Each year Leicester libraries run the Our Best Book competition for children in years 5 and 6 in schools across the city. For 2025-26, the long list of titles featured in this booklist will be discussed, debated and voted on by pupils in participating Leicester schools to produce a shortlist of five great books. The top five books will be read and voted on by year 5 and 6 children involved, and the winner announced as ‘Our Best Book’. 

Pupils read the texts provided.  Then, we share what we have read so far, share views on the text and create book reviews. 

This year, there are some fantastic titles on offer for children to read.  Below you can find a short synopsis of the stories.