The Last Wild

The Last Wild
Piers Torday

In a world where animals no longer exist, twelve-year-old Kester Jaynes sometimes feels like he hardly exists either. Locked away in a home for troubled children, he's told there's something wrong with him. So when he meets a flock of talking pigeons and a bossy cockroach, Kester thinks he's finally gone crazy. But the animals have something to say. And they need him. The pigeons fly Kester to a wild place where the last creatures in the land have survived. A wise stag needs Kester's help, and together they must embark on a great journey, joined along the way by an overenthusiastic wolf cub, a military-trained cockroach, a mouse with a ritual for everything, and a stubborn girl named Polly. The animals saved Kester Jaynes. But can Kester save the animals? 

Highly Recommended by Jessica Fastier
For ages 10+

The Curiosity House

The Curiosity house
The Shrunken Head
Lauren Oliver
H.C.Chester

I'm speaking to you--you, with the chewing gum and the smudgy fingers. Don't try to pretend your fingers aren't smudgy. They are leaving marks even now. It's okay. Smudgy fingers are quite allowed in the museum.

What museum, you ask? But surely you've heard already. You see, within these pages is a museum, and within the museum is a story of wondrous weirdness, of magic and monsters... and four of the most extraordinary children in the world.

Please... do not Feed the alligator boy.

What you will find in this book:

• A rather attractive bearded lady
• Several scandalous murders
• A deliciously disgusting Amazonian shrunken head
• Four extraordinary children with equally extraordinary abilities
• A quite loquacious talking bird

What you will NOT find in this book:

• An accountant named Seymour
• A never-ending line at the post office
• Brussel sprouts (shudder)
• A lecture on finishing all your homework on time
• A sweet, gooey story for nice little girls and boys

If you enjoy this book check out the others and more on this website  Curiosity house 

For ages 10+

Recommended by Jessica Fastier

Crookedstar's Promise

Crookedstar's Promise, is a great book, about a kit called (first of all) Stormkit, who is disfigured for life when a tragedy befalls him. His mother, Rainflower, casts him aside and re-names him Crookedkit. As he struggles to prove to his clan-mates that he is ready to become an apprentice, he makes a seemingly harmless promise. That promise, however, turns out to be much more disastrous than he ever could have thought...

I recommend this book for readers aged 9-12.

The Wind Singer Triology

The Wind Singer Triology
William Nicholsen



Twins Bowman and Kestrel have saved their family and the rest of the Manth people from slavery and helped bring about the downfall of the cruel city-state of the Mastery. Now, led by their mother, a prophetess, they are free to seek their promised land. But the journey is long and hard, filled with many dangers, enemies, distractions, and temptations. And each of the travelers is preoccupied with his or her own worries. Hanno Hath, the twins' father, is troubled to see his beloved wife weaken as they draw close to the promised land. As well, he must bolster the endurance of the often doubting and disgruntled Manth people. Bowman is torn between his attraction to Sisi, a former princess, and his destiny, as he perceives it, to sacrifice himself for the good of the people. Kestrel also feels a pull toward a mission, toward something-but for some reason, she cannot envision her life beyond the journey.

for ages 10 +
recommended by Jessica
 

The Curious Tale Of The Inbetween

The Curious Tale Of The Inbetween
Lauren DeStefano



Pram Bellamy is special--she can talk to ghosts. She doesn't have too many friends amongst the living, but that's all right. She has her books, she has her aunts, and she has her best friend, the ghostly Felix.

Then Pram meets Clarence, a boy from school who has also lost a parent and is looking for answers. Together they arrive at the door of the mysterious Lady Savant, Who Promises to help, but little do they know that Lady Savant has other plans for them. 

Twilight

Twilight is a great book. It is about a girl called Bella Swan, who moves to a place called Forks to live with her dad.  But then, when she finds a boy called Edward, her life is put in danger by hanging out with him. As she delves deeper into his secrets, she finds out that he is not actually human, and she is in terrible danger.

