If the summer holidays have got you stumped on what to give your kids to read, you're in the right place for recommendations. Whether you've got a five year old at home or a teenager lounging on the sofa, at Knights Of there is a book for everyone.

From laugh-out-loud adventures to gripping page turners, these stories are perfect for sunny (or rainy) afternoons, road trips or a quiet evening before bed.

The Night Forest is a sensitive and beautifully written story that is perfectly pitched for newly independent readers with a gentle mix of real-life and the magical worlds of Ziggy's imagination. Ziggy has never had any trouble getting to sleep at night until their parents explain they are going to be living apart, and then everything changes. A night-time woodland world visits Ziggy in his sleep, bringing first fear then calm as they begin to accept the new family status. Author Polly Ho Yen often uses the magic of nature in her storytelling and told us "I feel that being in nature and connecting to it opens children up to the wonder of being in the world, like nothing else. In my stories, I can’t help but place it centre stage when I want the main character to learn and evolve. Nature acts as a kind of dynamo for embracing change and living authentically."

Also written by Polly, but for older readers, When the Storm Comes tackles the real-time effects of the climate emergency in a topical and digestible adventure.  Reminiscent of the 80s cult classic, The Breakfast Club, Mali, Jonesey, Fara and Petey are reluctantly gathered in the library. They're not friends - and they each have reasons they don't want to be there. Outside the storm begins to rage, until the group are trapped with floods rising and the only way they are going to get out is by pulling together. Plot twists, peril and an inclusive cast of captivating characters makes this another page-turner not to be missed.

The Lucky House Detective Agency is the first in an excellent new mystery series for 7+ readers. Set in a Chinese Takeaway, the cast is a joyous celebration of British-Chinese life, with a brilliantly diverse cast of characters, lots of delicous food, and a well-plotted mystery to keep the reader engaged. Scarlett Li wrote the story in collaboration with the team at Storymix, bringing her experience of growing up in a Chinese restaurant, and of her family traditions and customs. This mystery is more than just a whodunit – it’s a celebration of heritage, friendship, and the satisfaction of working out a good puzzle.

For 9+ readers, School for Fireflies is fuelled by a fabulous concept — a magical school within a school, a missing dad, and two super-sleuth kids. Siddy and Zadie are two normal 11-year-olds, obsessed with solving mysteries like their favourite detective podcast - until they discover they are anything but normal. Instead of starting at their normal new school, they’ve been enrolled in the parallel School for Fireflies. Exciting and fast-paced, Erica Gomez's debut combines the intrigue of a classic mystery story with contemporary sass and age-old magic to terrific effect.

Vivi Conway and the Lost Hero marks the thrilling conclusion to Lizzie Huxley-Jones' myth-infused adventure. Lizzie was formally diagnosed as autistic aged 26, and is a vocal advocate for neurodiverse stories. In writing from the point of view of their autistic narrator Vivi, the books combine an action-packed and magical story with a nuanced look at how true friendship comes from learning about and supporting one another’s differences. Their love of Wales, and interest in Welsh myth and legends weaves through this wonderful magical adventure series. Add to that authentic, inclusive representation, Vivi Conway and the Lost Hero and the series as a whole, is sure to please a broad range of readers — from fans of fantasy and myth, to devotees of friendship-driven adventure stories.

You can find out more about all five books below, with an extract available to let you browse inside and read the first few pages. 

Knights Of is an award-winning independent publisher focused on bringing underrepresented voices to the forefront of commercial children’s publishing. With a team led by women of colour, and an unwavering focus on their intended readership for each book, Knights Of works to engage with gatekeepers across the industry, including booksellers, teachers and librarians, and supports non-traditional community spaces with events, outreach, marketing and partnerships.

Find their full library of books from early reader to YA, and discover more about this inspiring publishing house at knightsof.media