Great Books Guide 2019: 8-9 years

The Lost Diary of Sami Star

Author: Karen McCombie
Publisher: Barrington Stoke

Hannah’s parents seem to have forgotten her, preoccupied by current quarrels with her older sister. School isn’t much better – Hannah’s noticing a rift with her two so-called best friends, who seem wholly concerned with boys and whether other people are wearing the 'right' jeans. Then she finds a journal in the park. Hannah is fascinated by its creator, Sami…

Cookie (and the Most Annoying Boy in the World)

Author: Konnie Huq
Publisher: Piccadilly Press (Bonnier)

Funny, ambitious Cookie wants to go on Brainbusters and get a pet, but the most annoying boy in the world keeps upsetting her plans. Can they ever be friends? Funny, loud, opinionated and sometimes thoughtless, Cookie is a relatable character.

Mega Robo Bros 3: Mega Robo Revenge

Author: Neill Cameron
Publisher: David Fickling Books

Third instalment of the graphic novel series about sentient robot brothers Alex and Freddy, in which we learn more about the boys’ origins and a monster from the past returns to get revenge on their mother. Funny and full of fabulous artwork.

Everest

Author: Sangma Francis & Lisk Feng
Publisher: Flying Eye Books

Children will love this beautiful and fascinating introduction to Everest, and it’s a particularly useful resource for primary schools who are looking at international features such as mountains in Key Stage 1 and 2.

BOOT: Small Robot Big Adventure

Author: Shane Hegarty Illustrator: Ben Mantle
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books

The heartwarming story of Boot, a junkyard toy, will hook readers from page one. Shane Hegarty has a magic touch with words and has crafted a story that is a true delight to read and will linger long after the book finishes.

Mr Penguin and the Fortress of Secrets

Author: Alex T Smith
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books

Alex T Smith’s second book in the hilarious Mr Penguin series is a plunging plane-ride of action and excitement with a very British sensibility that will delight fans of funny illustrated books. A cross between Poirot and Indiana Jones for younger ones!

Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet

Author: Zanib Mian Illustrator: Nasaya Mafaridik
Publisher: Hodder

Planet Omar has all of the everyday life family drama and silly humour of Tom Gates and Sam Wu, and it's wonderful to read a funny book for kids featuring a Muslim family.

The Incredible Ecosystems of Planet Earth

Author: Rachel Ignotofsky
Publisher: Wren & Rook

This huge world we live in, with its infinitely varied regions, countries and communities, is – so we learn in Rachel Ignotofsky’s amazing new book – actually an interconnected series ecosystems, working together to make the best of our planet’s limited resources.

Hubert Horatio: How to Raise Your Grown-Ups

Author: Lauren Child
Publisher: HarperCollins

This is the fabulous story of the millionaire family The Bobton-Trents, and how their only child Hubert becomes a responsible and sensible child due to his woefully irresponsible and senseless parents! A great first chapter book that's a fun and witty read.

Young Heroes: Inspirational Children from Around the World

Author: Lula Bridgeport Illustrator: Federica Frenna / Isabel Munoz / Julianna Swaney
Publisher: Stripes

This collection of remarkable young people’s achievements is truly inspirational. With a gentle guide to being a hero yourself at the back of the book, and a look back at great children of the past, these amazing young people give us all hope for the future.

A Kid in my Class

Author: Rachel Rooney Illustrator: Chris Riddell
Publisher: Otter-Barry Books

This brilliant and imaginatively illustrated book is the perfect addition to any classroom library; a book of clever poems picking out some of the many personalities that pupils will find sitting next to them in assemblies, lunch queues and in playgrounds.

The Girl with the Shark’s Teeth

Author: Cerrie Burnell
Publisher: Oxford University Press

When mysterious men kidnap her mother, Minnow has to set sail alone for the magical, dangerous and beautiful Wild Deep. This book is full of lyrical, breathless prose and Burnell’s imagination is marvellous.

Charlie Changes into a Chicken

Author: Sam Copeland Illustrator: Sarah Horne
Publisher: Puffin

Something strange happens to Charlie at random times for no apparent reason: he changes into animals. This book cleverly portrays ways of dealing with stress and anxiety, and provides some sound advice throughout. Brilliant and positive.

Maps of the United Kingdom

Author: Rachel Dixon Illustrator: Livi Gosling
Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions

This comprehensive hardback guide to the UK is full of illustrated maps, facts and historical titbits. A great way to get children excited about exploring – or perhaps whet their interest about any planned holidays or day trips.

The Colours of History

Author: Clive Gifford Illustrator: Marc-Etienne Peintre
Publisher: QED Publishing

Full of fascinating facts about colour, this book focuses on a topic that is not often covered in children’s books. It offers a wide range of opportunities and new ideas for parents and schools, working across the curriculum through art, history and beyond.

Myth Atlas: Maps and Monsters, Heroes and Gods from Twelve Mythological Worlds

Author: Thiago de Moraes
Publisher: Alison Green Books

The mythological worlds of 12 cultures from Ireland to Japan, Polynesia to the mythos of the Hindu world are explored here in a beautiful collection, which helps children to celebrate and respect the wonderful differences in the way people see the world.

Great Books Guide: for 8 to 9 year olds