Recommendations for a book to read aloud to a group of 11 year olds

[BatCrapCrazy]

As part of a new reading intervention I am delivering in the school I work in (I'm a learning support assistant) I am to spend 20 minutes everyday reading to my group (5 kids in year 7, mix of boys and girls).
I would love some good recommendations. My own dc are 3 and 4 so we are still in the Gruffalo and Beatrix potter stage at home, so I'm a bit clueless about year 7s.
Thankyou

Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver.

The war of the worlds or the day of the triffids also excellent books

I would check which books are being taught in class, we use Wonder as a class reader. How about Cirque du Freak or Maximum Ride? Both good reads and the start of a long series which they might be encouraged to read.

However I would be concerned about any school that chooses Boy in the Striped Pyjamas for year 6. Whilst the language is simple, reflecting the innocence of the protagonist, the content is not at all appropriate.

I think we need more information do give decent advice. What level are the children currently reading at? What does the class teacher/ head of English say? It will take quite a number of weeks to read a book aloud. Have you got the money to buy any set of readers you like or is there a selection at school already? What's the purpose of your intervention- just for pleasure to get them reading or to talk about the themes etc?

I second what aghhhast says about boy in the striped pyjamas for primary and I have reservations about holes for primary also.

Oooh tyke tyler!!
I was lurking and that was a great blast from the past! I read that in year7.(off to see if i can put it on my kindle)

my y7 has just read, and loved, Enders Game - Orson Scott Card

Cue for Treason, by Geoffrey Trease.

We read it in year 7 as a class, but I've just read it to my 7yo and he was gripped. He's still giggling over the punishment of "101 adjectives". It's good to read aloud too.

Graveyard Book? Series of Unfortunate Events?

The problem is with those and some other suggestions that you might possibly have children in your group who'd struggle with some of the themes - so just ask for a quick check that none of them are bereaved etc.

Street Child
Oranges in no man's land
Holes
Hacker
Waiting for anya
Noughts and crosses
Skellig
Private peaceful