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Original poster

DD (8) is about to finish the Harry Potter series and be bereft- what next?

112 replies

BoogleMcGroogle · 08/05/2017 21:24

The bug bit her in February, having been a keen but not avid reader before then. Now she's about to finish the seventh and I think she'll be bereft. She says she'll just start reading them all again (although has conceded to giving War Horse a try), which is frankly lame. What can we suggest to her next? She's eyeing up my Skellig, but as I only read it last month, I'd like to think it is a bit too sophisticated for her (?!)

OP posts:
Etymology23 · 08/05/2017 21:43

I know a few people who enjoyed H.I.V.E (fantasy/young genius criminals) at that age, and cherub (spy) might be good once she's a bit older. Also loved Alex rider, and young bond but bond might be a bit old for your dd. The mysterious benedict society was also super, and I used to love the books by Diana wynne jones which are more actively fantasy (eg witches and wizards) than the others, especially the Chrestomancy series.

BramblyHedge · 08/05/2017 21:43

I second Percy Jackson. My son likes to run through a whole series and there are quite a few Percy Jackson books to keep them going.

DitchCamille · 08/05/2017 21:41

My dd1 enjoyed the wrinkle in time series and dealing with dragons series.

bibbitybobbityyhat · 08/05/2017 21:41

Gosh! Only 8 and she's read all the Harry Potters in 3 months!

ImYourMama · 08/05/2017 21:40

Hunger games books

Lemony snickers a series of unfortunate events

Jacqueline Wilson

Lord of the rings & the hobbit

Original poster
BoogleMcGroogle · 08/05/2017 21:38

Oooh, Percy Jackson. She told me that some of the girls at after-school club are into that, so I might have a way in there. Thanks for that!

OP posts:
yomellamoHelly · 08/05/2017 21:37

I was going to say the Philip Pullman books too. Lemony Snicket books are a good read (feed into each other). David Walliams if it doesn't matter about that. Terry Pratchett books (the ones for kids) are funny too.

Original poster
BoogleMcGroogle · 08/05/2017 21:37

Thanks for the suggestions. I didn't think she should read the whole series, as they do get quite dark. But then my mum reminded me of the sorts of things I used to get out of the library at that age, and it made HP seem quite tame. Terry Pratchett is a great idea- any particular books your daughter has enjoyed? I will also look up Eragon, I've not heard of that one.

I think that His Dark Materials is amazing, they are amongst my favourite books, but I do wonder if they are too much for her. I found them quite deeply affecting when I read them (although that might have been more to do with my own mid-twenties inner turmoil at the time).

Skellig's brilliant. I'm sort of saving it to read with her too, as I know she'll love it and I want to share that with her. My Dad read to me until I was into my teens, I remember that so fondly now (Madame Bovary was my favourite ;)

OP posts:
ScarlettDarling · 08/05/2017 21:34

Ah I know what you mean, my 10 year old finished the HP books last month and was utterly bereft. She sobbed 'I can't believe it's all over' and was really reluctant to give anything else a try.

She doesn't like Michael Morpurgo at all, (I'm not keen either,) so War Horse wouldn't work for her. She has read and loved the Philip Pullman Dark materials trilogy (maybe a bit too old for an 8 year old?)and is currently enjoying (but not loving,) the Percy Jackson books.

Ive just ordered "The cursed child" for her. I've read it and have warned her it may take a little while to get into it but I know she'll enjoy it.

Sleeperandthespindle · 08/05/2017 21:28

I love Skellig. Probably my favourite children's book ever, but I don't think I've read it below Year 5 (was a primary teacher).
The Hobbit?

babyhamish · 08/05/2017 21:28

Either his dark materials trilogy by Phillip Pullman or eragon series. Either quite similar age range to last few harry potter books and both equally amazing!

Sleeperandthespindle · 08/05/2017 21:27

I haven't let my almost 8 year old DD read past The Goblet of Fire. She is loving some of the Terry Pratchett books, liked Charlie Bone and we are thinking of Northern Lights (but not the rest of the trilogy for now).

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