The Reading Agency launches the Story Garden Summer Reading Challenge Book Collection

We're delighted to share that The Reading Agency has launched its highly anticipated Summer Reading Challenge for 2025, delivered in collaboration with public libraries across the UK. Set to begin in June for Scotland and July for England and Wales, the Challenge offers children a captivating opportunity to engage with reading through their local library or digitally from home.

This Year's Summer Reading Challenge Theme

This year’s theme, Story Garden, inspires young readers to discover nature and the great outdoors through an enriching reading experience. To support this exciting initiative, The Reading Agency has revealed its carefully selected collection of 59 captivating books tailored to various reading levels and needs. This diverse collection encompasses picture books, early readers, middle-grade titles, and dyslexia-friendly options, featuring an appealing mix of fiction, factual, poetry, and graphic novels.

The Selection Process

The chosen titles were meticulously selected from 273 submissions provided by publishers across the UK. The Reading Agency's expert readers' panel, including librarians, teachers, and reading group leaders, along with their specialist advisory panel from Libraries Connected, ASCEL, Arts Council England, SLA, and CILIP, played a pivotal role in curating this year’s list. Their expertise ensures the selected books not only align perfectly with the Story Garden theme but also promise to educate, inspire, and entertain young readers.

Libraries and schools can procure these exciting new titles through their usual book suppliers, with selected books also available as eBooks and audiobooks.

Why is The Summer Reading Challenge so Important?

Each year, the Summer Reading Challenge significantly contributes to maintaining children's enthusiasm for reading, and we're thrilled to support The Reading Agency in bringing these fantastic stories to children throughout the UK.

Karen Napier MBE, CEO of The Reading Agency said, "Every year, the Summer Reading Challenge plays a vital role in keeping children excited about books. This year’s collection is particularly special as it encourages young readers to connect with nature, adventure, and discovery. We are proud to work with libraries and publishers to bring these fantastic books to children across the UK."