Book Recommendations

Woodcutters Peter and his father Tomas arrive in the lonely village of Chust. Peter doesn't understand why his father carries a long wooden box around with him, or why he has dug a deep ditch around their hut. But he is increasingly aware of malevolence about the place. Menacing shadows, villagers missing and people murdered only to reappear.

With the help of Sofia, a travelling gypsy, Peter sets out to conquer the evil threat to the village and uncover the secrets of his father's past. Set in the seventeenth century amid the bleakness of winter in Eastern Europe, and inspired by vampire folklore, this is a superbly crafted, dark and menacing tale.

A sense of hardship, bitter cold and fear penetrates the text, resulting in a chilling page-turner.

Publisher: Orion Children's Books

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2007

Interest Level –

Aged 11+

Part one of the Wind on Fire trilogy by William Nicholson

This is a stunningly original fantasy, set in the mythical city of

Aramanth, where every household is judged solely on its

members' ability to perform in examinations. Only one family

has the strength to rebel, fighting the system, and, in doing so,

risks all.

Leaving their parents and baby sibling behind, Bowman and his

sister, Kestrel, embark on a dangerous journey in search of

secrets which will make the 'wind singer' sing once again, thus

restoring normality to their world.

Their epic quest is depicted with a perfect balance of drama,

tenderness and a touch of humour.

Publisher: Egmont

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Interest Level –

Aged 11+

Driven by drought, starvation and conflict, Rosa and Sunday

have both undertaken perilous journeys across continents –

only to end up in Hawk Rise, a decaying tower block scheduled

for demolition.

Homeless, identity-less, Sunday is the caretaker; despite his

situation, he worries about the inhabitants, especially Rosa, who

supports her ailing mother. Rosa’s optimism is unshakeable:

against all odds, she starts a garden in Hawk Rise’s wasteland

convinced it can unite the residents – immigrants and

pensioners alike - who are facing eviction.

An absorbing story from the viewpoint of those at society’s

edges who never stop hoping: as Sunday realises, 'only over

time did one learn how it was not the quality of the construction

but the quality of the people which rendered a place habitable'.

Publisher: Hodder Children's Books

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Interest Level –

Aged 13+

A dark and dangerous world peopled by dwarves, shape-

shifting vixen, mythical beasts and stone Goyls lurks on the

other side of the ornate mirror in Jacob's father's study.

Jacob has often secretly ventured through the mirror in search

of his missing father. But one day his brother Will follows him,

with disastrous consequences.

Only the powerful Fairies, who can turn grown men into

wriggling fish, can reverse the spell which is turning Will's flesh

into jade. But should Jacob trust the Dark or the Red Fairy? Both

can easily destroy Jacob, Will and his beloved Clara.

An atmosphere bristling with menace and nerve-jangling

apprehension permeates this fantasy thriller. Readers will beg

for more, even as they turn the last page.

Publisher: Chicken House

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Interest Level –

Aged 11+

Issy has no idea where she’s from; abandoned as a baby,

adopted by the village cunning man, she knows only her name

and that she is terrified of fire, of burning. Taunted by

superstitious villagers fearing witchcraft, Issy is desperate to

discover her identity. Is she like malevolent Old Demdyke, the

worst witch of all? Or is she akin to Iohan a-Style, business-

woman and healer? Even the Parson doesn’t know whether to

redeem or punish her. As the Witch Finder’s forces implacably

close in, Issy must decide for herself...

Issy’s voice lies at the heart of this gripping, often gruelling

novel based on the Pendle witchcraft trials: honest, terrified,

unsure, she challenges good and evil head-on. Times change,

but intolerance looks the same.

Publisher: Anderson Press

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Interest Level –

Aged 12+

In an abandoned house in the Lake District, a cupboard door

opens into a playroom. Buried in dust is a collection of

children's books in which the names of characters have been

savagely crossed out. Here three children played a make

believe game, sacrificing their dreams and wishes to make what

they believed come true. But the game was never finished and

in the woods behind the house something waits, hungry for the

only food it knows. Now a new family has come to the house.

