Upper Key Stage 2
Welcome to our Top 10 Books for Children in Upper Key Stage 2 (Ages 9–11) This handpicked collection features thrilling adventures, powerful stories, and thought-provoking themes designed to challenge and engage readers. Perfect for children in Upper Key Stage 2, these books encourage independent reading while supporting critical thinking and empathy. With rich narratives and diverse characters, our selection helps children develop their reading comprehension, expand their vocabulary, and explore complex ideas in an accessible way. These books are ideal for fostering a love of reading and sparking meaningful discussions.
- The Last Bear by Hannah Gold
Age: 9-11
Description: This is the story of a girl named April who forms a bond with a polar bear on a remote island. Together, they embark on an adventure to save the environment and explore themes of climate change and conservation.
Topics Covered: Friendship, nature, environmentalism, adventure.
Review: “I thought this was a beautiful story about the environment, the friendship between April and the polar bear was so sweet!” – Sofia, age 10
- The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson
Age: 9-11
Description: Marinka lives with her grandmother in a house with chicken legs. Her grandmother is a guardian of the dead, guiding souls to the afterlife, and Marinka longs for a different life. This magical tale explores family, destiny, and self-discovery.
Topics Covered: Family, destiny, adventure, magical realism.
Review: “I loved the magical house.” – Noah, age 9
- Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Age: 9-11
Description: Percy Jackson discovers he’s a demigod and embarks on an epic journey to prevent a war among the Greek gods.
Topics Covered: Friendship, Greek mythology, adventure, bravery.
Review: “Percy Jackson is hilarious!” – Ethan, age 10
- I Am Lenny Brown by Nicky Singer
Age: 9-11
Description: Lenny Brown is eight years old and can’t talk. Except to his mum and his dog, Rocky. When Lenny has to move house and start at a new school he struggles with his emotions and the world around him. This is an inspiring story about how Lenny overcomes his challenges and finds his voice.
Topics Covered: Mental health, friendship, self-identity, family.
Review: “This book made me think about how we can help each other, especially our friends.” – Mason, age 11
5. Operation Banana by Alan MacDonald
Age: 9-11
Description: In this exciting and hilarious adventure, two young friends, Hector and Annie, find themselves caught up in a mission to save a group of endangered monkeys. When a banana shipment goes missing from a wildlife sanctuary, Hector and Annie are tasked with tracking it down, uncovering a larger conspiracy involving smuggling and an international banana heist.
Topics Covered: Friendship, teamwork, animal conservation, adventure, courage.
Review: “I loved the mystery and how Hector and Annie worked together to solve the case. The monkeys were funny too!” – Antonio, age 10
- Brightstorm by Vashti Hardy
Age: 9-11
Description: Twins Arthur and Maudie Brightstorm set out on an adventurous journey to discover the truth about their father’s disappearance, encountering danger and mystery along the way.
Topics Covered: Adventure, family, mystery, exploration.
Review: “Brightstorm is full of adventure and mystery!” – Eden, age 11
- The Explorer by Katherine Rundell
Age: 9-11
Description: A group of children are stranded in the Amazon rainforest and must survive using their wits and courage. This book is an exciting survival adventure.
Topics Covered: Adventure, survival, courage, friendship.
Review: “I couldn’t put it down! It’s so exciting and full of amazing adventures.” – Mia, age 11
- Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Age: 9-11
Description: Artemis Fowl, a young genius and criminal mastermind, attempts to steal gold from the fairy world. This series blends fantasy, mystery, and adventure.
Topics Covered: Intelligence, adventure, fantasy, problem-solving.
Review: “Artemis is a genius, and his adventures are mind-blowing!” – Leon, age 10
- Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens
Age: 9-11
Description: Daisy and Hazel, two young detectives, solve a mystery at their boarding school. This exciting mystery is filled with twists, turns, and brilliant characters.
Topics Covered: Mystery, friendship, teamwork, problem-solving.
Review: “I loved following the adventure of solving the mystery with Daisy and Hazel! It was such a good story!.” – Isabella, age 9
- Tom’s Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce
Age: 9-11
Description: Tom is sent to live with his aunt and uncle, where he discovers a magical garden that only appears at midnight. This classic tale blends fantasy with deep themes of time, change, and loss.
Topics Covered: Time travel, magic, loss, childhood.
Review: “Tom’s Midnight Garden is a beautiful, magical story.”– Amelie, age 10