Dear reader, The own reading experience when I …Dear reader, The KS3 Reads are extensive list is...
Transcript of Dear reader, The own reading experience when I …Dear reader, The KS3 Reads are extensive list is...
Dear reader,
The KS3 Reads are extensive list is aimed at Years 7-9 (although many are great for KS4 too) and is based on both my own reading experience when I was a student at Parrs Wood and from looking at books currently in the spotlight. Readers can usually be trusted to self-censor but if you’re worried about age appropriateness I suggest a glance at online reviews, checking the publisher’s website as they often recommend age range, or checking a site such as commonsensemedia.org (U.S. based) which provides user-sourced age recommendations and content ratings, which are usually conservative. I’ve included a blurb from the publisher for each book and most have a summary of my own. All books listed are stocked at our library.
Of course we are limited by the size of the school library and there are always more books out there worth recommending. We are always happy to talk to students about further reading and suggest material to look for in public libraries and bookshops.
Mr McKrell, Library Assistant.
Amulet: The Stonekeeper, by Kazu Kibuishi
Graphic novel star Kazu Kibuishi creates a world of terrible, man-eating
demons, a mechanical rabbit, a giant robot---and two ordinary children
on a life-or-death mission. After the tragic death of their father, Emily
and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-
grandfather, but the strange house proves to be dangerous. Before
long, a sinister creature lures the kids' mom through a door in the
basement. Em and Navin, desperate not to lose her, follow her into an
underground world inhabited by demons, robots, and talking animals.
Eventually, they enlist the help of a small mechanical rabbit named
Miskit. Together with Miskit, they face the most terrifying monster of all,
and Em finally has the chance to save someone she loves.
Mr McKrell says:
“The Guardian says: “Amulet is a fantastic read for all ages. I just
couldn't stop reading it and was so in love with it that I continued on
through the current books. It has all the elements of a great read, such
as drama, adventure and suspense.”
Recommended: Y7 & Y8
Artemis Fowl, by Eoin Colfer
12-year-old villain Artemis Fowl is the most ingenious
criminal mastermind in history. His bold and daring plan is
to hold a leprechaun to ransom. But he's taking on more
than he bargained for when he kidnaps Captain Holly Short
of the LEPrecon (Lower Elements Police Reconnaissance).
Mr McKrell says:
“The Artemis Fowl series is a somewhat fantastical story of
high-tech underground fairies, monsters, mafia, scheming,
double-crossing and friendship. Soon to be a major film,
read it first! These books are great fun, exciting, endearing
and unique.
I also recommend Airman by the same author which is a
standalone novel of swashbuckling action and love aimed
at the same age group and inspired by a scary skydiving
experience”.
Recommended: Y7 & Y8
Born to Run, by Michael MorpurgoWhen Patrick saves a litter of greyhound puppies from the canal,
he can’t bear to hand them all over to the RSPCA. He pleads with
his parents: couldn’t he just keep one of them? But nothing will
convince them and Patrick cries himself to sleep – only to be
woken by a greyhound puppy licking his face!
Patrick christens his puppy Best Mate, and that’s what he
becomes. Patrick’s favourite thing is to watch Best Mate running at
full stretch on the heath, a speeding bullet, a cheetah-dog. Until
one day Best Mate is kidnapped by a greyhound trainer, and
begins a new life as a champion race dog. Suzie, the greyhound
trainer’s step-daughter, loves Best Mate on first sight and gives
him a new name, Bright Eyes. But what will happen when he can’t
run any more?
Mr McKrell says:
“I read this when I was nine years old (the intended audience) and
it’s still the only book/film to have made me cry. I doubt the same
effect applies to KS3 students, although Morpurgo is the master of
sad animal stories. Good choice for the less confident readers”.
Recommended: Y7 & Y8
The Saga of Darren Shan: Cirque Du Freak
Darren goes to a banned freak show with his best mate Steve.