Soon they will discover themselves in a game of terror and

suspense.

Publisher: Oxford University Press

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2008

Interest Level –

Aged 12+

As the daredevil equestrian act 'The Incredible Scarletta Sisters',

Ellen and Lucy Spangle are the star attraction in their father’s

circus. But while ambitious, self-centred Lucy loves the

limelight, her thoughtful older sister Ellen secretly yearns to

leave the circus and become a teacher. When a wealthy young

man is attracted by Ellen’s glamorous career, the 16-year-old

must decide where her future lies and where her heart really

belongs.

Packed with tragedy, drama and romance, this is a fast-paced

novel that realistically evokes the atmosphere of Victorian circus

life in the East End. The Unrivalled Spangles has been

shortlisted for the 2005 Booktrust Teenage Prize.

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Books

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Interest Level –

Aged 13+

It's been 3 years, 1 month, 1 week and 6 days since 15 year old

Sherry had seen daylight and 98, 409, 602 seconds since Sherry

and her family had been shut off from the world. Only now do

they need to escape. The world as Sherry knows it has changed.

Imagine a life where people are no longer people but ravenous

beasts out for the kill.

This is a compelling, dystopian novel about survival. It’s a novel

about teenage attraction and love. Gut wrenchingly beautiful,

this action packed story is filled with apprehension and tension

for the reader. From start to finish I could not put this book

down, I was hooked! A fantastic, gripping read for all those who

love living on the edge!

Publisher: Usborne

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Interest Level –

Aged 14+

Fourteen year old Sam Templeton is having a completely

normal day until his teacher disappears - poof! - in the middle

of a class. He and his confused classmates soon discover that it

isn't only their teacher who is gone - everyone over the age of

fifteen has inexplicably disappeared from the small town of

Perdido Beach, which has been isolated from the rest of the

world by a mysterious force field.

So what happens now? Sam and his friends Quinn, Edilio and

Astrid attempt to restore order to the rapidly developing chaos

and to work out what is happening to their town. But then a

convoy of cards from the out-of-town school, Coates Academy

appears, led by the charismatic and sinister Caine who quickly

seizes power.

Blending Lost with Lord of the Flies, this is a fast-paced, gripping,

all-action novel that doesn't pull any punches. With spare

dialogue and hard-hitting scenes of violence, it's certainly not

for the faint-hearted, but there's no doubt that Gone delivers a

powerfully exciting and engrossing read.

Publisher: Egmont

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Interest Level –

Aged 14+

Daniel's life is falling apart: his mum has left the family home

and his dad's drinking has since gone out of control.

When Daniel's dad decides to take him to the Leisure World

Holiday Complex, Daniel isn't looking forward to the holiday,

and on arrival, his first impressions of the strangely artificial

resort do nothing to change his mind.

Things change when Daniel befriends a mysterious girl called

Lexi who he meets by the fake lake. Soon Daniel realises that

only he can see Lexi and that, alarmingly, she has terrible

injuries that seem to get worse each time they meet and a watch

that inexplicably works backwards. As Lexi's horrifying story

emerges Daniel discovers a strength he never knew he had.

This book is from the pen of an award-winning author for adults

and makes a haunting and at times disturbing read.

Publisher: Walker Books

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Interest Level –

Aged 14+

She's only just started sixth form college, but already everything seems to be going wrong for Camille. She can't get the boy she likes to notice her; her so-called best friends are obsessed with their new boyfriends; and worst of all, she's just completely humiliated herself at the Fresher's Party. Then she meets Zoe, and life takes a turn for the better. Maybe it's a bit strange to come across a new best friend digging things up in the graveyard in the dead of night, but although everyone at college says Zoe is weird, Camille is immediately drawn to her.

