Great books for all reluctant readers

The Covers of My Book are Too Far Apart (And Other Grumbles)
Vivian French
A Dyslexia Friendly Picture Book for Parent and Child | Whisper it, but not everyone automatically loves reading. Some people think they're too busy to read, or... Featured in: 5+ readers | 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/03/2017 Info Extract Buy

Little Red Reading Hood
Lucy Rowland
The story of Little Red Riding Hood gets an inventive, original reworking in this lively picture book. Little Red Reading Hood is never happier than with her nose in a book – and that's not a typo, Reading is definitely... Featured in: 3+ readers | 5+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 25/01/2018 Info Extract Buy

Aliens Love Dinopants
Claire Freedman
Those pants-mad aliens are back for another bonkers and utterly irresistible episode of knicker-nicking! Lightning sends the aliens' spaceship crash-landing into the deepest jungle where to their great surprise they discover a stash of gigantic underpants. They've chanced upon the... Featured in: 3+ readers | 5+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 25/02/2016 Info Extract Buy

The Superhero Handbook
James Doyle
There's no excuse for anyone who, having read this book from cover to cover and followed its instructions carefully, does not emerge a superhero. Contained within its pages is a complete superhero training course. Not only do you learn how... Featured in: 5+ readers | 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 22/05/2017 Info Extract Buy

Jellicle Cats
T. S. Eliot
A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month March 2017 T.S Eliot's best-loved verses, originally published in an anthology, work brilliantly singly in this attractive series of picture books. In Jellicle Cats Arthur Robins captures the wit of the delightful nonsense... Featured in: 5+ readers | 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 02/02/2017 Info Extract Buy

Dave Pigeon (Nuggets)
Swapna Haddow
In a nutshell: pigeontastic comedy capers with Dave and Skipper | Things are not looking good for pigeons Dave and Skipper. The Human Lady who feeds them has gone on holiday leaving them easy prey to the devious Reginald Grimster,... Featured in: 5+ readers | 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 02/02/2017 Info Extract Buy

Storyworlds: Nature
Thomas Hegbrook
Opening with an exhortation to readers to ‘discover, inquire and wonder', this is another example of the exciting trend in non-fiction for beautifully illustrated, handsomely produced information books for children. Striking wordless scenes of wildlife and plants challenge children to... Featured in: 5+ readers
Format: Hardback | Released 07/03/2016 Info Extract Buy

Green Eggs and Ham
Dr. Seuss
Hilarious and with a memorable rhyming text, this is the perfect advocate for the adage, you don't know if you like something until you've tried it. Sam won't eat green eggs and ham. However they are disguised the list of... Featured in: 5+ readers | 3+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 29/04/2010 Info Extract Buy

There's a Dragon in My Backpack!
Tom Nicoll
From the Psammead to the Cat in the Hat, there's a long tradition in children's books of young protagonists befriending a magical creature whose lack of knowledge of, or lack of respect for how things work leads to all sorts... Featured in: 5+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 05/05/2016 Info Extract Buy

Grandpa Bert and the Ghost Snatchers
Malorie Blackman
Interest Age 5-8 | More spy caper than ghost story this is a fun adventure for young readers, and one that puts grandparents nicely in the driving seat of the action too. Anna and Kasper's Grandma Gertie has an unusual secret... Featured in: 5+ readers | 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 16/07/2018 Info Extract Buy

What Pet Should I Get?
Dr. Seuss
More than 60 years after they were first published Dr Seuss's books continue to work their magic on children: his rhyme and rhythm, nonsense humour and wordplay and sudden bursts of anarchy have strong child appeal. All of these Seussian... Featured in: 5+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 26/01/2017 Info Extract Buy

Imagination According to Humphrey
Betty G. Birney
Children's favourite Humphrey the hamster is back for another adventure, his twelfth no less. The good news is that he's just as delightful as ever, his school-hamster-eye view of the world just as funny and generous. Humphrey gets to listen... Featured in: 5+ readers | 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 03/11/2016 Info Extract Buy

There's a Dragon in My Dinner
Tom Nicoll
February 2016 Debut of the Month Dragons come in all shapes and sizes in children's stories, but the one that Eric finds in a box of beansprouts is small, friendly and lots of fun. Pan is a mini-dragon, lost en... Featured in: 5+ readers | 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 11/02/2016 Info Extract Buy

Follow That Car
Lucy Feather
Hey you, Mouse needs help! He has to catch the gorilla in the bright yellow car, let's go! On Mouse's instructions, readers follow the path taken by Gorilla, through brightly coloured, super-busy spreads. There he goes, through the town, round... Featured in: 3+ readers | 5+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 10/03/2016 Info Extract Buy

Pugly Solves a Crime
Pamela Butchart
Julia Eccleshare's Pick of the Month August 2016 Lovable Pugly, a pug with a great character, is back for a hilarious new adventure. This time she is all set to solve the mystery of what Glitterpuff the Poodle who lives... Featured in: 7+ readers | 5+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 04/08/2016 Info Extract Buy

Puppy Academy: Murphy and the Great Surf Rescue
Gill Lewis
In a nutshell : daring puppy heroes Gill Lewis's little stories of the doggy students of the Puppy Academy have much to recommend them. Each story stars a different dog tasked with learning a rescue skill, but generally facing a... Featured in: 5+ readers | 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 07/07/2016 Info Extract Buy

The Secret Railway
Wendy Meddour
In three words: secret worlds - adventure – magic There are echoes of Narnia in this exciting adventure which begins with two children finding a door into another world, not in a wardrobe, but in an abandoned workshop full... Featured in: 7+ readers | 5+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 03/03/2016 Info Extract Buy

