Great Books Guide 2024-25: For 10 to 11-year-olds

A pacy dystopian page-turner.

Recently orphaned Will is sent to stay with an uncle he doesn’t know in a remote, mountainous valley. By caring for an injured osprey, he slowly comes to terms with his grief and learns to trust again. 

Engagingly told life stories of fourteen Black British people and their contributions to the world. 

Isaac’s life is thrown into disarray when his dad mysteriously vanishes from the belfry of Big Ben. As they search for him, Isaac and his friend Hattie uncover a sinister plot which threatens Time itself. A fast-paced mystery, which will have readers on the edge of their seats.  

When Max answers the call to join Captain O’Malley’s pirate ship instead of his brother, who’s ill, it’s the start of a rip-roaring fantastical adventure. A page-turner that will have children gripped and moved.  

Nina Peanut is a hilarious, aspiring content creator. When one of her videos goes viral, she must learn how to cope with the challenges of fame, friendship and self-confidence.  

With a great mix of science fiction and science fact, this nail-biting race-against-time is presented in an accessible format with black and white illustrations. 

An encounter with a real-life dragon in Milton Keynes helps 12-year-old Yara learn who she is.  

Zed’s dad is the First Hunter of Demons. But when Zed meets a Demon, he discovers that they’re not as terrifying as the myths say. Exciting and full of heart. 

When Lena’s older brother goes missing, she knows she must find him. But what secrets will she uncover? A gripping mystery set in contemporary India, with themes of family expectations and the importance of the arts.  

Chiri and Dai discover a hidden world filled with secrets and magic. After discovering their own powers, the pair team up with a band of unlikely heroes to take on the sinister Shadow King. 

An accessible and fascinating look at the British Empire and how it still affects our lives today.

This funny, engaging, body-swap adventure explores fandom, friendship and empathy via an unmissable dance competition, viral videos and throwing away the school rule book. 

A short, snappy rollercoaster of a horror story with a skilful build-up of tension from ​‘This sleepy town is so bland, nothing ever happens here’ to ​‘Aargh, we’re all going to die!’.

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.

When Cate visits Mrs Kano’s cinema, she is transported into a world beyond her wildest dreams. This wonderfully imaginative time-travel adventure beautifully explores the nature of grief, guilt and loneliness.

Delve into the world of sports with this compilation of fascinating facts from around the world. Featuring engaging information, illustrations and infographics, this is a great choice for all sports lovers! 

In the midst of war, a mysterious figure is performing acts of kindness in a Lake District village. Can Tarn find out who it is? An excellent addition to fiction about World War II. 

This funny and touching coming-of-age story reflects the experiences of many youngsters making the transition to secondary school or experiencing changes in the family.

Katherine Rundell has created an incredibly real-feeling magical world and story to rival classics like Narnia, with writing that sweeps you up and main characters who are simultaneously humanly flawed yet inherently pure and good.

Super-sporty Vesper and super-bright Aster are cousins and now reluctant partners in stopping Kizin, the Maya god of death, from killing everyone in the world. A brilliant adventure full of action and humour… and chocolate!

Focussing on the experiences of a small group of individuals, Safiyyah’s story shines a spotlight on an under-recognised pocket of resistance from World War II when hundreds of Jews were led to safety via underground passages from the Grand Mosque in Paris.

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

Scrap the robot has vowed never to help another human. Now two children need him, and he’s catapulted into a breakneck adventure full of action and humour. A fantastic read.

A touching, light-hearted book about finding confidence and friendship.