Growing up

From the award-winning author of Skellig comes a new story of hope, friendship and conquering your fears.

Nothing is the same this summer. With Joff’s father ill and his mother working, he can’t wait to escape each day, but when his adventures take him to the Chapel of Doom, he uncovers something unexpected, something truly magical.

This timeless coming-of-age story is supported by curriculum-linked activities and display materials.

Themes: Coming of age | Back to school | Family | Illness

The Recruit is the first book in the popular CHERUB series by Robert Muchamore. It’s an action-packed tale, raising questions about bullying, violence and the morality of acting for the safety of a large number of people at a disadvantage to a smaller number of individuals. It also raises questions about the exploitation of the environment and people in order to provide affordable resources.

Themes: Characters and settings | Adventure | Plot | Language and style

How to Shine at Primary School is the ultimate positive guide to primary school from educator and TikTok sensation Mr Kit Brown. A bumper pack of classroom resources with display materials and worksheets including how to set shine goals and positive quotes to make your classroom SHINE!

Themes: Positivity| Resilience | Mental Health | Primary School

How do you tell a story no one wants to hear? A page-turning mystery and quest for the truth, exploring race, identity and the power of your voice, from acclaimed writer Nadine Aisha Jassat. Perfect for KS2 readers.​

Themes: Mystery | Truth | Identity | Friendship | Community

Hear a reading from the author here.

One Day At A Time is a sensitive and reassuring story about dealing with divorce and separation, teaching readers 3+ that even the biggest changes in life get easier, and happiness can grow again, if you take it one day at a time . . . 

Themes: Families | Divorce | Separation | Change

A dyslexia-friendly verse story of hope, belonging and finding sanctuary in a difficult world, from the author of Wider than the Sea, Serena Molloy. Perfect for fans of A Kind of Spark.

Themes: Hope | Belonging | Friendship | Family | Finding Sanctuary

From middle-grade powerhouse L. D. Lapinski, comes an epic new series about a world where magic is fading and the extraordinary twins that might just bring it back.

Themes: Dreams & Nightmares | Magic & Fantasy | Finding Your Strength | Scottish Myths & Folktales

Be Awesome, Go Big is a package to help Year 6 students transition into Year 7. It can be used by students and parents at home or in school with teachers in class. It is designed to be motivational, helpful and reassuring and to help young people feel valued, loved, encouraged and equipped for the journey ahead.

A project from PiXL Club and Hachette Children’s Group.

From the creators of the bestselling Giraffes Can’t Dance comes an empowering story about a little hippo who discovers that success often requires a little patience, and simply TRYING can bring its own unexpected rewards. This progress chart rewards children for practising life skills and for persevering.

Themes: Perseverance| The ‘power of yet’ | Growth mindset | Families |

Discover inspiring black men and women through history, from artists to inventors, in this beautifully illustrated biography collection. Black Stories Matter feature biographies of famous and inspiring black people, celebrating their lives and achievements, and seeing how they’ve made a difference to change the world we live in. The books are ideal for readers aged 9 and above.

Themes: Race & Identity | History |

Filled with easy-to-understand explanations, down-to-earth advice and cheeky illustrations, this growing-up guide by trusted paediatrician Dr Ranj is perfect for boys aged 10+ who want to discover the confidence to be the very best version of themselves.

Themes: Gender and Identity | Growing up | Mental Health and Body Confidence | Developing Healthy Relationships

Black Brother, Black Brother is a powerful coming-of-age story about two brothers – one who presents as white, the other as Black – and the ways they are forced to navigate a world that doesn’t treat them equally.

From the bestselling author of Ghost Boys, Jewell Parker Rhodes, this is another poignant and gripping story about how children and families face the complexities of race and racism in today’s world.

Themes: Race | Injustice | Family relationships | Coming-of-age

Watch a video from the author here.