It’s the wonderfully gothic Cirque Du Freak where weird,
frightening half human/half animals appear who interact
terrifyingly with the audience. Darren – a spider freak – ‘falls in
love’ with Madam Octa – an enormous tarantula owned by Mr
Crepsley. Darren determines to steal the spider so that he can
train it to perform amazing deeds. But his daring theft goes
horribly wrong and Darren finds himself having to make a
bargain with a creature of the night.
Mr McKrell says:
“Darren Shan has also written The Demonata and Zom-B
series. I haven’t read the latter but The Demonata is much
gorier than this saga, I recommend young horror fans starting
here as a step up from Goosebumps and the ilk then moving
on to Shan’s other output if they enjoy it. Recommended to
students who like scary stories.
Recommended: Y7 & Y8
Cosmic, by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Liam is too big for his boots. And his football strip. And his school
blazer. But being super-sized height-wise has its advantages:
he's the only eleven-year-old to ever ride the G-force-defying
Cosmic rollercoaster - or to be offered the chance to drive a
Porsche. Long-legged Liam makes a giant leap for boy-kind by
competing with a group of adults for the chance to go into space.
Is Liam the best boy for the job? Sometimes being big isn't all
about being a grown-up.
Mr McKrell says:
“This funny and heart-warming story about fathers and their kids
sees Liam learn to appreciate his own parents whilst pretending
to be the dad of young friend Florida Kirby to get them both on
an adventure. He discovers there’s more to it than just following
his parents’ copy of How to Talk to Teens”.
Recommended: Y7 & Y8
Football School: Season One,
by Alex Bellos & Ben Lyttleton
A ground-breaking new series from two bestselling writers that teaches
you about the world through football. The first book is packed with
awesome true stories, real science and fascinating facts and will make
you laugh loads. When do footballers poo? Can you play football on
Mars? What is a magic sponge? You will find the answers to these
questions and more in chapters on subjects such as history, geography,
biology and maths. Illustrated throughout with hilarious cartoons and
filled with laugh-out-loud gags this is the perfect book for any boy or girl
who loves football. Your coaches at Football School, Alex Bellos and
Ben Lyttleton, are journalists, broadcasters and award-winning science
and sports writers. Their knowledge, enthusiasm and engaging writing
make them the perfect team to teach you how to score with your head.
Recommended: Y7 & Y8
Icemark Chronicles: The Cry of the Icemark,
by Stuart Hill
When her father dies in battle, 14-year-old Thirrin becomes
Queen of the Icemark. Determined to defend her tiny kingdom
from the most terrible invasion her nation has ever known, this is
the epic story of how she rallies her country and finds some
extraordinary new allies: Vampires, Wolf-folk, giant Snow
Leopards and – most precious of all – her friend Oskan, Witch’s
Son. Waterstones Children’s Book Prize Winner 2005.
Mr McKrell says:
“This is a very under-read series. Fans of Narnia, werewolves,
historical type books and smart, gutsy heroines will enjoy this
first Icemark story of one girl struggling against all the odds for
the survival of her small but proud kingdom. One of the best
children’s fantasy series, sort of a kids’ Game of Thrones”.
Recommended: Y7 & Y8
Lightning Mary, by Anthea Simmons
In the early 1800s, Mary grows up in a poor household in Lyme Regis,
where her father collects and sells fossils (or, devil’s toenails and ram’s
horns, as the young Mary calls them). As Mary grows older, she begs
to be taken on a fossil hunt, and eventually her father agrees, even
though the beach is perilous and landslides have killed many men.
After her father dies following a terrible accident, Mary takes on the
role of fossil dealer with her mother who is determined that they won’t
end up in the workhouse following Mary’s father death. Mary doesn’t
give up looking for something special, and one day she finds it.
(True story.)
Mr McKrell says:
“BookTrust says: “Mary’s story of eventual triumph over adversity is
told expertly by Simmons, who doesn’t stint in reminding us just how
hard life was for the young Mary. Simmons shows us the challenges of
class, poverty and the expectations of women that Mary was subject
to, but also how her passion, hard work and stubbornness helped her
transcend those considerable restrictions. A brilliant read.”
