Gladiators booklist

Children love the high-octane thrills of the TV show Gladiators, and this booklist is here to keep that adrenaline pumping through equally exciting books. We have included stories packed with action, brawls and epic showdowns; tales featuring underdog heroes who triumph through determination and teamwork; and true stories of remarkable athletes whose achievements could earn them a place in any arena. Gladiators, are you ready to read?

  • Little People, Big Dreams: Muhammad Ali

    by Ma Isabel Sanchez Vegara 

    2019 4 to 9 years 

    • Historical
    • Non-fiction
    • Picture books

    Learn about African-American boxer Muhammad Ali in this accessible picture book biography for young children. This title builds on the inspiring Little People, Big Dreams series, which has expanded to include books about extraordinary men. 

  • Beat This Book

    by Howard Calvert, illustrated by Gemma Correll 

    2024 5 to 9 years 

    • Funny
    • Interactive
    • Picture books

    Funny and silly, this is a book that will entertain children for a good amount of time. With over 40 ridiculous challenges!  

  • Who Rules the Rockpool?

    by Matty Long 

    2024 5 to 9 years 

    • Adventure
    • Funny
    • Non-fiction
    • Picture books

    Crab boasts that he is the ruler of the rockpool, as he’s so brave and strong, but Prawn insists that there’s more to survival than just being tough. An entertaining picture book with colourful, cartoon-like illustrations and plenty of witty one-liners. 

  • Tiny Hercules

    by Jon Lock, illustrated by Nich Angell 

    2026 7 to 11 years 

    • Funny
    • Graphic novels
    • Myths and legends

    Tiny Hercules has been banished to the human world – can Jeff help him in his epic quest to defeat a lion? Brilliant, action-packed fun with laugh-out-loud moments. 

  • Guardians of the New Moon: Ming and Miaow’s Great Race

    by Eric Huang, illustrated by Phùng Nguyên Quang 

    5 to 9 years 

    • Adventure
    • Around the world
    • Chapter books

    The ruler of heaven challenges every animal to a great race, with the fastest 12 immortalised in the Chinese zodiac. Join Ming the fox and Miaow the cat as they fight to win the race!

  • Megalomaniacs: The Invasion Begins!

    by author-illustrator Jamie Smart 

    2026 7 to 14 years 

    • Comic books
    • Funny

    What a lovely day… to invade planet Earth! Meet the Megalomaniacs, a group of mini monsters who are itching to take over the world. Outrageous fun from Jamie Smart the creator of Bunny vs Monkey.

  • Mega Robo Bros 2: Mega Robo Rumble

    by Neill Cameron 

    2017 5 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Chapter books
    • Comic books
    • Funny
    • Science fiction

    A celebration of diversity in a robot-themed comic book featuring mega robot battles – and a trip to buy school uniform.

  • Julius Zebra: Rumble with the Romans

    by Gary Northfield 

    2015 5 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Chapter books
    • Funny

    Set in ancient Rome, this is the hilarious tale of Julius, a zebra who is seized from his African watering hole and shipped hundreds of miles away to face the gladiators in combat at the Colosseum.

  • Dungeon Runners: Hero Trial

    by Kieran Larwood, illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton 

    2024 9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Coming-of-age
    • Fantasy
    • Funny

    Presented in large, clear font and with black and white illustrations throughout, this funny, exciting, imaginative adventure story is a great introduction to fantasy fiction for newly independent readers. 

  • Varjak Paw

    by SF Said 

    2003 9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Classics
    • Thriller

    Pedigree cat Varjak Paw lives in a luxurious mansion with his family, but when trouble comes to their door, he’s forced to escape to the streets to enlist the help of a sworn enemy. A modern adventure which considers what it is to be persecuted for coming from a different culture, and, at the same time, find strength in the wisdom passed down from our ancestors.

  • Monkey King and the World of Myths: The Monster and the Maze

    by Maple Lam 

    2024 9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Funny
    • Graphic novels
    • Myths and legends

    Sun Wukong, legendary monkey king and warrior, faces an ancient evil which threatens the world. Join him on a wild and comical adventure as he battles the monsters of ancient Greece. 

  • Alex vs. Axel: The Impossible Quests

    by Sam Copeland, illustrated by Dotty Sutton 

    2024 9 to 14 years 

    • Coming-of-age
    • Fantasy
    • Funny

    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.  

  • Fantastically Great Women: Sports Stars and their Stories

    by Kate Pankhurst 

    2024 9 to 14 years 

    • Around the world
    • Coming-of-age
    • Historical
    • Non-fiction

    This inspirational non-fiction book celebrates the achievements of eight fantastically great women from the word of sport. 

  • Keep Smashing It

    by Jodie Ounsley and Becky Grey, illustrated by Dane Thibeault 

    2025 9 to 14 years 

    • Non-fiction
    • Deafness
    • Disability

    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.

  • The World’s First Human Cannonball and Other Incredible Jobs

    by Mike Barfield, illustrated by Franziska Höllbacher 

    2025 9 to 14 years 

    • Historical
    • Non-fiction
    • Picture books

    In this often hilarious, comic-style book, Mike Barfield and Franziska Höllbacher take readers through a huge variety of zany, unusual, and often wacky jobs.

  • Running My Own Race

    by Abena Eyeson 

    2025 9 to 14 years 

    • Coming-of-age

    Kofi earns a scholarship to a prestigious private school and must overcome bullying and academic pressures to achieve his dream of becoming a professional athlete. A moving and important story.