New UKLA online Fiction
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The UKLA Book Awards are annual awards recognizing excellence in literature. They are unique in that teachers, rather than critics or publishers, judge the books, emphasizing their value in education. The awards highlight books that combine high literary quality with the potential to engage and inspire young readers. Winners are celebrated for both their creativity and their ability to support learning in schools.
Every Borrowed Beat (2025) delves into themes of life after a heart transplant, survivor's guilt, and the complexities of grief and healing. Seventeen-year-old Sydney Wells, who has received a donor heart, embarks on a journey to uncover the life of her donor, Mia, leading her into a web of secrets and emotional turmoil. As Sydney navigates her new reality, she forms a connection with Mia's best friend, Clayton, and confronts the challenges of living with someone else's heart. This contemporary romance offers an unflinching look at the realities of heart failure, memory, and what it means to live in the aftermath of another's life.
Erin Stewart is an american heart failure survivor and adoptive mother who draws from her personal experiences to write emotionally resonant fiction. She is also the author of Scars Like Wings and The Words We Keep. Stewart lives in Utah with her husband and three children.
Handle with Care (2024) delves into the complexities of teenage pregnancy and the intricacies of friendship. The story follows Ruby, who unexpectedly gives birth during a history class, leading to a whirlwind of emotions and decisions. As she navigates the challenges of motherhood, Ruby grapples with the secret of her baby's father and the potential fallout with her best friend, Ashley. The novel is presented in alternating chapters of verse and prose, offering a poignant exploration of identity, responsibility, and the bonds that define us.
Louisa Reid is an English author known for her emotionally resonant young adult novels. Her previous works include Gloves Off, nominated for the Carnegie Medal, and Wrecked, selected for the Read for Empathy collection. Reid, an English teacher based in the north-west of England, draws from her experiences to craft stories that resonate with young readers
Here to Slay (2024) is fantasy novel that blends Hindu mythology with contemporary teen life. The story follows Kali, a 16-year-old girl whose birthday marks the awakening of her demon-slaying powers, inherited from the Indian goddess Kali. As she navigates high school challenges and supernatural threats, she learns to embrace her heritage and identity. The novel features LGBTQ+ representation, humor, and themes of self-discovery, making it a compelling read for teens aged 11 and up.
Radhika Sanghani is an award-winning features journalist, acclaimed author, and body positivity advocate. She has written for major publications like The Daily Telegraph, Elle, and Grazia, and is also a TEDx speaker and yoga teacher. Her debut middle-grade novel, The Girl Who Couldn't Lie, was published in May 2024.
Let the Light In (2025) follows 17-year-old Leah and her 15-year-old brother Charlie as they navigate life after their father's death. Leah becomes entangled in a secretive relationship with a married man, while Charlie's attempt to alleviate their financial struggles leads him into dangerous territory. Their individual choices ultimately converge, resulting in a crisis that forces them to confront their grief and the importance of family and community.
Jenny Downham is an acclaimed British author known for her emotionally resonant young adult novels, including Before I Die and You Against Me. Her work often explores themes of loss, identity, and resilience.
Shrapnel Boys (2025) is a historical fiction novel set in London during the early days of World War II. The story follows 11-year-old Ronnie Smith, who, amidst the nightly bombings, finds himself racing to collect shrapnel with his friends. However, the true battles lie not just in the skies but within his own home, as his younger brother becomes entangled with dangerous individuals, leading Ronnie to uncover secrets that could alter the course of the war. This novel delves into themes of courage, friendship, and the moral complexities faced during wartime.
Jenny Pearson is an award-winning British author renowned for her engaging children's books, including The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates and The Boy Who Made Monsters. Her works often blend humor with heartfelt storytelling, and Shrapnel Boys marks her debut into historical fiction.
Songlight (2024) is the first book in The Torch Trilogy, a dystopian science fiction series. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the story follows Elsa, a young woman with the ability to communicate telepathically—known as "songlight"—in a society that persecutes such individuals. When Elsa's secret is exposed, she is forced to confront the oppressive regime and its brutal policies. The novel explores themes of resistance, identity, and the cost of survival in a divided world.
Moira Buffini is an English author, dramatist, director, and actor. She is known for her acclaimed plays and screenwriting work, including Tamara Drewe, Jane Eyre, and The Dig. Songlight is her debut novel, and she won the YA Book Prize at the 2025 Edinburgh International Book Festival for this work.
Songs for Ghosts (2025) intertwines elements of historical fiction, magical realism, and romance. The story follows Adam, a Japanese-American teenager who discovers a century-old diary in his attic, written by a young woman in Nagasaki. As Adam becomes haunted by her vengeful spirit, he embarks on a journey to uncover her identity and his own, leading him to Japan and a deeper connection with his heritage. The novel explores themes of love, identity, and the supernatural, drawing inspiration from Puccini's opera Madama Butterfly
Clara Kumagai is a Canadian author of Japanese and Irish descent. Her debut novel, Catfish Rolling, was shortlisted for the 2024 Yoto Carnegie Medal and won the 2024 KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Book of the Year. She currently resides in Ireland.
Stealing Happy (2025) delves into themes of family, friendship, and resilience. The story follows 12-year-old Sonny Gilmour, who, grappling with Tourette's syndrome, discovers that his mother has borrowed money from a notorious loan shark, Chick Lennon. Determined to protect his family, Sonny, along with his friends Jonah and Carolina Swift, devises a plan to repay the debt using Chick's own ill-gotten gains. The novel explores the challenges of navigating a high-stakes situation while managing personal struggles and highlights the strength found in friendship and determination.
