Ages 4 to 7
What’s Next Door? by Nicola O’Byrne
Interactive book which children step into, as they take part in the story and enter new environments from stormy seas to hot deserts and icy lands.
My First Mog 123 by Judith Kerr
Learn to count with the very lovable Mog!
Max Campion and the Great Race Car Robbery by Alexander McCall Smith
When Max finds an old car with his surname on the bonnet – Champion – he discovers his grandfather used to make some of the best cars…and race them! That is until his ideas book was stolen. Can Max get back what was lost?
Ages 7 to 11
Brightstorm by Vashti Hardy
Twins Maudie and Arthur Brightstorm are left alone when their father dies on an expedition to the South Pole. He is accused of breaking the explorers code and disgraced. The twins are determined to clear his name and run away on the sky-ship Aurora to do so, and embark on an extraordinary voyage of discovery beyond their wildest dreams.
To the Edge of the World by Julia Green
Jamie lives on an island in the Outer Hebrides, and he loves its wild beauty. The island is also home to Mara, a wild and fearless spirit. When she sets out to sail to St Kilda, an island at the edge of the world, Jamie goes too. A story of friendship and adventure.
The Chocolate Factory Ghost by David O’Connell and Claire Powell
This is a rags to riches story with ghosts and mystery thrown in for good measure. Archie learns he is heir to the McBudge Fudge and Confectionary Company. One problem – no one knows the secret ingredient that makes the Mcbudge Fudge so delicious. Can Archie solve the clues left by his uncle to find out?
Ages 11 to 14
The Infinite Lives of Maisie Day by Christopher Edge
Maisie should be celebrating her 10th birthday but her family has disappeared and her house seems to be floating in a black void. Hard to comprehend – except Maisie is a science genius. At the edge of the black hole she manages to contact her teenage sister, Lily, the only person who can help her. A mind-boggling and moving story.
A Good Day for Climbing Trees by Jaco Jacobs
Set in Cape Town, it’s the holidays and Marnus is bored, fed up of being teased by his older brother and pushed around by his little brother. Then he meets Leila and is drawn into her campaign to save a tree in the local park, and camps out in its branches. A story of standing up for what you believe in.
You Are Awesome by Matthew Syed
This is an empowering guide to help children build their resilience and fulfil their potential. It uses examples of successful people from Mozart to Serena Williams to show that success is earned rather than given. Practical and insightful guide.
Ages 14 to 18
I Have Lost My Way by Gayle Forman
This is a heart-wrenching powerful Young Adult story exploring loss, love and discovery. The story is told over one day, with flashbacks to the past to understand what has brought the characters to this moment in time.
Out of the Blue by Sophie Cameron
Across the world angel-like beings are falling from the sky. Apocalyptic frenzy follows sightings of them. Meanwhile, a fallen angel named Teacake helps heal Jaya’s grief after the sudden loss of her mother. A charming debut brimming with humanity and heart.
Savage Island by Bryony Pearce
Five friends enter a contest on a private island to win a £1 million prize, and find themselves in a gruesome fight for survival. They must solve riddles and locate geocaches on the island, but soon realise there is more to the competition than they had been led to believe.
We’d love to hear what your favourite books are. If you send us a review of a book you’ve enjoyed reading using this link (it doesn’t have to be one of the above titles) we’ll post it on the Reading Force website and Facebook page.
Happy Reading!