Here’s a look at my standout adult reads of the year — the ones I adored, the ones that lingered, and even the ones that didn’t quite hit the mark.

Five-Star Reads

The List Of Suspicious Things

 by Jennie Godfrey

I read this while on our summer holiday, mostly stretched out on a sunbed in the sunshine — and I was completely transported back to 1979 England.

Set in Yorkshire, locals are reeling from Thatcher’s changes and terrified by the Ripper murders. Teenage Miv believes she’ll have to move Down South, leaving behind everything she’s ever known. With her best friend Sharon, she starts compiling a list of possible suspects — only to uncover dark secrets within their own families and friendship.

This book stayed with me long after I turned the last page. Atmospheric, tender, and full of heart.

No products found.

Circe

 by Madeline Miller

I challenge anyone not to fall in love with Circe, the witch from Greek mythology.

This beautifully written novel follows her journey from childhood to exile on the island Aiaia — where she hones her craft, falls in love, and learns to survive in a world built by men. It’s magical, powerful, and utterly absorbing. An absolute masterpiece.

No products found.

All The Colours of The Dark

 by Chris Whitaker

Two best friends. One is kidnapped; the other refuses to give up.

This is an epic mix of love story and crime thriller, with a serial killer twist. Despite its length, the short, sharp chapters make it impossible to put down. The writing is stunning, the tension electric, and the characters lingered with me long after I finished.

No products found.

Four-Star Reads

Intermezzo

 by Sally Rooney

A quiet, thoughtful story about two brothers born a generation apart, navigating life after their father’s death.

Set in Ireland, Peter is a human rights lawyer, while Ivan is a chess prodigy — both trying to make sense of love, loss, and identity. It’s classic Sally Rooney: sharp, introspective, and tender, though I did find myself skipping a few parts to move ahead.

No products found.

How AI Will Change Your Life: A Futurist’s Guide to a Super Smart World

 by Patrick Dixon

A fascinating non-fiction look at how AI is reshaping our world — for better and worse. Dixon doesn’t shy away from the ethical questions, and his advice at the end offers plenty to think about. A great read if you’re curious about what’s next.

No products found.

So Long, Chester Wheeler

 by Catherine Ryan Hyde

At the start, Lewis’s life is falling apart — he’s lost his job and his boyfriend. Then his grumpy, homophobic neighbour Chester Wheeler needs a carer. No one else will take the job, so Lewis steps in, and the unlikely pair end up on a road trip to Arizona.

It’s a story of unexpected friendship, growth, and redemption. Heartwarming and beautifully written.

No products found.

An African History of Africa

 by Zeinab Badawi

Everyone’s story begins in Africa — and this book tells it brilliantly. Zeinab Badawi rewrites the historical narrative, centring African voices that have long been overshadowed by Western perspectives. She takes readers across more than thirty African countries, exploring histories both ancient and modern. Absolutely fascinating.

No products found.

The Artist

 by Lucy Steeds

Set in 1920s Provence, Ettie is a housemaid caring for her reclusive painter uncle. When aspiring journalist Joseph arrives to write about him, secrets unravel, and love blooms.

A captivating debut that beautifully captures art, love, and ambition against a sun-drenched French backdrop.

No products found.

Three-Star Reads

A Little Trickerie

 by Rosanna Pike

Tibb Ingleby roams medieval England, homeless and grieving. Along the way she finds friends and enemies — and together, they hatch a daring plan to change their fate. Their hoax spirals into chaos, attracting danger and revenge.

Full of twists and vivid settings, though it didn’t fully grip me, it was still an enjoyable read.

No products found.

Small Pleasures

 by Clare Chambers

Set in 1957 London suburbia, Jean Swinney is a local journalist stuck in a life of quiet disappointment. When she meets Gretchen Tilbury, who claims her daughter was conceived without a father, Jean begins to investigate.

What follows is a tender story of friendship, love, and truth. The ending stayed with me for reasons I can’t quite explain.

No products found.

Two-Star Read

Dream Count

 by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

A story of four interconnected women exploring love, happiness, and the choices we make in an ever-connected world.

It’s a solid read, but I couldn’t help comparing it to Half of a Yellow Sun, which I absolutely loved — and this one just didn’t reach the same heights for me.

No products found.

What’s Next on My Reading List

I’ve got a few books lined up for the rest of the year — including The Women by Kristin Hannah and The Bee Sting by Paul Murray — so I’ll update this list as I go.

No products found.

If you’ve read any of these or have recommendations, I’d love to hear them in the comments!

About the Author

Marianne Weekes has worked in the education sector since 2017 and has been Librarian and Literacy Leader at Gravesend Grammar School for the past four years. She is a judge on the Spark! 2025 Book Awards 11+ panel and an avid reader of books for all ages. Marianne is currently writing her debut Young Adult novel, with a dream of becoming a published author.

In her spare time (what spare time?), she loves walking Baxter, her senior King Charles Cavalier, drinking tea, and planning her next adventure — at home or abroad.

You’ll be hearing much more from Marianne here on Mum in the Madhouse in her role as our Books and Reading Champion.

I’ve gathered some of our favourite reads — from timeless picture books to gripping YA novels — that would make wonderful Christmas gifts. Some are old classics, others are exciting new releases, but all are stories worth sharing.

Picture Books

You can’t go wrong with Julia Donaldson — her stories have stood the test of time in our house. Room on the Broom, Zog, The Snail and the Whale, and of course The Gruffalo are firm favourites for a reason.

Another classic that never gets old is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle — it’s one of those books that every child should have on their shelf.

