Books for reluctant readers (older children)
There's a book out there for every child, even the most reluctant of readers. Try a few of the books below to see if they click with your child and help them love reading.
There's fiction, non-fiction, rhyme and laugh-out-loud moments! Let us know which one works for your 9-12 year old.
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Young Samurai The Way of the Warrior
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Young Samurai The Way of the Warrior
This engaging historical adventure story will immerse young readers in the traditions and culture of Ancient Japan, including its …
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Alienography 2: Tips for Tiny Tyrants
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Alienography 2: Tips for Tiny Tyrants
Find out how to take over the universe in this funny and engaging book from Chris Riddell (and Colin the Alien)
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Long Gone Don and the Terror-Cotta Army
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Long Gone Don and the Terror-Cotta Army
More gorgeous artwork and fast-paced storytelling show that action, adventure and the undead are all alive and kicking in this new…
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Danger is Everywhere
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Danger is Everywhere
Just like this book says, danger is everywhere. Don't worry, though, because Docter Noel Zone (yes, Docter) is an experienced Dang…
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Peace Maker
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Peace Maker
In Michela's world, aggression is forbidden - but sometimes fighting is the only way to keep the peace. This is a well-paced and i…
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Flesh and Blood
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Flesh and Blood
Bill thinks his wish for a brother has come true when his family takes in a boy injured during a World War Two air raid - but is h…
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The Adventures of Alfie Onion
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The Adventures of Alfie Onion
When Alfie Onion helps his brother Magnifico on a quest to secure a princess wife, things don't quite go as his fairytale-obsessed…
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Blue Moon Day
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Blue Moon Day
Covering an interesting and varied mix of situations, these enjoyable school stories are a satisfying read, with particular appeal…
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Going Batty
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Going Batty
Dyslexia-friendly, super-readable, illustrated story about a girl whose school project (and a hidden colony in the attic) makes he…
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Smart About Sharks
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Smart About Sharks
Presenting an ever-popular topic, this fantastic, high quality illustrated book is fascinating and attractive.
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Mind Writer
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Mind Writer
Luke has a secret, a hidden skill: he can read minds. But when Luke meets Samira, he can't read her mind at all. A gripping thrill…
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Good Dog, Bad Dog: Double Identity
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Good Dog, Bad Dog: Double Identity
Kirk Bergman and Duncan McBoo are back: the dog detectives are on a cinematic case that gets them caught up in the movie business.…
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An Eagle in the Snow
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An Eagle in the Snow
Stuck on a train, a boy listens to a stranger’s story about one moment that could have stopped World War II. A thought-provoking s…
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Notebooks of a Middle-School Princess
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Notebooks of a Middle-School Princess
This is the first story in a new Princess Diaries spin off series for younger readers, where Olivia records events in her notebook…
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Free Lance and the Lake of Skulls
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Free Lance and the Lake of Skulls
The dream team of Stewart and Riddell are on fantastic form for this outing: full of Stewart’s trademark fantasy wit and grandeur,…
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Hilda and the Troll
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Hilda and the Troll
Blue-haired explorer Hilda has an uncanny ability to find weird and wonderful adventures and befriend peculiar creatures.
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The Funny Life of Pets
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The Funny Life of Pets
Is it fiction or non-fiction? You decide! This highly interactive book mixes together real and made-up facts about pets, with hila…
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The Many Worlds of Albie Bright
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The Many Worlds of Albie Bright
A son of two scientists, it's only natural that Albie uses quantum theory when his mum dies, to find a parallel universe where she…
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Mega Robo Bros
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Mega Robo Bros
Brothers always find something to fight about. Alex and Freddy are no different - even though they're also the most powerful robot…
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My Magical Life
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My Magical Life
Eleven-year-old Zach King comes from a magical family, but has yet to unlock his own powers. Fast-paced and funny, this chapt…
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Wonder Boy
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Wonder Boy
Joseph 'Wilco' Wilkes is the biggest loser at the posh private school he attends on a scholarship. However, his life is about to g…
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