Staff Recommendations: Children
 |
The Dream Dealer by Marita Phillips Finn has never met his mum and his greatest dream is to finally find her. When an ice cream man appears outside his school claming he can sell dreams it looks like Finn might finally get what he wants. But when his school mates start behaving in weird ways after buying dreams, Finn starts to investigate the mysterious Dream Dealer and his magical dreams. A great read! Ages 9+ |
 |
Eric! ...the hero? by Chris Wormell Poor Eric never seems to do anything right, and he's always called names by everyone. Not a day goes by without someone calling him a twit, or a dummy, or a dunce. Then one day a monster arrives in town and as everyone says only a twit, a dummy or a dunce would dare to face it, Eric decides that he must be the hero his town is hoping for. A funny and heartwarming tale. Ages 3+ |
 |
This Book Belongs to Aye-Aye by Richard Byrne Aye-Aye's biggest dream is to be in a picture book, and when the teacher announces a prize for the most helpful animal this week he thinks his dream might come true. But the terrible bunny twins have other plans. An original, funny and sweet picture book, perfect for young book lovers. Ages 3+
|
 |
Night School by C.J. Daugherty Ever since her brother disappeared Allie has been acting out, but her latest escapade lands her in a special school for troubled youths. Or that is what she thinks until she arrives at Cimmeria Academy and discovers it to be quite different from what she expected. A fun and fast-paced novel that will have you hooked from the word go. Ages 13+
|
 |
15 Days Without a Head by Dave Cousins Laurence's life has never been easy, but in the next 15 days he will have to juggle between hiding the fact that his mum has disappeared, looking after his brother, and trying to win a radio competition. A seriously good book. Ages 13+ |
 |
My Sister Lives on the Mantlepiece by Annabel Pitcher A beautiful story about a boy trying to get his family back after the death of his older sister. Heartwarming and surprinsgly funny in parts, this is a book you don't want to miss. Ages 11+ |
 |
A Witch In Winter by Ruth Warburton A great love story between a girl who has just discovered her magical powers and a boy who can't help falling under her spell. Ages 12+ |
 |
Cinder by Marissa Meyer After a terrible accident of which she has no memory of, Cinder has had a great part of her body reconstructed with robotic parts. This makes her a cyborg, a class b citizen in New Beijing, and the perfect candidate for an experimental medicine that will cure humanity of the plague. If she survives it. This is the story of Cinderella like you have never read it before, and the first in what promsies to be a great trilogy. Perfect for funs of The Hunger Games. Ages 11+ |
 |
Matilda's Secret by Sandra Goldbacher Matilda wishes she could leave her dreary family life and have adventures, but when her wish is granted and she is sent to be a lady in waiting at the court of king Henry VIII, she finds herself in a world where nobody can be trusted and where secrets can make or destroy a person. A great read. The details of every day life in the court of Henry VIII are so vivid that you almost feel as if you were there with Matilda. Ages 9+ |
 |
Lost Christmas by David Logan Goose has been having a very bad year ever since his parents died on Crhistmas eve, and this Christmas doesn't seem to be any better as he searches the streets of Manchester for his lost dog. But then Goose meets Anthony, a weird man who cannot remember anything about himself, but seems able to tell you a lot of pointless facts as well as being able to tell you what you have lost simply by touching you. Together they embark on a quest to find Goose's dog and, maybe, Anthony's memory. A great, uplifting tale, perfect for any time of the year, not just for Christmas. Ages 10+ |
 |
Between by Jessica Warman A fast-paced, compelling paranormal thriller. Liz Valchar was once the most popular girl in school - friends, money, beauty, a cute boyfriend, it was all hers. But on the eve of ther 18th birthday she wakes up to find herself dead. Drowned, floating beside her parents' yacht. Everyone believes it was a tragic accident, but LIz hasn't made it to heaven - she is stuck between the living and the dead - her only companion is Alex, a boy from her school who died in a hit-and-run the previous year and who is definitely not her biggest fan. Together they need to piece together Liz's memories of life in order to figure out why they're still "between" and sever the ties that hold them there. Was Liz as squeaky clean as she thinks she was? Could she be hiding the most important secret of all and not even realise it? (Amy's review) Ages 13+ |
 |
