17 books set in Year 6

Teacher, BBC Bitesize presenter and TikTok star Kit Brown shares his top tips on how to shine at primary school in this sensitive and inspiring non-fiction book. 

A narrative set of poems which convey the highs and lows of the authors real experience growing up in a large family raised by a single father.  

When Mayowa learns how to channel the emotions stored in books, she must decide how to use her power in a difficult political situation concerning refugees. 

Recently orphaned Will is sent to stay with an uncle he doesn’t know in a remote, mountainous valley. By caring for an injured osprey, he slowly comes to terms with his grief and learns to trust again. 

August (‘Auggie’) Pullman can’t help but stand out – he was born with a severe facial deformity. Written in the first person, Wonder follows Auggie as he experiences more than the usual ups-and-downs of friendships, family and school.

High-Rise Mystery is the perfect ​‘whodunnit’. As the two girls sift through red herrings and reveal a series of tower block secrets, short snappy sentences and sparkling dialogue will keep readers turning the pages. A mystery as hot as the summer heatwave in which it’s set!

Lily has a stammer and when a video of her practising a school presentation is posted online, she feels humiliated. She wants to hide away but knows that she must face her fears if she is to find her own voice. This heart-warming novel incorporates themes of friendship, bullying and the environment.

Harvey Small is a nice boy – but he’s been expelled from pretty much every school he’s gone to, and after a particularly bad incident (OK, so he might have set fire to the headteacher’s trousers…) his Mum decides the only solution is to send him off to Madame Bogbrush’s School for Gifted Giants. The only problem? Harvey isn’t a giant. He’s a small boy. On stilts.

Emmy lives some of the best bits of her life online and in her own head. A hard-hitting yet empowering story of bullying, friendship and finding the confidence and courage to be yourself.

When he falls out with his best friend and then his little brother is rushed into hospital, Nate’s world is turned upside-down. This incredibly powerful novel, written entirely in free verse and accompanied by thoughtful illustrations, is an emotional read.

Nina Peanut is a hilarious, aspiring content creator. When one of her videos goes viral, she must learn how to cope with the challenges of fame, friendship and self-confidence.  

When 11 year old Addie, who is autistic, learns about the 16th century women who were persecuted for witchcraft, she starts to lobby for a local memorial in her small Scottish village. With the help of a new girl at school, she fights valiantly against injustice and oppression.

James is being bullied at school, while dealing with grief and normal Year 6 worries. Can James find the sparkle in his life again? Brilliantly deals with bullying, friendship issues and working out who you are.

England footballer Marcus Rashford shares tips and advice that he’s learned on his journey from being a football-mad kid in Manchester to a sports megastar and political activist, as well as how to handle issues of confidence and anxiety.

This poignant novel about the complexities of friendship dynamics is perceptive, insightful and sensitively written, with touches of humour. The chapters are narrated in turn by Callie, Ted and Billy, which will help readers to develop empathy, as they are able to explore different viewpoints and understand that people’s circumstances can dramatically affect their behaviour. 

What is special about Sunshine Simpson? She needs to find something to say about herself for a school assembly – but what? A delight of a book, exploring grief, friendship dynamics and finding your voice in a friendly, relatable manner.