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2020 definitely isn’t making it easy for those that like to shop at the last minute, so we’ve come up with a few really thoughtful ideas, for both adults and children, which can be sorted out quickly and easily from home. You just need access to a computer and printer!
Finding the perfect Christmas gift for the discerning teen or tween in your life is one of the biggest challenges of the festive season! But don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here’s our pick of the best gifts from our go-to brands for 12 to 14-year-olds.
In Anticipation, a twisty AI-inspired thriller, Neil Taylor explores a dark and mysterious world that lies behind the social media platforms we use everyday. Here Neil tells us about the message he hopes young people will take away from the book and his top thriller recommendations for early teens.
A gripping mystery, drama and adventure combine in The Wanderdays: Journey to Fantome Island, an underwater story that celebrates bravery and friendship. Author Claire Povey tells us what inspired the book and which other chapter books with environmental themes she recommends you read next.
Charming, creative, witty and packed with empathy, Destiny Ink is an illustrated chapter book that is perfect for newly independent readers. Here author/illustrator Adeola Sokunbi tells us about creating Destiny and which illustrated chapter books she recommends you read next.
Have you been watching the Olympic Games in Paris this summer? We’ve been glued to our screens and loving discovering new details about the amazing array of sports on show. With excitement about sporting achievement at fever pitch, it’s a great time to add some sports-themed chapter books to kids’ reading lists. Rel
The 10pm Question is a warm, funny, heartfelt novel with a hugely relatable lead protagonist, a cast of quirky characters and a multi-layered plot perfect for early teen readers. Author Kate De Goldi tells us tell us about what inspired the story and her recommended novels about family dramas for young people.
The Gods of Olympus are alive and well in the present day and their descendants are on an epic, fast-paced adventure in Hannah Messenger and the Gods of Hockwold! Author Bryony Pearce tells us about being inspired by the Greek gods and which funny books for kids she recommends for inspiring reluctant readers.
Reggie Rabbit and his sidekick Pipsquark had us laughing out loud with their crime-busting capers. Here author Swapna Reddy tells us more about creating her new series for newly independent readers and which other illustrated chapter books for younger readers she recommends you read next.
We are huge fans of Ele Fountain. Her books combine epic storytelling, incredible landscapes and thrilling adventure with characters young readers can really relate to and important messages about the world we live in. Storm Child is no exception. Here Ele tells all about being inspired by our incredible oceans.
King of Dead Things is an intriguing, highly original novel with a vivid urban setting, a quirky cast of characters and a storyline that combines dark fantasy with a vibrant celebration of the Black diaspora. Author Nevin Holness tells us about what inspired the book and her favourite fantasy novels for teenagers.
Set in contemporary India, Bringing Back Kay-Kay tells the story of one girl's epic journey to find her missing brother. Author Dev Kothari tells us about what (and who) inspired the book and which other novels for young people set in India she recommends you read next.
Hotel for Cats is a cat-tastic illustrated early chapter book that is perfect for newly independent readers aged 5+. Co-creators and long-time friends Marie Pavlenko and Marie Voyelle tells us all about collaborating on the book.
Bird Boy by Catherine Bruton is a hugely moving, heart-warming story with a stunning rural setting and a cast of wonderful, empathetic characters that had us gripped from the very first page. Here Catherine tells us about nature therapy, the magic of osprey and her favourite middle grade books with rural settings.
Running Away for Beginners is a funny, heartfelt adventure packed with both empathy and humour. Author Mark Illis tells us about being inspired by his own personal experience of cancer and which other books with real world settings he recommends you read next.
Empathy Day 2024 is happening on 6th June and it's an event we eagerly anticipate each year. Organised by Empathy Lab, this initiative is dedicated to fostering empathy through the power of literature. Empathy Lab believes that reading books which delve into diverse perspectives and experiences can significantly help
The Things We Leave Behind is a gripping dystopian drama that had us completely hooked. Author Clare Furniss tells us about being inspired by the upheaval of the COVID pandemic and which other dystopian fiction books for teens she recommends you read next.
Bronte Tempestra and the Lightning Steeds is a fantasy adventure for younger readers packed with epic world-building, an inspiring heroine and dramatic plotlines. Author Bex Hogan tells us more about what inspired the book and which other illustrated fantasy chapter books she recommends you read next.
Graphic novels are becoming increasingly popular, especially for 5 to 12-year-olds kids in primary school. The combination of visual storytelling and engaging narratives is a winning formula and these are some of our favourite new titles.
Graphic novels and comics are a great choice for all readers but have historically been seen as inferior to “proper books”. We’re passionate about the power of graphic novels and have been championing this underdog format for years!
Black Hole Cinema Club by Christopher Edge is an epic sci-fi adventure, gripping, all-action and wildly imaginative. Here Christopher tells us what inspired the book and which other sci-fi books for tweens and teens he recommends you read next.
Looking for Lucie is a thrilling new YA novel with a real world setting, an intriguing family mystery and an important message about identity and self-discovery. Author Amanda Addison tells us what inspired the story and which books for teens about family and friendship she recommends you read next.
Countdown to Yesterday is a moving novel about the ups and downs of navigating a family breakdown. Author Shirley Marr tells us about being inspired by her own family's experience of divorce and which books about family and friendship she recommends you read next.
The Pinchers and the Diamond Heist is a quirky, witty illustrated tale that has been translated from Swedish. It is both thought-provoking and laugh-out-loud funny. Here author Anders Sparring tells us about the translation process and which Swedish books in translation he recommends you read next.
Catfish Rolling by Clara Kumagai is a magical, compelling and thought-provoking novel with a stunning setting, a hugely relatable lead character and a powerful message about identity, memory and the passing of time. Clara tells us all about what inspired the book and which stories she recommends that are set in Japan.
A chilling mystery, family drama, Norse mythology and an intriguing cast of characters come together in Postcards From Valhalla by Danny Weston, who tells us what inspired the book and which novels for teens inspired by mythology he recommends you read next.
Croaky: Search for the Sasquatch is a fun, full-colour illustrated adventure for younger readers aged 5+. Author-illustrator Matty Long tells us all about what inspired Croaky and which illustrated chapter books for kids he recommends you read next.
Aliya to the Infinite City by Laila Rifaat is a wonderful magical international adventure. With a brave and relatable heroine, a stunning Egyptian setting, history, mystery and adventure, this book has it all! Laila tells us more about what inspired the book and her favourite fantasy books for kids.
On 8th March 2024 we will be celebrating International Women's Day. As part of the celebrations we've invited Rebecca Pedelty-Cox, Learning & Development Manager at our charity partner Coram Beanstalk, to share her favourite recommendations for books featuring fearless females. There are so many Parrot Street f
This Tale is Forbidden by Polly Crosby, a dark fairy tale-inspired fantasy with a thrilling dystopian storyline and an intriguing back story. Here Polly tells us more about what inspired the book and her favourite fantasy books for teenagers.
Diamond Jack: Your Magic or Your Life by Anna Rainbow is a thrilling, magical adventure with a classic feel, a brilliant cast of characters (villains and heroes!) and a great twist that kept us on our toes. Here Anna tells us about being inspired by her young son and her favourite adventure books for kids.
Dreamweavers: Night of the Scary Fairies is a fun, slightly spooky and thrilling fantasy adventure for younger readers. Author Annabelle Sami tells us about what inspired the book and which other fantasy books for younger readers she recommends you read next.
W're looking forward to World Book Day 2024, how about you? We love the fact that children and adults come together to celebrate and discuss their favourite books and characters. We thought it would be helpful to share 8 World Book Day highlights we're particularly looking forward to.