Listen to the Moon

Listen to the Moon
Michael Morpurgo

 Alfie and his fisherman father find a girl on an uninhabited island in the Scillies - injured, thirsty, lost…and with absolutely no memory of who she is, or how she came to be there. She can say only one word: Lucy. Where has she come from? Is she a mermaid, the victim of a German U-boat, or even - as some islanders suggest - a German spy…? Only one thing is for sure: she loves music and moonlight. Will Lucy ever remember who she is and where she came from. A heart warming tale full of emotion and love you'll defiantly enjoy.

For ages 10-12
Recommended by Jessica

A tangle of knots

A tangle of knots

Lisa Graff

n a slightly magical world where everyone has a Talent, eleven-year-old Cady is an orphan with a phenomenal Talent for cake baking. But little does she know that fate has set her on a journey from the moment she was born. And her destiny leads her to a mysterious address that houses a lost luggage emporium, an old recipe, a family of children searching for their own Talents, and a Talent Thief who will alter her life forever. However, these encounters hold the key to Cady's past and how she became an orphan. If she's lucky, fate may reunite her with her long-lost parent. This is a Wonderfull story full of adventure and a unique tale.

For ages 9+

Recommended by Jessica

Holes

Holes
Louis Sacher



Stanley Yelnats is under a curse. A curse that began with his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather and has since followed generations of Yelnatses. Now Stanley has been unjustly sent to a boys’ detention centre, Cam
p Green Lake. It doesn’t take long for Stanley to realize there’s more than character improvement going on at Camp Green Lake. The boys are digging holes because the warden is looking for something. But what could be buried under a dried-up lake? Stanley tries to dig up the truth in this inventive and darkly humorous tale of crime and punishment and redemption.

Ethans Voice

How do you begin to tell your story when you can't speak? Ethan lives on the canal. He likes it there. He can go to the pond and catch newts and minnows. He can learn everything he needs to know from books and from his mum. No one there laughs at him because he doesn't talk. Ethan can't remember exactly when he stopped talking or why. It is only when he meets Polly, a girl who has recently moved to the canal, that he wishes he could tell her everything

Escape From Mr Lemoncello's Library

Escape From Mr Lemoncello's Library
Chris Grabenstein

Kyle Keeley is the class clown and a huge fan of all games—board games, word games, and particularly video games. His hero, Luigi Lemoncello, the most notorious and creative gamemaker in the world, just so happens to be the genius behind the construction of the new town library. Lucky Kyle wins a coveted spot as one of twelve kids invited for an overnight sleepover in the library, hosted by Mr. Lemoncello and riddled with lots and lots of games. But it 
isnt getting into the library its getting out.

For ages 9+
Recommended by Jessica

The Fifth Wave and The Infinite Sea

The Fifth wave is about a world that is being destroyed/taken by aliens. There are five waves;  The first wave: effectively destroys power.
The second wave: A literal wave.
The third wave: Started a plague that killed 97% of the worlds remaining population.
The Forth Wave: Was when "The Others" came down to earth in human form.

They are waiting for the fifth wave and desperately struggling for survival. Cassie must find a way to save her brother Sam, who has been unknowingly taken by the Others.

The Infinite Sea is when the fifth wave has begun. The Others are hijacking the remaining humans and making them turn on the other humans. Meanwhile, Cassie is waiting for Even, who has promised to find her again......
There is another book in the series called The Last Star but I haven't read it yet.
By Orla

Frindle

Frindle, by Andrew Clements, is an amazing book.
Nick isn't really a bad boy, he's just quite bouncy. When his teacher asks him to do extra homework on words, he has some fun. But when he invents a new word and spreads it round, Nick begins to find that the word is not really his anymore.