Race to the Frozen North The Matthew Henson Story
Catherine Johnson
Catherine Johnson celebrates a hero of Arctic discovery whose story had been forgotten for many years largely because of the colour of his skin in this exciting telling of an important true story. Matthew Henson's life at home was so... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/09/2018 Info Extract Buy

Triceratops Prehistoric Beasts Uncovered - The Dinosaur Built to Do Battle
Dougal Dixon
This new book, part of the Prehistoric Beasts Uncovered series, brings us hot off the press scientific information on Triceratops, one of the most recognisable of all the dinosaurs. It shows how these new discoveries are constantly adding to and... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 30/04/2018 Info Extract Buy

Isadora Moon Goes to the Fair
Harriet Muncaster
In a nutshell: half vampire, half fairy, all fun Harriet Muncaster's stories of little Isadora Moon have deservedly won a huge and enthusiastic following amongst young readers. Isadora's lively adventures are full of the kinds of magic and make-believe that... Featured in: 7+ readers | 5+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 01/03/2018 Info Extract Buy

Planet Stan
Elaine Wickson
April 2018 Debut of the Month | In a nutshell: brotherly love under the microscope Space, family relationships, friendships – they're all cleverly and vividly described in this highly entertaining story. Stan, our nerdy but very likeable hero, wants nothing... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 05/04/2018 Info Extract Buy

The Mega Quiz
Barbara Mitchelhill
In a nutshell: comic mishaps and triumphs of a schoolboy detective A sign in his local library catches the eye of schoolboy detective Damian Drooth: it offers a weekend at Disneyland Paris for the winners of a ‘mega quiz'. Damian... Featured in: 7+ readers | 5+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 01/03/2018 Info Extract Buy

Just Plain Weird
Kaye Umansky
A brilliantly funny odd couples comedy from one of our very funniest authors for children. The Primms and the Weirds are totally different: fish-eating, hedge-trimming, neighbourhood-watching, the Primms are as strait-laced as they come, while the Weirds are just, well,... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/01/2018 Info Extract Buy

Help! I'm a Genius
Jo Franklin
In a Nutshell: Guffaws, giggles and gags aplenty By a curious twist of fate Daniel Kendal - the self-confessed NOT-brainiac - has been chosen to represent his school at the National Brainiac Championships. An honour indeed and his headmaster Mr... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 28/05/2017 Info Extract Buy

St Grizzles School for Girls, Ghosts and Runaway Grannies
Karen Mccombie
In a nutshell: fun and friendship at 21st century boarding school Eleven-year-old Dani is a few weeks into life at her new boarding school, St Grizelda's, aka St Grizzle's. She's got used to the school's relaxed attitude to rules and... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 01/06/2017 Info Extract Buy

Jinks and O'Hare Funfair Repair
Philip Reeve
Bestselling Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre have created a fabulous feisty new heroine in Emily who is determined to be as helpful as she possibly can be to Jinks and O'Hare the unusual duo who look after all the repairs... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 04/05/2017 Info Extract Buy

Llama United
Scott Allen
May 2017 Debut of the Month | In a nutshell: daft and thoroughly entertaining football adventure with llamas | There aren't enough good football books and this is definitely a good one even though it's also very silly. Tim and his... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 04/05/2017 Info Extract Buy

Space Ace 4u2read
Eric Brown
Interest Age 7+ Reading Age 7 | Fact and fiction are cleverly combined in this space travel adventure story. It's 2075 and young Billy is setting off for a trip into space with his grandad on his restored spaceship. And... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/03/2017 Info Extract Buy

Rover and the Big Fat Baby
Roddy Doyle
Rover, star of The Giggler Treatment and others, is back for a new and equally hilarious dog-poo centred adventure. As ever, Rover needs to collect dog poo to keep the Gigglers well-supplied. Assisted by his favourite nephew Messi, whose... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 20/04/2017 Info Extract Buy

Danny Dingle's Fantastic Finds: The Super-Sonic Submarine
Angie Lake
In a nutshell: fart-powered non-stop adventure, part book part comic-strip | Fresh from their triumph in the Science Club Soap Box Derby would-be super-inventors Danny Dingle and his best friend Percy are back and even more determined to one day... Featured in: 9+ readers | 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 23/06/2016 Info Extract Buy

101 Brilliant Things for Kids to Do with Science
Dawn Isaac
Doing exactly what it says on the tin, this book is indeed packed with things for kids to do with science and the great news is that all 101 of them are fun and generally easy to do, and that... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 09/03/2017 Info Extract Buy

The New Friend
Jenny Colgan
In a nutshell: reassuring funny story about overcoming shyness and making friends | Polly is starting big school but not looking forward to it. She wishes she could take Neil, her puffin, with her. In a nice touch we see... Featured in: 7+ readers | 5+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 23/02/2017 Info Extract Buy

Hamish and the Gravity Burp
Danny Wallace
March 2017 Book of the Month | In a nutshell: original, clever, fast-paced and very, very funny | With no messing about at all, Danny Wallace gets straight into the comedy action in this the third adventure for Hamish... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 09/03/2017 Info Extract Buy

Attack of the Alien Dung!
Gareth P. Jones
In a nutshell: pets protect the world from alien attack | Planet Earth Is under constant threat from aliens, and who is there to protect its inhabitants? Why, our pets. When Dung Guzzler beetles arrive from the former star Dun-Glowing,... Featured in: 7+ readers | 5+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 09/02/2017 Info Extract Buy

