Books set in flats and tower blocks for children 8+

In his imagination, Portico Reeves is Stunt Boy, saving other superheroes from disaster. But when his parents plan to divorce, he needs help from unlikely friends. A child’s‑eye view of coping with arguing parents that manages to be fun and funny, with an innovative style that samples different media.

The second in Sharna Jackson’s High Rise Mystery books sees Nik and Norva return with another crime to solve on their home turf. 

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.

High-Rise Mystery is the perfect ​‘whodunnit’. As the two girls sift through red herrings and reveal a series of tower block secrets, short snappy sentences and sparkling dialogue will keep readers turning the pages. A mystery as hot as the summer heatwave in which it’s set!

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. 

Damian’s family is in hiding because his dad used to be a bad guy. But when Damian – now Finn – meets local crime-fighter Star Kid, he questions both what it means to be a villain and to be a hero.

This engaging and uplifting novel, which celebrates friendship and community, is based on Ian Wright’s own childhood experiences and will appeal to any aspiring sportsperson. 

Will and his dad don’t have much, and when there’s the chance to make easy money, Will must make a difficult decision. Moving and gritty, this is a fantastic read. 

Recounting the childhood of a child living in a city tower block, many of these poems are sad or angry and bristle with an edginess that young teens may find refreshing when compared to other poetry aimed at them.

Told in dual narrative, this story follows Reema and Caylin as they negotiate a shaky friendship: one, an asylum seeker from Syria, and the other, a girl whose mum is struggling to cope. A truly excellent and ultimately uplifting book with plenty of heart.

Lily’s self-centred young mother jets off to a holiday in Spain with her new boyfriend. Lily and her three younger siblings are carelessly left behind.

This is a magical, wintery tale that explores the relationship between the human and fairy world, featuring well-known characters from folklore. Amy Wilson’s debut novel is a perfect read for those who love wintery magic.

Written in verse, Long Way Down is breathtakingly gripping and spectacular. You almost read it without breathing; the action is so tense, the language so powerful. Give it to every teenager you know!

When Shaun, aka MC Growls, goes viral, and not in a good way, he and his mate Shanks become a laughing stock. Told with infectious enthusiasm for life, and with many laugh-out-loud moments, this hilarious and moving coming-of-age story is perfect for young teens.

Jo’s terrified about bringing friend Tina home to meet her parents and revealing that she lives above a Chinese takeaway. In reading Jo’s diary, we understand the tension within her family, as well as the racism and homophobia in the world around her.

A dramatic, thoughtful and compelling coming-of-age novel, in which 17-year-old Rose must learn to navigate the unspoken rules of a world increasingly focused on social media.