June Books for Older Readers

There’s a real cast of characters in this month’s round up of new books for primary and high schoolers!

If you have a young reader who has already devoured series like Big Nate and Wimpy Kid, it’s time to meet Max Crumbly! From the bestselling author of the Dork Diaries series comes The Misadventures of Max Crumbly #1 : Locker Hero. Rachel Renee Russell knows how to engross and entertain kids, and Max Crumbly may just be your child’s favourite new dork (okay, hero). Ages 9-12.

Ivy Pocket is at it again! The sassy heroine of Anyone But Ivy Pocket is back in Somebody Stop Ivy Pocket! We loved the first part of Ivy’s darkly comic adventures by the kooky Caleb Krisp, and can’t wait to see what Ivy gets up to next.

Then there’s Tuesday McGillycuddy in Blueberry Pancakes Forever by Angelica Banks, who’s about to face her most difficult challenge yet in the world of story.For ages 9-12, this ‘will capture the hearts of everyone who is entranced by the power of story’.

There’s a new David Walliams! Need we say more! Okay, fine – The World’s Worst Children is a collection of short stories told with David’s mischievous sense of humour, complete with illustrations by Tony Ross. That’s all you need to know about these ‘beastly boys and gruesome girls’ – for readers aged 7+.

This year marks the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death, and now there’s a book to help kids answer the question: What’s So Special About Shakespeare? Michael Rosen is the pen behind this informative and easy to understand biography for lit lovers aged 6- 9.

We’re sure there are plenty of YA fans who have been eagerly awaiting the release of The Last Star by Phillip Yancey, which concludes his massively popular ‘5th Wave’ series. This one is intense and unputdownable! 11+.

Night Wanderers by C.J. Flood tackles the emotional ups and downs of close female friends, as Rosie and Titania wander the streets together at night, sharing secrets, stories, and an intense friendship. Sad and stunning, for readers 12+.

We love a great YA romance, and are looking forward to reading about Cassie in her summer love story told back-to-front in Whisper to Me by Nick Lake. It’s told entirely through flashbacks, and we suspect some tissues may be required. 12+.

Then there’s The Leaving by Tara Altebrando: “Eleven years ago, six five-year-olds went missing without a trace. After all that time, the people left behind moved on, or tried to. Until today. Today five of those kids return.” Perfect of fans of We Were Liars, The Leaving will keep you guessing… Ages 13+

What will your primary or high schooler be reading this June? Let us know in the comments.