
Reading Lists
Wider Reading list for KS3 students
War
John Boyne The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
One of the saddest books I've ever read. Set around the time of the
Holocaust. Saying anything else will give it away. Read it!
E. Buchignani Tell No One Who You Are
Harrowing look at the lost children of Nazi Germany.
Michael Cronin Against the Day Through the Night
Uncannily believable accounts of what might have happened if Germany
had successfully invaded the UK during World War 2. Highly
recommended.
Els De Groen No Roof in Bosnia
Child's account of the war in Bosnia. An interesting read.
Peter Dickinson AK
Boy soldier Paul fighting for freedom in the Nagala Bush, is the premise
for this novel about growing up and trust.
Michael Morpurgo Private Peaceful
Brilliant World War 1 trench novel.
Andy McNab Boy Soldier
McNab draws on his own vast SAS experience to write this exciting,
part-biographical, account of his younger days in the SAS.
Matt Peet Tamar
Winner of the 2006 Carnegie Medal. Complex mix of time travel, World
War 2 and love across time.
Sport
Theresa Breslin Divided City
Tough Scottish novel which tackles the religious divide in Glasgow
through a look at football.
Trevor Colgan Stretford Enders
Fantastically realistic about teenage football fanatics, their lives, loves
and dreams of making it big. Start of a great series.
Peter Hayden And Smith Must Score!
A humorous tale of football obsession, dating dilemmas, family separation
and petty crime.
Kelvin MacGregor Here we Go
Not just about football; but about friendship, girls and how to have fun.
Follows the trials and tribulations of a boy who wants to turn professional
when he is 16.
David McRoberts Fergus MacPhail: the Boy, the Legend
Wildly entertaining football story of a teenage tear-away and his life at
school, and with the girls! Funny stuff.
Mal Peet Keeper
Mesmerizing football novel about a Brazilian goal-keeper. It's so real you
can almost hear the crowd cheering.
Martin Waddell Shooting Star
Interesting novel written by the man who talent spotted a future
soccer star.
Science Fiction
Ann Halam Taylor 5
Fascinating novel about human cloning.
Ben Jeapes Winged Chariot
The world goes dark after the stranger speaks in the language of the
Home Time. A great book.
His Majesty's Starship
Follow the journey of Earth's first interstellar delegation. Very enjoyable.
Nicola Morgan Sleepwalking
Hypnotic and challenging novel about a people dominated by by a huge
psychic presence which controls their minds.
Michael Lawrence The Aldous Lexicon
Imaginative SF yarn with complex alternative realities which cross over
into our own world.
William King Far Seer
Highly enjoyable dark SF novel set in the incredible world of Warhammer.
School Stories
Robert Cormier The Chocolate War
Stunning and shocking novel about the power of gangs in school and how
one small act of defiance starts a chain reaction in the school. Highly
recommended for strong readers. Has a very good sequel.
Catherine Forde Fat Boy Swim
Great novel about a misfit who will do anything to fit in at school.
Graham Gardner Inventing Elliot
Gripping and terrifying novel of a gang of school thugs, called The
Guardians, who rule and bully at Holminster High with an iron fist
Roger Green Cuckoos
Powerful novel about the power and cruelty of school bullying that starts
with the "whisper". Highly recommended.
Anthony Masters The Drop
Gripping novel about the gang mentality ruling a school in Wandsworth.
Recommended.
Louis Sachar The Boy who Lost his Face
Very weird novel about a bully seemingly cursed who then begins to see
things from the point of view of the bullied. An interesting and
challenging read.
Small Steps
Funny loose sequel to Holes with a couple of the minor characters taking
centre stage in an amusing get rich scheme that goes wrong.
Jerry Spinelli The Mighty
Engaging novels about dares and bullying that go too far at Crashman, an
American high school.
Mystery and Thrillers
Terrance Blacker Angel Factory
Dark and delicious tale of what happens when a curious boy hacks into his
father's computer. A really powerful read.
Tim Bowler Apocalypse
Haunting and nail-biting adventure tail which sees the life of a young
family in danger when they are ship-wrecked on a hostile island.