A newer title worth checking out is The Full Stop That Got Away by Laura Baker — a lovely recommendation from a writer friend who knows her way around a good picture book.

No products found.

Lower Grade (Ages 6–9)

It’s been a few years since I worked in a primary school, but some stories are simply timeless. The Twits by Roald Dahl always gets a giggle, and The 13-Storey Treehouse series remains a big hit with junior school kids — the sillier, the better!

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo is a beautiful story of love, loss and adventure — one to read with your child, as it’s as moving for grown-ups as it is for little ones.

Varjak Paw by SF Said follows a brave blue cat on a dangerous adventure, and The Monster Spotter’s Handbook by Matt Cherry is perfect for monster lovers who enjoy a good laugh.

And if you’re after a magical world to escape into, The Land of Roar is full of imagination, mythical creatures, and plenty of bravery.

No products found.

Middle Grade (Ages 9–12)

If you’ve got a confident reader at home, these are some real page-turners:

Kick by Mitch Johnson is a brilliant, heartfelt story that’s a favourite with boys.

The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan is full of Greek mythology, monsters and quests — once they start, they’ll be hooked.

Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell takes you into a breathtaking fantasy world, and her follow-up The Poisoned King is top of my reading list.

Skandar and the Unicorn Thief by A.F. Steadman flips everything you think you know about unicorns — these are fierce, untamed beasts!

The House With Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson is a moving, magical story about belonging and friendship.

And if you haven’t yet read Tyger by SF Said, make sure you do — it’s a beautifully written, powerful tale set in a dystopian London.

Other must-reads include:

• A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
• The Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz (great for spy and action lovers)
• The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer — perfect for fantasy fans
• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown — a surprisingly heartwarming adventure
• How To Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell, which kicks off a brilliant 12-book series
• Inkbound – Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo by Philippa Leathley, which is next on my TBR list!

No products found.

Young Adult (Teens and Older Readers)

For older readers, these books are full of twists, emotions and unforgettable characters:

All The Hidden Monsters and All The Lost Souls by Amie Jordan are full of magic, mystery and danger.

The Hive by Anna February is a gripping whodunnit you won’t want to put down.

The Wycherleys is witty, romantic and laugh-out-loud funny.

Play by Luke Palmer beautifully captures the ups and downs of friendship as boys grow into young men.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is packed with puzzles, secrets and inheritance drama — think Knives Out for teens.

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas and The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han are both hugely popular (and TV favourites).

This year’s Carnegie Medal winner, Glasgow Boys by Margaret McDonald, is an incredible read about friendship, loyalty and forgiveness.

If mythology is more their thing, Circe by Madeline Miller is stunningly written and utterly unputdownable.

And for something a bit different, Silver by Olivia Levez tells the story of an alien who falls in love with Earth.

Finally, two must-haves for YA shelves:

• Sunrise On The Reaping by Suzanne Collins, the latest Hunger Games prequel (and it lives up to the hype!)
• Little Bang by *Kelly McCaughrain, a powerful and compassionate story about a teenage girl facing tough choices.

No products found.

Books make the most magical Christmas gifts — they’re thoughtful, long-lasting, and spark the imagination like nothing else. Whether it’s a classic bedtime story or a thrilling page-turner, there’s something here for every age and stage.

So, wrap up a story this Christmas and give the gift of reading — it might just become their favourite present under the tree.

Part of my role as a school librarian is looking after the bookcase in the staff room. All of the titles listed below went onto the bookcase so others might enjoy them. Other people drop books they have read and it works as a good sharing point. 

I also set up a Staff Book Club and we are currently reading The Housemaid by Frieda FcFadden which some of you may recognise. It would be really lovely to know if you would like to take part in an online Book Club using Mum In The Madhouse as a meeting point, do leave a comment below so Jen and I can put our heads together and work out how to start.

During 2024, I read 26 books for adults and for this list I have chosen my top ten. The titles are a mixture of old and new, some published as far back as 2009. I chose to read them for many different reasons, either I liked the author’s previous work, or it was the Book Club choice, or simply because it appealed when I read the blurb. I’ve included a couple of non fiction titles I enjoyed too. I don’t normally read non fiction but I’ve started to push myself to explore new areas of reading.

When it comes to reading, I don’t persevere with a book I am not enjoying. Life is too short and there are way too many books out there. So, if you pick one of my favourites and don’t like it, move on. We are all different and have different tastes, that’s what makes us all so special. On the other hand, if you do choose one, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make any purchases after clicking one of these links, I will make a small commission (hopefully enough to keep me in tea all year) – at no extra cost to you! This allows me to keep creating and sharing free tutorials and content for you. Thank you!

Fiction

I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O’Farrell  (2017)

No products found.

I’m a huge fan of Maggie O’Farrell and Hamnett remains one of my all time favourite stories. This book is a personal account of her near misses. Those moments in life when she could have died, or someone close to hear nearly lost their life. A fascinating short book to read which is beautifully written and encourages you to reflect on your own life path. Were there any near misses?

The Life Impossible by Matt Haig  (2024)

No products found.

Absolutely loved Haig’s latest book which is set in Ibiza, an island I haven’t visited but has jumped to the top of my list. Grace Winters is a widowed, retired maths teacher who lives a very dull life. One day, an old friend she met years back leaves her an apartment in Ibiza and Grace decides to go and see what it’s all about. The trip is life-changing for her. This is fun, frivolous and full of smiles.

All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr  (2014)

No products found.

