What next after Jacqueline Wilson for DD (9)?

[fatsatsuma]

She is a competent reader but has only really been bitten by the reading bug recently. She has devoured a huge number of Jacqueline Wilsons, and I'm wondering what to get for her to read over the summer.

I liked Lois Lowry and Paula Danziger books at that age. Also Narnia, The Secret Garden, What Katy Did and Little Women. But those last ones might be a bit too old fashioned for some children maybe.

I'm reading JW's latest, 'Little Darlings' to DD at the moment - DD is enjoying it but I'm so bored with it - not much of a story and it seems to be going on forever! Has JW lost her touch?

I've bought DD 'Blubber' by Judy Blume to read next although it's really for my benefit as I remember liking it - but not started it yet so can't say if it's the right age group/stood the test of time yet. Lots of other Judy Blume books out there if she does like it

I remember reading Malory Towers when I was getting ready to do the 11+ exmas.

But if your DD is advanced in her reading she might enjoy those.

Bluejeans - other than The Illustrated Mum I don't think JW ever HAD the touch tbh.

I loved the Judy Blumes as a child but my dds didn't like them all. I suspect that are too 'set' in that certain period and are also v American. Deffo worth a try though.

Both my dds loved Inkheart and Muddle Earth - I think they were both around ten when they read them.

Fatsuma - has she read the Harry Potter books?

I loved Judy Blume but can't remember quite how old I was when I was into her. Early teens I think so maybe DD is a bit young for them.

I wouldn't say she's advanced with her reading at all really - she's only just started really reading for pleasure. She's still at the stage where it has to have immediate appeal for her to persevere with a book.

I don't think she's ready for Inkheart yet, altho' today she said she would like to read the Harry Potters which we haven't read with her.

Superfudge and the other one with Fudge and Peter should be fine, age-wise.

Is it Tales Of A Fourth Grade Nothing?

DD1 has really enjoyed Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (I think there are 15 of them - get her the first and see what she thinks), it's a good story written with a wonderfully dry, black humour. I like them too

DD devoured the Percy Jacksons, but they're not very girly.

Seconded on Diana Wynne Jones - fantasy but very well characterised and pretty much bang on for her age group.

Potter, obv, and perhaps The Hobbit.

Family From One End Street - there's several of them, really charming books.

Another vote here for Eva Ibbotson - the 8-11 age group though, not the teenage stuff. Also some of Judy Blume's books for younger children might be good if she can navigate around the American-ness of them. MPD

Ooh and if she's not into all things girly, David Almond ('Skelling', 'Kit's Wilderness' etc) is very good too. MPD

Skellig and Heaven Eyes are David A's best imho - both are stunning. His more recent ones have been disappointing.

Roman mysteries?

Horrible Histories or their sciencey/geography/everything-elsey versions for other subjects as some fun and engrossing non-fiction?

She might be a bit young for His Dark Materials, but keep that lined up for in a few years time!

I'm going to third Diana Wynne Jones, but you do have to pick the right ones, as some are for 9-11 age group, and some are for older teenagers, and some are for adults. The Chrestomanci series are for 9-11, I think. Technically you're supposed to start with Charmed Life, but chronologically The Lives of Christopher Chant comes first, then Conrad's Fate, then The Pinhoe Egg, and then Charmed Life, I think.

And I shall second the recommendation of Eva Ibbotson's novels for younger readers.

and there's a book called 'The Children Who Lived In a Barn' which was one of Jacqueline Wilson's favourites when she was young, apparently - it's been reprinted with an intro by Jacqueline Wilson. It's about some children who live in ... a barn.

Thanks - you are all so kind

Loads of good stuff here.

I loved Judy Blume at that age. Steer clear of "Forever" though!

How about the Time wreckers and Time apprentice, both very very good.
My 9 year old loved them

DD (11) recommends from a couple of years ago: all the Harry Potter books, the Charlie Bone series by Jenny Nimmo (and the rest of her stuff), and Lauren Child's Clarice Bean books.

Also, another massive vote for Eva Ibbotson here - DD was introduced to her in Year 4 and has since read all her books, moving on from the younger ones to the teenage ones last year.

SalFresco I remember Ralph too!

if you're going to try Cornelia Funke I'd start with something like Dragonrider first before the Inkheart trilogy - and to be honest I'd probably forget the last one - turgid acc to ds1

I don't know.

Oh yes - Dragon Rider is good. Didn't like another one of hers though - erm - is it called The Thief Lord or something like that?

Coming into this a bit late, sorry!

My daughter loved all the Enid Blyton books and absolutely devoured Harry Potter. And yes, Noel Streatfeild's books were wonderful.

But nobody's mentioned Anne of Green Gables! I really loved that book and still read it now when I get the chance!