Best New Books of 2025 Ages 11+

Middle-grade is a relatively new term that usually groups together books aimed at ages 8 to 12, but the reading gap between an 8-year-old and an 11-year-old can be significant. These are the years when readers grow at different paces, and it’s important we support them as they choose new books so that their vocabulary broadens, their curiosity deepens and their confidence continues to shine.

From around age 11 onwards, children are beginning to make sense of their place in a wider world. They’re exploring identity, developing opinions and starting to reflect on the issues, relationships and emotions around them. Books play a crucial role at this stage: they offer perspective, build empathy and help young readers develop the critical thinking they’ll carry into their teenage years.

The books on Our Top 10 list reflect this beautifully. You’ll notice more historical settings creeping into the titles our readers loved most, alongside fantasy adventures where characters forge their own path, and powerful stories that touch on conservation, courage and the natural world. What matters most is that your growing reader feels free to follow their interests. There’s no single route through reading at this age and our job is simply to offer choice, reassurance and the right recommendations as they continue their own journey of discovery.

Don't forget to check out:

Best New Picture Books of 2025

Best First Chapter Books for Ages 5+ of 2025

Best New Books for Ages 7 Plus of 2025

Middle Grade Must-Reads of 2025

Georgina Atwell

Toppsta

2025-12-03

Best New Books of 2025 Ages 11+

Shadow Thieves

We're always looking for books that put action at the forefront, and when Shadow Thieves by Peter Burns came along we knew readers would love it. Reviews continue to roll in for our #1 book for readers aged 11+, all loving the spy boarding school, the characters and the friendships, the tension and intrigue throughout that make this book so unputdownable. But that's not all. The Victorian Empire vibes of this book, set in a uniquely dystopian reality, make for a really special world that draws readers in and engages with their animation. If you're after a book where the hero is a professional crook on a mission to save his friends, look no further.

View Book BUY NOW

American Mystery (Don't Doubt the Rainbow 3)

American Mystery by Anthony Kessel pulls together the best of adventure and mystery with main character (and detective in the making) Edie traveling through Canada, the USA and Dartmoor to solve a long-buried family secret and put evil wrongdoers behind bars. Part of the wider Don't Doubt the Rainbow series, this book doesn't have to be read after the previous books to make sense, as it works as a complete story on its own. Readers enjoyed that the characters offered more complexity than other books available for this age range, and that the book didn't shy away from discussing serious topics.

View Book BUY NOW

The Beck

Short, heartwarming and full of magic, The Beck written by Anthony McGowan is a short book that's captured our readers. Right off the bat, the book impresses with its clear font, dyslexia-friendly cream paper and beautiful illustrations running along the bottom of each page by David Wardle. Readers loved the friendship that the main character shares with his grandad and their passion to protect nature and fight against those who don’t take care of it. Anthony McGowan is a Carnegie Medal winning author and so it is no surprise his story is full of layers to unpeel and strings that tug at the heart.

View Book BUY NOW

Under a Fire-Red Sky

Our top contender for historical fiction has to be Under a Fire-Red Sky by award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Geraldine McCaughrean. Readers loved the historical setting of Blitz Britain but even more they loved the characters, their relationships and how they will do anything to protect each other from harm – and help win the war. And, of course, they loved all the adventure throughout. One thing to note is that the book is in some parts violent and does not shy away from the horrors of war, so parents may want to be aware of this before reading.

View Book BUY NOW

My Soul, A Shining Tree

For a book that will challenge your reader with four different character point of views to follow, we highly recommend My Soul, A Shining Tree by the brilliant Jamila Gavin. Set during World War I, it's based on a true story, making it an even more moving and heartfelt read for historical fiction lovers. Our reviewers felt inspired by the characters' friendship and courage, loved experiencing the war through their very different perspectives and appreciated how the book showed how war hurts and changes everyone involved. This may be a short read you'll finish in a sitting, but it's one that will stick with you for long after you've read it.

View Book BUY NOW

The Last Great Heir

We think this read will be perfect for anyone who loves Wicked, but it is also a perfect introduction to more layered fantasy reading. Feast and Famine: The Last Great Heir by Carina Finn is a story of two girls destined to battle each other on their 13th birthday. Readers can expect parties and gowns, potions and magic, and a whole lot of ACTION! While some readers thought the language was fully accessible, others felt they struggled with some of the vocabulary, so this is a great option for fantasy lovers who need an engaging story, and perfect for the more confident readers or lovers of fantasy.

View Book BUY NOW

My Name Is Samim

We loved reading reviews for My Name Is Samim by Fidan Meikle, where we meet thirteen-year-old protagonist Samim, a young refugee. Having lost his entire family, Samim moves from Afghanistan to the UK to rebuild. Told with warmth and heart, this story builds empathy and helps young readers understand how even the smallest gestures of kindness and friendship can go a long way. Reviewers understood that, although this is a fictional story, the reality of this experience is important to understand, and they felt inspired by the main character's resilience. This is a story with a difference we hope continues to be shared and recommended.

View Book BUY NOW

Normal Women: Making History for 900 Years

Here's a great book if you want to be twinning with your young reader! This is the children's edition of Normal Women by Philippa Gregory, so you can leaf through the adult version while your child gets the abridged one. This book celebrates everyday British women that have made history in their own ways, big or small. Our readers thought it was broken into easy-to-read sections, and many enjoyed reading the pages they felt drawn to depending on the day. This is a great book to pick up and read intermittently, and many parents and teachers enjoyed reading some of the anecdotes out loud to their little ones, too, so that they could together reflect on the significance of some of the events.

View Book BUY NOW

Kickflip Vol. 1: A heartfelt graphic novel about LGBTQ+ identity, acceptance and friendship

We're huge champions of graphic novels, so are delighted to see this title on the list. Kickflip Vol. 1 written by L.D. Lapinski and illustrated throughout by Logan Hanning is a brilliant LGBTQ+ graphic novel about self-discovery, skateboarding and finding your true community of friends. Readers and reviewers loved the themes of identity and how hard it can be to fit in. Many compared it to another firm favourite, Heartstopper, and we couldn't agree more! A brilliant, gripping read.

View Book BUY NOW

Loki: A Bad God's Guide to Unruly Activities

Don't underestimate activity books for this age, our young readers adored this book because it is pure fun from start to finish. Loki may be a god trapped in the body of an eleven year old boy, but he feels wonderfully real as he blunders through school, friendships and everyday trouble. The mix of short stories, puzzles, silly quizzes and secret codes kept children laughing and turning the pages. It feels playful and inviting, especially for readers who prefer something lively rather than a long novel. Teachers and librarians tell us it is a brilliant choice for engaging reluctant readers and for bringing a sense of joy back to reading.

View Book BUY NOW

Best New Books of 2025 Ages 11+

Shadow Thieves

American Mystery (Don't Doubt the Rainbow 3)

The Beck

Under a Fire-Red Sky

My Soul, A Shining Tree

The Last Great Heir

My Name Is Samim

Normal Women: Making History for 900 Years

Kickflip Vol. 1: A heartfelt graphic novel about LGBTQ+ identity, acceptance and friendship

Loki: A Bad God's Guide to Unruly Activities

Best New Books for Ages 7 Plus of 2025

Best Books of 2025 Teen and YA