What a beautiful read. Firstly, don’t be put off by the size of the book as it is written in very short chapters that will have you racing through the pages. Set in World War II, the story follows the parallel lives of two protagonists that will come together at some point. This book is a work of art with characters who jump out of the page and live with you for a while.

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt  (2022)

No products found.

The unlikely friendship between a widowed night cleaner who lost her son Erik aged 18 in never solved mysterious circumstances and an octopus who not only is incredibly intelligent he is a fascinating narrator throughout the story. Full of wit and wonder, this story had me from the first page and stayed with me long after I’d finished the last.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros  (2023)

No products found.

A romantasy and the first for me. The thrilling story of twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail, a small for her age girl affected by a brittle body who is always a heartbeat away from death. She was supposed to spend her life working in the archives but her mother (nasty piece of work) has other plans and sends her off to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders. It’s graduate or die for Violet and the fight starts from the first page. This gets hot and steamy along the way. Supposedly a Young Adult book but I class it a fantastic crossover. 

One Day by David Nicholls  (2009)

No products found.

I’m not sure how I missed this book when it came out. Oh yeah, I gave birth to twins in 2008, that’ll be why. You’ve probably seen the film but this is a wonderfully written story that merits a read.

Daisy Jones And The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid  (2019)

No products found.

A really interesting concept of writing a story through a series of interviews. The interviews follow the rise and fall of a notorious rock band in the 70s. Daisy Jones is our protagonist and she gives us all of the elements we expect in a rock and roll story. You can expect passion, ambition and lies. 

Non Fiction

Ultra Processed People by Chris Van Tulleken  (2023)

The science behind food that isn’t food. This one will blow your mind at how the food industry purposely adds elements to our food so that we start craving for more. You might start checking the ingredients more often and change habits after reading.

No products found.

Save The Cat Writes A Novel by Blake Snyder  (2019)

Possibly one of the best books on writing I’ve read to date with a very simple procedure to follow that helps map the book you want to write. If you want to write a book, then add this one to your reading list. Very helpful.

No products found.

Strong Female Character by Fern Brady  (2023)

No products found.

A bold autobiography and emotional journey into Brady’s life from a young age to where she is today and the fact she only discovered she was autistic as an adult. So looking back she is able to see so many missed opportunities that could have saved her from various life-changing events.

I would love to know what was the best book you read last year. Do Leave a comment letting us know. Plus don’t forget about the book club idea!

Young Adult Books are available for children between the ages of 12 and 18, indicating that the content can vary enormously. I have added guidance to the age groups I think are best suited. If you are looking for 8-12 we call that middle grade and you can find them here.

In my experience, it’s more of a problem getting this age group to read from year 9 onwards. Excuses range from ‘too much homework’, ‘I need to revise’, or they want to chill on their phone. There is an incredible ‘lazy’ barrier, where they cannot be bothered to do anything, the defiance teenage years bring on, ‘you can’t tell me what’s good and what’s not’, and of course peer pressure. If the friends don’t read books, then why should your child be different?

Why Reading is Important for Teenagers

You may be wondering why. What good is reading for my child now they are in secondary school. Well the benefits are huge and you only have to visit the Book Trust website to download a pdf but in a nutshell, kids who read do better. It’s proven, see the research and sources below.

Amongst the benefits are

• helps them develop critical thinking skills,
• expands their vocabulary, 
• improves communication abilities, 
• gain exposure to new ideas and perspectives,  
• cultivate empathy by allowing them to see the world through different characters’ eyes, all of which are important for personal growth and success in school and work life.

Many young adult books become crossovers, enjoyed by adults too so if you do get them for your teenagers, check them out yourself, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

My only advice is to keep shoving good books their way, and if they don’t like one, pass it on to another, and don’t give up!

Best Young Adult Books read in 2024

This post contains affiliate links. If you make any purchases after clicking one of these links, I will make a small commission (hopefully enough to keep me in tea all year) – at no extra cost to you! This allows me to keep creating and sharing free tutorials and content for you. Thank you!

No products found.

Crossing the Line by Tia Fisher

Deserved winner of the Carnegie Shadowers Award 2024, it was certainly my choice. This powerful story about Erik, whose life is falling apart since the death of his father, is written in verse and is an excellent choice for reluctant readers. As Erik’s behaviour continues to go downhill, he starts attracting the wrong crowd finding himself in the world of drug dealing, trapped houses and violence. When his sister’s lives are put at risk, Erik will have to cross one more line. (11 – 18)

We Were Liars by E Lockhart

A TikTok phenomenon. This psychological suspense novel is set on a private island owned by a beautiful and distinguished family where four friends (Liars) meet every year to spend the summer together. A tale that weaves love, truth, a revolution and an accident and lies. Many, many lies. (14+)

The Door Of No Return by Kwame Alexander

An historical fiction novel set in the 19th century in Asante (modern day Ghana) written in verse, where Kofi ends up fighting for his life. What happens next takes Kofi on a harrowing journey away from everything he loves. The story shows the wholeness of African lives before they walked through the ‘door of no return’ and were shipped to the Americas. (11-14)

Gloves off by Louisa Reid

Written in verse, Gloves Off tells the story of Lily who, bullied at school, learns to box to fight back. It is a difficult and challenging undertaking where she meets a friend, Rose who shows her there is another life out there. (12-18)

The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

A ‘romantasy’ where Violet, who is expected to live a life as a scholar surrounded by books, is forced into the world’s deadliest training ground. She must fight to join the army’s elite dragon riders. Many cadets want to kill Violet to improve their own success, others want to destroy her because of her name so Violet must use everything she’s got to survive, because the only ways out of this training ground are to graduate or die. (18+ very spicy!)