Spy Toys
Mark Powers
In a nutshell: band of toy superheroes conquer all in a doll eat doll world | The Spy Toys are quite possibly the unlikeliest band of superheroes you could to hope to read about: Dan is a teddy bear accidentally... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 12/01/2017 Info Extract Buy

The Sticky Witch 4u2read
Hilary Mckay
Interest Age 8+ Reading Age 7 In a nutshell: two children and their cat escape a sticky situation Hilary McKay's name on a book's cover is a guarantee that you are in for a treat and The Sticky... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/11/2016 Info Extract Buy

A Dog Called Flow
Pippa Goodhart
Shortlisted for the Smarties Prize and the Kathleen Fidler Award. Oliver is struggling at school, and the other children laugh at him. What he really wants is a dog, a dog to love him loyally and uncritically; a dog to... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 28/05/2015 Info Extract Buy

The Uncracked Code
Tamara Macfarlane
In a nutshell: comic-book inspired crime story | The action in this exciting crime story is set in a comic shop, and come-strip sensibilities inspire the whole adventure. The Cosmic Comic Shop and adjoining café are threatened with closure by... Featured in: 7+ readers | 5+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 28/04/2018 Info Extract Buy

The Fox and the Ghost King
Michael Morpurgo
Award-winning Michael Morpurgo weaves a charming and witty story around sport and history as they have come together in the recent twin triumphs of the City of Leicester with the discovery of the remains of King Richard III in a... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 01/06/2017 Info Extract Buy

The Royal Rabbits of London
Santa Montefiore, Simon Sebag Montefiore
In a nutshell: rabbits save the queen | You may not know this, but whenever a rabbit hears the words ‘the Queen', they sit up and use their ears to bow, even if they are in bed or on the... Featured in: 9+ readers | 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 23/03/2017 Info Extract Buy

The Grunts in a Jam
Philip Ardagh
Award winning Philip Ardagh's Mr and Mrs Grunt are as disgusting as ever as they trundle into this fourth adventure in their ramshackle caravan which, in a typically unusual way, is drawn by an elephant. Still up their always crafty... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 07/05/2015 Info Extract Buy

Top of the Class (Nearly)
Liz Pichon
From the winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, the Best Book for Younger Readers - Red House Children's Book Award, the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 5 - 12 year-olds and the Blue Peter Best Story Book Award 2013, comes... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 08/09/2016 Info Extract Buy

Squishy McFluff: The Big Country Fair
Pip Jones
In a nutshell: Fluffy invisible friend conquers all at country fair There's tension at the heart of this new Squishy McFluff story: Ava and her family are going to a country fair and she is determined that Squishy will... Featured in: 7+ readers | 5+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 06/10/2016 Info Extract Buy

Invisible Inc.
Steve Cole
In 3 : invisible goodies – dastardly baddies – killer chickens (poultry-geists!) Steve Cole is a national treasure: creator of series such as Astrosaurs and Magic Ink, and now writing the Young Bond books, he's delighted huge numbers of young... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 14/07/2016 Info Extract Buy

King Flashypants and the Evil Emperor
Andy Riley
In a nutshell : noble kings – evil laughs – chocolate Good versus evil is given a very funny workout in this the first book in what should become a very popular series. As kings go, Edwin is lovely, always... Featured in: 7+ readers | 5+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 14/07/2016 Info Extract Buy

Walter Brown and the Magician's Hat
Karen Inglis
London-based children's author Karen Inglis is back with another illustrated page-turner, this time for ages 7-9. Karen has made a name for herself with teachers, reading charities and librarians for producing fun and fast-paced stories that get the most reluctant... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 10/05/2016 Info Extract Buy

The Hundred-Mile-An-Hour Dog: Master of Disguise
Jeremy Strong
In a Nutshell: silliness – disguises - dogs Jeremy Strong continues to set the standard in comic writing for children and his Hundred-Mile-An-Hour Dog series is a tour de force of silliness. Trevor's dog Streaker is behaving as... Featured in: 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 02/06/2016 Info Extract Buy

Basil the Bear Cub
Janey Louise Jones
Superfairies is a sweet new series about four little fairies, in which the emphasis is very much on kindness and helping others. In this springtime story the fairies are working together to clean their home inside the cherry blossom tree,... Featured in: 7+ readers | 5+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 28/01/2016 Info Extract Buy

Danny the Champion of the World
Roald Dahl
A classic Roald Dahl title, a most touching story of a boy and his very special father. Danny and his father live in a caravan parked right next to the garage where his father works. Danny father teaches him how... Featured in: 7+ readers | 5+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 11/02/2016 Info Extract Buy

The Ostrich of Pudding Lane
Jeremy Strong
Jeremy Strong knows just how to pitch a story to junior readers and the three different adventures in this collection have all his hallmarks: exaggerated characters; bags of slapstick; fast, furious storytelling that still leaves children with something to think... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/01/2016 Info Extract Buy

Timmy Failure We Meet Again
Stephan Pastis
Loveable world-class detective Timmy Failure is back for a new adventure. And his business partner and side-kick Total, a.k.a. the polar bear is with him, too. Timmy's problem is that not everyone – and certainly not those who try to... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 07/01/2016 Info Extract Buy

Pinocchio
Michael Morpurgo
Michael Morpurgo has created a fresh version of the classic story of Pinocchio, the wooden puppet with a terrible habit of telling lies who comes alive and has some incredible adventures. Here, Pinocchio tells his own story which, in his... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 10/08/2015 Info Extract Buy