Delirium by Lauren Oliver Love is a disease. This is what Lena has always been told. It is what she has always believed. That love is a sickness; dangerous, deadly, something to be feared. Love is what led her mother to kill herself, to bring such shame to her family. She has also been told every day of her life that the Cure will save her; a small procedure will remove all the pain, despair and heartache of love. But what Lena hasn't known until now, is that love, that dirty, shameful illness, is not about the pain and heartbreak, but about beauty, awakening, peace and freedom. And in the end it's not the cure that's going to save her it's one boy. Who infects her with love. Brilliant. I simply could not put it down, it's so full of poetry and beauty. It reminds you not to fear love, but to embrace it for all the joy it can bring. (Amy's review) Ages 13+ |
 |
Ashes by Ilsa J Bick Alex is roughing it up in the mountains near the Canadian border when, just as things really couldn't get much worst for her, a powerful electromagnetic pulse is released across the surface of the Earth and her world, and that of everyone else is changed forever. With over half the world's population dead and the majority of those left standing either OAPs or teenagers with a taste for human flesh, Alex must figure out a way of keeping herself, and her two new companions alive. A truly gripping first installment in what looks set to be a smashing trilogy. Creepy, disturbing, harrowing and compleatly engrossing. (Amy's review) Ages 13+ |
 |
The Sleeping Army by Francesca Simon One boring evening, Freya finds herself wandering through the British Museum, when, just for fun, she decides to see what happens if she blows into an ancient viking horn. What happens is that she is transported to Asgard, and told that she has nine days to find and restore immortality to the viking gods. A mad and fun-filled adventure through norse mythology. Ages 8+
|
 |
Finding Sky by Joss Stirling Stirling writes a cracking story about first love mixed with a dash of telepathy. Sky Bright moves to Wickenridge, Colorado with her parents and finds herself the focus of the mysterious bad boy Zed Benedict's attentions. Adventure and danger follow. (Amy's review) Ages 11+ |
 |
Mister Creecher by Chris Priestley Billy is a street urchin in early 19th century London, scraping by with stealing rich people's watches and handkerchiefs. One cold night he is saved from a beating by a huge, fearce and scary man, who asks him to become a spy for him and to follow every step of a Swiss man named Frankestein..... What at first appears to be a very clever re-telling of the Frankenstein story, reveals itself as the story of a very different monster. But you'll have to read this spell-binding story to the very end to find out who it is. Ages 11+
|
 |
Sweetly by Jackson Pearce A modern take on Grimm's classic, unsettling tale of Hansel and Gretal, complete with mout-watering chocolates, handsome huntsman and terrifying werewolves... An exciting page-turner, great thriller. (Amy's review) Ages 14+ |
 |
The Hidden Kingdom by Ian Beck Prince Osamu has lived a life of luxury and always laughed at tales of his destiny as the saviour of the Hidden Kingdom, but abruptly, one night, he is forced to face the truth and fight for his life and his kingdom. A magical tale of courage and mystery. Ages 12+ |
 |
Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan Waverly and Kieran are in love and on their way to colonize a new planet, when suddenly their ship is attacked and Waverly is kidnapped. Will they find a way to get back together? And will their love survive the trials they will have to face before their reunited? The first chapter in an engrossing new series. Ages 14+ |
|
Look Into My Eyes by Lauren Child The best book I have read this year. This is the first in an amazing new series by Lauren Child, featuring a feisty young girl who finds herself working for a super secret spy agency, fighting crime with her dedutictive skills. Fans of Clarice Bean will absolutely love Ruby Redfort. Ages 8+
|
 |
Divergent by Veronica Roth A gripping story set in a dystopian future where the world is split into factions that keep the planet in a precarious balance. At 16 Beatrice has to choose to which faction she will belong to for the rest of her life. But which one will she choose? And how can she be sure it will be the right choice? Ages 14+ |
 |
The Incredible Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers The beautifully illustrated story of Henry, a boy with a great hunger for knowledge. Ages 3+ |
 |
The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
