Roisin's book recommendation, for 8-16 yr-olds

[roisin]

OK look at the cover: Helen Dummore:Ingo

I would never have picked up this book - it's obviously a girly book about mermaids isn't it?
No, absolutely not. It's not in the slightest bit girly, though would appeal to boys and girls.

Gripping story, powerfully written, complex characters and plots. But as far as teenage themes (sex, drugs, bullying, violence, etc.) there's nothing inappropriate for fluent readers as young as 8 or 9.

Oh, whilst I'm here can I slip in another one? I thoroughly enjoyed Ally Kennen's The Beast recently too. It's not suitable for younger readers of a sensitive disposition. (Ds1 chose not to read it late night in bed.) And definitely wins my vote for the most attention-grabbing start for a teenage novel recently:

no-one cares tonight?

I do. Thank you for your recommendations. I'm going into town on Sat with DS (10) to spend his Christmas book tokens, so we'll have a look at these two books. Thanks.

Ingo looks fantastic Roisin. I think DD1 will love it. Thanks very much for the recommendation.

Hi roisin! Sorry to have missed this last night - but I'm having a bookfest today (see passim).

Professor Branestawm the big current retro-y hit. I suspect your ds2 might enjoy it too - loads of engineering.

Do look at the "customers also bought" list that goes with the link - it's very entertaining.

Eric Linklater? Is that the one Marina (re-)discovered?

Message withdrawn

Now when I look at Professor Branestawm I don't see the Eric Linklater, presumably because I already bought it through Amazon. So yes, I guess it will be The Pirates of the Deep Green Sea. Stirring stuff. Bink, I found it by ordering your recommendation, The Land of Green Ginger, btw
I would have passed over Helen Dunmore for precisely that reason Roisin so thanks for the recommendation.

marina, actually it's a different one - something about the moon?

You see it by clicking on "see all items" next to the list - that's when you'll have a chuckle.

And Helen Dunmore is Cornwall - could anything be better for my Cornish, sea-obsessive pair? Indeed, thanks.

sorry, no, it's "explore similar items", then look at them all (couple of pages). I'm labouring this a bit, sorry

that Helen Dunmore trilogy looks good, I think dd would love it, thanks Roisin

my dd aged 7 adored this book roisin - and so did her grandma, they read it together!