Recent recommended fiction 11 to 16+

Recent recommended fiction 11 to 16+
Edited by Nicole Jordan
Reads you need in your secondary school library
2010 is recent fiction for children aged 11 to 16+
recommended and reviewed by the librarians of
Library Services for Education.
The titles in this booklist were first published, or first
issued in paperback, during 2009/early 2010 and were
reviewed on the Library Services for Education
website.
For the latest LSE recommendations, visit
www.leics.gov.uk/libraries/lse.
The reviews are arranged in sections to give an
indication of the Key Stage(s) where they are most
applicable, although many will have wider readership.
Section
Review numbers
Key Stage 2/3
1 – 26
Key Stage 3
27 - 51
Key Stage 3/4
52 - 92
Key Stage 4/16+
93 - 103
Key Stage 2/3
ADAM, Paul
Escape from Shadow Island
1
Who needs teenage secret agents or genetically engineered tortured
souls when you can follow a teenage escapologist? Max Cassidy is a
prodigal new talent in this field, but is haunted by the events of two years
previously, when his mother was convicted of his father’s murder. The
appearance of a mysterious stranger who claims that Max’s father is still
alive leads him on a dangerous quest to the corrupt state of Santo
Domingo and the discovery of a sinister international conspiracy. The
greatest pleasure of this story comes from seeing Max use his skills in an
uncontrolled environment, along with the introduction of a range of
interesting supporting characters, who will hopefully be fleshed out in
future adventures. This is ideal for fans of Alex Rider and Young Bond who want
something a little different! 10+
Corgi Books
£5.99
ISBN 9780552560320
BARLOW, Steve and SKIDMORE, Steve
Killer clone
2
Dr Connor, a renowned geneticist, is lying dead on his office floor. The
fingerprints on the murder weapon could belong to any one of the thirty
clones created by the doctor. They all hated him – but which one is the
murderer? Zac Taylor, wise guy private investigator, has the job of
finding out. One in the FYI series for reluctant readers, this witty and
inventive murder mystery contains a glossary of fascinating facts about
cloning and genetic engineering, as well as highlighting ethical issues.
An engaging, short read which would appeal to the scientifically inclined
from upper Key Stage 2 through to Key Stage 4. 10+
Barrington Stoke
£5.99
BLACKER, Terence
Missing, believed crazy
ISBN 9781842996928
3
After a fundraising fashion parade at their posh boarding school goes
horribly wrong, five kids cook up a madcap plan to stimulate the public’s
generosity. They will pretend to kidnap one of the gang’s members, the
daughter of a famous actress, and use the money raised to find her to
help starving children in Africa. Predictably the scheme rapidly spins out
of control, with several opportunists and a sadistic bank robber
determined to exploit the situation for their own ends. Told as a series of
statements given by different individuals to the police, this witty yet
thought-provoking read deftly exposes the shallowness of celebrity
culture whilst also showing how unexpected friendships can be born out
of extraordinary circumstances. 10+
Macmillan
£9.99
ISBN 9780330458481
2
CORDER, Zizou
Halo
4
Washed up on an Ancient Greek shoreline as a young baby girl, Halo is
discovered by kindly centaurs, who raise her as one of their own.
Circumstances force her far away however and, as a young adolescent,
she is forced to pretend to be a boy to make her way in life and to
attempt to re-discover both her centaur family and her unknown birth
parents. Adventures among the warring Spartans and Athenians and
exploration of the place of women in Ancient Greece form the backdrop
to this very readable and exciting tale of betrayal, prophecy and loyalty.
10+
Puffin
£6.99
DEARY, Terry
Raiders and ruins
ISBN 9780141328300
5
Eric is a novice monk who is saved from drowning by a Viking
longship. Soon Eric learns of the Vikings’ plans to raid the English
coast, killing and looting as they go. Together with Hilda, an English
slave girl, Eric must try to warn the English and stop the raid. This is
one of a new set of Gory Stories from the very popular Terry Deary,
full of gruesome historical accuracy and terrible jokes. The series could
provide a useful route into fiction for fans of Horrible Histories. 9+
Scholastic
£4.99
De FOMBELLE, Timothee
Toby alone
ISBN 9781407108216
6
For thirteen-year-old Toby, who is only a millimetre-and-a-half tall, any
journey is an epic adventure into a world of monsters. This fantasy world
is used as the setting for an amusing and original ecological allegory, as
Toby observes our relationship with the environment in a way only a boy
his size can. With more than a nod towards Roald Dahl, the story
explores the thoughtless behaviour of a greedy individual who is set on
destroying the world for short-term profit. Printed on sustainable paper
with vegetable ink, the book’s important message never gets in the way
of a hugely enjoyable coming-of-age adventure. The humorous and
thoughtful text retains a feel for the original French and is beautifully
supported by Sarah Ardizzone’s evocative illustrations in this award-winning first half of a
two-part novel. 10+
Walker Books
3
£6.99
ISBN 9781406307269
GAIMAN, Neil
The graveyard book
7
Already the winner of two literary prizes, Neil Gaiman’s latest offering is a
wonderfully cinematic, original and haunting adventure. When baby
Bod’s family are brutally knifed to death, he is rescued, cared for and
educated by kindly spooks. The ghosts are more than a match when it
comes to protecting Bod from anything beyond the grave, but it is from
the land of the living that Bod has most to fear, as he confronts the
monster who murdered his family. In the adult edition, atmospheric
illustrations by award-winning artist Dave McKean add hugely to the
book’s cinematic appeal. The children’s edition contains equally stunning
illustrations by award-winner Chris Riddell. Destined to become a classic
and currently being adapted for the big screen. 10+
Bloomsbury
£7.99
Bloomsbury
£6.99
ISBN 9780747598626
(adult edition)
ISBN 9780747594802
(children’s edition)
GIBSON, Maggi
Seriously Sassy
8
The first title in a series that should prove popular, featuring strongminded eco-warrior Sassy, as she steps over the threshold of
adolescence and adds boys to her list of interests. Fired up by all things
environmental, Sassy just can’t keep quiet when she sees something ungreen – to the extent that her Dad is concerned she may affect his
fledgling career as a political candidate. Mixing green issues, music and
boys, this fast-paced story is bound to appeal to a wide range of girls.
10+
Puffin
£5.99
GORDON, John
Fen runners
ISBN 9780141324647
9
Based in the author’s native East Anglia, this story draws its inspiration
from the legends and mythology of that unique area to produce an
exciting and menacing mystery adventure set in a bleak winter
landscape. A dragon-like monster, believed to have been killed in
ancient times, is stalking the canals and waterways of the fens. Its
sinister followers, the Watchers, also prowl the area, looking for those
who threaten the monster. Friends Kit and Jenny are drawn together
by their special ability to see the sinister Watchers and to use ‘fen
runners’ – magic skates. Together they embark on a dangerous
journey over the frozen waterways to confront the ancient monster.
John Gordon has lost none of his talent for evoking legend, mythology and landscape in
this fantastically creepy and satisfying story. At only 136 pages this is a very accessible
read and the outstanding illustrations by award-winning artist Gary Blythe deftly support
the narrative. 10+
Orion Books
£6.99
ISBN 9781444000580
4
HADDON, Mark
Boom!
10
From the author of the highly acclaimed The curious incident of the
dog in the night-time this is an extremely accessible, action-packed
adventure with elements of science fiction – a little like John Wyndham
for younger readers. When Jim and his mate Charlie bug the staffroom
and overhear their most boringly straight teachers talking in a strange
language their suspicions are aroused and they begin to track their
movements. Thus begins an adventure involving kidnap, aliens and a
different planet, out of which they will be lucky to emerge unscathed.
All told in Haddon’s dry, accessible and humorous style which creates
a wonderfully imaginative adventure, with lots of appeal for both boys
and girls. 9+
David Fickling Books
£10.99
ISBN 9780385616294
HUTCHISON, Barry
Mr Mumbles
11
Kyle’s Christmas hits an all-time low when he starts hearing weird noises
from his attic. As the source of the noises becomes clear, he can’t quite
believe it - his imaginary childhood friend Mr Mumbles is back. But Mr
Mumbles doesn’t want to play – he wants to kill Kyle. Running for his life,
with only the mysterious Ameena to help him, Kyle must discover how to
beat a monster of his own creation – or is he just going mad? The first in
a new horror series called Invisible Fiends, this is a rollercoaster thriller
that delivers scare after scare – children of a more sensitive disposition
should steer well clear! 10+
HarperCollins
£5.99
ISBN 9780007315154
IBBOTSON, Eva
The dragonfly pool
12
A lovely read with the feel of a traditional children’s story, this novel
would be most suited to keen readers and lovers of school stories. The
extremely able and practical Tally is sent to Delderton Hall on a
scholarship during the outbreak of World War II. Expecting a traditional
boarding school, she initially struggles with its progressive values and
encouragement to be free of all the usual structures of school, but soon
learns to value its eccentricities. It is when she becomes involved in a
school visit to the kingdom of Bergania that the adventure really starts,
with the noble king fighting the encroaching German army and internal
traitors, and the young prince of Bergania looking for a friend. 10+
Macmillan
5
£5.99
ISBN 9780330456357
IMPEY, Rose
6 feet deep
13
Thirteen-year-old Jordan and his two best friends each think their own
family is the most embarrassing. But surely Jordan’s mum’s decision to
be buried six feet underground for five months to win a world record must
take some beating. With only a couple of weeks to go before his mum
emerges from her living tomb, Jordan’s life is falling apart – his family is
divided, he’s a laughing stock among his peers, his eczema has flared
up, he’s having nightmares and he’s constantly in trouble at school. With
his friends too wrapped up in their own troubles to be interested in his,
Jordan feels utterly miserable and alone, so when his mum announces
she is to extend her time underground by another ten days, his
simmering resentment boils over. Set in Leicester, this is a heart-warming and involving
story, with sympathetic and believable characters, that will appeal to boys and girls of 10+.
