Suggested reading for Years 7 & 8: Autumn Term

Mia is a secret superstar musician, writing song lyrics that her friends love. But in real life she’s bullied for being different. Is Mia ready to show the world who she really is?

Engagingly told life stories of fourteen Black British people and their contributions to the world. 

Asking interesting questions about where protest ends and criminality begins, this is a thought-provoking, gripping and hugely relevant cautionary tale about the power of AI and the desire to have an influential online presence. 

14-year-old Fred lives a double life. In school he’s a nobody, a ghost. But online, from his gaming chair, Fred is Existor – a streamer with a massive following. Fred must balance his two personas while dealing with bullies and a tough home situation. 

Edie Eckhart is a feisty, funny 11-year-old who has cerebral palsy. She has to make some new special relationships when she moves to secondary school and her best friend goes into a different class. An entertaining diary-format book that sensitively explores growing up. 

In a playlist of 40 songs from artists as diverse as Shakira, John Lennon, Billie Holiday, the Spice Girls and Drake, Jeffrey Boakye asks whether music has the power to build bridges and overcome racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination.

With exciting and imaginative battle scenes, and an energetic narrative, this fun-packed fantasy adventure is inspired by aspects of Caribbean and African culture and spirituality. 

This funny and touching coming-of-age story reflects the experiences of many youngsters making the transition to secondary school or experiencing changes in the family.

Edward has reinvented himself as Ted at his dad’s new town. Ted is cool and definitely isn’t bullied. But will his lies catch up with him? Hilarious and moving, this is about being who you really are. 

A verse novel telling the story of Nate’s first year at secondary school. The sequel to The Final Year. 

Hope’s family cafe desperately needs money, but can dressing up as a giant ice cream really save it? Relatable, funny and relevant for all those moving up to secondary school. 

13-year-old Tom has been recruited to a school for thieves – but in a world of deception, who can he trust? 

Jodie Ounsley – Fury on TV show Gladiators, as well as a previous England rugby player – wants to help young people discover their dreams, be comfortable living outside of the box, learn that differences are superpowers, speak up for themselves, and develop resilience.

Four teenagers embark on a mission to investigate the local legend of Blood-Eyed-Mary, the witch in the woods. Will they survive the night? 

Siblings Kyle and Lauren must fight to survive when a mysterious illness sweeps through their tower block, resulting in several grisly deaths. Definitely not for the fainthearted, this chilling tale is interspersed with news articles and classified reports, which cleverly draw readers into the story. 

A sad ghost wants to go to a party, but his social anxiety keeps holding him back. When he meets another anxious ghost, he realises he’s not alone. A charming graphic novel for older readers about depression, friendship, and finding a kindred spirit.