Derby Book Festival Recommends: Back to School

Gini - Festival Manager: Matilda by Roald Dahl

Matilda, in my opinion, is the best back to school book because... I have a daughter called Matilda and both my daughters absolutely love this book and so do I. The main character is such a feisty, inquisitive child who finds joy, solace and escapism in books and reading in spite of her dreadful family and head teacher. Here's to all the Matildas out there going back to school - hope you have a teacher like Miss Honey and... just keep reading however young or old you are.

Sian - Festival Director: The Secret History by Donna Tartt

Though not strictly speaking about school, Donna Tartt's The Secret History is a very evocative and fascinating exploration of student friendship and morality. A book I read when it was first published over 30 years ago (her debut) which has stayed with me and warrants several rereads.

Sue - Festival Trustee: I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

The first book that springs to mind is I am Malala, by Malala Yousafzai, the young girl who was shot by the Taliban. It is an easy read, and very "life affirming" as you might expect, but my reason for choosing it linked to this theme is that it reminds us just how important education is, how lucky we are to have free education for all, no discrimination against girls - and how we should value it. Much as children moan about the return to school, without education everyone's life is so limited and narrow.

I agree, this is perhaps more of an adult read, or certainly for teenagers; for younger readers there are books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid (yes a bit dated now) but also the many graphic novels which are funny, mildly scary, and gripping - and which encourage reading and time away from screens. A particular favourite author in our family is Dav Pilkey (Dog Man series).

My final tip - no surprise as I so frequently recommend books I have found in my local library - for the really young who are just starting school in reception or even at nursery stage, use returning to school as a reminder to enrol in your local library if you haven't done so already. Libraries have superb collections of young children's books, and if a new reader is not engaging readily with one book, that book can just be returned, and replaced with another one (or two or three). Children can choose their books themselves, and become aware of the wealth of books on offer.

Rose - Shared Reading Strategic Lead: Giant Days by John Allison

For the "Back to School" theme, I've chosen one of my all-time favourite graphic novel series: Giant Days by John Allison. Heading off to university is always a time of change and self-discovery, and this series perfectly captures that exhilarating mix of excitement and uncertainty. Giant Days follows the lives of Esther, Susan, and Daisy as they navigate the ups and downs of university life—except their experiences come with a delightful dose of the unexpected!

I've picked Giant Days because it feels like a warm, comforting hug, bringing back memories of my own university days. I remember the thrill of starting a new chapter, the anxiety of stepping into the unknown, and the anticipation of three years filled with adventure. Whether you're currently at university, finding your way through its challenges and triumphs, or looking to reminisce about your own university experience, Giant Days is the perfect companion. It beautifully captures the balancing act of studying, socialising, and the quest for self-discovery, all while bringing a smile to your face as it rekindles memories of your own academic journey (such as my first experience of Beer Pong!)

Keith - Festival Chair: A Tale Etched in Blood and Hard Black Pencil by Chris Brookmyre

A Tale Etched in Blood and Hard Black Pencil by Chris Brookmyre is a crime novel, a thriller, a mystery and an uproariously funny flash back to the school days of the protagonists. 25 years have passed since the central characters navigated an upbringing and schooling in the West of Scotland but the sins and secrets of childhood catch up with them in a current murder investigation. It’s dark but so funny you don’t know whether to laugh or cry (in truth I did much more of the former).

Maddie - Festival, Office and Shared Reading Administrator: My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

This would be an incredible book even if it weren't a debut, but to think that this is Kate Elizabeth Russell's first novel is truly astonishing. My Dark Vanessa charts the grooming of 15 year old Vanessa by her English teacher and the fall-out when he is brought to justice 20 years later. It is dark, yes, but so achingly human that you'll be unable to put it down. For me, one of the best books of the decade.

What books would you recommend? Have you read any of the books on this list? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter and follow us across social media!