Orchard Books
£5.99
ISBN 9781846162855
JOYCE, Graham
The devil’s ladder
14
A girl from a rough state school and a boy from a posh private school
reluctantly form a friendship when they discover that they both suffer
from disturbing dreams and can see things that no-one else can. With
help from a mysterious old lady with secrets of her own, the pair become
embroiled in a conflict with a sinister demon and are soon fighting for
their lives. Chilling in tone and with authentically written characters, this
spooky thriller is an effective bridge towards more scary fare from the
likes of Darren Shan, and there is definite scope for a sequel. 10+
Faber and Faber
£6.99
LAKE, Nick
The secret ministry of frost
ISBN 9780571242474
15
A fast-paced, and often quite violent, mystery adventure by this new
author, set initially in Northern Ireland, but mainly in the Arctic, and
drawing on Inuit mythology. Teenager Light, with the help of a vengeful
family ghost, a raven god (masquerading as her butler), and a sharkheaded man, confront monster bears, killer zombies and the frozen heart
of the Arctic itself to rescue her scientist father. In the process, she
solves the mystery of the fate that befell the 1854 John Franklin Arctic
expedition. Light intelligently uses the Dewey Decimal Classification
system as a starting point to solve the mystery of her father’s
disappearance! This is a well-written and wonderfully original tale that is
perfectly resolved (no sequel in sight). Excerpts from newspaper cuttings and computer
blogs add to its appeal. 10+
Simon and Schuster
£6.99
ISBN 9781847383099
6
LINGARD, Joan
What to do about Holly
16
Holly is extremely embarrassed when her mother puts her on the train to
Edinburgh in the care of a complete stranger. Fortunately the stranger, a
children’s author, is kind and responsible, so when Holly’s father is not
there to meet her at the other end, she takes the distraught girl home
with her. As all attempts to track down Holly’s parents draw a blank, and
Holly is desperate not to be taken into care, she and the author’s family
resign themselves to spending the school holidays together. Holly, used
to fending for herself, can’t help comparing the kindness she is
experiencing with her life at home in Glasgow, yet all she can think of is
being reunited with the mother who has apparently abandoned her. A
sensitively written and all-too-believable story which explores the effects of neglect on
children. 9+
Catnip Books
£5.99
ISBN 9781846470905
LLEWELLYN, Sam
The well between the worlds
17
Mythology and allegory are used to dramatic affect in this radical reworking of the Arthurian legend with a neat ecological twist. While there
are familiar elements from the legend, such as the sword in the stone
and Merlin the magician, this series offers a total re-imagining of the
ancient British kingdom. The kingdom of Lionesse is under threat from a
rising and contaminated sea, caused by wizards catching monsters from
deep wells and burning them as fuel. In this first title in the series, Idris
Limpet, who is training to become a monster groom and knight, comes to
question the damage the greed and befouling is doing to the beautiful
land and its people, and who is benefiting. 10+
Scholastic
£6.99
ISBN 9781407102405
McGANN, Oisin
The evil eye
18
Balor, King of the Formorians is feared by all who hear his name, due to
his enormous right eye. Any person who looks into the open eye is
instantly killed. When Balor is told by a witch that one of his
grandchildren will kill him, he tries to drown them. One of them, Lug,
survives and grows up vowing to rid the world of the evil Balor. But how
can he do this without putting his own life in serious danger? Taken from
an old Irish legend, this is a fantastic story with gory battle scenes and
gruesome characters aplenty. Ideal for a reluctant reader, particularly as
it uses language with a reading age of 8 and some awesome illustrations
to complement the plot. 10+
Barrington Stoke
7
£5.99
ISBN 9781842996317
MITCHELHILL, Barbara
Dangerous diamonds
19
Twins Harry and Charlie are in trouble. Dad has gone missing and they
suspect his disappearance is linked to the small box with the secret
compartment stuffed with diamonds that they found in his study. When
they go home to find their house ransacked, they turn to Edina, one of
their dad’s closest friends for help. But they don’t realise that she is
involved in the diamond smuggling, along with a gang of extremely evil
and dangerous criminals, who don’t hesitate to use guns and exhibit
violent behaviour. Can they rescue their dad without ending up in deep
trouble? A thrilling adventure story with twists and turns throughout and
elements of real danger. 10+
Andersen Press
£4.99
ISBN 9781842709788
MORPURGO, Michael
Running wild
20
Will and his mother take a holiday in her native Indonesia after his father
is killed in Iraq. Riding an elephant is a long-cherished dream but Oona
the elephant has other ideas when, sensing the approaching tsunami,
she bolts into the jungle. At first the rampaging elephant is oblivious to
the equally terrified boy clinging to her back but, as she eventually calms
down, and Will comes to terms with the realisation that he is probably
now an orphan, the two develop an increasingly close bond, with Oona
becoming both friend and mother to the grieving boy. Michael Morpurgo
is on top form with this exciting and moving story, in which the love
between boy and elephant permeates every page. Unputdownable. 9+
HarperCollins
£6.99
NORRIS, Andrew
Ctrl-Z
ISBN 9780007267026
21
For his birthday, Alex is given an old laptop computer by his eccentric
godfather John. Initially he is far from excited, his previous surprise
birthday presents having included a kit for making explosions and two
wild ferrets. However, as Alex and his friend Callum soon discover, the
old computer is far more useful than they first thought. It can take them
back in time and they are able to erase any scrapes they get into by
pressing Ctrl-Z. This is very funny and original stuff from Andrew Norris,
with a subtle moral message on the nature of making mistakes. 9+
Puffin
£4.99
ISBN 9780141324296
8
OPIE, Robyn
Black Baron
22
Jake’s hygiene-loving parents are being very unreasonable. His mum
has discovered his champion racing cockroach, Black Baron, under his
bed and hit the roof. Black Baron has escaped but Jake’s dad has called
in the exterminators. How can Jake save his beloved cockroach from
certain death? An accessible and amusing short story in the Lightning
Strikes series which will appeal to bug-loving boys of 9+.
Walker Books
£4.99
ISBN 9781406322163
SUZUMA, Tabitha
Without looking back
23
Usually a writer for older readers, Tabitha Suzuma has created a novel
that is well suited to a younger audience. It is the story of three siblings
who become part of a tug-of-war between their divorced parents. Taken
on what they believe to be a surprise holiday by their father, their
emotional reactions when they realise that they have in fact been
kidnapped are deftly handled and very believable. Torn between the
stability of their old life in Paris, with a busy and emotionally distant
mother, and a different life in England with new identities, and a very
loving but slightly chaotic father, they are asked to choose. This is a
heartfelt book, full of both adventure and emotional twists, which raises
some difficult questions. 10+
Random House
£5.99
ISBN 9780552560009
WALLIAMS, David
The boy in the dress
24
Quirky, amusing and full of fun, this very different title delves into the life
of 12-year-old Dennis. Living a very ordinary life, Dennis manages to be
different, and as well as being a first class football player, his thoughts
become full of a love of fashion and fabrics after a random purchase of
Vogue magazine. Becoming friendly with the super cool and beautiful
Lisa, who encourages him to dress in her handmade, amazing clothes,
he goes to school in a dress. Beautifully observed, and packed with lively
Quentin Blake illustrations, this is a book to make the reader think about
what it is to be ‘normal’ and the upside of daring to be different. 9+
HarperCollins
9
£6.99
ISBN 9780007279043
WALSH, Pat
The Crowfield curse
25
This is a medieval fantasy mystery set in a wintry England that is still
beset by the magical and the supernatural. Fourteen-year-old Will is
employed as a servant in the atmospheric and spooky Crowfield Abbey
since the death of his parents. On his daily round of collecting firewood
he discovers a Hob (a speaking fox-like creature not everyone can see).
The Hob has been cruelly trapped and left to die and Will saves his life.
As the Hob recovers, with the help of the saintly Brother Snail, Will
begins to unravel a sinister religious secret the Abbot and the mysterious
visiting leper Jacobus Bone wish to keep hidden. New writer Pat Walsh
has produced a page-turning historical story that has a real sense of
menace as the power of good competes with dark forces. Shortlisted in 2008 for the Times
Children’s Fiction Competition, this is a terrific story full of intriguing characters. 10+
Chicken House
£6.99
ISBN 9781906427153
WEST, Jane A. C.
Cliff edge
26
Danny has always wondered if he would be brave – or foolhardy –
enough to free climb solo – that is alone with no ropes or safety gear.
When his friend Cristo misses his footing and falls down a sheer cliff
face, he has the chance to find out, risking his life in a treacherous climb
to get help. An exciting short story in the Solo series for reluctant and
less able readers of 10+.
Barrington Stoke
£5.99
ISBN 9781842996102
Other Key Stage 2/3 recommendations
These are titles that we haven’t reviewed on our website but are well
worth a read:
ARDAGH, Philip
Stinking rich and just plain stinky
A bizarre and ridiculous tale of Grubtown and the repulsive Manual Org - squirm to your
heart's content!
Faber and Faber
£4.99
ISBN 9780571242320
BIRDSALL, Jeanne
The Penderwicks on Gardam Street
Adventures and mayhem as the Penderwick sisters have to deal with their dad dating
again.
Corgi Books
£4.99
ISBN 9780440868408
10
CASSIDY, Cathy
Ginger snaps
Best mates falling out – familiar problem? Of course, it's over a boy!
Puffin
£5.99
ISBN 9780141322124
CHANCELLOR, Henry
The museum's secret
A readable and exciting adventure worthy of Indiana Jones.
Oxford U.P.
£6.99
ISBN 9780192720849
DHAMI, Narinder
Hannah’s secret
Hannah's scored with a place in the local girls' football team - shame about her pushy dad
and horrible half-sister. First in a new series from the author of Bindi Babes and Bend It
Like Beckham.
Orchard Books
£5.99
ISBN 9781408304211
FUNKE, Cornelia
Inkdeath
Ever since the extraordinary events of Inkspell, when the story of Inkheart magically drew
Meggie, Mo and Dustfinger back into its pages, life in the Inkworld has been far from easy.
Chicken House
£7.99
ISBN 9781905294848
HIGGINS, F. E.
The bone magician
Paraqual (action takes place at the same time) as The Black Book of Secrets.
Macmillan
£5.99
ISBN 9780330444828
JONES, Gareth P.
The Thornthwaite inheritance
A humorous gothic novel featuring twins with a deadly rivalry, mysterious deaths, a fortune
to be inherited and any amount of dodgy dealings.
Bloomsbury
£5.99
ISBN 9780747599821
KING, Caro
Seven sorcerers
When Nin's little brother Toby tells her there's something horrid in the cellar she doesn't
believe him, and then Toby disappears... Join Nin as she searches a strange and terrifying
new land to find him.
Quercus Publishing
£6.99
ISBN 9781849161558
MORPURGO, Michael and CARLIN, Laura
The kites are flying
A British journalist in the West Bank finds a ray of hope when he befriends a shepherd boy
and sees the magic that his kites can create. An uplifting tale of hope in a land blighted by
war and violence.
Walker Books
£7.99
ISBN 9781406317985
MYERS, Benjamin J.
Strange energy
Chess and her two brothers go on a dangerous mission to find children stolen by the
Twisted Symmetry. The second in this exciting sci-fi series.
Orion Books
£6.99
ISBN 9781842556405
11
NICHOLLS, Sally
Season of secrets
A girl grieving for her mother has a life-changing encounter with a mysterious figure. A
haunting story of loss, magic and healing.
Marion Lloyd Books
£6.99
ISBN 9781407105130
PRIESTLEY, Chris
Tales of terror from the Black Ship
Two children spend a stormy night in the company of a strange sailor who tells them grisly
tales.
Bloomsbury
£6.99
ISBN 9780747589860
ROBSON, Mark
Dragon Orb: Longfang
Third in a series of a dragon quests, this time to find the third orb. Can Longfang save the
leader from certain death?
Simon and Schuster
£6.99
ISBN 9781847380708
ROSS, Stewart
The cry of the wolf and other stories
Fantastic winners of the World Book Day competition for children and young people - can
YOU write like this?
Evans
£3.99
ISBN 9780237538231
SKELTON, Matthew
The story of Cirrus Flux
Cirrus Flux faces a perilous journey through the dirty backstreets of London as a sinister
mesmerist, a tiny man with an all-seeing eye, and a skull-collecting scoundrel pursue him.
Puffin
£6.99
ISBN 9780141320373
SPARKES, Ali
Dark summer
A boy befriends a mysterious girl who he discovers in some underground caves. But who
(or what) is she?
Oxford U.P.