Orphan Monster Spy by Matt Killeen

This book kicks off with high tension when 15-year-old Sarah is orphaned when her mother is killed at a checkpoint. Set in WWII, Sarah takes on a dangerous mission that no one else will try. (13 – 16)

You Could Be So Pretty by Holly Bourne

“The Handmaid’s Tale for the Insta generation.” THE TIMES 

There are two options for girls, 1. Follow the Doctrine, apply your mask and work hard to be crowned at the ceremony, and be a Pretty or 2. Fight the rules like Joni does. Leave your face free of make-up and work hard for the Education and be an Objectionable.

Or maybe make up your own rules and reclaim your power if you can. (14+)

There Will Be Lies by Nick Lake

Shelby’s mum likes to keep her safe because anything can happen. So the seventeen-year-old barely goes out, is home-schooled and rarely meets anyone. However, when Shelby is knocked down by a car, her mother turns up at the hospital and the two drive off on an adventure. But everywhere Shelby looks, a coyote is telling her not to believe. Who is Shelby? (12+)

Wild East by Ashley Hickson-Lovence

14 year old Ronny wants to be a rapper but after a tragedy, his mum decides to move out of London and Ronny finds himself, a black kid in a mostly white school. He feels an outsider and tries to keep his head down. But when a poet visits the school, Ronny realises that rap is like the spoken word and maybe he still can achieve his dreams. 12+

Us In The Before And After by Jenny Valentine

Grab the tissues for this one. One single tragic act, and a sudden death force Elk and Mab into an intensely emotional story that explores the bond of friendship, love, and ghosts. Beautifully written and a real page turner. 12+

King Of Nothing by Nathanael Lessore

Anton and his friends are the kings of year 9 and don’t care about anything. But when he gets into trouble, his mother does! She sends Anton to make new friends with the Happy Campers and he has to spend time with the school’s biggest loser, Matthew. Only when Matthew saves his life does Anton rethink and give his new friend a chance which leads to him questioning everything he held important until that moment. Hilariously written, it will have you chickling all the way through. 11+

Handle With Care by Louisa Reid

16 year old Ruby gives birth at school in a history class. She didn’t even know she was pregnant, she’d only had sex once. Her world is thrown into chaos and keeping the baby isn’t an option but she cannot tell anyone who the father is, especially her best friend Ashley. If Ashley finds out the truth, she’ll lose her best friend too. It’s when Ruby realises what she and her baby need that she takes matters into her own hands. Heartbreaking and will stay with you long after you finish the last page. (14 – 18)

These Young Adult books read during 2024 offer a diverse range of stories, from powerful verse novels to thrilling adventures and heartfelt dramas. Whether your teen is an avid reader or just getting started, these librarian-recommended picks are sure to captivate, inspire, and spark meaningful discussions. Remember, the best way to get teens reading is to keep introducing them to stories they can connect with—and maybe enjoy a few yourself along the way! Which one will you pick up first?

I have worked as a librarian in a boys’ secondary school for the past four years. It’s a tough gig. If it was a girls’ school, my job would be far easier and I could wax lyrical with the girls about fabulous books as most of them love reading. But boys are a different customer. To get books into their hands I find myself up against Netflix (and other streaming channels), gaming, and any app on their phones. I’m sure parents know what I’m talking about here. 

I see the Year 7s once a fortnight, and many arrive at our school as reluctant readers, boys who positively don’t like reading. They see it as a chore, something that makes them huff and puff and groan and moan. They will do anything other than continue reading a book

Sadly the number is skyrocketing as recent stats from the National Literacy Trust show.

It is vital that we change this, and as an advocate of Reading for Pleasure, I am going to share everything I know to help you get books in front of your kids.

What is Middle Grade?

Currently, books are graded into four groups: Picture books, Lower Grade, Middle Grade, and Young Adult. Middle Grade covers a wide age range where children change and grow. It bridges primary school to secondary school and as children grow at different times, some will want to read something a little bit older. Sometimes, you may see Middle Grade + which will indicate that the content might be a bit scarier, or there may be the odd swear word. Robert Muchamore in his Cherub series, for example, mentions older children drinking beer.

This post focuses on the Middle-Grade category, books that are written for children aged 8 – 12. In 2024, I read a selection of new titles and old favourites, and those mentioned below were my favourites as I felt they had a great storyline, a good tension running throughout, and gave the important feel-good factor when I got to the end of the story.   If you are looking for Young Adult then we have that post for you here.

Middle Grade books for children

Mexikid by Pedro Martin

A memoir written as a graphic novel telling the story of a family road trip to bring their abuelito – a legendary crime-fighting grandfather – back from Mexico. An adventure over the course of a summer holiday. Leaves you with a real feel-good factor.

No products found.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

The first in a series of five books in a dystopian, survival adventure where Thomas arrives in a metal box to the Glade where all he can remember is his name. The glade is surrounded by an ever-changing maze that closes at night and resets itself making it impossible to find and remember the way to the exit. Thomas must lead the group out of the maze and avoid the biochemical Grievers out to destroy the boys. Action packed and high tension throughout.

No products found.

The Last Bear by Hannah Gold

April accompanies her father to the Arctic where he is placed for six months to carry out some scientific research. He tells her there are no Polar Bears left on Bear Island, but April meets one who is starving, lonely and far away from home. April decides to undertake a dangerous journey to save him.

No products found.

