17 books set in Year 6

Some of our favourite, contemporary books which are set in the final year of primary school

The final year of primary school is often described as being a major turning point in children’s education. Year six pupils become the leaders and role-models for their primary school, but they also look ahead to the next year, where they will encounter new challenges and adventures as secondary students.

Understandably, this year can bring up a lot of emotions and questions for children, and books can be an excellent way to address and understand these feelings.

We have collated some of our favourite, contemporary books which are set in this important school year. Some are light-hearted and fun, whereas others delve deeper into the social anxieties which can be thrown up during this transitional period in children’s lives. We hope that they can reassure, celebrate and spark discussions for all those who read them.

  • How to Shine at Primary School

    illustrated by Allison Steinfeld 

    2024 6 to 12 years 

    • Non-fiction

    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. 

  • We Are family

    by Oliver Sykes, illustrated by Ian Morris 

    2024 9 to 12 years 

    • Diaries and journals
    • Funny
    • Poetry and rhyme

    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.  

  • Mayowa and the Sea of Words

    by Chibundu Onuzo 

    2024 9 to 12 years 

    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. 

  • Bird Boy

    by Catherine Bruton 

    2024 9 to 12 years 

    • Coming-of-age

    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. 

  • Moving on Up

    by Rosie Jones, illustrated by Hayley Wells 

    2024 9 to 12 years 

    • Chapter books
    • Coming-of-age
    • Funny
    • Non-fiction
    • Disability

    Written by comedian Rosie Jones, this superb book about growing up explores a range of topics that will resonate with readers as they transition from childhood to their teenage years.  

  • Wonder

    by R J Palacio 

    2012 9 to 12 years 

    • Disability

    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

    by Sharna Jackson 

    2019 9 to 12 years 

    • Adventure

    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!

  • How to be More Hedgehog

    by Anne-Marie Conway, illustrated by Danielle Dey 

    2022 9 to 12 years 

    • Chapter books
    • Disability
    • Dyslexia
    • Learning disability

    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.

  • Small!

    by Hannah Moffatt 

    2022 9 to 12 years 

    • Chapter books

    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 Levels Up

    by Helen Harvey 

    2021 9 to 12 years 

    • Coming-of-age

    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.

  • The Final Year

    by Matt Goodfellow, illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton 

    2023 9 to 12 years 

    • Chapter books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    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 Amazing

    by Sarah Bowie 

    2024 9 to 12 years 

    • Funny
    • Graphic novels

    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.  

  • A Kind of Spark

    by Elle McNicoll 

    2020 9 to 12 years 

    • Autistic spectrum conditions
    • Disability

    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.

  • Glitter Boy

    by Ian Eagleton 

    2023 9 to 12 years 

    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.

  • You are a Champion

    by Marcus Rashford and Carl Anka 

    2021 9 to 12 years 

    • Non-fiction

    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.

  • The Insiders

    by Cath Howe 

    2022 9 to 12 years 

    • Chapter books

    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. 

  • My Name is Sunshine Simpson

    by G. M. Linton 

    2023 9 to 12 years 

    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.