£5.99
ISBN 9780192710987
ST. JOHN, Lauren
The last leopard
In the third in this outstanding series of African adventures, Martine and Ben must use all
their skills to save a rare leopard.
Orion Books
£6.99
ISBN 9781842556672
STANTON, Andy
The story of Matthew Buzzington
Matthew Buzzington has an amazing power - he can turn into a fly. It's just that he's never
actually done it yet. But when he gets trapped in a room by two robbers, he knows it's now
or never!
Barrington Stoke
£4.99
ISBN 9781842996331
12
Key Stage 3
ABDEL-FATTAH, Randa
Where the streets had a name
27
Hayaat is a strong, courageous thirteen-year-old who has suffered a
traumatic attack, which killed her best friend and left her own face terribly
scarred. Not only that, her family have been forcibly displaced from their
roots in Jerusalem to a new, smaller home in Bethlehem because of the
Israeli occupation. Her grandmother constantly laments her wish to feel
the soil of her homeland, so Hayaat decides to go with her friend Samy
on the dangerous journey to bring her a jar full of soil. On the way, they
meet various people who all have their own stories to tell. Can they make
it through the checkpoints without the right papers? In this powerful story
of a family’s survival in a war-torn Middle East, the repercussions of the
Palestinian/ Israeli conflict on the characters’ lives are poignantly and emotively described
but the author manages to lace the gravity of the message with a gentle touch of humour.
Compelling, thought-provoking and moving. 12+
Marion Lloyd Books
£6.99
ISBN 9781407112145
ANDERSON, Laurie Halse
Chains
28
A beautifully-written historical novel set during the American War of
Independence. Thirteen-year-old Isabel and her young disabled sister
Ruth are slaves owned by evil New York ‘Tories’ Mr and Mrs Lockton.
When Ruth is sold, Isabel is horribly branded for insolence. The
American fight for political freedom is nicely juxtaposed with the plight of
the two child slaves. This first part of a powerful and heartfelt work ends
with Isabel escaping from New York to find her sister. 11+
Oxford U.P.
£6.99
CRAIGIE, Emma
Chocolate cake with Hitler
ISBN 9780747598060
29
This is a fascinating and well written exploration of the short life of the
eldest daughter of Hitler’s propaganda minister Josef Goebbels. The
novel presents an innocent child’s view of the leading figures within the
Nazi Party, presented to the world as monsters, but in actual fact all too
human. The parallels to Anne Frank’s diary are obvious even though
this is not written in diary format and the action moves effortless through
the significant events during Helga’s life. The main events take place
during the last days of the Second World War trapped in the
claustrophobic world of Hitler’s Berlin bunker. The end of Helga’s
twelve-year-old life and that of the other trapped children is no more
tragic for its inevitability. 12+
Short Books
13
£6.99
ISBN 9781906021894
De QUIDT, Jeremy
The toymaker
30
A real lie-detecting doll, a toymaker with ‘a blade as cruel as frost’ and a
story to scare even the bravest reader. Mathias, the grandson of a
conjurer in a travelling circus, finds a secret note sewn into his dying
grandad’s coat. From that moment on, his life is in serious danger and
he has to escape from the evil circus master and his wife who are
threatening to kill him. On his trail is Doctor Leiter and his malevolent
sidekick Valter, who are out to stop him in any way they can. Mathias
meets various people who either help or hinder his escape and he
endures much serious injury along the way. The secret they are all
pursuing is well worth waiting for! With terrifyingly convincing characters
and suitably sinister illustrations, this is an outstanding first novel. Dark, nightmarish and
frighteningly brilliant. 11+
David Fickling Books
£5.99
ISBN 9781849920049
DHAMI, Narinder
Bang, bang, you’re dead
31
Mia and her twin brother Jamie have a tough existence. Their mother
suffers from bi-polar disorder and refuses to take her medication, which
results in their lives being filled with uncertainty and fear. Mia is terrified
that Jamie is going to do something dangerous to force their mother to
seek help. Her fears are realised when she arrives at school to hear
Jamie utter the words ‘I’m going to make everyone sit up and notice,
including mum’. The rest of this awesome thriller is Mia’s account of the
following two hours as she attempts to find out if the gunman holding a
class hostage in the school is actually Jamie. With genuinely palpable
tension, an action-packed plot and a shocking twist, this is an
outstanding novel. 11+
Corgi Books
£5.99
ISBN 9780552560436
DONALDSON, Julia
Running on the cracks
32
Fourteen-year-old Leo has run away from her aunt and uncle’s home in
Bristol, hoping to trace her Chinese father’s estranged family in Glasgow.
Her musician parents have been killed in a plane crash and she can no
longer live with her uncle due to his creepy behaviour. In Glasgow, she
takes refuge with the kind and funny, but mentally frail, Mary and teams
up with 12-year-old Finlay, who is in plenty of trouble himself. Fastpaced, touching and funny, the author’s first novel for teenagers
convincingly explores themes such as cultural difference, teenage
runaways, mental illness and sexual abuse. A satisfying read for 12+.
Egmont
£6.99
ISBN 9781405222334
14
ENTHOVEN, Sam
Tim: Defender of the Earth
33
Tim and Chris are both fourteen. Chris is unhappy because he's not
accepted by the cool kids at school. Tim is worried because he's a onehundred-metre-tall genetically engineered tyrannosaur and the British
government is trying to kill him. Together Tim and Chris must fight to
stop a demented scientist and his voracious swarm of nanobots from
destroying all life on Earth. This delightfully over-the-top adventure is an
energetic mix of mysticism and science fiction, punctuated by epic bouts
of destruction, as virtually all of London's major landmarks are reduced
to dust. Hopefully the surprisingly endearing Tim will return to defend the
Earth against further threats! 11+
Corgi Books
£5.99
ISBN 9780552553599
FORSYTH, Kate
The puzzle ring
34
A tale of magic and adventure, friendship and centuries-old enmity, in
which Hannah encounters a world of fairies and the darker side of life.
Hannah has moved, with her mother, from Australia to visit her long lost,
ailing grandmother in Scotland, where she becomes involved in a quest
to break the curse that has haunted her family for generations and
removed her father from her life when she was only two days old.
Travelling back to the time of Mary, Queen of Scots, she and her friends
race to find the four pieces of the puzzle ring, hunted by evil from under
the fairy hill. Fast paced and very readable. 11+
Scholastic
£6.99
GATES, Susan
Killer Croc
ISBN 9781407102849
35
When cool teenager Levi tries to rescue his beloved peaked cap from the
river, he is blooded and dragged into to a killer crocodile’s rancid den.
Fortunately crocodiles only eat rotten meat so Levi is left to rot. He
escapes the crocodile only to be attacked by a poisonous green mamba
snake. Set in Africa, this exciting, slightly gory adventure in the Solo
series is suitable for the less able or reluctant reader. 12+
Barrington Stoke
15
£5.99
ISBN 9781842996348
GIBBONS, Alan
Moving on
36
Minty is a teenage Romany Traveller who is at a crossroads in her life.
She wants to do well at school, but sometimes she can't see the point
because of all the discrimination she has to tolerate from both staff and
students. What's the best route for her to take so she can make
something of her life but also stay true to a way of life that she loves?
This story has an explicit agenda to correct many of the assumptions that
people make about Travellers and to enlighten its audience about their
history and cultural contributions. It achieves this admirably and also
shows that the dilemmas faced by Minty are very similar to those faced
by other, non-Traveller teenagers. 12+
Barrington Stoke
£5.99
ISBN 9781842996171
HADDIX, Margaret Peterson
Found
37
New series The Missing starts with intrigue in this first title, as a plane
carrying thirty-six babies and no adults touches down at an airport.
Thirteen years later, adopted teenager Jonah gets mysterious letters
claiming that he is one of The Missing, and that ‘they’ are coming back to
get him. The mystery involves an FBI cover-up and some serious
sleuthing as Jonah, his sister Katherine and friend Chip start a desperate
hunt to discover the secret of the boys’ identities. An enjoyable mystery
with elements of science fiction, this promises to be a popular series. 12+
Hodder
£5.99
ISBN 9780340970669
HALE, Shannon
The book of a thousand days
38
Lady Saren’s father is furious when she refuses to marry Lord Khasar
and locks her and her maid Dashti in a tower, with enough food to last
them for seven years and only rats for company. Lady Saren has
promised herself to Khan Tegus, and is heartbroken that she cannot
marry him. Dashti is a Mucker, who has the ability to heal through song
and, although she tries to mend her lady’s broken heart, she realises she
is powerless against Lord Khasar. Can they escape before he comes to
take her? Told through the medium of Dashti’s diary, this is a beautiful,
compelling fairy story, full of adventure, love and terror. 11+
Bloomsbury
£6.99
ISBN 9780747597810
16
HAMLEY, Dennis
Coming in to land
39
Set during the Second World War as fourteen-year-old Air Training
Corps cadet Jack is being assessed as a possible future RAF pilot.
Jack has to prove himself by flying a glider solo to the exacting standard
set by Sergeant Pirbright. While the setting is historical, the message of
a young person being allowed and expected to rise to a challenge is as
relevant today as in 1943. Part of the Shades series aimed at reluctant
or less able readers, this short story is inspirational. 12+
Evans
£4.99
ISBN 9780237539498
HEARN, Julie
Rowan the strange
40
As the Second World War breaks out thirteen-year-old Rowan loses
control and gives into the sinister demands of "the Voice". His concerned
family have him committed to a lunatic asylum, unaware that the staff are
performing experimental electroconvulsive therapy. Julie Hearn creates
an unusually complex impression of life in the asylum, with both negative
and positive effects deftly handled. Of particular merit is her portrayal of
Doctor von Metzer, a German doctor who is in charge of the
electroconvulsive therapy. Declining the xenophobic stereotyping of the
time, Hearn creates an increasingly sympathetic character that develops
a crucial positive relationship with Rowan. Rowan's fellow "test cases"
are similarly well-written, creating a lively environment that allows for moments of
exceptional beauty. 11+
Oxford U.P.
