Secondary Schools
Celebrate the National Year of Reading with Usborne
In the UK, it is currently the National Year of Reading. We've put together some exciting resources created specifically with KS3 students in mind so that you can inspire a passion for reading in your classroom.
Explore our National Year of Reading book recommendations for KS3
I Dare You by Tamsin Winter
What would you do if a dare went too far? In this special video for KS3 students, bestselling author Tamsin Winter explores the power of peer pressure, social media trends, and the choices we make when everyone else seems to be following the crowd. Inspired by her novel I Dare You, Tamsin challenges students to think critically about online influence and create their own story ideas.
Kick by Mitch Johnson
Join award-winning author Mitch Johnson for a discussion about dreams, determination, and overcoming obstacles. Inspired by his novel Kick, Mitch explores what it takes to pursue your ambitions when the odds are stacked against you, and challenges students to think about success, resilience, and opportunity. Perfect for KS3 classrooms, literacy lessons, and reading for pleasure.
The Memory Thieves by Darren Simpson
If you could erase your worst memory, would you? Join award-winning author Darren Simpson as he explores memory, identity, and the big question at the heart of his novel The Memory Thieves. This thought-provoking KS3 video invites students to debate, discuss, and imagine a world where memories can be taken away.
The Fights That Make Us by Sarah Hagger-Holt
Whose stories get remembered in history - and whose get left out? In this special KS3 video, award-winning author Sarah Hagger-Holt explores hidden histories, identity, and the power of standing up for what you believe in. Inspired by The Fights That Make Us, students are encouraged to think about the stories that shape our understanding of the world.
How to Get Magically Popular by Radhika Sanghani
What if you could see the future?
Author Radhika Sanghani explores friendship, fitting in, and the pressure to get everything right in this fun and engaging KS3 video inspired by How to Get Magically Popular. Students are invited to discuss popularity, decision-making, and whether knowing the future would really make life easier.
Our top picks for secondary schools
Secondary school resources
Usborne book fairs and events
As students move through secondary school, many stop reading for pleasure — yet regular reading is proven to boost school performance across every subject.
Usborne events bring that joy back with inspiring books and events designed to engage even the most reluctant readers.
Host a book fair, author visit or sponsored read and receive up to 60% of the event value in extra FREE books for your school!
Find your local Independent Usborne Partner
Want to get in touch with an Independent Usborne Partner? Use this search to contact them directly.
Author events
Bring the world of books to life with an awe-inspiring author event that will inspire your pupils for years to come.
Classroom sets of 30 books
Explore these sets of 30 brilliant books. Selected from our favourite fiction, they're perfect for classrooms or the school library.