Recommended by Orla

Escape From Furnace-Death Sentence

This is probably the best book I have ever read. It is a true thriller, to understand its true power you will have to read it. It is the third book in a series of five. It is about a prison called Furnace, created by Alfred Furnace. In this book Alex begins to understand the true wickedness of the prison. There are cells beneath earth that no one wants to end up in. Monsters are created in Furnace, and to survive, they must escape at all costs.

By Orla

The Girl Who Wasn't There

The girl who wasn't there

This book is about a girl called Maisie who lives with her sister Clem and Dad. Her Mum died of cancer when she was little. Maisie doesn't believe in ghosts but when she starts at her new school, there are rumours of a lost girl who walks the halls. Could this be the pale white face that Maisie spotted in the art room window?

Together her and her friend Kat long to learn more about the school ghost. Then Kat comes across a photograph of something that Maisie never expected to see.



Age 9+

Recommended By Emma

Fuzzy Mud

Fuzzy Mud
Louis Sachar






Be careful. Your next step may be your last.

Fifth grader Tamaya Dhilwaddi and seventh grader Marshall Walsh have been walking to and from Woodridge Academy together since elementary school. But their routine is disrupted when bully Chad Hilligas challenges Marshall to a fight. To avoid the conflict, Marshall takes a shortcut home through the off-limits woods. Tamaya, unaware of the reason for the detour, reluctantly follows. They soon get lost. And then they find trouble. Bigger trouble than anyone could ever have imagined.
For ages 10-12

Recommend by Jessica

Storybound by Marissa Burt

This A-MAZING book is about a girl called Una Fairchild and her trusty sidekick Peter.

As they start adventure Una still feels like the odd one out.

How is Una drawn into this fairy world and why is she the chosen one?

Una knew there was something mysterious about the lady in the scarlet hood and head tale keeper watching every move. What about the dusk meetings which happens at midnight when all is asleep.
And has Una yet realise that maybe there's a reason she got pulled into this strange world. A connection even.

10 +
Recommended by Mya.

The Brain Sucker

The Brain Sucker is an awesome book. It's about an evil genius called Lester Smythe who has created a machine called the brain sucker that sucks the goodness out of people's brains, leaving them rowdy, messy and mean. It's up to Callum and his friends, Jinx and Sophie, to stop him!

By Orla

The Day the Crayons Quit

The Day the Crayons Quit
Drew Daywalt



Poor Duncan just wants to colour. But when he opens his box of crayons, he finds only letters, all saying the same thing: His crayons have had enough! They quit! Beige Crayon is tired of playing second fiddle to Brown Crayon. Black wants to be used for more than just outlining. Blue needs a break from colouring all those bodies of water. And Orange and Yellow are no longer speaking, each believes he is the true colour of the sun.
or all ages

Recommended by Jessica

Escape From Furnace

Escape from Furnace is about a boy who is arrested for a crime he has not done. He is taken to the Furnace, a sinister prison for child murderers. The Furnace, however, turns out to be something far worse than a normal prison. He must escape or die.

Age 10+

Recommended By Orla

The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner, by James Dashner is a great book. It is about a boy called Thomas who wakes up in a deserted elevator to find that he can remember nothing but his name. When the lift reaches its destination he finds himself in a group of boys who have been collected in the maze for the last two years and none of them can remember what the outside world was like either. The next day a girl arrives, along with a creepy message that could mean the end. Will they find a way of escaping their prison? And how can they escape the maze? I recommend this book for children aged 10-14.

By Orla

The Traveling Restaurant by Barbara Else

The Traveling Restaurant
Barbara Else

 

Let the book take you through Jasper's amazing adventure on the traveling restaurant

accompanied by Polly and Captain Rocket to destroy the nasty Lady Gall.  

Lady Gall has been leading the world as the provisional monarch since the accident occurred.

Once Lady Gall slipped something into Sibilla's mouth the family knew they must flee.

Without being able to say the word m*g*c and being told that nothing of the sort was true, Jasper started to feel that they had been lied to the whole time, and Lady Gall is defiantly up to something.... 