Shouldn't You be in School?
Lemony Snicket
Madcap fun and mystery in this somewhat eccentric yet addictive series from the huge bestselling author of A Series of Unfortunate Events. This is Book three in the critically acclaimed four-part mystery series. Featured in: 9+ readers | 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 04/06/2015 Info Extract Buy

The Leaky Battery Sets Sail
Gareth P. Jones
The crew of the Leaky Battery are a rum bunch alright: steam-powered metal robots of different shapes and sizes. Originally designed to be servants, they choose piracy as a new career, as it offers adventure, the chance to see the... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 02/02/2015 Info Extract Buy

Hard Luck
Jeff Kinney
Hard Luck, book 8 of the hilarious, globally-bestselling and award-winning Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, is now out in paperback. Francesca Dow, m.d. of Penguin Children's, said: “Millions... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 29/01/2015 Info Extract Buy

Fortunately, the Milk ...
Neil Gaiman
One of our Books of the Year 2014 Award-winning Neil Gaiman brilliantly weaves a spell-binding story taking readers up and away on a wild fantasy in which dinosaurs and space travel happily coexist. And all because…Dad has to go out... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 05/06/2014 Info Extract Buy

Robot's Revenge
Clive Gifford
A thrilling adventure in which you the reader decide the route of the adventure, using your knowledge and learning more from the book about robotics and inventions. You may have to sneak past sensors, pull the power on a monster... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 04/08/2014 Info Extract Buy

Aztec Attack
Chris Blake
Join Tom on an incredible treasure hunt through time and battle history's mightiest warriors. The twelfth book in an action-packed, time-travelling series - perfect for fans of Beast Quest. We... Featured in: 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 08/05/2014 Info Extract Buy

Hank Zipzer: The Curtain Went Up, My Trousers Fell Down
Henry Winkler, Lin Oliver
Love the new CBBC series? Read the original books! TV tie-in edition of the New York Times bestselling series about the hilarious adventures of a cheeky, loveable hero. In this story, Hank is the star in the school play, but... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 06/03/2014 Info Extract Buy

Food Fright
David O'Connell
Meet the amazing monster customers and try the foul-food at Fuzzby's diner - the third book in the hilarious 'Monster and Chips' series from author and illustrator, David O'Connell. We... Featured in: 7+ readers | 5+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 27/03/2014 Info Extract Buy

The Worst Witch and The Wishing Star
Jill Murphy
Mildred, notoriously the worst witch at Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches, makes a wish on a shooting star - and to her great surprise it comes true! But it also spells trouble. Mildred's wish-come-true is a small dog but she... Featured in: 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 06/02/2014 Info Extract Buy

The Outlaw Varjak Paw
S F Said
Winner of the Blue Peter Book of the Year 2007 and winner of Blue Peter Prize 2007 'The Book I Couldn't Put Down.'Varjak Paw is a cat with attitude – as well as knowing each of the Seven... Featured in: 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 10/04/2014 Info Extract Buy

Armistice Runner
Tom Palmer
Interest Age 8-10 Reading Age 8 | Tom Palmer celebrates the unsung athletic heroes of the Armistice in a powerful intergenerational tale of the fell-running messengers on the front-line of war. Lily has lots of worries. She's struggling to compete... Featured in: 9+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 06/09/2018 Info Extract Buy

Dream Team
Alan Gibbons
With the World Cup coming up, football stories are even more appealing than usual, and Alan Gibbons knows just how to win and hold young readers' attention. There are two halves to the story: interspersed with the tale of youth... Featured in: 9+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 01/01/2018 Info Extract Buy

Jacky Ha-Ha: My Life is a Joke
James Patterson
Spending time with the eponymous Jacky (Ha-Ha because she's both funny and a stammerer) is always great fun and, as ever, there's lots to hold the attention and keep the pages turning in this new book. It's summer 1991 (cue... Featured in: 9+ readers | 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 22/03/2018 Info Extract Buy

The Misadventures of Max Crumbly 2 Middle School Mayhem
Rachel Renee Russell
In a nutshell: wacky humour, thrilling action, nail-biting suspense and cool raps From the creator of the hugely popular Dork Diaries comes this new series starring comic-obsessed, wannabe superhero Max Crumbly. One of the great things about Max is... Featured in: 9+ readers | 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 08/02/2018 Info Extract Buy

Middle School: Escape to Australia
James Patterson
February 2018 Book of the Month | In a nutshell: Rafe Khatchadorian heads down under In this special episode of the hugely popular Middle School series, Rafe Khatchadorian, surely everyone's favourite reformed troublemaker, has won a special art competition, first... Featured in: 9+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 08/02/2018 Info Extract Buy

Who's a Big Bully Then?
Michael Morpurgo
Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8+. How do you see off the school bully? Sick of being picked on and called ‘chicken' the narrator of this story thinks up a dare to show up Darren Bishop, the school bully. A... Featured in: 9+ readers | 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/10/2017 Info Extract Buy

National Trust: The Secret Diary of John Drawbridge, a Medieval Knight in Training
Philip Ardagh
In a nutshell: historical adventures full of facts and fun Not since Horrible Histories has the past been brought to life for young readers so accurately and with so much humour. Written in partnership with the National Trust in... Featured in: 9+ readers | 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 04/05/2017 Info Extract Buy

The Beautiful Game
Alan Gibbons
Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8 | In a nutshell: the highs and lows of our national obsession | Football has the power to excite passions like no other sport. In the words of the great Bill Shankly: ‘Some people... Featured in: 9+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/04/2017 Info Extract Buy

