Anya Glazer

Claude is a selfish crab and he refuses to give up his beautiful shell. Little does he know that his actions will affect all the hermit crabs on the beach – especially little Alphonso, whose new shell is far too big. Can Claude change his ways before he puts his friends in danger?

Matty Long

THE SKILL! THE SPEED! THE DRAMA!

Nothing can beat the thrill of Whizz Kart Racing-and Team Turbo is the best team around! But when their drivers, the Turbo Bunnies, become rivals, things quickly spin out of control. CRASH!

Have the wheels come off Team Turbo forever? Or can they get back on track?

A hilarious story about teamwork and friendship, from prize-winning author and illustrator Matty Long.

The Reading Agency Summer Reading Challenge book, 2023

Thomas Doherty

Joe loves Wild things, but can’t find any in the city he lives in. When the Wild invites him to explore the night-time city, he is going to learn that nature can be found just about everywhere.

Naomi Jones/ Rebecca Ashdown

Trixie’s nickname is THUNDERBOOTS because she dances wherever she goes. But one day she comes home from school and is very quiet. Dad knows that something is wrong and Trixie explains that she is struggling with her letters. Maybe what she needs is a superpowered plan…

Simon Philip / Ian Smith

Join two friends on a wild penguin chase around the city. Our self-described penguin ‘expert’ finds black-and-white animals at every turn. But are any of them really penguins – and can you spot the penguin hiding on every page?

Oxford Children’s Books

Today you’re the digger driver! Your job is to help your team to build a house. Let’s go!

Enter a world of imaginative play with this fun and immersive insight into construction vehicles. Children will love using their imagination to take the driver’s seat and pretend to use the digger’s controls to dig, move, and scoop!
This book puts the reader in charge, to build self-confidence and encourage following instructions, problem solving, and teamwork.

Paul Westmoreland, illustrated by George Ermos

When Rudy finds a lost wolf cub at the skatepark, he knows he has to help him. Rudy tries everything he can think of to find the cub’s pack, but they’re nowhere to be seen, or smelled, and time is running out. Can a howl in the night change the fate of the little cub? How-how-harrooooow!

The Reading Agency Summer Reading Challenge book, 2023

Alex Falase-Koya, illustrated by Paula Bowles

Supervillain Violet Vine takes over the school garden with an army of kid-eating Venus fly-traps!

Armed with his super-suit and robot sidekick, Pixel, Marvin leaps into action to become the invincible, unstoppable superhero, MARV!

Harriet Muncaster

A big football star is coming to Mirabelle’s school to watch them play, and with a little bit of help from some magic Mirabelle is determined to show her that she’s the best. Can Mirabelle learn that there’s more than one way to feel like a winner?ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý

Extra content:

• Isadora Moon and Mirabelle activities and videos

Harriet Muncaster

When Emerald and her stepsister, Delphina, sneak out of the palace in search of sea sprites they know it isn’t strictly ‘perfect mermaid princess’ behaviour. But they’re about to learn that being a mermaid princess is about more than just following the rules – it’s also about following your heart.

Astrid Lindgren / Mini Grey

Lisa lives in a tiny place called Noisy Village with all her friends and with so many children living there, its’ a very noisy place indeed! Join the children on their adventures as they explore the great outdoors and get up to plenty of mischief.

These classic beloved stories are written by Astrid Lindgren and illustrated by CILIP Kate Greenaway medal-winning Mini Grey.

Paula Harrison, illustrated by Jenny Lovelie

All aboard for the latest Kitty adventure! Join the superhero as she races after the runaway Red Rocket steam train.

Pippi LongstockingÌý

Astrid Lindgren / Lauren Child

Pippi lives in Villa Villekulla with a horse, a monkey, and a big suitcase full of gold coins.

The grown-ups in her village try to make Pippi behave in ways that they think a little girl should, but Pippi has other ideas.

Pippi thinks nothing of wrestling a circus strongman, dancing a polka with burglars, or tugging a bull’s tail and her wildly unconventional lifestyle is matched by Lauren’s free-spirited illustrations.

Buy on Amazon >

Matty Long

When Blossom the unicorn accidentally traps Tiddlywink the pixie in an ancient puzzle cube, the heroes of the Super Happy Magic Forest must journey to the Distant Desert to find a way to free him.

