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CollectionAges 7–9Illustrated Chapter Books

Riley Wright

A universe by Mel Taylor-Bessent

A warm, funny illustrated-diary series for 7–9s about a girl finding her feet at the school where her dad is the head teacher. For Dork Diaries and Lottie Brooks fans.

  • Series

    1
  • Books

    3
  • Best for

    7–9
  • Status

    Ongoing

At a glance

Primary creator
Mel Taylor-Bessent
First book
Riley Wright and the Super Awkward Sleepover · 2026
Tone
Funny, Warm, Heartwarming
Overall sensitivity
Low

The shape of it

The shape of this universe.

Riley Wright is Mel Taylor-Bessent's warm, laugh-out-loud illustrated-diary series for newly independent readers aged 7–9. Told through Riley's funny, doodle-filled journal and illustrated throughout by Sr. Sanchez, it follows a girl navigating life at Heverton Junior School — where, to her horror, her embarrassing dad is the new head teacher. Across a talent show, a first sleepover and a school trip that all go gloriously wrong, Riley works out how to fit in, keep her friendships steady and stand up to the school's meanest girl. Packed with hot chocolate, sparkly pens and hard-won kindness, it lands on the truth that being a good friend might be the best talent of all. Perfect for fans of Lottie Brooks, Dork Diaries and Nina Peanut.

A warm, funny illustrated-diary series for 7–9s about a girl finding her feet at the school where her dad is the head teacher. For Dork Diaries and Lottie Brooks fans.

Primary themes

Tone palette

  • Funny
  • Warm
  • Heartwarming

The series

One way in.

Cultural footprint

A shelf of evidence.

Cultural ubiquity

2/ 5

A working classic for readers in the know.

Sensitivity

Low, and collection-wide.

LowCollection-wide

Across the collection

All 3 books.

About the creator

Mel Taylor-Bessent.

Mel Taylor-Bessent

Author

Mel Taylor-Bessent: bestselling author of The Christmas Carrolls whose warm, doodle-filled Riley Wright diaries are a reliable, hugely funny hit for newly independent 7-9s who love Dork Diaries.

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