Great Books Guide 2022: For 8-9 year olds

Agent Moose

Author: Mo O’Hara Illustrator: Jess Bradley
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 7-9
Reading age: 7-9

Special Agent Moose (‘Anonymoose’) is probably the best (worst) secret agent out there. He’s an excellent master of disguise with a fondness for chocolate milk - shaken, not stirred, like all good spies - but he can sometimes find himself in sticky situations. Together with his wiser (more sensible) sidekick Owlfred, Agent Moose is on the case to find a miss…

Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Smuggler’s Secret

Author: Annabelle Sami Illustrator: Daniela Sosa
Publisher: Little Tiger
Interest age: 9-12
Reading age: 9+

This is a classic detective adventure with a very up-to-date attitude, which children will love for all the same reasons their parents loved the Famous Five and Nancy Drew, but which also provides positive role models and a realistic picture of today’s society.

Bandoola: The Great Elephant Rescue

Author: William Grill
Publisher: Flying Eye Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

William Grill’s stunning depiction of a deeply inspiring story of kindness and bravery might be his best book yet. It tells the remarkable story of one of the bravest escape missions in history: a man who tried to move an entire elephant sanctuary and its workers through Myanmar and out of a war zone. 

Be Nice to Aunt Emma

Author: Anne Fine Illustrator: Gareth Conway
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 8-11
Reading age: 8+

Tansy finds her Aunt Emma really annoying – and she's due another visit soon. A charming tale that explores complex family dynamics in a light-hearted way. This dyslexia-friendly book is edited to a reading age of eight. 

Beetles for Breakfast

Author: Madeleine Finlay Illustrator: Jisu Choi
Publisher: Flying Eye Books
Interest age: 8-10
Reading age: 8+

Climate change and global warming is a huge problem but this utterly fabulous and uplifting book tells children all about the new inventions currently being worked on by scientists, from insects as a new food source to making fuel from fatbergs.

Black and British: An Illustrated History

Author: David Olusoga Illustrator: Jake Alexander and Melleny Taylor
Publisher: Macmillan
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

This fascinating illustrated book tells the often heartbreaking story of Black people in Britain’s history clearly, and with a focus on the real humans involved. Doubtless, the book will be an education for many parents, as well as their children. 

Count

Author: Melvin Burgess Illustrator: Chris Mould
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 8-9
Reading age: 9-11

Brandon boasts about everything and claims that he can count to ten million, even though it will take him almost a year. As he begins, the numbers take on a life of their own, emitting a shimmery light as they wait in line to be counted. The higher Brandon counts, the more his life is on public view, and he becomes part of a media frenzy.

This light-hearted,…

Curious About Crocodiles

Author: Owen Davey
Publisher: Flying Eye Books
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6+

The latest in Owen Davey’s amazing nature series featuring individual species, Curious About Crocodiles gives facts and curious details alongside accessible and beautiful graphic design, making a fascinating read about these sometimes misunderstood ancient creatures.

Diary of an Accidental Witch

Author: Perdita and Honor Cargill Illustrator: Katie Saunders
Publisher: Little Tiger
Interest age: 6-11
Reading age: 8+

Bea Black is unenthusiastic about moving to Little Spellshire and is upset when Dad accidentally enrols her at the wrong school. Full of magical mayhem, this funny tale lightheartedly explores moving home, starting a new school and dealing with bullies. 

Frankenstiltskin

Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Freya Hartas
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 7-11
Reading age: 8+

This funny, clever and very enjoyable verse retelling of Rumpelstiltskin takes the story back to its original darkly horrifying roots and adds a smart, likeable heroine who saves the day with a story. 

Girl Power: Indian Women Who Took on the World

Author: Neha J Hiranandani Illustrator: Aditi Kakade Beaufrand and Niloufer Wadia
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 6-11
Reading age: 8+

Featuring 50 brilliant Indian women from history and the present day, Girl Power: Indian Women Who Took on the World is a truly inspirational read, with clearly laid out text and gorgeous painted portraits by Niloufer Wadia.

Indigo Wilde and the Creatures at Jellybean Crescent

Author: Pippa Curnick
Publisher: Hodder
Interest age: 6-9
Reading age: 7+

This hilarious gem from Pippa Curnick is her debut as both author and illustrator, and it’s completely brilliant, immersing the reader in magic and a lovely brother-sister relationship.

Loki: A Bad God's Guide to Being Good

Author: Louie Stowell
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 8-11
Reading age: 8+

After playing one trick too many, Loki, Norse god of mischief, is sent by Odin to live on earth as an 11-year-old boy for one month to mend his ways. Furious that he must suffer indignities such as attending school and doing chores, Loki struggles to be good.

