Need a book for 8/9 girl, she's a prolific reader!

[Swifey]

I can't think what I was reading at that age? Something preferably not boy related . Something a bit classic. I think I was reading something like Brian Jacques 'Mossflower' but I may have been older? Or Michelle Migurian?

As an old fashioned but still relevant read, I highly recommend the Sue Barton nursing book series by Helen Dore Boylston. You'll only get them second hand though. They probably don't have much boy appeal but are not rubbish fluffy girl books. Really wonderful glimpse into nurse training in the 1930s(?) and wonderful warm characters whose lives develop across the six books. I discovered them at age 9 (accidental library find) and I still re-read them now.

I also enjoyed the Katy books by Susan Coolidge at that age.

My favourite book at that age - it's got two girl heroines who have lots of adventures.

The wind on the Moon

www.amazon.co.uk/Wind-Moon-Eric-Linklater/dp/1903252024

oh yes - also The Wardens Neice by Gillian Avery

I'd suggest Eva Ibbotson too. Last year I bought a set of them from the Book People, which included Which Witch, The Secret of Platform 13 and Monster Mission. Journey to the River Sea, The Star of Kazan and The Dragonfly Pool are a bit meatier than some of the others. One Boy and his Dog is a lovely book.

Another really great read is Mrs Frisby and the Rats of Nimh.

Great minds think alike, Lucydogz!

ChristmasSeacow - I had forgotten the Katy books by Susan Coolidge, and the Sue Barton books - I have them all.

Masha and The Youngest Lady In Waiting by M M Kaye are good too.

Some of the authors mentioned on here have written adult books too - Elizabeth Goudge and Terry Pratchett, to name two - so if a child likes the children's books, then there are more waiting for them when they are older, which I think is a bonus.

My DSD loved The Various trilogy when she was younger and she was an advanced reader too. I can't remember how old she was - but I think they are worth getting for later if possible.

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Various

There was another trilogy all based under the sea that captivated her too but I can't remember the name. It was a top ten kids book about 8 years ago.

At that age I loved all Enid Blyton books, the babysitters club and sweet valley high.

How about the malory towers or St Claire books?

Letters from father Christmas JR Tolkien?

Ingo by Helen Dunmore - watery. Again might be a bit older.

Series of Unfortunate Events was definitely a big hit at age 8.

The Neverending Story
The Letter for the King

Dd3 at 9, almost 10 has just finished Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell and loved it. I've bought her another by the same author, Rooftoppers, for her stocking.

She loves Iva Ibbotson too (as per jellycat's suggestions) but probably her favourite author of the last couple of years has been David Walliams.

For her stocking I've also got her The Parent Agency by David Baddiel and The Sinclair Mysteries, Katherine Woodfine.

What's wrong with Dark Materials? If she's an advanced reader, she'll handle it (my DS read it at 8 and understood all but the end of Amber Spyglass).

Also, Alice in Wonderland, Swallows and Amazons. The Enid Blyton books that aren't 5 or 7. The Pratchett Tiffany Aching books are great.

What's she reading at the moment?

My DD was a prolific reader at that age - as was I - we loved:
When Hitler stole pink rabbit by Judith Kerr - she couldn't put it down at the same age as your DD.
The Greengage summer (Rumer Godden)
The family from One End Street
Milky Molly Mandy
Roald Dahl
The Borrowers
Charlotte's web
Those are the first books which popped into my head.
What a great thread.

Just read PPs and oh how I loved the Noel Streatfield and Elizabeth Goudge too!

sort I'm sure your DS enjoyed His Dark Materials (it's an amazing series - probably my favourite) but at 8YO to understand it all without an adult explaining things he must be very advanced and not just in his ability to read the words on the pages.

I read them as an adult as did DH. We've then been listening to the unabridged versions read by the author on audiobook with the DSs (11 and 9 - DS2 was 8 when we started). Its one of those series that is supposed to work on different levels (at least Northern Lights which can be enjoyed just as an adventure story really), but to understand and appreciate it properly you need to have a basic understanding of organised religion and the concept of mortal sin/the backlash against and scepticism about organised religion/changes occurring in puberty etc.

It's a lovely book suggestion but really best saved for when they're a few years older for the vast majority of children, particularly if they're reading themselves and not having it read aloud to them. I think 14ish ideally. With hindsight we'd have been better waiting a few years with the DSs and then we'd have made it all the way through the three books. As it is we've stopped because they were struggling towards the end of the Subtle Knife and the Amber Spyglass is heavy going (and a bit scary). My DC aren't religious but I can see that if they were it might also be upsetting.

I can thoroughly recommend the unabridged audiobooks narrated by Philip Pullman. Its great to have them read to you just as intended by the author.

footphobic I have also bought Rooftoppers and The Midnight Gang for DD's stocking

Anne Fine does a few books she might like.

As a series I can recommend the Warrior Cat books.

All the classics, I need them for my 9 year old to slow her down, anything pink and sparkly (and most modern books) is read in about 2 hours flat.

I take it she has a library card and you go there regularly? I'd also recommend taking a look in charity shops as they often have a great selection of book. My idea of a lovely afternoon is time in Waterstones. Some titles mine have got through;

Little House on the Prairie series
Harry Potter series
Dork Diaries
One Dollar Horse
School of Good and Evil
All the Roald Dahl
All David Walliams
All Cassie Cassidy

and for when she is older - Laura Bates - Girl up.

It's lovely to have a reader in the family!

The Another's House by Rosemary Sutcliffe

Sorry! That should have read "The Amourer's House"

The Tiffany Aching series from Terry Pratchett (heck, at age 8 and "prolific" she's probably ready for the main series!!! :) ), And/or the Little House series.

ChristmasSeacow I am overcome with nostalgia at the mention of the Sue Barton books! I used to love them!

Thanks to this thread have just ordered Goodnight Mr Tom, think my 2 will love it!