We love our city, from its dark and twisty alleys to it’s sparkling, tall sky scrapers. Whether you’re from London, the UK or from another country entirely- we think you will love it too with this London themed reading trail. No matter what your age, there is a book about London for you- from the magical depths of an underwater London to a historical murder mystery set in the bustling streets of regency London. Come and delight in the city's quirks and charms, and spend your summer reading yourself silly in every corner of the Big Smoke.
Ages 5-8
The Thames and Tide Club
The Thames and Tide Club
by Katya Balen (author), Rachael Dean (illustrator)
Clem and her best friends are part of the dedicated Thames and Tide mudlarking club- the practice of seeking out treasures from beneath the muddy shore. One day, Clem uncovers a magical artefact that leads her to a super-secret, mermaid riddled Underwater London! But Underwater London is at risk of disappearing. Can Clem and her friends save the seaweedy sea creatures before it’s too late? This first instalment in Katya Balen’s new series is beyond delightful, with equally delightful illustrations to match.
Einstein the Penguin
Einstein the Penguin
by Iona Rangeley (author), David Tazzyman (illustrator)
On a quite lovely London afternoon at London Zoo, the quite lovely Stewart family take to a funny little penguin at the Penguin Enclosure. They joke that the little penguin ‘must come and stay with them whenever he likes’, and to everyone's surprise- he does! The penguin is called Einstein and they all grow to love him like family… But Einstein is lost and wants to know who he is. Can the Stewart siblings help him uncover the truth? A delightful debut from Iona Rangely, illustrated with gusto by David Tazzyman.
Daisy and the Trouble With London
Daisy and the Trouble With London
by Kes Gray
Mischievous Daisy is up to no good again… in London this time! Join Daisy in seeing all the sights; The Tower of London, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace! But all Daisy really wants to see is Cooey the Pigeon. Dive into Daisy’s story with this London extravaganza! This iconic series by Kes Gray (Oi! Frog) is iconic for a reason.
Mega Robo Bros 1: Power Up
Mega Robo Bros 1: Power Up
by Neill Cameron
Brothers. Robots. Superheroes. Alex and Freddy are living their normal, bickery, fun lives when robot attacks take place over London. It’s time for the boys to step up! Will they be able to foil the plans of the EVIL ROBOT 23? Thrilling action and adventure in this fantastic graphic novel.
Sherlock Bones and the Case of the Crown Jewels: A Puzzle Quest
Sherlock Bones and the Case of the Crown Jewels: A Puzzle Quest
by Tim Collins (author), John Bigwood (illustrator)
Everyone loves Sherlock Holmes. Everyone loves dogs. Join us in this perfect combination of the two, and meet Sherlock Bones and his trusty sidekick Dr Catson in a daring hunt for the stolen crown jewels. With plot twists galore, puzzles, mazes and games interwoven throughout- this is the perfect London-y summer read.
The Royal Rabbits
The Royal Rabbits
by Santa Montefiore (author), Simon Sebag Montefiore (author), Kate Hindley (illustrator)
Shylo is the runt of his rabbit litter, and his siblings always tease him for not being like the rest of them. But when Shylo overhears a nefarious plot to expose the Queen- Shylo must take it upon himself to venture to London and inform the Royal Rabbits of London (the Queen’s guard) of this villainy! Join Shylo on this quest to protect the honour of his Queen! A charming and funny delve into a new rabbitty kingdom.
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Ages 9-12
The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries: Drama and Danger
The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries: Drama and Danger
by J.T. Williams (author), Simone Douglas (illustrator)
A thrilling 18th century mystery set in the heart of London’s theatre land, Drama and Danger introduces us to the world of Lizzie Sancho and Dido Belle. Living entirely separate lives, Lizzie and Dido find a special connection- a love of solving mysteries. Determined to reveal the truth when something goes awry at a theatre show, the girls find mystery, adventure and friendship as they investigate across a bustling London. Inspired by the lives of Black British icons Ignatius Sancho and Dido Belle, J.T Williams explores the best of historical London with a fun and refreshing eye.
Tyger
Tyger
by SF Said (author), Dave McKean (illustrator)
Set in a dystopian Soho, where the British Empire never ended, SF Said’s masterpiece grapples with the difficulties of growing up Muslim in an Islamophobic society, the continuation of Imperialism, and the power of friendship and empathy. Beautiful.
The Clockwork Conspiracy
The Clockwork Conspiracy
by Sam Sedgman
Isaac and his father love clocks, because Isaac’s dad is a horologist- a timekeeper in charge of looking after Big Ben. The night the clocks go back is Isaac’s favourite night, the night he watches his father stop time- up in the very heart of Big Ben. But when his father suddenly vanishes, with only a smashed pocket watch left in his wake, Isaac is determined to find him. Follow Isaac across his journey through London, and meet our historical landmarks against the backdrop of this adrenaline fuelled mystery.
