Books for a 10 year old boy who doesn't like Harry Potter, Roald Dahl but does like Dr Who stories.

[nevergoogle]

Birthday coming up and DS1 is showing an interest in books at last. Hurrah!

He likes action, mystery and history.

He doesn't like magic, or posh kids with wands.

What's good?

What about Wolf Brother etc? Lots of history and action, and the magic is shaman/primitive belief stuff and quite possibly hallucinogenic drugs.

I also loved Hermux Tantamoq - definitely detective/action books, the only thing is the main character is a mouse which might put him off.

The Printer's Devil is good - that's Victorian London, murderers, sailors, eastern cargo etc.

I started reading some Terry Pratchett at that age too, he might like The Bromeliad (sort of a more action-y version of the borrowers, but no magic other than the size I don't think. They end up on Concorde at one point!).

The Blood Red Horse, Green Jasper and a third one I can't remember the name of are about the crusades.

Girls in the Velvet Frame by Adele Geras is nice, and a good 'daily history' book about a family in Israel whose brother has gone to America to seek his fortune.

The Breadwinner is a good but hard read - a girls life under the Taliban. We read that at school when I was eight or nine, but not sure if reading it on his own is a good idea.

There's also the My History series, told in diary form. Some are maids at Tudor courts etc. , but there are probably more male-centric ones if you have a google. I think there's one about a boy who goes to Australia on a convict ship.

Yes to hitchhikers guide! Loved those.

Try The Subtle Knife. I would usually say start with Northern Lights first but I think from your description he'd be better starting with book 2 and then he could read book 1 for backstory, the second one works as a standalone story.

How about Willard Price's Adventure books?
Possibly slightly old-fashioned in some ways, but loads of action and adventure and interesting facts, and perfect for a 10 year old. My brothers and I used to love them.

I also thought the Redwall series. I loved them as a child and recently heard an audiobook of one - still impressed! There's lots too if he does like the. They'll keep him occupied a while!