Christmas Spirit
7+ readers 9+ readersRobert Westall was without doubt one of the finest children's authors of the 20th century. In this marvellous collection, his favourite themes come to the fore - cats, christmas and ghosts. Beautifully illustrated by enormously respected John Lawrence, there is a chilling but moving ghost story, a totally absorbing cat story both of which are centred around Christmas. Westall explores wider themes too: childhood experiences, family relationships and social justice. This is a very special book indeed and a marvellous gift for anyone of 8 upwards.
Nemesis 3: Sinister Intent
11+ readers 13+ readersThe third in the Nemesis quartet, a heart-stopping and highly original crime thriller series from the award-winning and highly acclaimed author Catherine McPhail. Nemesis : Sinister Intent sees people going missing and each one of them is known by Ram; then he discovers another terrifying truth that means he’ll never be safe again... Boys in particular will be drawn to the whole package – the dramatic cover look, the short time frame in which all four thrillers are set, the short, pacy chapters, the cliff hangers and the dynamic, independent, resourceful boy hero. Nemesis is the junior Bourne Identity so fans of Robert Ludlum’s writing will appreciate just how good and suitable the Nemesis quartet is for the fans thereof. Other books in the series include Into The Shadows, The Beast Within, and Ride Of Death.
Faultline
9+ readers 11+ readersOne teenage boy stands between civilization and outright chaos. If you enjoy reading Anthony Horowitz or Andy McNab you’ll love the fast-paced, page-turning action of Graham Marks’ thrillers.
Tommy Niner And The Mystery Spaceship
7+ readersThis is a fantastic new series, perfect for boys aged 6+ who are just starting out on the fun of reading alone, or perhaps for those boys who aren’t yet hooked on reading but will become so having met Tommy Niner, from award-winning and bestselling author Tony Bradman. He has created, in Tommy Niner a nine-year old boy whose home is a spaceship along with his dad, grand dad and the Stardust’s onboard computer Ada. Wild and wacky adventures ensue and they do get themselves in a bit of danger from time to time but each time one of them manages to save the day. There will be more Tommy Niner adventures to come.
The Owl Service
9+ readersChosen as a favourite by Philip Pullman: "[this book] showed how children's literature could sound dark and troubling chords." Carnegie Medal winner, 1967.An all-time classic, combining mystery, adventure, history and a complex set of human relationships. The author is wonderfully adept at interweaving mythical legend with the present day world and the haunting descriptions of time and place coupled with characters that hang long in your mind will have you glued to the pages until the end.
Children Of Winter
7+ readersThis book will capture your imagination right from the beginning as you go back in time – you’re sure to feel right there with them throughout all their time-travel experiences. By a double Carnegie Medal winning author (I think only three authors have done that in its 70 year history), Berlie Doherty writes with a lightness of touch and tremendous fluidity despite the haunting nature of the story, so I’m confident you’ll more than enjoy this book.Her 1987 Carnegie winning novel Granny was a Buffer Girl is also featured on Lovereading so why not read one of the extracts and decide for yourself whether you enjoy Berlie Doherty's writing style and then you have a choice of reading one or both books. We think you will love it.
The Riddle of the Poisoned Monk
9+ readersA fast-paced medieval mystery which is cleverly plotted, fast-paced and full of intrigue. See if you the reader can solve the riddle of the poisoned monk and of some missing treasure before Charlie who has been lifted out of his time to some 400 years earlier to do just that.
Astrosaurs: Day of the Dino-Droids
7+ readersAstrosaurs Series - No. 7. Astrosaurs are a really collectable series offering dramatic space travel stories peopled with dinosaur characters. Teggs is captain of the amazing spaceship DSS Sauropod. With his dinosaur crew, he travels through space fighting evil and doing good wherever he can. This time, DSS Sauropod is sucked into a black hole. Will the crew get out alive? And will things ever be the same again? Steve Cole is also the author of a number of other bestselling series’ including Astrosaurs Academy, Cows in Action and Slime Squad. To view them all go to Steve’s author page here on Lovereading4kids - click here. The Astrosaurs Academy series is a spin-off from Astrosaurs which began in 2008. The series focuses on Teggs Stegosaur while he’s at Astrosaurs Academy before he becomes an Astrosaur.
The Flower (Illustrated by Lisa Evans)
3+ readersLisa Evans was selected as one of The Big Picture campaign's Best New Illustrators Award in 2008. This is a deceptively simple yet haunting story, beautifully and mysteriously illustrated. Its setting is a bleak future metropolis where flowers no longer exist. However, but for the determination of one boy who sets off a chain of events no one would have seen the beauty of flowers again.
Molly Moon Stops the World
9+ readersMolly Moon, the orphan who once took Broadway by storm, has vowed never to use her amazing hypnotic powers again. But when she learns that a megalomaniac master hypnotist called Primo Cell is rumoured to be controlling the minds of famous movie stars, she has to intervene. Arriving in Hollywood, Molly, Rocky and Petula the pug get to work. While Petula is being pampered at a beauty parlour for glamorous pooches, Molly and Rocky plan how to blag their way into Primo's famous Oscar-night party. Here they find that their enemy is far more dangerous and powerful than they suspected. Primo thinks it will be a breeze to control the minds of two kids, but he doesn't know that Molly has discovered an extraordinary new ability. Her hypnotic eyes can actually stop time itself...
The Weathermonger
9+ readersWhen Geoffrey starts to repair his uncle's motorboat, he and his sister Sally are condemned as witches. Fleeing to France, they find everything to be normal - it seems "The Changes" forcing the English back to a primitive past are the result of a magical spell that must be broken.
Shadow of the Minotaur
11+ readers 13+ readersA unique blend of fantasy and thriller and myths and legends but grounded firmly in real present-day life. It was winner of the 2000 Blue Peter Award 'book i couldn't put down category'. With twists and turns virtually on every page you're left gasping for breath but wanting more. Perfect for Reluctant Readers as well as keen readers. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here.
LoveReading4Kids Top 10
