World Book Day 2025: A list of top reads from a family of book worms
I'm always on the hunt for good books for myself, my husband and our four children, and I have a long TBR, as well as wish lists for each of the children to help guide any grandparents wanting to get a book gift for any of the children.
If you are in the same boat and always on the lookout for book recs, here are some of the best books we have read in the last year or so.
Happy World Book Day!
Anna's top recent reads - late thirties, Christian woman
I could write a list as long as my arm, but I will try to restrain myself. I enjoy good fiction, books with excellent character development where each line moves the story along, and well-written, theologically accurate Christian living books. If this is you as well, here is what I recommend from my last year or so of reading.
My Wife Said You May Want to Marry Me: A Memoir - Jason B. Rosenthal
Moving and funny. Reading Amy's book Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal a couple of years ago really helped me understand the Amy that Jason speaks about in this book. She truly had an incredible way of thinking about things, and her plays on words still come to mind. Proof of this fun and different way of thinking is that on March 3, 2017, Amy penned an op-ed piece for the New York Times' "Modern Love" column —"You May Want to Marry My Husband." It appeared ten days before her death from ovarian cancer. A heartbreaking, wry, brutally honest, and creative play on a personal ad—in which a dying wife encouraged her husband to go on and find happiness after her demise—the column quickly went viral, reaching more than five million people worldwide. In My Wife Said You May Want to Marry Me, Jason describes what came next: his commitment to respecting Amy’s wish, even as he struggled with her loss. Surveying his life before, with, and after Amy, Jason ruminates on love, the pain of watching a loved one suffer, and what it means to heal—how he and their three children, despite their profound sorrow, went on. Jason’s emotional journey offers insights into dying and death and the excruciating pain of losing a soulmate and illuminates the lessons he learned. - Goodreads
Gay Girl, Good God; The Story of Who I Was And Who God Has Always Been - Jackie Hill Perry
I didn't read this one for ages because I have this thing about viral Christian books; I flee them like the plague. However, after reading her Upon Waking 60-day devotional, I was hooked on Jackie's poetic prose and gave it a shot. I'm glad I did. This book makes much of God; it simply states that our will isn't as important as God's word and that our desires matter and are not next to God's will for our lives.
A quote that I especially loved was, "Before I knew it, I was back with the same temptation and with someone else's power." Wow. That puts our temptations to sin as Christians into a completely new light.
The Thursday Murder Club Series - Richard Osman
I'll be honest: the first book was good, but not great. There was a lot of character development, and the story was okay... However, it sets the following three up brilliantly, and The Man Who Died Twice, The Bullet That Missed and The Last Devil to Die were all five stars for me. I'm ready for more in this series. They're also beautifully narrated if you are into audiobooks - fab. If you haven't read them yet, do!
The Great Alone - Kristin Hannah
One of three of Kristin Hannah's books I have read over the last year and enjoyed (the only one I didn't like was Four Winds - I tried, but my expectations were not met, everything that could go wrong kept going wrong, and it was not an enjoyable read - it felt stressful to read, and that's not what I want - when I read, I want to escape into a better world.)
The Great Alone is based in Alaska and is a well-written, emotionally compelling historical fiction with a content warning for domestic abuse. Though the ending is unlikely and perhaps too rushed, it was an excellent book and one I recommend, along with The Women and The Nightingale, which I read earlier in the year.
Devoted: Great Men and Their Godly Mums - Tim Challies
This book is a wonderful collection of stories. History tells of women whose love for God and the Bible shaped the lives of men who went on to become some of the most prominent theologians and bible teachers.
A very encouraging book to keep on working hard at being a godly woman and mother, because one day, my sons could be the next John Newton, Hudson Taylor, John Piper, Charles Spurgeon, Augustine or D.L. Moody.
Abide: A Study of 1, 2 and 3 John - Jen Wilkin
This would not be a book review section by Anna Hamill without a book by Jen Wilkin! I love everything I have read by Jen; she is a gifted Bible teacher and has a sense of humour that I appreciate when explaining big concepts.
Abide is one of her studies, which comes with an audio or video teaching series, it will require a lot of time to read through and work through the homework. However, the time taken is well worth it. Other studies of Jen's I have done are The Sermon on the Mount and Genesis: God of Creation. I'm about to begin her study on Revelation, which I'm also really excited about.
Iain's top recent reads - mid thirties, Christian man
Iain enjoys books on history mainly, as well as thrillers from time to time. Here is his list of recent five-star reads.
2084 - John Lennox
From Goodreads: Will technology change what it means to be human? You don't have to be a computer scientist to have discerning conversations about artificial intelligence and technology. We all wonder where we're headed. Even now, technological innovations and machine learning have a daily impact on our lives, and many of us see good reasons to dread the future. Are we doomed to the surveillance society imagined in George Orwell's 1984?
