Jodie
by Hilary McKay, illustrated by Keith Robinson
Interest age: 9 to 14
Reading age: 8+
Published by Barrington Stoke, 2023
About this book
Jodie only agreed to go on the residential trip because Mrs Nolan was going to be there to keep an eye on her. Mrs Nolan is the only reason Jodie can go to school at all.
But, just as the bus is about to leave, a note arrives to say Mrs Nolan can’t make it and Jodie is devastated.
At the field centre, she knows the other kids are talking about her and can’t wait to get away. So, when she hears a little dog barking over towards the salt marsh, it gives her the perfect excuse to go off on her own.
But the salt marshes are dangerous and it’s easy to get cut off by the incoming tide. And if no one notices you’re missing, how will anyone come and look for you?
With no horror or jump-scares, this is a ghost story that creeps up on you slowly and says a lot about humanity and kindness.
Both uplifting and thought-provoking, Jodie’s experiences reframe her differences as the things that make her special and interesting as she realises that others have their challenges too.
A great story that anyone can enjoy but especially suitable for reluctant readers.
About the author
More books like this
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Ravencave
by Marcus Sedgwick
9 to 12 years
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Needle
by Patrice Lawrence
12+ years
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The Swallows’ Flight
by Hilary McKay
9 to 12+ years
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The Time of Green Magic
by Hilary McKay
9 to 12+ years
Lists of recommended reads
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Books for a high interest age, low reading ability (high low), for 10+
Children can have a different reading ability to their interest age for a variety of reasons, such as dyslexia or having English as an additional language (EAL). Here is a selection of fiction that will grip the reader, and that has simpler syntax and/or an accessible layout.