Best to Read Aloud

Teachers’ Reading Challenge 2025

Whilst Early Years and Key Stage 1 teachers might be regular read-alouders, as the age of pupils goes up, the opportunities to hear stories shared aloud can dwindle.

However, it can be a vital part of Reading for Pleasure at any age. There are studies showing that hearing someone read aloud activates neural networks that silent reading doesn’t. Reading aloud brings words, stories and characters to life. And it creates a shared experience and sense of connection too.

Finding the best books to read aloud might be a time-consuming task – so that’s where this badge comes in! Here are some ideas – books which are great to share, with vivid descriptions, larger than life characters, lyrical brilliance and quirky humour.

This list from our generous supporters HarperCollins UK focuses on primary-aged titles, for both Lower and Upper Key Stage 2. Why not complete this badge and find some words that deserve to be heard?