9-11

Recommended by Mya.

Butterfly Summer

Butterfly Summer
Anne-Marie Conway

When Becky and her mum move to a tiny village called Oakbridge, her mums looking for a new begginning. Little does Becky know a terrible secret from the past lurks within the tiny town, and when Becky discovers an old photo from the past, Becky is haunted by the thought her mum is keeping something from her.
For ages 10-12

Reccommended by Jessica

Forbidden Friends

Forbidden Friends
Anne-Marie Conway

When Bee and Lizzie meet on a beach in Spain, they feel as if they've always known each other. Escaping from their parents and exploring the coast, everything seems perfect in the hot summer sun. But when a chance meeting reveals their two families used to be close, Bee and Lizzie's new friendship is pushed to the limit by the shocking secret that forced their families apart.
For ages 10-12

Reccommended by Jessica

Red Moon Rising

Red Moon Rising
Paula Harrison


From the moment Laney sees the blood red moon hanging low in the sky she knows somethig lifechanging is about to happen. For Laney is something she could never imagine, little does she know things are about to get dangerous,mysterios, Magical!!!!!
If you enjoy this book check out the others in the series( Dark Tree Shining and Pale Peak Burning)
For ages 9-12

Reccommended by Jessica

Genuine Sweet

Genuine Sweet
Faith Harkey



Genuine Sweet is a twelve year old girl, of tiny Sass, Georgia, she can grant any wish  . . . except her own. It's a peculiar predicament, considering how much she could use a few wishes. With the help of her friends she sets up her own wish granting bussniess things finally start to turn.  But when she's faced with unexpected trouble that no amount of wishing can fix, Genuine must puzzle out the difference between wishing for a better life and building one.
For ages 9-12

Reccommended by Jessica









       

The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell

The Wolf Wilder

Katherine Rundell

 

'A triumph! Exciting, moving, highly original, fierce, completely convincing.' Philip Pullman

'The Wolf Wilder has everything: its a truly compelling read; it's beautifully written; it's totally original and yet has the familiar feel of an established classic!' Jacqueline Wilson 

Feodora and her mother live in the snowy woods of Russia, where there closest neighbours are wolves. Feo's mother is a wolf wilder and Feo is in training. Like the wolves, Feo has learnt to be wary of other humans- even before the soldiers come marching everywhere with guns and threats. Just when it is at its worst she finds herself on the run with a fugitive boy  and her wolves as friends.

She needs to save her mother and the pack.

11+

Recommended by Mya. 

Moth Girls by Anne Cassidy

Moth Girls
Anne Cassidy



'HELPLESSLY DRAWN LIKE MOTHS TO THE FLAME'

Its been five years since two young girls, Petra and Tina, went missing.
While the anniversary comes nearer Mandy is haunted by the night her two best friends disappeared. It was just a dare and now they're gone without a trace. Mandy's memories are ignited again, disturbing details resurface her head and she realises it is her job to find out the truth.
It tests the limit of how far you would go for a friend. Emotional thriller that brings out our deepest, darkest fears.

For 11-12-13

Recommended by Mya.

Choker by Elizabeth Woods

Choker
Elizabeth Woods



Cara Lange is a loner ever since she left her best friend Zoe behind for a new house far away.
After a mishap in the school cafeteria Cara is feeling the worst you could possibly feel.
That day she finds Zoe waiting on her doorstep. Having to deal with Zoe without her parents knowing and Ethan finally starting to like her, how could she not go mad! When two girls go missing everyone is a suspect, including her. Suddenly Cara has all the time in the world to hang out with Zoe.

For 12-13

Recommended by Mya.

Crow Country by Kate Constable

Crow Country
Kate Constable
 
Beginning and ending, always the same ,always now. The game, the story, the riddle,hiding and Seeking. Crow comes from this place; this place comes from crow. And crow has work for you.