Kevin Brooks Martyn Pig
Martyn's life is turned on its head when he accidently kills someone very
close to him in this sublime novel. Brilliant.
Kevin Brooks Road of the Dead
Pacy and edgy thriller about two teenage boys out to avenge the death of
their murdered sister. Kevin Brooks just gets better and better!
Anne Cassidy Missing Judy
Gripping novel about the mystery surrounding the vanishing of a 6 year
old and the guilt of the 16 year old sister who feels responsible.
Story of my Life
Magnificent thriller set over one London night as Kenny is traveling home
he bumps into Mac, his brother's girlfriend, and his life is about to
change. Cassidy has followed Looking for JJ with another A* thriller.
F. Cottrell-Boyce Millions
Imagine the scenario: Britain is about to join the Euro, you find 250K and
have 10 days to spend it before it becomes obsolete.
Julie Hearn . The Merrybegot
Magical English Civil War novel, with a supernatural twang, and a trainee
witch.
Valerie Mendes Girl in the Attic
Accessible, spine-chilling ghost/mystery novel set in Cornwall after a
family move from the big city.
Nicola Morgan FleshMarket
Startling thriller set in the dark streets of 19th Century Edinburgh
where the body-snatchers Burke and Hare Stalk the homeless street
urchins.
Philip Pullman Butterfly Tattoo The agony of first love inspires this book,
but tragedy and violence are soon to follow. For the mature reader.
Ruby in the Smoke
Exceptional mystery yarn, about a girl trying to find out why her father
was murdered. Has two sequels with the same characters, which are also
excellent.
Ian Samson Case of the Missing Library Books
I know it sounds boring, but it's not... Tricky Irish thriller about dodgy
goings on with the mobile library vans.
Humour and Comedy
Martin Chatterton Michigan Moorcroft RIP
Funny novel about the exploits of Michigan after he is killed in in a car
crash and runs into trouble in the after life.
Cathy Hopkins Mates, Dates... (series)
Now a successful multi-book series. Have a look at the funny world of
Izzy and her wacky school chums.
John Kirkbridge Thank you for your Application
Quite exceptional novel about a would-be writer who works as a typist.
Has truly hilarious consequences. Comedy of the highest order and really,
really funny.
Louise Rennison Georgina Parks (series)
The teenage Bridget Jones! Often hilarious diaries of a confused
teenager. This popular series is now into its 5th book.
Catherine Robinson Tin Grin
Mattie's mum remarries and she has to deal with the nightmare of getting
along with her new, computer geek, step-brother. Soul Sisters New book
by Robinson featuring some of the same characters. Old friends are
reunited only to discover things have moved on.
Meg Rosoff Just in Case
Quirky and funny follow up to How I Live Now in which 15 year old David
is obsessed Fate is out to get him.
Louis Sacher There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom
Another highly entertaining (and funny) tale from the writer of Holes.
Has much to identify with.
Dogs Don't Tell Jokes
Funny novel about a boy who things he will be more popular if he enters
the school talent show.
Tui Sutherland This Must Be Love
Funny and sassy look at Athenwood High School and their Spring Drama
Production.
Sue Townsend Secret Diary of Adrian Mole
Classic series of diaries featuring 13 year old Adrian and his obsession
with the lovely Pandora.
Ghosts and Horror
Kate Cann Leaving Poppy
A new genre for the great Kate Cann in this spooky haunted house,
possession novel. Genuinely creepy!
Ann Halam Don't Open Your Eyes
Spine chilling horror novel about a boy killed in a joyriding accident.
Highly recommended.
Carol Hedges Red Velvet
Nasty things begin to happen to Elly when she finds the skeleton of a
dead girl wearing a red dress in an old house.
Cliff McNish Breathe: A ghost Story
A true ghost story. The kind that says its cold fingers on you grips tight
and doesn't let you go under the last pages have been turned. Wonderfully
spine chilling.
Celia Rees Witch Child, Sorceress
Interesting read about the daughter of a woman accused of being a witch
in 18th century England. Beautifully written and asks many intelligent
questions and now followed by a great sequel.