Recommended: Y7 & Y8
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning, by Lemony Snicket
There is nothing to be found in Lemony Snicket’s ‘A Series of
Unfortunate Events’ but misery and despair. You still have time to
choose another international best-selling series to read. But if you
insist on discovering the unpleasant adventures of the Baudelaire
orphans, then proceed with caution… Violet, Klaus, and Sunny
Baudelaire are intelligent children. They are charming, and
resourceful, and have pleasant facial features. Unfortunately, they
are exceptionally unlucky. In The Bad Beginning, the siblings
encounter a greedy and repulsive villain, itchy clothing, a disastrous
fire, a plot to steal their fortune and cold porridge for breakfast.
Mr McKrell says:
“There’s an Unfortunate Events film and I believe now a TV series.
Read it first. This series is funny, mysterious, and surprisingly
positive in its own way. You rarely know why things are happening
or what wider scheme might be going on, but the children use their
intelligence and teamwork to get out of endless (not literally, only 13
books worth) scrapes and traps. Also introduces nice strong vocab
considering target audience is 9+”.
Recommended: Y7 & Y8
Unbelievable, by Paul Jennings
Mr McKrell says:
“Simply a collection of bonkers, funny, gross and creepy stories.
Look out for similar collections by the same author such as Unreal,
Uncanny, Undone etc”.
Recommended: Y7 & Y8
Nine stories deal with rejuvenation, a giant tooth, a dragon,
a ghostly test, a loyal dog, a comic book hero, a magic tree,
a ghost gull, and a supernatural servant.
Varjak Paw, by S.F. Said
Varjak Paw is a Mesopotamian Blue kitten. He lives high
up in an old house on a hill. He's never left home, but then
his grandfather tells him about the Way - a secret martial
art for cats. Now Varjak must use the Way to survive in a
city full of dangerous dogs, cat gangs and, strangest of all
the mysterious Vanishings.
Mr McKrell says:
“As Jacqueline Wilson says, this is an original and
inventively written book. It is greatly complimented by its
edgy illustrations which set the tone and really motivate the
imagination. Varjak is a very likeable character, a privileged
yet downtrodden dreamer overlooked by his family who is
thrust into the outside world full of danger and excitement.
He must reinvent himself as a wise, confident leader and
fearless fighter to survive. There is a sequel called The
Outlaw Varjak Paw”.
Recommended: Y7 & Y8
Warrior Cats: Into the Wild, by Erin Hunter
For generations, four Clans of wild cats have shared the forest according
to the laws laid down by their ancestors. But the warrior code has been
threatened, and the Thunder Clan cats are in grave danger. The sinister
Shadow Clan grows stronger every day. Noble warriors are dying—and
some deaths are more mysterious than others. In the midst of this
turmoil appears an ordinary housecat named Rusty… who may turn out
to be the bravest warrior of them all.
"You must either live with us and respect our ways, or return to your
Twolegplace and never come back. You cannot live with a paw in each
world." – Lionheart
Mr McKrell says:
“Society of cats with cool names living in the forest fighting each other,
building nests, following prophecies and worshipping their ancestors.
There are a lot of these books and they start to feel very repetitive going
into series three; series one is very good. Author also has series about
dogs and bears which look less interesting but will appeal to big fans of
animal books, and a series of all-ages Warrior Cats manga”.
Recommended: Y7 & Y8
Wonder, by R. J. Palacio'My name is August. I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're
thinking, it's probably worse.’
Auggie wants to be an ordinary ten-year-old. He does ordinary things -
eating ice cream, playing on his Xbox. He feels ordinary - inside. But
ordinary kids don't make other ordinary kids run away screaming in
playgrounds. Ordinary kids aren't stared at wherever they go. Born with a
terrible facial abnormality, Auggie has been home-schooled by his parents
his whole life. Now, for the first time, he's being sent to a real school - and
he's dreading it. All he wants is to be accepted - but can he convince his
new classmates that he's just like them, underneath it all?