Brian Conaghan is a Scottish author known for his works that address complex themes with humor and authenticity. His previous novels, such as When Mr Dog Bites and The Bombs That Brought Us Together, have received critical acclaim and numerous awards. Conaghan's writing often explores issues related to identity, disability, and societal challenges.
The Last Dragon on Mars (2024) is the first book in The Dragonships series, blending science fiction and fantasy. The story follows Lunar Jones, a 13-year-old orphan living on a dying Mars, who discovers a hidden dragon and becomes its chosen rider, or dragoon. As Lunar trains to command a starship, he faces challenges from rival candidates and a military determined to keep the dragon's existence a secret. The novel explores themes of courage, identity, and the fight for survival in a harsh environment.
Scott Reintgen is a former public school teacher from North Carolina and the New York Times bestselling author of the Nyxia trilogy and the Dragonships series. He writes imaginative stories that blend adventure with thought-provoking themes.
The Line They Drew Through Us (2025) is set against the backdrop of the 1947 Partition of India. It follows three best friends—Jahan, Ravi, and Lakshmi—who are born on the same day and share a deep bond. As the political upheaval of Partition divides their country, their lives are torn apart: one flees, one disappears, and the other is left with only memories and hope. Through this narrative, Khan explores themes of friendship, identity, and the enduring impact of historical events on personal lives.
Hiba Noor Khan is an English children's author and physics teacher of Pakistani descent. She has written several acclaimed books, including Safiyyah's War, and is known for her work in promoting diversity and intercultural understanding.
The Thread That Connects Us (2024) explores the complex dynamics between two Somali-British teenage girls, Safiya and Halima. Safiya grapples with the return of her estranged father and the upheaval it brings to her already fragile family life. Halima, newly arrived from Somalia, faces the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language while dealing with her own family issues. Their initial animosity transforms into a deep bond as they uncover shared family secrets, leading them to realize that their connection is stronger than they had imagined.
Ayaan Mohamud is a Somali-British writer and medical student based in London. She began her writing journey during the COVID-19 lockdown, and her debut novel, You Think You Know Me, was inspired by her experiences with Islamophobia and her desire to highlight Somali culture in young adult literature.
Us in the Before and After (2024) delves into the complexities of friendship, love, and loss. The story follows best friends Elk and Mab, who, after a sudden death during a long, hot summer, must navigate the profound changes that follow a single tragic act. Their bond is tested as they grapple with grief and the unshakeable impact of that moment, exploring themes of identity and the passage from adolescence to adulthood. Valentine crafts an emotionally resonant narrative that raises questions about love, ghosts, and the enduring ties of friendship.
Jenny Valentine is an award-winning British author known for her emotionally rich young adult novels, including Finding Violet Park, which won the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize in 2007. Her work often explores themes of identity, loss, and the complexities of human relationships.
What Happens Online (2025) is a witty and poignant teen comedy that delves into the complexities of identity in the digital age. The story follows Fred, a socially awkward teenager who leads a double life: online, he's the confident and popular gamer Existor@stmarks; offline, he's a lonely outcast. When his online persona gains unexpected popularity at school, Fred begins to fabricate rumors to maintain his newfound status, leading to unforeseen consequences. As his lies spiral out of control, Fred must confront the impact of his actions and find a way to reconcile his online and offline selves.
Nathanael Lessore is a British author of French and Madagascan descent, known for his authentic portrayal of South London's diverse communities. His debut novel, Steady For This, won the Branford Boase Award and was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal.
When It's Your Turn for Midnight (2024) delves into themes of family, identity, and resilience. The story follows 15-year-old Chianti, who, after discovering that her father is not her biological parent, seeks refuge with her maternal grandmother, Ambuya, in Mutare, Zimbabwe. There, she becomes immersed in the lives of Ambuya and her three best friends—former freedom fighters who now run a fashion upcycling business. As Chianti unravels her family's past and confronts her own challenges, she learns that family is defined not just by blood but by love and shared history.
Blessing Musariri is a Zimbabwean author known for her insightful storytelling that explores themes of identity, history, and belonging. Her works, including All That It Ever Meant, have garnered critical acclaim for their depth and cultural relevance.
Mystery Sora 14+
When the Bones Sing (2025) is a gothic supernatural thriller set in the small Ozark town of Lucifer’s Creek, Arkansas. Seventeen-year-old Dovie possesses the unsettling ability to hear the bones of the dead sing, leading her to uncover over two dozen buried bodies in the past three years. As the disappearances escalate, Dovie and her best friend Lo delve into the mysteries surrounding these deaths, uncovering dark secrets that threaten their town's very existence. Blending elements of mystery, romance, and the supernatural, the novel explores themes of grief, identity, and the haunting echoes of the past.
Ginny Myers Sain is a New York Times bestselling author known for her atmospheric young adult novels, including Dark and Shallow Lies. Her works often delve into supernatural themes set against richly detailed small-town backdrops.
Fantasy Sora
Wolf Siren (2025) is a fantasy that reimagines Little Red Riding Hood through a lens of empowerment and mystery. The story follows Red, a disabled girl forbidden from entering the enchanted woods where her grandmother vanished years ago. When a woodcutter goes missing and wolves are spotted near the village, Red realizes she may hold the key to the forest’s secrets—but revealing it could destroy her family. Blending folklore with themes of identity and resilience, O’Brien crafts a tale that is both magical and deeply human.
Beth O’Brien is a UK-based author and poet born with a visual impairment and an upper-limb difference. She holds a PhD in Creative Writing and is passionate about disability representation in literature. Wolf Siren is her debut novel, and she is also the founder of Disabled Tales.
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