Fiction For 9 - 12 Year Olds

Stormbreaker

This is the first of author Anthony Horowitz's spy adventure series featuring reluctant teenage spy Alex Rider. Like the subsequent five other titles in the series to date, it features a fast moving cleverly written plot peppered with interesting characters, which has attracted a significant number of girls as well as boys to the large fan base for these highly enjoyable books. Made into a successful film in 2006 Stormbreaker sees Alex set out to foil a sinister plot hatched by middle eastern multi-billionaire Herod Sayle. Available from Pickabook

The Giant Under The Snow

Republished in a new edition this year after being out of print for some time, John Gordon's entrancing and imagination expanding tale of ordinary children caught up in a suspense filled battle between good and evil is certain to entrance a whole new generation of 9 - 12 year olds, in what by any standards is one of the most accomplished, memorable and entertaining books ever written for this age group. Boasting Alan Garner (of 'The Weirdstone Of Brisingamen' fame) as a fan and admirer, this is the story of what happens when three children find an ornate Celtic buckle so wakening a giant who has lain asleep for centuries, and setting up a collision course with the evil leathermen. Masterful storytelling with an edge of menace characterises this tale, which should prove to be as captivating to this generation of young readers as the Harry Potter books have been, and is arguably as good as anything in Philip Pullman's 'Dark Materials' trilogy. Available from The Good Book Guide

Ruby Holler

A feel good book for children featuring twins Dallas and Florida that explores the theme of belonging. The children are seemingly destined to remain in the orphanage run by the ghastly Mr and Mrs Trepid until Tiller and Sairy, a pensioner couple deciding to break out of their routines, set their hearts on adventurous journeys and adopt the twins for company. Whimsy and magic ensue as it emerges that Tiller and Sairy have rather a lot of money stashed away in boxes in their home in Ruby Holler. With Mr Trepid taking an interest in the older people's cash things start to get complicated. Available from Amazon

The Silver Swan

Prolific author and former Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo poetically tells the story of a boy who protectively watches over a swan through the seasons after she has unexpectedly flown into his life. Both the wonder and cruelty of nature are evoked in moving prose which is beautifully supported by captivating illustrations from Christian Birmingham. Available from Waterstones

Artemis Fowl

Author Eoin Colfer's incredible wit combines elements of fantasy, folklore and high tech imaginings to give birth to this astonishingly original tale. Eleven year old genius Artemis Fowl hatches a plan to separate the fairy folk from their gold by kidnapping one of their number. What he didn't reckon on was the resolve of the little people and the robust methods of their police. Full of verve and wonderful character invention this was the first outing for Artemis, with none of the subsequent further five tales in any way disappointing. Available from Woolworths Group plc

The Thief Lord

Drama, fantasy and magic combine in Cornelia Funke's engrossing tale set in Venice. When Bo and Prosper, two orphaned brothers, flee their aunt they are befriended by a gang of street children headed by the mysterious Scipio who calls himself the Thief Lord. With a private detective hired by the aunt closing in on the brothers' whereabouts, the gang are commissioned to steal an object that can spin time itself. If the child in your life enjoys this book we would recommend the same author's 'Inkheart' trilogy and Dragonrider as future follow on reads. Available from Waterstones

The Thieves Of Ostia

Superb historical fiction cum mystery novel perfect for children in this age group. With this title Caroline Lawrence began her ongoing sequence called the Roman Mysteries, which feature a small group of ten year old children undergoing adventures in Ancient Rome. Accomplished characterisation combines with a well paced plotline to keep readers engaged. Although packed with historical detail the author avoids the dead hand trap of adopting a textbook tone. Should this title be a hit there are at the last count another dozen in the series for them to enjoy. Available from Amazon

Goodnight Mr Tom

Willie is a sad deprived boy who is evacuated from second world war London to escape the blitz. After a hesitant and tentative start he begins to thrive in his new village surroundings living with old Tom Oakley, but his new found happiness is threatened when he is summoned home, where the bombing is not the only troubling occurrence. This is a heart warming, at times disturbing but ultimately life affirming story brilliantly told which is available from Pickabook

Harry And The Wrinklies

The first of the two brilliantly imagined and superbly executed books by Alan Temperley featuring newly orphaned eleven year old Harry Barton, the elderly aunts he goes to live with and their assorted colourful friends. When Harry discovers that his new guardians, far from being dull, have a past that isn't exactly in line with the law, he gets swept up in a rollicking adventure that sees him, his aunts and their gang pitting their wits against some real criminals with an enthralling set of consequences. Available from Amazon

Eldest

Children who watched the 2006 film 'Eragon', or who read the book of the same name that it was based on, will greatly enjoy 'Eldest', Christopher Paolini's sequel featuring the dragon riding Eragon. Having saved, for now, his rebel state from the crushing clutches of King Galbatorix, Eragon must travel to the land of elves to gain increased mastery in magic and swordsmanship. Accompanied by his trusty dragon Saphira he encounters marvels and adventure in equal measure to the threat of betrayal that seems to lurk everywhere. Once more Eragon is tested to the limits as the shadow of mortal danger is cast over him in this follow up tale that will not disappoint fans of the original. Available from Woolworths Group plc

Swordbird

This book has a remarkable story of its own. It's author is twelve year old prodigy Nancy Yi Fan who, in the wake of finding out about the events of 9 / 11, wrote this epic fantasy adventure as an allegory calling for peace. Evil hawk Turnatt is scheming to take control of the Stone-run forest by tricking the various woodbird tribes to wage war against each other. Learning of Turnatt's plans to enslave the forest population, two young birds embark on a journey to enlist the help of the legendary Swordbird to thwart the hawk's intentions and restore peace. Available from The Good Book Guide