Mathematician and philosopher John Lennox believes that there are credible answers to the daunting questions that AI poses, and he shows that Christianity has some very serious, sensible, evidence-based responses about the nature of our quest for superintelligence.
In straight-forward language, you'll get a better understanding of the current capacity of AI, its potential benefits and dangers, the facts and the fiction, and possible future implications. The questions posed by AI are open to all of us, daunting as they might be. And they demand answers.
2084 is written to challenge and ignite the curiosity of all readers. No matter your worldview, Lennox provides clear information and credible answers that will bring you real hope for the future of humanity.
Iain says: It is thought-provoking. Some of the structure may not be as tight as it could be, but it is hard not to read anything by Lennox in his very affable, persuasive voice! It is also timely, having finished my Microsoft Copilot training while reading.
Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution - Carl R. Trueman
Currently reading another of Carl R. Trueman's books, this must have been good!
From Goodreads: How did the world arrive at its current, disorienting state of identity politics, and how should the church respond?
Historian Carl R. Trueman shows how influences ranging from traditional institutions to technology and pornography moved modern culture toward an era of "expressive individualism." Investigating philosophies from the Romantics, Nietzsche, Marx, Wilde, Freud, and the New Left, he outlines the history of Western thought to the distinctly sexual direction of present-day identity politics, providing readers with a clearer understanding of the modern implications of these ideas on religion, free speech, and issues related to personal identity. For fans of Trueman's The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self, this new book offers a more concise presentation and application of some of the most critical topics of our day.
Iain says: Strange New World is an excellent overview of why we are where we are. It is perfect to listen to on audiobook alongside some late-night/early-morning DIY.
Never Had It So Good: A History of Britain from Suez to the Beatles - Dominic Sandbrook
A big fan of the podcast The Rest is History, Iain would recommend all of Dominic Sandbrook's books that he has read. This is just the most recent one.
From Goodreads: Arguing that the cultural revolution of the Sixties has besotted historians, Dominic Sandbrook re-examines the myths of this controversial period and paints a more complicated picture of a society caught between conservatism and change. He explores the growth of a modern consumer society, the impact of immigration, the invention of modern pop music, and the British retreat from empire. He tells the story of the colourful characters of the period, like Harold Macmillan, Kingsley Amis, and Paul McCartney, and brings to life the experience of the first post-imperial generation, from the Notting Hill riots to the first Beatles hits, from the Profumo scandal to the cult of James Bond.
Iain says: Never Had It So Good is a thorough dive into the period, not that long ago really and yet right on the cusp of what feels like an entirely different world. I read this as we were watching Mad Men, which was interesting.
Matterhorn - Karl Marlantes
This is quite a lengthy book, but it didn't take Iain long to get through it, and when I asked him what his recent best reads were, this one was first on his lips.
From Goodreads: Written over thirty years by a highly decorated Vietnam veteran, Matterhorn is a visceral and spellbinding novel about what it is like to be a young man at war. It is an unforgettable novel that transforms the tragedy of Vietnam into a powerful and universal story of courage, camaraderie, and sacrifice: a parable not only of the war in Vietnam but of all war, and a testament to the redemptive power of literature.
Iain says: I wouldn’t often reach for “powerful” to describe a novel but this was a great biography of men at war, living lives on the thin ridge between intense stress and heightened mundanity. The Vietnam War, in particular, coming when and where it did in “recent” history, definitely holds a particular fascination.
Why Children Matter - Douglas Wilson
What Jen Wilkin is to me, Douglas Wilson is to Iain. There isn't a book he writes or a podcast he's on that he won't enjoy! We read this one together, and I would agree on its value. Two other mentions also written by Douglas Wilson read this year are How to Exasperate Your Wife and The Man in the Dark, Wilson's recent foray into writing romantic fiction!
From Goodreads: In the Garden of Eden, there was only one "No." Everything else was "Yes."
In this short book on childrearing, Douglas Wilson points out that we have a Father who delights in us and makes it easy for us to love and obey Him. If that is the kind of Father we have, shouldn't we earthly parents do the same? Wilson explains how parents should not just try to get their kids to obey a set of rules or to make their house so fun that following the rules is always easy. Instead, he calls for parents to instil in their kids a love for God and His standards that will serve them well all their days.
This book also features an appendix in which Doug and his wife Nancy answer various parents' questions about different applications of the principles discussed in this book.
Iain says: Why Children Matter was a very helpful little book. Biblically based, nothing groundbreaking but counter-cultural these days.
