By now, we’ve all had the memo that children’s reading is ‘in crisis’. The reasons for this are complex, and there is no single solution. However, book clubs are a proven way to boost reading in an informal, social environment, which is beneficial for developing volitional reading.

Reading Gladiators book clubs provide material for teachers and other adults running book clubs in school. This year, we have expanded the range of resources so that a single £100 subscription (books purchased separately) gives access to materials for 8 different book clubs (see below), PLUS the archived materials, so you can continue using your favourite books alongside the current selections.

Original Reading Gladiators

In its original format, Reading Gladiators is aimed at mid to high-attaining readers. The aim is to broaden children’s reading repertoires by introducing them to books they might not otherwise pick from the bookshelf. This format is more likely to appeal to committed readers who will enjoy the extra attention from a book-loving adult and the conversations with other children. Carefully curated selections are intended to take children on a journey across the year, starting with quick wins in the Autumn and moving to more complex reads towards the end of the year. There are 5 Reading Gladiators clubs covering years 2-6.

Reading Gladiators Power Up 

Reading Gladiators Power Up is aimed at children who haven’t yet found themselves as readers. They may have acquired the skills to read independently, but rarely pick up a book to read voluntarily. Resources for Power Up clubs focus on reading themes such as Diary Dilemmas, Laugh Out Loud, and Chills and Thrills. These sessions offer a wide selection of activities, including opportunities for book sharing, chatting, and games, to help children begin forming their reading identities. There are 3 different Power-Up clubs: Years 1 & 2, Years 3 & 4, and Years 5 & 6.

Book Selections

After months of reading and discussion, the final selections for 2026 – 27 have been made. There are lots of new and exciting books for you and your children to discover, but we’ve retained some of the most popular books from the 2025 – 26 selection as well.

Take a look here to see the complete listing for Reading Gladiators 2026-27. Use the category search at the top of the form to find the books for your year group

Pupil Premium and Book Ownership

There are many advantages to owning a book. These include increased enjoyment and reading frequency, thus leading to more ‘reading miles’ and improved skill. Children with books in the home are six times more likely to read at a level above expected for their age. Conversely, children who do not have books at home are twice as likely to have low mental health wellbeing. In short, children who do not have books at home are at an educational disadvantage.

While book ownership in the 5-8 age range has increased, sadly, it has declined among children aged 8+.

Using pupil premium funding to enable children to participate in a book club, like Reading Gladiators, is one way to redress the balance. And you might consider buying sets of books for these children to keep as their own.