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Seven is the age many children start reading chapter books on their own. In Year 3 they want stories with real adventure, proper jokes and characters they can root for, and the right book now can turn a child who can read into a child who wants to.
The short answer
- The one to start with
- Pugs of the Frozen North by Philip Reeve — These genius collaborative novels from Reeves and McIntyre are not just…
- A favourite to share
- The Bolds by Julian Clary — Superbly characterful illustrations and a truly bonkers concept, but told…
- For keen readers
- Bad Panda by Swapna Haddow — Readers will fall in love with this cute bad panda
What to look for at age 7
Look for short chapters, a fast pace and pictures dotted through the text. Funny books and series are especially good at this age. If a book is a struggle, swap it rather than push on: the goal is enjoyment, which is what builds stamina.
Our pick of the best books for 7 year olds
Pugs of the Frozen North by Philip Reeve
These genius collaborative novels from Reeves and McIntyre are not just funny, they are exciting,absorbing adventures with a great cast of characters.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThe Bolds by Julian Clary
Superbly characterful illustrations and a truly bonkers concept, but told with such verve and style that readers will be entirely swept away. A joy to read aloudReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamBad Panda by Swapna Haddow
Readers will fall in love with this cute bad pandaReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamMajor and Mynah by Karen Owen
Join SPUD, the Super Perceptive Undercover Detectives, on their first fast-paced detective adventure.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamMy Heart is a Poem by Various Authors
A beautifully illustrated anthology of poems from a dazzling and diverse array of modern poets with an accessible and contemporary look at emotions, feelings and walking…Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThe Thames and Tide Club and the Secret City by Katya Balen
A group of young wannabe archaeologists who get more than they bargained for when searching the banks of the ThamesReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamInto the Dark Forest The Wildsmith #1 by Liz Flanagan
Finding friendship, adventure and dragons….Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamA Monster Ate My Packed Lunch by Pamela Butchart
Readers of 7-9 will gobble the latest Baby Aliens adventureReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamChange Sings by Amanda Gorman
An inspirational anthem of empowerment for all children from the presidential inaugural poetReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamKaspar, Prince of Cats by Michael Morpurgo
An emotional and compelling read bringing the story of the Titanic vividly to life.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamYou're a Bad Man, Mr Gum! by Andy Stanton
This 20th anniversary edition of the first book in a trail-blazing, child-centred series includes previously-unseen material, along with masses of mayhem.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamWe Are Family - Six Kids and a Super-Dad by Oliver Sykes
An original, moving collection of poems, highly recommendedReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamOttoline and the Purple Fox by Chris Riddell
In a nutshell: nonstop surprises in the Big CityReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamOur Tower by Joseph Coelho
Discovering the magic in the everyday and in all of us in this gorgeous celebration of natureReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamPernickety Boo by Sally Gardner
The delightful tale of a finickety, pernickety, time-travelling umbrellaReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamDungeon Runners: Hero Trial by Kieran Larwood
Go adventuring with Triple Trouble in the dungeons of Grotville.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamDetective Thingy Majiggy by Cecelia Ahern
Centred on magnificently adorable Mia, this lively illustrated detective story for 7+-year-olds is rich with emotional insights.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThe Wood Where Stories Sing by Andy Shepherd
A wonder-filled, magical return to Wildtop Woods in this gentle adventure story about community and respect for the natural world.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamDiary of a Puss in Boots by Ben Miller
This rambunctious retelling of puss in boots’ rags-to-riches journey is an entertaining joy.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids team
These 20 books come from our Year 3 reading list of 32 titles for the 2026/27 school year. Looking for a little younger or older? See books for 6 year olds and books for 8 year olds, or our guide to Best Books for 7-9 Year Olds.
Chosen by experts, not an algorithm
Every title here comes from our Year 3 reading list, chosen by LoveReading4Kids’ children’s-book specialists — people who match books to real children every day. We’ve recommended on merit since 2005, and through our Schools Reading Programme we see which stories genuinely land with this age group. When you buy through us, up to 25% of the cover price can go to a school of your choice.
Each is named, with a photograph and full biography, on our editorial experts page.
Members of the panel include:
Julia Eccleshare MBEAward-winning children’s literature expert and former Guardian Children’s Editor
Andrea ReeceChildren’s literature expert, editor and former children’s publisher
Tricia AdamsFormer Director of the School Library Association and Carnegie & Kate Greenaway judging Chair
Deborah MaclarenLoveReading CEO and literary prize judge, championing books and reading for pleasure
Your questions answered
What should a 7 year old read?
Our editors recommend starting with Pugs of the Frozen North by Philip Reeve, The Bolds by Julian Clary and Bad Panda by Swapna Haddow, all from our Year 3 reading list. The full list of 20 books is on this page.
Which school year is a 7 year old in?
In England, most children turn 7 during Year 3, so these books come from our Year 3 list. Children read at very different levels, so look at the ages either side too.
How are these books chosen?
By LoveReading4Kids’ children’s-book specialists, including former Carnegie judges and school librarians, not by sales rank or an algorithm. We have recommended books on merit since 2005.
What if my child is a reluctant reader?
Try shorter, funnier or illustrated books first, and let them choose. Our guide to the best books for reluctant readers has picks chosen to win children round.