New UKLA online Fiction
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The UKLA Book Awards are annual awards recognizing excellence in children’s and young adult 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.
Fiction Sora
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.
Fiction Sora 14+
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
Fiction Sora
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.
Fiction Sora 14+
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.
Historical Fiction Sora
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.
Dystopian Sora 13+
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.
Historical Fiction Sora
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.
Realistic Fiction U FIC BEN
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.
Science Fiction Sora
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.
Realistic Fiction U FIC BEN
The Next Great Paulie Fink (2019) follows Caitlyn Breen, a seventh grader who becomes the new student at Mitchell School in rural Vermont. When the legendary prankster Paulie Fink mysteriously disappears, the class decides to hold a reality-show-style competition to find his successor, with Caitlyn serving as the judge. As Caitlyn delves into the eccentricities of her classmates and the myth of Paulie, she discovers unexpected truths about herself and the nature of community.
Ali Benjamin, is an American writer known for her work in children's literature, particularly focusing on themes of friendship, grief, and self-discovery in her engaging storytelling.
Realistic Fiction U FIC BEN
The Next Great Paulie Fink (2019) follows Caitlyn Breen, a seventh grader who becomes the new student at Mitchell School in rural Vermont. When the legendary prankster Paulie Fink mysteriously disappears, the class decides to hold a reality-show-style competition to find his successor, with Caitlyn serving as the judge. As Caitlyn delves into the eccentricities of her classmates and the myth of Paulie, she discovers unexpected truths about herself and the nature of community.
Ali Benjamin, is an American writer known for her work in children's literature, particularly focusing on themes of friendship, grief, and self-discovery in her engaging storytelling.
Realistic Fiction U FIC BEN
The Next Great Paulie Fink (2019) follows Caitlyn Breen, a seventh grader who becomes the new student at Mitchell School in rural Vermont. When the legendary prankster Paulie Fink mysteriously disappears, the class decides to hold a reality-show-style competition to find his successor, with Caitlyn serving as the judge. As Caitlyn delves into the eccentricities of her classmates and the myth of Paulie, she discovers unexpected truths about herself and the nature of community.
Ali Benjamin, is an American writer known for her work in children's literature, particularly focusing on themes of friendship, grief, and self-discovery in her engaging storytelling.
Realistic Fiction U FIC BEN
The Next Great Paulie Fink (2019) follows Caitlyn Breen, a seventh grader who becomes the new student at Mitchell School in rural Vermont. When the legendary prankster Paulie Fink mysteriously disappears, the class decides to hold a reality-show-style competition to find his successor, with Caitlyn serving as the judge. As Caitlyn delves into the eccentricities of her classmates and the myth of Paulie, she discovers unexpected truths about herself and the nature of community.
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.
Realistic Fiction U FIC BEN
The Next Great Paulie Fink (2019) follows Caitlyn Breen, a seventh grader who becomes the new student at Mitchell School in rural Vermont. When the legendary prankster Paulie Fink mysteriously disappears, the class decides to hold a reality-show-style competition to find his successor, with Caitlyn serving as the judge. As Caitlyn delves into the eccentricities of her classmates and the myth of Paulie, she discovers unexpected truths about herself and the nature of community.
Ali Benjamin, is an American writer known for her work in children's literature, particularly focusing on themes of friendship, grief, and self-discovery in her engaging storytelling.
Realistic Fiction U FIC BEN
The Next Great Paulie Fink (2019) follows Caitlyn Breen, a seventh grader who becomes the new student at Mitchell School in rural Vermont. When the legendary prankster Paulie Fink mysteriously disappears, the class decides to hold a reality-show-style competition to find his successor, with Caitlyn serving as the judge. As Caitlyn delves into the eccentricities of her classmates and the myth of Paulie, she discovers unexpected truths about herself and the nature of community.
Ali Benjamin, is an American writer known for her work in children's literature, particularly focusing on themes of friendship, grief, and self-discovery in her engaging storytelling.
Realistic Fiction U FIC BEN
The Next Great Paulie Fink (2019) follows Caitlyn Breen, a seventh grader who becomes the new student at Mitchell School in rural Vermont. When the legendary prankster Paulie Fink mysteriously disappears, the class decides to hold a reality-show-style competition to find his successor, with Caitlyn serving as the judge. As Caitlyn delves into the eccentricities of her classmates and the myth of Paulie, she discovers unexpected truths about herself and the nature of community.
Ali Benjamin, is an American writer known for her work in children's literature, particularly focusing on themes of friendship, grief, and self-discovery in her engaging storytelling.
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