Celia Rees Soul Taker
Jardine is so obsessed with the lovely Lisa that he sells his soul for a
chance to be with her. Scary stuff.
EE Richardson Devil's Footsteps
Wonderful horror novel from the new Queen of fear. Scary, atmospheric,
well plotted and believable....
The Intruders
More suspense and fear from Richardson in this terrifying haunted house
novel. Taste the fear.....
Marcus Sedgwick My Swordhand is Singing
Chilling vampire tale set in 17th Century Europe, inspired by the original
Transylvanian Vampire folk takes. Scary stuff!
Chris Wooding Haunting of Alaizabel Cray
Great atmospheric crossover fantasy novel about two young "wychhunters"
seeking for a beast that lurks
Classics
Maya Angelou I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Classic autobiography of a young black girl struggling against the brutal
American race discrimination in the 1930s.
Louisa M Alcott Little Women
First in the series of classic novels of 4 sisters growing up in 1860s
America written from the point of view of Jo, who would dearly like to be
a writer.
Charlotte Bronte Jane Eyre
Jane falls in love with her rich employer, only to find out he has a dark
secret....Classic stuff that has thrilled generations.
Agatha Christie The Body in the Library
Christie in her finest Miss Marple tale or murder and revenge.
Charles Dickens Oliver Twist
Classic Dickens tale of the young orphan's dramatic move through life.
Penelope Farmer Charlotte Sometimes
Dream like novel where Charlotte, whilst sleeping, somehow slips back in
time to 1919 and becomes Clare... Wonderful.
George Orwell Animal Farm
Stunning political parody, set in a farm yard with the animals playing the
parts of people.
Nevil Shute A Town like Alice
About the heroics of a young English woman during World War 2. A
fascinating study.
Dodie Smith I Capture the Castle
Great novel of first love, with an eccentric family of sisters living in a
dilapidated castle.
R.L. Stevenson Treasure Island
Sea adventure and the search for lost treasure. The wonderful
characters make this yarn as fun as ever.
J. Vance Marshall Walkabout
In the Australian desert, two children, survivors of an air crash, make
their journey across the harsh landscape, aided by an Aboriginal boy on
"walkabout".
Jules Verne Journey to the Centre of the Earth
Wonderfully inventive story about explorers who climb down an extinct
volcano and into the centre of the earth.
HG Wells The Time Machine
SF novel about time travel and the possible consequences.
HG Wells War of the Worlds
The Martians invade Earth. A groundbreaking science fiction novel.
Family and Relationships
Terence Blacker Boy2Girl
Very funny novel about a cross dressing dare that starts as a joke and
goes further and further.
Alyssa Brugman Walking Naked
Highly original novel set in a secondary school where the girls who are
‘cool' clash with a new girl with startling consequences.
Meg Cabot All American Girl
Entertaining teen rom-com about a girl who accidently saves the life of
the President and life is never the same again!
Jenny Davis If Only I'd Known
Beautifully written novel about teenage pregnancy.
Lesley Howarth Carwash
Enjoyable story, set in Cornwall, told over a long, hot and sticky teenage
summer.
Mary Hopper Megan Trilogy
Great sequence of books about teenage pregnancy and being a young mum,
and single parent.
Elizabeth Laird The Garbage King
Original novels set in the slums and streets of Ethiopia.
Hiliary McKay Indigo's Star
This loose sequel to Saffy's Angel features Indigo as the main character
as he overcomes a serious illness and dreads going back to school.
Meg Rosoff How I Live Now
Odd and dreamy novel set in the back-drop of a undisclosed war with an
American teenage girl getting to know her family in England. Now
regarded as a modern classic.
Alex Shearer The Crush
An obsession with a Boy Band drives Ally to do almost anything to meet
the love of her life.....
Alex Shearer Great Blue Yonder
Funny and hugely thought-provoking novel about dealing with death.
Jerry Spinelli Stargirl
Brilliant and brave novel about a teenager daring to be different in an
American high school. Highly recommended.
