DD will only read fairy stories. Help!

[AlmightyCitrus]

DD2 is very nearly 10. She likes books about fairies, unicorns, happy little elves etc.
Her teachers have always said she has an reading level way above her age group, her comprehension is excellent, BUT she's just not interested in any other books.
She'll occasionally dip into a Jacqueline Wilson, but that's about as far as it goes.

She's tried Harry Potter, and Joseph Delaney books and doesn't like them, and hates twilight with a passion.

DD1 is 11 and has suggested all sorts of (appropriately aged) fantasy novels to her but no, she can't get into them.

Anyone got any ideas of something a little more age appropriate? Most of the stuff she likes is aimed at 5 year olds.

[DinglyDangly]

As long as she is reading I wouldnt stress over it.

If there are other books available, as well as reading material eg magazines, newspapers etc she will be fine!

My eldest dd only read the beano at that age!

My dd2 sounds similar to your dd2 - she is now 15. She graduated onto 'diary' type books - almost exclusively, and does like fantasy now, but really really likes 'girly' stuff. She has read the likes of Harry Potter and Twilight, but the still likes 'silly' books.

[Butterbur]

DD is the same, and still reads book way below her age (13). I suspect she still sneakily reads those awful Polly the Purple Fairy type books.

She likes Ella Enchanted, which might be suitable for your daughter, and has also moved on to the Hunger Games, the Uglies/Pretties series, and Noughts and Crosses - all of which are dystopian SF.

TBH, if you have a child that loves reading, your problems are minor, and she'll get there in the end.

[DinglyDangly]

I remember my dd going onto Roald Dahl and Chronicles of Narnia round that age - they are still 'safe' and 'easy' but enjoyable reads - maybe she likes the comfort of the stories (not being patronising, but I would have attributed same to my dd at that age)

[AlmightyCitrus]

Oh, I know that any reading is good! Neither her or DD1 ever go anywhere without a book. DD1 will read anything and loves to be challenged. She was reading Dracula at 7. She's on an Agatha Christie mission at the moment (DD1 is 11 now) but normally reads massive big sci-fi/fantasy things.

I think comments have been made by some "friends" about DD2 reading baby books. Yes, she's still reading "those" fairy books! I don't want other kids taking the mickey and putting her off altogether. She's going away this weekend (youth club camp) and I've discouraged her from taking a big Enid Blyton pixie/fairy book, and swapped it with a Roald Dahl.

I know, I shouldn't complain. If I suggest reading a book to DS, he looks at me like I've asked him to boil his own head!

[AlmightyCitrus]

She goes to the library loads Desperately.
The staff are really good and send her home with all sorts of books. Usually though, it's more of the same, although I do remember she loved the Wimpy Kid books.

[Brightredstar]

I would second Ella enchanted this collection it very good here

This is also excellent very witty with complex vocab here

The Septimus Heap series is good lots of lovely magic and fairies less dark than potter

Secret of the sirens has soppy talking to unicorns but is more grown up and edgey here


The Divide is also excellent see reviews

[Brightredstar]

Then if you can move her out of fantasy I would go for The London Eye Mystery, Hoot, Flushed. These are short but sparky. Also, The Mysterious Benedict Society series or anything by Blue Balliet. All will be in the Library.

Prizes for those who can guess my job

[madamehooch]

Maybe it's not necessarily the fairies. Maybe she likes the style of Enid Blyton. If so, has she tried the wonderful Malory Towers/St Clare's? You could also try her on 'Frozen in Time' by Ali Sparkes. Also try Lauren St John's 'White Giraffe' - more grown up 'My Secret Unicorn' meets 'Wild at Heart'.

[Dancergirl]

My dd really likes Enid Blyton - the older ones eg the adventure series. And all the Malory Towers/St Clare's - think they're aimed at 9+.

Does she like History? There is a series of historical novels called My Story. Dd is loving these at the moment.

Judy Blume?

[AlmightyCitrus]

Thanks for the suggestions. I shall go to the library with her next week and see which ones we can find.

[harecare]

How about compendiums of fairy tales aimed at adults? I read them. Calvino is great. Some are a bit more gory than kids ones, but they don't have especially adult themes, the language is richer though. Maybe read them yourself first?

[SecretSpi]

She might enjoy "Tom Trueheart" by Ian Beck - it's a story incorporating characters from a lot of well-known fairy tales.

[EdithWeston]

Another vote for Ali Sparkes.

You could also try Pegasus and the Flame by Kate O'Hearn, The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Gouge and the Narnia Books.

[Naggitywitch]

Your daughter might enjoy 'The unicorn chronicles' by Bruce Coville. There are four books in the series - the first one is called 'Into the land of the unicorns'. Unfortunately you are unlikely to find the books at the library. The only place I have ever seen them for sale is on Amazon.

[pointissima]

No little girl can resist "A Little Princess" by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

[LadyG]

How very sweet she sounds.I absolutely loved Enid Blyton as a child and who doesn't love elves and fairies?
Cassandra Golds Clair-de-Lune- magical fairy tale like thing about a little girl who is a ballet dancer but cannot speak. Beswitched? Kate Saunders, time travel and boarding school. Ballet shoes?
Will rack my brains for more. I have some fantasy book reviews at my blog www.jongleuse.blogspot.com though these are mostly for a little older.