100 Best Books 9-11

This picture book autobiography explores the early life of Floella Benjamin, celebrated writer, actress and television presenter. It begins in her childhood home of Trinidad and charts her move to England in 1960 as part of the Windrush generation.

A fascinating book on holes, from subways to sinkholes, as well as the philosophical concept of a hole and some surprising cultural facts. Any budding archaeologists will really enjoy this original take on the natural and built environment.

This is the story about how four classmates have a massive impact on the life of Ahmet, a boy that comes to their school as a refugee from Syria. An inspiring and sweet tale that should help children be the best they can be and realise the power of kindness.

This well-loved fantasy story has delighed readers ever since its first publication in 1937.

In New Mexico in the late 1800s, the wolves that had once roamed the landscape of the Old West were becoming scarce because of the rising number of settlers to the area. 

Planet Omar has all of the everyday life family drama and silly humour of Tom Gates and Sam Wu, and it’s wonderful to read a funny book for kids featuring a Muslim family.

First published in the 1930s, this classic story of three very different girls who work hard to master their talents has captivated children’s imaginations for decades

All the girls in Margaret’s new neighbourhood are interested in boys, wearing makeup, and getting their period – but Margaret hasn’t done any of those things yet. To assuage her worries, Margaret begins to talk to God in her mind, asking him to help her grow up.

Pedigree cat Varjak Paw lives in a luxurious mansion with his family, but when trouble comes to their door, he’s forced to escape to the streets to enlist the help of a sworn enemy. A modern adventure which considers what it is to be persecuted for coming from a different culture, and, at the same time, find strength in the wisdom passed down from our ancestors.

Taking place in a believable urban, multicultural environment that will be familiar to many young readers, Polly Ho-Yen’s debut is an impressively moving and thought-provoking story that will touch children and adults alike.

In the chaos of World War II, Ruth, Edek and Bronia are separated from their parents, and left alone to fend for themselves, hiding from the Nazis in the ruins of their city.

After the misery of life with his ghastly aunt and uncle, Harry Potter is delighted to have the chance to embark on an exciting new life at the Hogwart’s School of Wizardry and Witchcraft.

A classic, touching and very funny coming-of-age story about an unusual science project that teaches the boys in 4C so much more than just science.

When Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy – step through a wardrobe door in the strange country house where they are staying, they find themselves in the land of Narnia.

Eve Garnett’s brilliant depiction of a large, close-knit family and their hilarious escapades is every bit as funny and charming today as it was when it was published in the 1930s.

When Bastian hides in an antique bookshop to escape bullies, he stumbles across a mysterious leatherbound book which carries him into adventures beyond his wildest dreams. 

One night, a bag containing £229,370 falls from the sky and flattens the hermitage. Damian is convinced it is a gift from God.

Written by an astrophysicist and illustrated by the phenomenally talented Chris Wormell, Planetarium explores the solar system and universe as we know it. A beautiful and wonderful book and a real treasure for any child.

Inspired by Nina Bawden’s own experiences of living as an evacuee in a Welsh mining valley as a child, Carrie’s War is now considered a modern classic. Funny, sad and thought-provoking. 

This is a brilliant adventure story that manages to give young readers a really important insight into slavery without being so upsetting that it’s impossible to read: a very fine balance, masterfully achieved.

Willie Beech, a lonely and deprived child, is evacuated to a tiny English village just before the Second World War, and finds himself living with reclusive widower Thomas Oakley.

Exploring a ramshackle garage with his new-found friend Mina, Michael discovers a strange, magical creature who needs his help. A contemporary classic.

This is a moving yet unsentimental account of two children coming to terms with their mother’s depression, mental instability and alcohol problem.

This is a beautifully written tale of an exceptional friendship which survives beyond the boundaries of culture and language.

A story of adventure, trauma and courage set in India and England against a backdrop of imperialism, a world war and the violent unrest that followed the partition of India. 

Morris Gleitzman brings heart and humour to the difficult subject of the Holocaust in this ground-breaking children’s book.

To everyone around her, George is a boy – but George longs to be like Charlotte, the wise and gentle hero of Charlotte’s Web. This short, sweet story of embracing your true self and trusting those around you is a timely addition to the growing awareness of transgender identification in children and young adults. 

This empathetic account of the process of bereavement, a month’s diary, reassures readers that we grow from our experiences, however painful they are.

From fast-paced football matches to school and family drama, this novel written in verse has something for everyone and will grip reluctant readers from page one.