Would really appreciate some ideas for FANTASTIC books for DS1(9)...

[jenpet]

...but its not straightforward! We live in France, and he's only ever been to school here, so although I've tried hard to keep up his English, he naturally is only really interested in what his friends are.

I would love him to be able to enjoy a book in either language, but feel already English is falling behind for him. He's got a reasonable reading level, but not much beyond his chronological age in English, and if its too hard, he gives up!

So, I would love please to hear of any books your DS's have been absolutely gripped by - he's just finished the Anne Fine Killer Cat books (which he loved as he did them in French at school) he's read a couple of Michael Morpurgo books which were OK, but it was a struggle at times, and I've just ordered "Stig of the Dump" from Amazon (because I loved it and I'm running out of ideas!) Harry Potter we've tried, but he's such a wuss he finds a bit challenging to read alone.

I'm way out of touch with English authors and would love to hear what your 8/9 year old DS's have enjoyed. Thanks in advance..

Wimpy kid

Beast quest

Horrid Henry?

There's a book I read when I was about this age, and still love to this day. It's called The Land of Green Ginger, and it is a hilarious sequel to the Aladdin story.

It has a button-nosed tortoise, a flying back garden, a donkey that sits on a pin, and two wicked princes called Rub Dub Ben Thud and Tin Tack Ping Foo!

The Irish author Eilis Dillon wrote a good few ripping adventures for children. I remember reading The Sea Wall, The Singing Cave, The Cruise of the Santa Maria, The Island of Horses, The Lost Island (there are many more) -- all well written, good plots and characters that would hold the interest of anyone aged 8 - 11/12.

I agree with Wimpy Kid too, and the David Walliams ones already mentioned.

Mine also like Mr Gum, although I don't particularly, and the Gladiator Boy series has gone down well.

Wimpy Kid reigns here

Someone bought mine Michael Morpurgo - have had to read them to my 2, set in the past with lots of references to war and religion. Constant explanations make me weary. I enjoyed the stories though.

David Walliams also big hit.

Thanks so much everyone again for your suggestions

I've got the first "Wimpy Kid" diary already on its way, and the first dinosaur training one too. Will look out David Walliams when I get a second.

It's a brilliant start, and has given me loads to look into. I heart MN!