Big Words by Luke Palmer is one of the most powerful books you'll read this year. Exploring masculinity for teen boys and what it means to be strong, it unpicks layers of friendship, forgiveness and trust. Kiln, the local waste ground, is a forbidden place (which makes it all the more appealing for Sam and… Continue reading Big Words by Luke Palmer
Helen Rutter is back with her incredible talent for sensitively portraying very real adolescent dilemmas with humour and heart. Vinny's mum is a viral sensation with her blog "Ask Amanda Anything". With over one million followers on Instagram, she looks like she has everything all figured out but Vinny knows it isn't real. She portrays… Continue reading Advice from a 12-year-old Nobody by Helen Rutter
Riley Wright is Always Wrong is the first in a hugely engaging diary series for age 7+. Authentic and completely charming, Riley is a true child of 2026. Set in an accurately hilarious representation of UK primary schools - with varied teacher personalities, BFFs and enemies - readers will feel right at home. This is… Continue reading Riley Wright is Always Wrong by Mel Taylor-Bessent & illustrated by Sr. Sanchez
With a clear, authentic voice, Boy vs Reality takes a critical look at online fame vs everyday family life. Author James Fox encourages readers to consider the truth of what they're seeing online, underlying messages, potential bias and the real person behind the lens. Questions about children's consent, celebrity families and the role social media… Continue reading Boy vs Reality by James Fox
Every December, it’s such a joy to take time to look back over all the books I’ve been privileged to read and review on Scope for Imagination. I’d like to share my favourite books of this year – ones that have challenged me, inspired me, made me laugh, and even made me cry. There have been some… Continue reading My Favourite Books of 2025
Ice Dancer by Alex Cotter is a powerful story of family, friendship and overcoming grief. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down - finishing it in a day. Dina is struggling to find herself again following the death of her older sister, Sasha. The only place she feels free is out on… Continue reading Ice Dancer by Alex Cotter
Letters from the Upside is everything that is wonderful about Katya Balen's writing. Honest and heartfelt while revealing the healing power of nature, it takes readers on a journey of self-reflection and empathy building. This is an author who truly understands children, their struggles, their fears, their hopes and their dreams. She gets right to… Continue reading Letters from the Upside by Katya Balen
Role Model is an outstanding book exploring society's expectations and understanding of Autism. Heartfelt and honest, it follows Aeriel Sharpe, daughter of Britain's newest Prime Minister, as she navigates being a teen under the scrutinising gaze of the nation. Uprooted from her childhood in Scotland, she's finding life in London hard. Her so-called friends don't… Continue reading Role Model by Elle McNicoll
Anxiety-based school avoidance is a very real problem for a lot of children, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. In Jellybean, many families will relate to the challenges faced by both Ellie and her parents as they try to get to the bottom of her worries and work out the best way forward. Ellie Bean (nicknamed… Continue reading Jellybean by Eve Ainsworth & Theo Parish
When the Storm Comes is a powerful and perilous story of courage, teamwork and trust. Incredibly thought-provoking, it challenges readers to consider the very real impact of climate change, their own survival skills and how they might respond in an emergency. Leadership, resourcefulness and the ability to put the needs of others ahead of your… Continue reading When the Storm Comes by Polly Ho-Yen
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