Books for reluctant readers (older children)

Blue-haired explorer Hilda has an uncanny ability to find weird and wonderful adventures and befriend peculiar creatures.

Three hilarious illustrated stories featuring the Real Pigeons – a motley band of airborne crime fighters, whose mission is to solve the most mysterious mysteries! Not to be read under the desk at school, as the teachers will catch you when you snort with laughter.

Max longs for adventure in his life – then one day, a flying pony called Kevin crashes into his flat, blown in by a magical storm. Mayhem, friendship and a brilliant cast of characters combine in this fabulously funny tale.

Just like this book says, danger is everywhere. Don’t worry, though, because Docter Noel Zone (yes, Docter) is an experienced Dangerologist and is here to help you in this fun and very funny book.

The dream team of Stewart and Riddell are on fantastic form for this outing: full of Stewart’s trademark fantasy wit and grandeur, and Riddell’s detailed and capturing illustrations.

Meet Timmy Failure – a terminally over-confident middle school pupil attempting to make millions by solving local mysteries, such as who ate his classmates’ unattended Halloween candy.

Presented as a series of short comic strip stories, with themes as diverse as filling Bunny’s house with custard and distorting the fabric of time and space, the Bunny vs Monkey universe is wildly imaginative and packed with anarchic humour and plentiful fart and poo jokes.

In Michela’s world, aggression is forbidden – but sometimes fighting is the only way to keep the peace. This is a well-paced and interesting story, designed to appeal to reluctant or hesitant readers, as well as dyslexia-friendly.

Is it fiction or non-fiction? You decide! This highly interactive book mixes together real and made-up facts about pets, with hilarious results. Packed with cartoon-style illustrations, The Funny Life of Pets is a comical take on how to choose and care for a pet.

Brothers always find something to fight about. Alex and Freddy are no different – even though they’re also the most powerful robots in the universe.

Greg Heffley is a normal American kid, albeit one with a habit of getting into (and out of) trouble.

A beautiful tale of a courageous young man who overcomes his fears when he finds an unlikely companion in a park statue. Complex ideas of young carers, social anxiety and remembrance are sensitively weaved into a light and accessible story.

Ten short stories about that strange time when school finishes and children of a certain age (usually around ten years old) get to walk home without adult supervision. Jason Reynolds’ writing is gripping, direct, exciting and incredibly readable. 

When Nancy mentions that her mum and dad are acting strangely, her friends Pete and Krish are keen to find out more – especially as other people in their village are starting to display similar behaviour. Fast-paced and sinister, this compelling science fiction adventure will have readers on the edge of their seats.

A boy taking part in a running competition stops to help a van which has crashed – but the only survivor is a dog. This emotional novella follows his quest to get his new friend to safety and is perfect for reluctant or struggling readers.

A chilling and unnerving ghost story that will have you convinced that, just beyond the corner of your eye, something unspeakable is looking right back at you. Ideal for readers looking for accessible text with exciting content.

Kirk Bergman and Duncan McBoo are back: the dog detectives are on a cinematic case that gets them caught up in the movie business. The Phoenix continues to showcase the best in contemporary comics.

This book oozes personality and with so much going on it promises to maintain the attention of young readers for hours at a time

Bill thinks his wish for a brother has come true when his family takes in a boy injured during a World War Two air raid – but is he about to discover that wishes can go horribly wrong? A spine-chilling story from the master of spookiness, Chris Priestley.

This engaging historical adventure story will immerse young readers in the traditions and culture of Ancient Japan, including its complex codes of loyalty and honour.

Three years ago Ghost’s dad chased him and his mum down the road with a gun. His dad got ten years in prison, and Ghost learned how to run. Ghost has never thought of athletics as a sporting option – basketball is his thing. But now, after challenging a sprinter to a race at the local track, he’s won himself a place on an elite running team.