book cover

Crater Lake

by Jennifer Killick

Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 9+

Published by Firefly Press, 2020

  • Chapter books
  • Horror
  • Science fiction

About this book

There are three rules for surviving Crater Lake: don’t go anywhere with an adult; don’t follow any instructions you’re given; and don’t ever fall asleep…

When Lance’s class arrives at the brand new Crater Lake activity centre for their school trip, it’s immediately clear something is not quite right. Aside from a weird lack of staff and a very odd manager, there’s also the panicked man covered in blood shouting at them all to run.

And it’s not long before the teachers and other kids in his class start behaving strangely too. Like Zombies, they get out of bed and, spaced-out, start marching into the woods at midnight. As they’re unaffected, it’s up to Lance and his friends to uncover the cause – and find a way to stop it. But time is ticking, they’re exhausted, and if they fall asleep, then all will be lost…

Crater Lake is a fast-paced, high action read full of suspense, scares, twists and turns. Alongside the action, there’s witty dialogue and a strong message about staying loyal to your friends and how to stand up for yourself against bullies, whether they’re mean kids, monstrous teachers – or even body-snatching aliens. Immensely enjoyable; light and dark perfectly balanced.

About the author

Jennifer Killick is the author of the Dread Wood series, Crater Lake and the Alex Sparrow series. She regularly visits schools and festivals, and her books have three times been selected for The Reading Agency's Summer Reading Challenge. She lives in Uxbridge, in a house full of children, animals and Lego. When she isn't busy mothering or step-mothering (which isn't often) she loves to read, write and run, as fast as she can.

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