When she arrived in London to study there for a year, Rory was worried about fitting in and being away from her family. Instead she finds herself having to deal with a murderer following the foot-steps of Jack the Ripper, and suddenly being able to see ghosts. This is the first in an amazing new series that will appeal to fans of mystery stories and dark fantasy novels. Ages 15+ |
 |
Ottoline and the Yellow Cat by Chris Riddle Ottoline Brown lives in the Pepperpot Building with Mr Munroe, a hairy creature from a bog in Norway. Together Ottoline and Mr Munroe investigate some of the most mysterious mysteries happening in Big City. Follow them in this adventure as they found out who is behind a string of impossible burglaries. While you read take your time to admire Ottoline's Odd Shoe Collection, read the postcards sent by her parents from around the world and marvel at Ottoline's and Mr Munroe's amazing disguises. A great story rendered even more magical by its superb illustrations. Ages 7+ |
 |
The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester
Piper McCloud loves to fly. There is nothing in the world she likes more than flying, but nobody seems to share her hentusiasm. Neither her Ma, who is constantly telling her to keep her feet on the ground, nor the folks of Lowland County, who are less then impressed with her performance at the baseball match. But then, just as things look like they couldn't get any worst, Piper is whisked away to a special school for children like her, and surley things are going to be ok now. Or are they? An amazingly good story about the difficulties of beign different and staying true to yourself. Ages 9+ |
 |
Rhinos Don't Eat Pancakes! by Anna Kemp and Sara Ogilvie £5.99 Paperback Another great picture book from the duo that brought us 'Dogs Don't Do Ballet'. Fantastic story, quirky illustrations and a bright funny heroine. Ages 3+ |
 |
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness Todd Hewitt is the last boy left in a town populated only by men. Men whose every thought can be heard as clear as day by everyone, because Todd lives on a newly discovered planet where the thoughts of men are laid bare for everyone to hear. But even in a place where you can hear people's thoughts there are secrets, and Todd is about to discover just how much has been kept hidden from him by the men of Prentisstown. The astounding first book in the Chaos Walking series. If you haven't read it yet grab a copy and begin the journey, you will not be disappointed. Ages 13+ |
 |
The Pea and the Princess by Mini Grey £5.99 Paperback This is a brilliant retelling of the good old classic fairytale; told from the perspective of the pea! Follow his story as he from the Palace Allotment where he is picked to the Royal Bedchamber where he is placed beneath a mound of mattresses. Funny and heartwarming, this is a great bedtime read. Ages 3+ |
 |
Queen Victoria's Knickers by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley £5.99 Paperback A lovely tale about a family who are given the task of designing and making Queen Victoria's knickers. But which kind of knickers should they make? And will anyone ever see them? Ages 3+ |
 |
Fly By Night by Frances Hardinge Mosca Mye might not seem like much of a heroine, but she and her goose are about to bring a revolution to the heart of the kingdom. A breathtacking adventure story set in a reimagined eighteenh centur England, that will have you hooked from the first page. Ages 10+
|
 |
Little Mouse's Big Secret by Eric Battut £9.99 Hardback Little Mouse has found a tasty treat, but isn't sure he wants to share it so he buries it in the ground for safekeeping. But then something amazing happens... A beautifully simple story about sharing. Ages 2+ |
 |
The Boy Who Cried Ninja by Alex Latimer £5.99 Paperback A modern-day retelling of the Boy Who Cried Wolf. Brilliant illustrations reminiscent of Oliver Jeffers' Lost and Found. Great book for boys! Ages 3+ |
 |
Everybody Jam by Ali Lewis £6.99 Paperback Do you know much about life in the Australian outback? No, me neither. Read this book and discover a whole new world; one of desert, scorching sun and dried-up waterholes, cattle and musters, pet camels and naive Pommies. A brilliant read, though not for the faint-hearted! Ages 11+
If you enjoyed this, why not try: Holes by Louis Sachar or Girl Savage by Katherine Rundell |
 |
The Emerald Atlas: The Books of Beginning by John Stephens £12.99 Hardback A fantastic tale of three siblings who, after years of moving from orphanage to orphanage, find themselves living in the strange and somewhat creepy town of Cambridge Falls with an even stranger Professor. But there are no other children here, and the town is harbouring a terrible secret.
Brilliantly imaginative and exciting, this story is packed full of adventure, magic and discovery.
