We are thrilled to have a packed programme of virtual live events featuring over 50 children’s authors and illustrators this year. In our planning, we’ve taken account of the books selected for this year’s Reading Gladiators book clubs. However, these events are open to all schools and classes, so you do not need to limit attendance to your Reading Gladiators groups.

All events are free. Early registration is advised for these highly popular events.

Reading Gladiators Year 2

In year 2 Craig Barr-Green, author of Gina Kaminski Saves the Wolf and Gina Kaminski Rescues the Giant joins us at 10.00 October 17th. Sarah McIntyre and Philip Reeve will be holding an online event for their AdventureMice series at 11.15 on the same day. Philip and Sarah’s event will be recorded if you prefer to watch it in the spring, when AdventureMice: Otter Chaos is scheduled in the Reading Gladiators calendar.

Power-Up Year 2

Joining us for the year 2 Reading Gladiators Power Up group, Aoife Dooley talks part in the graphic novel events introducing her new series, Squid Squad. And Mark Bradley will lead an event for his hugely popular Bumble and Snug books. There will be plenty of laughs with Frances Tosdevin, author of Do Not Say These words and Steve Smallman author of The Lamb Who Came for Dinner series.

Year 3

Mikey Please, winner of the Waterstones Book Prize 2025, will be leading an event about his second picture book, The Cave Downwind of the Cafe at the Edge of the Woods, on the 3rd October. The Cafe at the Edge of the Woods features in Reading Gladiators in the Spring term, so you can choose whether to join us live or watch the replay later in the spring.

Carnegie illustration winner, Aaron Becker, beams in from the USA for a The Last Zookeeper themed event on October 24th at 11.15.

And in the summer, we are thrilled to have Liz Flanagan taking us into the world of Wildsmith, This was one of the most popular books from last year’s Reading Gladiators, and we have retained it for the summer term this year.

Power Up Year 3 – 4

Sophy Henn kicks off our comic characters theme with a highly interactive event based on her Happy Hills series, on 10th October. We have not one, but two fabulous poets joining us. A. F Harrold will offer plenty of advice to encourage young writers and will read from his collections, including A Pocket Book of Pocket poems, which features in the Power Up Well-Versed. And Joshua Seigal will delight and entertain with his event focused on Who Let the Words Out, also selected for Power Up Well-Versed. Nathanael Lessore and Ben Davis lead the laughter with events that will capture the most reluctant of readers. Nonfiction features in events from BBC historian Greg Jenner, presenting his Chaotic History series, and Blue Peter Award winner Mike Barfield leading a perfect event for World Earth Day.

Year 4

James Davis, author of Scarlet Defender of the Universe joins us in February, when we will be one of the first to learn about Scarlet’s new adventures to save the Universe. And continuing on the theme of space, Dr Mathew Bothwell will be giving us a lesson in Astrophysics for Supervillains.

Year 5

Barbara Henderson‘s Rivet Boy was a popular Reading Gladiators choice last year, and we’ve retained the book this year. We are thrilled that author and teacher Barbara will be giving us an insight into her historical novel. From the past to the future, prepare to be enlightened by Dr Cathy Rogers and Madleine Rogers Future Vision. Hannah Peck’s The River Thief delighted Year 5 readers last year and is one of the books that we have retained this year. It’s a beautifully crafted novel with plenty for you to discuss in your book club sessions. Hannah will join us in April. The book is scheduled as the last book of the year, so you may want to watch the replay instead of joining the live session.

Year 6

Mai K. Nguyen, author of the graphic novel Anzu and the Realm of Darkness, based on Japanese Shinto mythology, will be joining us from California for this event, which focuses on finding and telling your own story. Padraig Kenny, author of the Dystopian story, After, talks about the inspirations behind his books and the challenges presented by AI. Catherine Bruton , author of the highly acclaimed Bird Boy, looks at the relationship between humans and animals. Completing the Year 6 line-up, Welsh author Catherine Fisher tells us about her thrilling dark fairy tales, The Red Gloves.