Best Books for Each Year Group

Each of our Year Group Recommended Reads lists contains 50 books specially picked out for reading for pleasure in each primary year group. The lists are designed to provide recommendations of age-appropriate and accessible books across a range of genres and styles. The books are purely selected for the purpose of reading for pleasure at each age group.

When we put together each list, we look for a balance across different genres and styles. Some children naturally navigate towards non-fiction, while others find graphic novels or poetry the most enjoyable forms to pick up and read. Each list contains a balance of age-appropriate fiction, picturebooks, non-fiction, poetry and graphic novels, with a handful of novelty or tactile books added in too. We’ve also aimed to collate lists that cater for different reading styles, interest levels, publication dates (you’ll find some true golden oldies as well as brand new titles on each list) and also books that contain a diversity of characters and settings. This way, schools using our lists can offer children access to a wealth of quality reading choices to enjoy.