Mr McKrell says:
“The New York Times says: “While I sobbed several times during
“Wonder,” my 9-year-old daughter — who loved the book and has been
pressing it on her friends — remained dry-eyed. She didn’t understand
why I thought Auggie’s situation might upset her. “I like kids who are
different,” she said. I realized that what makes her cry are stories in which
children suffer because they have missing or neglectful parents and no
one to take care of them. Perhaps Palacio’s most remarkable trick is
leaving us with the impression that Auggie’s problems are surmountable in
all the ways that count — that he is, in fact, in an enviable position.”
Recommended: Y7 & Y8
The Bartimaeus Sequence: The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud
When the 5,000-year-old djinni Bartimaeus is summoned by
Nathaniel, a young magician's apprentice, he expects to have to do
nothing more taxing than a little levitation or a few simple illusions. But
Nathaniel is a precocious talent and has something rather more
dangerous in mind: revenge. Against his will, Bartimaeus is packed off
to steal the powerful Amulet of Samarkand from Simon Lovelace, a
master magician of unrivalled ruthlessness and ambition. Before long,
both djinni and apprentice are caught up in a terrifying flood of magical
intrigue, murder and rebellion.
Mr McKrell says:
“The whole series is recommended but this first book is my favourite.
Bartimaeus is a wonderfully witty and sarcastic character always
looking to benefit himself and have a bit of fun whilst he’s fulfilling the
orders of his summoner. Despite being a fairly middle-level djinni
Bart’s exploits in the ancient past give him a legendary reputation and
he is only too anxious to break free of his embarrassing situation in
thrall to a naive young boy. As the adventure takes over and tests
them both, can they learn respect for each other in order to survive?”
Recommended: All students.
The Edge Chronicles: The Curse of the Gloamglozer, by Stewart & Riddell
Fourteen-year-old Quint Verginix is the only remaining son of
famous sky-pirate Wind Jackal. He and his father have journeyed
to the city of Sanctaphrax – a great floating rock, bound to the
ground below by a chain, its inhabitants living with their heads
literally in the clouds. But the city hides a dangerous secret: deep
inside the great rock, something horrible lurks. With his father
away, Quint may be the only one who can save Sanctaphrax from
the dreaded curse of the Gloamglozer…
Mr McKrell says:“These books were written in a funny order but chronologically this
is the first of this most popular series from the renowned duo who
have also written/illustrated the Wyrmeweald series for teens. The
marvellous illustrations really make The Edge series, bringing the
array of creatures vividly to life. Full of imagination, adventure,
charm, fun and frights this is an essential series for young fantasy
fans and they get better after this first instalment”.
Recommended: All students.
Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls,
by Elena Favilli & Francesca Cavallo
Vibrantly illustrated and truly inspirational, Good Night Stories for
Rebel Girls tells the stories of 100 heroic women from Elizabeth I to
Serena Williams. Published on the back of a phenomenally
successful crowdfunding project on Kickstarter, the book is the
brainchild of entrepreneurs Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo
who, having researched the lack of female role models in children’s
literature, decided to write a book which told a different story. "We
know children’s books are still packed with gender stereotypes",
they comment, "we know first-hand how hard it is to succeed, to be
considered, to be given a chance.” Illustrated by sixty female artists
from every corner of the globe, Good Night Stories for Rebel
Girls introduces us to one hundred remarkable women and their
extraordinary lives, from Ada Lovelace to Malala, Amelia Earhart to
Michelle Obama. Empowering, moving and inspirational, these are
true fairy tales for heroines who definitely don't need rescuing.
Sequel available.
Recommended: All students
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams
Seconds before the Earth is demolished for a galactic freeway,
Arthur Dent is saved by Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised
Guide. Together they stick out their thumbs to the stars and begin a
wild journey through time and space.
