Recommended Books for Ages 5–7 (KS1) — Teacher's Reading List
A curated reading list of 30 picture books and early readers for KS1 — covering fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and diverse voices. With curriculum links and a brief annotation for each title.
You might also like
Selected based on subject, grade, and type — with a free option always included.
KS1 Reading List — Books for Year 1 and Year 2
Curated reading list for Year 1 and Year 2 children — picture books, early chapter books, poetry, and books for the children just becoming readers. Calibrated for the children who are decoding fluently and ready for richer stories.
Books for Reluctant Readers — Curated List
Books specifically chosen to convert reluctant readers — short, accessible, often illustrated, always engaging. For the children who 'don't like reading' (because they haven't found the right book yet). Calibrated for Y2-Y6.
English Lead — Professional Reading List
Professional books every primary English Lead should read — the research-grounded titles on phonics, reading-for-pleasure, comprehension, vocabulary, and writing teaching. Honest about which are essential and which are optional.
Drop Everything And Read (DEAR) — Starter Pack
Everything to launch a Drop Everything And Read programme — staff briefing, parent letter, signage, slot timing options, evidence base and FAQ. Ready to deploy in week 1.
Peer Reading (PALS-style) — Setup Pack
A research-backed peer reading programme adapted from PALS — structured pairs, four reading routines (paired reading, retell, paragraph shrink, prediction), pairing rules, and a 6-week launch plan.
Whole-School Reading Progression — Pre-K to Grade 6
How reading skills develop across primary — phase 1 phonics through KS2 inference, summarisation, and critical reading. Includes year-by-year skill expectations, common misconceptions, and the assessment markers that show whether children are on track. The reference document an English Lead returns to most often.