Books for reluctant readers (12+)

When 12 year old Cora meets Adrien, they become inseparable. But when Cora starts to visit Adrien’s dad’s company – which creates realistic holograms of people – she begins to realise that nothing about Adrien’s life is quite what it seems.

Al’s mum is back in prison again – and Al thinks it’s their neighbour’s fault, so he plots revenge with his beloved pet rats, Venom and Vulture. A moving insight into the world of a young boy affected by poverty, neglect and crime, who eventually learns to trust. 

From pandemics to war, world news can sometimes seem rather bleak, leaving many children feeling anxious and despondent. This superb, upbeat book redresses the balance, highlighting amazing news stories from around the globe.

Abigail, the author and illustrator of this exceptional non-fiction book, spent most of her life not knowing she was autistic. Insightful, accessible and easy to navigate, this is an essential book for autistic and allistic (non-autistic) readers of all ages, including adults.

Lily and Erin are sisters, but they couldn’t be more different. So what on earth will happen when they find that their bodies have been swapped? A fast-paced, laugh-out-loud story with lots of heart.

In this touching story, Rosie decides to reinvent herself when she moves to a new town and starts a new school.

A creepy collection of nine short stories with a strange, supernatural edge inspired by myth, legend and ancient tales. 

It’s really exciting to be starting at Roller Derby summer camp, but less so when Astrid finds herself doing it alone. A fantastic full-colour graphic novel about friendship and awesome, strong girls, this a genuine joy to read. 

At just 13, Marjorie has to run the family launderette. When a plan emerges to turn it into a posh yoga retreat, unexpected help comes from some sheet-wearing ghosts. A beautiful, modern, clever and funny graphic novel about bereavement and family.

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. 

Thirteen-year-old Emmie is the quiet girl at school, the one nobody notices. She loves to draw – and is good at it too – and has a best friend, Brianna, but her crippling shyness makes school and interacting with, well, anyone, really scary.

Pam Smy’s heartbreaking yet heartwarming illustrated novel has a supernatural element, but is really about the terrible impact that domestic violence can have on a family. 

This beautiful book is written in verse and captures 13-year-old Kasienka’s emotions and experiences perfectly

Lots of teenagers are embarrassed by their parents but when yours vlog about everything in your life, including your first period, what can you do to get your life back? A funny and interesting look at social media, identity and privacy. 

During the occupation of Ukraine in World War II, players from what had been the Dynamo Kiev football team set themselves up as Start FC and competed in a Nazi-organised league

Engrossing and uplifting, challenging and charming, Apple and Rain brings fiction and poetry together in a well-crafted story about growing up and learning to love.

This punchy and exciting thriller explores status, friendship and potentially deadly rivalry – and shows how saving face at all costs isn’t necessarily the best strategy. 

Tyler is used to being one of the most popular boys in school, so when he teams up with quiet, shy Emmie to draw a comic for a school project, his crew start making fun of him. A gentle graphic novel all about staying true to yourself and the pressure of fitting in. 

In this thorough, well-researched and impassioned guide for older readers, Linda Newbery offers tips and advice on how to live a life that doesn’t cost the earth.

A sad ghost wants to go to a party, but his social anxiety keeps holding him back. When he meets another anxious ghost, he realises he’s not alone. A charming graphic novel for older readers about depression, friendship, and finding a kindred spirit.

Now he’s a teenager, Julian wants to hear the details of what happened to Grandmère during her childhood in France in World War Two. A compelling graphic novel about courage in adversity, and how kindness and humanity can overcome evil. 

Briggsy, his best friend Terror and the love of Terror’s life, Caldonia, are 14 year olds living on the wrong side of the tracks. Soon, their vague fantasy of robbing a post office descends into farce. A hilarious, thrilling and uplifting read that’s a breath of fresh air.

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.

Lottie Brooks is just starting secondary school and she’s just about ready to die of embarrassment – she hasn’t got a bra, her hair is totally wrong, and the whole class has started calling her Cucumber Girl. Just how cringe can one year be? A hilarious tween diary from Katie Kirby.