Meanwhile she's still longing for the perfect boy who'll take her to the Halloween party and make everyone jealous. Then Zoe steps in with an unusual new idea that takes biology homework to a whole new level - she's going to create Camille's dream boy and bring him to life. Putting an irreverent new spin on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein as well as numerous horror movies on the same theme, Dead Romantic is an entertaining and very different take on teenage love and friendship. C J Skuse has created a funny, sometimes gory, but often unexpectedly touching novel with a brilliantly dippy protagonist in Camille. In spite of the rather abrupt ending, teenage readers who enjoy horror and black comedy as well as romance will be certain to enjoy this story about the challenges of finding the perfect boy - and sometimes discovering that he might be right in front of you after all.

Publisher: Chicken House

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Interest Level –

Aged 14+

When a 10-year-old girl kills her best friend, she is convicted of

manslaughter and locked away. Seven years later she is

released on licence with a new identity.

In this brave and intelligent novel, Anne Cassidy explores a

range of themes, questioning everything from the ethics of

tabloid journalism to the outcome of ineffectual parenting.

The book asks more questions than it answers and suggests that

in some circumstances there is no 'right' or 'wrong', merely

'consequences'. Should our sympathy lie with the killer as she is

relentlessly pursued by the press, hungry for a story, or with the

victim and her family in a society desperate for justice?

This is a brilliant and disturbing piece of writing that looks

behind the headlines and forces the reader to question some of

their attitudes to a number of contemporary issues.

Publisher: Scholastic

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Interest Level –

Aged 13+

The first of David Almond’s books to be marketed for adult and

child audiences, in separate, very differently styled, imprints.

This is not an easy read, not least because Billy tells his story in

non-standard, phonetic language to which readers need to

adjust.

Almond envisages a post-apocalyptic world in which Billy is

hidden from others, immured in an inner room by his mother,

ashamed at the manner of his conception, but also determined

to preserve his innocence. Night-time visits from his father, at

first loving, but increasingly hostile and conflicted, leave him

yearning for knowledge of himself and his world and the ability

to record his experience.

Complex and difficult issues are reflected in both narrative style

and content.

Publisher: Puffin Books

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Interest Level –

Aged 13+

In the beginning there was Bob. And Bob created the heavens

and the earth and the beasts of the field and the creatures of the

sea, and twenty-five million other species including lots and lots

of gorgeous girls. And all of this, he created in just six days. Six

days! Congratulations Bob! No wonder Earth is such a mess.

Imagine that God is a typical teenage boy. He is lazy, careless,

self-obsessed, sex-mad - and about to meet Lucy, the most

beautiful girl on earth. Unfortunately, whenever Bob falls in love,

disaster follows. Let us pray that Bob does not fall in love with

Lucy.

Publisher: Puffin Books

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Interest Level –

Aged 13+

The year is 1944 and France is occupied by Nazi troops. When

Luc Belleville returns home to his sleepy village in France after

some time away, 15-year-old Arianne is instantly drawn to him.

Soon the pair fall madly in love but things are not easy for them

- Arianne's childhood friend Romy is also in love with her and,

consumed by jealousy, is determined to thwart her burgeoning

relationship with Luc.

Luc feels compelled to join the Resistance, knowing he is

putting his relationship at risk but little realising the danger and

devastation that will be ultimately brought upon the whole

village as a result of Resistance activity.

Although fiction, this novel is based upon the terrible events

that took place in the real life village of Oradour-sur-Glane, it

makes for a melancholic and memorable read.

Publisher: Faber Children's Books

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Interest Level –

Aged 13+

Andi leads a privileged life in New York - she's a talented musician and attends an elite school - but she's desperately unhappy; two years ago her beloved ten-year-old brother was killed and now her life is falling apart.