A great news series for fans of Harry Potter and Northern Lights! Ages 8+ If you enjoyed this, why not try: Stravaganza, City of Masks by Mary Hoffman or The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis
|
 |
Harry Hasting's History Heroes: How Well Do You Know Your Monarchs? by Harry Hastings This is a fantastic educational and competitive card game designed to encourage learning of historical facts. Each of the 42 cards depicts a different monarch or important historical figure from 1066 to the present day. It is unique in it's presentation of facts which allows the game to be enjoyed by all age groups. There are 6 six to play in each pack. Great fun for all the family! £7.99 Ages 7+ |
|
You Against Me by Jenny Downham £12.99 Hardback A touching coming-of-age story from a very talented writer for Young Adults. The story centres on two very different families torn apart by one member's terrible actions. Downham leaves the reader guessing as to whom the guilty party is, right up till the final chapters. A very careful approach to such a sensitive subject - a plot driven by love. Ages 13+ If someone hurts your sister and you’re any kind of man, you seek revenge, right? If your brother’s accused of a terrible crime but says he didn’t do it, you defend him, don’t you? When Mikey’s sister claims a boy assaulted her, his world begins to fall apart. When Ellie’s brother is charged with the offence, her world begins to unravel. When Mikey and Ellie meet, two worlds collide. This is a brave and unflinching novel from the bestselling author of Before I Die. It’s a book about loyalty and the choices that come with it. But above all it’s a book about love. If you enjoyed this, why not try: Before I Die by Jenny Downham, Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly or Solace of the Road by Siobhan Dowd
|
|
Put Out the Light by Terry Deary £5.99 Paperback A fantastic tale from the writer of the Horrible Histories series, set in both Sheffield and Dachau, Germany during the Second World War. Brilliantly written and full of memorable characters, this is a real page turner. Great for reluctant readers as well. In Sheffield, Billy and his sister Sally are on the hunt for a burglar who operates during the city's blackout and air raids, whilst in Dachau, Manfred and his friend Hansl are formulating a plan to free a young Polish girl working in the munitions factory. As the circle of war closes around them, loyalties are tested and lives endangered, but the true meaning of friendship is made clear to all. Ages 8+ If you enjoyed this, why not try: An Elephant in the Garden by Michael Morpurgo, Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian or Carrie's War by Nina Bawden |
 |
Noah Barleywater Runs Away by John Boyne £10.99 Hardback Noah Barleywater is 8 years old when he decides to run away in search of adventure and achievement. Only, after meeting a curious old toymaker in a very strange and somewhat magical village, he realises just how much he misses what he left behind at home. A quirky, imaginative and hugely touching tale of childhood, love and loss. Ages 9+ If you enjoyed this, why not try: Trash by Andy Mulligan, The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynn Reid Banks or Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events |
 |
The Poison Diaries by Maryrose Wood (first in a trilogy) £6.99 Paperback A curious tale of love and plants and the power each of them can hold over us. This story is told from the perspective of a young girl living in a small cottage in the countryside with her stern father who acts as the local doctor, dispensing old natural remedies to cure the sick. When a strange young lad is brought to their door he is bedgrudingly allowed to stay. However, he is not all he appears and before long loyalties and love are sorely tested with grave consequences. Ages 12+
|
|
|
The Legacy by Gemma Malley £10.99 Hardback If you have read the first two chapters in this fantastic trilogy, then you MUST finish up with this final book. Humanity is under threat. Longevity is longer fulfilling the promise of eternal life; people are doing something they haven't done for hundreds of years – they're dying. By laying the blame at the feet of the Underground, Richard Pincent believes he's safe, but his problems have only just begun. As the past catches up with him, many questions are answered and danger is averted. Or is it.....? Ages 11+ If you enjoyed this, why not try: 'Candor' by Pam Bachorz (reviewed further down this page) or 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins |
 |
The Edge of Nowhere by John E Smelcer £5.99 Paperback Alaska USA: Seth is an unhappy teenager - overweight, with no friends and eaten up with grief over his mother's death. His father, equally depressed, doesn't know how to talk to his son. Then one night they are sailing home in a dangerous storm when Seth falls overboard. Suddenly the father-son bond is strengthened by the vast distance between them and whilst his father is searching for him, Seth must summon all his courage to survive and make his long way home before the winter snows fall. A moving tale of growing up, survival and the importance of father-son relationships. Ages 10+
|
|