Who Let The Gods Out by Maz Evans

A shooting star crashes to earth and changes Elliot’s life forever. The star Virgo is a goddess on a mission and she thinks she is perfect, whereas Elliot doesn’t. Unintentionally, between them, they release the evil daemon of death Thanatos and they have to turn to the Olympian gods for help. A hilarious, laugh out loud story that is the first in a series of four books.

No products found.

Tyger by Sf Said

Adam finds a mysterious, mythical and magical animal in a dump in London. A Tyger. But the tyger is in danger so with his friend Zadie they want to save him and by doing so save the world which is on the brink of destruction. A marvellous adventure story.

No products found.

Bad Influence by Tamsin Winter

Ameila Bright loves being the best at everything. She’s the brightest girl in school, but when it comes to popularity, she’s last. When she meets Evan and they have their first kiss she hopes to lose her ‘maggot’ nickname. All it takes is one click and Amelia becomes a bad influence. Amelia sets out to prove that she is so much more than that one online image. Interesting story of children trying to fit in and the use of social media in their lives.

No products found.

Boy 87 by Ele Fountain

Shif likes chess, maths and racing his best friend home from school but when soldiers with guns come to his door, his life changes forever. Shif must leave his mother and sister behind and embark on a dangerous journey crossing land and sea. He will encounter both cruelty and kindness on his way. A beautiful story highlighting the refugee crisis and is perfect for learning empathy.

No products found.

Skandar and the Unicorn thief by A F Steadman

Skandar dreams of leaving the mainland and becoming a rider of a wild unicorn but on the day of his Hatchery exam things go horribly wrong and his hopes are shattered until a mysterious figure knocks on his door at midnight telling him the island is in peril and Skandar must answer his call. Skandar finds himself on the mainland with a unicorn but he must keep his identity a secret or all their lives will be in danger. It’s an action packed, riveting story that is the first in a series of four.

No products found.

The Boy To Beat The Gods by Ashley Thorpe

One boy versus six gods, the Orishas. When the forbidden fruit of the Gods appears mysteriously in his path after the Orishas have snatched his sister, Kayode doesn’t hesitate to eat it. He discovers he has new powers that he’s not very good at controlling. Joined with a shapeshifting trickster god and a vengeful princess he sets out to save his sister and to finish the Gods once and for all, but will his power last long enough to complete the mission?

No products found.

On Silver Tides by Sylvia Bishop

When Isla is born, the family discovers she cannot breathe underwater like all Silvermen can. They must keep it a secret from the community or risk Isla’s life. Kelda, her older sister, becomes her protector. But England’s rivers are sick and monstrous creatures are awakening. The community blame Kelda’s family and the sisters are forced to escape. Kelda is helped by a mysterious boy, and discovers the darkest depths of her kind’s history. In order to save her sister she will have to make a sacrifice, one that will change her forever.

Inspired by ancient folklore, On Silver Tides takes you on an unforgettable journey of Britain’s waterways.

No products found.

Middle Grade books hold the power to captivate young minds, spark imaginations, and foster empathy—all while making reading fun and engaging. The titles on this list are some of the best I’ve read in 2024, each offering something unique to inspire young readers. Whether your child is a reluctant reader or an avid bookworm, there’s a story here to capture their attention and ignite their love for books. Let’s work together to make reading for pleasure a priority, helping children discover the magic of a good story. Which of these books will you try first? Let me know your favourites in the comments below!

Key Takeaways

• For free books, explore the public domain with sites like Project Gutenberg and Librivox. These sites offer a vast array of classics as ebooks and audiobooks—all without spending a penny.
• Your local library card is a VIP pass to endless reading. It gives you free access to thousands of digital books via apps like Libby or OverDrive—convenience at its best!
• If you’re a bookworm on a budget, consider used book marketplaces like AbeBooks and ThriftBooks, or jump on subscription services like Kindle Unlimited for the latest titles at a fraction of the cost or explore Headway book summaries.

Embracing the Public Domain: Discover Free Classics

Exploring the world of timeless literature needs not come with a hefty price tag, thanks to an array of free classics available within the public domain. You can uncover these literary gems through various outlets such as:

• Open Culture
• Read Any Book
• BookRix
• Open Library
• Digitalbook.io

These sources provide a vast selection of ebooks at no cost, including kindle versions and books in different languages covering genres ranging from romance novels to science fiction works, autobiographies to instructional texts.

These sites offer a user-friendly experience for those eager to enjoy reading directly online or download PDFs for their e-readers without spending a dime. Participating in the offerings from the public domain enriches your reading journey affordably while also helping maintain our collective cultural legacy.

The following platforms are excellent resources for discovering freely accessible public-domain literature:

• Project Gutenberg
• Librivox
• Open Library
• ManyBooks
• Google Books

Enjoy your literary adventures!

Project Gutenberg: A Treasure Trove of Free Ebooks

Project Gutenberg is an exceptional resource, boasting a collection that includes over 70,000 free e-books. It stands as a sanctuary for readers eager to delve into classic literature at no cost whatsoever. This platform predominantly features timeless works by authors like Dickens and Shakespeare, whose creations are in the public domain within the United States.

The accessibility of Project Gutenberg is enhanced by its superior search and browsing tools, allowing users with ease to locate and choose ebooks based on several criteria, including:

• author
• title
• subject
• language
• type
• popularity

Above all else, this treasure trove of literary classics offers unfettered access to its entire range of ebooks without any fees or the need for registration – establishing it as one of the premier destinations for enjoying books online absolutely free.

