If most parents had their way, their children would spend the six weeks of school holidays stretching out before them by sitting quietly reading a book. The reality often looks a lot more like endless screen time, arguments with siblings and generally carnage while we, the parents, try to juggle it all with working lives.
But give them one of the following books and that fantasy may just come true. From spellbinding adventures to gripping YA, here is our pick of 14 great new reads which are near-guaranteed to keep even the most reluctant of readers occupied…
The Summer After the Night Before by Lisa Williamson
Ages 14-18
When Molly wakes after a party with no memory of the night before, she is forced to confront what may have happened. A powerful, compassionate novel about consent, trauma and friendship, told with extraordinary emotional intelligence and characters that feel utterly real.
