We know getting a teen to pick up a book can be harder than prising a phone out of their hand, but fear not – help is here. We asked top school librarians from Headington Rye Prep, The Oratory, and Caldicott for the reads that actually fire imaginations, spark big feelings and get pages turning. Trust us, it’s quite the list. We’ll take their grunts as a thank you.

Books 8+

Caldicott

‘The Lone Husky’ by Hannah Gold

A curl-up-and-get-lost kind of read. Hannah Gold — much loved for her empathetic, environmentally minded stories — is back with another gorgeous adventure for young readers. We’re reunited with April Wood, the courageous heroine from The Last Bear and Finding Bear. This latest book is another beautifully written, heartfelt adventure — full of warmth, excitement, and hope. Perfect for your littlies to get lost in.

£12.99

Books 8+

Caldicott

‘The Lone Husky’ by Hannah Gold

‘Which Way to the Future’ by Cressida Cowell – £11.99

Books 9+

Headington Rye

‘The Swallows’ Flight’ by Hilary McKay

‘The Dark is Rising’ by Susan Cooper

The Oratory

‘The Wee Free Men: A Tiffany Aching Novel’ by Terry Pratchett

‘The Wolf Wilder’ by Katherine Rundell

Caldicott

‘The Wrong Shoes’ by Tom Percival

‘Until the Road Ends’ by Phil Earle

Books 11+

Headington Rye

‘No Fixed Address’ by Susin Nielsen

‘The Skylarks’ War’ by Hilary McKay

The Oratory

‘Alone’ by Megan Freeman

‘King of Nothing’ by Nathanael Lessore

Books 13+

Headington Rye

‘A Gathering Light’ by Jennifer Donnelly

‘The Girl with the Louding Voice’ by Abi Dare

The Oratory

‘My Swordhand is Singing’ by Marcus Sedgwick

‘A Skinful of Shadows’ by Frances Hardinge

Caldicott

‘Lily’s Monster’ by Cliff McNish

IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?

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