Books featuring young carers

Jakub usually looks after his mum – and now he’s caring for an injured otter. A gentle, compelling read. 

Ella’s going through a lot of changes – a new home, a new school, and a big family secret to keep under wraps. But how far will she go to stay friends with popular girl Lydia? An enormously entertaining read that will strike a chord with many young readers.

Can Lizzie get her grandad from Glasgow to Blackpool in time for a tea dance at the Tower Ballroom? A heartwarming story about looking after your family, even with the odds stacked against you. 

Billy is an odd boy: he’s quiet, different from other children, and his skin’s always wrinkled from swimming in the sea. At heart, this is a story about friendship in the face of adversity, and Chloe Daykin’s writing is clear, poetic and grips you from the start.

Is someone spying on Audrey and her family? Fun, fast-paced chapter book on the adventures of a young carer. 

Taking place in a believable urban, multicultural environment that will be familiar to many young readers, Polly Ho-Yen’s debut is an impressively moving and thought-provoking story that will touch children and adults alike.

Archie Crumb thinks he is nothing special, until a footballing fairy godfather gives him nine wishes and the chance to change everything. A rewarding read that deals with similar issues to Jacqueline Wilson but in a more reassuring way.

A quirky fantasy adventure in which a human boy and a Greek goddess accidentally release an immortal supervillain who is determined to take over the world – and maybe even the universe.

Twelve-year-old AJ lives within a stone’s throw of the London Stadium, and his dream is to one day run there. However, his parents have learning difficulties, mounting bills, and are struggling to cope. A powerful book: convincing, uplifting and immensely readable.

Todd’s life is like a rollercoaster ride, with endless twists and turns, exacerbated by the unpredictable behaviour of his mentally ill father. A wonderful, multi-layered story, with an intriguing plot, fabulous characters and plenty of humour. 

Jacqueline Wilson demonstrates her skill by capturing the experiences of a young carer, fearful about what the cancer will do to her mother.

This story is about leaving childhood and entering a world where, as George says, ​‘things are not simple anymore’. Children will love the adorable tale of friendship between boy and dog and Gizmo’s doggie memoirs, which are peppered throughout.

14 year old Frankie is having to grow up quickly to help her mum with her developing MS – and now that one of her bullies is starting to strike up an actual friendship with her, Frankie’s starting to think it might be something a little more. A delicate exploration of teen sexuality and the difficulties of growing up by the inimitable Jacqueline Wilson.

When Matthew tries to get Ariadne’s stolen bike back for her, his plan to stay under the radar is scuppered… Suitable for dyslexic readers.