Our top class reads for Year 6 transition to secondary school

June 1st 2026

The move from primary to secondary school can be daunting for pupils, with new expectations, new challenges, and new people. Finding common ground through book talk and characters they can relate to can help children feel secure at this time of change and uncertainty.

We've picked 9 top-quality children's books for primary and secondary schools to share with Year 6 to Year 7 transition classes. From characters who face new beginnings and overcome their fears, to stories which challenge readers in concept or language. If you want more recommendations from our team, explore our transition class reads list.

The first year
by Matt Goodfellow, published by Otter-Barry Books (April 2025)

Follow Nate as he starts secondary school and faces the challenges of Year 7, from new friends to bullies to family surprises. This is the follow-up novel to The final year, and is every bit as good as the first book!

Nate is an endearing character who will resonate with your transition pupils. The gradual moving away from the comfort of primary school, and the first inklings of growing up, are movingly depicted in Goodfellow's verse. Accompanied by Joe Todd-Stanton's illustrations, The first year is a go-to title for transitioning to secondary school.

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October, October
by Katya Balen, published by Bloomsbury (Sept 2021)

October's quiet, nature-filled world which she shares with her father is turned upside-down after a serious accident. Everything changs when she has must move-in with her estranged mother, who lives in the city, far from the wildness she loves.

Winner of the Carnegie Medal for Writing, October, October is wonderfully warm and lyrical, providing an unusual story with universal themes to share with pupils. As well as providing scope for meaningful discussion around the value of nature to wellbeing, it also offers exploration around personal growth and self-expression in times of change and transition.

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The small things
by Lisa Thompson, published by Barrington Stoke (June 2021)

Anna's anxious when she's picked to be the buddy of the new girl in school, Ellie. For a start, Ellie is ill and can't come to school herself, so Anna has to communicate with her through this new kind of robot. Anna is also worried that her life is boring compared to the other girls in her class - and so when Ellie begins asking about Anna's life outside of school, a little white lie pops out... followed by another, and then another....

Inspired by a true story, The small things handles issues such as friendship and isolation in a senstive and compassionate manner. Loneliness and self-doubt are common feelings during transition, and this beautifully written story crafts a great message about being yourself, something which all children can relate to.

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People like stars
by Patrice Lawrence, published by Scholastic (Jan 2025)

Three thirteen-year-old strangers are connected by one big secret. Nervous Ayton, who was stolen from his mum as a baby, then safely returned; curious Stanley, who has a Forbidden Grandmother; and homeless Sen, who finally has a place to live, as long as she doesn't disturb her secretive landlord...

People like stars expertly explores the sensitive theme of baby-snatching, positioning the story as a mystery, seeking to discover the reason as to why this past event in Ayton's life occured. Lawrence's characters are relatable, and her realistic and heartfelt story packs unexpected and emotive twists when the truth is finally revealed. 

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Serial chillers: The witch in the woods
by Jennifer Killick, published by Farshore (March 2025)

To Travis and his classmates, Hazard is home. But when they're set a school project to investigate the history of the town, they soon realise that something strange and alien lies beneath Hazard...

The beginning of a fabulous new horror series, The witch in the woods contains town secrets, jump scares, wise cracks, bonding over the horrors, and plenty of snacks. Jennifer Killick is the master of contemporary kid's horror, and this title will keep pupils at the edge of their seat. And if your pupils dare to seek out more Serial chillers independently, the third instalment will be released August 2026.

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Journeys of empire
by Sathnam Sanghera, published by Puffin (Sept 2025)

The British Empire is the biggest thing Britain ever did as a country. So how do we begin to tell this massive story? Sanghera takes the reader on 10 monumental journeys which shaped the British Empire to help young readers better understand Britain's imperial history, and how it still impacts the country, and the world, today.

Sanghera's chatty and tongue-in-cheek style is very easy to read, whilst remaining highly informative and wholly fascinating. Showcasing high-quality yet accessible information books like Journeys of empire can encourage maturing readers to nurture their curiosity, build up their wider awareness, and develop their discernment in this (dis)information age.

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Moving up
by Christian Foley, published by Scholastic (March 2024)

This companion guide to secondary school takes young readers through every step of the journey - from choosing their new school and starting year 7, all the way to up to exams and end-of-school celebrations. It also covers new challenges which children may encounter as they grow-up: social media, bullying, peer pressure, relationships and more.

Written by poet, teacher and rapper Christian Foley, Moving up is easy to read and features entertaining raps about the topics it covers. Maybe your pupils could have a go at performing the raps, or writing their own raps about the next stage of school life!

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You are a champion
by Marcus Rashford and Carl Anka, published by Macmillan (May 2021)

Help children develop to their full potential with inspiring footballer and campaigner Marcus Rashford. Written with journalist Carl Anka, this empowering guide explores real life stories as well as tips and advice to help chidlren learn how to be comfortable with themselves, dream big, work hard, navigate adversity, and more.

The guide itself is broken down into accessible chunks, making it easy as a class to dip in and out of, and discuss the book's advice and personal stories. You are a champion comes from a well-known name that children and adults admire, and offers life lessons which can help children outside of the school gates.

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Popcorn
by Rob Harrell, published by Piccadilly Press (Sept 2024)

Andrew's just trying to get through the school photo day with one aim: a photo of him which his mum will like. But the day has conspired against him in the form of a bully, a science experiment going wrong, scary news about his grandmother, and someone else's snot juice. He struggles with anxiety, and can feel the little kernel of worry in his belly getting hotter and hotter... can he make it through the day without popping? 

Popcorn is a touching, poignant and humourous look at the experience of a young anxiety sufferer. The book includes the author's illustrations as visual representation, offering more entertainment and insight into this character's experience of anxiety and OCD. It's a very good title for encouraging children's empathy with their fellow classmates, as well as validating those children who do suffer from anxious thoughts and anxiety.

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Find the right books for your transition pupils with our class sets offer Browse more top class reads for Y6 transition selected by our team. Our list features books already popular for class reading, as well as recommended verse novels, award-winners and newest releases ideal for reading with your class or tutor group. Save on class book sets! Schools can save up to 40% off the RRP when purchasing 15 copies or more* from Peters – guaranteeing high quality reads for your students, whilst making the most of your budget. browse transition class sets

*There is a minimum order quantity of 15 copies of the same title to receive the discounted price on class set offers. Percentage discount shown applies to the book's RRP and is instead of (not additional to) Peters' standard discount of 26%. Offers expire at the end of each term. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

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