’s experiences, shared in an accessible and engaging way, highlight the power of perseverance, teamwork and believing in oneself.

This adapted version of David Olusoga’s account of Black British history is essential reading is an accessible and informative non-fiction read for children and teens (and also a book I would thoroughly recommend for improving adults’ historical subject knowledge and especially those with input into their school’s curriculum design). It teaches readers to rethink assumptions about history and to question how culturally representative historical sources encountered might really be.

As expressed perfectly by Lavinya Stennett (CEO of the Black Curriculum) in the Afterword, ‘This book is a testimony to the rich experiences of Black people of Britain in different periods of our history, and a reminder of the dearth of Black history in our curriculums.’ 

In the book, Olusoga explains the overlooked history of Black people in Britain from Roman times to the present day. Readers may be surprised to imagine the multiculturally diverse make-up of Roman Britain – and indeed to question why sources of history in schools may paint a historically misrepresentative picture of Roman society. Equally interesting is the development of notions of race throughout the periods of history, as the book walks chronologically through key eras. Did you know that it was only during the time of James I that the term ‘white’ was used as a description of racial identity, or that long after the abolition of slavery, the Victorians were propagating their own racist theories to justify profiting from slave-powered commerce?

An illustrated version (Black and British: An Illustrated History) for younger children is also available.

Jeffrey Boakye’s Musical World presents an exploration of 20th and 21st-century global history through the lens of 40 influential songs. By examining artists like Shakira and John Lennon, Boakye reveals how music reflects pivotal historical moments and social changes worldwide, offering a unique and accessible way for young teens to engage with significant historical events and understand the link between music and global issues.

This book is the follow-up to Musical Truth, which focuses on British history, whereas Musical World widens out into a global perspective. Both can be read and enjoyed as standalones.

With its playlist format spanning a range of musical genres, the book introduces important artists alongside topics like discrimination and liberation. Musical World provides a unique and thought-provoking experience of learning, which is bound to offer young people an appealing way to engage with global history. By encouraging critical thinking and harnessing the power of music to connect with and comment on the world around us, the book becomes a highly valuable and appealing non-fiction choice for children in today’s secondary schools.