Bethany's top recent reads - age 11 girl
Bethany reads a lot. We go to the library every couple of weeks, and she chooses 3 or 4 books each time. She devours novels aimed at her age and a little higher. Here are some of her recent favourites to look out for.
How To Be More Hedgehog - Anne-Marie Conway
From Goodreads: Lily has a stammer. The signal between her brain and her mouth is all messed up - and it's getting worse. When a video of her practising her class presentation is uploaded onto YouTube - head thrust forward, eyelids fluttering, lips stretched wide - Lily's nightmare begins. Cyberbullying, kids at school whispering, even best friend Mia laughing behind her back. Lily's confidence takes a nose-dive, and she can only see one way: run away to Dad in Scotland and start all over again. But Lily quickly realises that running away isn't the answer - that her stammer will follow her wherever she goes... How to be More Hedgehog is about friendship and family and finding the courage to speak out.
Bethany says: It was really heartwarming, and I got through it very quickly. Wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated, I highly recommend reading this book. I've borrowed it from the library three times!
The Harry Potter series - J.K. Rowling
As parents, we have decided to pace the reading of The Harry Potter series as they get darker, and I don't think an 8-year-old would cope emotionally with reading The Half-Blood Prince or The Deathly Hallows.
Once confident readers, our children can read the first three books in the series—this has, so far, been the summer they have been 8 years old—and then, on each birthday, they receive the next one. Bethany just received book 6, The Half-Blood Prince, for her 11th birthday and will receive book seven next year. However, she regularly re-reads the books she already has, and this is a testament to how good and consistently good they are.
Can You See Me Series - Libby Scott
This is another series of books that Bethany has found one of at the library and sought the rest out. Can You See Me?, Do You Know Me?, and Ways To Be Me are perfect for fans of R.J. Palacio's Wonder, and are three of four stories about friendship and autism (we're still on the lookout for the fourth title). All three have an average rating of at least 4.3 stars on Goodreads, and Bethany gave them all 5 stars.
From Goodreads: Things Tally is dreading about sixth grade:
- Being in classes without her best friends
- New (scratchy) uniforms
- Hiding her autism
Tally isn't ashamed of being autistic - even if it complicates life sometimes, it's part of who she is. But this is her first year at Kingswood Academy, and her best friend, Layla, is the only one who knows. And while a lot of other people are uncomfortable around Tally, Layla has never been one of them… until now.
Something is different about sixth grade, and Tally now feels like she has to act "normal." But as Tally hides her true self, she starts to wonder what "normal" means after all and whether fitting in is really what matters most.
Inspired by young coauthor Libby Scott's own experiences with autism, this is an honest and moving middle-school story of friends, family, and finding one's place.
Bethany says: I really enjoyed these books about friendship, courage and bravery. I'd recommend them to anyone who's starting a new school. Even if you're not though, they're great stories that I have come back to more than once.
The Peanut Jones Series - Rob Biddulph
Chosen for their prominent position in the library and their attractive covers, these were all three devoured one after the other in a week. It's so good that Bethany wanted to dress up as Peanut Jones for World Book Day this year. Unfortunately, her hair isn't a curly ginger mop atop her head, so she went with the ever-popular Hermione Granger instead. But this shows how much she enjoyed this series.
From the Author's website:
Some legends are born,
others are drawn…
Drawing feels like magic to Peanut Jones, but art can't fix her problems. Her dad has gone missing, and she's stuck in a boring new school. Until the day she finds a unique pencil turbo-charged with special powers. Suddenly she's pulled into a world packed with more colour, creativity, excitement and danger than she could ever have imagined. And maybe, just maybe, she might find out what happened to her dad.
The first title in a brand new adventure series for boys and girls of 8+. Fizzing with magic, danger, friendship and art, this exciting, fun, middle-grade debut is from the bestselling and record-breaking author and illustrator behind #DrawWithRob.
Bethany says: An outstanding trilogy full of adventure and creativity, I loved reading these books and got through them really quickly. Each book was in depth and there was a good story line. They follow on from each other, so definitely read the first in the series first and take them in order. I loved that they were beautifully illustrated throughout as well - it made them come to life even more.
James' top recent reads - age nine boy
Percy Jackson Series - Rick Riordan
I found out about these from TikTok. A middle school librarian called Jen has a regular series where she films herself emptying the book return. Percy Jackson books are a very regular feature, and boys of James' age often read them. He got the whole collection for Christmas, and after being a little uncertain of the first one, he has since read and re-read the entire series.
To find out what all the fuss was about, I read the first book. It is written in a style that this age group would enjoy, almost comic-book style. But it's a good enough read, an exciting storyline, and the bonus is that children learn a little about Greek Mythology through reading them.