The Guardian says: “To read The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is
to step into the garden shed of a maverick genius while he’s out, to
discover what ideas he has left lying around. But it is also as
though Douglas Adams is speaking to you personally, gently, as he
guides you through a perplexing world, assuring you “Don’t panic”…
Mr McKrell says:
“…Adams was truly a word master. Could anyone else have put the
English language together in such a way as to create the sentence
“The ships hung in the sky in much the same way that bricks don’t”
or the phrase “having your brains smashed out by a slice of lemon
wrapped round a large gold brick”? Who else could have assembled
the syllables in ‘Slartibartfast’ in quite such a way?”
Recommended: All students.
The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien
Mr McKrell says:
“Classic of high fantasy fiction. The Hobbit was written for
children unlike The Lord of the Rings and is much more
accessible; however the adventure of Bilbo Baggins is no less
epic and immersive. You will be fascinated by Tolkien’s Middle
Earth, which is possibly the greatest example of fantasy world-
building and lore in literature. The financially motivated films
over-expand the story with filler in order to squeeze a trilogy out
of a 300 page volume and lose much of the charm and
traditional folkloric feel of the novel”.
Recommended: All students.
Bilbo Baggins enjoys a quiet and contented life, with no desire to
travel far from the comforts of home; then one day the wizard
Gandalf and a band of dwarves arrive unexpectedly and enlist
his services – as a burglar – on a dangerous expedition to raid
the treasure-hoard of Smaug the dragon. Bilbo’s life is never to
be the same again.
The Little Prince, by Antoine De Saint-Exupéry
Mr McKrell says:
“A short, charming, beautiful and thoughtful allegory. This is the
story of a young prince’s intergalactic travel and also a story
about the human condition, written simply but with great care and
skill to achieve a distinct message whilst also capturing the heart
and imagination”.
Recommended: All students.
A pilot stranded in the desert awakes one morning to see the
most extraordinary little fellow standing before him. “Please,” asks
the stranger, “draw me a sheep.” And the pilot realises that when
life’s events are too difficult to understand, there is no choice but
to succumb to their mysteries. He pulls out a pencil and paper…
and thus begins this wise and enchanting fable that, in teaching
the secret of what is really important in life, has changed the
world forever for its readers.
Marvel: Civil War
After a horrific tragedy raises questions on whether or not super
heroes should register with the government, long-time Avengers
teammates Captain America and Iron Man end up on opposite
sides of the argument! Writer Mark Millar and artist Steve McNiven
split the Marvel Universe in two as friend fights friend in one of the
most celebrated and successful events of all-time!
Mr McKrell says:
“Features lots of battles, bitter rivalries, unusually believable
superhero politics and PR faux pas, surprising team-ups and a
flashy new Spider-Man costume. Probably Marvel’s best graphic
novel along with Planet Hulk. The movie Captain America: Civil War
was loosely based on this but only touches lightly on the narrative
and chucks it in with the Baron Zemo plot, giving everyone
someone to blame so our heroes can get back to normal ASAP.
Followed by Civil War II”.
Recommended: All students.
His Dark Materials: Northern Lights, by Philip Pullman
“Without this child, we shall all die.”
Lyra Belacqua lives half-wild and carefree among the scholars of
Jordan College, with her daemon, Pantalaimon, always by her side.
But the arrival of her fearsome uncle, Lord Asriel, draws her to the
heart of a terrible struggle – a struggle born of Gobblers and stolen
children, witch clans and armoured bears. As she hurtles towards
danger in the cold far North, Lyra never suspects the shocking truth:
she alone is destined to win, or to lose, the biggest battle imaginable.
Mr McKrell says:
Doesn’t everyone want to ride a talking polar bear?
Now a major film and also BBC series. This epic fantasy tale frankly
gets to its best form during The Subtle Knife, but one must start from
the beginning and Northern Lights wonderfully introduces Pullman’s
epic fantasy tale which progresses from investigating missing children
to the highest possible conflict. Feel free to watch an adaptation of
Northern Lights first. The rest of the trilogy will regardless impress you
more as the scope expands and relationships develop.
Recommended: All students.
