Best Fictional Libraries (12+)

Matilda

We all love libraries! Or we should do anyway, and these books will ensure that your 8-12 year old will continue to do so. 

Whether they still go to the library regulary, or have stopped in recent years, these books will help promote the importance of libraries to society and to education..

  • Inkheart

    Inkheart

    Author: Cornelia Funke
    Publisher: The Chicken House
    Interest age: 8+
    Reading age: 9+

    12-year-old Meggie and her father, Mo, a bookbinder, both love reading, but since the disappearance of Meggie's mother, they no longer read together. One night a stranger knocks at their door, prompting Mo to reveal his awful secret.

  • Matilda

    Matilda

    Author: Roald Dahl Illustrator: Quentin Blake
    Publisher: Puffin
    Interest age: 7+
    Reading age: 8+

    This modern fairy-tale with a brilliantly inspiring young heroine is one of Roald Dahl's best loved stories.

  • Northern Lights

    Northern Lights

    Author: Philip Pullman
    Publisher: Scholastic
    Interest age: 9-14
    Reading age: 10+

    This extraordinary fantasy is the first book in Philip Pullman's multi-award-winning His Dark Materials trilogy

  • Harry Potter

    Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

    Author: J K Rowling
    Publisher: Bloomsbury
    Interest age: 9-14
    Reading age: 9+

    After the misery of life with his ghastly aunt and uncle, Harry Potter is delighted to have the chance to embark on an exciting new life at the Hogwart's School of Wizardry and Witchcraft.

  • The Night Bookmobile

    The Night Bookmobile

    Author:
    Publisher: Jonathan Cape
    Interest age: 14+
    Reading age: 14+

    In the early hours of a summer morning, a young woman encounters a mysterious mobile library while walking down an empty suburban street.

  • Archie Green and the Magician's Secret

    Archie Green and the Magician's Secret

    Author: D D Everest
    Publisher: Faber Children's Books
    Interest age: 9-11
    Reading age: 8+

    If you love books that show you where the magical could be hiding in your everyday world then this is the book for you.

  • The Imaginary

    The Imaginary

    Author: A F Harrold Illustrator: Emily Gravett
    Publisher: Bloomsbury
    Interest age: 8+
    Reading age: 8+

    This is young fiction of the very best quality, showcasing inspiration, inventiveness and an intoxicating passion for storytelling. The Imaginary has the potential to be a family favourite and a future classic.

  • Peace Maker

    Peace Maker

    Author: Malorie Blackman Illustrator: Matthew Griffin
    Publisher: Barrington Stoke
    Interest age: 8+
    Reading age: 8+

    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.

  • The Other Alice

    The Other Alice

    Author:
    Publisher: Simon & Schuster
    Interest age: 12+
    Reading age: 12+

    Michelle Harrison's dark take on middle-grade fairytale fantasy will appeal to those readers with a leaning towards the Grimm. Murder and mystery are afoot - and it's fabulously good fun.

  • The Road to Ever After

    The Road to Ever After

    Author: Moira Young
    Publisher: Macmillan
    Interest age: 8-14
    Reading age: 10+

    This beautifully written, sad and bittersweet story about family, bereavement and having faith in your own abilities has a truly timeless feel. Readers will root for Davy and the indomitable Miss Flint.