Go All In! – National Year of Reading 2026

To help kickstart our celebrations for the National Year of Reading, here is a curated list of suggestions for our students and their families. This year’s national theme is ‘Go All In’, which encourages everyone to find books that connect with their existing passions—whether that is sport, science, gaming, or history.

For Our Lower School Readers (Ages 3–7)

• Look Up! by Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola A vibrant and funny story about a space-obsessed girl called Rocket. This book is a wonderful way to inspire a passion for science and the stars, perfectly aligning with our ‘Go All In’ theme. It’s full of energy and great facts about the cosmos.
• The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield This is a visually stunning story about a bear who finds a piano in the woods and travels to the big city to find fame. It is a beautiful exploration of friendship, success, and the importance of home. The illustrations are truly captivating for younger children.
• The Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson and Rebecca Cobb A classic from a well-loved UK author, this story celebrates the power of imagination. It follows a string of paper dolls on a fantastical adventure through a house and garden. It’s a rhythmic, heart-warming read that children love to join in with.

For Our Middle School Readers (Years 7–9)

• The Night I Borrowed Time by Iqbal Hussain A magical and heart-warming adventure about heritage and time travel. When eleven-year-old Zubair receives a mysterious amulet from his grandmother, he discovers he has inherited a rare family gift.
• The Moonhaven Chronicles: The Last Wolf by Rob Biddulph A thrilling reimagining of werewolf legends from a master storyteller. This is an atmospheric, fast-paced read with stunning illustrations that bring the mystery to life.
• Tiny Hercules by Jon Lock & Nich Angell Perfect for fans of graphic novels, this high-energy series follows the world’s tiniest hero as he attempts to win his way back to Olympus. It is a fantastic choice for those who enjoy visual storytelling and humour.

For Our Senior School Students (Years 10–11)

• Gone for Good by Sarah Crossan An immersive thriller written in Crossan’s signature verse. It tells the story of a girl sent to a remote facility for ‘troubled’ teens and is a powerful exploration of identity and resilience.
• The Seriously Epic Holiday of Lottie Brooks by Katie Kirby A relatable and laugh-out-loud funny look at the trials and tribulations of teenage life. It is an excellent choice for students looking for a lighter, more contemporary read.

For Our Sixth Form and Mature Readers

• James by Percival Everett A brilliant, challenging, and deeply moving reimagining of Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, told from the perspective of Jim. It is a modern masterpiece that invites critical discussion about agency and history.
• Slow Horses by Mick Herron For students who enjoy sharp wit and intricate plotting, this first book in the Slough House series offers a gritty and darkly comic take on the modern spy thriller.

How Parents Can ‘Go All In’

The best way to encourage a reading culture is to lead by example. This term, why not try:

• The 10-Minute Habit: Dedicate just ten minutes an evening to reading, away from screens and distractions.
• Family Recommendations: Ask your child what he/she is reading and share a favourite book from your own teenage years.
• Visit Cowbridge Library: We have a wonderful local resource on our doorstep—make use of their wide selection of new releases this January!
• When reading with younger readers, don’t be afraid to get into character. Use different voices and add actions. Additionally, use the illustrations in the book to help your child develop their skills of perception and prediction – ask them what they think is happening in the pictures before you read the words.

Happy reading!