Once, by Morris Gleitzman
Once by Morris Gleitzman is the story of a young Jewish boy
who is determined to escape the orphanage he lives in to
save his Jewish parents from the Nazis in the occupied
Poland of the Second World War.
Mr McKrell says:
“Once is book one of a series, all of which I highly
recommend. It is a very accessible yet moving story showing
the horrors of war and sparks of hope and humanity through
the eyes of an innocent, kind and imaginative young boy
who always sees the best in everyone. Felix’s parents
owned a bookshop before the war tore everything apart and
he is full of stories for those he meets on his journey to
shield them from the unfolding madness. He knows very little
of the Nazi regime before leaving his orphanage and is
forced to mature beyond his years in search for his parents;
always dreaming of better times and wondering what his
heroine Richmal Crompton would do”.
Recommended: All students.
Skulduggery Pleasant, by Derek Landy
Mr McKrell says:
“I have continued reading these books since I was eleven. The author
has a dry wit, for which the title character Skulduggery is the main
conduit. A sorcerer-detective working for the Irish Sanctuary -
government of the country’s magical community - Skulduggery also
happens to be a skeleton. Mr Pleasant is a unique character and one
my favourites from contemporary children’s fiction. Together with the
help of a teenage Stephanie Edgeley he battles various supernatural
villains of increasing nefariousness, and Stephanie develops into one
of the strongest no-nonsense female protagonists there is. This series
is thrilling, dark, and very funny with good development and an array
of intriguing and often bizarre characters”.
Recommended: All students.
Meet Skulduggery Pleasant: Ace detective, snappy dresser, razor–
tongued wit, crackerjack sorcerer and walking, talking, fire-throwing
skeleton. As well as ally, protector, and mentor of Stephanie Edgley, a
very unusual and darkly talented twelve-year-old. These two alone
must defeat an all-consuming ancient evil. The end of the world? Over
his dead body.
Stories for Boys Who Dare to be Different,
by Ben Brooks
Prince charming, dragon slayer, mischievous prankster… more often
than not, these are the role-models boys encounter in the books they
read at home and at school. Stories for Boys Who Dare to Be
Different offers a welcome alternative narrative. From Salvador
Dali to Barack Obama, welcome to an extraordinary compilation of 100
stories of famous and not-so-famous men from the past to the present
day. All saw, and dealt with the world differently. All are rule-breakers
and innovators; all have achieved amazing things. For those who need
the courage to reject peer pressure and go against the grain, this book
seeks to inspire. The must-have book for all those boys who worry
about stuff and all those parents who worry about their boys who worry
about stuff.
Sequel available.
Recommended: All Students
The Infernal Devices: Clockwork Angel, by Cassandra Clare
Love is the most dangerous magic of all... First in the bestselling
prequel series to The Mortal Instruments, set in Victorian London.
Something terrifying is waiting for Tessa Gray in London’s
Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural
folk stalk the gas-lit streets. Tessa seeks refuge with the
Shadowhunters, a band of warriors dedicated to ridding the world
of demons. Tessa finds herself fascinated by – and torn between
– two best friends…
Mr McKrell says:
“This is in a similar vein to the Twilight Saga but more interesting,
a bit better written and in a steampunk setting which instantly
improves everything. If you’re not keen on overly teen-ish teen
fantasy this might not be for you. Alternatively if you’re into love
triangles, vampires, automata, and hedonistic warlocks then this
might be the perfect series. It’s good supernatural, romantic and
action-packed fun, not to be taken all too seriously except by
Philip Reeve’s lawyers. Clare began as a ‘fan-fiction’ writer,
showing it’s possible to become a worldwide success even if you
start by writing about Harry Potter characters on the internet”.
Recommended: 13+
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-
Time, by Mark Haddon
Seen through the eyes of Christopher, a mathematical genius and
Sherlock Holmes fan, who also has Asperger's syndrome, this bestselling
novel opens with the discovery of a murdered dog on the neighbour's
lawn. In his search to discover the identity of the killer, Christopher
uncovers some disturbing information about his own family, which throws
his ordered world into chaos, and he embarks on a journey to London to
find the mother he thought was dead. This funny, touching and compelling
novel was the winner of the inaugural Booktrust Teenage Prize. A must-
read for adults and children alike, it is an adventure story unlike any other.
