Books for reluctant readers (younger children)

Freddy vs School

There's a book out there for every child, even the most reluctant of readers. Try a few of the books below to see if they click with your child and help them love reading.

There's fiction, non-fiction, rhyme and laugh-out-loud moments! Let us know which one works for your 5-8 year old.

See our list for 9-12s

See our list for teens

  • Sam Wu is Not Afraid of Ghosts

    Author: Katie and Kevin Tsang Illustrator: Nathan Reed

    Interest level: 7-11

    Reading age: 9+

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  • Sam Wu is Not Afraid of Ghosts

    Author: Katie and Kevin Tsang Illustrator: Nathan Reed

    Interest level: 7-11

    Reading age: 9+

    Sam Wu is scared of many things but is determined not to let anyone find out. However, after an unfortunate incident in a space si…

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  • Midnight Magic

    Author: Michelle Harrison Illustrator: Elissa Elwick

    Interest level: 5-8

    Reading age: 6+

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  • Midnight Magic

    Author: Michelle Harrison Illustrator: Elissa Elwick

    Interest level: 5-8

    Reading age: 6+

    A fabulous and fully illustrated rhyming story about a magical kitten and the family who adopt her. Ideal for newly independent re…

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  • Freddy vs School

    Author: Neill Cameron

    Interest level: 9-13

    Reading age: 7+

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  • Freddy vs School

    Author: Neill Cameron

    Interest level: 9-13

    Reading age: 7+

    Freddy is proud to be a robot boy - but he keeps getting into trouble at school! This funny, light-hearted chapter book examines w…

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  • Grimwood

    Author: Nadia Shireen

    Interest level: 6-9

    Reading age: 7+

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  • Grimwood

    Author: Nadia Shireen

    Interest level: 6-9

    Reading age: 7+

    Fox siblings Ted and Nancy live in the big city but decide to find Grimwood, a faraway forest where they can lie low. Nadia Shiree…

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  • Space Detectives

    Author: Mark Powers Illustrator: Dapo Adeola

    Interest level: 6-11

    Reading age: 7+

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  • Space Detectives

    Author: Mark Powers Illustrator: Dapo Adeola

    Interest level: 6-11

    Reading age: 7+

    A summer holiday job selling ice cream aboard the exotic space station of Starville turns into a race against time to avoid a cata…

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  • The Wolves in the Walls

    Author: Neil Gaiman Illustrator: Dave McKean

    Interest level: 8+

    Reading age: 8+

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  • The Wolves in the Walls

    Author: Neil Gaiman Illustrator: Dave McKean

    Interest level: 8+

    Reading age: 8+

    When Lucy hears noises in the walls of her home, she tries to warn her family that the wolves are coming. However, they do not hee…

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  • Claude in the City

    Author: Alex T Smith

    Interest level: 7+

    Reading age: 7+

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  • Claude in the City

    Author: Alex T Smith

    Interest level: 7+

    Reading age: 7+

    Claude is no ordinary dog - he leads an extraordinary life! When Mr and Mrs Shinyshoes set off for work, Claude heads for the city…

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  • Kitty Quest

    Author: Phil Corbett

    Interest level: 7-9

    Reading age: 7+

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  • Kitty Quest

    Author: Phil Corbett

    Interest level: 7-9

    Reading age: 7+

    Kittens Woolfrik and Perigold set up a monster-hunting stall, although business is slow, as there appear to be no monsters on the …

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  • Kitchen Disco

    Author: Clare Foges Illustrator: Al Murphy

    Interest level: 3-5

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  • Kitchen Disco

    Author: Clare Foges Illustrator: Al Murphy

    Interest level: 3-5

    Reading age:

    Did you know when you go to sleep all the fruit in the bowl comes to life and has a fun-filled, night long party?

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  • I am Bear

    Author: Ben Bailey Smith and Sav Akyüz

    Interest level: 3-5

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  • I am Bear

    Author: Ben Bailey Smith and Sav Akyüz

    Interest level: 3-5

    Reading age:

    Meet Bear: the rebel hero of the forest. This charming and anarchic picture book celebrates a mischievious and loveable character.…

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  • Bunny Vs Monkey

    Author: Jamie Smart

    Interest level: 6-8

    Reading age: 7+

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  • Bunny Vs Monkey

    Author: Jamie Smart

    Interest level: 6-8

    Reading age: 7+

    Packed full of hilarious short stories, this bumper collection of cartoons covers an entire year of adventures for Bunny and Monke…

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  • Louie Lets Loose!

    Author: Rachel Hamilton Illustrator: Oscar Armelles

    Interest level: 7-9

    Reading age: 7-9

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  • Louie Lets Loose!

    Author: Rachel Hamilton Illustrator: Oscar Armelles

    Interest level: 7-9

    Reading age: 7-9

    Louie the unicorn lives a quiet life with his parents in Story Land, until his invite to the New York School of Performing Arts ar…

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