Reimagining children's classics

Taking inspiration from some favourite stories and characters, these authors have all put a new spin on classic novels. Catering to a range of ages and reasing abilities, there is something on this list for everyone.

  • The Girl Who Raced the World

    by Nat Harrison 

    2025 9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Around the world
    • Historical
    • Crime

    In an inspired reimagining of the Jules Verne classic Around the World in Eighty Days, readers are swept across the globe against a backdrop of fearlessness, treachery, sabotage, and family secrets.

  • Interstellar Cinderella

    by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Meg Hunt 

    2015 5 to 9 years 

    • Adventure
    • Fantasy
    • Funny
    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme
    • Science fiction

    Told in amusing rhyming verse with bold illustrations, this is a fresh, enjoyable revamp of a traditional tale.

  • Four Children and It

    by Jacqueline Wilson 

    2012 9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Fantasy

    Jacqueline Wilson pays tribute to her all-time favourite classic children’s author’ E. Nesbit in this contemporary reimagining of Five Children and It.

  • Saving Neverland

    by Abi Elphinstone, illustrated by Geraldine Rodríguez 

    2023 9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Fantasy

    An enchanting reimagining of Peter Pan for contemporary times, where Martha must help Peter stop Captain Hook’s curse.

  • Unexpected Twist: An Oliver Twisted Tale

    by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Tony Ross 

    2018 9 to 14 years 

    • Historical

    In this rather innovative book, Rosen tells the tale of a modern-day Oliver Twist: Shona. Shona’s story is completely relatable and well-drawn, demonstrating Dickens’ grasp of the human condition, which makes this a great read for more mature readers.

  • Young Sherlock Holmes: Black Ice

    by Andrew Lane 

    2011 9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Around the world
    • Historical
    • Thriller

    An exciting, fast-paced adventure, which paints a vivid picture of mid-nineteenth century Britain and Russia

  • Lydia: the wild girl of Pride and Prejudice

    by Natasha Farrant 

    2016 9 to 14 years 

    • Funny
    • Historical
    • Love and romance

    A spirited reimagining of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, told from the perspective of Lydia, the youngest Bennet sister. It is great fun to see her thoughts on her older sisters Jane and Lizzy, plus Mr Darcy.

  • Thicker Than Water

    by Anne Cassidy 

    2016 11 to 14 years 

    • Chapter books
    • Classics

    A confident retelling of Steinbeck’s classic Of Mice and Men,updated for a modern audience and presented in a super readable/dyslexia-friendly format.

  • Chasing the Stars

    by Malorie Blackman 

    2016 11 to 14 years 

    • Love and romance
    • Science fiction
    • Thriller

    Blackman’s skilful retelling of Shakespeare’s Othello in a futuristic space setting is thrilling and romantic. The characters are memorable, and readers won’t be able to tell whose side they are on – and who they should trust.

  • Dodger

    by Terry Pratchett 

    2013 11 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Funny
    • Historical

    Terry Pratchett once again proves himself a master storyteller in this tribute to one of Charles Dickens’ best-known characters, the Artful Doger.