Books set in the North of England

Highly-illustrated biography of Manchester United striker and anti-poverty campaigner Marcus Rashford.

This is a fast-paced story, based loosely on a man’s real-life journey from Edinburgh to Manchester, while riding an elephant – an event that captivated even Queen Victoria.

When the spoilt and bad-tempered Mary is orphaned at the age of ten, she is sent from India to live with her hunchback uncle on the Yorkshire Moors. This classic novel is a satisfying and absorbing read.

A magical story told across three different centuries, aboutfriendship, loss, ghosts – and lots of spiders.

Lijah loves football, but his Romani father doesn’t want him to play. How can Lijah follow his passion if he has to hide it from his dad?

Set in north-east England, this is a gripping, powerful tale of heritage, love, loss, tragedy, kindness and cruelty. An absolute page-turner 

Twelve-year-old Ted discovers he has roots in the circus and must join his father’s company for the first time to discover his own talent! Great for history buffs and those looking for historical fiction featuring people of colour.

Written by professional footballer, Beth Mead, this inspirational book is part autobiography, part motivational manual. It features a wealth of activities designed to inspire readers to achieve their dreams and is essential reading for anyone who is interested in sport.

Alfie Monk looks like any other 11-year old boy. However, as the title suggests, he is actually 1,000-years old. A truly original read, the plot’s twists and turns are anchored by the warmth, courage and humour of its varied characters.

When he falls out with his best friend and then his little brother is rushed into hospital, Nate’s world is turned upside-down. This incredibly powerful novel, written entirely in free verse and accompanied by thoughtful illustrations, is an emotional read.

Aya is a Syrian asylum seeker, looking after her mother and baby brother in the cold, unfamiliar city of Manchester – but she is also a talented ballet dancer. Children who love stories of performance and friendship will enjoy this book. 

Best mates Ali, Sami and Mark organise a fundraising football event to help pay their friend’s legal fees when his asylum claim is rejected and he faces deportation to Syria. A powerful and thought-provoking read, with hope and friendship at its heart.

A funny, glitter-spangled, mystery thriller for anyone who likes a dose of danger with their magic.

Kyle bonds with his eccentric grandad over ashared passion for protecting wildlife in a local stream.This powerful book includes themes of illness and bullying but maintains an optimistic, humorous tone. 

It is 1829 and 14-year-old Edward Entwistle is hired by the Stephensons to guard their new invention, a steam locomotive named Rocket. When someone tries to sabotage it, Edward is determined to find the culprit. An enthralling mystery which contains a wealth of historical detail. 

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

Nate Yu Riley is adopted, and knows how loved he is. As he’s Chinese and his mums aren’t, they have tried to connect him with his heritage, but he’s just not interested – until the day he sees the ghost for the first time. 

During World War II, an Anglo-Indian refugee is offered a deal by a ghostly child: her mother’s life in exchange for three truths.

When Tallulah’s parents pack her off to an am-dram college, she hopes she will become a toppity-top-actress type. Infectiously mad and hilariously dramatic, Withering Tights is unputdownable.

Do you hate reading aloud in front of other people? Do you never put your hand up because you can’t stand everyone looking at you? Well, Storm feels exactly like that.

Having been separated as young children, Rose and Joshua have recently become close as they try to find out what happened the night their parents disappeared.

Funny and heart-warming, this diary is an ode to celebrating yourself just as you are.

Subtitled ​‘Just a Northern Girl from Where Nothing Really Happens’, this beautifully-presented book from 18-year-old debut author Isobel Harrop is a vivid scrapbook of teenage life.