Starting secondary school can be such an awkward, cringe-worthy experience, and this set of books celebrates each and every one of those moments! The Cringe Club series, written by comedian Emily-Jane Clark and illustrated by Wotto in black-and-white throughout, is completely laugh-out-loud and highlights the power of friendship and humour with tweens preparing for secondary school.
Each book is a sneak peek into the mobile phone of Kennedy King and her group chat with her besties, Devon and Liv. While Kennedy is starting a new school in London and figuring out how to deal with the mean girls at her new school, Devon is overcoming his insecurities around his passion for dancing, and Liv has her own troubles. Boy trouble!
The books are so humorous, told entirely through text messages and Whatsapp entries, making the series perfect for any young ones who struggle with reading independently. It's full of relatable 'OMG' moments, inspiring children to embrace their cringe for higher self esteem, connection and perhaps some new friends too!
For more books like this for readers aged 8+, we highly recommend the Lottie Brooks books, as well any of the books in our list of the Best Illustrated Fiction Series for 9 and 10 year olds and Best Funny Book Series for 9 and 10 year olds. Older readers might enjoy our recommended Best Funny Book Series for 11 and 12 year olds.
All the Cringe Club books in order:
Book 1: Cringe Club (2025)
Book 2: Battle of the Besties (2026)
Book 3: SOS (2026)
This a brilliant book for fans of Lottie Brooks, Dork Diaries and Nina Peanut.
Kennedy has moved away from her best friends Devon and Liv. However ...
Embrace your cringe!
Kennedy King has had to move from the rural country area of Plumps Gutter to London and she HATES it. Fortunately, her mum has...
Not one of my favourites but my KS3 readers absolutely love it. This book is a fun and relatable young teenager read. It's packed with friendship dr...