Diary of a Trainee Rock God
Jonathan Meres
Interest Age 9+ Reading Age 9 | In a nutshell: it's only a rock'n'roll story but we like it! Part of dyslexia and reluctant reader specialist Barrington Stoke's ‘super readable' collection, Jonathan Mere's novel will hit all the right notes... Featured in: 9+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/11/2016 Info Extract Buy

Super Skills: How to Create Animation in 10 Easy Lessons
William Bishop-Stephens
September 2016 Fascinating Facts Book of the Month Anything you can imagine, you can animate says this stimulating book, and it explains clearly and simply the ten key skills readers need to become expert animators, starting with flipbook loops and... Featured in: 9+ readers | 11+ readers | 7+ readers
Format: Hardback | Released 21/08/2016 Info Extract Buy

How to Update Your Parents
Pete Johnson
This is a hilarious story of dead fish, gorillas with bananas in their ears, poetry, cunning plans and highly legal documents (kind of). Oh and iPads, iPhones and vlogging of course. I'm sitting at home chortling away at How To... Featured in: 9+ readers | 11+ readers | 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 16/06/2016 Info Extract Buy

The Great Cycle Challenge
Chris Hoy
The second in Chris Hoy's cycling-with-a-touch-of-magic series sees Fergus and his friends Daisy, Callum and Minnie form their own cycling team, Hercules' Hopefuls. They may not have brand new bikes, or fancy jerseys like their arch rivals Wallace's Winners, but... Featured in: 9+ readers | 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 25/02/2016 Info Extract Buy

Point Blanc Graphic Novel
Anthony Horowitz, Antony Johnston
Brilliantly visualised, these graphic novel versions of the best-selling stories of boy spy Alex Rider add a fantastic new dimension to the original and terrific for getting even the most reluctant of readers to enjoy the experience of reading. Following... Featured in: 9+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 07/01/2016 Info Extract Buy

Danger is Still Everywhere: Beware of the Dog
David O'Doherty
Shortlisted for the Laugh-Out-Loud Book Awards 2016, 9-13 years Category Dr Noel Zone is without doubt the world's greatest dangerologist, and his books are required reading for anyone eager to avoid danger wherever it may lurk and, as we know... Featured in: 9+ readers | 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 06/08/2015 Info Extract Buy

Stormbreaker Graphic novel
Anthony Horowitz, Antony Johnston
Brilliantly visualised, these graphic novel versions of the best-selling stories of boy spy Alex Rider add a fantastic new dimension to the original and terrific for getting even the most reluctant of readers to enjoy the experience of reading. Following... Featured in: 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 02/08/2012 Info Extract Buy

Laugh Out Loud
James Patterson
In a nutshell: lively, comic story celebrating kids' reading and determination James Patterson creates books kids love, and his latest book is all about a boy who decides to create books kids love by setting up his own book company.... Featured in: 9+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 19/04/2018 Info Extract Buy

Hari and His Electric Feet
Alexander Mccall Smith
February 2018 Book of the Month | In a nutshell: joyful story of a boy and his dancing feet Hari lives in a biggish city in India with his sister and aunt. He's always cheerful and enjoys helping support them... Featured in: 9+ readers | 11+ readers | 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 01/02/2018 Info Extract Buy

The Jewelled Jaguar
Sharon Tregenza
In a nutshell: myth, mystery and adventure Sharon Tregenza's exciting mystery story opens in very dramatic fashion when a huge sinkhole appears under Griffin's home. With his mother badly injured and in a coma he goes to stay with his... Featured in: 9+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/09/2017 Info Extract Buy

House of Robots: Robot Revolution
James Patterson
In a nutshell: super-readable story | robot rumpus at high school | Uh-oh, things are not running smoothly in the Hayes-Rodriguez household, which is highly unusual, because Mum, a robot scientist, has invented a host of machines to ensure it does.... Featured in: 9+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 05/10/2017 Info Extract Buy

Laugh Out Loud
James Patterson
October 2017 Book of the Month In a nutshell: lively, comic story celebrating kids' reading and determination James Patterson creates books kids love, and his latest book is all about a boy who decides to create books kids love by... Featured in: 9+ readers
Format: Hardback | Released 21/09/2017 Info Extract Buy

Born to Dance
Jean Ure
In a nutshell: the perfect story for keen young ballerinas | Jean Ure understands exactly what makes ballet such an all-consuming passion for young dancers and conveys that excitement perfectly in Born to Dance, the first in a new series. Maddy... Featured in: 9+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 26/01/2017 Info Extract Buy

Fame Thing
Jonathan Meres
One of our Super Readable Books of the Year 2016 | Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8 | In a nutshell: funny story of football, fandom and fame | George is over the moon when she finds out her favourite footballer... Featured in: 9+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/10/2016 Info Extract Buy

Aidan Abet, Teacher's Pet
Guy Bass
Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8 | In a nutshell: shocking levels of sucking-up in super-readable school story | Aidan Abet works hard at school making sure he stays teacher's pet – it's the best way of ensuring protection from horrible... Featured in: 9+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/10/2016 Info Extract Buy

Journey to the River Sea
Eva Ibbotson
A special 15th anniversary edition of this award-winning classic adventure from Eva Ibbotson in which orphaned Maia travels from England to the Amazon with her governess. August 2013 Guest Editor, Lauren St John "To me, Eva Ibbotsen is a genius.... Featured in: 9+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 25/08/2016 Info Extract Buy

Mind Writer
Steve Cole
One of our Super Readable Books of the Year 2016 | Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8 | In a Nutshell : accessible | edgy | sinister Branded super-readable Steve Cole's short novel is just that, and the action moves as fast... Featured in: 9+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/07/2016 Info Extract Buy