When Sadie is forced to come to the country she is lonely and bored, but
When she is taken back in time to witness a terrible crime, She becomes entwined in a strange Mystery. Can she, Lachie and Walter find a way to right old wrongs.
For ages 10-12

Reccomennded by Jessica

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent
Veronica Roth

Beatrice lives in a society divided into five fractions Candor( the honest), Abnegation( the selflessness), Dauntless ( the brave), Amity( the peaceful) and Erudite( the intelligence).One choice lies ahead, one choice that could change everything.
If you enjoy this book check out the two sequels Insurgent and Allegiant.
For ages 12-13

Recommended by Jessica

Greedy Cat and the Sneeze by Joy Cowley

Greedy Cat and the Sneeze

 Joy Cowley

Hilarious book filled with amazing illustrations.

Greedy Cat can not eat more than he eats today.

He is always meowing for food.

When Greedy Cat looks a bit sick Katie gets worried, she thinks food is the medicine.

Picture book.

Recommended for 2+

Read with Mum or Dad.

Recommended by Mya.

Good Night Harry By Kim Lewis

Good Night Harry
Kim Lewis

Harry just can't get to sleep.

What ever he tries his eyes won't close.

His caring friends help by having an adventure with the stars.

A cute book on the restless Harry and his friends Lulu and Ted.

Picture book.

Recommended for 2 +

Great for family reading.

Recommended by Mya.

Angel In My Pocket By Ilene Cooper

Angel In My Pocket By Ilene Cooper


When Bette's mum dies Bette feels like she can never sing again.
From Bette's sister Barbra she is now in the possession of an angel coin, from then on everything seems to be going Bette's way. With the Huckleberry Finn production coming up, Bette feel she will get a part. Then just out of luck a strange new lady turns up at the downstairs apartment, she's nice but Bette cant stand her. When Joe get shown up by Bette's beautiful voice in a rage he decides to steal Bette's beloved coin. His Dad is now coming back for Christmas and even though his Dad hasn't kept his side of the bargain Joe seems happy for the first in a long time. The coin gets passed around another girl and boy in the school. They all are special, and they are all drawn together by some force.

Recommended by Mya.

Dork Diaries by Rachel Renee Russell

Dork Diaries
Rachel Renee Russell

This book is about Nikki Maxwell she goes to a new school with a bug examination scholarship. She has a annoying sister called Brianna that always gets her into trouble. This is the first book but there are other books to complete the series.  She has a big crush on Brandon.
Will Nikki ever find her true love ?

Recommended by Dilkee

Knowledge is Beautiful by David McCandless

Knowledge Is Beautiful By David McCandless

                                                               

A beautiful book filled with amazing graphs and amazing facts.

Could be a little hard to understand at points but otherwise easy.

This book has information from dogs to common myth conceptions.

Brightly coloured pages and 100% that you will find out something you didn't before.

Sequel to Information Is Beautiful.

 Recommended to 10 +

Video Unboxing

Recommended by Mya

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Game Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
'The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay'

This great trilogy is amazing for older or mature readers. (11-12 + )

Katniss is all her family's hope to survive, when she gets drawn into the deathly hunger games she has to fight for her life. Accompanied by Peeta they work together to pick up resources, challenge the career tributes and form more than just a strong bond.

A definite book worth reading and watch the movies too!
(Does contain violence and kissing)

Recommended by Mya

Dream Of Warriors

Dream Of Warriors
Susan Brocker

This story is about a girl called Bella. Her father is away fighting at war, while his family fight to save their farm from ruin and keep his dreams alive. Bella, her mother, and older sister have to cope with a herd of cows, an a cunning neighbor who tries to destroy the farm, and a crazy, bad-tempered racehorse called Gipsy. Bella is terrified of the horse and doesn't know what to do. When help is offered from an unlikely person, will she have the courage to accept it or will Gipsy destroy her father's dreams?

I recommend this book for age 9+

Recommended by Emma