Books that feature Young Carers

Love Frankie by Jacqueline Wilson

Every young carer has their own story of resilience and strength but they are often overlooked in books. Here are few of our favourite books featuring fictional young carers that everyone can enjoy!

  • Who Let the Gods Out?

    Who Let the Gods Out?

    Author: Maz Evans
    Publisher: Chicken House
    Interest age: 9-13
    Reading age: 10+

    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.

  • Love Frankie by Jacqueline Wilson

    Love Frankie

    Author: Jacqueline Wilson Illustrator: Nick Sharratt
    Publisher: Puffin
    Interest age: 12-14
    Reading age: 10+

    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.

  • The Boy Whose Wishes Came True

    The Boy Whose Wishes Came True

    Author: Helen Rutter
    Publisher: Scholastic
    Interest age: 9-12
    Reading age: 8+

    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 Library of Lemons

    A Library of Lemons

    Author: Jo Cotterill
    Publisher: Piccadilly
    Interest age: 8-11
    Reading age: 8+

    Believable, memorable, charming and moving, fans of Jacqueline Wilson's domestic dramas will enjoy this bittersweet story of a family finding their feet in the next chapter of their lives.

  • What’s That in Dog Years?

    What’s That in Dog Years?

    Author: Ben Davis Illustrator: Julia Christians
    Publisher: Oxford University Press
    Interest age: 10-13
    Reading age: 9+

    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.

  • Fish Boy

    Fish Boy

    Author: Chloe Daykin
    Publisher: Faber
    Interest age: 9+
    Reading age: 9-12

    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.

  • I Am the Minotaur

    I Am the Minotaur

    Author: Anthony McGowan
    Publisher: Oxford University Press with Barrington Stoke
    Interest age: 12-15
    Reading age: 12+

    Matthew does his best to be invisible, especially at school. He doesn’t want anyone to notice him or use the horrible nickname ‘Stinky Mog’ that he was given a few years ago. Everything is much easier if no one notices him, so he stays under the radar and watches life from the side-lines.

    The only good part of Matthew’s day is Ariadne, one of the popular gir…

  • Lola Rose

    Lola Rose

    Author: Jacqueline Wilson Illustrator: Nick Sharratt
    Publisher: Random House
    Interest age: 10+
    Reading age: 9+

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

  • The Rollercoaster Boy

    The Rollercoaster Boy

    Author: Lisa Thompson Illustrator: Gemma Correll
    Publisher: Scholastic
    Interest age: 9-11
    Reading age: 8+

    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. 

  • Ella on the Outside

    Ella on the Outside

    Author: Cath Howe
    Publisher: Nosy Crow
    Interest age: 8-11
    Reading age: 8+

    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.

  • Running on Empty

    Running on Empty

    Author: S E Durrant Illustrator: Rob Biddulph (front cover)
    Publisher: Nosy Crow
    Interest age: 9-12
    Reading age: 9+

    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.

  • The Boy in the Tower

    The Boy in the Tower

    Author: Polly Ho-Yen
    Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's
    Interest age: 9-10
    Reading age: 9+

    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.