The hunger years for an 8 year old?

[Back2Two]

My son has been asking me if he can read some "adult books" and came home from school yesterday moaning that his friend is reading "teenage fiction" and so he should be able to.

It's great that he has a real passion for reading. I've explained that some older books have inappropriate content etc. and it's not about what you are "able" to read but what the books contain sometimes.

Anyhow I want to show I've listened to him and responded.....would The hunger Games be ok/appropriate for him? I haven't read the book or seen the film which I know would be preferable. If it's not really appropriate (please say why) and could you suggest something else that he will feel is a mature read? Thanks

[dementedpixie]

I would say it is a bit old for age 8. dd read them age 10

[Back2Two]

Any suggestions of other reads?

[DragonWithAGirlTattoo]

Percy Jackson
Harry Potter
Terry Pratchett

[YesThisIsMe]

What DragonTattoo said (except go for the children / YA Pratchett not the main Discworld series and don't get Nation or I Shall Wear Midnight which are both unsuitable for 8 year olds).

Also Artemis Fowl and perhaps Alex Rider.

I agree that Hunger Games is a bit much for an 8 year old.

[Takver]

I'd agree that they're really a bit old for an 8 y/o. They were very popular when dd was in yr 6, so older 10 into 11 y/os.

I'd second Percy Jackson plus the other Rick Riordan books. DD still loves them age 13, so they're 'teenage' in that sense. . .

[dementedpixie]

David Walliams?

[Back2Two]

Great thanks I will not try The Hunger Games for him yet then. He likes the Percy Jackson ones. I've got a Terry Pratchett called "Dodger" which might be ok then?

[cariadlet]

I enjoyed Dodger. If he liked Percy Jackson then he might like that one too. Maybe try the Mortal Engines series (Philip Reeve).

[BlueChampagne]

What does he like? More vintage editions of older books, say, Swallows and Amazons may look more grown-up.

The Hobbit?
Roman Mysteries?
Treasure Island?

[Blowninonabreeze]

The hobbit
Northern lights

[PerspicaciaTick]

I've got a Terry Pratchett called "Dodger" which might be ok then? - that makes it sound as though you own an unread TP book which you are considering allowing someone else to read before you .

[Back2Two]

Thanks for those suggestions...The Hobbit is a great idea and I will check out the others too (Swallows and Amazons good call)

persp dh has read it! And loved it....I bought it for ds a few months ago...dh said no and he read it instead!

[BlueChampagne]

Older books also likely to have less adult content, but still looks grown up. What about Jack London, Leon Garfield and John Steinbeck?