£6.99
KELLEHER, Damian
Life, interrupted
ISBN 9780192729200
41
A novel of family life, warm and humorous and with a serious subject
beautifully handled. Luke, 14, and his football-crazy younger brother
have the securities of their life challenged when their single-parent Mum
is discovered to be seriously ill. They each have to cope, in their own
ways, with this knowledge and an unsympathetic new carer in their
home. Eventually their uncle comes to the rescue, but this involves them
confronting the knowledge that he is gay, an issue that the author
introduces and deals with both naturally and easily. Throughout the
book, the portrayal of relationships is both lively and sensitive, as the
boys’ fears and understanding develop. A good read. 12+
Piccadilly Press
17
£6.99
ISBN 9781848120037
McKENZIE, Sophie
The set-up
42
Watching the girl of his dreams flirt with someone else, Nico suddenly
unlocks his dormant psychic powers and realises that he can move
objects with his mind. Then he finds out that his stepdad knows all about
it – and he’s not the only one. As Nico rapidly discovers that his powers
cause more problems than they solve, he must try and fix the chaotic
mess his life is becoming, with the help of others like him. This is an
exciting and highly readable start to a new series, with each book told
from the perspective of a different member of The Medusa Project. The
mix of typical teen dilemmas with the struggle to control special abilities
should make this a hit in the vein of the TV show Heroes. 12+
Simon and Schuster
£6.99
ISBN 9781847385253
OWEN, Joanne
Puppet master
43
Set in Prague in 1898, Joanne Owen’s first novel draws on Czech
folklore and legend to create a story that is spooky, sinister and gothicly
dark. The story centres on Milena, a young girl whose parents ran
Prague's most prestigious puppet theatre. She was orphaned when her
mother vanished, presumed dead, at the same time her father died in
suspicious circumstances. The book opens as a new puppet theatre
comes to town, run by the sinister Puppet Master, who is able to pull the
strings of people as easily as he controls his puppets. There's something
particularly terrifying about puppets that come to life, and people who act
like puppets under the control of others. Beautifully supported by suitably
dark and slightly surreal illustrations Joanne Owen has produced a fascinatingly original
allegorical adventure for young people. 12+
Orion Books
£6.99
ISBN 9781842556207
POE, Edgar Allan
Tales of death and dementia
44
American artist Gris Grimley has produced a darkly gothic and richly
illustrated retelling of four of Poe’s horror stories. These short, sinister
and perverse tales are wonderfully presented as an amalgam of
graphic novel and text that give a real flavour of the original. The
fantastic illustrations are as weird and shocking as the stories
themselves and provide the perfect celebration of the two-hundredth
anniversary of Poe’s birth. 12+
Simon and Schuster
£10.99
ISBN 9781847386472
18
SCARROW, Alex
Timeriders
45
Saved from certain death at different points in history, three teenagers
are recruited to become TimeRiders. Their job is to detect changes in
history made by other time travellers, then go back and prevent those
changes being made. Their first mission: to prevent a madman from
helping the Nazis to win the Second World War and trigger a global
Armageddon. Straddling a wide range of times and places, including a
desolate 2066 and Nazi America in 1956, this adventure is exciting and
highly readable, with mostly bite-size chapters in the vein of Dan Brown.
While unable to entirely avoid the inherent paradoxes and dodgy
science of time travel, it nevertheless remains highly entertaining. 12+
Puffin
£6.99
SEDGWICK, Marcus
Revolver
ISBN 9780141326924
46
The day his father dies out on the ice, Sig is visited by a stranger who is
demanding his share of his father’s gold - of which Sig knows nothing.
During the Yukon Gold Rush, Sig's father had made an unwilling deal
with the Devil in the shape of Mr Wolff, Sig’s mysterious stranger. The
deal involved the two men stealing gold but Sig’s father had cheated Mr
Wolff out of his share. The story builds to a brutal climax of biblical
proportions as Sig and his sister Anna escape Mr Wolff and discover the
mystery of their father’s share of the gold. Set in Northern Canada and
Sweden, this superior mystery is beautifully presented with illustrated
clues to the violent conclusion at the start of each short chapter. A
hugely original and thrilling allegory that could be read by an able nine-year-old, but its
content makes it more suitable for an older audience. 11+
Orion Books
£6.99
SILLIFANT, Alec
Chaos unleashed
ISBN 9781444000054
47
Chaos is the codename of Jake Highfield, a fourteen-year-old student in
a secret school for teenage spies. For fans of the Alex Rider or Young
James Bond series, this is a darker, more violent, and perhaps more
believable, secret world. The female appeal of attractive computer ace
Angel Dunn should broaden the readership of this first title in the series.
Although long, this is a very fast-paced story, with a head-spinning
number of twists and turns to keep the reader hooked and plenty of nifty
gadgets for espionage fans. 12+
Meadowside
19
£6.99
ISBN 9781845393489
SMELCER, John
The great death
48
An exciting historical novel set in the Alaskan wilderness, when the First
Nations were making friendly contact with white colonists, resulting in the
introduction of diseases previously unknown to the indigenous people.
When everyone in their village dies horribly from smallpox, thirteen-yearold Millie and her ten-year-old sister Maura embark on a desperate trek
in the depths of winter to find a settlement free from illness. This wellwritten adventure, based on real events, illuminates a little-known aspect
of North American history. The author is himself one of the last speakers
of the Ahtma Athabaken language and each chapter is headed by an
example of the language and of Native American mythology mirroring the girls’ epic
journey. 11+
Andersen Press
£5.99
ISBN 9781842709191
STROUD, Jonathan
Heroes of the valley
49
Halli has grown up in awe of the tales of the heroes of the valley,
particularly his ancestor Svein. However, he is constrained by social
convention and stands little chance of emulating Svein until his uncle’s
murder gives him the opportunity to embark on a quest for vengeance.
But Halli finds that being a hero is not at all what he thought it would be.
This coming of age fantasy adventure is vibrantly written with elements
of humour and suspense expertly interwoven. Beyond that it addresses
some important issues about the positive and negative impact of legends
and the futility of revenge. For those looking for a meaty, satisfying
stand-alone fantasy adventure then look no further! 11+
Doubleday
£6.99
ISBN 9780552557931
VOAKE, Steve
Blood hunters
50
After his scientific expedition returns to England from Mexico, Joe
McDonald’s father is arrested for the murder of a colleague. A number of
brutal, bloody and savage attacks have baffled the police, who are
unaware that something primeval has been smuggled back from Mexico
and is living in the sewers, seeking out its victims through their toilets!
Joe and his friend Giles surmise that these terrifying attacks are
somehow linked to Joe’s father’s arrest, so set out for Mexico, both to
prove his innocence and to find out what really was discovered in the
world’s deepest lake. This is an action-packed and often gruesome
adventure that explores the dark side of scientific discovery. 11+
Faber and Faber
£6.99
ISBN 9780571230013
20
WEBB, Sarah
Boy trouble (Amy Green, teen agony queen)
51
Number one in a new girly teen series, this has the usual elements of
divorced parents, step-families, new babies, best friend fall-outs and first
love. An easy and life-affirming read, plenty of teenagers will identify with
the main character Amy as she struggles with her families, falls out with
her best mate over the cool but shallow crowd and falls for sensitive emo
Seth – all whilst helping out her crazy seventeen-year-old aunt, who’s
landed a new job as an agony aunt on a teen magazine but needs Amy’s
help. Lots of fun, some laugh-out-loud moments, and sensible thoughts
on teenage life. 12+
Walker Books
£5.99
ISBN 9781406316919
Other Key Stage 3 recommendations
These are titles that we haven’t reviewed on our website but are well
worth a read:
ASHLEY, Bernard
No way to go
Amber needs to discover the truth when her brother falls to his death from their tower
block.
Orchard Books
£5.99
ISBN 9781408302392
BUTLER, Charles
Hand of blood
After a horrific accident Meg loses her hand but is given another one - the hand of a dead
girl. But this hand has plans of its own – this hand wants revenge...
Barrington Stoke
£5.99
ISBN 9781842996652
CHOLDENKO, Gennifer
Al Capone shines my shoes
The second title to feature Moose Flanagan and his friends on Alcatraz, following the
Carnegie Medal shortlisted Al Capone Does My Shirts.
Bloomsbury
£6.99
ISBN 9781408801550
GORDON, Frederick and WILLIAMS, Brian
Freefall
Frightening and bloody. The third title in the Tunnels series.
Chicken House
£6.99
ISBN 9781906427054
HOROWITZ, Anthony
Necropolis
Episode four in this outstanding supernatural horror series.
Walker Books
£6.99
ISBN 9781406321081
LANGRISH, Katherine
Dark angels
Excitement, mystery and magic set in the dark, brooding landscape of Wales.
HarperCollins
£6.99
ISBN 9780007214891
21
MALLEY, Gemma
The resistance
Anna and Peter have been confirmed as Legals but danger is just around the corner when
Peter decides to infiltrate the evil Pincent Pharma Corporation. There he learns the horrific
truth behind the Longevity drugs.... The tense and exciting sequel to The Declaration.
Bloomsbury
£6.99
ISBN 9780747587729
RICHARDS, Justin
The parliament of blood
When an ancient mummy is released Victorian London falls prey to a horde of vicious
vampires. An exhilarating adventure!
Faber and Faber
£6.99
ISBN 9780571236916
ROONEY, Anne
Rising tide
Set in the near future, Chris has to make a choice to help a refugee running away from a
country destroyed by climate change.
Evans
£4.99
ISBN 9780237539481
ROSE, Malcolm
Forbidden island
Imagine - an island in the middle of nowhere that's not on a map. A dangerous thriller.
Usborne
£5.99
ISBN 9780746098639
STROUD, Jonathan
The ghost of Shadow Vale
Evil Glam, slaughtered by a mysterious monster, returns to haunt the living...
Barrington Stoke
£5.99
ISBN 9781842997055
SWINDELLS, Robert
The first hunter
A tribe of prehistoric people invent the bow and arrow enabling themselves to hunt for
meat.
Barrington Stoke
£5.99
ISBN 9781842996980
WALKER, Mike
Bad company
When Danny goes to Indonesia to stay with his Chinese father, he stumbles upon piracy
and people smuggling.
Andersen Press
£5.99
ISBN 9781842709108
WOODING, Chris
Malice
Don't summon Tall Jake to come and get you or you'll live to regret it! Part novel, part
comic, this is seriously scary and it won't let you go until you've been to Malice and back.
Scholastic
£6.99
ISBN 9781407103945
WOODWARD, Kay
Jane Airhead
Charlotte wants a romantic hero for her mother.
Andersen Press
£5.99
ISBN 9781842709764
22
Key Stage 3/4
ALLEN-GRAY, Alison
Lifegame
52
Fella and his friend Grebe have grown up on an island, in a sinister,
authoritarian society where a person’s allocated grade determines their
quality of life. Fella’s mother died soon after he was born and, when he
finds her diary, it becomes apparent that she was murdered and that
everything about the world they live in is a lie. This knowledge puts the
two friends in mortal danger but also enables them to escape to the
mainland, which they had been led to believe was destroyed years
before in a bio-chemical attack. Desperate to retain their newfound
freedom long enough to find out why the island state was created and its
miserable population isolated from the rest of the world, Fella and Grebe
now play a cat-and-mouse game with their evil pursuer. A tense and thought-provoking
read for 12+.
Oxford U.P.
£6.99
ISBN 9780192728432
BROOKS, Kevin
Killing God
53
Dawn is a fiercely independent teenager, but her attitude is covering up a
dark secret. Her mum has become an alcoholic, emotionally disengaged
from the world. Her dad left two years ago, after he too became a drunk,
found God, then did something unspeakable. Inexplicably befriended by
two girls from school, Dawn is forced to face up to the horrors of the past
– with tragic consequences. Intensely written with a shocking climax, this
story is less about killing God and more about confronting your own
demons, and the reader is inexorably drawn into all the darkest and
quirkiest corners of Dawn’s mind. 13+
Penguin
£6.99
CABOT, Meg
Airhead
ISBN 9780141319124
54
In this engaging and very readable girlie teen novel, Em spends most of
her leisure time with good friend Christopher, computer gaming
constantly and dissing the predominant ‘It’ girl preoccupations of most of
her classmates. But Em wakes up in hospital after a freak accident to
discover that she has become her most despised life form – a
supermodel. Advances in science have allowed the expensive but
successful use of brain transplants – and the brain death of the world’s
most famous model at the same time as her own bodily death has
allowed her to live. And now she has to live the life to ensure her parents
aren’t sued for the cost of the operation… 12+
Macmillan
23
£6.99
ISBN 9780330453820
CASSIDY, Anne
Getting away with it
55
When sixteen-year-old Mark and his girlfriend miss the last bus home
on a wintry night, it seems so easy to steal a car from the pub car park.
