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Original poster

Hot books for children aged 9-14

35 replies

roisin · 26/12/2006 19:32

Charlie Higson: Young Bond Series the first is Silverfin, then Blood Fever. The third one (title as yet unannounced) is due out 4 Jan.

Anthony Horowitz: Alex Rider series of course - I think there's about 5 now, and another one due out in 2007.
The Power of Five series Raven's Gate etc. are very popular too. They are teenage horror, and a bit disturbing in places; so parents who like to censor their reading may not approve: but the kids love them. The third one - Nightrise - is due out 2 April.

Back with more in a mo.

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Original poster
roisin · 26/12/2006 19:53

This is the site of the teenage book prize I mentioned, which might be a good starting point.

I've only read one of them, but I do love Marcus Sedgwick, so I'm sure his is fabulous.

I know what you mean about time to read; so many of our secondary schools just don't seem to value reading for pleasure at all, and when it's set against so many other time pressures, and possible entertainment, reading so often gets squeezed out. Then the only thing they are reading are their school texts, some of which destroy any love of reading they had.

I just hope many of them do come back to reading later.

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Original poster
roisin · 26/12/2006 19:47

The other book I mentioned is The Beast but I can't vouch for it personally.

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Original poster
roisin · 26/12/2006 19:46

Oh here's one for you Marslady - it's brill, but definitely not for U13s (despite the cartoon-style cover), as there as some rather graphic descriptions of bullying/violence, and other teenage stuff! Henry Tumour - superbly written, and guaranteed to engage teenage boys, particularly the ones who are likely to be reading (nerdy, bookish types). Fabulous shocking ending too.

I came across it because it recently won a prize for teenage books. Another one from the shortlist has been recommended to me, but I haven't read it yet. Be back shortly.

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FrostyTheSnowMarsLady · 26/12/2006 19:44

He's moved into a difficult age my darling. He has always loved reading but now that he is at senior school the demands on his time are heavy!

He's read the Malorie Blackman series and really enjoyed them. I recently got him Tamar by Mal Peet but he hasn't had time to read it.

Private Peaceful went down well. DD1 is my voracious reader. She's read PP and will undoubtably read Tamar as well.

Original poster
roisin · 26/12/2006 19:42

My biggest tip this year is Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson books. He is American, but don't let that put you off! They are a bit young for Marslady's ds1, but ideal for 8-14 yr-olds (fluent readers) I would say.

It's adventure, hidden unrealised powers, mixed with Greek Mythology. Tremendous fun, and very well-written. The first one is Percy Jackson and the lightning thief

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Original poster
roisin · 26/12/2006 19:39

What sort of books does he like Marslady?

Has he read Noughts and Crosses, and sequels? Have you? I'd be interested to hear what you thought of it.

If he likes fantasy, then Eragon and Eldest of course. DS1 has been branching out into teenage/adult writing and has read His Dark Materials this holidays, and last term read a load of the Anne McCaffrey dragon books, which he adored. The first one is Dragonflight, I think.

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Original poster
roisin · 26/12/2006 19:36

Tanglewreck is a recent discovery of ds1's. It is fast-moving, and has short chapters, so may encourage less keen readers. The author - Jeanette Winterson - has previously only written for adults. (Oranges are not the only fruit, among others.)

DS1 was very taken with Cry of the Icemark and the sequel, by Stuart Hill. It spent far too much time describing battles for my liking, but may appeal to boys! (A girl from school is reading it this holidays, so if I remember I'll let you know what she thought.)

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FrostyTheSnowMarsLady · 26/12/2006 19:35

(do you have any 14+ boy suggestions please?)

FrostyTheSnowMarsLady · 26/12/2006 19:34

love you!

FioFio · 26/12/2006 19:32

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