What book next for nearly 12.5yo DS (reading age 10)

[jodee]

Didn't know whether to put this in SEN type of thread, but as it's about books, hope I can get some ideas please!

DS has grown out of Horrid Henry, and managed to read (in large print) the first Harry Potter book (that is a real achievement for him!). He started the second one but found it too heavy-going - his problem is too much text on the page.

We are nearly through the Wimpy Kid series, but need some help with what books to go for next - the mixture of text/cartoon works well with DS.

Books need to be 'cool' enough to get out of his bag at school to read with the rest of class, Wimpy Kid was popular so that wasn't a problem.

N.B. He doesn't like the Mr Gum books or Beast Quest, have tried Roddy Doyle, didn't like either.

He likes killing zombies, if that helps!

What about graphic novels, would they be good?

There's graphic novel versions of the Artemis Fowl books which might be suitably 'cool'?

I know there's also a publisher, Barrington Stoke, that specialises in books for people with dyslexia, so higher age level interest but easier to read IYSWIM.

Try the Tom Gates series my son loved Wimpy kid and these.

Just read he likes killing zombies. My son also liked the Undead Ed books (books about a zombie )

What about graphic novels? Star Wars ones, & I even got this Ray Bradbury one for my 12yo.

Much as I disapprove, my y8 DS has to read 2 Darren Shan books for homework (sigh). Not hard reading, either, and totally graphic violence, like cool, eh? I presume demons are as awesome & epic as zombies.

Another vote for Tom Gates; Big Nate.
Saxby Smart.
Artemis Fowl?

Hi everyone, thank you for the replies! I didn't know about the graphic versions of Artemis Fowl or Ray Bradbury, looked them up on Amazon, not bad!

Will check out Tom Gates/Darren Shan, don't know them, and the Undead Ed books (zombies - result!)

Many thanks

This is the newest Darren Shan, Zom-B. Connecting with emotions is probably what makes the Shan books so popular.

How about the Skulduggery Pleasant books by Derek Landy? DSs started reading them in Primary School and still love them now (7th one has just come out I think) The 'hero' is a living skeleton...

Series of Unfortunate Events, by Lemony Snickett might work.

Or the Alex Rider books, by Anthony Horowitz.

Personally, would go for the graphic novels. They are increasingly popular, and you can get most books in that format these days.

I agree with Takver - graphic novels might be a good idea. Here on the continent (we live in Germany) it's pretty normal for teenage boys to read Mickey Mouse comics! Have a look at Blake and Mortimer on amazon.