Treasure Hunters: Peril at the Top of the World
James Patterson
In 3 words : in it together The Kidd family, stars of some of James Patterson's liveliest and most boisterous adventures are back and centre stage in the latest episode in his globe-trotting series, Treasure Hunters. This time the Kidds... Featured in: 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 14/07/2016 Info Extract Buy

The World's Worst Children
David Walliams
Julia Eccleshare's Book of the Month June 2016 Ten wickedly funny and wonderfully surreal stories of truly terrible children show best-selling David Walliams's amazing gift for spinning entertaining stories. Contained in a handsome edition and illustrated in colour throughout by... Featured in: 9+ readers | 7+ readers
Format: Hardback | Released 19/05/2016 Info Extract Buy

Peace Maker
Malorie Blackman
In a short book of less than 80 pages Malorie Blackman delivers an exciting, incisive story with a credible, interesting central character and powerful message about the importance of taking a stand and fighting for what you believe in. Michela... Featured in: 9+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/04/2016 Info Extract Buy

Shadow Warriors
Chris Bradford
One of our Books of the Year 2016 Deep rivalries, hand to hand fighting, daring raids and surprise revelations, they all feature in this collection of stories about young ninja warrior Taka. Together with his ninja clan he's fighting the... Featured in: 9+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/01/2016 Info Extract Buy

Moone Boy: the Blunder Years
Chris O'Dowd, Nick Vincent Murphy
One of our Books of the Year 2014 Martin Moone- one boy and a load of sisters! That means Martin is always in trouble of one kind or another. What would you do? When Martin asks his friend Padraic for... Featured in: 9+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 23/04/2015 Info Extract Buy

The Forever Man
Eoin Colfer
The heroes of Eoin Colfer's wonderful time-travelling W.A.R.P. series, Victorian orphan Riley and Shawnee FBI juvenile consultant Chevie are back for another adventure, once again coming face to face with the evil – and now apparently immortal - Albert... Featured in: 9+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 23/06/2015 Info Extract Buy

Blue Moon Day
Anne Fine
A collection of short stories set in a range of different schools. Featured in: 9+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 09/10/2014 Info Extract Buy

Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder: The End of the World. Maybe.
Jo Nesbo
With crazy inventions, disappearing socks, half-men half-frogs, a moon chameleon invasion and, of course, plenty of super-sonic bottom burps, this is the gang's most explosive adventure yet! Can they stop an alien invasion in its tracks, or is this actually... Featured in: 9+ readers | 7+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 24/04/2014 Info Extract Buy

Timmy Failure Mistakes Were Made
Stephan Pastis
Wimpy Kid fans will love this new boy-diary with a difference. Saddled with the name Timmy Failure, our narrator has clearly been dealt a tough hand. Luckily, he has a perky temperament and is not easily deflected from his ambitions.... Featured in: 7+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 05/06/2014 Info Extract Buy

A Dangerous Game
Malorie Blackman
Interest Age 8+ Reading Age 8 | A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month October 2018 | Former Children's Laureate Malorie Blackman tells a gripping adventure story of a school trip that goes horribly wrong. Sam longs to go on... Featured in: 11+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/09/2018 Info Extract Buy

A Different Dog
Paul Jennings
In a nutshell: exciting, unusual rescue story set in Australia's dense forest A Different Dog is the story of the special relationship that develops between a boy and a dog and how it saves them both. It's beautifully told in... Featured in: 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 01/02/2018 Info Extract Buy

Steve & Frandan Take on the World
Ron Butlin
In a Nutshell: Fleeing bullies leads to a fight (and flight) of a lifetime | Action-packed adventure in which three friends bite off a whole lot more than most kids can chew when they take flight from a bully, and crash... Featured in: 11+ readers | 13+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 18/05/2017 Info Extract Buy

Rook
Anthony McGowan
Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2018 | Interest Age Teen Reading Age 8 | In a nutshell: sharply realised slice of real life This finely written story speaks directly to readers in language that is frill free but shines... Featured in: 11+ readers | 13+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/06/2017 Info Extract Buy

Black Light Express
Philip Reeve
November 2016 Book of the Month In a nutshell: dazzling journeys into other worlds | Philip Reeve continues to turn us all into railheads in his glorious new sci-fi adventure. The follow up to Railhead, this is set in... Featured in: 13+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Hardback | Released 06/10/2016 Info Extract Buy

There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom
Louis Sachar
In Holes, best-selling author Louis Sachar showed his understanding and compassion for a group of boys who have got outside the system. In There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom, he shows the same sensitivity to Bradley Chalkers, one boy... Featured in: 11+ readers | 13+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 14/01/2016 Info Extract Buy

Scorpia The Graphic Novel
Anthony Horowitz, Antony Johnston
Eyebrow-raisingly, heart-stoppingly pacey adventures starring the boy every would-be teen superhero wants to be, the Alex Rider books are now available as stylish graphic novels. The medium is perfect for these adrenaline-filled stories and, in the hands of some of... Featured in: 11+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 05/02/2015 Info Extract Buy

Memoirs of a Neurotic Zombie Escape from Camp
Jeff Norton
Life's not easy for Adam Meltzer, or rather death isn't. You see, he's a zombie – bad enough for anyone let alone someone who has OCD. In this his second adventure, he's worked out a way of getting by and... Featured in: 9+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 17/09/2015 Info Extract Buy

