Riley Wright is Always Wrong: A hilarious illustrated series about school, mean girls and BFFs for 7+ readers from the best-selling author of THE CHRISTMAS CARROLLS, new for 2026!
Here’s everything I plan to do to fit in: 1) Find a new BFF. 2) Impress the teachers by always being on time, having the neatest workbooks, and never forgetting my PE kit. 3) Not get lost in the school corridors. 4) Get zero scuff-marks on my sparkly new school bag. 5) Avoid being seen with Dad … ???? ???? ???????? ???? ???????? ???? ???????? ???? ???? Riley Wright is starting at Heverton Junior School with one awkward disadvantage: her MAJORLY embarrassing dad is the new head teacher … Riley has to figure out to fit in, pin down a talent for the talent show, look out for her unpredictable new BFF Emmie and face down super mean girl Harper … As someone who gets a lot of stuff wrong, when will Riley finally get something RIGHT?KIDS LOVE RILEY!‘Mel is a great writer. Can’t she just publish like three of these at the same time?’ – Anaya, 9‘I definitely recommend Riley Wright!’ – Lily, 8AUTHORS LOVE RILEY TOO!'A lively fun-filled story that children will love’ — Dame Jacqueline Wilson‘As funny as Lottie Brooks, with the madcap energy of Pamela Butchart, Riley Wright is smart, sharp and totally relatable. I loved it!’ – Abie Longstaff, author of The Magic Potions Shop and The Fairytale Hairdresser series‘I love Riley! A fun and charming book bursting with energy.’ – Laura Dockrill, author of Darcy Burdock‘Instantly engaging, hugely appealing and full of laughs. Riley Wright is a wonderfully bright and bubbly new voice in the diary style format – like a younger female Wimpy Kid.’ – Andy Shepherd, author of The Boy Who Grew Dragons‘It is impossible not to smile at every page and cheer out loud for the new girl in school, Riley Wright. With a big personality and heart to match, Riley is just the BFF that readers have been waiting for. A fresh, funny and utterly charming book, from start to finish.’ – Clara Vulliamy, author of Dottie Detective‘Riley and her BFF are a laugh-out-loud unstoppable duo, taking readers on a giggly, squirmy tour through the ups and downs of junior school. Packed with laughs, oops moments and best friend fun.’ – Vashti Hardy, author of Harley Hitch‘An adorable, fun and feel-good story. Readers will love Riley with her electrocuted chicken hair, her relatable worries and her sparky attitude. A new series that’s sure to become a favourite.’ – Rashmi Sirdeshpande, author of Hari Kumar Ultimate Superstar‘I loved it! Funny, heartwarming and very engaging.’ – Harriet Muncaster, author of Isadora Moon‘Hilarious, heartfelt and filled with so many memorable moments. Get ready for Riley Wright to be the best friend you never knew you needed. Why be right when you can have so much fun being wrong!’ – Jo Clarke, author of Libby and the Parisian Puzzle‘Riley Wright is ADORABLE! Funny, zippy and relatable – these books will become fast favourites.’ – Perdita Cargill, author of Diary of an Accidental Witch‘Riley Wright thinks she is Awkward, Accident-prone, and Annoyingly Average. I think she's AMAZING and AWESOME! A hilarious, endearing and uplifting read which made me laugh and cringe on Riley's behalf in equal measures. I can't wait to see what Riley does next!’ – Serena Patel, author of Anisha Accidental Detective‘As a parent, Dad is absolute parent-goals but as a reader, who was once a child with major hair frizz issues, Riley is a character I think everyone young person can relate to. I was giggling away from the first page and desperately wishing I had a Secret Understairs Library too! Mel Taylor-Bessent has created a perfect read for those who love a funny book – it’s feel-good Louise Rennison for junior school readers.’ – Swapna Haddow, author of Dave Pigeon‘Massively fun and laugh out loud. I loved this book. Riley Wright is going to become your new BFF!’ – Jenny McLachlan, author of Fairy vs Wizard‘Brilliantly funny and full of heart, in all the ways Mel Taylor-Bessent does best. Riley Wright is a winner.’ – Joseph Elliott, author of Nora and the Map of Mayhem‘Riley Wright ticks ALL the WRIGHT boxes with all the scented rainbow pens, a tonne of hilarity and oodles of heart. This is the kind of book I’d have devoured as a kid! And I’m pretty sure it will never be in the school library because there will be an infinite waiting list to borrow it! It’s the kind of book kids in class would fight over to read next.’ – Laura Ellen Anderson, author of Amelia FangFor fans of Joanne Levy (Crushing It), Shane Devries (The Creakers), Sibéal Pounder (Bad Mermaids), Robin Stevens (Death Sets Sail), and Sharna Jackson (The Nine Night Mystery).