Philip Reeve / Sarah McIntyre

Kevin is a roly-poly flying pony. He has everything he needs-a constant supply of biscuits and his best friend, Max. Misty Twiglet is a famous pop star. She has everything she needs except for a perfectly quirky, one-of-a-kind pet. The roly-poly flying pony kind . . .When Kevin is kidnapped, Max and his sister Daisy must come to the rescue!

Extra Content:

Gill Lewis

When Willow meets the Wild Things she knows her life is never going to be the same again. Strange things happen in The Wilderness. It holds more than you could possibly imagine: secrets, shadows, a witch. Even a monster. Are you brave enough to come? Because the moment you step across the boundary, you’ll be changed forever.

Tony De Saulles

As a bee, Mel is ready to defend his hive against all enemies taking on killer wasps, terrifying hawkmoths, and battling queen bees.

But as a boy, has he got what it takes to protect his bees (and himself) against the greatest menace of all Nasty Norman Crudwell?

Harriet Muncaster

Twins, Victoria Stitch and Celestine, are denied their royal birth-right. Celestine accepts the decision with good grace, but Victoria Stitch is consumed with her obsession for power.

Victoria Stitch: Free and Famous

Harriet Muncaster

The second book in the series. Victoria Stitch refuses to accept the control that the Wiskling Wood has over her future and escapes to the human world. She was supposed to be a queen, and she will stop at nothing to make it happen.

Buy on Amazon >

Helen Harvey

Online, Emmy is a star gamer with fans who love to watch her videos. At school, Emmy is friendless and bullied. Vanessa, AKA the Queen of Mean, has decided that Emmy is a weirdo with bad handwriting, horrible fashion sense, and no dad. Can Emmy level up, join forces with some new friends, and beat the bullies?

Suitable for age 8–12.

A Double Detectives Medical Mystery: Diagnosis Danger

Roopa Farooki

When a mysterious figure hurts one of their friends and then disappears, Ali and Tulip are straight on the case. Get ready for a fast-talking, quick-thinking, risk-taking, outrageous medical mystery adventure!

Ben Davis

George knows that Gizmo is getting old – after all, he’s been around since before George was born and what’s that in dog years? – so he writes Gizmo a bucket list.

As the pair work their way down the list they have lots of adventures and lots of laughs.

Lorraine Gregory

Brat has always lived in the isolated castle on the island, unwillingly taking care of the vicious creatures that his master creates.

But then the unthinkable happens. The monsters get out.

Now Brat must overcome his fears, and venture into the world he has hidden from his whole life. For the fate of everyone rests on his shoulders alone. . .

Tanya Landman

I was too angry, Mother said. But she was wrong. If you weren’t fuming, you just weren’t paying attention. When every day is a struggle to survive…

When the rich and powerful hold all the cards… Do you accept the way things are? Or do you fight to change them? Eliza is angry. Angry that her family never seems to have enough. Angry that conditions at the factory where she and her sister work are so harsh. Angry that no one seems to care. When Eliza speaks out, her words spark fury among the rest of the workers and the flame of rebellion is lit. But what next? Can one girl really inspire an uprising that will change her world? Written by Carnegie Medal winner Tanya Landman, this story brings to life the match girls’ strike of 1888 and is perfect for less confident readers.

Extra Content:

• Download Reading Notes and watch an author interview

Deborah Ellis

The Breadwinner is the bestselling story about Parvana, a girl living in war-torn Afghanistan, who must disguise herself as a boy to save her mother and sisters from starvation. This honest, heart-breaking, and inspiring story is written by Deborah Ellis – a feminist and anti-war activist who spent time with Afghan refugees, recording and learning about their stories, before creating The Breadwinner collection of books.

Deborah Ellis

The newest title in the series, One More Mountain, is set in contemporary Afghanistan in 2021. These days, Parvana runs a school for girls, but everything changes in an instant and Parvana and Shauzia must flee to escape the new dangers of an old enemy, whilst continuing to support those in danger. Deborah Ellis is donating all her royalties from One More Mountain to Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan.

Helen Harvey

Emmy Levels Up, written by Helen Harvey, explores themes of online bullying and gaming. Online, Emmy is a superstar gamer with lots of fans who like to watch her videos, but in real life, she is friendless and bullied at school. Can Emmy join forces with some new friends, and beat the bullies? This title is perfect for young readers who enjoy reading books by Jacqueline Wilson and Cathy Cassidy. Ìý

Suitable for age 8–12.