Enjoying the fast drive, Mark hits a deer on a dark country road and
Katie, who isn’t wearing a seat belt, is thrown through the windscreen.
He panics and leaves her for dead, but later discovers that she would
have lived if he’d called an ambulance. With friends and family
accepting his alibi, he hopes he can leave that terrible night behind.
Then he starts receiving text messages from the dead Katie… A short
ghost story with a message, ideal for reluctant readers. 12+
Barrington Stoke
£5.99
ISBN 9781842996577
CHADDA, Sarwat
Devil's kiss
56
Billi is a half-Muslim, half-Christian girl who is facing an initiation into the
Knights Templar. The price of entry is killing someone who is possessed
- in Billi's case, a six-year-old boy. Having passed through this ‘ordeal’,
Billi has many more to contend with, including growing resentment
towards her father, her mixed feelings about her psychic best friend and
the insane Angel of Death, who is embarking on a blood-soaked mission
to re-enter Heaven. The mix of supernatural, gothic horror with the
romantic dilemmas of a strong-willed heroine should endear this book to
Twilight fans, and the gloriously gory array of creatures bodes well for
further entries in the series. 12+
Puffin
£5.99
ISBN 9780141325873
CHAMBERS, Clare
Bright girls
57
Two sisters, Rachel and Robyn, are sent away to Brighton for the summer
after their family is targeted by animal rights activists. Robyn, who sees
herself as ‘the plain and sensible one’ feels obliged to stop her older sister
from making her usual mistakes with money and boys. But, during this
eventful summer, both girls’ perceptions of themselves and the world
around them are challenged and their lives are threatened more than
once. While this is primarily a very readable and often humorous
examination of the sisters’ relationship and how they get on with their aunt
and others they meet in Brighton, there are also a couple of intriguing
mysteries which are very satisfyingly wrapped up in the last few chapters.
A perfect summer read! 12+
HarperCollins
£5.99
ISBN 9780007307272
24
COLLINS, B. R.
The traitor game
58
This energising and exciting new writer has managed her debut novel
beautifully, with this exceptional fantasy that weaves modern teenage
school life with escapist imaginings of a different, parallel and almost
medieval world. The internal flight to imaginary Evgard is a lifeline for
Michael, cruelly bullied at his previous school and distrustful of his peers.
When the intriguing Francis shows an interest in his world and his
friendship he slowly relaxes and allows him into his new world, only to
discover one day that he has been betrayed, and Evgard suddenly
becomes more alive. The novel portrays the brutality, the fear and the
passion of teenage life, deftly exploring both bullying and attitudes to
homosexuality. 12+
Bloomsbury
£6.99
ISBN 9780747597254
Crime Stories
59
This anthology of four short crime stories by well-known authors, in the
Shades Shorts series, is perfect for lower ability teenagers, particularly
boys. Each story takes a crime as its central action, but all have an
element of thoughtfulness that takes the story a little deeper. The most
haunting is possibly the final story, in which a young teenager is arrested
whilst on holiday, suspected of terrorist activities, and the reader is
shown how the use of torture can wear down the most innocent of
suspects. The stories have a reading age of 8+, but are suited to young
people from 12+.
Evans
£4.99
DAVID, Keren
When I was Joe
ISBN 9780237536183
60
When Joe and his mother are subjected to a petrol bomb attack on their
flat, they are taken into the Witness Protection Scheme and forced to
change identities. Joe has agreed to testify against some of the worst
thugs in London, after an incident which resulted in the death of a
teenage boy, and they will stop at nothing to prevent him from giving
evidence. His new life in a sleepy small town has its advantages, as he
starts to enjoy his new identity, prowess at athletics and popularity with
the girls. But involvements mean that he is tempted to raise issues from
his past, and the likelihood is that his cover will be blown. With both
family and friends at risk, how will he cope with being truthful to himself
and to those around him? A thrilling, engaging, rollercoaster of a read, with a very
believable main character. 13+
Frances Lincoln
25
£6.99
ISBN 9781847801005
DICKINSON, John
WE
61
Set in the near future when current communication technology has
morphed into the World’s Ear (WE), a world wide web in which everyone
is surgically attached. As this super-computer has gained power,
individual humanity has been sucked away and even the ability to speak
has been lost. Paul Munroe has been chosen by the WE for an eightyear cryogenic journey to join the crew of an isolated space station.
Before leaving Earth, the WE has to be disconnected from Paul as its
influence does not reach as far as Jupiter. As he re-adjusts to speaking,
he comes to realise that his three new companions are the last remnants
of humanity. This is a fascinatingly original allegory that is sustained
more by brilliant ideas than from any contrived narrative drive. Devoid of extraneous
words, the language in this amazing novel is as cold as the surface of Jupiter. 13+
David Fickling Books
£10.99
ISBN 9780385617895
DOWD, Siobhan
Solace of the road
62
Beautifully written, in a gritty but lyrical prose, this tale of Holly and her
alter ego, Solace, takes the reader by surprise with its ability to engross
and to create an utterly believable and sympathetic character whom you
find yourself willing to survive. Holly, a teenager in care, is offered the
opportunity of a placement from which she soon absconds, unable to
take the suffocating security of a place she does not feel is her own. With
blond wig, heels and attitude, she ventures forth as Solace and attempts
to trace her mother, starting in London and going back to their family
beginnings in Ireland. The story of her journey is also the story of her
self-discovery, her coming of age, as she is at last enabled to put her
past into perspective, to see it as it really was and not how she has wished it to be. 13+
David Fickling Books
£6.99
ISBN 9781849920056
DOWSWELL, Paul
Ausländer
63
During the invasion of Poland, Piotr and other blond haired, blued eyed
children are taken by the Nazis to be re-educated as good Germans.
Renamed Peter, he initially supports the Nazi cause and is adopted by a
professor of Eugenics living in Berlin. Slowly, though, under the influence
of his girlfriend Anna and her family, he comes to realise that the Nazis’
cause is evil and begins a dangerous double life as a member of Hitler
Youth helping Polish slave workers and Jewish refugees. With the
Gestapo constantly in the background, the sense of menace is almost
overwhelming. Eventually Peter, Anna and her mother leave Germany
on a daring escape full of danger. This original historical thriller is
wonderfully exciting, historically enlightening and highly recommended. 12+
Bloomsbury
£6.99
ISBN 9780747594192
26
FREEMAN, Hilary
Don’t ask
64
Lily can’t believe her new boyfriend Jake is as perfect as he appears,
and becomes driven by the need to know why he won’t talk about either
his ex-girlfriend Alex or the death of his father. His refusal to be drawn
leads her to play a dangerous game, as she creates a false identity and
befriends Alex on a social networking site. The story draws the reader in
as Lily is pulled further and further into the web of deception she has
created, building tension and drama aplenty as Jake’s history unravels
and she begins to regret her questions. Full of insight, and with a keen
awareness of the potential of false web identities, the author tells a story
that will resonate with many teenagers. 13+
Piccadilly Press
£6.99
ISBN 9781853409974
GALE, Emily
Girl, aloud
65
Kass has had enough. Her dad just won’t take no for an answer and has
entered her for the X-Factor, despite the fact that she can’t sing! Whether
it’s auditioning for adverts or joining Mensa, her dad keeps obsessing
about making her famous. The only reason Kass puts up with it is
because he has a form of Bi-polar Disorder and the family are not coping
with it. Not only that, she has completely fallen for the gorgeous Cassian,
who turns out to be more full-on than she’d expected. Kass’s life goes
from bad to worse when she discovers that her mum is having an affair
with her friend’s dad. Funny yet incredibly emotive, this is an insight into
how families try to cope with mental illness and marital breakdown. 13+
Chicken House
£6.99
GRANT, Michael
Gone
ISBN 9781906427207
66
For the children of Perdido Beach, California, the world changes in an
instant: everyone over the age of fifteen vanishes and a mysterious,
impenetrable barrier cuts them off from the rest of the world. As fourteenyear-old Sam struggles to stop this new society descending into anarchy,
he must cope with the secret of his growing supernatural power – and
he’s not the only one. Compelling and unputdownable, Gone boasts a
marvellous array of characters and borrows from Lord of the Flies and
X-Men to create a thrilling tale in a highly intriguing world, which will be
explored further in future series entries. Superbly addictive! 12+
Egmont
27
£6.99
ISBN 9781405242356
GRAY, Keith
The return of Johnny Kemp
67
Two weeks ago, Dan grassed up the biggest bully in school and got him
excluded. Now Johnny Kemp is back and he wants revenge. After
pleading for help from his friends, his teachers and his mum, Dan ends
up face-to-face with Johnny, and there can be only one victor. This
grippingly tragic tale is all too realistic, as Dan's courage in speaking out
against Johnny Kemp goes unrewarded. There is an implicit moral
message, aimed for once not at bullies or their victims, but at those who
stand on the sidelines. If others do not have the courage to support those
who stand up to bullying in precisely the way they are encouraged to by
adults, then the cycle of violence will inevitably continue. Few readers
will finish this book without feeling some sense of shame. 12+
Barrington Stoke
£5.99
ISBN 9781842996140
HOOPER, Mary
Newes from the dead
68
An enthralling novelisation of a true story from the seventeenth century,
in which a young servant girl is hanged for murder – but is she really
dead? Told through the eyes of Anne Green as she slowly regains
consciousness inside her coffin, the reader is hooked into her fate and
eager to hear her story as it gradually unfolds and we learn the
circumstances surrounding her life and trial. Well-researched historical
background adds flavour and authenticity to a tale that is both tense and
intriguing. An excellent read. 13+
Random House
£6.99
ISBN 9781862303638
HOWELL, Simmone
Everything beautiful
69
A crazy novel of teenage angst, rebellion and sheer bloody-mindedness,
charting the progress of Riley Rose, self-proclaimed fat and bad girl, who
steers herself towards catastrophe via a course of boys, vodka jellies
and step-mother hatred. Forced to attend a summer camp run on
religious lines, she initially attempts to alienate everyone - apart from
fellow lone spirit Dylan, ex-camp leader and heart-throb, now cynical and
wheelchair bound after an accident. The novel has lots going for it, plenty
of humour, action and thoughtfulness, as the pros and cons of a religious
life are played out by the many distinctive characters. 13+
Bloomsbury
£6.99
ISBN 9780747597858
28
JENKINS, A. M.
