Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Format: Chapter book

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.

A festive mystery-a festive delight with all the trimmings! Another fantastic book in this wonderful series where friendship, community and family all work together to create the best Christmas fayre that their town has ever seen.

If you thought your family loved Christmas, wait until you read about the Mistry’s celebrations: 50 boxes of decorations; 3 Christmas trees; elf hats; and compulsory Christmas jumpers. However, all of the Christmas spirit could be lost when the sleigh they find then disappears one night, along with Anisha and her dad’s dreams of a grotto, featuring the very special post-box they have borrowed. There are many suspects on their list (Mr Bogof, Smita Smart-Jones, someone with small hands??). Can Milo (her best buddy, aka detective buddy) and she find the sleigh and save Christmas? Can they bring back the festive cheer for everyone, especially her dad?

The mix of text and illustrations makes this a perfect choice for readers 7+. Grab yourself a hot chocolate (with all the trimmings), a mince pie and get cosy to read on and see how the mystery unfolds…

When Lola’s mum gets a job at a fire station in a different town, it means moving away from all her friends.

Lola is proud of her mum, but she’s really worried about starting a new school.

There is one good thing, though – her parents have promised that they can think about getting a cat!

Then one day Lola and her new neighbour Noah spot a kitten high up in a tree.

It looks scared and soggy from the rain.

A worried crowd forms and the fire brigade are called – including Lola’s mum.

Can they rescue the stray kitten and help find him a new home?

When two young dragons accidentally set fire to The Witchy Wood, firefighting unicorn, Blaze, and her emergency vehicle, Quench, race to the scene. As they struggle to get everyone to safety and stop the flames from spreading, a witch called Jinx decides her magical abilities are exactly the help they need to stop the inferno. But Jinx’s magic only spells one thing – disaster, and soon the flames are raging towards a treehouse full of powerful potions. Can Blaze and Quench get everyone out before the whole of Witchy Wood goes up in smoke?

This exciting story brings the gunpowder plot to life for young readers.

Cecil the spymaster and his assistant, Jack, learn of a new plot to kill the king. They are determined to catch the plotters in the act. The trouble is, where do they begin their search?

Full of secrets, excitement and danger, this short text is suitable for struggling readers but engaging enough to give confident readers a quick, fun read.

Suitable for use in schools as guided reading texts or for reading independently.

Step into historic London and follow two young wildcats caught in the Great Fire, in The Fire Cats of London: a story of daring, courage and loyalty from bestselling, award-winning author of The Umbrella Mouse, Anna Fargher. Beautifully illustrated throughout by Sam Usher.

Young wildcats, Asta and Ash, find themselves captured and taken from their home in the forest to an apothecary’s shop in the heart of London in the summer of 1666, when fear and superstition are rife. Asta’s determination to escape London and return to the wild takes her on a perilous race against time to foil a dangerous plot that threatens the city and her brother, Ash, as the flames take hold.

Asta and Ash will take you on an inspiring journey around London during the most infamous fire in British history.

Jasmine is delighted to be nursing an injured hedgehog back to health until, on the afternoon of Bonfire Night, Snuffle escapes. As darkness falls and everyone prepares their bonfire celebrations, can Jasmine find Snuffle’s hiding place before the first match is lit?

Brilliant storytelling that will make you laugh and cry, this is Dick King-Smith for a new generation. Perfect for readers aged seven and up.

Part of the bestselling Naughtiest Unicorn series and the perfect gift for Bonfire Night and Diwali.

It’s time for some firework festival fun at Unicorn School! But there’s only one problem – the fireworks are missing! But the fireworks are very special and magical, created by mysterious creatures who live behind the Fearsome Forest. It’s time for Mira, Dave and the gang to go on an adventure, find out what is going on and make sure that the sparkling, colourful, fizzing firework fun is returned to the festival with a bang!

The perfect autumn story, especially for bonfire night. Filled with gorgeous illustrations. Ideal for reading together or for children who are just starting to read alone. Willow Valley is a very special place. Nestled in a hidden valley, trees of all shapes and sizes grew on the rolling green hills and pretty flowers dance in the meadows. It’s the night of the firefly festival and Riley the mouse, Starla the badger and Horatio the hedgehog are very excited! It’s going to be lots of fun and there will be plenty of yummy toffee apples to eat!

Murder at The Ivy Hotel is suspenseful, charming and full of heart.

Set in Dublin, this cosy crime story follows sisters Meredith and Macy, who have an unusual and fun-filled lifestyle within the hub of the busy but grand Ivy Hotel. When a mysterious guest is found dead, their world of wonder turns into a race against time. With their mum under pressure from cost-cutting new owners and a close friend wrongly accused, the girls, alongside their new ally Colin, must uncover the truth.

The pacing, divided into daily chapters, builds tension well while the looming deadline adds urgency. What shines are the characters – Meredith’s calm empathy, Macy’s sharp intelligence and Colin’s quiet resourcefulness make for a delightful trio who drive the investigation.

With an elegant setting, clever clues and a motive you won’t see coming, this is a perfect debut read for super-sleuths of all ages!

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