Gill Lewis

In The Closest Thing to Flying, when Semira discovers a diary written by Hen, a girl living over 100 years ago in 1891, she finds the friend she has been desperately seeking. A friend who brings not just comfort, but inspiration to be brave, to fight for her place in the world, and maybe even to uncover the secrets of her own past. This thought-provoking story is written by Gill Lewis.

Tanya Landman

Lightning Strike by Carnegie Medal winning author Tanya Landman, brings to life the match girl strike of 1888 and follows factory worker Eliza. Eliza is angry about the harsh working conditions at the factory, and that her family never seems to have enough. She stands up for what she believes in and speaks out, and the flame of rebellion at the factory is lit. But what next? Can one girl really inspire an uprising that will change her world?

Extra Content:

• Download Reading Notes and watch an author interview

Helen Mortimer / Cristina Trapanese

This little hardback book creates a moment to focus on our world. It encourages gentle conversations between grown ups and children about the planet, and how we look after it. The engaging art style, fun characters and picture book feel make it perfect to share and help children develop and grow.

This book is part of the Summer Reading Challenge!

Naomi Jones / James Jones

Circle wants to build a tower, just like the squares and hexagons have.

But the circles, triangles and diamonds can’t build anything together without it tumbling down!

This book is part of the Summer Reading Challenge!

Naomi Jones/Ana Gomez

Freya loves rainbows. She loves their bright colours and their curvy shape. More than anything, she wishes she has one of her very own. She tried to hunt one down, but nothing goes quite to plan. Finally she must use her imagination and creativity to make her wish come true.

Moira Butterfield/Kim Geyer

Maya loves walking. Whether she’s spotting bugs in the woods or listening out for noises in the street, every walk is an adventure!

This beautifully illustrated story reminds us that being outdoors is great for our mental wellbeing. It’s full of ideas to inspire children to discover how much joy a walk can bring.

Leigh Hodgkinson

Martha’s maps will take you on an enchanting journey through her world, starting from outer space and zooming in, map by map, to our planet, Martha’s neighbourhood, and beyond.

Oxford Children’s Books

Today you’re the digger driver! Your job is to help your team to build a house. Let’s go!

Enter a world of imaginative play with this fun and immersive insight into construction vehicles. Children will love using their imagination to take the driver’s seat and pretend to use the digger’s controls to dig, move, and scoop!
This book puts the reader in charge, to build self-confidence and encourage following instructions, problem solving, and teamwork.

Matty Long

THE SKILL! THE SPEED! THE DRAMA!

Nothing can beat the thrill of Whizz Kart Racing-and Team Turbo is the best team around! But when their drivers, the Turbo Bunnies, become rivals, things quickly spin out of control. CRASH!

Have the wheels come off Team Turbo forever? Or can they get back on track?

A hilarious story about teamwork and friendship, from prize-winning author and illustrator Matty Long.

Alex Falase-Koya

Marvin is on a school trip at the Natural History Museum when a chilling roar resonates through the exhibition . . . the dinosaurs have come back to life and are wreaking havoc!

Marvin will need to assume his secret super-identity and try to save the Museum.

This book is part of the Summer Reading Challenge!

Alex Falase-Koya

Marvin’s life is perfectly ordinary until one day he discovers a superhero suit with infinite powers . . .

In this story, supervillain Shadow takes over the water park with her army of robot sharks.

Armed with his super-suit and robot sidekick, Pixel, Marvin dives into action to become the invincible, unstoppable MARV!

Harriet Muncaster

Mirabelle’s mum is a witch, her dad is a fairy, and she is a bit of both!

Mirabelle is on a school trip to a magical-creature animal sanctuary when she accidentally lets the bat kittens out of their enclosure. Can she find them before they cause complete chaos?

Extra content:

• Isadora Moon and Mirabelle activities and videos

Harriet Muncaster

Planets, comets, stars! Isadora’s class is learning all about space. So when she spots a shooting star, she decides to follow it and discovers a new glimmering friend.

Her name is Nova, she is not supposed to be on Earth and, even worse, her moon kitten Pluto is lost!

Can Isadora help Nova find the lost kitten before she has to fly back home?

Astrid Lindgren / Mini Grey

Lisa lives in a tiny place called Noisy Village with all her friends and with so many children living there, its’ a very noisy place indeed! Join the children on their adventures as they explore the great outdoors and get up to plenty of mischief.

These classic beloved stories are written by Astrid Lindgren and illustrated by CILIP Kate Greenaway medal-winning Mini Grey.

