Explore Bloomsbury's Exciting 2025 Titles: Must-Reads for Every Book Lover

Reading is more than a skill, it’s a lifelong gift. But today, fewer young people are discovering the joy of getting lost in a great book. That’s why we’ve partnered with Bloomsbury Education to run our annual Big Summer Book Swap, a fun and meaningful way to help schools boost reading enjoyment and community spirit.

According to the National Literacy Trust, only 34.6% of children and young people aged 8 to 18 said they enjoyed reading in 2024—the lowest level since records began. Even more concerning, just 20.5% reported reading daily. However, the benefits of reading are profound: children who enjoy reading are twice as likely to have above-average reading skills (34.2% vs. 15.7%) and report improved wellbeing, confidence, and empathy.

To support schools ignite a love of reading in their pupils, Bloomsbury Education is kindly donating a bundle of books to one lucky participating school. This bundle will include some of their recently released and new titles for 2025. These books don’t just support the curriculum, they make reading inclusive and exciting. Children can see themselves in the stories they love, which helps spark confidence and joy. Some of their newest titles can be found below and may be amongst those included in the bundle donated to our Big Summer Book Swap campaign. 

Last date for registration is 20th June 2025, register your interest here: https://forms.office.com/e/Uxs081dfN0 

My Family the Enemy - Karen McCombie

Published 9th October 2025

Description

Set in London in 1914, this historical novel follows Fred Müller, a well-liked schoolboy whose life is upended when his German-born father is arrested and interned during the outbreak of World War I. As anti-German sentiment rises, Fred and his family face hostility and discrimination, despite considering Britain their true home. With their bakery vandalised and their livelihood threatened, Fred and his mother must navigate a world filled with suspicion and fear, while seeking kindness, hope, and belonging.

This coming-of-age tale, inspired by real events, explores themes of identity, prejudice, and resilience, and is ideal for readers aged 9 and up.

Terrible True Tales: First World War – Terry Deary 

Published 9th October 2025

Description

'Deary's storytelling is simple, historically accurate and compelling.' (The i newspaper on The Silver Hand)

This collection of four true-story-inspired tales brings the First World War to life through the eyes of children and real people. Written by Horrible Histories author Terry Deary and illustrated by James de la Rue, the stories include:

• The War Game: A moving account of the 1914 Christmas truce, where British and German soldiers share carols and a football match in the trenches.
• The Bomber Balloon: A schoolgirl and a constable try to capture a German Zeppelin crew after a crash in Essex, 1916.
• The Last Flight: A British airman shot down in 1917 meets the legendary Red Baron behind enemy lines.
• The Pigeon Spy: The heroic true story of Cher Ami, a pigeon who saved nearly 200 soldiers in 1918.

Aimed at readers aged 7 and up, this book combines thrilling storytelling with historical accuracy, encouraging young readers to explore the realities of WWI in an engaging and accessible way.
If you like this, you'll also be interested in their Terrible True Tales: Second World War released on the same day.

Under Fire - Sufiya Ahmed

Published 28th August 2025

Description

Set in 1943, this powerful WWII adventure follows 12-year-old Hasan, an Anglo-Indian boy sent from Blitz-hit Coventry to live with his grandfather in Calcutta. There, Hasan discovers a world filled with inequality, secrets, and resistance. Teaming up with a bold girl named Jaya, he becomes involved in codebreaking and the fight for freedom.

This heartfelt and exciting tale explores themes of identity, justice, and courage, perfect for fans of diverse historical fiction and authors like Michael Morpurgo and Emma Carroll.

The Time Machine Next Door: Artists and a Disappearing Dog
- Iszi Lawrence 

Published 28th August 2025

Description

A page-turning, laugh-out-loud historical adventure by comedian and broadcaster Iszi Lawrence (as seen on Netflix and Sky History), perfect for fans of Horrible Histories.

In this fun and fast-paced adventure, Sunil and his inventor friend Alex must chase a runaway time machine that’s appearing in famous artworks across history! From Leonardo da Vinci’s studio to the Taj Mahal, the Bayeux Tapestry, and even ancient Egypt, they meet real historical figures and uncover fascinating facts while trying to bring the machine back to the present.

Perfect for readers aged 7–9, this quirky chapter book blends art history, time travel, and humour, making learning about the past exciting and unforgettable.

If you like this, you'll also be interested in The Time Machine Next Door: Inventors and Dinosaurs released on the same day.

The Cursed Tomb - Iszi Lawrence 

Published 30th January 2025

Description

A thrilling adventure of curses, myths and legends set in ancient Egypt, perfect for fans of Emma Carroll and Horrible Histories aged nine and over.

Set in 1249 BCE in ancient Egypt, this thrilling adventure follows 11-year-old Henut, a curious and sceptical girl who doesn’t believe in the gods. But when a mysterious break-in, a strange dream, and a shadowy figure appear, she’s drawn into a dangerous quest that leads her to the Valley of the Kings—and possibly into a tomb itself.

Packed with real historical details from the time of Pharaoh Rameses II, including mummification, hieroglyphs, and ancient myths, this gripping tale blends history, mystery, and magic to captivate young readers.

Pocket Book of Pocket Poems – A.F. Harrold

Published 13th March 2025

Description

This hilarious, pocket-sized poetry collection by Carnegie-nominated A.F. Harrold is packed with short, silly poems—each under 60 words—that are perfect for readers aged 8 and up. With topics ranging from school shenanigans to hens laying coconuts, and paired with funny illustrations, this book is ideal for kids who love poetry—or think they don’t!

Why Read? Reading not only enriches minds but also strengthens community bonds. Discover how our Big Summer Book Swap can help your school exchange books, promote literacy, and engage students in a fun, collaborative way! Register by 20th June 2025 to get involved.

Read our blog for information on Why Reading With Children is Important and How to Support Children Who Read at Home