Books to help your child get ready for the big move to secondary school
The transition to secondary school can be both exciting and difficult.
These books aimed at 11-13 year olds contain themes around friendships and overcoming a variety of challenges, as well as starting at a new school. Many of them are also empowering and affirming, recognising a range of experiences. Lastly, and most importantly, they’re all fantastic reads, sure to encourage children to love books.
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The Crossover
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The Crossover
Dynamically-illustrated graphic novel version of a bestselling, award-winning story of twin basketball players and their coming-of…
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Moving on Up
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Moving on Up
; FlipWritten by comedian Rosie Jones, this superb book about growing up explores a range of topics that will resonate with readers as …
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Ellie Engle Saves Herself
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Ellie Engle Saves Herself
When twelve-year-old Ellie gains superpowers after an earthquake, her ordinary life becomes extraordinary. Can she navigate school…
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Ella on the Outside
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Ella on the Outside
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 f…
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Kofi and the Rap Battle Summer
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Kofi and the Rap Battle Summer
Kofi is always coming up with ways to make money and when he discovers his friend Kelvin can remember every song lyric, it’s time …
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The Amazing Edie Eckhart
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The Amazing Edie Eckhart
Edie Eckhart is a feisty, funny 11-year-old who has cerebral palsy. She has to make some new special relationships when she moves …
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You Must Be Layla
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You Must Be Layla
Layla's first week at her new school isn't going well - she's the only child there to wear a Muslim headscarf, and she's already b…
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Roller Girl
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Roller Girl
It’s really exciting to be starting at Roller Derby summer camp, but less so when Astrid finds herself doing it alone. A fantastic…
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The Lost Diary of Sami Star
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The Lost Diary of Sami Star
Hannah’s parents seem to have forgotten her, preoccupied by current quarrels with her older sister. School isn’t much better – Han…
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Talking to Alaska
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Talking to Alaska
It only takes one day at their new school for Parker and Sven to become mortal enemies. Parker’s had a terrible summer and just wa…
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Fearless! How to be your true, confident self
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Fearless! How to be your true, confident self
A self-help guide for youngsters struggling with self-esteem, peer pressure or ‘fitting in’.
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Find Your Girl Squad
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Find Your Girl Squad
This excellent self-help guide, co-written by a children’s author and a clinical psychologist, is centred around Poppy - who sends…
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Come on Life: Highs, Lows and How to Live Your Best Teen ...
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Come on Life: Highs, Lows and How to Live Your Best Teen ...
Written by teenage vlogger and campaigner Nikki Lilly, this inspirational book about growing up highlights some of the many pressu…
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Finding her Feet
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Finding her Feet
Can Lily’s talent for football help her overcome the challenges of starting at a new school? This dyslexia-friendly story is inter…
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Best Friends Forever
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Best Friends Forever
This funny and touching coming-of-age story reflects the experiences of many youngsters making the transition to secondary school …
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Rise Up: Ordinary Kids with Extraordinary Stories
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Rise Up: Ordinary Kids with Extraordinary Stories
A fantastic and inspiring book, sharing the stories of normal kids from across the world and their amazing achievements. After the…
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Hazel Hill is Gonna Win This One
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Hazel Hill is Gonna Win This One
Hazel attempts to make friends for the first time, and to challenge the behaviour of a boy in her class. An inspiring read. …
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A Good Day For Climbing Trees
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A Good Day For Climbing Trees
Thirteen-year-old Marnus finds himself at the centre of a protest when he and a girl named Leila camp out in a tree to preven…
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Finding My Voice
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Finding My Voice
When Frankie starts secondary school, she wants to make friends and be cool, but also be herself and not be too different. How can…
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Can You See Me?
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Can You See Me?
Starting secondary school is a daunting time for any 11 year old – and Natalia is no exception. This is a powerful, readable …
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Show Us Who You Are
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Show Us Who You Are
When 12 year old Cora meets Adrien, they become inseparable. But when Cora starts to visit Adrien's dad's company - which creates …
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Check Mates
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Check Mates
When his Granddad decides to teach Felix to play chess, Felix will do anything to get out of it... but it soon leads him to some s…
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