Holes
Louis Sachar
Wholly original and brilliantly plotted, Holes is a funny and poignant story about surviving. When Stanley Yelnats is falsely accused of stealing a pair of trainers, he is sent off to Camp Green Lake which is not a camp, not... Featured in: 13+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 07/05/2015 Info Extract Buy

The Dying of the Light
Derek Landy
The final shocking, heart-wrenching book in the jaw-droppingly stupendous Skulduggery Pleasant series. This is it; this is the end, the concluding part, the final outcome and as the curtain comes down there is a moment of hush,... Featured in: 11+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 26/03/2015 Info Extract Buy

Devil You Know
Cathy MacPhail
Award-winning writer Cathy Macphail, master of the unexpected twist, leads readers into a tense and sometimes violent story before revealing the truth. Newly arrived on an estate in Glasgow, Logan is thrilled when he finds a friend. Baz seems cool... Featured in: 11+ readers | 13+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 19/03/2015 Info Extract Buy

The Eagle Trail
Robert Rigby
April 2014 Book of the Month A master storyteller, Robert Rigby sends shivers down the spine in this gripping story of one boy's escape from Nazi-occupied Antwerp to safety. When Paul sees his father shot in front of him and... Featured in: 13+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 03/04/2014 Info Extract Buy

Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters: The Graphic Novel
Rick Riordan
The Sea of Monsters: The Graphic Novel sees Percy Jackson come to life in this explosive graphic novel adaptation of Rick Riordan's blockbuster title. Featuring a faithful adaptation by Robert Venditti, stunning artwork by Attila Futaki, and sumptuous colours by... Featured in: 9+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 04/07/2013 Info Extract Buy

Bumface
Morris Gleitzman
An attention grabbing title and an arresting opening ensure Morris Gleitzman has his audience hooked. And they will be well rewarded for being so. But alongside its effortlessly entertaining introduction, Bumface is also a thoughtful and serious book about the... Featured in: 11+ readers | 13+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 04/03/1999 Info Extract Buy

Martyn Pig
Kevin Brooks
Award-winning novelist Kevin Brooks made his mark with this, his debut novel. A black comedy is something of a rarity in children's books but here Kevin Brooks shows how it can be done. Martyn hates his father – and he... Featured in: 11+ readers | 13+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 07/03/2014 Info Extract Buy

Little Soldier
Bernard Ashley
One of the best books ever about the realities of young boys forced into fighting in rebel armies and the effect it can have. Back home, Kaninda has been trained to carry a gun and use it. When he is... Featured in: 11+ readers | 13+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 30/09/1999 Info Extract Buy

Stay A Little Longer
Bali Rai
Interest Age Teen Reading Age 8 | In a Nutshell: Grief, grit and the glow of friendship | A heartfelt, hard-hitting, super-readable novella about the life-affirming, life-saving friendship that blossoms between a young teenager and her 59 year-old neighbour. All sweet-hearted Aman wanted was... Featured in: 13+ readers | YA readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/09/2018 Info Extract Buy

The Family Tree
Mal Peet
June 2018 Book of the Month | In a nutshell: themes of fatherhood, memory and guilt explored in haunting YA novella Mal Peet, who died in 2015, wrote with extraordinary sensitivity and insight and this novella, freshly published by Barrington... Featured in: 13+ readers | YA readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/05/2018 Info Extract Buy

The Football Trials: Dangerous Play
John Hickman
In a nutshell: football-set story, accessible to all readers Jackson Law is a talented footballer, newly signed to the United youth squad. Real life carries on though, and a budding romance with the girl he's always fancied brings him up... Featured in: 13+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 05/04/2018 Info Extract Buy

The Last Days of Archie Maxwell
Annabel Pitcher
December 2017 Book of the Month | In a nutshell: beautifully written story of life, love and growing up Full of love, humour and heartbreak, this beautifully crafted YA novella from the multi award-winning author of Ketchup Clouds and My... Featured in: 13+ readers | YA readers
Format: Paperback | Released 25/10/2017 Info Extract Buy

Grave Matter
Juno Dawson
Interest Age Teen Reading Age 8 In a nutshell: Gothic tale of love and obsession Teenage love is the subject of Juno Dawson's thoroughly creepy new book for Barrington Stoke: ‘I think we love more freely… more playfully,... Featured in: 11+ readers | 13+ readers | YA readers
Format: Paperback | Released 27/09/2017 Info Extract Buy

Return of the (Un)Teenager
Pete Johnson
Interest Age Teen Reading Age 8+ Hilarious sequel to Diary of an (Un)teenager, from the author of the best-selling How to Train Your Parents. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 12+ Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher... Featured in: 13+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/11/2015 Info Extract Buy

The Devil's Angel
Kevin Brooks
February 2015 Book of the Month - Interest Age Teen Reading Age 8 Award-winning Kevin Brooks tells a gripping and thoughtful story about the irresistible appeal of a dangerous friendship. Jack is cruising along in year 10; not part of... Featured in: 13+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/01/2015 Info Extract Buy

Brock
Anthony McGowan
Longlisted for the Carnegie Medal 2014 - One of our Dyslexia Friendly Books of the Year 2013 - Interest Age Teen Reading Age 8+ Nicky knows he must do everything in his power to save the innocent and brave badger.... Featured in: 13+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 03/06/2013 Info Extract Buy

The Tiger on His Back
Bernard Ashley
Interest Age Teen Reading Age 8 | In a nutshell: tense, contemporary and thought-provoking teenage drama | An eye-catching tattoo of a tiger links four people in Bernard Ashley's new book. Against her parents' wishes, Sofia has a tiger head... Featured in: 13+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/06/2018 Info Extract Buy

