Whether you’re jetting off to sunnier shores, or planning a short staycation, summer is the perfect time for a little reading and relaxation

For a bookworm, I was never a fan of summer reading lists. Filled with dusty old books with heavy-handed morals, I always preferred exploring my local library to see what new hidden gems I could uncover.

With more and more books, across a wider range of genres, being published than ever before, literally thousands of new titles are expected to hit the shelves and digital platforms this summer. We share nine of our most-anticipated reads to help you (and your loved ones) get in the mood, feel inspired, and to make this summer your hottest reading season yet.

You Can Change the World!

By Margaret Rooke (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, £12.99)

In a world often caught up with celebs, shopping, and social media, best-selling author Margaret Rooke highlights the inspiring stories of 50 teens from around the world. Sharing their experiences as volunteers, campaigners, social entrepreneurs, and more, these teens have helped change and improve the lives of others. From upcycling clothes for the homeless, to founding football teams for children with disabilities, help teens discover the power they hold when they have a goal worth fighting for.

Go Wild: Find Freedom and Adventure in the Great Outdoors

man sitting on a bench outside reading a book

By Chris Naylor (Summersdale, £16.99)

Our modern lives see us shut away inside, hunched over screens for hours on end. When was the last time you got outside and just spent time enjoying nature? It’s never too late to rediscover the joy of the great outdoors. Check out activities and ideas for adventures in forests, woodlands, mountains, by the seaside, and more. Find inspiration to help you escape the everyday pace, find adventure, and go wild.

Heartstream

By Tom Pollock (Walker Books, £7.99)

Delve into the world of influencers, social media, and obsession. How much of ourselves should we be sharing online? Amy, an online influencer, has broadcast every moment of her mother’s terminal illness. With the Heartstream app, her followers are able to experience every emotion Amy goes through. But on the day of her mother’s funeral, Amy discovers a stranger rigged with explosives in her kitchen...

Camouflage: The Hidden Lives of Autistic Women

By Dr Sarah Bargiela (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, £12.99)

Camouflage is a graphic novel with a difference. Autistic women and girls are often misrepresented or overlooked. Thanks to Dr Sarah Bargiela, readers can gain a unique insight into the lives and different perspectives of these women.

Using real-life case studies and charming illustrations, discover what everyday life can be like for women on the spectrum. From understanding metaphors and masking behaviours, to communication, social pressures, and managing relationships. A fantastic, easy-to-digest book for anyone hoping to understand how we can create a safer, more accommodating environment for women on the spectrum.

Cookie and the Most Annoying Boy in the World

By Konnie Huq (Piccadilly Press, £10.99) Out 8 August

A quirky, geeky girl from a Bangladeshi family, Cookie feels like she never quite fits in. When her best friend moves away, Cookie sets her heart on getting a cute kitten to help fill the void. But the most annoying boy she’s ever met buys her dream kitten, and soon she discovers he’s not only in her year at school, but is moving in next door.

Things aren’t all bad – if Cookie can just keep her cool, she may stand a chance of getting on her favourite TV show. All she has to do first is win her school science competition.

Combining anarchic humour and a little sneaky STEM learning, Cookie and the Most Annoying Boy in the World is the latest must-read for kids aged eight to 12.

Why Mummy Doesn’t Give A ****!

woman sitting outside by a lake reading a book

By Gill Sims (HarperCollins, £12.99)

From the Sunday Times number one best-selling author Gill Sims, comes the latest laugh-out-loud novel for mums everywhere. Mummy (Ellen) wonders how many more ‘phases’ she’s going to have to deal with before her children become civilised, functioning members of society. Now teens, instead of pestering her about who would win in a fight – a dragon badger or a ninja horse – they spend hours Snapchatting, communicating in grunts, and stropping around their tiny cottage (when not demanding Ellen acts as their all-hours taxi service).

The country life she’s been dreaming of isn’t turning out quite as planned, but at least they can all agree on one thing: Barry the rescue Wolfdog may be the ugliest dog in the world, but he’s also the loveliest.

The third hilarious part in the parenting blogger, author and illustrator’s Why Mummy series, 'Why Mummy Doesn’t Give A ****!' is the perfect book to tide you through the long summer holidays while school is out.

After the End

By Clare Mackintosh (Sphere, £12.99)

A heart-breaking, page-turning novel from Sunday Times best-selling author Clare Mackintosh. Max and Pip are the strongest, most unshakable couple – until their son gets sick.

As doctors put the question of his survival into their hands, for the first time, they can’t agree. Each wants a different future for their son. But what if they could have both?

Explore love, marriage, parenthood, and the road not taken, in this unforgettable and emotional novel.

The Little Book of Meditations

By Gilly Pickup (Summersdale, £5.99)

Have you ever wanted to try meditation, but weren’t sure where to start? Learn about the different types of meditation, discover how it can improve your sense of wellbeing, and get help to connect with the world around you. Offering guidance and practical advice, discover simple ways you can incorporate meditation into your daily routine to help reduce anxiety, increase positivity, and help you appreciate each moment.

Pause: 100 moments of calm

By Summersdale (£6.99)

It can be easy to get caught up in the fast pace and day-to-day stresses of life. Taking time out for yourself, and finding ways to press pause, can be vital in reintroducing moments of calm to your routine. Combining mindfulness techniques, self-care ideas, with simple ways you can relax, this pocket-sized guide helps you to find moments of peace, calm, and reflection.