The World of Librivox: Free Audiobooks for All

Turning our attention to the realm of spoken literature, we delve into LibriVox, an endeavor run by volunteers who create audiobooks at no cost from books in the public domain. These are often selected from Project Gutenberg’s extensive collection and offer a novel way of experiencing timeless works.

LibriVox’s reputation for quality is due to the unwavering commitment of its volunteer producers. Enthusiasts of renowned writers such as Austen or Twain will likely discover their favored texts available as audiobooks. The most appealing aspect? It’s all accessible without charge for everyone around the world to indulge in.

Your Local Library Card: A Gateway to Endless Reading

Shifting attention away from materials in the public domain, we turn to a frequently underestimated asset—your neighborhood library card. This simple card, when merged with web connectivity and an electronic reading device, opens the door to an extensive assortment of ebooks and audiobooks.

In this digital age, numerous libraries have embraced technology by allowing patrons to secure a virtual library card via online applications. Thanks to apps like Libby, people can effortlessly check out and engage with a broad selection of digital books and audiobooks across various devices. As a bonus, these borrowed digital titles automatically expire when their borrowing time ends, eliminating any concerns about accruing late fees.

OverDrive and Libby: Digital Books at Your Fingertips

Among the array of apps providing access to borrowed library books, OverDrive and Libby are notable for their ease of use and intuitive features. On Android devices, Libby allows users to read titles within the app and send them to Kindle devices, enhancing the reading experience especially for those who prefer Kindle.

The digital borrowing experience is elevated by Libby’s alert system that informs you when a book you have been waiting for is ready for checkout. This efficient management of digital loan waitlists guarantees that you won’t miss out on your favorite reads. With just a library card in hand, an extensive collection of books becomes instantly accessible via these innovative apps.

Thrifty Reads: Navigating Online Marketplaces for Used Books

While it’s beneficial to access resources at no cost, these often do not include the most recent popular titles or unique subject matter books. For such needs, used book online marketplaces can be a lifesaver. Platforms like AbeBooks and ThriftBooks offer an opportunity for consumers to acquire affordable second-hand books.

For example, AbeBooks has provided a means since 1996 for customers to connect with independent sellers of pre-owned books. Your hunt for previously owned literature on this site can be fine-tuned using several search filters, including:

• Type of product
• State of the item
• Type of binding
• Attributes making it collectible
• The seller’s geographic location
• Ratings received by the seller

By employing these criteria in your search, you’re more likely to secure the optimal deals that are available.

AbeBooks and ThriftBooks: Finding Hidden Gems

Platforms such as AbeBooks and ThriftBooks shine due to their extensive selection that appeals to a variety of readers and collectors, including those interested in:

• Novels
• Cookbooks
• Textbooks
• Memoirs
• Rare or out-of-print works

These distribution platforms serve as a haven for anyone on the hunt for a particular title or simply exploring to discover an unexpected treasure.

These sites deliver for bibliophiles who prize unique finds and cost-conscious bookworms alike. With savings available through ThriftBooks, budget-wise literature enthusiasts can indulge their passion without strain. Meanwhile, when scouring AbeBooks for scarce editions, deploying exact author names, precise titles of books, and specific ISBN numbers proves invaluable in refining one’s search efforts.

Subscription Services: Budget-Friendly Access to Latest Ebooks and Audiobooks

If you’re an avid reader with a penchant for consuming books as quickly as one can utter the word “Kindle,” then membership programs could be your perfect match. Services that are budget-friendly, such as Kindle Unlimited, Audible, and Headway, grant patrons entry to newly released ebooks and audiobooks—often beginning with trial phases or enticing offers.

Take Kindle Unlimited as an example. They welcome fresh members by offering a free trial. Everand also invites new users to navigate through their vast selection of ebooks, audiobooks, and various documents via a free trial before transitioning into their monthly fee-based service structure. These introductory trials and special deals offer readers an affordable avenue to stay current with the newest literary works in electronic form.

All these services offer a wide variety of genres and topics, from gardening to philosophy. For instance, Kindle Unlimited and Audible include a selection of budgeting books in their collections. Readers can learn more about personal finance management, saving strategies, and effective budgeting techniques at a fraction of the cost.

Kindle Unlimited and Audible: More Books, Less Money

Exploring Kindle Unlimited and Audible. We find that Kindle Unlimited presents an extensive collection comprising more than a million options, which span ebooks, audiobooks, and periodicals. This service can be accessed for a modest monthly charge following an initial trial at no cost.

In the same vein, Audible—which falls under Amazon’s umbrella—offers a superior assortment of audiobooks along with podcasts and exclusive audio productions. First-time subscribers can find various introductory offers on Audible, often starting as low as $0.99 per month. Clearly, these platforms allow you to access a greater number of books without spending much money. I currently have a free 30

Book Summary Apps: The Efficient Reader’s Choice

For nonfiction enthusiasts who find themselves pressed for time, book summary apps are a clever solution. These applications, such as Headway, deliver abridged renditions of comprehensive nonfiction works that can be digested in roughly 15 minutes. This method allows you to expedite your learning by quickly grasping the essential ideas encapsulated within these books.

Headway stands out as the premier app in its category. It’s become the most downloaded nonfiction book summary application globally and has carved a niche among effective readers. So whether you’re on your daily commute, enjoying a brief pause from work or activities, or just seeking to expand your knowledge in short bursts of time, revolutionary book summary applications like Headway provide an invaluable resource for quick learning.

