Explore our teacher-approved primary book picks
Earlier this year we asked our followers on social media to share their primary book picks inspired by different prompts. Read our round up below, featuring the books they love to read and recommend in the classroom.
We all understand the importance of literacy and the transformative power of reading. However, it can be hard to find the right book to engage pupils and build that love of reading we know is so beneficial. Primary Book Picks was created to make that a little bit easier. Find recommendations from teachers, library staff and literacy experts including classic titles you may have forgotten about as well as wonderful new books.
If you’ve think there’s a brilliant book we’ve missed or perhaps there’s a recommendation you are looking for, please contact us at hello@schoollitnet.org.uk or find us on social media @schoollitnet.
Books to share with the whole class
These books were picked as brilliant texts to read aloud to the whole class.
The Wild Robot written by Peter Brown, published by Piccadilly Press.
Vegetable Glue written by Susan Chandler and illustrated by Elena Odriozola, published by Meadowside Children’s Books.
The Book With No Pictures written by BJ Novak, published by Puffin.
The Boy At the Back Of the Class written by Onjali Q. Rauf and illustrated by Pippa Curnick, published by Orion Children’s Books.
Varjak Paw written by SF Said and illustrated by Dave McKean, published by Corgi Childrens.
Books about nature and the great outdoors
These picks will inspire your pupils to love nature and are great choices to share outdoors.
Bothered by Bugs by Emily Gravett, published by Two Hoots.
Stanley’s Stick written by John Hegley and illustrated by Neal Layton, published by Hodder Children’s Books.
Once I Was a Tree written by Eoin McLaughlin and illustrated by Guilherme Karsten, published by Nosy Crow.
The Lost Words written by Robert Macfarlane and illustrated by Jackie Morris, published by Hamish Hamilton.
Nature Trail written by Benjamin Zephaniah and illustrated by Nila Aye, published by Orchard Books.
The Tin Forest written by Helen Ward and illustrated by Wayne Anderson, published by Templar Books.
Books that are asked for again and again
Books that can be read over and over in class, the pupils will love them every time.
Oi Frog written by Kes Gray and illustrated by Jim Field, published by Hodder Children’s Books
Stuck by Oliver Jeffers, published by HarperCollins
The Runaway Pea written by Kjartan Poskitt and illustrated by Alex Willmore, published by Simon & Schuster.
You Choose by Nick Sharratt and Pippa Goodhart, published by Puffin.
Books that children recommend to friends
We know peer-recommendation and book talk is a great way to inspire children to read more. Here are the books that are recommended in libraries and classrooms by young readers.
The Last Bear written by Hannah Gold and illustrated by Levi Pinfold. published by HarperCollins.
The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks by Katie Kirby, published by Puffin.
Isadora Moon Has a Birthday by Harriet Muncaster, published by Oxford University Press.
Grimwood by Nadia Shireen, published by Simon & Schuster.
Bunny Vs Monkey by Jamie Smart, published by DFB Phoenix.
Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Being Good by Louie Stowell, published by Walker Books.
Dragon Mountain by Katie Tsang and Kevin Tsang
Books to inspire discussion about the environment
At SLN we believe in the power of books to support oracy and the texts below are great discussion starters for the classroom, focusing on environmental topics.
Clean Up! written by Nathan Bryon and illustrated by Dapo Adeola, published by Puffin.
The Ice Bear written by Nicola Davies and illustrated by Gary Blythe, published by Walker Books.
Megamess written by Eoin McLaughlin and illustrated by Julia Christians, published by Templar Books.
Somebody Crunched Colin written by Sarah Roberts and illustrated by Hannah Jayne Lewin, published by Scholastic.
More support to build the reading for pleasure culture in your school
Supporting schools to develop a genuine culture of reading for pleasure is the most meaningful impact our CPD and ongoing support can have. It’s the everyday practices, embedded in school life, that lead to sustainable change. We’ve compiled a bundle of resources designed to inspire whole-school book talk, highlight teachers as reading mentors and help build a culture of reading for pleasure in your school. Available to all membership tiers, including free access.