Summer Term 2026 Collection
In this video, we give an overview of the book choices with reasons for selection, and a peek inside the books. The video is ideal for viewing in staff meetings or team meetings when discussing reading for pleasure. They can also be viewed on demand by individual teachers
Our summer recommendations can be purchased at a discounted rate…
Spyglass
Author: David Solomons
Illustrator: Miguel Diaz Rivas
Pages: 240 with 30 black and white illustrations
A fast-paced spy adventure with lots of laughs. There are plenty of gadgets for fans of spy stories. Although the characters are teenagers, there’s nothing inappropriate for a Year 6 reader, and they will undoubtedly enjoy reading up.
A readable page-turner
The Overthinkers’ Club: Happy List
Author: Nat Lurtsema
Illustrator: Cécile Dormeau
Pages: 352 Black and white illustrations throughout
The end of Year 6 can be a time filled with excited anticipation, but it can also bring anxiety. 12-year-old Birdie is an overthinker. Her form tutor suggests that she starts a happy list, highlighting three things to be happy about every day.
A funny, affirming read, highly illustrated in a popular format.
Dragonborn
Author: Struan Murray
Pages: 386
In the first book in this series, 12-year-old Alex learns about her dragon heritage and a history that will bring her into conflict with humans.
Literary fantasy fiction that will be a hit with committed readers who love stories rooted in myth and legend.
Boy vs Reality
Author: James Fox
Pages: 384
A comedic treatment of a serious issue. Ethan Lacey is the youngest member of a family of vlogging sensations. The problem is that real life isn’t as perfect as the carefully constructed image they present to their fans.
Hilarious and hard-hitting in equal measure. Pacey storytelling.
Bigg School: Dare Devil
Author: Lisa Williamson
Illustrator: Jess Bradley
Pages: 224
The Latest Addition to Lisa Williamson’s brilliant school story series. Ollie is one of the popular boys in school, but appearances can be deceiving, and he’s not as confident as he appears. The game of Dare Devil he plays has consequences, leading Ollie into further problems.
Highly recommended. Closely observed school stories with lots of heart and wide appeal.
A Clock Strikes Murder
Author: Michelle Harrison
Pages: 228
This is the second book in Michelle Harrison’s time-travelling mystery series featuring identical twins born in different years. Each book is a standalone mystery, and this one takes place on a Greek island where the twins’ mother has a job restoring ancient artefacts. But a painting of Medusa that is said to be cursed becomes the centre of intrigue and the catalyst for murder.
Suspense and mystery mixed with a little time-slip magic.
The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away
Author: Sophie Anderson
Pages: 320
The sequel to Sophie Anderson’s highly successful and acclaimed debut, The House with Chicken Legs.
Marinka and the house are back, along with her living friend Benjamin and the jackdaw, Jack. But there’s a new Yaga in charge of the house. Marinka knows how her house is feeling, and it listens to her, too. But something is wrong. And before anyone can stop it, the house has pulled itself apart and run away. Will the house ever stop running, and what will happen if the dead cannot find their way to pass through the door?
Infused with Slavic folklore and narrated with a distinctive storytelling voice.
Poetry Pizza
Author: Simon Mole
Illustrator:: Tom McLaughlin
Pages: 96 Black and white illustrations throughout
Keep your poetry collection up to date with Simon Mole’s Poetry Pizza.
Poetry Pizza is a spellbinding collection of poems. From magical creatures that deliver marshmallows to your bedroom when you’re bored to a cure for the end-of-day blues, these poems celebrate the wonder of words, the joys of everyday life and the power of imagination.
Perfect for dipping into and for readers who find long novels overwhelming
Formula Fast
Author: Matt Ralphs
Illustrator: Dragan Kordic
Pages 64
A sumptuous nonfiction choice for racing enthusiasts.
Packed with facts, stats, and impactful illustrations, this ultimate guide to Formula One answers all the questions car-obsessed kids want to know: How do you become a superstar driver? Which is the most challenging race track? What is the record for the quickest pit stop?
A great book for sharing.
The History of We
Author and illustrator: Nikkolas Smith
Pages: 40
What did “the beginning” look like? Let us travel back to the start, so far back that all of our roots begin to tell the same story. The history of WE. Fossil records show that the first humans were born in Africa. Meaning, every person on Earth can trace their heritage back to that continent. The History of We is a celebration of our shared ancestry and creative heritage
A stunning, inclusive picture book for older readers.