Interesting new(ish) books for older dc?

[Takver]

DD has been reading various new books to review via her school library & was raving about Looking at the Stars - I've not read it, but from her description it sounded really excellent.

It made me think that it would be interesting to share any recommendations like that of less well known books - if nothing else it's always helpful to have some out-of-the-way ideas for presents for bookish children!

What age are you thinking of Tak?

DD is 11, but I buy presents for lots of different dc, so all suggestions welcome! I guess I was thinking post picture-book ages

Dd (8 but a good reader) is enjoying this:

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_London_Eye_Mystery

for 11 year olds, some good books that perhaps aren't so well known:

Mortal Chaos books by Matt Dickinson - excellent for readers who get bored quickly

Scorpio Races by Maggie Steifvater - fantasy but based in the real world

Smart by Kim Slater - Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time but for younger readers. Very new so may become well known

The Bell Between Worlds by Ian Johnstone - fantasy. I liked it and thought it well written but have not seen it around much

The Boy and the Bear in a Boat by Dave Shelton. My 8yo read it earlier this year.

Oops - should say dd is 12, and has been for 2 months [bad mother emoticon]. I'll pass on your suggestions to her, booksteens.

I'd say Looking at the Stars is for secondary age rather than primary from dd's description, she's probably at the bottom end of suitability age-wise.

Everyone is getting this one from me as a present this year. It's is fabulous!! - Waffle Hearts

That looks lovely, Emma - what sort of age would you say (maybe 7-8 ish?)

It's lovely - I'd suggest the 7-11 age bracket, as long as the younger ones are confident with good chapter books.

Hi Takver. Long time no hear:)

My favourite book for Year 2 upwards at the moment is 'The Land of Neverbelieve' by Norman Messenger. Fantastic book for encouraging imagination, with something new to find every time you read it.

So far as new books for mini Takver are concerned, she should check out the new Frances Hardinge book 'Cuckoo Song'. It's slightly dark fantasy but with no violence or boy/girl relationships - more in atmosphere if you see what I mean. There's also a new Wondla book out by Tony DiTerlizzi.

PM me if you want copies.

Madame Hooch

Hi MmeHooch. Many thanks for the recommendations, I'll pass them on :) I've not been here so much due to the wonders of secondary school library (and librarian - endless stream of book suggestions, and even a lunchtime poetry club with tea and biscuits )

Having asked for left-field recommendations, I've just bought the new (well new in paperback) Neil Gaiman/Chris Riddell book as a birthday present, so not following my own advice. Just keeping my fingers crossed as I couldn't resist it!