Summer must-reads for primary school children
Summer is nearly here! Whether you’re going on holiday or planning a staycation, you’ll always need a few new summer reads for your children to enjoy.
Yet in these days of digital distraction, it’s becoming harder and harder to foster a love of reading. The National Literacy Trust (NLT) recently published the results of its largest survey of young people’s book habits – and it does not make for happy reading. Just 32 per cent of those aged 8-18 admitted to enjoying reading and only 18 per cent of them are reading daily for pleasure.
Our new partner, Scholastic, is here to help with a full list of reading recommendations specially selected by their children’s book experts. Browse below by age and get ready to go on a reading adventure this summer!
Books for ages 7+
Donut Squad: Take Over the World! by Neill Cameron
Donut Squad is the brand new, laugh-out-loud graphic novel series from comics genius Neill Cameron. Perfect for fans of Dog Man and Bunny vs Monkey, this zany story about donuts planning world domination (as long as they’re not thwarted by the bagels) is sure to capture children’s attention and keep them going back for seconds! Plus, the back of the book features how-to-draw tutorials, which is sure to keep kids entertained over the summer holidays. Visit the Scholastic shop.
The Breakfast Club Adventures: The Goblin’s Revenge by Marcus Rashford, Isaac Hamilton-McKenzie and Marta Kissi
Beloved football star and food poverty campaigner Marcus Rashford is back with a compelling new mystery in his Breakfast Club Adventures series. This time, Marcus and friends have to save the school’s science competition from a vengeful goblin… These fast-paced, illustrated adventure stories are known for keeping children gripped – and with five other books to read, this is the perfect summer series! Visit the Scholastic shop.
InvestiGators: All Tide Up by John Patrick Green
Crime-fighting alligators Mango and Brash are back in the next book in the InvestiGators series! This madcap mystery is all about having fun, working together and never giving up. This laugh-out-loud story won Scholastic’s inaugural Graphic Novel Prize, voted for by children themselves, so has the official seal of approval from readers! Visit the Scholastic shop.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Whether you’ve seen the film or not, this beautiful, bold tale of nature and technology is sure to capture readers’ hearts. Follow robot Roz on her quest to survive on a remote island and slowly befriend its animal inhabitants… Hailed as a modern-day classic, this heartwarming and action-packed illustrated novel is one that will endure. Ideal for tech fans to read alone but also a lovely story to share together. Visit the Scholastic shop.
Books for ages 9+
The Boy with Big Decisions by Helen Rutter
This clever story about indecisive Fred is an interactive book with multiple pathways to follow – cue hours of entertainment! By beloved author Helen Rutter, The Boy with Big Decisions is full of humour and heart as it describes Fred’s decision about which secondary school to go to. A brilliant book that inspires confidence in children and encourages them to help Fred to make good choices and stand up for what he believes in. Visit the Scholastic shop.
Tom Gates: Book of Everything by Liz Pichon
If you don’t know Tom Gates, get ready for your children to be obsessed with this series! Book of Everything is the whopping 22nd book in this funny, doodle-packed diary series following the school life and adventures of Tom Gates and friends. This particular book is full of fun activities, makes and stories, making it a great boredom-buster for the summer holidays. Author-illustrator Liz Pichon has won the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Laugh Out Loud Book Awards so get ready for a good giggle! Visit the Scholastic shop.
Ella Jones vs the Sun Stealer by Lucy Edwards
Author, content creator and disability campaigner Lucy Edwards lost her eyesight at age 17 and has used her experiences to create Ella Jones vs the Sun Stealer. This thrilling adventure story about navigating London when the light has been extinguished is both an edge-of-your-seat adventure and an empowering story where main character Ella becomes the hero the world needs. Visit the Scholastic shop.
The Adventures of Rap Kid by MC Grammar
Z can’t help but rhyme – so when the Royal Rap Rumble comes to town, he embraces his talents and becomes RAP KID! This is the first hilarious book in a series by teacher, World Book Day ambassador and viral rap sensation MC Grammar. Great for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, this brilliant new school story celebrates the power of words and friendship. Visit the Scholastic shop.
Books for ages 11+
People Like Stars by Patrice Lawrence
Award-winning author Patrice Lawrence has written this page-turning mystery story all about fractured families, long-buried secrets and the power of friendship. People Like Stars follows the unexpected connections between 13-year-olds Ayrton, Stanley and Sen. Can they uncover the mystery as their paths begin to cross? This brilliant novel will completely grip older children. Visit the Scholastic shop.
The Wish Switch by Lynn Painter
This delightful story of friendship and magic is the perfect summer read! Emma’s secret wishing well is the ideal plan for making the school year run smoothly, though chaos ensues when Emma’s wishes start coming true…but for the new kid, Jackson. The Wish Switch is a fun and relatable story, featuring a lovable friend group, a very sweet first kiss, school awkwardness and a little bit of magic. Visit the Scholastic shop.
You can find all of these top picks, as well as plenty more brilliant summer reads, on the Scholastic shop.
