Need a great story for 7-9 year olds

[Hegoethdown]

Got a job interview for a primary school librarian post and one of the tasks is to read a story to a group of children aged 7-9. I've got 15 minutes to read it so I'm thinking 10 minutes or so reading with 5 minutes of discussion in amongst.
No idea of the childrens' levels so needs to be accessible to all and also one which they won't have all read before.
Currently a secondary English teacher and hoping very much that this will be my escape route so any suggestions will be really appreciated!

[Crusoe]

I would read an extract rather than a whole story - leave them wanting more and end on a real cliffhanger.
Read the whole extract don't stop for questions or explanations, wait until the end to invite discussion.

[MrsLeighHalfpenny]

I'd ask your local librarian - they are a font of all knowledge when it comes to books.

[MrsLeighHalfpenny]

*fount

[momtothree]

Try a Amilia Jane story ... always gets what she deserves - lots of talk about doing the right thing -

[toomuchicecream]

What about Rose Blanche? Or Archie's War? I agree about reading part and then talking about it. You should be able to get them pleading for you to finish the story, which will look great at your interview!

[Lidlfix]

Francis Beckett short "Seafood" would be great for that age group and timescale. Real twist and generates great discussion on "issues" explored in the text.

[fluffywhitekittens]

First chapter of " I was a Rat" Philip Pullman. Lots of discussion opportunities about characters and plot predictions.

[Stopmithering]

One of the David Walliams books?

[kilmuir]

my 7 and 9 year old love MrStink

[Stopmithering]

Extract from one of the David Walliams books?
Or Roald Dahl?

[Stopmithering]

Silly ipad ...

[leccybill]

Do primary schools have librarians?
Even in our secondary school, the librarian is also responsible for careers education , work experience, clubs, some general admin and probably other things.

[Hegoethdown]

Thanks for all your suggestions that's really helpful- I'll have a browse at local library/ Waterstones tomorrow.
leccybill- it seems this primary school does have a librarian! Would imagine they get lumbered with other stuff though, that's the way of things in most schools I think.

[prepperpig]

Extract from the Butterfly Lion or from Adolphus Tips both Michael Morpurgo

[prepperpig]

OR an extract from Michael Morpurgo's I Believe in Unicorns which is about a librarian inspiring children who are reluctant readers by reading to them...

[hels71]

One of Terry Jones fairy tales....the beast with a thousand teeth is my favourite...