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly £10.99 Hardback Andi, a troubled, angry teenager living in Brooklyn with her clinically depressed mum finds happiness only in her music. When things come to a head at home her father drags her over to Paris with him where she discovers a diary written during the horrors of the French Revolution. As past and present begin to merge, Andi starts to realise that the real revolution is the fight inside oneself. Can she face up to her troubles and finally put the past to rest? Donnelly is a fantastic writer who really gets to the heart of her characters. Very engaging, a brilliant read. Ages 11+ If you enjoyed this, why not try: 'A Gathering Light' also by Jennfier Donnelly (winner of the Carnegie Prize for Fiction 2003), 'Fallen Grace' by Mary Hooper (reviewed further down this page) or 'The Red Necklace' by Sally Gardner
|
|
Trash by Andy Mulligan £10.99 Hardback This is an interesting and, in places, shocking story that starts on the mountains of trash that make up the fictional dumpsite Behala. One boy, Raphael, lives and works on the site with his friends Gardo and Jun-Jun, but their lives are set to change when they discover a bag amongst the rubbish. Apparently thrown away and unwanted they soon realise that it is the contents of the bag that are most valuable, especially since the police seem so interested in recovering it. Inside the bag they find 200 pesos, an ID card and a small key. The key leads them to the Central Train Station and from there on an increasingly dangerous journey to uncover corruption, murder and six million dollars. Written in several voices, the story is told from each character's point of view, giving the reader a much better overview of the story than each of the individuals involved. An enlightening read, suitable for ages 8+ If you enjoyed this, why not try: 'Holes' by Louis Sachar or 'Skellig' by David Almond |
| |
Candor by Pam Bachorz £6.99 Paperback If you think listening to music is a safe passtime - think again. Oscar lives in Candor, a small town in Florida that, from the outside at least, looks perfect. But something sinister is happening, every day and the townsfolk are oblivious - The Messages make sure of that, just as they make sure everyone behaves themselves - they also make sure no one ever leaves.... A gripping, thought-provoking read that will have you on the edge of your seat. Age 10+ If you enjoyed this, why not try: 'The Declaration' and 'The Resistance' both by Gemma Malley |
|
|
The Poisoned House by Michael Ford £6.99 Paperback This is a brilliant tale of mystery, ghosts and murder. Abigail Tamper has lived at Greave Hall all her life and since her mother died a year ago, Abigail has been trapped under the harsh rule of the housekeeper, Mrs Cotton. Then one night strange things begin to happen in the big house – someone is trying to tell Abi something important. She must work quickly to discover the secrets hidden within the cold walls and put right a dreadful wrong. A truly gripping read from an excellent writer – a real page turner. Age 9+
If you enjoyed this, why not try: Fallen Grace by Mary Hooper (see below) or Philip Pullman's 'Sally Lockhart Mystery' series |
|
|
Fallen Grace by Mary Hooper £8.99 Hardback This book is simply fantastic - I couldn't put it down! The story centres on Grace Parkes a girl of 15 who, along with her sister Lily, has fallen on hard times and in Victorian London this can mean big trouble. Finding herself at the mercy of the unscrupulous Unwin family, Grace must use all her wits and determination in order to survive. A gripping read from a very talented writer.
Age 11+ If you enjoyed this, why not try: Newes From the Dead, also by Mary Hooper |
|
Ash by Malinda Lo £5.99 Paperback A new and interesting take on the classic Cinderella tale. Rooted in old folklore, the story follows Ash, an orphan forced to work in her step-mother's house. As a lover of fairy tales I really enjoyed this book and the way the author has reverted back to the original, darker side of fairies. Despite the relatively young-looking cover, there is a twist to this story which places it in the 11+ bracket. Age 11+
|
|
Rebel by R J Anderson £5.99 Paperback Sensational follow up to the excellent 'Knife'. A modern fairy tale with great characters and an exciting plot.
|
|
Solace of the Road by Siobhan Dowd £6.99 Paperback Holly is a young girl who leaves her foster home and goes on an eventful and life-changing road trip in search of her mum.
|
|
Beswitched by Kate Saunders £5.99 Paperback A 21st Century schoolgirl gets catapulted through time to a boarding school in 1935 and hilarious adventures ensue. Full of warmth and old-school charm this is a truly feel-good read.
|
|
No and Me by Delphine De Vigan £9.99 Hardback Lou Bertignac has an IQ of 160 and a good friend in class rebel Lucas. One day Lou sees a homeless girl called No, only a few years older than herself, and decides to make homelessnes the topic of her class presentation. Bit by bit, Lou and No become friends but then No disappears.
|
|
Dear Hound by Jill Murphy £4.99 Paperback A sweet story about a boy and his beloved dog. This is every bit as good as you would expect from the creator of the much loved 'Worst Witch' series.
|
|
Shark in the Dark by Peter Bently & Ben Cort £5.99 Paperback A great fun rhyming story perfect for reading out loud. The colourful illustrations will captivate little ones.
|
|
Library Lion by Michelle Knusden & Kevin Hawkes £5.99 Paperback A charming picture book with gorgeous timeless illustrations. A lion is allowed into the library as long as he does not roar but one day he breaks this rule.......
|