Mr McKrell says:
“Now an acclaimed West-End play. Cleverly written, convincing portrayal
of day-to-day life as well as more serious themes from the perspective of a
teenager with Asperger’s. Another unique novel considered a YA must-
read since it was published to widespread success in 2003. It’s also quite
tricky to describe unfortunately. Please be aware, there are two editions –
the blue cover has edited language, the red cover doesn’t”.
Recommended: 13+
Hellbent, by Anthony McGowan
Sent to Hell for typical teenage misdemeanours, Conor is surprised to
find that it's not all pitchforks and leaping flames. But an eternity in a
fusty cave full of philosophy books and obscure classical music is
actually worse. Then Conor realizes that his personal version of Hell
might be someone else's idea of Heaven - and vice versa. He sets out
on a filthy, funny and forbidden journey to search for his opposite
number, accompanied by his repulsive pet dog, a depressed cross-
dressing Viking and a stumpy devil called Clarence. What he sees is
disgusting and what he discovers is shocking, but oddly enough Conor
learns a hell of a lot about life - now that he's dead!
Anthony Horowitz: “Anthony McGowan made a hilarious debut
with Hellbent, a modern take on Dante which manages to mix
existentialist and determinist philosophy with quite surprising amounts
of poo.”
Mr McKrell says:
“Very funny, very gross, but also surprisingly interesting and original.
Not just Dante for children, and it’s certainly not aimed at young kids.
Good pick for any teenage boys who insist all books are boring”.
Recommended: 13+
Rukhsana Ali keeps secrets. She has to. She loves her parents
more than anything, but they love a person she isn’t: someone she
has to pretend to be. If her parents learn she is gay, Rukhsana
knows it won’t just disappoint them. It may destroy them.
Her friends mean well, but they don’t understand the pressures she
is under as a Bengali lesbian living in the USA. When her parents
do find out the truth, Rukhsana finds herself in greater and more
horrifying danger than she could ever have expected.
Mr McKrell says:
“Booktrust says: Many books are now available for teenagers that
centre on the LGBTQ+ experience. This is the first of those books
that explores the experience of people from an immigrant, Asian
and Muslim background. This is a book that so very many readers
have been waiting for. It accurately reflects life for many, many
Asian girls and of any gender and every social class. It is simply an
essential addition to any library for teenagers of any background”.
Recommended: 14+
The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali, by Sabina Khan
Naruto, by Masashi Kishimoto
Twelve years ago the Village Hidden in the Leaves was
attacked by a fearsome threat. A nine-tailed fox spirit claimed
the life of the village leader, the Hokage, and many others.
Today, the village is at peace and a troublemaking kid named
Naruto is struggling to graduate from Ninja Academy. His goal
may be to become the next Hokage, but his true destiny will be
much more complicated. The adventure begins now!
Mr McKrell says:
“Fun, action packed manga series which is sometimes
irreverent, sometimes emotional, with inspirational themes
about never giving up and being there for those you care
about. This series has lots of fantasy creatures, ninja battles,
and takes inspiration from Japanese mythology. Read before
watching any of the anime content, or just don’t watch it at all.
Officially rated ‘Teen’.
Recommended: 13+.
Noughts and Crosses, by Malorie Blackman
Sephy and Callum have been friends since early childhood.
And that's as far as it can go. Because theirs is a world full of
prejudice, racism, distrust and mounting terrorist violence.
Despite all this, a romance builds between the two friends. But
this is a love story that could lead both of them into terrible
danger…
Mr McKrell says:
“Now a major BBC drama. Noughts and Crosses is an intense
story of love and courage in the face of oppression, hatred and
lies. I recommend the series as a whole but this first instalment
is never surpassed in its lasting impact and your investment in
the protagonists. This is a book that will stay with you for many
years. The TV adaptation is good but a different take and
certainly doesn’t rival the original. Read it first”.
