Our summer '24 reading list

Join Ms Charlie, our Executive Head of Early Years and other leaders from our Early Years Centre for our weekly #SummerStories series on our video channel

The Princess in Black Takes a Vacation 

By Shannon and Dean Hale 

The hardworking Princess in Black needs a break after battling monsters all night. She leaves her goats in the capable hands of the Goat Avenger and bikes to the seaside to relax. But just as she settles in for a nap, she hears a roar — could a sea monster interfere with her vacation plans? Young readers will love following this princess on her seaside getaway, and discovering if she can avoid one last monster battle. 

An Egyptian Adventure 

By Francis Durkin

This interactive book takes readers on an educational time-travel adventure to ancient Egypt with the Histronauts. Young explorers can help explore tombs, decode hieroglyphics, unravel the mummification process and learn about Egyptian beliefs in the afterlife. Packed with historical facts and hands-on activities, it brings this fascinating civilization to life while igniting a passion for history. Time-travelling readers will practically be there uncovering the secrets of the past! 

A Long Walk to Water

By Linda Sue Park

This novel by Linda Sue Park tells the stories of Nya, a Sudanese girl who walks long distances daily to fetch water for her family, and Salva, a 'lost boy' refugee who fled fighting as a child and walked alone across Africa. Both face immense hardships of violence, hunger, and dangerous animals. Through their resilience in overcoming adversity, Nya and Salva help themselves and others. The book also provides factual context about conflict in Sudan through an author's note and interview with the real Salva Dut upon whom the story is based. 

Steelheart  

By Brandon Sanderson

In this ‘Gallagher Girls’ adventure, Cammie is excited to watch her friend Macey's father accept the vice-presidential nomination. But their summer fun turns dangerous when they're targeted in a kidnapping plot. Using their espionage training, Cammie, Bex and Liz become Macey's covert security on the campaign trail, as they work to uncover who's after her and keep her safe. With stakes rising at every turn, Cammie gets closer to a shocking truth. Fans will love following the spy girls as they stealthily tackle their riskiest mission yet amid the intrigue of a national election. 

The Alchemist 

By Paulo Coelho 

Paulo Coelho's mystical masterpiece follows Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy whose dreams inspire a quest for treasure. After having a prophetic dream of finding a hidden treasure near the Egyptian pyramids, Santiago sets off on an epic journey of self-discovery. Along the way, he encounters a king and a crystal merchant, and he learns from the soul of the world. A modern classic, The Alchemist explores the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts and following our dreams, teaching readers about opportunity, omens and life's meaningful treasures. 

Tiger Lily

By Jodi Lynn Anderson

In Jodi Lynn Anderson's feminist reimagining of Peter Pan, Tiger Lily is a teenage girl of the Native American Miwok tribe who meets the alluring yet dangerous Peter Pan in the forbidden woods of Neverland. As she finds herself falling for the leader of the Lost Boys, Tiger Lily is willing to risk everything for him. But when the English girl Wendy Darling arrives on the island, Tiger Lily discovers just how threatening a rival she can be and will go to extreme lengths to keep Peter for herself, uncovering that one's own heart may hide the deadliest of enemies.