Headway: Non-Fiction Summaries on the Go

Meet Headway: This app boasts a collection of over 1600 titles spanning multiple genres, and it presents its summaries in both readable text and listenable audio formats. This versatility allows users to enjoy a summary with their morning cup of java or absorb one via headphones as they navigate through traffic—convenience is key here.

Headway isn’t just about summarization, though. It elevates your auditory experience by employing skilled voice actors for its audio renditions. The app doesn’t stop at simply delivering content—it’s designed to foster personal advancement with features like self-assessment tests and thoughtfully compiled reading lists, establishing itself not merely as an application but also as an instrument for self-improvement.

Engaging with the Community: Share Your Tips and Finds

Exploring books need not be an isolated endeavor. Indeed, connecting with fellow enthusiasts can greatly enhance the experience of reading. Services such as Wattpad and Smashwords have created a space where individuals are able to exchange recommendations and insights on how to access affordable literary content.

On Wattpad, novice and seasoned writers have the opportunity to publish their work—ranging from short stories to complete novels—and engage with an audience that’s eager to support up-and-coming talent. In a similar vein, Smashwords offers independent authors as well as established professionals a venue for showcasing their creations while underscoring the importance of community in discovering and backing new writers. So why stay on the sidelines? Dive into these vibrant conversations, share your personal finds, and contribute towards nurturing a dynamic culture around reading.

Summary

In summary, the digital age provides a wealth of resources for economical reading. Public domain platforms like Project Gutenberg and LibriVox offer timeless classics for free. Your local library card can unlock a world of digital books and audiobooks through apps like Libby. Online marketplaces like AbeBooks and ThriftBooks provide a platform for buying used books at a fraction of the cost. Subscription services like Kindle Unlimited, Audible, and Headway offer a vast selection of the latest titles with added perks.

The choice between these options ultimately depends on your reading preferences, budget, and the value you place on the additional features. But one thing’s for sure – there’s never been a better time to be a reader. So why wait? Dive in, explore these resources, and let the journey of economical reading begin!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some platforms for free classic ebooks?

Platforms such as Project Gutenberg, Open Culture, and LibriVox offer a vast collection of classic ebooks available for free.

Enjoy your reading experience!

Can I use my local library card for digital books?

Certainly, your local library card grants you access to a wide range of digital books and audiobooks through applications such as Libby and OverDrive.

Take pleasure in reading!

Where can I buy used books online?

Marketplaces such as AbeBooks and ThriftBooks offer a vast inventory of used books for purchase online and competitive pricing.

Are there any subscription services for ebooks and audiobooks?

Certainly, platforms such as Kindle Unlimited, Audible, and Headway offer subscription services for ebooks and audiobooks that you might want to explore. Take a look!

How can I engage with the reading community?

Participating in virtual reading groups and leaving comments on blog entries allows you to immerse yourself in the online reader community, where you can share your cherished books and fresh discoveries. Platforms such as Wattpad and Smashwords serve as ideal venues for this purpose.

By joining these networks, you will not only find kinship with other avid readers but also have the opportunity to discover novel reads that might become future favorites.

Meet Banjo Robinson, the globe-trotting cat that will send a letter and activity pack to the child each month from a different location around the world.

An annual subscription is £2, or $2.5 per month.

Banjo Robinson – The Global Explorer

Snail mail is so underrated and one of my favourite things as a child was having a pen pal and Banjo Robinson captures that excitement and builds on it not only with a personalised letter but also with an age-appropriate activity pack from a new country.

What is included in Each Month’s Subscription?

• A travelogue from Banjo
• Creative activities
• A country guide
• A reply page
• A reply envelope
• A colouring-in page
• Stickers
• A local recipe
• A local map

How does it work?

The first letter and starter pack your child receives will be sent from the Ocean as Bango Robinson travels to a new destination each month, for example, his January letter is from China, February is Canada, India is March, and Finland is April (but don’t worry it doesn’t repeat each year – Banjo has a lot of countries to travel to)!

Your starter pack and letter from the Ocean comes with a fabulous world map poster so your child can pop it on their wall and chart Bango’s monthly journey with the stickers that are included each month. It also comes with a colouring-in page, menu card, guide to the ocean and a blank letter and envelope for your child to write back to Bango (not to be posted, but for you to keep).

But that isn’t all. There are more activities online should you wish to extend the learning and free printables too.

Learn more about Banjo Robinson

Benefits for Your Child

• Makes writing fun – 9 out of 10 children write back to Bango each month and as a parent, you can expand on this as much as you wish.
• Boosts geography, literacy and maths skills by learning through play. Your child will be learning without even knowing by cooking a simple recipe, learning map skills and also simple crafts.
• Develop a love for offline learning with the monthly paper mail and stickers.
• There are additional online activities so you can expand on any interest your child shows.
• This would be excellent for any homeschooling family as it is a cost-effective and fun way of exploring the world.

For less than the cost of a monthly child magazine, they receive a letter every month. Banjo Robinson really is the gift that keeps on giving.

How much does it cost?

An annual subscription is £2 or $2.5 per month – Yes really! For this, you get the starter pack and a monthly letter/Activity pack.

However, if you want to give a physical gift AND a code for the starter pack there are additional options.

• For £16.99 you get a Banjo Robinson cuddly toy, complete with his signature backpack and star. Yes, his backpack opens so he can store his special treasures in it.
• £14.99 Gets you the Banjo Robinson book filled with his engaging back story.
• Or you can get both for £25.99 in their Banjo bundle!

I have two great nieces that are 5 years old and guess what they will be receiving from Aunty Jen this Christmas?!