Recommended: 13+
Cherub: The Recruit, by Robert MuchamoreA terrorist doesn't let strangers in her flat because they might be
undercover police or intelligence agents, but her children bring their
mates home and they run all over the place. The terrorist doesn't know
that one of these kids has bugged every room in her house, made
copies of all her computer files and stolen her address book. The kid
works for CHERUB.
CHERUB agents are aged between ten and seventeen. They live in the
real world, slipping under adult radar and getting information that sends
criminals and terrorists to jail. For official purposes, these children do
not exist.
Mr McKrell says:
“Very fast paced. This is a great series which covers a plethora of
issues in society through the missions undertaken by the young agents.
Life on campus provides a usually light-hearted teenage backdrop to
this and readers will find many likeable and relatable characters. This
series has an uncommon gritty realism and was written as an antidote
to children’s books where people do magic and nobody ever goes to the
toilet. Extremely re-readable. Recommended for all students who won’t
be sensitive to strong language or serious themes”.
Recommended: 14+
The Spook’s Apprentice, by Joseph Delaney“Someone has to stand against the dark. And you're the only one who
can.” For years, the local Spook has been keeping the County safe
from evil. Now his time is coming to an end, but who will take over?
Many apprentices have tried. Some floundered, some fled, some failed
to stay alive. Just one boy is left. Thomas Ward. He is the last hope.
But does he stand a chance against Mother Malkin, the most
dangerous witch in the County?
Mr McKrell says:
“The Wardstone Chronicles is a series which begins in this book as a
chilling but simultaneously charming story due to it’s folkloric aesthetic;
taking inspiration from British and Irish legends and history. The take on
magic is refreshingly traditional in a sense, rather than the usual special
effects fests courtesy of Dumbledore and Voldemort. The books grow in
scale and become darker throughout the series however, as young Tom
Ward is prematurely thrust against ever greater threats. The character of
the Spook is a favourite of mine; a stern old and taciturn man of
commanding strength and wisdom, he is cloaked in past mysteries and
it’s never completely clear what he’s capable of or how much he has left
to give as age and old enemies catch up to him. Now a major film with
Jeff Bridges and Ben Barnes (Prince Caspian). Read it first”.
Recommended: 13+
The Day I Met Suzie, by Chris Higgins
“My boyfriend could get into trouble if he gets caught. He could go to
jail… So could I.” “Anything you tell me is completely confidential.” I
sigh deeply. What have I got to lose? “I wouldn’t know where to begin.”
“At the beginning?” she says. “In your own words.” So that’s what I do.
I start at the beginning like she says. The day I met Suzie. Indigo has
called the Samaritans. She is frightened and desperate with nobody to
turn to. Over the course of one long night, Indie tells her story to the
person on the end of the phone. Where did it all start? As Indie tries to
explain, she realises that her friend Suzie has taken over her home,
her friends, her work, her boyfriend – her entire life. How will Indie get
her future back and free herself from Suzie’s evil influence? Skilfully
weaving Indie’s memories of the past into the present moment, this is
a chilling portrait of a friendship built on manipulation and lies.
Mr McKrell says:
“The Guardian says: “The Day I Met Suzie is an emotional story about
trust, love and betrayal seen through the eyes of a warm-hearted girl,
who sees only good things in people, a girl called Indigo.”
Recommended 14+
Until We Win, by Linda Newbury
A hundred years ago, women didn't have the vote. When Lizzy
Frost becomes involved with the fledgling Suffragette
movement, it expands her horizons in ways she never could
have imagined. From time spent in prison for the cause, to new
relationships with fellow campaigners, Lizzy's struggle for votes
for women sets her heart on fire.
Mr McKrell says:
“BookTrust says: “This dyslexia friendly book includes themes
of feminism and friendship, set against the looming backdrop of
the First World War. Lizzy is a fantastic character, full of passion
and wonderfully unafraid to stand up for herself and her beliefs.”
Recommended: 13+