The Tree House
by Gillian Cross
A gentle, funny story about two young brothers and their tree house adventures. You will laugh at the antics of these two as you wish you could join in their fun, sympathize with William, the oldest, as he struggles with his father’s departure, and be warmed by the wisdom of the youngest, Sprog. Reading level 5 to 8, interest level: for anyone who has ever dreamed of having a tree house.
Ariel, Zed and the Secret of Life
by Anna Fienberg
Anna Fienberg is well known for her wonderful imagination, within her famous ‘Tashi’ novels; but here is something altogether different. Ariel’s mother is a writer who conjures up all sorts of colourful characters who make a habit of hanging around the house. It seems some of them, however, are not happy about the personalities that have been chosen for them so she sends Ariel and Zed away to a most fantastic island inside the book she is writing, to sort things out. And what strange and fabulous adventures they will have there. For readers aged 8+
Tackling Dad
by Elizabeth Levy
Young Cassie is football crazy – it runs in her blood and when she’s asked to play in the middle school team by her old coach she can’t believe it. Trouble is neither can the other contenders for the team - all boys. Plus things aren’t great at home as she confronts even more resistance from both her parents. This humorous story of a young girl determined to follow her dream is a winner for readers aged 8 to 12.
Whispering to Witches
by Anna Dale
In this richly detailed adventure story a young boy called Joe is caught up in a conspiracy involving an ancient book of magic and becomes embroiled in a world of witches, spells and dramatic twists. The mystery wraps around Joe and his frined Twiggy, a witch, drawing them further and further into a maze of intrigue and danger. A wonderful beguiling read for readers aged 9+
The Fall of Fergal
by Philip Ardagh
A darkly hilarious mix of the ridiculous and the gruesome will draw readers into this seriously absurd first book in Philip Ardagh's series
Unlikely Exploits. Readers aged 8+ will be clambering for more.
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
by Judy Blume
It’s trickier than some might think, being an eleven going on twelve year old girl…..what with puberty, boys, new friends, grown-ups and school to contend with. Margaret talks to God…but who is God and how on earth will she ever be able to choose what religion she wants to be?? An honest, enjoyable and very realistic read for readers aged 10+
Elidor
by Alan Garner
Four brothers and sisters are caught up in a battle to save Elidor – a place that exists not in this realm but which touches it. Rowland, the youngest, discovers that he alone can bring about the end of the spreading darkness that threatens Elidor. A richly atmospheric novel. 10+
The Flowing Queen (also titled The Water Mirror)
by Kai Meyer
This extraordinary book is the first in the new Dark Reflections series. A great fantasy that conjures up a land of mermaids, magic mirrors, mummy warriors, winged stone lions and danger. Only the Flowing Queen, a mysterious presence, can protect this world from its enemies. But what would lie in fate for this realm if the Flowing Queen, herself, was in danger? Read the first page and you will be captivated right to the end. Great for fantasy readers aged 11+
Hunter
by Joy Cowley
Two children, separated by 200 years, become inexplicably aware of each others presence as they both struggle to survive very distinct but equally dangerous situations. A plan crash leaves a young girl, Jordon, and her two younger brothers stranded, alone and frightened in a remote part of New Zealand. Two hundred years earlier a young Maori hunter, a slave to Maori warriors, sees a silver bird plunge into the sea. Without understanding why or how, he now feels driven to help a young girl in trouble - a young girl that appears as if a shadow. He must risk his own life to save hers. Two worlds merge in Joy Cowley's poignant tale of survival and the strong ancestral bonds that connect us. Finalist book in the Junior Fiction category of the 2006 New Zealand Post Book Awards: Children and Young Adults
Lola Rose
by Jacqueline Wilson
When Jayni, her mother and little brother are forced to flee their home they must take on new identities. Jayni becomes Lola Rose, but their new life is not the fairy-tale she had imagined for them. Written with characteristic humour and sensitivity Jacqueline Wilson's novel is both thought provoking and highly enjoyable.
Inkheart
by Cornelia Funke
Simply a masterpiece. 'Inkheart' captivated me from the very first page. I just loved it! A brilliantly spun novel that wields all the power, magic and wonder of words. Meggie loves books as does her father, Mo. Though Meggie has often wondered why they never settle anywhere for long, their life is peaceful. That is until on turbulent night when a stranger calls. Meggie, drawn into a beguiling, often frightening adventure, slowly discovers a past filled with secrets that her father has never spoken of. 'Inkheart' truly speaks of the joy of reading. Once you have opened this book you will not want to put it down. A rare and treasured find.
The Thief Lord
by Cornelia Funke
I have heard a lot about his book and as I loved 'Inkheart' so much I just had to read it.. The Thief Lord', though a very different tale, is another great read from this master of storytelling. Prosper and Bo are young runaways living with a gang of street kids in an abandoned cinema in Venice. But someone is trying to find them and has hired a private detective to track them down. But this is not the only threat to the boys. They are unwittingly caught up in a mystery surrounding a 'beautiful magical treasure with the power to spin time itself." Described as "an exciting and richly atmospheric thriller" 'The Thief Lord' is a compelling read that twists and turns as it takes you through the bustling, dark warrens and alleyways of Venice.
Ida B
by Katherine Hannigan
'Ida B' is the endearing story of a young girl who loves her home, the family farm and its surrounding countryside. Ida B, herself, is passionate about life and is determined not to waste a single moment she is graced with. Trees, brooks and mountains 'talk' with her as she crams her days with ideas, plans and adventures. Life for Ida B is idyllic until one day something tragic happens that threatens to change everything. On finishing this book, on slowly closing the back cover, I felt in awe of Ida B for her strength, determination and, above all, for her fierce love of life. Katherine Hannigan's pensmanship startles at times as it captures the voice, thoughts, fears and dreams of a young girl with inspired and insightful clarity. A very rewarding read. If you like books by Jacqueline Wilson and/or Morris Gleitzman you will love 'Ida B'.
The Stolen
by Alex Shearer
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fly? Meredith did in this dark tale of stolen lives. With cracking pace, this seriously creepy story hurls you along with its strange twists and thrilling plot..
Faerie Wars
by Herbie Brennan
Pyrgus, a rebel prince, must engage the help of Henry and Mr Fogarty, to find his way back home and to stop the imminent war between his people, the Faeries of the Light, and their enemies. Sprinkled with humour, wrapped in mystery and jam-packed with adventure this compelling read blends "fantasy, mythology and science" to create a most extraordinary tale.