Gone Wild
Robert Muchamore
In a Nutshell: Battles | Humour | Music | Third hard-hitting book in the hit Rock War series about a Battle of the Bands showdown, by the bestselling author of CHERUB. Rock Wars is now at the halfway mark and... Featured in: 13+ readers | YA readers
Format: Paperback | Released 09/02/2017 Info Extract Buy

Lie Kill Walk Away
Matt Dickinson
December 2016 Book of the Month A non-stop, action packed, thrilling tale of a race to save humanity from a deadly virus. 15 year old Rebecca Eden and 16 year old Joe Fontana tell their own tales in alternate very... Featured in: 13+ readers | YA readers
Format: Paperback | Released 06/10/2016 Info Extract Buy

All About the Hype
Paige Toon
In a Nutshell: Gigs • Glitz• Grown-up glitches Super-cool summer escapism with heaps of heat, heart and Hollywood glamour, this third Jessie Jefferson novel is the most satisfying yet. Having recently discovered that her dad is none other than... Featured in: 13+ readers | YA readers
Format: Paperback | Released 28/07/2016 Info Extract Buy

Eight Rivers of Shadow
Leo Hunt
In a Nutshell: Dead gripping • Dead funny • Deadpan urban fantasy Full of fantastical thrills, supernatural spills and wail-out-loud wit, this sublimely plotted sequel to “Thirteen Days of Midnight” is a riotously riveting read. There was a time when... Featured in: 13+ readers | YA readers
Format: Paperback | Released 14/07/2016 Info Extract Buy

Blame
Simon Mayo
Shortlisted for Best Crime Novel for Young Adults, CrimeFest Gala Awards 2017 | July 2016 Book of the Month | In a nutshell : tense, unusual thriller Set in a not-too-distant future in which, following the collapse of the EU and a... Featured in: 13+ readers | YA readers
Format: Paperback | Released 07/07/2016 Info Extract Buy

Concentr8
William Sutcliffe
Longlisted for the UKLA 2017 Book Award Set in a near-future version of London, where a drug called Concentr8 has been extensively prescribed to young people diagnosed with ADHD, this is the brilliantly provocative second young adult novel from the... Featured in: 13+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 30/06/2016 Info Extract Buy

The Loose Ends List
Carrie Firestone
July 2016 Debut of the Month | In a Nutshell: Trip of a lifetime • Seize the day • Perfect endings Always heartwarming, often laugh-out-loud hilarious, this is a sublime novel about living, loving and savouring every precious moment. As... Featured in: 13+ readers | YA readers
Format: Paperback | Released 16/06/2016 Info Extract Buy

We are All Made of Molecules
Susin Nielsen
April 2016 Debut of the Month Stewart and Ashley are about as different as it's possible to be. He's super smart, happy to use words like ‘plethora' in everyday conversation, but socially a little inept. She's queen of the popular... Featured in: 13+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 07/04/2016 Info Extract Buy

Dream on
Bali Rai
Interest Age Teen Reading Age 8 Baljit – Jit to his school friends – helps out in his father's chippy but dreams of playing football in the Premier League. When he's given a chance to take part in open trials for... Featured in: 13+ readers | YA readers
Format: Paperback | Released 04/11/2014 Info Extract Buy

The Night Raid
Caroline Lawrence
One of our Dyslexia Friendly Books of the Year 2014 - Interest Age Teen Reading Age 8+ Best-selling Caroline Lawrence doesn't skimp on violence in this action-packed story which captures the bravery of two young boys, survivors of the carnage... Featured in: 13+ readers | YA readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/05/2014 Info Extract Buy

Tilly's Promise
Linda Newbery
One of our Dyslexia Friendly Books of the Year 2014 - Interest Age Teen Reading Age 8+ Award-winning Linda Newbery gives a fresh insight into the First World War in this deeply touching story. Village sweethearts Tilly and Harry are... Featured in: 13+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/01/2014 Info Extract Buy

Shivers
Bali Rai
Interest Age teen - Reading Age 8+ Bali Rai hits hard in this dark and haunting teen novel. Nothing has gone well for Sam since he and his mother were forced to leave their comfortable home after his dad's disappearance... Featured in: 13+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 03/01/2013 Info Extract Buy

You Killed Me!
Keith Gray
Interest Age Teen Reading Age 8+ Award-winning Keith Gray tells a page-turning adventure with gusto and style. Comic-mad Toby wakes one morning to find a man with a badly beaten up head staring at him from the end of the... Featured in: 13+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 03/01/2013 Info Extract Buy

Awesome
Pete Johnson
Interest Age Teen Reading Age 7 Ben hates being a new boy. Even with a new hair cut and contact lenses instead of his usual glasses, he feels like a misfit. Until the girls start noticing him! Ben seems to... Featured in: 13+ readers | YA readers
Format: Paperback | Released 15/01/2013 Info Extract Buy

Set in Stone
Linda Newbery
Winner of the Costa Children's Book Award 2006. Set at the end of the 19th century, Linda Newbery has cleverly carved out an incredible mystery that's full of clever twists and entwined with drama, all manner of emotions and mind-blowingly powerful... Featured in: 13+ readers | 11+ readers
Format: Paperback | Released 20/07/2015 Info Extract Buy

Animal Farm
George Orwell
Anthony McGowan, Guest Editor June 2015 chose Animal Farm as one of his favourite short novels...."Orwell's story of a farmyard revolution is one of the very few parables that works on both levels: his animal characters are so wonderfully drawn... Featured in: 13+ readers | YA readers
Format: Paperback (a Format) | Released 03/09/1998 Info Extract Buy