When Andi’s dismal grades at school are made apparent to her scientist father, he insists she accompany him on a trip to Paris, where he is planning to DNA-test a preserved heart believed to have belonged to the ten-year-old son of King Louis XVI, who was killed during the French Revolution.

Although reluctant to go to Paris, once there Andi discovers an eighteenth-century diary, written by Alexandrine, an aspiring actress and companion to the murdered Prince, and her life takes an extraordinary turn.

The diary, along with a burgeoning relationship with a handsome young musician, prompts Andi to re-examine her own life and start moving away from the pain that has enveloped her for two years.

Readers will be gripped as Andi and Alex’s parallel stories unfold – Alex’s account of life during the Terror is fascinating and when juxtaposed with Andi’s anguish, at times, can be a harrowing read. But a message of hope ultimately transcends the pain portrayed in this powerful novel.

Publisher: Bloomsbury

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Interest Level –

Aged 13+

Welcome to a Society that utterly controls its citizens; what they

eat, what they do, who they marry - even when they die.

When her life partner is revealed at her Match Banquet, Cassia

is overjoyed to discover it is childhood friend, Xander. But later,

accessing a screen-message from her new Match, it's not

Xander's face that flickers on-screen, but Ky Markham's,

outsider and known Aberration. How could such a mistake

happen? Forced to question everything she's previously

accepted, Cassia must decide how far should she transgress

Society's rules in order to be true to her feelings.

In this powerful, chillingly believable dystopia, Cassia's journey

from unquestioning passivity to rebellion is compellingly

portrayed. An intriguing, disturbing exploration of personal

freedom in conflict with state control.

Publisher: Puffin

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Interest Level –

Aged 12+

Fifteen year old Demi is starting a new school – always a nerve-

racking experience. However, for Demi, it represents a time of

far more dramatic change, as her new school is a college for

deaf students, a recent case of Meningitis having left her

profoundly deaf.

The book follows her transition into a new school but also a new

life – and it is far from easy. The impact of her sudden loss of

hearing is still painfully raw. Demi feels isolated, adrift, angry,

and completely unsure of her identity. Relationships with her

friends, family, the opposite sex and even complete strangers

have become strange and difficult. We see her drawn in

different directions, as she struggles to establish whether she

can still fit in amongst her hearing friends or find a place within

the unfamiliar Deaf community. Or is it ever possible for

someone to belong to both worlds?

Publisher: Templar

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Interest Level –

Aged 12+

They were friends, weren’t they - Pete, Nicole, Eric, Pauly,

Raymond? They’d grown up together. But had they ever really

liked each other?

When Nicole suggests meeting at the old den, then going to the

fair, Pete is up for it, but he soon realises none of his friends are

who they once were. That night, old secrets and sexual tensions

fuel an atmosphere of latent violence. By morning two people

are missing, and Pete’s implicated in a murder enquiry.

This is intense, vivid writing: constantly changing pace and

direction whilst skilfully manipulating time. In this darkly

disturbing thriller, Brooks juxtaposes the fairground’s

hallucinatory disorientating effects alongside Pete’s dissolving

certainty in everyone and everything, he thought he knew.

Addictive, complex and incredibly compelling.

Publisher: Puffin

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Interest Level –

Aged 12+

Even if - somehow - you'd never heard of Anne Frank and her

diary, this fictionalised account of Peter (a teenage Dutch Jew,

hiding from the Nazis with his family and their friends, the

Franks, in a tiny annex) would make an impact.

Constantly afraid, living silently, secretively, tormented by the

tension between 'outside' and 'inside' and by terrible dreams,

the threat of discovery constantly hovers.

Dogar's novel doesn't diminish Anne's diary; it extends the life

of this multifaceted document in a striking, imaginative way. The

emotional and sexual tension between Anne, Peter - and the

diary - is intense and sensitively handled and the writing is

simple and poetic in this meditation on the power of written

testimony and the nature of evil.

Publisher: Andersen Press

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Interest Level –

Aged 12+