Summer is the perfect time to escape with something really different. This collection of books for readers age 8 through 13+ is sure to engage your older readers this holiday.
Eurospies by Lindsay Littleson (Cranachan Books) ~ 8+ (MG)
What better way to get a taste of Europe than through an exciting mystery story? Fans of Libby and the Parisian Puzzle (Travelling School Mysteries) by Jo Clarke and the Alice Eclair, Spy Extraordinaire code-cracking mysteries by Sarah Todd Taylor will really enjoy Euro Spies by Lindsay Littleson.
Samia thinks she’s won an exciting European holiday but when dangerous things start happening, she realises there’s more to it than meets the eye. As she and her friends travel from country to country, they must solve cryptic clues and steer clear of the suspicious people following them. Readers are challenged to solve the clues right along with these brand new spies.
Lost on Gibbon Island by Jess Butterworth & illustrated by Rob Biddulph) ~ 9+ (MG)
Stories of shipwreck, jungles and connections with wild animals are always so popular. Fans of The Explorer, Kensuke’s Kingdom and Escape to the River Sea will love Lost on Gibbon Island.
Told entirely through the diary of Lark – a 12 year old who washed up on an island after a suspicious boating “accident” that may have actually been attempted murder, readers live every moment. With only Goldie, a baby gibbon, for company, Lark must find a way to survive and make contact with the outside world. Themes of environmental protection, resiliance and heart-stopping adventure make this a perfect book for Key Stage 2.
The Thief of Farrowfell by Ravena Guron & illustrated by Alessia Trunfio (Faber) ~ 9+ (MG)
The Thief of Farrowfell grabs readers’ attention from the very first page. Part of a very unusual family business, Jude Ripon uses stolen magic to sneak, pinch and steal whatever she fancies. But magic is a powerful and very tricky business with so much potential to go wrong. Curses, cheap potions and raw magic that is too difficult to handle create twists and turns in this eye-widening, breath-catching adventure.
This story will be a perfect class read-aloud. Enchanting characters, unpredictable magic and questionable motives will leave listeners enthralled.
Rosie Raja: Churchill’s Spy by Sufiya Ahmed (Bloomsbury)~ 9+ (MG)
Rosie Raja: Churchill’s Spy is a fascinating portrayal of the French Resistance in WWII. It’s July 1941 and Princess Rosina, grandaughter of a maharaja, finds herself caught up in the undercover life of a spy. It seems her Papa has secrets she never dreamed of and life in England is VERY different from life in India. A rash decision to stowaway on a plane takes her into heart-racing adventure. Rosie has much to learn – most importantly, how to keep a secret and that she must trust no one if brave fighters are to successfully unite against Hitler.
This book is so engaging. It gives another point of view in the growing collection of middle grade Resistance stories. Young readers who love historical war stories will enjoy this
Tourmaline and the Island of Elsewhere by Ruth Laurent (Little Tiger)~ 9+ (MG)
Action-packed adventure quests are perfect stories for summer. Young readers can get lost in the high-stakes decision making, growing mystery and brilliant characters they meet along the way. Add in a dash of magic and you have an unputdownable story!
The adventure begins when Tourmaline discovers her mother has gone missing while on an archaeology dig. Overhearing plans about how the university professors plan to “deal with her” pushes Tourmaline to take matters into her own hands and go after her mother. A band of feisty female pirates and magical encounters around every turn create a story of brilliant obstacles Tourmaline and her friends are determined to overcome.
The Lorrikeet Tree by Paul Jennings (Old Barn Books)~ 11+ (Teen)
The Lorikeet Tree is a beautiful story of loss, unbreakable sibling bonds and the healing power of nature. When Australian brother and sister, Alex and Emily, learn their dad has a brain tumour and is dying, their world turns upsidedown. No amount of denial, wishes or hope is going to make it better. Told through the seasons of one year, readers become emotionally invested in the ups and downs of teenagers dealing with such a heart-breaking future. A kitten and a treehouse help them to channel emotions and energy into something new while Emily explores her feelings through a school memoir project.
There is so much to consider in this powerful story. It is not one to rush but to ponder and let sink into your soul. Careful consideration should be given when recommending it to young people due to the sensitive subject matter.
Bite Risk by S.J. WIlls (Simon & Schuster) ~ 11+ (Teen)
Key Stage 3 readers are loving the increase in books for teens. This 11+ age range is perfect for the move from primary to secondary school when children are looking for something to really sink their teeth into.
Bite Risk is one of those books. Deliciously scary with elements of the unknown, readers will be gripped by the constant threat. One night every month all the adults in town must be confined while the young people protect themselves from the werewolves the adults have become. To them, this transformation seems fairly normal until some of the adults start to escape…
The Territory (trilogy) by Sarah Govett (Firefly Press) ~ 13+ (YA)
Environmental dystopia in a world of dwindling resources and an unfair class system like none other. The wealthy don’t need to study for exams as a node in the back of their necks downloads all the information they need. The “Norms” on the other hand, risk failing and being sent to the Wetlands for a life of suffering.
The Territory is a fantastic Young Adult trilogy readers will be able to identify with: friendships, school life and high-stakes testing. When results day arrives, life changes forever. Noa, Raf and Jack aren’t going to let the government decide their future. They’re ready to fight.
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Books by Kate Heap:
Scope for Imagination 