Sir Jonathan North’s Great Reads (Ages 11-14)

Historical Novels (Loosely historical…)

The Roman Mysteries by Caroline Lawrence Murder mysteries set in the ancient world – superb

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne A little boy is the son of the commander of a death camp during WW2

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak WW2, moving, powerful and funny – a story told by Death. Has a super strong heroine.

The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare Set in Victorian England. Heart-racing fantasy.

Fantasy Books

Malice/Havoc/Poison (a series) by Chris Wooding Very creepy and exciting

The Northern Light Trilogy by Philip Pullman Strong female character, exciting stuff – travel between alternate universes, wicked parents, magic

The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett Funny – very clever rats!

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke This is great – storybook characters come to life

The Cry of the Icemark by Stuart Hill

The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare Once started they cannot be put down. Clary discovers she can see demons/fairies and has been born with a special power.

Shadow Forest by Matt Haig This is a huge favourite with anyone who gives it a go. A fab, funny story.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman Now a graphic novel too – a toddler is brought up by ghosts following the murder of his parents. Stardust by Neil Gaiman Amazing film, even more amazing novel Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie A favourite! Imagine that stories come alive. The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan Who doesn’t know this series? It really is an exciting and fun read.) Skulduggery Pleasant series by Derek Landy

You can’t go wrong with a skeleton detective and a strong female side-kick.

Humour

Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison Anything by her is amusing.

Don't Call Me Ishmael by Michael Gerard Bauer A boy starts high-school and what follows is hilarious.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy by Douglas Adams No teens in this one, but it is exceptionally funny. Earth is blown-up and an ordinary guy hitchhikes his way around the universe.

Geek Girl by Holly Smale Another popular read – a geek is made a model!

Books on Social Issues (If you like Jacqueline Wilson you’ll probably like the following)

Wonder by RJ Palacio Awesome book

Hoot/Scat by Carl Hiasson Environmental adventure

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness A novel about bereavement – amazing

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night by Mark Haddon It is a best seller for a reason!

Does my Head look Big In This and Ten Things I Hate About Me by Randa Abdel-Fattah

Sci-Fi

Gone (series) by Michael Grant Adults disappear and young people are trapped.

Uglies (series – massively popular) by Scott Westfield Imagine a world in which beauty is paramount.

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness Follows the story of those kids who watch the Harry Potters of this world fight monsters – it is surprisingly awesome.

Divergent by Veronica Roth The films are awful, but the books are great!

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Come on…everyone needs to have read this series.

Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman An amazing series – fabulous!

Graphic Novels

The Runaways (Marvel Comics)

Courtney Crumrin by Ted Naifeh

Polly and the Pirates by Ted Naifeh

Tellos by Todd DeZago and Mike Wieringo

The Girl Who Owned a City by O. T. Nelson There are so many good ones…see Ms Guzy if you want a longer list!) Classics (They’ve lasted!)

What Katy Did by Susan Coolidge

The Secret Garden / The Little Princess

by Francis Hodgson Burnett

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

Just William by Richmal Crompton Short stories that are hilarious

Tom’s Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce

The Children of Green Knowe by Lucy M Boston

The Narnia Chronicles by C S Lewis You’ve seen the films – now read the books!

The Railway Children by E Nesbitt

Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling You can skip the poems!

Kiss Kiss by Roald Dhal Really creepy

Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle Loads of our students get addicted to these!

JUST FAB!

Lizard Music by Daniel Manus Pinkwater

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

Anything by Lois Sachar Non-Fiction

My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell Now on TV – even better when read.

Anne Frank The Diary of a Young Girl Choose the abridged version.

Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck

When Hitler stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr Semi-autobiographical

We believe passionately in the power of reading to open our minds, expand our vocabulary and help us to reason and think critically. Our school Learning Resource Centre has a wonderful array of books available to borrow and our teachers are always happy to discuss what books they are reading and give further recommendations. This list is a starting point, but there are endless options out there. Enjoy!