Repossessed
70
Kiriel, a demon forced to spend his days tormenting the damned,
escapes to Earth by entering the body of an about-to-die teenager, hellbent on discovering the pleasures of youth, physical being, the senses
and adolescence. Entertaining and very funny, Kiriel’s experiences
bring home some of the ordinary daily realities of life and paint them
large, as well as musing on the concepts of love, sex, an afterlife and a
not-so-invincible Creator. 12+
HarperTeen
£5.99
KATE, Lauren
Fallen
ISBN 9780060835705
71
When Luce is sent to the Sword & Cross detention school because of her
involvement in the accidental death of a fellow student, her world goes into
meltdown. Leaving her parents behind and facing the prospect of living
with a bunch of delinquent strangers, Luce tries to get on with her life. Her
only chance is to try and make friends but her first meeting with the
mysterious Daniel, unsettles her as there is an intense, overwhelming
magnetic attraction between them and she is convinced that they have
met before. Although she is falling in love with him, Daniel appears to be
avoiding her until he realises that Cam is showing Luce too much attention
and he tries to force them apart. With plenty of action and a fast-moving
plot, this cracking supernatural romance will have Stephenie Meyer fans hooked. Dark,
dangerous and deliciously unputdownable. 12+
Doubleday
£9.99
LAIRD, Elizabeth
Lost riders
ISBN 9780385618021
72
Rashid and his brother are taken by an unscrupulous uncle from
Pakistan to Dubai, where Rashid is forced to become a camel racing
jockey. Given a new name, starved and beaten, he eventually becomes
a top rider and is in a position to try to find his brother. The story is told in
Elizabeth Laird’s trademark straightforward, but no less powerful,
language that will give the book a wide appeal. Based on true life events
that led eventually to an international outcry, the story is a testament to
the strength and moral courage of young people. 11+
Macmillan
29
£5.99
ISBN 9780330452090
LENNON, Stella
Invisible i
73
Popular girl Callie is appalled to find herself implicated, along with two
geeky pupils she would never choose to associate with, in the defacing
of the vice-principal’s car. The culprit is the enigmatic Amanda, who has
disappeared, leaving a trail of cryptic clues for the three bemused
students to follow. Callie is intrigued but risks losing her popular girl
status if she joins the other two in trying to find Amanda. Supported by
an interactive website, theamandaproject.com, this is an absorbing read
for teenage girls who enjoy a mystery and have the motivation to stick
with the series through the promised eight titles. 12+
HarperCollins
£6.99
ISBN 9780007327270
LONG, Hayley
Lottie Biggs is NOT mad
74
Year 10 can be difficult for all concerned – but particularly for Lottie,
whose English assignment to undertake a piece of extended personal
writing results in this full length novel, charting her slow mental
deterioration as life just spins her round. Lottie’s mental disturbance
leaves her unable to cope with the small things in life. She becomes
increasingly isolated as she ignores the friends and family who try to
help, losing herself in an only half-remembered shoplifting spree and
hiding from the world in the bottom of her wardrobe. Both sensitive and
highly amusing, Lottie’s problems should strike a chord with many
teenagers. 13+
Macmillan
£5.99
ISBN 9780330479738
LOVEGROVE, James
Freerunner
75
This is one in a new series of more sustained stories aimed at reluctant
or less able readers. The very exciting short chapters count down the
thrilling exploits of freerunner Taj as he attempts to break the record for
freerunning his rundown housing estate. He may be the best freerunner
on the estate but, when his father’s life depends on him doing it in 23
minutes, the pressure is really on. This is a read that is as fast and as
free as freerunning itself. 12+
Barrington Stoke
£5.99
ISBN 9781842996065
30
McDONALD, Abby
Life swap
76
An administrative oversight in the department that arranges university
exchanges sends ambitious Oxford politics student Emily to the
University of California, where she is to study film for a term. The
gossiping, surfing, partying crowd are like an alien species and, though
her posh accent attracts some attention from the opposite sex, she
prefers to keep her distance. Her American counterpart, Tasha, is
experiencing a similar culture shock and is dismayed at being regarded
as a hopeless lightweight by both students and tutors. Both girls are
struggling miserably until they hit on the idea of emailing each other with
survival tips for fitting into their new environment, and their unlikely
friendship enables them to make the life-changing experience a positive one. An engaging
and light-hearted exploration of lifestyles and values for girls of 13+.
Walker Books
£6.99
ISBN 9781406319002
MacPHAIL, Cathy
Grass
77
Leo lives on a tough inner city estate, his father made redundant and his
mother an underpaid, hardworking nursing auxillary. Yet Leo is happy
with his life, his best mate Sean and their mutual avoidance of the ganglife that exists around them, controlling the streets, breathing violence,
threats and distrust wherever they can. Then Leo is witness to a gang
murder and suddenly everything changes as he finds himself becoming
sucked into this pitiless underworld, his friends and family become
alienated by the rumours they hear and he is left to fight alone for what
he believes is right. A moving and believable, fast paced story that
shows how the innocent can be ensnared by a web of deceit. 12+
Bloomsbury
£6.99
MAGUIRE, Eden
Jonas (Beautiful Dead)
ISBN 9780747599111
78
First in a new series of page-turning paranormal romances that will
feature Jonas, Arizona, Summer and Phoenix, all teenagers who have
died mysteriously and horribly within the same year. This title is the first
in what will clearly be four parts, following heartbroken Darina as she
investigates with her newly dead boyfriend Phoenix, returned to avenge
his own death and those of his three school friends. Fans of Stephenie
Meyer's Twilight series will love the supernatural mystery formula and
the compelling and romantic adolescent characters. 13+
Hodder
31
£5.99
ISBN 9780340988619
MEYER, Stephenie
The host
79
Humanity is on the brink of extinction as a race of parasitic aliens has
stealthily possessed almost the entire population. But Mel is not going to
give up the fight, even when her own body is possessed by the parasite,
Wanderer. Locked in a relentless battle, the two souls find a strange
unity of purpose. When they discover a rebellious band of humans in the
desert, the perspective of both souls is challenged forever, and
Wanderer discovers the extreme limits of the human capacity for love
and hate. The science fiction elements in this superb story are almost
incidental – the real focus of the book is on the problems that love (in the
romantic, platonic and maternal senses) poses for someone who is an
outsider in terms of both status and cultural outlook. Though at 617 pages it’s certainly
hefty, this book should appeal particularly to girls of 13+.
Sphere
£7.99
ISBN 9780751540642
MITCHELL, Jane
Chalkline
80
Rafiq is just nine when Kashmiri Freedom Fighters burst into his
classroom looking for new recruits. Kidnapped and indoctrinated into a
life of fanaticism and violence, in order to survive Rafiq must change
from the loving boy he was until, at fourteen, he has become one of the
group’s toughest and most committed soldiers. Rafiq seems lost, even to
himself, but, back in his home village, his sisters have not given up on
him. Providing a chilling insight into the brutalisation of child soldiers, this
is a moving and compelling read for young people of 12+.
Walker Books
£5.99
ISBN 9781406315172
NADIN, Joanna
Wonderland
81
Jude has ambitions to change her average life and do what she enjoys
most to avoid the dullness of her dead-end town. This means getting
through the audition for a drama school in London and, hopefully, leaving
behind her little brother, her dad and the memory of her dead mother.
There’s only one thing stopping her and that’s her crazy, gorgeous best
friend Stella. But this friend is a manifestation of Jude’s Dissociative
Identity Disorder, who acts as her alter ego, dressing sexily, smoking,
drinking and having her first sexual experience with a friend, resulting in
pregnancy. Gritty, dark and well-written, this story uncovers many difficult
issues for the reader to grapple with in order to get inside Jude’s head
and leaves no easy resolution. 13+
Walker Books
£5.99
ISBN 9781406310108
32
PERERA, Anna
Guantanamo Boy
82
Fifteen-year-old Khalid, a Muslim from Rochdale, undergoes a horrific,
life-changing experience when he is captured by the Americans in
Pakistan in 2002. Convinced that he is part of an al-Qaeda cell, they
torture and detain him without trial for two years, until finally his family
and various international organisations bring enough pressure to bear to
secure his release. This is more than just an examination of
questionable American policies; it is an emotional account of a young
man's struggle for his soul in the face of almost overpowering despair.
Khalid's attitude towards himself, his family and his tormentors changes
throughout the novel, but it is his evolving attitude to his religion and his
faith that is most complex and intriguing. The problems that ‘enemy combatants’ face if
they are lucky enough to be released are also addressed in the final chapters. A haunting
and powerful testament to the suffering of these victims of the War on Terror. 13+
Puffin
£6.99
ISBN 9780141326078
PHILIP, Gillian
Crossing the line
83
The brutal landscape of teenage life is impeccably portrayed in this
acerbic tale of grief, guilt and love. Nick has made some bad choices
growing up and now his sister's boyfriend has been stabbed, his father's
an alcoholic, his grandmother is going senile and the girl of his dreams
thinks he's the scum of the earth. He's virtually friendless and racked
with guilt over the death of his sister's boyfriend. And he's not the only
one… Powerfully written with well-observed bursts of humour, it might
appear to be just another ‘knife crime’ story but the central concern of the
book is dealing with grief and the expectations you have of yourself and
others. Should have appeal for both boys and girls of 13+.
Bloomsbury
£6.99
PIKE, Aprilynne
Wings
follow. 12+
HarperCollins
33
ISBN 9780747599937
84
Teenager Laura has always been home schooled until now, and feels
lost in her new high school amidst a sea of unfamiliar faces…but is yet
to discover just how unfamiliar she is to the human race in general.
Strange bumps on her back itch and grow until they bloom into
beautiful, wing-like blossoms, she fails to bleed like any other girl and
has always been unable to eat anything other than a strictly vegan diet.
Together with her new friend David, she discovers her heritage, who
she is, and why she has been planted by the faeries amongst human
kind, guarded by the mysterious and divinely beautiful Tamani. Very
readable and a little bit different, with the potential for more titles to
£6.99
ISBN 9780007314362
PRATCHETT, Terry
Nation
85
After a freak tidal wave destroys his civilisation, the adolescent Mau is
left the only survivor. Faced with a severe crisis of faith and threats from
European explorers and the cannibalistic Raiders, Mau turns to survivors
from neighbouring islands and a shipwrecked white girl for help in
rebuilding the Nation. This thought-provoking analysis of the nature of
civilisation is a significant departure for Pratchett, being his first novel set
outside the Discworld for many years. However, it still features all his
trademark wit and poignancy and poses the fundamental question of
what makes ‘civilisation’ civilised: is it our beliefs, our ideas, or the tools
and technology that we use? 13+
Corgi Books
£6.99
ISBN 9780552557795
RAI, Bali
City of ghosts
86
An orphan boy besotted with a rich merchant’s daughter; his friend,
seduced by the bonds of brotherhood in a violent group of revolutionaries;
and a young Sikh soldier, traumatised by his experiences on the Western
Front. These three characters (and many more) face a dramatic
resolution of their personal crises in the build-up to the Amritsar massacre
in 1919. Mixing the sweltering resentment growing in Amritsar with the
horrors of the trenches endured by countless Indian soldiers, Bali Rai
blends an examination of a pivotal moment in Indian history with strands
of romance and supernatural suspense to create a novel that mourns the
seductive allure of violence and vengeance while celebrating the
enduring power of love. 13+
Doubleday
£6.99
ISBN 9780552556019
SHUSTERMAN, Neal
Everlost
87
After being killed in a car accident on the first page, Allie and Nick wake
up in a strange limbo called Everlost, which lies just a shadow’s depth
away from our own. As if the puzzling nature of their new existence
wasn’t enough to worry about, they also have to contend with a variety of
colourful characters including the sinister Haunter, the monstrous McGill
and the seemingly benign Mary Hightower. However, they learn the hard
way that though death, aging and physical pain are impossible in
Everlost, suffering is rarely far away. This fascinating supernatural
adventure zips along at a rapid pace whilst also taking time to explore
some of the varying attitudes towards life and death. 12+
Simon and Schuster
£6.99
ISBN 9781847385048
34
THOMPSON, Kate
Creature of the night
88
Fourteen-year-old Bobby’s life is all about drugs, alcohol and joyriding until his mum, heavily in debt to loan sharks, whisks him and his younger
brother away to the country to escape. Bobby has no intention of hanging
around, so he steals a car and makes his way back to Dublin, where a
terrible crime leaves his mate on a charge of attempted murder.
