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Original poster

Books for my reluctant 14yo reader?

34 replies

TinfoilTwat · 12/12/2022 09:31

He mostly reads a lot of 'younger' books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dog Man. That's fine, but I think it would be good to read slightly more challenging books too.

He liked The Explorer, but found it too long. He's quite a slow reader. He's recently quite enjoyed War Horse. Before that he liked The Giver. He also loves graphic novels.

Any recommendations for not-too-long, age-appropriate books that might interest a 14 yo?

OP posts:
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madamehooch · 16/12/2022 19:58

When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle
Once/Then/Now by Morris Gleitzman

BigsyMalone · 14/12/2022 21:41

Yiu can search for books with reviews on the Book Trust websute by age

nobird · 14/12/2022 21:38

Some Stephen King or Ray Bradbury? I loved those at 14.

Bbgy · 14/12/2022 19:42

Sorry wrong thread

Bbgy · 14/12/2022 19:42

Lots of chemicals used in manufacture of various foods is associated with earlier puberty. Not so good really

NoSquirrels · 14/12/2022 07:24

For shorter books for readers who might struggle with longer novels but still want complex themes or storylines, Barrington Stoke is brilliant - in their 13+ range there are books by Mal Peet, Phil Earle, Majorie Blackman, loads more.

Bbgy · 14/12/2022 07:17

Thanks for this thread great suggestions

Ceruleanmoon · 14/12/2022 07:05

Anthony McGowan books. Maybe Lark would be of interest
Malorie Blackman: Pig Heart Boy is a good read. Peace maker is a good short sci fi book.

ChessieFL · 13/12/2022 13:15

Adrian Mole

Emberness · 12/12/2022 19:42

What about. Pseudonymous Bosch books? I'm reading the first one its good!

Also dd 13 enjoyed books by a f harrold. ....fizzlebert stump

I think these would be a step up from wimpy kid but too too large a one!

Original poster
TinfoilTwat · 12/12/2022 19:28

Lots of recommendations on the thread. Am going to check them all out.

OP posts:
Original poster
TinfoilTwat · 12/12/2022 19:28

SusiePevensie · 12/12/2022 18:20

I'm with @Curioushorse.
If he likes graphic novels, get him.graphic novels.

Absolutely, we do! We're all big fans of graphic novels in this house. He has recently enjoyed the Alone series. No sniffiness about graphic novels here!
I'm just also looking for novels he might enjoy.

OP posts:
girlmom21 · 12/12/2022 18:45

Oh OP he might like the Cherub series by Robert Muchamore

clarepetal · 12/12/2022 18:31

TinfoilTwat · 12/12/2022 09:43

I found His Dark Materials quite dry. Also very wordy for a slow reader, and long. You're right the stories are fab, but I'd say they were more aimed at keen readers.

Amazing book but is too long. Holes is a good choice though it's a great story

SusiePevensie · 12/12/2022 18:20

I'm with @Curioushorse.
If he likes graphic novels, get him.graphic novels.

ILiveInSalemsLot · 12/12/2022 18:17

The Enemy series by Charlie Higson. Ds was hooked on that!
Books by Dan Smith. Big Game and My Friend the Enemy were particular favourites.
Ds also enjoys football biographies and enjoyed one about Maradona.

Curioushorse · 12/12/2022 18:17

Graphic Novels!

Things have changed a lot, and there are some gorgeous things out there. I'd recommend Heartstopper- because the books are going down a storm with that age group. But there are loads of other things too. Waterstones tends to have good sections now....

Y7drama · 12/12/2022 18:06

Mine loved the cherub books by Robert muchamore, wasn’t much of a reader before but got really into this series. I think some have been done as graphic novels.

Heavyraindropsarefallingonmyhead · 12/12/2022 18:05

Redwall books

LakeFlyPie · 12/12/2022 18:04

Also Frank Cottrell Boyce: especially Sputnik's guide to life on earth

LakeFlyPie · 12/12/2022 18:03

Loads of Michael Morpurgo options which might appeal.
My reluctant reader really enjoyed Kensuke's Kingdom at 13

CatChant · 12/12/2022 17:59

Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz,
The Edge Chronicles series by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell,
Only You Can Save Mankind, Johnny and the Dead, Johnny and the Bomb, all ,by Terry Pratchett,
Lockwood and Co series by Jonathan Stroud,
Skulduggery Pleasant series by Derek Landy,
Graphic novels: Asterix, Tintin, The Bluecoats, Amulet, Lucky Luke, Hilo, Bunny vs Monkey, Hilda, Evil Emperor Penguin, The Adventures of John Blake, Blake and Mortimer.

Pumpkintopf · 12/12/2022 17:51

John Flanagan Rangers Apprentice and Brotherband series

Pumpkintopf · 12/12/2022 17:50

Michelle Paver's 'wolf brother' series

yikesanotherbooboo · 12/12/2022 13:45

I agree with going to the library. My reluctant readers liked factual books from the list type to Ben Goldacre/ Ben Macintyre/ Bill Bryson/ biographies of sports heroes etc