One of the jobs I do involves me reading children’s books (I know, right, what an amazing job?). And I’ve discovered some really flipping awesome books in that time – we all know how good Harry Potter and the Jacqueline Wilson books are, but there are lots more amazing books out there. In fact, they’re so good, I’ve decided to review a few of them right here – as ever, I’m focusing on the big kids.
How to Speak Spook (and Stay Alive) by Ally Kennen
Ally Kennen has written some incredibly hard-hitting books for teenagers, but this one is aimed at a slightly younger audience – around year 5 or 6. The writing is still fantastic, but the subject matter is funny rather than dark (unless you have kids who spook very easily!).
Donald doesn’t do well at school – he is neither clever nor popular. His mum and dad are separated and he lives with his mum, who is a medium. His only friends are Merry, the girl next door, and Danny Olini, the class clown. But Donald is special. He can see ghosts. His gift is very powerful and, when a terrifying force hits Dorset, will he be able to stop it?
I’m not generally a fan of far-fetched books, but the character of Donald is so down-to-earth and real, that this is a very believable and entertaining story.
The Shadow in the North by Philip Pullman
OK, so Philip Pullman IS a very famous and popular author, but this isn’t part of the His Dark Materials trilogy.
In the nineteenth century, 22 year old Sally Lockhart is a thoroughly modern woman, who runs her own financial consultancy as well as having a stake in a photography business. When a retired teacher calls on her, after losing her investments, Sally promises to get the money back.
Along with her colleagues, Frederick and Jim, she uncovers a complex plot, involving murder, spiritualism and one of the richest men in the country.
It is a real page-turner, which paints a really vivid picture for the reader.
It would be a great read for kids in years 7 to 9.
If You Were Me by Sam Hepburn
This is a truly special book for young adults, which would appeal to adults too, and has only recently been published. With a refugee as the central character, it feels like a really relevant story right now.
After her father was killed by the Taliban, and with her brother in grave danger, 14 year old Aliya and her family flee Afghanistan and head for London. At first, their lives seem settled, but then her brother starts acting strangely. Before they know it, they are in danger again and Aliya doesn’t know why.
Aliya’s path crosses with Dan, a young plumber, who has his own reasons for getting to the bottom of the mystery. Together, they set out to unravel a plot involving corruption at the highest level. But will they solve the mystery before it’s too late?
All of these books come highly recommended by me. I have read a lot of kids’ books over the years (and a lot of adults’ books too!) and they are some of the best I’ve read.
September 18, 2015
Great books. I’m reading the Nowhere Emporium just now with my oldest it’s fab x
September 19, 2015
That sounds interesting, I’ll look that one up, thanks! x
September 18, 2015
Ooh these sound good, I can’t wait for my little ones to be old enough for reading proper books! I particularly like the sound of the refugee one. I like books that introduce important topics like that. I recently read a book for young children with my girls that was written by a group of deaf children and focussed on sign language, it was fabulous.x
September 19, 2015
That sounds lovely! It’s great when you can start to enjoy kids’ books with them, although of course my kids just read on their own now. x
September 18, 2015
Ooh I shall have a look at those, thanks for the recommendations as I am always on the look out for new book ideas for R as he reads so much.
September 19, 2015
They’re all well worth a read. That’s great that R reads so much. My boys have slacked off a bit at the moment with reading.
September 19, 2015
Thank you this is really useful. I need to find books suitable for my son of almost 8 who is at a reading age of around 11. The first one especially sounds good.
January 4, 2016
I really like the sound of the Philip Pullman book – one to remember in the future.
#readwithme
January 4, 2016
If You Were Me sounds incredibly intriguing, going to check the library for that now. Thanks for the tip. Along those lines, you many also enjoy Looking At the Stars which is beautifully written by Jo Cotterill.
#readwithme
January 4, 2016
Thanks Sarah! I am always on the look out for interesting books for the teens so will definitely check these out! #readwithme
January 4, 2016
These sound great! I still read a lot of kids books myself, they’re brill when you want something a bit lighter or just quicker. 🙂 #readwithme
January 4, 2016
These sound great! I still read a lot of kids books myself, they’re brill when you want something a bit lighter or just quicker. 🙂 #readwithme
January 4, 2016
ooo I’ve not heard of any of these, will have to look them up for myself and my eldest daughter. thanks for sharing with #readwithme
January 4, 2016
The Shadow in the North by Philip Pullman looks a great book – One I will have to look into! xx
#readwithme