Books to read aloud to ages 10 and 11

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.  

Set in prehistoric Ireland during an endless winter, Fia and her snow deer set out on a perilous adventure to find the Deer Mother and bring warmth and hope back to her people.

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. 

A pacy dystopian page-turner.

A collection of exciting, action-packed mystery stories from 13 brilliant contemporary authors – all with a summer theme. A perfect summer holiday read. 

Estie feels her truth is unheard when she is expelled from school and sent to Scotland for the summer. When she discovers a secret story from the past, she gains the confidence to find her own lost voice. 

A marvellous nonfiction resource that showcases nine fascinating cultures, looking at how each empire rose to power, and what its significance was.

A normal kid called Alex and the heroic Axel swap worlds and must complete quests to return home in this fast-paced, hilarious fantasy 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!

An accessible and fascinating look at the British Empire and how it still affects our lives today.

This funny, engaging, body-swap adventure explores fandom, friendship and empathy via an unmissable dance competition, viral videos and throwing away the school rule book. 

A powerful re-imagining of Frankenstein that provokes empathy and compassion. Compelling and thrilling.  

This beautifully designed book celebrates the diversity of Asia, with in-depth information about the world’s largest and most populated continent. 

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.

With a great mix of science fiction and science fact, this nail-biting race-against-time is presented in an accessible format with black and white illustrations. 

A joyous collection of poems celebrating Welsh identity in its many forms – and the dragons inside us all. 

Katherine Rundell has created an incredibly real-feeling magical world and story to rival classics like Narnia, with writing that sweeps you up and main characters who are simultaneously humanly flawed yet inherently pure and good.

A vibrant collection of poems from Children’s Laureate Wales 2023–25, celebrating nature andwordplay. 

A collection of carefully modernised, engaging stories from the rich tradition of Welsh myths, legends and ghost stories.  

A funny, glitter-spangled, mystery thriller for anyone who likes a dose of danger with their magic.

Zed’s dad is the First Hunter of Demons. But when Zed meets a Demon, he discovers that they’re not as terrifying as the myths say. Exciting and full of heart. 

Scrap the robot has vowed never to help another human. Now two children need him, and he’s catapulted into a breakneck adventure full of action and humour. A fantastic read.

11-year-old Vanya is catapulted into a world of magic and monsters when she joins the enchanted school of Auramere. There, she must battle against the forces of the Old Ones and a dark family secret.. 

Can Anzu defeat the cruel underworld queen? A stunningly original graphic novel.

Ayrton was stolen as a baby – and Stanley’s mysterious grandmother did it! But can they find her? A gripping story of family secrets and friendship.