Suggested reading for Year 7 & Year 8: Autumn Term

The Wordsmith

Author: Patricia Forde
Publisher: Little Island Books
Interest age: 13-17
Reading age: 11+

Letta is a Wordsmith: responsible for handing out words to people who need them, she has never questioned why language is rationed. This post-apocalyptic thriller is full of jeopardy, nail-biting tension and some profound themes.

No Fixed Address

Author: Susin Nielsen
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 11-15
Reading age: 11+

If Felix can win Canada’s biggest junior quiz show, he and his mum can stop living in a car park. Or is that just wishful thinking? Felix’s story is hard to put down and the gritty issue of homelessness is tackled with sensitivity and gentle humour.

Kerb-Stain Boys: The Crongton Broadway Robbery

Author: Alex Wheatle
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 12-16
Reading age: 12+

Briggsy, his best friend Terror and the love of Terror’s life, Caldonia, are 14 year olds living on the wrong side of the tracks. Soon, their vague fantasy of robbing a post office descends into farce. A hilarious, thrilling and uplifting read that's a breath of fresh air.

The House in Poplar Wood

Author: K E Ormsbee
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Interest age: 10-14
Reading age: 10+

Thirteen-year-old twins, Felix and Lee, live in the same house but lead very separate lives. Skilfully combining a gripping plot, intriguing characters and a convincing alternative world, populated by sinister beings, this is a dark and compelling novel.

Banana Sunday

Author: Paul Tobin Illustrator: Colleen Coover
Publisher: Oni Press
Interest age: 9-12
Reading age: 9+

Fitting into a new school isn’t easy, as Kirby discovers. This full-colour graphic novel in a school setting has an intriguing mystery and a trio of wacky, talking primates, which wittily explores "otherness" in a number of ways.

Stay A Little Longer

Author: Bali Rai
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 12-16
Reading age: 8+

Since Aman’s father died, nothing has been the same. Then she befriends a new neighbour, who is lonely too. This warm, optimistic book carries a vital message about the importance of confronting and resisting homophobia in all parts of society.

Conspiracy of Ravens

Author: Leah Moore / John Reppion / Sally Jane Thompson
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics / Penguin Random House
Interest age: 10-14
Reading age: 9+

Anne Ravenhall is just trying to get through her exams at boarding school - until a mysterious aunt leaves her a mysterious locket. Soon, she's caught up in a roaring supernatural adventure...

Firebird

Author: Elizabeth Wein
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 12-16
Reading age: 10+

The atmosphere and setting of World War Two Russia are brought vividly to life through Anastasia: she’s a young woman full of hope and dreams, yet entirely a product of her country. This novella packs a real punch.

Lou Out of Luck

Author: Nat Luurtsema
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 10-14
Reading age: 10+

Lou’s life is not going to plan, but maybe she can rescue the situation with a little help from her performance club and a second-best friend who is into stuffed stoats. A great choice for anyone looking for light reading that will make them laugh out loud.

Suggested reading for Year 7 and Year 8: Autumn Term