Recommended Reads
Year 7 & 8
Books by Hannah Gold
Suitable for: 9+ / 11+ readers
Genre: Adventure stories, animal stories, ecological and environmental interest
‘Finding Bear’ – the second book in the series – is a book that immerses the reading in the terrifying Arctic winter in Svalbard. The story evolves around a girl called April who has returned from the Arctic to England but finds it hard to settle. She sets off on an unforgettable journey back to the Arctic to help save a polar bear.
Street Child - Berlie Doherty
Suitable for: 9+ / 11+ readers
Genre: True stories, adventure and survival
‘Street Child’ is a riveting read set in the Victorian times with a child surviving on the streets. Based on the true accounts of children whose lives led the famous philanthropist Dr Barnardo to set up his homes for children without families, this book not only provides escapism and adventure but also helps young readers understand the context of the Victorian times, which is important knowledge as students read KS3 – KS4 English lesson texts.
Seawitch - Skye Mckenna
Suitable for: 9+ / 11+ readers
Genre: Fantasy / magical
Seawitch follows the adventures of Cassie – that originally started with Hedgewitch – then Woodwitch. This is a very engaging fantasy book that is accessible for Year 7 and 8 readers – whilst also offering ambitious vocabulary. It has a more modern take on magic and echoes the friendship and adventures of stories reminiscent of The Famous Five. A great read for avid fantasy readers – but also an accessible read for all KS3 students.
A kind of Spark - Ellen McNicoll
Suitable for: 9+ / 11+ / 13+ readers
Genre: Gritty reads, historical fiction and neuro-diversity (Autism)
A Kind of Spark follows the life of Addie an 11 year old with autism as she learns about the 16th century women who were persecuted for witchcraft. It closely follows her family and her relationship with her sister too so brings in themes of belonging and friendship. An excellent read to help students relate and / or empathise with children with autism whilst also giving students insights into historical issues. This historical knowledge can be invaluable as students move on to study later GCSE texts.
Joyful Joyful by Dapo Adeola
Suitable for: 11+ readers
Genre: Diversity, inclusion and poetry
A colour-illustrated collection of stories and poems celebrating joy, showcasing 40 talented Black writers and artists from across the world. Joyful, Joyful is a book to sing about! With stories featuring a mythical whale, a message from the future, a Halloween dance competition, a talking book, a miraculous discovery in a moment of lost hope, the joy of Jollof rice and much more.
The Six Wives of Henry VIII - Dominic Sandbrook
Suitable for: 11+ readers
Genre: History, people / places
This book explores the lives of Henry VIII’s wives and gives a step through time into their lives in the Tudor world. This book is based on history and cleverly takes the reader on a thrilling journey through this era in history. Not only is this a fascinating and accessible read for KS3 students, but it helps them understand a period in history where one wrong step could cost you your life.
Work It Lara Bloom - Dee Benson
Suitable for: 12+ readers (mature themes)
Genre: School stories, real life, sporting stories (football)
When Lara's school announces a young business competition, her friends are buzzing with ideas. But Lara's focus is on her football training - this is her big chance to take her playing to the next level!
As Lara and her friends set their sights on the prize, can she figure out a way to balance everything and have fun? If Lara is going to achieve her dreams, she's going to have to work it!
Bite Risk - S.J. Wills
Suitable for: 11+ readers
Genre: Science Fiction
‘Bite Risk’ brings a town of werewolves to life with an exciting storyline where young people have to protect themselves from danger and the adults that turn into werewolves when the full moon comes out. The novel supports the Sci-Fi genre and is a great read especially for students who like Stranger Things, Fear Street and Skulduggery Pleasant.
Recommended Reads Year 9, 10 & 11
Books by Danielle Jawando
Suitable for: 14+ readers (mature themes and language)
Genre: Real life, gritty reads, growing up, discrimination and family
Danielle Jawando’s latest book ‘If My Words Had Wings’ continues to deliver a powerful narrative around issues young people and communities face. It is a life affirming story of rehabilitation and hope after prison.
When fifteen-year-old Tyrell Forrester gets caught up in a high-profile armed robbery, he's sentenced to eighteen months in a young offenders’ prison. Now he’s getting out, and he’s determined to turn his life around. Despite his release, systemic discrimination makes it difficult for Ty to truly be free.
Books by Holly Jackson
Suitable for: 13+ readers
Genre: Crime and mystery, teenage issues and friendship
Holly Jackson was 'BookTok Author of the Year' at the 2023 TikTok Book Awards.
‘The Reappearance of Rachel Price’ is about 18-year-old Bel who has lived her whole life in the shadow of her mom's mysterious disappearance.
Sixteen years ago, Rachel Price vanished and young Bel was the only witness. Rachel is gone, presumed dead.
The case is dragged up from the past when the Price family agree to a true crime documentary. Bel can't wait for filming to end, for life to go back to normal. But then Rachel Price reappears, and life will never be normal again …
The Five - Hallie Rubenhold
Suitable for: 14+ readers
Genre: True stories, murder and survival
The Five gives ‘voice’ to the women who were murdered by Jack the Ripper. This book has completely changed the narrative of the Ripper murders. As an investigation into these women’s experiences, it traces the surprising triumphs and heart-breaking difficulties they encountered throughout their lives. In hearing their stories, it is impossible to ever again see them as something other than daughters, wives, sisters, lovers and mothers or to remember them simply as nameless, faceless victims. This is a fascinating read but also helps young adult readers understand the context of the Victorian times, which is important knowledge as students read KS3 – KS4 English lesson texts.
This Book Kills - Ravena Guron
Suitable for: 13+ readers
Genre: Murder/mystery, school stories, bullying, prejudice and friendship
Winner of the Southern School Book Awards 2024, ‘This Book Kills’ has engaged teenagers through its school setting and murder mystery narrative. When a student is murdered at Jess’ boarding school everyone is horrified. But, matters take a more sinister turn when it transpires that the murderer took inspiration from a short story Jess had co-written. Add to that threatening messages and an escalating sense of time running out, and you have an exhilarating rollercoaster of a read, with themes of friendship dynamics and elitist, racist prejudice woven into Jess’ story. If that wasn’t enough, This Book Kills is also fabulously funny and has a dash of romance.