Returning to the country, life in the cottage becomes increasingly
disturbing, as he finds out that a girl was supposedly killed there, and his
brother is convinced that strange night time visitations are from some sort
of fairy. And what happened to the man who previously rented the
cottage, who disappeared without trace? Gritty and very real, this is an
absorbing story of murder, crime and family breakdown, with a touch of fantasy.
Unputdownable. 13+
Definitions
£6.99
ISBN 9781862303508
THOMPSON, Gareth
The anarchist’s angel
89
Samson Ashburner, a bullied and overweight youngster, is scarred in a
children’s game and becomes a morose and secretive teenager,
spending all his time avoiding his parents, other teenagers and the whole
of society. He hides away in an ancient charcoal burning hut, willed to
the youngest son in his family throughout the centuries. With ambitions
to start his own traditional charcoal burning business, he suddenly has
something to fight for, when he realises that a new landowner is planning
to build on his land – and someone to fight with, as his path crosses that
of Angel Obscura, a mysterious and beautiful, gypsy-like girl who
appears in the woods and befriends him. 13+
Random House
£6.99
VALENTINE, Jenny
The ant colony
ISBN 9781862304680
90
33 Georgiana Street, Camden Town, is home to a number of drifters and
misfits, including seventeen-year-old Sam, who has run away to the city
to hide from a shameful secret, and neglected ten-year-old Bohemia,
whose mother has a problem with drink and drugs. Sam has chosen the
wrong place to try to be alone, with Bohemia determined to be his friend
and nosy old Isobel intent on finding out who he is and what he’s hiding.
Told alternately by Sam and Bohemia, this is a wonderfully original and
absorbing story, with characters the reader really believes in and cares
about. 12+
HarperCollins
35
£6.99
ISBN 9780007283590
WASSERMAN, Robin
Skinned
91
The deepest and most vital questions of life, death and the nature of
existence are examined in this intriguing story of a girl whose life takes
on new meaning after a horrific car accident. Lia Kahn is the alpha
female of her school but, when she is reborn as an android, she faces
revulsion and rejection from almost everyone. By forging relationships
with those few who do accept her in some way and by confronting those,
like her sister, who have abandoned her, Lia makes the difficult journey
towards accepting who and what she really is. Thought-provoking and
surprisingly emotional given Lia’s inability to truly feel or express
emotion, this will strike a chord with many teens who are struggling to
define their own identity. 13+
Simon and Schuster
£6.99
WHELAN, Gloria
Homeless bird
ISBN 9781847385116
92
Koly is forced by poverty into a loveless arranged marriage at the age of
only thirteen. When her young husband, who is ill throughout their short
marriage, dies of tuberculosis, Koly becomes a widow at seventeen.
Initially she is supported by her husband’s family but, when her father in
law also dies, she is pushed out of the family home by her bad tempered
mother-in-law and forced to live on the streets of Delhi. Eventually she is
helped by Raj, who she is able to lovingly accept as her new husband.
Written from Koly’s perspective, the story is a subtle and well-written
view of one aspect of life in India today, particularly the pressure that
poverty places on families. 13+
Frances Lincoln
£5.99
ISBN 978845079772
Other Key Stage 3/4 recommendations
These are titles that we haven’t reviewed on our website but are well
worth a read:
ACHEAMPONG, Sophia
Ipods in Accra
The sequel to Growing Yams in London.
Piccadilly Press
£6.99
ISBN 9781848120174
BLACKMAN, Malorie
Double cross
When a terrorist bomb kills Callie's grandmother she's plunged back into the centre of the
struggle between the Noughts and Crosses. The fourth part in this acclaimed series.
Corgi Books
£6.99
ISBN 9780552559607
BRAY, Libba
Sweet far thing
Gemma's destiny is decided in the wild finale to this gothic trilogy.
Simon and Schuster
£7.99
ISBN 9781847383266
36
BRENNAN, Sarah Rees
The demon's lexicon
First part in this trilogy that fantastically reworks Beauty and the Beast.
Simon and Schuster
£6.99
ISBN 9781847382894
CASSIDY, Anne
Guilt trip
Attempted suicide, destroyed friendships and a secret too big to be told...
Scholastic
£5.99
ISBN 9781407110707
COLLINS, Suzanne
Catching fire
Having survived the Hunger Games the victors now face terrifying new challenges. The
exhilarating sequel to The Hunger Games.
Scholastic
£6.99
ISBN 9781407109367
DENT, Grace
Diary of a snob: poor little rich girl
Poppet is 16 and posh! Read about her opinions on everything from fashion to breast
implants.
Hodder
£5.99
ISBN 9780340989746
GIBBONS, Alan
Renegade
Oozing with evil, a nerve wracking sequel that deserves your attention before you die...
Orion Books
£7.99
ISBN 9781842551813
HARVEY, Alyxandra
My love lies bleeding
Born to vampire parents, Solange faces the prospect of going through the "bloodchange"
on her sixteenth birthday which will turn her into a vampire – or kill her. Complex vampire
politics and some forbidden romance make for a compelling read!
Bloomsbury
£6.99
ISBN 9781408803400
HAYES, Rosemary
Payback
What would you do if your father had promised you to a stranger in repayment of an old
debt? Feel Halima's fear as she struggles to escape a complex web of love, honour and
deceit.
Frances Lincoln
£6.99
ISBN 9781845079352
HINTON, Nigel
2 Die 4
Ryan's new phone can do everything he can imagine – and a few things he couldn't. A
horrific tale of the phone from Hell!
Barrington Stoke
£5.99
ISBN 9781842997109
MAGUIRE, Eden
Arizona
Darina endeavours to solve the mystery of Arizona's drowning in Hartmann Lake which
she does not believe was suicide.
Hodder
£5.99
ISBN 9780340988626
37
McNISH, Cliff
Savannah Grey
A beautifully written urban fantasy-come-horror story.
Orion Books
£8.99
ISBN 9781842551127
MICHAELIS, Antonia
Tiger moon
A fantastic quest that unites the gods of ancient India with a crafty beggar boy and a white
tiger that talks, laced with a dry humour that unravels some of the tangled history of this
colourful country.
Harry N. Abrams
£5.99
ISBN 9780810944992
MORGAN, Nicola
Deathwatch
How hatred can warp the mind, as Cat discovers in this nail-biting thriller.
Walker Books
£6.99
ISBN 9781406315035
MULLIGAN, Andy
Ribblestrop
A bizarre collection of pupils try to uncover a sinister mystery at their crumbling school.
Includes ghosts, brainwashing and shooting people in the bum!
Simon and Schuster
£6.99
ISBN 9781847382306
POOLE, Gabriella
Secret lives
The Darke Academy is a school like no other. An elite establishment that moves to a new
exotic city every term, its students are impossibly beautiful, sophisticated and rich.
Hodder
£6.99
ISBN 9780340989241
RAI, Bali
Them and us
David's dad is a violent racist but can he and his mum escape from him again? Gritty and
shocking.
Barrington Stoke
£5.99
ISBN 9781842996973
RATTE, David
Toxic planet (Graphic novel)
Sam lives in a world where pollution and global warming are a reality.
Yen Press
£7.99
ISBN 9780759529281
SEDGWICK, Marcus
The kiss of death
Vampires, Venice and very dark action-filled gothic adventure.
Orion Books
£6.99
ISBN 9781842556894
STIEFVATER, Maggie
Shiver
Werewolves and romance – what more do you want from a book!
Scholastic
£6.99
ISBN 9781407115009
38
Key Stage 4/16+
ACKROYD, Peter
The casebook of Victor Frankenstein
93
What would happen if Victor Frankenstein went to Oxford University with
Percy Shelley? Set in 19th century London, this speculative gothic novel
draws together real historical characters, such as Percy and Mary
Shelley and Lord Byron, with the fictional Frankenstein as he conducts
his horrific, monster-creating anatomy experiments. The seedy world of
resurrectionists is wonderfully evoked by the author. Exciting and
accessible, this would make thrilling additional reading for this aspect of
the English curriculum. It’s such a good idea it’s a wonder it’s never been
done before. 14+
Vintage
£7.99
BURGESS, Melvin
Nicholas Dane
ISBN 9780099524137
94
When his mum dies of a heroin overdose, Nick is sent to Meadow Hill
care home, where he gets in fights with practically every other boy, is
beaten by his vicious house master and sexually abused by the odious
deputy head. Nick's only hope for a happy future is to escape the home
but, even when he manages it, his life is overshadowed by what he has
suffered. Loosely based on Oliver Twist, this grim tale is characterised
by graphic descriptions of violence but not the sexual abuse suffered by
Nick and other characters. It is also an astute examination of the
attitudes of both the abusers and the abused in these situations and of
the kinds of relationships that are necessary to offer any hope of closure
for the victims. Most surprisingly, it has a happy ending (of sorts) which illustrates the
futility of suppressing memories of abuse and the difficulties of finding true justice for the
victims. Not for the faint-hearted, this remains a powerful novel with a lot to say. 14+
Andersen Press
£12.99
EDGINTON, Ian (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
A study in Scarlet
ISBN 9781842701812
95
A wonderfully evocative graphic re-telling of Sherlock Holmes’s first
ever case, re-imagined by author Ian Edginton and graphic artist I.N.G
Culbard, in which the enigmatic detective Holmes and his partner-incrime Dr Watson first become acquainted and the science of detective
deduction is born. Set initially in the claustrophobic atmosphere of foggy
Victorian London, as the murder case unfolds it expands to the North
American plains of the Wild West. This is a match made in heaven – a
thrilling detective story retold perfectly in a graphic format – and is
highly recommended. 14+
Self Made Hero
39
£14.99
ISBN 9781906838010
HAMILTON, Tim
Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451
96
A wonderfully atmospheric graphic novel version of this science fiction
masterpiece, set in the near future, where knowledge is banned and
‘firemen’ search out and set fire to all books. Even though it was first
written in the 1950s, the message against censorship is as relevant as
ever. A specially commissioned introduction by Ray Bradbury himself
poses the interesting question: ‘What book would you save or memorize
to protect it from destruction by the censor?’ This excellent adaptation
could be a strong contender. 14+
Harper Voyager
£10.99
ISBN 9780007304738
JENSEN, Liz
The rapture
97
This is not only a wonderfully exciting and fast paced science fiction
thriller, it is also an exploration of disability and reasons for mental
illness. Set in the near future when global warming has become a reality
and geological and climate catastrophes have become common,
disabled psychologist Genevieve Fox takes a new job at an institution for
psychotic children. Her principle patient is Bethany Krall, who not only
brutally murdered her mother but is also able to mysteriously read
peoples minds and foretell the future. Initially Genevieve is sceptical of
Bethany’s ability but increasingly comes to believe her visions are
coming true - visions that are leading to the destruction of the world as
we know it. This is a terrifyingly believable and topical page-turner full of big ideas. 14+
Bloomsbury
£7.99
ISBN 9781408801109
Le CARRÉ, John
A most wanted man
98
An outstanding new novel by this master of the spy genre, set among the
émigré Turkish community in Germany. John le Carré draws an all-toobelievable picture of the inept and ineffectual War on Terror. While his
government spies may be German, their capacity to put two and two
together and come up with five seems to be not uncommon among
intelligence agencies. He also weaves in the shady world of banking,
British intelligence, Russia’s grisly war in Chechnya and a beautiful civil
rights lawyer, to produce a politically astute and very exciting thriller
based on the overriding themes of our time. Highly recommended for
more able pupils. 14+
Hodder
£ 7.99
ISBN 9780340977088
40
PHILLIPS, Dee
‘Right Now!’ series
99
Aimed at teenagers with a low reading age, this series could be the
answer to your prayers! Suited to teens right through from KS3 to 16+, it
will probably find most use amongst readers of around 14-16, with a
reading age of approximately 6 years. Very simple text tells a short story,
with a slightly challenging ending, and striking photo-imagery provides
colourful and appropriate illustration. Each story is followed by a few
suggestions for activities to follow up the theme of the story. Titles
include Dare; Fight; Scout; Dumped; Joyride; Blast and Goal.