The Dark Portal: Book One of The Deptford Mice
The Dark Portal: Book One of The Deptford Mice
by Robin Jarvis
Follow three mice Arthur, Audrey and Piccadilly as they venture down through the grille in the cellar of the abandoned house they live in, and into the sewers below, looking for their father who has been missing for days. Can they confront the vile, evil rats who lurk down there, and face their destinies against the dark god Jupiter who is their master? A re-issue of an unforgettable classic. A dark and thrilling delight, with incredible world-building and emotionally complex characters. Actually quite scary and not for the faint-hearted – you have been warned…
The London Eye Mystery
The London Eye Mystery
by Siobhan Dowd
When Ted Spark's cousin Salim goes missing on the London Eye, everyone is completely baffled, even the police. It's up to Ted, and his sister Kat, to follow the clues and thanks to the unique way Ted's brain operates, they might just stand a chance of cracking the mystery, before it's too late. A clever and gripping detective story for ages 8+.
Starminster
Starminster
by Megan Hopkins
Kept from the outside world by her paranoid mother, and raised in a rhubarb shed, Astrid longs for more. Then, one night, a beautiful stranger with wings offers her the chance to see the world- and beyond. For, at the very top of our tallest skyscrapers—another London hangs in the star strewn sky- a London Overhead. Astrid is a member of a different race, the Librae - those born with wings. Enrolled into the ancient school of Starminster, Astrid starts to feel like she might have found a place for herself in this magical new world. But when children start to go missing, a more sinister city rears its head from beneath the glimmering surface of this parallel London...
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Teen / Young Adult
Orangeboy
Orangeboy
by Patrice Lawrence
Marlon is a young man with an impossible choice to make. Despite promising his mum that he’ll never follow in his brother’s footsteps, 16 year old Marlon has to decide what to do after a date that goes horribly wrong. Can he become the person he never wanted to be, to protect everyone he loves? Realistic and powerful, this is an important and cleverly written story following Marlon's descent into the gang warfare of London's streets, and the choices that get him there. Winner of the YA Book Prize and former winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize for Older Readers.
The King is Dead
The King is Dead
by Benjamin Dean
A thrilling combination of The Princess Diaries, Gossip Girl and One of Us Is Lying - beloved children’s author Benjamin Dean presents The King Is Dead. James is the first black heir to the throne of England, and he’s spent his life in the middle of a whirlwind of press and parties. But when his father suddenly dies, he is thrust onto the throne at the tender age of seventeen. If that wasn't enough already, James’ boyfriend suddenly goes missing and the palace begins to receive threatening letters that contain information only he knows… With his reputation on the line, can James work out who to trust, before it’s too late?
King of Dead Things
King of Dead Things
by Nevin Holness
Two boys meet across the magical cracks of a hidden London. Eli is a thief. He and his found family at Pam’s West African Takeaway make their living selling on lost, magical artefacts. Malcolm is lost, desperate for the approval of his father and terrified of the dangerous legacy that dogs his footsteps. One boy can heal the wounds of those he loves, the other can raise them from the dead. When the boys cross paths on a quest to find a powerful artefact- the lost fang of the leopard God Osebo – they find a joint path to the answers they’re so desperately seeking. Nevin Holness debuts with a world shattering ode to West African heritage and a beloved London invisible to the unpracticed eye.
The Things We Leave Behind
The Things We Leave Behind
by Clare Furniss
Under a ruthless, authoritarian government, London has become a hub of unrest and danger. We meet sisters, Clem and Billie, as they escape their lives of terror and adventure and journey toward the sanctuary of Scotland. But the path ahead is treacherous and secrets will ultimately be revealed- will Clem and Billie survive this odyssey unscathed? Perfect for fans of How I Live Now and The Maze Runner.
All the Invisible Things
All the Invisible Things
by Orlagh Collins
Since Vetty Lake’s mum died and her family moved out of London four years ago, it’s felt so much safer not to tell people how she really feels. She’s never even told anyone she’s attracted to girls as well as boys. But now Vetty’s seventeen and coming back to London she’s determined to start living out loud. She’s convinced that reconnecting with her childhood best friend Pez is the key. But when she sees Pez again, he’s different. It’s like their special connection never existed. And suddenly Vetty’s sure he’s been hiding too…
The Love Dare
The Love Dare
by Abiola Bello
Popular girl Eva Òjó is used to boys falling for her without her even trying. So when her friend dares her to dance with a random guy at Notting Hill Carnival, she meets Saint. Comic obsessed Saint Rowe-Falade thinks Eva is cute, but he's not interested in her in that way. But when a party gets messy and a dare spirals out of control, can these two strangers become a lot more than friends? Step into the beating-heart of London in the summer, as Bello spins a story of passion and August adventures.
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