Wonder - R.J. Palacio
Wonder was a communal read at school - all the year 6 children read it at the same time. James enjoyed it so much that he put it on hold at the library. It is a popular read, though, because the wait was long. Excitingly, we have since found a copy in a charity shop, so he now has Wonder in his own book collection.
Harry Potter 1-2 - J.K. Rowling
While James has read the first four Harry Potter books, his favourites are the first two, and he often chooses these to read before bed. No further explanation necessary, these books are popular enough that you probably know what you're getting here - well written, fast paced books with a world to immerse yourself into. The Harry Potter books really are great for getting boys and girls into reading more.
Joshua's top recent reads - age seven boy
The Biggest Story Bible Book - Kevin DeYoung
Joshua has thoroughly enjoyed this in-between Bible, which is more advanced than a picture Bible or the Jesus Storybook Bible but isn't a complete Bible. It contains stories that he hadn't heard or read before, which is great, and he enthusiastically worked his way through it, reading before bed each night.
The pictures are pretty abstract, but beautiful and colourful.
From Goodreads: 104 Engaging Bible Stories for Ages 6–12 from Author Kevin DeYoung, Illustrated by Don Clark, The Bible is a BIG book about the BIGGEST story. Each page tells about the God who created the world, acted in history, and continues to act in the present. In The Biggest Story Bible Storybook, pastor Kevin DeYoung shares this grand story with children ages 6–12 through 104 short chapters. Beginning in Genesis and ending with Revelation, DeYoung provides engaging retellings of various Bible stories, explaining how they fit into the overarching storyline. Each reading is coupled with beautiful illustrations by award-winning artist Don Clark and concludes with a reflective prayer. Perfect for bedtime stories or to read together as a family, both children and parents alike will experience afresh the captivating story of the Bible in an easy-to-understand, compelling way.
The Secret Seven Series - Enid Blyton
Short enough to be manageable for a confident reader who is three years into his reading life, The Secret Seven books are fast-paced but not too scary for this age group. Joshua read three of the series over the Summer Holidays as part of his Summer Reading Challenge, which we set for the three oldest children to keep them practicing their reading skills throughout the holidays.
These books are what got him set on reading chapter books. At around a hundred pages long and exciting from the very beginning, they're a great start to reading novels. They also bring back memories of my own childhood and mum having to read an extra chapter of two of The Famous Five as it was too tense for us to go to sleep on a cliffhanger!
Poo Crew Adventures: Journey to Poo-topia - James Turner
Poo Crew is the first book that Joshua chose to borrow from the library that wasn’t a picture book or a fact book - it is a graphic novel with plenty of facts (about poo) in it, so this suited our fact-loving bookworm just perfectly. There are plenty of words in it, and he really enjoyed reading what felt like a novel in his hand without it taking too long to read.
And it's about poo, so what's not to like for a seven year old boy?!
If you're looking for some good science or fact books for this age range, Joshua loves Amazing Facts Every Seven Year Old Should Know and books by Robert Winston called Science Lab, Home Lab and Utterly Amazing Science. He also really enjoyed Science You Can Eat by Stefan Gates
Daniel's top recent reads - age five boy
Any Julia Donaldson book illustrated by Axel Scheffler is on Daniel’s list, current favourites are Zog and the Flying Doctors and a new one called Jonty Gentoo, which tells the story of a penguin on an adventure to the South Pole to meet other Gentoo penguins like himself. He is in fact dressed as Stickman for World Book Day today – I turned a cereal box inside out, stuck some white oval eyes, a long twig nose (also made of cereal box) and a lovely green leaf, and voila!
Daniel has a deep love of bears in all forms – real live ones in the zoo, videos of bears, teddy bears… so it’s no surprise that two of his favourite picture books are about bears: We're Going on a Bear Hunt, and Whatever Next – the story of a young bear flying to the moon before bedtime. Daniel loves bears and this one was the one he chose to do as his book cover for last World Book Day's competition at school.
Love Monster is a less known, but much loved story in our home, with little sentences becoming catchphrases for our family since Bethany was a toddler.
Oh Dear and Sleepy Kittens are two books he can now read independently, so he loves those as well!
Places to find recommendations for books:
Coffee and Crumbs podcast - Ashlee and Katie regularly have book rec episodes or include favourite reads in their round-ups of what is giving them life. They are both writers, so I trust them to choose books that are well written, though we do sometimes differ in taste when it comes to what books we enjoy reading.
Meet Me In The Media Centre on TikTok - Jen is a middle school librarian (11-14-year-olds), and her book return game has been beneficial in finding books my two eldest children would enjoy and keeping abreast with new literature for that age range.
P.S. A great way to keep track of books you've read is a reading journal.