Evans
£5.99
Various ISBNs
SHAPTON, Leanne
100
Important artefacts and personnel property from the collection of Lenore Doolan
and Harold Morris, including books, street fashion and jewellery: Saturday, 14th
February 2009, New York
Not a graphic novel, but a story told through seemingly random blackand-white photographic images. This is the story of a doomed
relationship, told using the sale of artefacts defining the end of the
romantic relationship between Lenore and Harold. Reading the images
and the limited text (arranged like a sale catalogue) we are able to
clearly imagine the lovers and their intimate relationship through their
shared possessions. We are also able to draw our own conclusion
about why the relationship failed, though our view may be totally at
odds with that of another reader. This is a wonderfully unique example
of what could be the beginning of a whole new genre of novel. 16+
Bloomsbury
£12.99
TORDAY, Paul
The girl on the landing
ISBN 9781408804728
101
This is a surprising, intriguing and well-written mystery with some neat
psychological twists. Michael and Elizabeth’s marriage is going nowhere
until Michael stops taking his mystery medication. The change in his
personality and in his relationship with his wife is dramatic. Initially,
Elizabeth is thrilled but she starts to suspect that there is something
dangerously wrong. Is Michael sinking into a psychotic state? Or is he
the ‘ghost in the machine’, a part-human creature from our distant
ancestry, genetically programmed to survive at all costs? This is a
wonderfully original novel that builds beautifully to its shocking and
violent conclusion. 16+
Orion Books
41
£7.99
ISBN 9780753823408
TUNSTALL, Dan
Big and clever
102
Dan and his best mate Raks are starting at a rough new school, and they
just don’t fit in anywhere. But when they fall in with ‘ASBO Boy’ Ryan and
go along to a local football match, they get involved in a fight with rival
fans, and both boys hold their own. Accepted into a growing army of
hooligans, Tom has finally found a place for himself – but what will his
girlfriend and washed-up dad say about it? Written in a no-nonsense,
authentic style, this debut from a Leicester City fan pulls no punches.
Most worryingly, hooliganism is shown to be a sub-culture so seductive
that Tom remains drawn to it even after he almost loses his life. A gritty
thriller sure to win fans among boys of 14+.
Five Leaves
£6.99
WARD, Caias
The only brother
ISBN 9781905512683
103
Andrew is coming to terms with the sudden death of his older brother
Will, who had been ill since birth. Andrew felt that his parents spent all of
their time and money on Will, which left him hating his brother. His death
only compounds his feelings and, despite help from counsellors, the only
person who can get through to him is his casual girlfriend Sarah. Only
when he violently hits out at his Dad does he begin to realise that his life
is in danger of spiralling out of control. Using texts, MSN-style
conversation and blogs, this is contemporary, realistic language. Aimed
at teenagers and young adults who may find reading difficult or are
turned-off by other types of fiction, this title in the Cutting Edge series
may be the hard-hitting, gritty, relevant book they’re looking for. 14+
Ransom
£5.99
ISBN 9781841677194
Other Key Stage 4/16+ recommendations
These are titles that we haven’t reviewed on our website but are well
worth a read:
AUSTEN, Jane & GRAHAME-SMITH, Seth
Pride and prejudice and zombies (Graphic novel)
Jane’s Austen’s classic period romance is given a groundbreaking graphic novel
interpretation with an insatiable horde of the undead adding further complications to the
lives of the Bennet family.
Titan Books
£9.99
ISBN 9781848566941
COUPLAND, Douglas
Generation A
Set in the near future a world without bees. Four young people come together from around
the world after being mysteriously stung. Surreal!
William Heinemann
£12.99
ISBN 9780434019922
42
EVARISTO, Bernadine
Hello Mum
One of the Quick Reads series which shows the evil, murderous nature of knife-crime.
Emotive and thought-provoking.
Penguin
£1.99
ISBN 9780141044385
OLIVER, Lauren
Before I fall
In the vein of Before I die and The lovely bones, eighteen-year-old Sam dies in a car
crash and has to re-live the last day of her life over and over.
Hodder
£11.99
ISBN 9780340980897
PEARL, Matthew
The last Dickens
A journey through the seedy backstreets of Victorian London that unravels the mystery
behind the disappearance of Dicken’s last work. Gothic murder mystery.
Vintage
£7.99
ISBN 9780099512752
WHEATLE, Alex
The dirty south
Teenager Dennis falls into dealing cannabis in Brixton, but can he keep his business going
while also pursuing the woman he loves? Gritty and uncompromising!
Serpent’s Tail
£7.99
ISBN 9781846686573
43
Index by title
Title
Author
Review number
6 feet deep
IMPEY, Rose
13
Airhead
CABOT, Meg
54
Anarchist’s angel, The
THOMPSON, Gareth
89
Ant colony, The
VALENTINE, Jenny
90
Ausländer
DOWSWELL, Paul
63
Bang, bang, you’re dead
DHAMI, Narinder
31
Big and clever
TUNSTALL, Dan
102
Black Baron
OPIE, Robyn
22
Blood hunters
VOAKE, Steve
50
Book of a thousand days, The
HALE, Shannon
38
Boom!
HADDON, Mark
10
Boy in the dress, The
WALLIAMS, David
24
teen agony queen)
WEBB, Sarah
51
Bright girls
CHAMBERS, Clare
57
Boy trouble (Amy Green,
Casebook of Victor Frankenstein, The ACKROYD, Peter
93
Chains
ANDERSON, Laurie Halse
28
Chalkline
MITCHELL, Jane
80
Chaos unleashed
SILLIFANT, Alec
47
Chocolate cake with Hitler
CRAIGIE, Emma
29
City of ghosts
RAI, Bali
86
Cliff edge
WEST, Jane A. C.
26
Coming in to land
HAMLEY, Dennis
39
Creature of the night
THOMPSON, Kate
88
Crime Stories
59
Crossing the line
PHILIP, Gillian
83
Crowfield curse, The
WALSH, Pat
25
Ctrl-Z
NORRIS, Andrew
21
Dangerous diamonds
MITCHELHILL, Barbara
19
Devil's kiss
CHADDA, Sarwat
56
Devil’s ladder, The
JOYCE, Graham
14
44
Don’t ask
FREEMAN, Hilary
64
Dragonfly pool, The
IBBOTSON, Eva
12
Escape from Shadow Island
ADAM, Paul
1
Everlost
SHUSTERMAN, Neal
87
Everything beautiful
HOWELL, Simmone
69
Evil eye, The
McGANN, Oisin
18
Fallen
KATE, Lauren
71
Fen runners
GORDON, John
9
Found
HADDIX, Margaret Peterson
37
Freerunner
LOVEGROVE, James
75
Getting away with it
CASSIDY, Anne
55
Girl, aloud
GALE, Emily
65
Girl on the landing, The
TORDAY, Paul
101
Gone
GRANT, Michael
66
Grass
MacPHAIL, Cathy
77
Graveyard book, The
GAIMAN, Neil
7
Great death, The
SMELCER, John
48
Guantanamo Boy
PERERA, Anna
82
Halo
CORDER, Zizou
4
Heroes of the valley
STROUD, Jonathan
49
Homeless bird
WHELAN, Gloria
92
Host, The
MEYER, Stephenie
79
2009, New York
SHAPTON, Leanne
100
Invisible i
LENNON, Stella
73
Jonas (Beautiful Dead)
MAGUIRE, Eden
78
Killer clone
BARLOW, Steve and
Important artefacts and personnel
property from the collection of
Lenore Doolan and Harold Morris,
including books, street fashion and
jewellery: Saturday, 14th February
SKIDMORE, Steve
2
Killer Croc
GATES, Susan
35
Killing God
BROOKS, Kevin
53
Life, interrupted
KELLEHER, Damian
41
45
Life swap
McDONALD, Abby
76
Lifegame
ALLEN-GRAY, Alison
52
Lost riders
LAIRD, Elizabeth
72
Lottie Biggs is NOT mad
LONG, Hayley
74
Missing, believed crazy
BLACKER, Terence
3
Most wanted man, A
Le CARRÉ, John
98
Moving on
GIBBONS, Alan
36
Mr Mumbles
HUTCHISON, Barry
11
Nation
PRATCHETT, Terry
85
Newes from the dead
HOOPER, Mary
68
Nicholas Dane
BURGESS, Melvin
94
Only brother, The
WARD, Caias
103
Puppet Master
OWEN, Joanne
43
Puzzle ring, The
FORSYTH, Kate
34
Raiders and ruins
DEARY, Terry
5
Rapture, The
JENSEN, Liz
97
Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451
HAMILTON, Tim
96
Repossessed
JENKINS, A. M.
70
Return of Johnny Kemp, The
GRAY, Keith
67
Revolver
SEDGWICK, Marcus
46
‘Right Now!’ series
PHILLIPS, Dee
99
Rowan the strange
HEARN, Julie
40
Running on the cracks
DONALDSON, Julia
32
Running wild
MORPURGO, Michael
20
Secret ministry of frost, The
LAKE, Nick
15
Seriously Sassy
GIBSON, Maggi
8
Set-up, The
McKENZIE, Sophie
42
Skinned
WASSERMAN, Robin
91
Solace of the road
DOWD, Siobhan
62
Study in Scarlet, A
EDGINTON, Ian
95
Tales of death and dementia
POE, Edgar Allan
44
Tim: Defender of the Earth
ENTHOVEN, Sam
33
Timeriders
SCARROW, Alex
45
Toby alone
De FOMBELLE, Timothee
6
Toymaker, The
De QUIDT, Jeremy
30
46
Traitor game, The
COLLINS, B. R.
58
WE
DICKINSON, John
61
Well between the worlds, The
LLEWELLYN, Sam
17
What to do about Holly
LINGARD, Joan
16
When I was Joe
DAVID, Keren
60
Where the streets had a name
ABDEL-FATTAH, Randa
27
Wings
PIKE, Aprilynne
84
Without looking back
SUZUMA, Tabitha
23
Wonderland
NADIN, Joanna
81
47