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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Look Both Ways
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Look Both Ways
Ten short stories about that strange time when school finishes and children of a certain age (usually around ten years old) get to…
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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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The Legend of Kevin
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The Legend of Kevin
Max longs for adventure in his life – then one day, a flying pony called Kevin crashes into his flat, blown in by a magi…
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The Invasion of Crooked Oak
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The Invasion of Crooked Oak
When Nancy mentions that her mum and dad are acting strangely, her friends Pete and Krish are keen to find out more - especially a…
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Owen and the Soldier
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Owen and the Soldier
A beautiful tale of a courageous young man who overcomes his fears when he finds an unlikely companion in a park statue. Complex i…
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The Brilliant World of Tom Gates
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The Brilliant World of Tom Gates
This book oozes personality and with so much going on it promises to maintain the attention of young readers for hours at a time
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Bunny vs Monkey and the League of Doom!
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Bunny vs Monkey and the League of Doom!
Presented as a series of short comic strip stories, with themes as diverse as filling Bunny’s house with custard and distorting th…
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Diary of a Wimpy Kid
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Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Greg Heffley is a normal American kid, albeit one with a habit of getting into (and out of) trouble.
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Real Pigeons Fight Crime
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Real Pigeons Fight Crime
Three hilarious illustrated stories featuring the Real Pigeons – a motley band of airborne crime fighters, whose mission is to sol…
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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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Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made
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Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made
Meet Timmy Failure - a terminally over-confident middle school pupil attempting to make millions by solving local mysteries, such …
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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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Seven Ghosts
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Seven Ghosts
A chilling and unnerving ghost story that will have you convinced that, just beyond the corner of your eye, something unspeakable …
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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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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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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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A Different Dog
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A Different Dog
A boy taking part in a running competition stops to help a van which has crashed - but the only survivor is a dog. This emotional …
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