What Are You Looking For?

This is a humorous, compassionate story about a withdrawn teenager being drawn into friendship, gardening and community action while a neighbour undergoes cancer treatment. Its emotional centre is connection: learning to care for others and take part in life.

This is a school-and-friendship story about adapting to major change while trying to belong. Cassandra’s ordinary perspective is placed under pressure by relocation, unfamiliar social routines and the possibility of finding a personal strength.

Expect a warm, humorous story built around Lottie's plan to grow a giant pumpkin with her grandfather. Its comic elements sit alongside school bullying, family strain, bereavement, illness and Lottie's responsibilities at home.

A high-stakes fantasy about a young woman whose lethal magical ability has been controlled by authority. It offers questions about self-definition, freedom, trust and whether power can be used justly, alongside graphic violence and emotional darkness.

A visually imaginative story about fear, self-soothing and growing independence. Toby’s rescue of Henry shifts bravery from something supplied by an object to something he begins to practise himself.

This is a tender family-centred story about hair, care and pride. Its imaginative comparisons and references to hairstyles connect personal appearance with African-American identity and cultural history.

This is an encouraging story about approaching nursery with confidence. Family affection, a welcoming teacher, friendly classmates and chances to be kind make the first day feel manageable, celebratory and full of possibility.

This is a socially focused story about a child whose poverty makes him feel visibly different. Its central movement is from feeling conspicuous and socially different towards confidence, friendship and empathy.

This is a fast-moving historical adventure about two young people and an elephant travelling towards safety while others pursue them. Expect suspense, changing loyalties, grief, humour and questions about who has the right to claim an animal.

A gentle story about a tarantula moving from loneliness and boredom towards a new home, with the central challenge of helping people see spiders as beautiful and brave.

A playful story about a proud buffalo whose impressive appearance conceals insecurity. When that disguise disappears, friendship and reassurance become possible, giving the book a gentle route into discussing self-worth beyond size or status.

This is an animal-rescue adventure centred on a puppy aspiring to be a sheepdog, her self-doubt, a missing lamb and an injured hiker. Its strongest appeal appears to be urgent action alongside a character trying to discover what she can do.

This is a gentle, repetitive introduction to self-awareness: children are encouraged to notice thoughts and feelings, recognise their capacity for choice, and direct their actions towards loving and helpful behaviour.