Paula Harrison

There’s been a break-in at the museum and superhero-in-training, Kitty, is first at the scene.

Rare dinosaur bones missing, glittering jewels, and a precious meteorite are missing. All the clues point to Dodger the robber cat, but is Kitty wrong to jump to conclusions?

Pippi LongstockingÌý

Astrid Lindgren / Lauren Child

Pippi lives in Villa Villekulla with a horse, a monkey, and a big suitcase full of gold coins.

The grown-ups in her village try to make Pippi behave in ways that they think a little girl should, but Pippi has other ideas.

Pippi thinks nothing of wrestling a circus strongman, dancing a polka with burglars, or tugging a bull’s tail and her wildly unconventional lifestyle is matched by Lauren’s free-spirited illustrations.

Buy on Amazon >

Tony De Saulles

As a bee, Mel is ready to defend his hive against all enemies taking on killer wasps, terrifying hawkmoths, and battling queen bees.

But as a boy, has he got what it takes to protect his bees (and himself) against the greatest menace of all Nasty Norman Crudwell?

Tim Allman / Nick Shepherd

In this brand new series Max is on a quest to make the world a better place. From hiding his parents’ car keys to preparing vegan dinners, Max is determined to help save the planet through positive direct action!

But with hilarious and often disastrous results can Max’s enthusiasm pay off in the end?

Extra content:

Anne Miller / Becka Moor

Welcome to the extraordinary world of undercover animals!

When Mickey cracks a mysterious code she enters an extraordinary world of animal espionage!

This book contains real coded messages, can you crack the codes before Mickey does?

Extra content:

Philip Reeve / Sarah McIntyre

Max and his roly-poly flying pony Kevin enter the exclusive Magical Pony Club Steeplechase, where they will have to compete against a group of snooty unicorns and their super-snooty owners.

During the race, they uncover a secret plan to steal the precious Periwinkle Cup and have to step in to stop this from happening.

Extra Content:

Gill Lewis / Rebecca Bagley

When Willow meets the Wild Things and crosses into the Wilderness, she knows her life is never going to be the same again.

n this story, the Wild Things must protect the Wilderness from destruction.

Em Norry

I’m Amber Roberts. Just your average teenager. Life revolves around school and my best mate, Vi. Nothing too dramatic, and certainly nothing dangerous.
Well. That’s how things used to be. But now, my life is way more complicated: Mum and Dad have a massive secret and Vi’s being all moody. But, bigger than that, I’ve just been recruited as a secret agent! That’s right. Me. An actual spy.

Exciting? It would be, if I had a clue what I was doing . . .

This book is part of the Summer Reading Challenge!

Helen Harvey

Online, Emmy is a star gamer with fans who love to watch her videos. At school, Emmy is friendless and bullied. Vanessa, AKA the Queen of Mean, has decided that Emmy is a weirdo with bad handwriting, horrible fashion sense, and no dad. Can Emmy level up, join forces with some new friends, and beat the bullies?

Suitable for age 8–12.

A Double Detectives Medical Mystery: Diagnosis Danger

Roopa Farooki

When a mysterious figure hurts one of their friends and then disappears, Ali and Tulip are straight on the case. Get ready for a fast-talking, quick-thinking, risk-taking, outrageous medical mystery adventure!

Ben Davis

George knows that Gizmo is getting old – after all, he’s been around since before George was born and what’s that in dog years? – so he writes Gizmo a bucket list.

As the pair work their way down the list they have lots of adventures and lots of laughs.

Lorraine Gregory

Brat has always lived in the isolated castle on the island, unwillingly taking care of the vicious creatures that his master creates.

But then the unthinkable happens. The monsters get out.

Now Brat must overcome his fears, and venture into the world he has hidden from his whole life. For the fate of everyone rests on his shoulders alone. . .

Tanya Landman

I was too angry, Mother said. But she was wrong. If you weren’t fuming, you just weren’t paying attention. When every day is a struggle to survive…

When the rich and powerful hold all the cards… Do you accept the way things are? Or do you fight to change them? Eliza is angry. Angry that her family never seems to have enough. Angry that conditions at the factory where she and her sister work are so harsh. Angry that no one seems to care. When Eliza speaks out, her words spark fury among the rest of the workers and the flame of rebellion is lit. But what next? Can one girl really inspire an uprising that will change her world? Written by Carnegie Medal winner Tanya Landman, this story brings to life the match girls’ strike of 1888 and is perfect for less confident readers.

