Books Reading and Discovery Guide

Start with interests

The strongest starting point is often what the reader already enjoys: a subject, author, character, setting, hobby, genre or type of story. A reader does not have to remain inside one category; moving between fiction, non-fiction, poetry, graphic books and illustrated works can reveal unexpected interests. BookTrust^★ recommends broad choice and a mix of genres and formats, particularly when encouraging children and young people to read for pleasure.

Use authors, series and recommendations

If a reader likes one book, check the author's other titles, related series and trusted recommendation lists. BookTrust's Great Books^★ Guide uses age, genre, themes and short descriptions to help readers and teachers make informed choices. Reviews can help identify tone and content, but no recommendation is universally suitable. The reader's own interests and confidence should remain central.

Build a useful reading list

Keep a simple list of titles to investigate, noting why each one looked interesting and which format is preferred. Check publication details and ISBN when a particular edition matters. For younger readers, include different genres and formats rather than making the list too narrow. A good discovery process creates genuine choice: familiar favourites can sit alongside new authors and subjects.