Win a Banjo Robinson Subscription for a Year

I am delighted to be able to offer 4 of you a free year subscription (1 starter pack and 11 subsequent months letters) to Banjo Robinson. I really think that this is a fabulous gift that kids aged 5 to 9 will adore.

One of my children loved reading, the other was a reluctant reader and I wish that the Night Zookeeper program had been around when they were younger as this is so much more fun than anything I did with them. It really makes learning so much more fun. With it being an online program it is really great for kids that find screens more engaging than physical books, however, as it is such a diverse range including physical books it is a great pathway into loving books and language.

The aim of Night Zookeeper is to turn passive engagement with technology into real-world hands on educational learning with a love for literacy and creativity. They do this by capitalising on children’s inherent love of animals and capturing their innate imagination that makes learning magical, fun and something they do without realising they are even learning

How does Learning with Night Zookeeper work?

Night Zookeeper encourages children to write creative stories, draw pictures, complete fun writing lessons, as well as take on spelling, grammar, and punctuation challenges in the magical setting of the Night Zoo, where children can create and collect their own animal characters, battle monsters, and climb up a global leaderboard of children from around the world. Night Zookeeper has already helped over 500,000 children to improve their writing, reading and creative thinking skills.

Night Zookeeper is specifically designed with age-appropriate challenges to help your child fall in love with reading and writing. Based on the National Curriculum the challenges work on spelling, grammar and vocabulary before moving on to writing lessons and practice complementing what your child is learning at school.

Weekly aged-based engaging lessons, topics and challenges covering everything from adventure stories, reports, poetry and letter-writing help your child develop and expand their writing skills and meet learning goals.

Children are encouraged to keep on developing and learning by unlocking new areas of the NightZoo and customising their characters.

Night Zookeeper’s team of tutors provide instant feedback with encouragement to ensure that they keep their enthusiasm and motivation for using the program. This may be as simple as identifying spelling and punctuation mistakes, asking follow-up questions on their work, or showing other ways that they could improve their writing.

As they complete more and more challenges and lessons, children can unlock new, exciting areas of the Night Zoo, and customise their Night Zoo characters.

Benefits for your Child:

• Motivates reluctant writers and readers
• Boosts literacy skills including spelling, reading, grammar and writing skills
• Encourages a lifelong love of creative writing via their imagination
• Productive use of screen time
• Makes reading and writing a fun activity rather than associated with learning and school

Start a Free Trial

Parents can start a 7-day trial for FREE and then subscribe either monthly, quarterly or annually with either single child or family subscriptions. Plus if you take out an annual subscription you can save over 50% for a limited time.

Being a mum to a reluctant reader means that I am always on the lookout for ways to encourage children to read and engage them in books and words and that is why I adore the Night Zookeeper range. Your child might already be aware of the amazing books by Joshua Davidson which introduce them to the importance of creativity and friendship

The magic of Night Zookeeper: Escape from Conform Prison is the fact that your child designs a superhero animal who is at the centre of the story. But rather than being a picture book the story is aimed at readers aged six to 12 and is a novel. It really makes your child feel involved in the making of the book and therefore, they have a connection immediately when it arrives.

My best friends youngest is 10 years old and a really creative child, so when I asked him to work with me on this review and project he jumped right in. He has a favourite soft toy (turtle) so decided immediately that his superhero animal would be Terry the Turbo Turtle whose superpower was speed and he was an amazing gamer.

You can either submit your child drawing in a hand-drawn format or you can use Night Zookeepers special online drawing tool. or choose a hero from the library. If you already have a Night Zookeeper account then your children can log in and choose one of the animals they have already created on Nightzookeeper.com

We had a go at both options. Quinn preferred spending time hand drawing his character, but he also really loved the online drawing tool, which was really intuitive using my iPad and apple pencil. The only issue he had was being a leftie he tends to drag his hand on the screen, but he quickly learned how to delete any marks he made. I like that you have the option, so if your child is happier on a screen then this is a great way to engage them. We had a fun hour chatting and talking about why he chose the name, animal and super hero power.

It is super simple to upload your image and superhero animal online, name their hero, choose their skill and add their own name before you order the book. The website talks you right it step by step, it was as easy for a ten year old as it was for this nearly 50 year old!

If you want to give the book as a gift then you can order a voucher ahead of time for the book. It costs £18.99 for softcover and £23.99 for a hardback and I promise you that it will become a treasured book. Quinn’s book arrived within 5 day ( UK shipping is 3-5 days, Worldwide is 5-15 days and last orders should be December
17th to get there for Christmas)

As soon as I gave it to him he started reading it. He has asked for more of the series for Christmas, which is a big win and I know what I am buying him as a thank you for helping me.

You know there is something magical about a book when a child starts reading it and then takes it to bed to continue reading it. The fact that your child character is on the cover and at the heart of the story is the thing that initially grabs them and gets them started, but it is the amazing storyline and format of the book (you have to move to different pages to continue reading rather than just read from the first to the last page) that keeps them immersed.

Often the biggest challenge with a reluctant reader is getting them to open the book and start reading. This is why using your child own character and characters special skill (which actually affects the outcome of the book) is genius. This isn’t a picture book aimed at younger children, but a real storybook aimed at tweens.

No two books will be the same, each is unique so it is perfect to gift to more than one child in the same family. What I love is that when I went for a cuppa to my friends today, her 14 year old had already read the book last night when his younger brother had gone to bed and the 12 year old wants to read it too. It has been a brilliant entry in to the world of NightZookeeper.