Maddy Yip’s Guide To Life

Author: Sue Cheung
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 7-10
Reading age: 8+

All Maddy’s family and friends have at least one talent but the only thing Maddy is good at is armpit farts. Surely there must be something else she can do well?

Meg and Merlin: Making Friends

Author: Tanya Landman Illustrator: Sònia Albert
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 7-9

Meg adores ponies and longs to have one of her own but knows that her parents can’t afford it. She is overjoyed to find a beautiful pony in her front garden on her tenth birthday and for one, incredible moment, she wonders if he is a birthday gift. However, when she realises that he has escaped from his field and must be returned to his rightful owner, she i…

Ollie Spark and the Accidental Adventure

Author: Gillian Cross Illustrator: Alan Snow
Publisher: David Fickling Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9-11

Ollie Spark is a skilled engineer who cleverly transforms a clapped-out old van into a stylish and functional mobile home for his Aunt Caz. Eager to travel the world to research her new series of spy books, Aunt Caz zooms off, completely unaware that Ollie is trapped in the boot. When they arrive in a mysterious land, which is covered in a thick blanket of s…

On Your Marks, Get Set, Gold! A Fact-Filled, Funny Guide to Every Olympic Sport

Author: Scott Allen Illustrator: Antoine Corbineau
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Interest age: 7-10
Reading age: 8+

This amusing and interesting book is a great place to start for primary school age children interested in learning more about the great variety of Olympic and Paralympic sports, from Judo to Artistic Gymnastics and everything inbetween.

Rainbow Grey

Author: Laura Ellen Anderson
Publisher: HarperCollins
Interest age: 7-10
Reading age: 7+

Ray Grey doesn't have any weather magic, unlike everyone else in the Weatherlands, high up in the sky. Until a trip to Earth changes Ray's life forever...  A rollercoaster adventure that's full of secret reveals, zany silliness and joyful illustrations.

Sleepover Takeover

Author: Simon James Green Illustrator: Aleksei Bitskoff
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 8-11
Reading age: 8+

Otis and his mate Jagger are the class weirdos, so they're surprised to get an invite to cool-kid Rocco's sleepover party! When they wake up the next day, however, all hell has broken loose... and it's time to unravel the mystery of exactly what happened.

The Very Merry Murder Club

Author: Various authors Editor: Serena Patel and Robin Stevens Illustrator: Harry Woodgate
Publisher: Farshore
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

Featuring stories by Elle McNicoll, Joanna Williams, Maisie Chan, Patrice Lawrence, Roopa Farooki, Serena Patel and Sharna Jackson, this is a festive treat of a book for all young mystery lovers: perfect with a cup of hot chocolate and a cosy chair.

The Worst Class in the World Dares You!

Author: Joanna Nadin Illustrator: Rikin Parekh
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Interest age: 7-10
Reading age: 7+

This is the third book in a hilarious series about the disorderly pupils of Class 4B, labelled 'the worst class in the world' by their brusque headteacher. With two side-splittingly funny short stories, it will delight mischievous children and strike fear into all teachers.

Red Panda Rescue

Author: Jess Butterworth Illustrator: Kirsti Beautyman
Publisher: Hachette Children’s Group
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6-8

When Tilly wins a competition to help protect red pandas in Nepal, she finds herself riding a yak, looking at poo, and outwitting poachers to save a pregnant red panda. The mix of engaging adventure and cute animals, along with the many illustrations, will appeal hugely to young readers. 

What's New, Harper Drew?

Author: Kathy Weeks Illustrator: Aleksei Bitskoff
Publisher: Hodder
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

Welcome to the totally hilarious and utterly daft life of Harper Drew and her VERY eccentric family. Queen Bee Maisie's birthday is coming up and Harper is desperate for an invite to her party - but that's easier said than done when her family are SO embarrassing!

Return of the Pests

Author: Emer Stamp
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 7+

This hilarious tale about a surprisingly endearing collection of creatures is the second PESTS adventure and will delight independent young readers. A thoroughly entertaining read, enhanced by marvellous graphite illustrations, full of character and humour.

The Lion Above the Door

Author: Onjali Q Raúf
Publisher: Orion
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

Leo and his best friend often feel like the odd ones out at school and in the small village they live in, where everyone else is white. Another sensitive, thoughtful book from Onjali Q Rauf that highlights racism and bullying in children’s lives today.