Extra Content:

• Download Reading Notes and watch an author interview

Benji Davies

This is the first in a series of beautiful picture books featuring Noi, a boy growing up by the sea with his dad.

As well as being enchanting stories with glorious illustrations, Noi is a thoughtful and kind, resourceful and brave boy, and the stories deal with Noi’s and his family’s feelings in a beautifully subtle way.

Ross Montgomery, David Litchfield

A boy lives with his grandmother, who used to be an architect. Her final project is unfinished and when she is no longer around, he decides he will be the one to complete her work (with a little bit of magical help!).

A delightful story with a gentle message.

Sheena Dempsey

Titch is the last guinea pig left in the pet shop. Will no one ever come and take him home? At last he finds a home with Bruno, a creative, inventive boy full of big plans and wild ideas. Will life ever be the same for Titch?

Nadia Shireen

With older children, there’s a cliché that boys only like to read books with male protagonists. Somehow books where the hero is a girl, no matter how exciting and adventurous they might be, are seen as ‘books for girls’.

What better way of challenging this view than by introducing children to Billy, a clever, brave (and brilliantly-haired) girl who (along with her sidekick and pet Fatcat) outwit a terrible beast. If children enjoy this adventure, they might also like Billy’s second adventure, .

Joe Todd-Stanton

With his glasses and unassuming manner, Arthur isn’t your typical Norse hero. But when his home is threatened and other heroes are indisposed, it is Arthur who sets off to put things right.

A wonderful story that works like clockwork and a perfect way of illustrating that you don’t have to be big, strong or have unfailing confidence in your own abilities to be a hero. Sometimes cautious determination is the best kind of bravery and quick wits work better than muscles and a sword.

Will Mabbitt

The three stories in the Mabel Jones are silly, funny, joyful and exciting. I’m yet to come across a child, boy or girl, who doesn’t enjoy the tales of Mabel and the crew of animal pirates she finds herself sailing with.

A great story that anyone and everyone can enjoy, featuring a clever and resourceful girl hero.

Joshua Seigal and friends

Poetry isn’t always the first port of call for a boy looking for a new book to read, but this brilliantly funny collection of laugh-out-loud poems might just change that. The title is spot on.

Adam and Lisa Murphy

These unique cartoon-strip non-fiction books were originally published in the glorious weekly comic. In each part, the corpse of a famous person from the past is dug up and interviewed, telling the story of their life and their achievements.

Brilliant for children interested in history (or for children who don’t know they’re interested in history yet, but who like the sound of talking corpses).

Kazu Kibuishi

This series of graphic novels follows Emily and Navin (along with mechanical rabbit Miskit) and their adventures in a strange underground world.

The characters are richly-drawn and the books are exquisitely illustrated. Perfect for children who might not have found that one book that hooks them into reading yet.

Christopher Edge

A book that manages to be funny, intelligent and poignant all at once. Christopher Edge has written two other books that use fascinating science to build dramatic and very human stories – and – both of which are highly-recommended.

Karl Nova

A hip-hop tinged poetry collection from CLiPPA Award-winning poet Karl Nova. Lyricism and energy spring from every page.

Robin Stevens

Is a series of books set in a 1930s girls’ boarding school really a top pick for a ‘books for boys’ list, I hear you ask?

Well, why not? They’re perfectly plotted detective mystery stories that wrap the reader up in a web of intrigue. They’ve always proved wildly popular with both boys and girls in the Year 5 and Year 6 classes I’ve taught.

Kieran Larwood

This is the first in the wonderful The Five Realms series of books set in a fantasy world populated by rabbits locked in battle their enemy, the Gorm. The books are exciting and thought-provoking in equal measure.

I really enjoyed this series of books, but really it’s here at the insistence of my 9-year-old son. These are his favourite books ever and if I’m going to recommend books that might appeal to boys, I thought I should include a recommendation from an actual boy. Come to think of it, perhaps I should have got him to write the whole thing…

Neil Gaiman

I can’t write a list of recommended books without putting my favourite children’s read-aloud on there. I’ve read this book to every Year 6 class I’ve ever taught and I’m pretty sure this modern classic is responsible for revealing the enjoyment that can come from a good book to more children than any other.

The Graveyard Book tells the story of Bod, an orphan who grows up amongst the ghosts of a graveyard, before the time comes when he must join the human world again. It’s full of richly drawn, three-dimensional characters, exciting adventure, laughs, and wisdom.