Action and Adventure
Malorie Blackman Noughts and Crosses
In an alternative world the issues of racism are tackled in a (Trilogy)
society which has only two types of people: "noughts" and "crosses". This
novel is about friendship that goes beyond these barriers. The sequel set
a generation later is also an absolute knock out.
NM Browne Basilisk
A wonderful blend of myths, history and archaeology are present in this
great novel set in the caves of a dark world.
SE Hinton Outsiders
Stunning study of hate, violence, loyalty and friendship set in the violent
gang-lands of New York. One of the very best teenage novels ever
written.
Robert Muchamore CHERUB-series
Big adventures and exciting at the teenage recruits at CRERUB battle the
underworld's of the World. Now 11 books of a very popular series.
William Nicholson Wind on Fire Trilogy
Breathtaking trilogy about a society governed by exams. But what
happens when you rebel? Read to find out. A truly excellent book with two
outstanding sequels.
Louis Sachar Holes
Very popular novel about a miscarriage of justice that sends Stanley into
a juvenile prison and an assignment to dig "holes". Compulsive reading.
Alex Shearer Bootleg
Great novel about chocolate being made illegal and the underground
resistance movement that forms. Highly original.
Wider Reading list KS4 Students
EASY Author Title Anderson Laurie H Speak Balbin David Festival Bo Ben Burn Out Blume Judy Forever Bowler Tim Storm Catchers Colfer Eoin Artemis Fowl Courtenay Bryce Power of One Defelice Cynthia Lucas Whitaker Haddon Mark The Curious Incident of the Dog Halam Ann Don't Open Your Eyes Hall Sylvia No Fear Hooper Mary Megan 3 Jarvis Robin Deathscent Keaney Brian Falling for Josh Matthews Andrew Wolf Summer Mayfield Sue Blue Mayne William Candlefasts Moore Ishbel Daughter O'Brien Robert Z for Zachariah Pope James Semi-Perfect Pullman Phillip Ruby in the Smoke Rai Bali (Un)arranged Marriage Robinson Catharine Tin Grin Rose Malcolm Plague Sachar Louis Holes Spinelli Jerry Stargirl Swindells Robert Stone Cold Trueman Terry Stuck in Neutral Ure Jean Get a Life Wooding Chris Endgame FAIRLY CHALLENGING Author Title Adams Douglas Hitch-Hikers Guide ... Alcott Louisa M Little Women Anderson Rachel Warlands Belbin David Dead Guilty Blackman Malorie Noughts and Crosses Brown Dan The Da Vinci Code Burgess Melvin Junk Cann Kate Breaking Up Cormier Robert I am the Cheese Darnell Steve Uncle Sam Flegg Audrey Cinnamon Tree Green Roger Daggers Hendry Frances Chains Hicyilmax Gaye Girl in Red Hinton S.E. Tex Holeman Linda Mercy's Birds Holm Anne I am David Johnson Catherine In Black and White Jordan Sherryl Raging Quiet Klass David You Don't Know Me Mark Jan Eclipse of the Century Masters Anthony Finding Joe Naidoo Beverley Other Side of Truth Parkinson Siobhan Breaking the Wishbone Pressler Mirjam Shylock's Daughter Price Susan Sterkarm Handshake Scobie Pamela Chasing Faces Smith Dodie I Capture the Castle Wolff Virginia Euwer True Believer
CHALLENGING Author Title Austen Jane Pride and Prejudice Bradbury Ray Fahrenheit 451 Bronte Charlotte Jane Eyre Bronte Emily Wuthering Heights Burgess Melvin Bloodtide Chambers Aiden Postcards from No Man's Land Dickens Charles David Copperfield Du Maurier Daphne Rebecca Hardy Thomas Tess of the D'Urbervilles Harris Joanne Chocolat Huxley Aldous Brave New World Gibbons Stella Cold Comfort Farm Lively Penelope Cleopatra's Sister McCaffrey Anne Dragonquest March William The Bad Seed Minchin Adele The Beat Goes On Mosse Kate Labyrinth Orwell George Nineteen Eighty-Four Tolkein J.R.R. Lord of the Rings Zafon Carlos The Shadow in the Wind |